Anesthesia and analgesia methods for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: More and more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are being performed as outpatient surgery in France, because of economic considerations. Postoperative pain is the most common reason for delayed discharge that could require hospitalization, and the main reason for unanticipated hospital admission. The purpose of this study was to define the best anesthesia and analgesia methods for ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, comparative study performed between January 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria were ACL reconstruction in patients above 15 years of age performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. The anesthesia techniques analyzed were general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia and quadruple nerve blockade. The analgesic methods studied were single-shot nerve blocks, continuous nerve blocks, peri-articular and intra-articular local infiltration analgesia (LIA), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and intravenous corticosteroids. The main outcome criterion was pain on a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome criteria were delayed discharge of a patient who had undergone outpatient surgery, consumption of opioids and complications for the various anesthesia techniques and analgesia methods. RESULTS: In all, 680 patients were included in this study, which was 63% of the ACL reconstruction procedures performed during this period. The study population was 69% male and 31% female, with an average age of 30 years. Twenty-three patients (3.4%) could not be discharged on the day of surgery. No correlation was found with the anesthesia technique used. NSAID treatment was protective relative to delayed discharge (P=0.009), while opioid consumption was a risk factor (P<0.01). There were no differences in the pain levels related to the type of anesthesia. Peri-articular LIA of the hamstring tendon harvest site was effective. Intra-articular LIA did not provide better analgesia. Continuous nerve block had complication rates above 13%. DISCUSSION: All types of anesthesia were compatible with outpatient ACL reconstruction. No gold standard analgesia method can be defined based on this study's findings. However, we recommend multimodal analgesia associating peri-articular LIA or one-shot sensory saphenous nerve block, NSAIDs and corticosteroid treatment, and cryotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective comparative non-randomized study.

French prospective multicenter comparative assessment of ambulatory surgery feasibility in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this multicenter study was to assess the feasibility of ambulatory surgery in France in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions for any technique or graft used (hamstring, patellar tendon, fascia lata). We hypothesized that a dedicated organization would guarantee the patient's safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, non-randomized, prospective, comparative study, conducted within the SFA symposium was conducted between January 2014 and March 2015, included all the patients operated on for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using different surgical techniques. The outpatient group (OP) included patients eligible for day surgery who provided informed consent; the conventional hospitalization group (CH) comprised patients declined for outpatient surgery for organizational reasons. The main outcome was failure of the admission mode defined by hospitalization of a patient undergoing outpatient surgery or rehospitalization within the 1st week after discharge. The secondary outcomes were assessment of pain and postoperative complications. A total of 1076 patients were studied with 680 in the OP group and 396 in the CH group. The mean age was 30years±9years. In the CH group, the mean hospital stay was 2.7±0.8days. RESULTS: Twenty-three OP patients were hospitalized or rehospitalized (3.4%). Thirty-six (5.2%) early postoperative complications were noted in the OP group and 17 (4.3%) in the CH group (non-significant difference). Mean postoperative pain on D0-D4 and satisfaction were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicenter study observed no serious incidents. In a selected population, the risks are comparable to those of conventional hospitalization. Outpatient ACL surgery is therefore feasible in France in 2016. LEVEL OF PROOF: III: case-control study.

