Histological Changes in the Blood Vessels of Ruptured Human Anterior Cruciate Ligaments.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a commonly encountered sports injury worldwide. ACL rupture is known to have poor healing capacity, hypothesized to be due to low vascularity. ACL reconstruction surgery with ligament removal and tendon graft became essential for the higher grades of ACL tears. However, ACL-reconstructed patients faced post-traumatic osteoarthritis 10-15 years after surgery. In the recent past, the tibial remnant of ACL was shown to have intrinsic healing potential. Blood vessel density and the location of blood vessels of ACL remnants have critical implications in the newly upcoming remnant-preservation ACL reconstruction surgeries that showed better healing response. This study was performed to characterize the histological features of ruptured ACL remnants in terms of blood vessels to assess the healing potential and their utility in novel surgical techniques. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the tibial remnant of 24 ruptured ACL samples was evaluated for blood vessel density (per sq. mm), luminal area (sq. µm), and location of blood vessels using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining with ImageJ software (U. S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA). The blood vessel density and location of blood vessels were compared among various groups based on the duration of injury and number of injuries. RESULTS: Twenty-three male and one female adult patients with a mean duration of injury of 7.54 ± 5.63 months (range: 2-24 months) were included in the study. They were divided into three groups based on duration of injury: group I (2-5 months; n = 10), group II (6-8 months; n = 8), and group III (9-24 months; n = 6). The median blood vessel density (blood vessels per sq. mm) was 5.50 (3.30, 10.23) per sq. mm. There was no correlation of blood vessel density observed with duration of injury. All groups showed similar results statistically. More patients in earlier duration of injury showed very high range (10.1-40 per sq. mm) of blood vessels compared to the patients of later duration. Immature and intermediary blood vessels were identified denoting angiogenesis. Location of blood vessels varied in the groups based on duration of injury. There was no significant difference in blood vessel density and location of blood vessels between patients with single injury and those with multiple injuries. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the presence of healing potential of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in terms of blood vessel density, luminal area, and location of blood vessels. Future studies looking into the functional outcome would enhance the understanding of utility of novel remnant-preservation surgeries in place of standard graft reconstruction surgeries.

"Antero-medial load shift" in unilateral plantar heel pain - A cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Plantar foot pressure provides an insightful data in the ankle and foot complex which may aid in the detection of underlying pathology. Since individuals with unilateral plantar heel pain (PHP) tend to develop compensatory loading strategies, this study aimed to observe the foot loading pattern compared to the asymptomatic side and its relationship with the morphological variations in individuals with unilateral PHP. METHODS: It was a prospective cross-sectional study done on 17 participants with unilateral PHP. The calcaneal inclination and calcaneal first metatarsal angles were measured using lateral weight-bearing radiographs for both symptomatic and asymptomatic feet. Static and dynamic plantar foot pressures for both sides were obtained using a "Portable baropodometry platform 0, 5 m Entry Level footscan®. RESULTS: On the symptomatic side, the pressure in the lateral heel was reduced by 65% in static and 67% in dynamic measurements, while in the medial heel, it was reduced by 16 % in static and 47 % in dynamic measurements compared to that of the asymptomatic side. There was a transfer of pressure from the hind foot to the forefoot by 44 % in static and 46 % in dynamic measurements resulting in anterior load shift. It was also observed that the prevalence of PHP was higher in the normal arched foot (59%). CONCLUSION: Based on the observations, compared to the asymptomatic side, patients with unilateral plantar heel pain exhibited an anteromedial load shift (AMLS) in their plantar pressures. PHP was reported higher in the foot with normal morphology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Does topical vancomycin prevent fracture-related infections in closed fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation? A randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The role of topical vancomycin in fracture-related infection (FRI) is debatable. Very few studies have reported their efficacy in open and high-risk extremity fractures. This study aimed to assess topical vancomycin's role in reducing FRI in closed fractures undergoing open surgical intervention with an implant. METHODS: This prospective randomized cohort study was carried out between February 2021 to January 2022. Patients with isolated closed fractures, who were planned for open reduction and internal fixation within 2 weeks from the time of injury were included for this study. The data collected included age, gender, socioeconomic status, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, Tscherne classification, and time interval to take up for surgery. Patients were randomized into the intervention and control groups using the block randomization technique. The control group received only systemic antibiotic prophylaxis, whereas the intervention group received topical application of vancomycin powder in the surgical wound alongside systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of FRI among these individuals. Clinical and radiological findings and culture reports (in cases with infection) were recorded during the post-operative period and at 6 weeks of follow-up. All relevant statistical calculations were done using STATA statistical/data analysis-parallel edition version 16.0 (StataCorp LLC). The quantitative variables like age and duration of the surgery were assessed for normalcy by Shapiro-Wilk W test. An independent samples t-test with equal variances was applied to the age data. Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of the primary outcome measure (presence of FRI following surgery), and "Risk of FRI" and "Risk difference" between the 2 groups was calculated. The strength of the association between qualitative variables was assessed using the Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests, respectively. RESULTS: There were 88 patients included in this study. No statistical significance was found about FRI between both groups (p = 0.494). At 6 weeks following surgery, no incidence of infection was observed in the intervention group. Two infections (4.5%) were found in the control group, with positive cultures reported in one of them but none in the treatment group. Radiologically, 15.9% of patients in the control group showed lysis around the implant compared to 2.3% in the intervention group. Impaired fracture healing was observed in 22.7% of patients in the intervention group compared to 15.9% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Applying topical vancomycin in closed fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation does not significantly reduce the incidence of FRI until the end of 6 weeks following surgery.

