Corona mortis: clinical evaluation of prevalence, anatomy, and relevance in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical prevalence, characteristics, and relevance of the corona mortis (CM) in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 185 theater reports from patients (73 females; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2 years) who underwent surgeries for pelvic ring injuries, acetabular fractures, or combined injuries using anterior approaches (Modified Stoppa or Pararectus) at our institution between 01/2008 to 12/2022. During procedures, the CM was routinely identified, evaluated, and occluded. Bilateral exposure of the superior pubic branch in 25 cases led to 210 hemipelvises analyzed. EXCLUSIONS: CM not mentioned in report and revisions via the initial approach. RESULTS: In the 210 hemipelvises examined, the prevalence of any CM vessel was 81% (170/210). Venous anastomoses were found in 76% of hemipelvises (159/210), arterial in 22% (47/210). Sole venous anastomoses appeared in 59% (123/210), sole arterial in 5% (11/210). Both types coexisted in 17% (36/210), while 19% (40/210) had none. A single incidental CM injury occurred without significant bleeding. In ten cases, trauma had preoperatively ruptured the CM, but bleeding was readily managed. Females had a significantly higher CM prevalence than males (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings show a CM prevalence aligning more with anatomical studies than prior intraoperative series. Although we observed one incidental and ten trauma-related CM injuries, we did not encounter uncontrollable bleeding. Our data suggest that in anterior pelvic approaches, when the CM is actively identified and occluded, it is not associated with bleeding events, despite its high prevalence.

In major joint diseases the human synovium retains its potential to form repair cartilage.

The inner surface layer of human joints, the synovium, is a source of stem cells for the repair of articular cartilage defects. We investigated the potential of the normal human synovium to form novel cartilage and compared its chondrogenic capacity with that of two patient groups suffering from major joint diseases: young adults with femoro-acetabular impingement syndromes of the hip (FAI), and elderly individuals with osteoarthritic degeneration of the knee (OA). Synovial membrane explants of these three patient groups were induced in vitro to undergo chondrogenesis by growth factors: bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) alone, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) alone, or a combination of these two. Quantitative evaluations of the newly formed cartilages were performed respecting their gene activities, as well as the histochemical, immunhistochemical, morphological and histomorphometrical characteristics. Formation of adult articular-like cartilage was induced by the BMP-2/TGF-ß1 combination within all three groups, and was confirmed by adequate gene-expression levels of the anabolic chondrogenic markers; the levels of the catabolic markers remained low. Our data reveal that the chondrogenic potential of the normal human synovium remains uncompromised, both in FAI and OA. The potential of synovium-based clinical repair of joint cartilage may thus not be impaired by age-related joint pathologies.

The ideal site of cement application in cement augmented sacroiliac screw fixation: the biomechanical perspective.

PURPOSE: To compare construct stability of cement augmented sacroiliac screws using two different cementation sites in a biomechanical fragility fracture model of the pelvis. METHODS: A fracture model with an incomplete fracture of the sacral ala and complete fracture of the anterior pelvic ring mimicking a FFP IIB fragility fracture of the pelvis was established in five fresh frozen human cadaveric pelvises. Sacral fracture stabilization was achieved with bilateral 7.3 mm fully threaded sacroiliac screws. Cement augmentation was performed at the tip of the screw (body of S1; Group A) on one side, and at the midshaft of the screw (sacral ala; Group B) on the contralateral side. Biomechanical testing was conducted separately on both sides comprising cyclic loading of axial forces transferred through the tested hemipelvis from L5 to the ipsilateral acetabulum. Combined angular displacement in flexion and internal rotation ("gap angle"), angular displacement of the ilium in relation to the screw ("screw tilt ilium"), and screw tip cutout were evaluated. RESULTS: Relative interfragmentary movements were associated with significantly higher values in group A versus group B for "gap angle" (2.4° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), and for "screw tilt ilium" (3.3° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), respectively. No significant difference was indicated for screw tip cutout between the two groups (0.6 mm [Group A] vs. 0.8 mm [Group B]; p = 0.376). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated less fragment and screw displacements in a FFP IIB fracture model under physiologic cyclic loading by cement augmentation of sacroiliac screws at the level of the lateral mass compared to the center of vertebral body of S1.