Pain after out-patient vs. in-patient ACL reconstruction: French prospective study of 1076 patients.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair is increasingly performed on an out-patient basis. In France, however, concern about post-operative pain remains a strong barrier to out-patient ACL repair. The primary objective of this study was to compare post-operative pain after ACL repair as out-patient versus in-patient surgery. The secondary objectives were to assess the time-course of post-operative pain and to identify factors associated with pain intensity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, prospective, comparative, non-randomised study was conducted in France for the French Society for Arthroscopy (SFA) symposium. Patients who underwent primary ACL repair between January 2014 and March 2015 were included if they were eligible for out-patient surgery. The choice between out-patient and in-patient surgery was based on organisational and logistical considerations. Pain intensity was self-evaluated by the patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS), pre-operatively then in the evening after surgery, during the night after surgery, and 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. The patients performed the evaluations at home using websurvey.fr® software. Demographic data, the characteristics of the surgical procedure, and the IKDC and Lysholm scores before and after surgery were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1076 patients included in the study, 680 had out-patient surgery and 396 in-patient surgery. Mean age was 30±9 years. The two groups were comparable at baseline. Pain intensity was not significantly different between the two groups at any of the measurement time points. Pain intensity showed a peak on post-operative day 1 that was similar in the two groups. The initial post-operative pain intensity score predicted subsequent pain intensity: patients with VAS scores <2 on the day of surgery also had low pain scores after surgery. In both groups, factors associated with greater pain intensity were age <25 years, high pre-operative pain score, and surgery performed after noon. Neither surgical technique nor concomitant lesions and methods used to treat them were associated with pain intensity. Risk factors for severe post-operative pain (VAS score >7) in the out-patient group were younger age, female gender, pre-operative VAS score >3, and tourniquet time >50minutes. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity is similar after out-patient and in-patient ACL repair. Concern about pain should not be a barrier to performing ACL repair on an out-patient basis. Our data on the time-course of the pain and factors associated with greater pain intensity should prove useful for improving patient management after ACL repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Cervical myelopathy involving os odontoideum and retro-odontoid cyst treated with Harms C1-C2 arthrodesis.

An episode of acute decompensation of cervical myelopathy occurred after an injury without fracture of an os odontoideum associated with a compressive retro-odontoid cyst. The 51-year-old female patient presented Fränkel C, Nurick grade 4 neurological status and pyramid syndrome. The initial MRI demonstrated an intramedullary T2 hyperintense signal in the context of spinal cord narrowing. The retro-odontoid cyst demonstrates atlantoaxial instability related to the os odontoideum. Harms C1-C2 arthrodesis without laminectomy was performed and the cyst disappeared completely. Spinal cord decompression was thus obtained on the MRI taken 3 months later. Neurological recovery was complete and continued at 1 year.

The role of Intraoperative 3D navigation for pelvic bone tumor resection.

UNLABELLED: Interventional 3D analysis is often used for surgery of the spine. The goal of this study was to describe the technique and initial results of intraoperative 3D CT navigation (O-Arm, Medtronic, Louisville, CO, USA) for surgery of the pelvis. Six patients were included, five with primary bone tumors and one with post-traumatic non-union. All CT procedures were completed without modifying the surgical technique, except one case in which the device had to be reinstalled during surgery. The duration of surgery was not increased and lasted for a mean 224minutes (96-380). Recorded radiation was between 450-1125mGrey/cm. All procedures were performed according to the preoperative plan resulting in systematic resection with a safe surgical margin (R0). One surgical site infection occurred. Although these operations could have been performed without 3-D navigation, this technique provided continuous intraoperative control and safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Do temperature variations at the bearing surface during gait affect polyethylene wear in Charnley low-friction arthroplasty of the hip? Simulator study comparing UHMWPE and highly cross-linked polyethylene.

INTRODUCTION: There are significant individual variations in the polyethylene (PE) wear of Charnley total hip arthroplasty (THA) in published studies. This could be in part related to variations in hip joint kinematics with abnormal heating at the metal/PE interface. The objectives of our hip simulator experiment were: (1) to measure PE wear as a function of hip kinematics and temperature variations at the interface; (2) to compare ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to latest generation highly cross-linked PE (XLPE). HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that PE wear is correlated with temperature increases at the interface and thereby hip joint kinematics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A simulator study was performed with four UHMWPE cups (Initiale™, Amplitude, Valence, France) and two XLPE cups (X3, Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA) subjected to 5 million cycles each. The temperature at the femoral head/cup interface was measured every 500 cycles and implant dimensions were measured every 1 million cycles. RESULTS: The average temperature was 42°C for 1Hz and 50°C for 1.5Hz, no matter the type of PE tested. There was a large difference between UHMWPE and XLPE in their roughness, but no temperature variations or wear effects. Femoral head penetration after the first 1 million cycles was 0.18mm for the XLPE and 0.075mm UHMWPE on average. Between 1 and 5 million cycles, the penetration was less than 0.1mm per million cycles, with XLPE being similar to UHMPWE. DISCUSSION: Our study found a significant temperature increase at the bearing interface as a function of frequency. But there was no correlation between temperature variations and PE degradation. However, shear stresses were under-estimated because our simulator could not reproduce abduction and adduction movements. Our hypothesis was not confirmed because PE deformation was not correlated to temperature variations. XLPE was not better than UHMWPE in the particular conditions of this study. Simulator studies are limited because of the lack of standards on cycling and the simulator bath. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-prospective case-control study in vitro.