Clinical, Metabolic, and Radiological Risk Factors in Individuals With Plantar Heel Pain From a South Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Background One of the most common conditions seen in an orthopedic outpatient clinic is plantar heel pain (PHP). Studies analyzing various risk factors and their association with the development of PHP have been performed primarily in the Caucasian population, and no study has noted any association between the magnitude of various risk factors and their correlation to the severity of PHP. Hence, we performed a prospective cross-sectional observational study in a select South Indian population presenting with PHP to a tertiary care center. Methods All adult patients presenting to the orthopedic OPD between July 2019 and July 2020 were screened for unilateral PHP and were included after meeting the eligibility criteria. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), random blood sugar (RBS), uric acid, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and vitamin D3 were measured as demographic and metabolic parameters. Heel pad thickness, calcaneal spurs, and plantar fascial thickness were noted radiographically. Clinically, the wall-toe distance by weight bear lunge test of each foot was noted, and the severity was measured by the foot functional index (FFI). Results Among the 40 participants, the mean age was 44 (±10.9) years. The average BMI was 30.1 (27.02-32.95). No significant association was noted between the biochemical parameters and the occurrence of PHP. The plantar fascial thickness (PFT) and heel pad thickness (HPT) were thicker than the asymptomatic foot by 1.01 (0.60 - 1.30) mm and 0.79 (0.4-1.7) mm, respectively, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The heel cord length was found to be reduced by 0.86 (0.6-1) cms, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The average FFI score was 123.07 (±15.57), and the FFI score percentage in individuals was 53.5% (±6.77). None of the above risk factors showed any significant correlation to the intensity of clinical symptoms measured by FFI (p>0.05). Conclusion Participants had a high BMI and a higher percentage of females. There was a significant increase in PFT and HPT thickness and a significant reduction in gastrocnemius flexibility when compared to the asymptomatic foot. There was no significant association between various clinical, metabolic, and radiological risk factors and the intensity of plantar fasciitis measured by FFI.

Functional Outcomes of Neglected Forearm Diaphyseal Fractures Treated Surgically: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Unlike other injuries, adult diaphyseal forearm fractures necessitate open reduction and internal fixation. Fixation requires special attention to regaining the pre-injury length of both bones, alignment, proper apposition, and restoration of the radial bow. Although there are not many studies on surgical results for forearm fractures that have initially received indigenous therapy, there are a few studies on the functional outcomes of surgery in forearm malunion and non-union. Our study aimed to investigate the functional outcomes of neglected forearm diaphyseal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Methodology A total of 14 patients who presented with neglected forearm fractures between November 1, 2014, and February 29, 2016, were included. All cases underwent open reduction and internal fixation along with bone grafting. The following parameters were recorded preoperatively and at the one-year follow-up: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Grace-Eversmann score, grip strength, and lateral pinch. At the end of one year, the range of motion was assessed along with the radiological assessment of the radial bow and union. Results This study included 14 adult patients, nine men and five women, with a mean age of 37.92 years. There was a significant improvement in the DASH score. All fractures united clinically and radiologically with the mean time to union being 13.85 weeks (12-18). There was a statistically significant change in the range of motion, grip strength, lateral pinch, and restoration of the radial bow. Of the 14 patients, seven had Good outcomes on the Grace-Eversmann score and the rest had Acceptable outcomes. Conclusions Surgical intervention in neglected diaphyseal forearm fractures leads to a satisfactory outcome. This is revealed by significant subjective and objective improvement both clinically and radiologically.