Exposure of the Lumbosacral Plexus by Using the Pararectus Approach: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Surgical exploration of the lumbosacral plexus is challenging. Previously described approaches reach from invasive open techniques with osteotomy of the ilium to laparoscopic techniques. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel surgical technique to explore lumbosacral plexopathies such as benign nerve tumors or iatrogenic lesions of the lumbosacral plexus in 4 case examples. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 4 patients suffering from pathologies or injuries of the lumbosacral plexus between 2017 and 2019. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 23.5 (range 11-52) months. All patients underwent neurolysis of the lumbosacral plexus using the single incision, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal pararectus approach. RESULTS: In all patients, the pathology of the lumbosacral plexus was successfully visualized, proving feasibility of the extraperitoneal pararectus approach for this indication. There were no major complications, and all patients recovered well. CONCLUSION: The pararectus approach allows excellent visualization of the lumbar plexus and intrapelvic lesions of the femoral and sciatic nerves.

Revision of a Failed Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty following Excessive Reaming with a Medial Cup Protrusion.

Background and Objectives: Atraumatic intrapelvic protrusion of the acetabular component following excessive reaming of the acetabulum with a far medial positioning of the cup is a rare, but serious complication of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study analyzes the factors contributing to this uncommon complication and presents the outcome after the revision surgery using the Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft and plating of the posterior column and/or screws for the anterior column. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study with seven patients (four males, mean age 76 ± 10 years (60−86)) that underwent a revision THA within 24 ± 17 days (5−60) after an atraumatic periprosthetic acetabular fracture with a medial cup protrusion was performed. All fractures were reconstructed with a Ganz reinforcement ring and bone graft with a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.7 years (0.5−5). Radiographs were evaluated for the following: (i) cup positioning immediately after the primary THA and the revision surgery, (ii) cup migration in the follow-up, and (iii) fracture healing. Results: The position of the acetabular component as assessed on the postoperative radiographs after the index surgery and before the complete medial cup protrusion showed a cup placement beyond the ilioischial line indicative of a fracture of the medial wall. The revision surgery with the reconstruction of the medial wall with a Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft restored in the presented cases the center of rotation in the horizontal direction with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). During the follow-up, there was no aseptic loosening with the relevant cup migration or significant change in the position of the acetabular cup at the final follow-up (p > 0.05) after the revision. All seven fractures and bone grafts realized a bone union until the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Following excessive reaming, the acetabular component was placed too far medially and resulted in an intrapelvic cup protrusion. An unstable cup following a fracture of the medial wall was evident on the immediate postoperative radiographs. In the case of the medial wall perforation with an intrapelvic cup protrusion after the primary THA, the reconstruction with a Ganz reinforcement ring was a successful treatment option resulting in the fracture healing and a stable cup positioning. Surgeons should be aware of that rare and probably underreported complication and restore the anatomic center of rotation by treating the defect intraoperatively.

Effect of C-Clamp Application on Hemodynamic Instability in Polytrauma Victims with Pelvic Fracture.

Background and Objectives: C-clamp application may reduce mortality in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Decreasing C-clamp use over the past decades may have resulted from concerns about its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to document effective hemodynamic stabilization after C-clamp application by means of vital parameters (primary outcome parameter), and the subsequent effect on metabolic indices and volume management (secondary outcome parameters). Materials and Methods: C-clamp application was performed between 2014 and 2021 for n = 13 patients (50 ± 18 years) with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Vital parameters, metabolic indices, volume management, and the correlation of factors and potential changes were analyzed. Results: After C-clamp application, increases were measured in systolic blood pressure (+15 mmHg; p = 0.0284) and mean arterial pressure (+12 mmHg; p = 0.0157), and a reduction of volume requirements (p = 0.0266) and bolus vasoactive medication needs (p = 0.0081) were observed. The earlier C-clamp application was performed, the greater the effect (p < 0.05; r > 0.6). Heart rate, shock index, and end-tidal CO2 were not significantly altered. The extent of base deficit, hemoglobin, and lactate did not correlate with changes in vital parameters. Conclusions: In the majority of hemodynamically unstable trauma patients not responding to initial fluid resuscitation and severe pelvic fracture, early C-clamp application had an additive effect on hemodynamic stabilization and reduction in volume substitution. Based on these findings, there is still a rationale for considering early C-clamp stabilization in this group of severely injured patients.

The Synovium of Human Osteoarthritic Joints Retains Its Chondrogenic Potential Irrespective of Age.