Symptomatic compressive pneumocephalus following lumbar decompression surgery.

We report a case of symptomatic postoperative pneumocephalus after lumbar decompression. A 69-year-old man was operated on for a severe lumbar stenosis with a L2-L4 arthrodesis and a spinal decompression. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage was visible but one of the two aspirative drains was accidentally disconnected in recovery room. After 1 day, computed tomography was performed to explore intense lumbar pain and revealed a voluminous pneumorachis. Then, the patient experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Imaging revealed a voluminous pneumocephalus responsible for a significant space-occupying effect on the frontal lobe. A conservative treatment was initiated, including bed rest, oxygen therapy, neurological monitoring and anti-epileptic therapy. Symptoms gradually improved and he was discharged without any deficit after 10 days. A total radiological regression was noted in 21 days. Prevention of postoperative pneumocephalus should include a systematic repair of iatrogenic dural tear. Even in presence of severe symptomatic manifestations, a conservative treatment is possible.

Arthroscopic tibiotalar and subtalar joint arthrodesis.

Arthroscopy has become indispensable for performing tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis. Now in 2015, it is the gold-standard surgical technique, and open surgery is reserved only for cases in which arthroscopy is contraindicated: material ablation after consolidation failure, osteophytes precluding a work chamber, excentric talus, severe malunion, bone defect requiring grafting, associated midfoot deformity, etc. The first reports of arthroscopic tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis date from the early 1990s. Consolidation rates were comparable to open surgery, but with significantly fewer postoperative complications: infection, skin necrosis, etc. Arthroscopy was for many years reserved to moderate deformity, with frontal or sagittal deviation less than 10°. The recent literature, however, seems to extend indications, the only restriction being the surgeon's experience. Tibiotalar arthrodesis on a posterior arthroscopic approach remains little used. And yet the posterior work chamber is much larger, and initial series showed consolidation rates similar to those of an anterior approach. The surgical technique for posterior tibiotalar arthrodesis was described by Van Dijk et al., initially using a posterior para-Achilles approach. This may be hampered by posterior osteophytes or ankylosis of the subtalar joint line (revision of non-consolidated arthrodesis, sequelae of calcaneal thalamus fracture) and is now used only by foot and ankle specialists. Posterior double tibiotalar-subtalar arthrodesis, described by Devos Bevernage et al., is facilitated by transplantar calcaneo-talo-tibial intramedullary nailing.

Opening the medial tibiofemoral compartment by pie-crusting the superficial medial collateral ligament at its tibial insertion: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic treatment of tears in the middle and posterior parts of the medial meniscus can be difficult when the medial tibiofemoral compartment is tight. Passage of the instruments may damage the cartilage. The primary objective of this cadaver study was to perform an arthroscopic evaluation of medial tibiofemoral compartment opening after pie-crusting release (PCR) of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) at its distal insertion on the tibia. The secondary objective was to describe the anatomic relationships at the site of PCR (saphenous nerve, medial saphenous vein). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 10 cadaver knees with no history of invasive procedures. The femur was held in a vise with the knee flexed at 45°, and the medial aspect of the knee was dissected. PCR of the sMCL was performed under arthroscopic vision, in the anteroposterior direction, at the distal tibial insertion of the sMCL, along the lower edge of the tibial insertion of the semi-tendinosus tendon. Continuous 300-N valgus stress was applied to the ankle. Opening of the medial tibiofemoral compartment was measured arthroscopically using graduated palpation hooks after sequential PCR of the sMCL. RESULTS: The compartment opened by 1mm after release of the anterior third, 2.3mm after release of the anterior two-thirds, and 3.9mm after subtotal release. A femoral fracture occurred in 1 case, after completion of all measurements. Both the saphenous nerve and the medial saphenous vein were located at a distance from the PCR site in all 10 knees. DISCUSSION: PCR of the sMCL is chiefly described as a ligament-balancing method during total knee arthroplasty. This procedure is usually performed at the joint line, where it opens the compartment by 4-6mm at the most, with some degree of unpredictability. PCR of the sMCL at its distal tibial insertion provides gradual opening of the compartment, to a maximum value similar to that obtained with PCR at the joint space. The lower edge of the semi-tendinosus tendon is a valuable landmark for PCR of the distal sMCL.