Report of a Case of Cold Urticaria Following Cryotherapy - Need for Screening for Untoward Effects of Cryotherapy in Physical Therapy Clinical Practice.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal rehabilitation is one of the frontline domains in physical therapy practice. In most countries, physical therapists prefer independent practice with referrals from general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons. Under these circumstances, the physical therapist may be the first contact professional handling these individuals who may not have adequate medical records with their personal medical history. Cryotherapy for pain relief could be the first choice of pain management opted by a musculoskeletal therapist. That is when both the therapist and the patient have to be aware of the undesirable effects of cryotherapy application and its potential local and systemic complications. The outcome of this paper could be an initiative for a standardized screening process to be incorporated into physical therapy practice. Clinical Findings: A 30-year-old man with left knee pain who underwent exercise therapy in the physiotherapy unit of a tertiary care center developed erythematous rashes around the knee following ice application. It was noted that the patient was not aware of the same in the past. The patient was attended by a dermatologist, and a diagnosis of cold urticaria was made following confirmation with cold stimulation test. Conclusion: From this study, it may be concluded that the awareness of cold-induced urticaria has to be emphasized on both patients and health care professionals. A simple screening protocol should be made mandatory in orthopedic physical therapy practice, which would suffice this purpose.

Do the clinical scores (Pirani and Dimeglio scores) correlate with the radiological parameters in idiopathic club foot in infants? A cross-sectional study.

This study was done to identify how well clinical scores and their sub-scores correlate with the radiographic parameters in idiopathic clubfoot. We studied 76 patients of idiopathic clubfoot who are from 5 months to 12 months of age. Deformity was assessed clinically with Pirani and Dimeglio scores and radiologically using eight parameters. Correlation between clinical and radiological scores was studied. All the eight radiological parameters were showing statistically significant correlation with clinical scores - both Pirani and Dimeglio scores. The mean total Pirani score at the time of X-ray was 2.31 with a SD of 1.58 (N = 118 minimum score = 0 and maximum score = 5.5), whereas the mean radiographic score was 3.67 with a SD of 2.1 (N = 118, minimum score = 0, maximum score = 8). The mean total Dimeglio score at the time of X-ray was 9.03 with a SD of 3.54 (N = 118, minimum score = 4 and maximum score = 15), whereas the mean total radiographic score was 3.67 with a SD of 2.1 (N = 118, minimum score = 0, maximum score = 8). Clinical scores correlate well with radiological parameters in infants with idiopathic clubfoot and hence the routine use of radiographs can be avoided in evaluation and follow-up thereby avoiding exposure to radiation.

Complex post traumatic foot deformities - Outcomes after corrective surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Complex posttraumatic foot deformity results in painful foot, altered gait and affects cosmesis. We did a retrospective study on 16 patients to analyse the etiology, types of foot deformity and their outcomes after corrective surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study was done on a consecutive series of patients who underwent corrective surgery for complex post-traumatic foot and ankle deformities. There were 16 patients with 18 foot deformities. The duration of deformity, soft tissues, radiographic changes and measurements, type and anatomic localisation of the deformity determined the surgery needed to correct the deformity. RESULTS: Among the 18 foot injuries, 16 were open injuries. Among the type of foot deformity, isolated equinus deformity was seen in 12 feet followed by equinovarus and equinocavovarus in three feet each. Seven patients needed modified footwear. None of the patients required walking aid for ambulation at the end of one year follow up. CONCLUSION: To conclude, soft tissue injuries were the most common cause of posttraumatic foot deformities compared to bony injuries. Equinus deformity was the commonest deformity. Fifteen patients returned to their preinjury work status.

Does operative fixation of isolated fractures of ulna shaft results in different outcomes than non-operative management by long arm cast?