The autologous synovium is a potential tissue source for local induction of chondrogenesis by tissue engineering approaches to repair articular cartilage defects that occur in osteoarthritis. It was the aim of the present study to ascertain whether the aging of human osteoarthritic patients compromises the chondrogenic potential of their knee-joint synovium and the structural and metabolic stability of the transformed tissue. The patients were allocated to one of the following two age categories: 54-65 years and 66-86 years (n = 7-11 donors per time point and experimental group; total number of donors: 64). Synovial biopsies were induced in vitro to undergo chondrogenesis by exposure to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) alone, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) alone, or a combination of the two growth factors, for up to 6 weeks. The differentiated explants were evaluated morphologically and morphometrically for the volume fraction of metachromasia (sulfated proteoglycans), immunohistochemically for type-II collagen, and for the gene expression levels of anabolic chondrogenic markers as well as catabolic factors by a real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Quantitative metachromasia revealed that chondrogenic differentiation of human synovial explants was induced to the greatest degree by either BMP-2 alone or the BMP-2/TGF-ß1 combination, that is, to a comparable level with each of the two stimulation protocols and within both age categories. The BMP-2/TGF-ß1combination protocol resulted in chondrocytes of a physiological size for normal human articular cartilage, unlike the BMP-2-alone stimulation that resulted in cell sizes of terminal hypertrophy. The stable gene expression levels of the anabolic chondrogenic markers confirmed the superiority of these two stimulation protocols and demonstrated the hyaline-like qualities of the generated cartilage matrix. The gene expression levels of the catabolic markers remained extremely low. The data also confirmed the usefulness of experimental in vitro studies with bovine synovial tissue as a paradigm for human synovial investigations. Our data reveal the chondrogenic potential of the human knee-joint synovium of osteoarthritic patients to be uncompromised by aging and catabolic processes. The potential of synovium-based clinical engineering (repair) of cartilage tissue using autologous synovium may thus not be reduced by the age of the human patient. Impact statement Our data reveal that in younger and older age groups alike, synovial explants from osteoarthritic joints can be equally well induced to undergo chondrogenesis in vitro; that is, the chondrogenic potential of the human synovium is not compromised by aging. These findings imply that the autologous synovium represents an adequate tissue source for the repair of articular cartilage in clinical practice by tissue engineering approaches in human patients suffering from osteoarthritis, independent of the patient's age.

Characteristics of Prehospital Death in Trauma Victims.

BACKGROUND: Using Injury Severity Score (ISS) data, this study aimed to give an overview of trauma mechanisms, causes of death, injury patterns, and potential survivability in prehospital trauma victims. METHODS: Age, gender, trauma mechanism, cause of death, and ISS data were recorded regarding forensic autopsies and whole-body postmortem CT. Characteristics were analyzed for injuries considered potentially survivable at cutoffs of (I) ISS ≤ 75 vs. ISS = 75, (II) ISS ≤ 49 vs. ISS ≥ 50, and (III) ISS < lethal dose 50% (LD50) vs. ISS > LD50 according to Bull's probit model. RESULTS: In n = 130 prehospital trauma victims (45.3 ± 19.5 years), median ISS was 66. Severity of injuries to the head/neck and chest was greater compared to other regions (p < 0.001). 52% died from central nervous system (CNS) injury. Increasing injury severity in head/neck region was associated with CNS-injury related death (odds ratio (OR) 2.7, confidence interval (CI) 1.8-4.4). Potentially survivable trauma was identified in (I) 56%, (II) 22%, and (III) 9%. Victims with ISS ≤ 75, ISS ≤ 49, and ISS < LD50 had lower injury severity across most ISS body regions compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In prehospital trauma victims, injury severity is high. Lethal injuries predominate in the head/neck and chest regions and are associated with CNS-related death. The appreciable amount (9-56%) of victims dying at presumably survivable injury severity encourages perpetual efforts for improvement in the rescue of highly traumatized patients.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Fragility Fractures: Top 50.