Minimally invasive posterior approach in the popliteal fossa for semitendinosus and gracilis tendon harvesting: an anatomic study.

INTRODUCTION: Harvesting the semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (GR) tendons at the anteromedial side of the knee may be hampered by a conjoint tendon insertion on the tibial metaphysis and an accessory bundle between the ST and the medial gastrocnemius. Locating and sparing the terminal branches of the saphenous nerve are difficult on an anteromedial approach. The principal objective of the present anatomic study was to assess the feasibility of ST and GR harvesting from a minimally invasive posterior approach in the popliteal fossa. The secondary objective was to analyze the risk of saphenous nerve branch lesion during harvesting. METHOD: Ten cadaver knees, free of scarring, were used. The whole body was positioned supine. The tendons were located in the popliteal fossa with the knee in 30° flexion. A mini-incision was performed in the fossa. The ST and GR tendons were located, and retrograde followed by anterograde stripping was performed. Tendon lengths and diameters were measured. The knees were then dissected to check for saphenous nerve branch lesions (anterior, infrapatellar and posterior branches). RESULTS: The GR and ST tendons were respectively located at 14.4 and 24 mm from the medial edge of the knee. In 90% of cases, there was an accessory ST bundle toward the medial gastrocnemius muscle, 26 mm below the posterior edge. Tendons could be harvested without deviation of the stripper. Knee dissection did not find any saphenous nerve branches, these being protected by the sartorius fascia. DISCUSSION: Posterior ST and GR tendon harvesting in the popliteal fossa is reliable and reproducible. It allows easy sectioning of the accessory ST bundle, without deviation during retrograde stripping. Unlike anterior harvesting, which leads to a rate of saphenous branch lesion of 50-78%, posterior harvesting protects the nerve branches by keeping away from the sartorius. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Secondary nailing after external fixation for tibial shaft fracture: risk factors for union and infection. A 55 case series.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary intramedullary nailing (SIN) following external fixation (EF) of tibial shaft fracture is controversial, notably due to the infection risk, which is not precisely known. The present study therefore analysed a continuous series of tibial shaft SIN, to determine (1) infection and union rates, and (2) whether 1-stage SIN associated to EF ablation increased the risk of infection. HYPOTHESIS: Factors exist for union and onset of infection following tibial shaft SIN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective series of SIN performed between 1998 and 2012 in over 16-year-old patients with non-pathologic tibial shaft fracture was analysed. EF pin site infection was an exclusion criterion. Fractures were graded according to AO and Gustilo classifications. Study parameters were: time to SIN, 1- versus 2-stage procedure, bacteriologic results on reaming product, post-nailing onset of infection, and time to union. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (55 fractures) were included. There were 16 closed and 39 open fractures: 7 Gustilo type I, 26 type II and 6 type IIIA; 33 AO type A, 14 type B and 8 type C. Mean time to SIN was 9 ± 9.6 weeks (range, 4 days to 12 months). There were 23 1-stage procedures, and 32 two-stage procedures with a mean 12-day interval (range, 4-30 days). Twelve reaming samples were biologically positive without secondary infection. There were 4 septic complications (3 abscesses, 1 osteomyelitis), and 1 aseptic non-union required re-nailing. The union rate was 96%. The sole factor of poor prognosis was severity of fracture opening. One-stage SIN did not increase infection risk. DISCUSSION: The present results were better than reported in the literature, where the rates of Gustilo IIIA and IIIB fracture and pin site infection are, however, higher. Tibial shaft SIN is a reliable procedure, with infection risk correlating with Gustilo type and time to surgery. Surgery should be early, before onset of EF pin site infection. A 1-stage attitude appears feasible in early SIN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study type.