OBJECTIVE: The optimal treatment for isolated fractures of ulnar shaft is debatable. The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes and radiological union in patients treated for isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft by open reduction and internal fixation and a long arm cast. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at level I trauma center from November 2014 to March 2016. 30 patients with isolated fractures of ulnar shaft were randomized to two groups to receive treatment by open reduction and internal fixation by plates and screws and a long arm cast. Outcome assessment was done by Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, range of motion at wrist and elbow, grip strength and radiological union. Quantitative variables were summarized Mean or Median. Normality was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for normally distributed variables and non-normally distributed variables respectively. Categorical variables were summarized as proportions. Effect of the intervention for categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups for pain on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), grip strength, DASH score, and union at the end of 12 months. There was no difference between the groups for range of motion at the elbow and wrist. 12 (85.7%) patients in the ORIF group and 15 (93.7%) in the cast group united at the end of 12 months. The mean time to union was 13 weeks in the ORIF group and 18 weeks in the cast group. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation results in anatomical restoration of ulna, but this does not translates to better functional outcomes in short term (12 months).

Does age, time since injury and meniscal injury affect short term functional outcomes in arthroscopic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

PURPOSE: We conducted this study to correlate the short term clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with patients' age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury. METHODS: A total of 43 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between October 2013 and February 2015 were taken for the study. Preoperative demographic data, clinical scores (Lysholm, IKDC) were recorded for each patient. Time since injury and associated meniscal injuries were recorded. Then a standardized surgical technique was used for each graft type. They were followed up for 6 months and the Lysholm and IKDC scores were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 33 patients completed 6 months follow-up at the end of this study. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) were in the age group of 18-30 years. Nine patients belonged to age group 30-50 years (27.3%). The p value for differences in Lysholm scores between the two age groups was not significant (0.339). The p value for differences in IKDC scores between the two age groups was not significant either (0.138). The mean Lysholm scores were 93.86 ± 3.024 for the group who presented <6 months post-injury, 92 ± 5.494 for the group who presented between 6 months and 1 year and 94.64 ± 3.104 for the group who presented after 1 year; whereas the mean IKDC scores were 92.43 ± 0.793, 90.64 ± 6.598 and 90.89 ± 2.113 respectively. The correlation of outcomes with meniscal injury had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we conclude that age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury does not affect short term functional outcome in ACL reconstruction.

Radiologic assessment of femoral and tibial tunnel placement based on anatomic landmarks in arthroscopic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Accurate tibial and femoral tunnel placement has a significant effect on outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Postoperative radiographs provide a reliable and valid way for the assessment of anatomical tunnel placement after ACLR. The aim of this study was to examine the radiographic location of tibial and femoral tunnels in patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR using anatomic landmarks. Patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR from January 2014 to March 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR, postoperative radiographs were studied. Femoral and tibial tunnel positions on sagittal and coronal radiographic views, graft impingement, and femoral roof angle were measured. Radiological parameters were summarized as mean ± standard deviation and proportions as applicable. Interobserver agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The position of the tibial tunnel was found to be at an average of 35.1% ± 7.4% posterior from the anterior edge of the tibia. The femoral tunnel was found at an average of 30% ± 1% anterior to the posterior femoral cortex along the Blumensaat's line. Radiographic impingement was found in 34% of the patients. The roof angle averaged 34.3° ± 4.3°. The position of the tibial tunnel was found at an average of 44.16% ± 3.98% from the medial edge of the tibial plateau. The coronal tibial tunnel angle averaged 67.5° ± 8.9°. The coronal angle of the femoral tunnel averaged 41.9° ± 8.5°. CONCLUSIONS: The femoral and tibial tunnel placements correlated well with anatomic landmarks except for radiographic impingement which was present in 34% of the patients.

Correlation of tunnel widening and tunnel positioning with short-term functional outcomes in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon versus hamstring graft: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between tunnel widening and tunnel position with short-term functional outcomes post-ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon and hamstring autografts in young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between October 2013 and February 2015 were included and followed up for 6 months. A standardized surgical technique was used for each graft type. Intra-op arthroscopy findings and drilled tunnel diameters were noted. They were followed up for 3 and 6 months. Radiological assessment was done at 3 and 6 months with clinical score assessment at 6 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, clinical scores were comparable in both groups. Tunnel widening in both femoral and tibial tunnel at 3 and 6 months were significantly higher in STG group (p values <0.05). The rate of widening was higher in 0-3 months and reduced in 3-6 months. There was statistically significant negative correlation between femoral tunnel widening by CT and IKDC score at 6 months (p value 0.049). We found a positive correlation between posterior positioning of femoral tunnel and Lysholm and IKDC scores. The correlation with Lysholm scores was statistically significant (p value 0.046). CONCLUSION: To conclude, tunnel widening is more with hamstrings graft. Femoral tunnel widening has significant negative correlation with that of IKDC scores at 6 months. Posterior femoral tunnel positioning and Lysholm scores at 6 months had significant correlation.