Background and Objectives: The population is aging and fragility fractures are a research topic of steadily growing importance. Therefore, a systematic bibliometric review was performed to identify the 50 most cited articles in the field of fragility fractures analyzing their qualities and characteristics. Materials and Methods: From the Core Collection database in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge, the most influential original articles with reference to fragility fractures were identified in February 2021 using a multistep approach. Year of publication, total number of citations, average number of citations per year since year of publication, affiliation of first and senior author, geographic origin of study population, keywords, and level of evidence were of interest. Results: Articles were published in 26 different journals between 1997 and 2020. The number of total citations per article ranged from 12 to 129 citations. In the majority of publications, orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists (66%) accounted for the first authorship, articles mostly originated from Europe (58%) and the keyword mostly used was "hip fracture". In total, 38% of the articles were therapeutic studies level III followed by prognostic studies level I. Only two therapeutic studies with level I could be identified. Conclusions: This bibliometric review shows the growing interest in fragility fractures and raises awareness that more high quality and interdisciplinary studies are needed.

Application of the reversed LISS-DF technique in an elderly patient to salvage infection-related failure of trochanteric fracture fixation.

Failure of cephalomedullary fixation in geriatric trochanteric fractures is a potential complication. Attempts have been made to optimize the implant fixation (e. g. cement augmentation) and several factors (e. g. malreduction, tip apex distance) have been identified as risk factors for failure. Nevertheless, if intramedullary fixation fails, it is often associated with bone defects in mostly preexisting poor bone-stock. Accordingly, conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) is recommended by some authors as the only valid treatment option. However, in specific situations (e. g. implant associated infection) conversion to THA might be less reasonable than an attempt to re-osteosynthesis. This article reports on the successful use of a reversed contralateral LISS-DF (LISS for the distal femur, DePuy Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland) application after failed cephalomedullary fixation and failed re-osteosynthesis using a blade plate in a trochanteric fracture in an elderly patient with additional implant associated infection.

Anterior-posterior view by full-body digital X-ray to rule out severe spinal injuries in Polytraumatized patients.

BACKGROUND: Spinal injuries are present in 16-31% of polytraumatized patients. Rapid identification of spinal injuries requiring immobilization or operative treatment is essential. The Lodox-Statscan (LS) has evolved into a promising time-saving diagnostic tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries with an anterior-posterior (AP)-full-body digital X-ray. METHODS: We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy and the interrater reliability of AP-LS to detect spinal injuries in polytraumatized patients. Therefore, within 3 years, AP-LS of polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16) were retrospectively analyzed by three independent observers. The sensitivity and specificity of correct diagnosis with AP-LS compared to CT scan were calculated. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by using the area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) for sensitivity and specificity. Interrater reliability between the three observers was calculated using Fleiss' Kappa. The sensitivity of AP-LS was further analyzed by the severity of spinal injuries. RESULTS: The study group included 320 patients (48.5 years ±19.5, 89 women). On CT scan, 207 patients presented with a spinal injury (65%, total of 332 injuries). AP-LS had a low sensitivity of 9% (31 of 332, range 0-24%) and high specificity of 99% (range 98-100%). The sensitivity was highest for thoracic spinal injuries (14%). The interrater reliability was slight (κ = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.03). Potentially unstable spinal injuries were more likely to be detected than stable injuries (sensitivity 18 and 6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated high specificity with low sensitivity of AP-LS in detecting spinal injuries compared to CT scan. In polytraumatized patients, AP-LS, implemented in the Advanced Trauma Life Support-algorithm, is a helpful tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries. However, if spinal injuries are suspected, performing a full-body CT scan is necessary for correct diagnosis.

The use of the E-PASS scoring system in determining complication development in patients with isolated acetabular fractures.

BACKGROUND: The decision to treat acetabular fractures is occasionally deferred or foregone in patients perceived to be unfit for surgery. The previously validated estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E-PASS) score has been shown to predict outcome in a variety of fractures, and consists of a preoperative risk score (PRS), a surgical stress score (SSS), and a comprehensive risk score (CRS). PURPOSE: To correlate E-PASS and its components with postoperative complication to quantify risk for individual surgical and patient factors in acetabular fracture management. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient records was performed for all patients with acetabular fractures surgically treated between January 2013 and June 2018 in a level 1 Trauma Centre. Patients with multiple injuries and/or malignancies were excluded. E-PASS scores were determined with standard demographic data and subscores were correlated with complication development. RESULTS: Of the included 106 patients (mean age 61 years, range 17-93), complications were reported in 37 (34.9%) patients and 3 (2.8%) died. Hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality rates increased significantly with the PRS and CRS. The SSS did not correlate significantly with frequency of complications. Age was found to be the only significant independent risk factor (p value = 0.031, OR = 1.03 per year of age). CONCLUSION: Latent patient factors have a clear influence on adverse outcomes in contrast to controllable factors such as surgical stress indicating an important role for perioperative care in reducing postoperative complications. Integrated orthogeriatric care with assessment of comorbidities, prevention or early recognition, and treatment of perioperative complications is essential.

