Incidence of nonunion after surgery of distal femoral fractures using contemporary fixation device: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Nonunion is the most frequent cause of reoperation and is associated with high morbidity after distal femur fracture (DFF). We examined the rates of nonunion requiring reoperation after fixation for DFF using a locking compression plate (LCP) or retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN). METHODS: We included four studies comparing LCP and RIMN and 38 single-cohort studies reporting LCP or RIMN. In total, 2156 femurs were included and 166 non-unions were detected. We conducted a pair-wise meta-analysis (with a fixed-effects model) on the four comparative studies and a proportional meta-analysis on the 38 articles to estimate the nonunion rate. We performed sensitivity analysis by comparing studies using LCP with less invasive surgical systems (LISS) with those that used RIMN. RESULTS: The pairwise meta-analysis showed a similar nonunion rate between the groups [odds ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.11, p = 0.633]. According to proportional meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of nonunion was 5% (95% CI 4-7) totally, 6% (95% CI 4-8) in the LCP group, and 4% (95% CI 2-6) in the RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.105). According to the sensitivity analysis, there was no difference in the union rate. The pooled prevalence of nonunion from sensitivity analysis was 4 % (95% CI, 3-5); it was 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in LCP with LISS and was 4% (95% CI, 2-6) in RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.941). CONCLUSION: Approximately 5% of patients who underwent LCP or RIMN fixation developed nonunion. Therefore, LCP and RIMN are effective DFF techniques and mastering one of them is essential.

Subscapularis pyomyositis presenting as shoulder stiffness mistaken as frozen shoulder in young female: a case report.

Pyomyositis of the shoulder region in young healthy patients is rare but can lead to fatal overwhelming sepsis. Here we present the case of an otherwise healthy 32-year-old female patient with pain and stiffness in the right shoulder. Initial treatment with physical therapy and injection was ineffective. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right shoulder suggested subscapularis intramuscular sarcoma but excision of the muscle and biopsy revealed organized subscapularis pyomyositis. This case demonstrates the importance of investigating predisposing conditions in young patients with painful stiffness mimicking frozen shoulder that does not respond to nonoperative treatment.

Three-Dimensional computed tomography tunnel assessment of allograft anatomic reconstruction in chronic ankle instability: 33 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Although clinical results of anatomic reconstruction using allograft are reportedly good, studies on how accurately the tunnel has been made after surgery are very rare. The purpose of this study was to analyze the postoperative locations of the tunnels through 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) after anatomic ligament reconstruction and to evaluate its clinical results. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction could lead to excellent results in clinical outcomes by repositioning anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) accurately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three special forces of soldiers who were diagnosed as chronic ankle instability (CAI) were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS), American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot functional scores, and Tegner activity scale were comparatively analyzed before the surgery and at final follow-up. The locations of the talar, fibular and calcaneal tunnels were evaluated with 3D-CT taken after the surgery. Talar tilt and anterior drawer displacement were measured on stress radiographs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26.8±3.6 months. The VAS decreased from 6.9±1.6 to 1.7±1.3, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot functional score increased from 61.3±14.8 to 88.7±9.2, and Tegner activity scale improved from 5.3±1.2 to 6.4±1.3 (p<0.001). Talar tunnel for ATFL was located about68% of the way from the lateral talar process, and fibular tunnels for ATFL and CFL were approximately 52% and 20% of the way from the fibular tip. The calcaneus tunnel was approximately 17mm posterosuperior from the peroneal tubercle on 3D-CT. Talar tilt decreased from 15.8±4.8 to 3.9±2.1 degrees (p<0.001). There were excellent inter-observer agreements for CT evaluation (Kappa values were from 0.83 to 0.92). There was no relapse of lateral instability. DISCUSSION: Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using allograft and the interference screw for CAI showed good results in postoperative stability and subjective clinical evaluation by repositioning the location of ATFL and CFL accurately on radiological determination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case-series.

Atraumatic Fracture of the BIOLOX delta Ceramic Liner in Well-Fixed Total Hip Implants.

A newer alumina matrix composite ceramic (BIOLOX delta; CeramTec, Plochingen, Germany) was developed to improve resistance to wear while reducing the risk for fractures with alumina-on-alumina design. This article describes a case of fracture of the BIOLOX delta ceramic liner without history of trauma in well-fixed total hip implants. A 61-year-old woman underwent total hip replacement via the posterior approach 20 months earlier because of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A cementless cup and a stem with a 52/36-mm BIOLOX delta couple bearing were used. The authors found signs of stripe wear on the inner surface of the ceramic liner, leading them to believe the possible cause of fracture in this patient was edge loading due to joint laxity. The authors performed revision surgery with the use of another ceramic couple-bearing implant and converted the head component from short to long (+4 mm). More cases should be collected to verify the mechanism of the fracture of the BIOLOX delta ceramic liner with a well-fixed cup. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(6):e880-e883.].

Ankylosing Neurogenic Myositis Ossificans of the Hip: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: Neurogenic myositis ossificans (NMO) in patients with traumatic spinal cord or brain injuries can cause severe joint ankylosis or compromise neurovascularture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of and review considerations relevant to surgical resection of NMO of the hip joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (9 hips) underwent periarticular NMO resection between 2015 and 2017. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative computed tomography including angiography was performed to determine osteoma location and size. Improvement in hip motion allowing sitting was considered the sole indicator of a successful surgery. The anterior approach was used in all patients. The ranges of motion (ROM) before and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: The mean time from accident to surgery was 3.6 years. Average ROM improved from 24.3°(flexion and extension) to 98.5°(flexion and extension) after surgery, and improvement was maintained at the last follow-up. No commom complications (e.g., deep infection, severe hematoma, deep vein thrombosis) occurred in any patient. Improvement in ROM in one hip in which surgical resection was performed 10 years after the accident was not satisfactory owing to the pathologic changes in the joint. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision of periarticular NMO of the hip joint can yield satisfactory results, provided that appropriate preoperative evaluation is performed. Early surgical intervention yields satisfactory results and may prevent the development of intra-articular pathology.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis followed by Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A 22-year-old man was referred to our institution due to lower back pain and was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The patient achieved complete remission with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. One year later, right cervical lymphadenopathy was observed and Hodgkin's lymphoma was confirmed on biopsy. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, and experienced no further symptoms. Further, no evidence of recurrence was observed on follow-up imaging. This report discusses the association between Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case of persistent apical ballooning complicated by an apical mural thrombus.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an infrequent cardiac syndrome characterized by acute onset chest pain with apical ballooning on echocardiography. It is often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, and in contrast to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the regional wall motion abnormality returns to normal within days. Here, we describe a 62-year-old female who presented with acute onset chest pain during treatment for a liver abscess. We presumed a diagnosis of AMI because of ST segment elevation on electrocardiography and elevated cardiac enzyme levels. However, the patient's coronary arteries were normal on angiography, and apical ballooning was seen on echocardiography. A diagnosis of TTC was made, and the patient was managed with intensive cardiopulmonary support using vasopressors in our hospital's medical intensive care unit. The patient's symptoms improved, but persistent severe left ventricular dysfunction was detected on follow-up echocardiography. After 5 weeks, a new apical mural thrombus appeared, and anticoagulation therapy was started. The apical ballooning persisted 3 months later, although the patient's overall ejection fraction was slightly improved. The apical thrombus was completely resolved without any embolic event. Non-adrenergic inotropics can be recommended in TTC with shock, and clinicians should keep in mind the potential risk of thrombus formation and cardioembolism.