Reducible valgus flat-foot: assessment of posterior subtalar joint surface displacement by posterior arthroscopy during sinus tarsi expansion screwing.

INTRODUCTION: Subtalar arthroereisis corrects childhood and adult reducible valgus flat-foot in certain indications. Inserting an expansion screw in the sinus tarsi simultaneously corrects the calcaneal valgus of the talocalcaneal divergence and first-ray pronation if these are reducible. The displacement induced in the posterior subtalar joint (decoaptation, translation, rotation) is, however, poorly known. The present study involved arthroscopic assessment of posterior subtalar joint surface displacement during insertion of a talocalcaneal arthroereisis screw, with the hypothesis that displacement varies in three dimensions according to screw size. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eight specimens were used for the study. All ankles were supple, taken from adult subjects. A 4.5-mm arthroscope was used and measurements were taken with a graduated palpator in the posterior subtalar joint. Three sinus tarsi expansion screws of incremental diameter were assessed. Before and after insertion measurements were made of posterolateral and posteromedial talar exposure on the calcaneus, anteroposterior and lateromedial translation, and talocalcaneal joint-line opening. RESULTS: Medial rotation, varization and anterior translation of the calcaneus were comparable in all cases. Mean lateral opening of the posterior subtalar joint was 0.88 mm with 8-mm screws and 1.25 mm with 16-mm screws. Significant differences between 8 and 16 mm screws were found for lateral subtalar joint opening (P=0.028) and for lateromedial translation (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Sinus tarsi expansion screwing corrects hindfoot valgus and talocalcaneal divergence by inducing medial translation of the calcaneus under the talus and talar medial rotation and varization, proportional to screw size (medial translation and lateral opening of the subtalar joint). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Posterior tibial tendoscopy: Description of an accessory proximal portal and assessment of tendon vascularization lesion according to portal.

BACKGROUND: Posterior tibial tendoscopy was codified in 1997 by Van Dijck, who described a portal between 1.5 and 2cm proximally and distally to the tip of the medial malleolus. However, this approach does not allow proximal exploration of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). We here describe an accessory portal 7cm proximal to the medial malleolus, enabling complete PTT exploration. METHODS: Posterior tibial tendoscopy was performed on 12 cadaver specimens, mapping PTT exploration and vascularization. RESULTS: The accessory portal enabled the whole PTT to be explored, from the myotendinous junction to the entry into the retromalleolar groove. PTT observation quality was improved compared to using a submalleolar portal. Dissection confirmed systematic presence of a vincula on the posterior side of the tendon, connected to the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon, containing collateral vessels of the posterior tibial artery. None of these elements were damaged by the tendoscopy as long and the scope and motorized instruments were not rotated on the posterior side of the supramalleolar part of the PTT. CONCLUSIONS: This accessory entry portal provides complete PTT exploration without the risk of neurovascular bundle lesion.