Does increased acetabular depth affect safe infra-acetabular screw placement in acetabular fracture fixation?

BACKGROUND: Infra-acetabular screws enhance the fixation strength in acetabular fractures with separation of both columns. Placement without iatrogenic femoral head violation is challenging. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the acetabular configuration, the patients' age and gender on safe infra-acetabulum screw insertion. METHODS: In 112 patients (69 females; mean age: 34 years, range 17-88; n = 200 hips), the lateral center-edge angle (LCE) was measured on radiographs. Using corresponding axial CT scans the residual distance from (the lateral border) of the screw to (the medial border of) the femoral head ("Screw-to-Femoral Head distance"; "RD_SFH") was determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using linear regression, multiple linear regression and normal distribution estimation. RESULTS: The mean (range) LCE angle was 30° (7°-51°) and the mean (range) "RD_SFH" was 5 mm (1-14 mm). The linear regression model shows a significant linear relation between LCE and "RD_SFH" with a slope parameter of - 0.15 (p value < 0.0001), the Pearson correlation between LCE and "RD_SFH" is - 0.56 (CI [- 0.71, [- 0.40]). Age did not have a significant impact on the relation between LCE and "RD_SFH" (p value 0.85). Compared to male patients, in females, the intercept is 4.62 mm (p value 0.0005) less, the slope parameter is 0.09 (p value 0.029) larger. CONCLUSION: The virtual possibility to place an infra-acetabular screw was given in all patients. An increasing depth of the acetabulum correlated with a decrease in residual distances. As hip joint cartilage thickness was not considered in measurements, intraoperative rule-out of screw mispositioning especially in deep acetabular sockets and females is still of utmost importance.

Gunshot injuries to the lower extremities: Issues, controversies and algorithm of management.

Civilian gunshot violence is common and concentrated in specific geographic regions of the world, consuming a significant proportion of trauma practice in those particular regions. Unfortunately, the state of clinical evidence is scarce, and it is fair to emphasize that the field is scientifically under-represented. In the current review, the authors point out key aspects and principles requiring attention when treating low energy gunshot wounds to the lower extremity. These treatment principles include the following management concepts: 1) Conservative management of soft tissue injuries if the projectile causes no discomfort. 2) Conservative management of non-complete fractures of the tibia or femoral shaft. 3) Prophylactic fixation of non-complete peri-trochanteric fractures. 4) Fixation of allcomplete fractures. 5) Removal of all intra-articular projectiles. 6) Treating as septic arthritis if the missile passes through large bowel (not small bowel) prior to penetrating a joint capsule. The proposed concepts are based on available evidence from the literature and expert opinion. The authors also highlight challenges with conducting clinical studies in the field, given the high rate of 'loss to follow-up' and compliance issues in this particular group of patients.

Transfer of osteochondral shell autografts to salvage femoral head impaction injuries in hip trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral head impaction defects are observed with variable severity, as a result of traumatic hip dislocations which can be caused by traffic accidents or seen in professional athletes amongst other mechanisms. Compression of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone into the femoral head results in irregular articular surfaces influencing the outcome with predisposition to osteoarthritis, and being predictive for the need for delayed total hip replacement. This study reports the outcome after a minimum follow-up (FU) of five years in a consecutive series treated with transfer of osteochondral shell autografts in hips (TOSAH) from the head-neck junction into the defect using surgical hip dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 06/2007 and 03/2014 a series of twelve consecutive patients (mean age: 35yrs, range 18-53; median Injury Severity Score: 12, range 9-27) sustained a traumatic posterior hip dislocation in combination with acetabular and/or Pipkin fractures and were inter alia treated using TOSAH using surgical hip dislocation. Conversion to total hip replacement (THR) during FU was noted as failure. Patients were clinically (Merle d'Aubigné score) and radiographically assessed for occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA), avascular necrosis (AVN) and/or heterotopic ossification (HO) at a minimal follow-up of five years. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 6.9 years (5.0-11.6). At five-year follow-up, we found a survivorship of 57.1% (95% Confidence interval {CI}, 46.7-100%). Four patients required conversion to a total hip replacement at 11, 16, 28 and 44 months respectively after the TOSAH procedure due to osteoarthritis progression. One patient required conversion to a total hip replacement 12 months after TOSAH procedure due to AVN. One patient was lost to follow-up after 2.7 years. The remaining six patients with preserved hips presented with a median Merle-d'Aubigné score of 16 points (range: 14-18) and no AVN. Two patients showed asymptomatic grade I osteoarthritis according to Tönnis at latest follow-up and three patients showed mild asymptomatic HO according to Brooker (Grade I-II). CONCLUSION: The presented technique can be used as a salvage procedure for severely injured hip joints and to preserve the hip joint at midterm with satisfying clinical and radiological outcomes.

