Mid-term outcomes of posterior capsular release for fixed flexed deformity after total knee arthroplasty.

Fixed flexion deformity also called flexion contracture is relatively rare, but a very demanding functional limitation that both surgeons and patients may have to deal with. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcomes after posteromedial capsular release in case of fixed flexed deformity > 15 o . Between June 2011 and November 2018, 15 patients (6 males and 9 females) were treated with open posterior capsular release through medial approach for fixed flexion deformity of the knee > 15 o and prospectively followed with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Primary outcome was knee extension measured with a manual goniometer and secondary outcome treatment related complications. All patients reported inability to walk and clinical semiology of pain and swelling. The mean age of the study population at surgery was 61.7 years with a mean BMI of 30.9 kg/m2. Complete data were recorded for all patients. Statistically significant improvement was found in clinical and functional assessment tools analyzed from baseline to the latest follow-up (p<0.05). More precisely, the mean postoperative fixed flexion deformity was decreased from 23.57 o to 2.86 o . No adverse effect or major complications were recorded during follow-up. Posterior open release via posteromedial was shown to be an efficient and safe salvage procedure to deal with persistent fixed flexion deformity of more than 15 o following TKA at two years follow-up. However, future studies with a higher number of participants and longer follow-up should be conducted to validate our data.

Simultaneous Compression of the Median and Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region has not been sufficiently highlighted in the literature. The purposes of the present study are to report our experience regarding this entity, to elucidate the clinical features, and to describe the operative technique and findings as well as the results of simultaneous decompression performed through the same medial incision. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of thirteen elbows in thirteen patients -nine men and four women- with simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region between 2000 and 2011. All were manual workers. Diagnosis was largely based on symptoms, patterns of paresthesia, and specific tests. Surgical decompression of both nerves at the same time was performed through a single anteromedial incision creating large flaps. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of thirty-eight months (range seven to ninety six). Resting pain in the proximal forearm as well as sudden onset of numbness in the ring and little fingers were reported by all patients. Nerve conduction studies were positive only for cubital tunnel syndrome. In all patients symptoms subsided following surgical decompression. At the time of final follow up there is no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal median nerve compression can be seen in association with cubital tunnel syndrome. Careful evaluation of the reported symptoms as well as thorough clinical examination are the keystone of the correct diagnosis. Also, on the basis of this study, we believe that concurrent decompression can be performed through a single medial incision, though extensive dissection may be required.