Snake bite induced cellulitis leading to infected open dislocation of the first metacarpophalangeal joint - A rare complication.

Non-traumatic open dislocation of the first metacarpophalangeal joint is a rare phenomenon. We present a rare such occurrence secondary to snake bite induced cellulitis. A 22-year-old girl presented with pain and instability of her right thumb two months. She had snake bite two months back following which she developed cellulitis which gradually became infected. She presented with raw area over her dorsal aspect of the thumb with active infection. Radiographs revealed metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. She underwent debridement, stabilisation and soft tissue coverage. At final follow up, she was pain free and the wound healed completely.

Brodie's abscess of the posterior ilium: a rare cause for low back pain in children.

Brodie's abscess of the pelvis is very rare in healthy children. It can be missed because of its varied presentation. We present an 11-year-old boy who presented with low back pain. Investigations revealed a well-defined lesion in the posterior ilium. He underwent open biopsy and debridement. At the end of the final follow-up, he was asymptomatic and there was no recurrence. We present this case for the rare site of Brodie's abscess and for its unusual presentation as low back pain.

Primary epithelioid angiosarcoma of the calcaneum: a diagnostic dilemma.

Primary epithelioid angiosarcoma of the bone is very rare. We report a rare case of epithelioid angiosarcoma of the calcaneum and the difficulties we had in diagnosing this condition. A 22-year-old woman presented with complaints of pain and swelling of the left ankle of 8 years' duration. Examination revealed swelling and tenderness over the lateral aspect of calcaneum. Plain radiographs showed an osteolytic lesion of the calcaneum. She underwent curettage and bone grafting, with bone substitutes. Histopathologic examination showed epithelioid angiosarcoma in contrast to the needle biopsy, which had showed an aneurysmal bone cyst. The patient was counseled about the need for amputation. She refused limb ablative surgery, and the likelihood of local recurrence and systemic spread and the need for close follow-up were explained. At the end of 3 years of follow-up, she was pain free and had no evidence of recurrence. We present this case because of the rare site, histopathologic challenges in diagnosing the condition, and unique presentation of the disease.

Isolated Tubercular Osteomyelitis of Scapula - A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated tuberculosis of the scapula is rare. The presentation mimics the tumors of scapula. Hence it is important to know the clinical presentation and when to suspect tubercular osteomyelitis of scapula. Few cases have been described before. We have analyzed all reports with isolated scapular tuberculosis so far and described the varied presentations. CASE REPORT: We report two cases of isolated scapular tuberculosis. One patient underwent aspiration and was started on antituberculous drugs (ATT) and the other underwent debridement, drainage of abscess and then was started on ATT. Both had excellent outcomes at the end of one year follow up. We reviewed previous published literature of isolated scapular tuberculosis. The most common presentation of scapular tuberculosis is as follows: age less than 30 years and there is no difference with respect to gender. Swelling and pain are the commonest symptoms. Lytic areas with surrounding sclerosis is the commonest radiological finding. Body of the scapula is affected most commonly. Prognosis is excellent with adequate treatment. CONCLUSION: To conclude, clinicians should have high index of suspicion for diagnosing this condition as it mimics tumors. Pain and swelling is the most common presentation of scapular tuberculosis. Radiography shows lytic lesion with marginal sclerosis. The prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment.

Amphotericin B cement beads: A good adjunctive treatment for musculoskeletal mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis is one among the aggressive, invasive fungal infections usually seen in immunocompromised patients. Mucormycosis osteomyelitis is very rare. We present a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who complained of pain over the right proximal thigh. Plain radiograph revealed ill defined osteolytic lesion of proximal femur. MRI showed altered signal in proximal femur with focal collection and cortical breach. Biopsy and tissue culture diagnosed mucormycosis both histologically and microbiologically. He was treated with aggressive debridement, skeletal stabilization, and amphotericin antifungal cement beads. He recovered with no residual pain, minimal limb shortening, and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence at 3 years followup. The high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement, and adequate antifungal therapy play a significant role in the treatment of musculoskeletal mucormycosis.