Rehabilitation protocols in unstable trochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails in elderly: current practices and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Optimal rehabilitation treatment after surgery for fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures is challenging in elderly patients. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to analyse the existing literature on available rehabilitation protocols with regards to permitting or restricting early weight bearing following fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures treated by the use of cephalomedullary nails in patients at least 65 years of age. METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on the checklist of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies published between 1948 and 2018 on elderly patients with unstable trochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails that offered information on the postoperative rehabilitation protocol have been selected. Subsequently, the results and complications have been analysed according to the protocols. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 7056 initial articles have been selected for analysis. Authors who did not restrict weight bearing to their patients reported a shorter hospitalization time and a lower orthopaedic complication rate but a greater systemic complication rate, worse functional scores, and a higher reoperation and mortality rates. Those results should be taken with caution because of the heterogeneity of provided clinical information and the fact that none of the included studies considered the different rehabilitation protocols as study variables to analyse its influence on the results. CONCLUSION: With evidence available to date, there is no clear agreement on the postoperative rehabilitation protocol following fixation of an unstable trochanteric fracture by cephalomedullary nail in the elderly.

Direct anterior decompression of L4 and L5 nerve root in sacral fractures using the pararectus approach: a technical note.

PURPOSE: To describe a new surgical technique for neurolysis and decompression of L4 and L5 nerve root entrapment after vertical sacral fractures via the pararectus approach for acetabular fractures, and to present four case examples. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated four patients suffering radiculopathy from entrapment of the L4 or L5 nerve root in vertical sacral fractures between January and December 2016. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 18 (range 7-27) months. All patients underwent direct decompression and neurolysis of the L4 and L5 nerve roots via the single-incision, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal pararectus approach. RESULTS: In all patients, the L4 and L5 nerve root was successfully visualized and decompressed, proving feasibility of the pararectus approach for this indication. No patient presented with a neural tear. Complete neurologic recovery was present in one patient at last follow-up; two patients had incomplete recovery of their radiculopathy; and one patient had no improvement after nerve root decompression. CONCLUSIONS: The pararectus approach allows for sufficient visualisation and direct decompression and neurolysis of the L4 and L5 nerve root entrapped in vertical sacral fractures. Although neurologic recovery was not achieved in all patients in this small case series, the approach may be a suitable alternative to posterior approaches and other anterior approaches such as the lateral window of the ilioinguinal approach.

The pararectus approach-a versatile option in pelvic musculoskeletal tumor surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic tumors are usually resected through the utilitarian pelvic incision, an extended ilioinguinal/iliofemoral approach. The pararectus approach, an intrapelvic anatomical approach with extraperitoneal access to the pelvis, has been established previously for the treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, it has not been used to address pelvic tumors. The study aimed at investigating the feasibility of this approach for pelvic tumor surgery and the possibilities of combining this approach with standard approaches to the hip joint. METHODS: Thirteen patients that underwent pelvic tumor resections were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor resections were performed through the pararectus (n = 10) or extended pararectus approach (n = 3). In six of those cases, the pararectus approach was combined with extrapelvic approaches including the modified Gibson (n = 4), the Kocher-Langenbeck (n = 1), and the trochanteric flip approach (n = 1). The mean follow-up was 32.6 ± 9.1 months. RESULTS: In all cases, the tumor resections were carried out according to the preoperative plan. In seven of 13 cases, wide resections were performed; six of 13 cases were planned close resections. Four cases of major complications were observed (vascular injury, deep infection, iliac vein thrombosis, total hip arthroplasty dislocation). Minor complications were observed in two cases. One tumor recurred locally. At the final follow-up, 10 patients were alive, eight of those without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the suitability of the pararectus approach for pelvic tumor resections. The possibility to combine the approach with standard approaches to the hip joint allowed for single-stage reconstructions of the pelvis and the hip joint without sacrificing surgical margins and function. The pararectus approach is a versatile option adding to the established approaches for musculoskeletal tumor surgery of the pelvis.

