Lower limb coronal malalignment correction by percutaneous osteotomy and schanz screws fixation.

Pediatric knee deformities are common, and the classic treatment is corrective osteotomy. The aim of this study to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting with shanz screws fixation in treatment of Genu varum in children equal or younger than 7 years. This is a prospective nonrandomized case series study was conducted. A total of 38 patients (total of 60 limbs: 36 varus and 24 valgus) were treated by percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting with shanz screws fixation and observed over 2-5 years. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at the end of follow-up period by standing scanogram which enabled tibiofemoral angles and the mechanical axis to be measured and the rate of complications. There was a statistically significant improvement of the radiographic parameters in the form of tibiofemoral angle and MAD. Clinically, all the cases were completely corrected just one patient (two limbs) complicated by over-correction but statically non-significant and. pin tract infection in shanz screws fixation was noticed in one Patient. Percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting with shanz screws fixation is a simple, safe, and effective method in dealing with 7 years and younger children with pathological knee deformities. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IV.

Cost of external fixation vs external fixation then nailing in bone infection.

AIM: To study the cost benefit of external fixation vs external fixation then nailing in treatment of bone infection by segment transfer. METHODS: Out of 71 patients with infected nonunion tibia treated between 2003 and 2006, 50 patients fitted the inclusion criteria (26 patients were treated by external fixation only, and 24 patients were treated by external fixation early removal after segment transfer and replacement by internal fixation). Cost of inpatient treatment, total cost of inpatient and outpatient treatment till full healing, and the weeks of absence from school or work were calculated and compared between both groups. RESULTS: The cost of hospital stay and surgery in the group of external fixation only was 22.6 ± 3.3 while the cost of hospital stay and surgery in the group of early external fixation removal and replacement by intramedullary nail was 26.0 ± 3.2. The difference was statistically significant regarding the cost of hospital stay and surgery in favor of the group of external fixation only. The total cost of medical care (surgery, hospital stay, treatment outside the hospital including medications, dressing, physical therapy, outpatient laboratory work, etc.) in group of external fixation only was 63.3 ± 15.1, and total absence from work was 38.6 ± 6.6 wk. While the group of early removal of external fixation and replacement by IM nail, total cost of medical care was 38.3 ± 6.4 and total absence from work or school was 22.7 ± 4.1. The difference was statistically significant regarding the total cost and absence from work in favor of the group of early removal and replacement by IM nail. CONCLUSION: Early removal of external fixation and replacement by intramedullary nail in treatment of infected nonunion showed more cost effectiveness. Orthopaedic society needs to show the cost effectiveness of different procedures to the community, insurance, and health authorities.

Pelvic support osteotomy in the treatment of patients with excision arthroplasty.

Resistant hip infection in adults can be a complicated problem that does not respond to surgical and medical treatment. In such cases, the only remaining option is excision arthroplasty. This line of treatment can eradicate the infection but also is associated with poor function. In some cases, conversion of excision arthroplasty to artificial joint replacement is associated with too great a risk because of local hip surgical risks or low immunity with risk of recurrent infection. Pelvic support osteotomy with the Ilizarov modification can present an alternative solution for such patients. This study included 11 patients with resistant hip infection who were treated using excision arthroplasty. Pelvic support osteotomy then was used to improve hip stability and abductor muscle function. The Ilizarov modification was applied to correct mechanical alignment of the limb and the limb length discrepancy. Harris hip scores improved in all patients: the average score preoperatively was 43.5 (range, 31-50), whereas at final followup, the average score was 70.9 (range, 65-80). Pelvic support osteotomy, along with the Ilizarov modification, can provide an alternative treatment to improve function in patients previously managed with excision hip arthroplasty and Girdlestone surgery.

Management of calcaneal fracture using the Ilizarov technique.

Treating calcaneal fractures nonoperatively versus operatively is controversial. The aim of open reduction is to reduce the articular surface and to restore the calcaneal bone anatomy to recover its function. The disadvantages of open reduction include wound complications, risk of screw penetration of the articular surface and peroneal tendons, and irritation by the fixation plate. We treated 12 patients with Sanders Type 3 calcaneal fractures with poor skin condition persisting for more than 3 weeks, making them unsuitable candidates for typical open reduction and internal fixation. The 12 patients had open reduction of the articular surface of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints, then a bone graft using a direct approach to the subtalar joint. The fracture reduction was completed by fixing the calcaneal tuberosity with an Ilizarov external fixation frame and distraction. These outcomes of these 12 patients were compared with outcomes of a control group having the same type of fracture but treated with open reduction and internal fixation. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system to assess the outcome. Both groups had similar functional and radiographic outcomes. The internal fixation group had a higher complication rate. The Ilizarov apparatus for reduction and fixation seems to be a safe and effective alternative to open reduction and internal fixation in patients with poor skin condition.