Surgical Hip Dislocation for Exposure of the Posterior Column.

BACKGROUND: Surgical hip dislocation is performed for safe and efficient management of acetabular fractures predominantly involving the posterior column. The dislocation of the femoral head allows for direct visualization of the hip joint during fracture treatment. DESCRIPTION: The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with sterile preparation and draping of the ipsilateral leg to allow for dislocation. The skin incision is straight and centered over the greater trochanter. After the skin incision, the interval between the gluteus maximus and medius muscles is developed. The sciatic nerve is identified, and special attention to the course of the medial circumflex femoral artery is given during dissection of the piriformis and triceps coxae muscles (obturator internus and superior and inferior gemelli muscles). The latter are incised 2 cm posterior to their insertion on the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter. The vastus lateralis muscle belly is elevated from the lateral femoral shaft, and a trochanteric osteotomy is performed. The trochanteric medallion is rotated 90°, and the gluteus minimus muscle is released from the capsule. After complete exposure of the hip capsule, a z-shaped capsulotomy is performed whereby any injury to the posterior capsular attachments of a posterior wall fragment is avoided. The posterior column and the greater and lesser sciatic notches are exposed, with the sciatic nerve under protection. The femoral head is dislocated either anteriorly or posteriorly to obtain direct visualization of the hip. Reduction begins at the articular surface, in cases of marginal impaction, and proceeds to the posterior wall and/or posterior column and the anterior column, when involved. For fixation, 3.5-mm cortical screws acting as positioning or lag screws and reconstruction plates are used. The capsule is sutured, the trochanteric fragment is reduced anatomically and stabilized with two 3.5-mm cortical screws, the piriformis and triceps coxae muscles are sutured, and a layered closure is performed. ALTERNATIVES: The Kocher-Langenbeck approach might be used instead. RATIONALE: Surgical hip dislocation facilitates assessment of cartilage damage at the acetabulum, marginal impaction, labral tears and femoral head lesions, removal or reinsertion of free intra-articular fracture fragments, direct visualization of the accuracy of reduction, and verification of extra-articular screw placement.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Using the Modified Stoppa Approach.

BACKGROUND: The modified Stoppa approach is performed for safe and efficient management of acetabular fractures involving the anterior column. This approach avoids dissection of the inguinal canal, the femoral nerve, and the external iliac vessels as seen in the "second window" of the ilioinguinal approach and has thus been shown to be less invasive than the ilioinguinal approach1. As an intrapelvic approach, it facilitates the management of medial displacement fracture patterns involving the quadrilateral plate and dome impaction that typically occur in the elderly2,3. The reduced morbidity of this approach is of particular relevance for elderly patients who must respond to the stresses of injury and surgery with diminished physiological reserves. DESCRIPTION: The specific surgical steps include preoperative planning, patient positioning and setup, a Pfannenstiel incision, superficial and deep dissection, development of the Retzius space and retraction of the bladder, exposure of the superior pubic ramus and iliopectineal eminence, dissection and ligation of a potential corona mortis, exposure of the obturator nerve and vessels, subperiosteal preparation of the pubic ramus with retraction of the external iliac vessels, subperiosteal exposure of the quadrilateral plate with detachment of the internal obturator muscle and exposure of the posterior column, assessment of residual displacement by fluoroscopic views, longitudinal soft-tissue or lateral skeletal traction (optional) for reduction of medial displacement of the femoral head, disimpaction of the acetabular dome fragment and grafting of the supra-acetabular void (optional) under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic (optional) control, and reduction and fixation of extra-articular components (iliac wing posteriorly and pubic ramus anteriorly), the posterior column (infra-acetabular screw), and the quadrilateral plate (buttress plate). Before wound closure, the urine output is checked for occurrence of hematuria, an indication of bladder penetration. The anterior lamina of the rectus sheath is then sutured, and a layered closure performed. ALTERNATIVES: The ilioinguinal approach might be used instead. RATIONALE: The modified Stoppa approach avoids dissection within the inguinal canal, the second window of the ilioinguinal approach. Therefore, this approach is less invasive and might be an alternative for joint-preserving surgery, especially in the elderly.