Anterior knee laxity measurement: comparison of passive stress radiographs Telos(®) and "Lerat", and GNRB(®) arthrometer.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, anterior laxity can be measured using stress radiographs or more recently introduced electronic measurement devices. HYPOTHESIS: The GNRB(®) arthrometer offers a radiation-free method of measuring anterior knee laxity whose diagnostic value is identical to that of Telos(®) or Lerat stress radiographs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients (40 years [18-69]) scheduled for knee arthroscopy were evaluated using the GNRB(®) and two series of stress radiographs of both knees, one obtained using a 250-N Telos(®) device and the other using the technique described by Lerat (posterior translation of the femur/tibia under a 9-kg loading device). Arthroscopic evaluation of the ACL served as the reference standard for assessing the diagnostic performance of the radiological and instrumental laxity measurements. RESULTS: Under arthroscopic examination, the ACL was normal in 50.3%; "healed to roof of the notch" (partial tear) in 9.6%, "posterolateral bundle preserved" (partial tear) in 7.0%, "healed to the posterior cruciate ligament" (PCL) in 17.8%, and "empty notch" (complete tear) in 15.3%. In partial ACL tears, no significant differences in anterior laxity were found across the three measurement techniques. Telos(®) and GNRB(®) laxities were greater in the complete-tear group than in the normal-ACL, partial-tear, and healed-to-PCL groups. With the Lerat technique, the only significant differences were between the complete-tear group and the normal-ACL and partial-tear groups. Telos(®) and GNRB(®) showed similar diagnostic performance (sensitivity>62%, specificity>75%), whereas the Lerat technique lacked sensitivity (sensitivity=43.2%, specificity=82.7%) at 3mm. DISCUSSION: Diagnostic performance was lower in our study than in earlier reports. The GNRB(®) performed as well as Telos(®). The non-irradiating nature of GNRB(®) assessments allows repeated measurements for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective case-control study.

Arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears using the side-to-side suture technique. Mid-term clinical and anatomic evaluation.

UNLABELLED: PREAMBLE: Arthroscopic repair is our treatment of choice for massive rotator cuff tears. In order to reduce tension, we perform a side-to-side suture technique. The purpose of our work was to study the outcome of such technique by evaluating functional score and rotator cuff integrity using ultrasound at 2-year follow-up. HYPOTHESIS: The "side-to-side" arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears provides a long-term continuity of rotator cuff mechanism, enhances function and relieves pain with low morbidity. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective monocenter study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included a continuous series of 50 patients of mean age 66.6 years (46-80), operated on between January 2007 and March 2008 for full-thickness retracted tears of the supraspinatus extending or not to the infraspinatus tendon. Management consisted of arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy, acromioplasty and side-to-side repair of the rotator cuff tendons with secure anchor fixation to the tuberosity. The relative Constant score was used for clinical evaluation preoperatively and at a minimum of 24 months after surgery. The continuity of rotator cuff mechanism was evaluated using ultrasound. RESULTS: The mean relative Constant score improved significantly (p<0.05) from 40% (18-67) preoperatively to 91.7% (40-107) postoperatively. Fifty-six percent of the rotator cuffs from this series demonstrated continuity with a postoperative relative Constant score of 98.4% (74-121) and an increase in the shoulder strength score of 3.6 kg (1-6). Forty-four percent of the rotator cuffs had recurrent tear with an overall relative Constant score of 83.6% (4-126) and we did not observe any improvement in the strength score in this sub-group. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcome. DISCUSSION: At a minimum 24-month follow-up, the side-to-side suturing technique reported excellent functional results with a very high satisfaction rate. For these large and massive rotator cuff tears sometimes considered as irreparable, ultrasound confirmed the continuity of the repair in 56% of the cases. Unhealed patients were not disadvantaged since they experienced pain relief and functional improvement. However, in this sub-group of patients, recovery of shoulder strength was poor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Indications and results for the Exogen™ ultrasound system in the management of non-union: a 59-case pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: This pilot series sought to assess the use of external ultrasound stimulation (Exogen™) in the treatment of femoral or tibial non-union. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A continuous retrospective study was conducted from 2004 to 2009. It included patients with a non-united fracture or osteotomy at 6 months or more post-surgery, with less than 10mm inter-fragment gap. Daily 20-min ultrasound sessions were continued until bone healing was achieved or for a maximum 6-month duration. Radio-clinical control was performed at months 3 and 6; treatment compliance and transmitter positioning were checked at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Sixty non-unions were included in the series. One patient was excluded for early material breakage. Mean fracture-to-surgery interval was 271 days. The 6-month consolidation rate was 88%. There was no loss to follow-up. Mean ultrasound treatment duration was 151 days (range, 90-240 days). Bone healing correlated significantly with stability of the internal fixation assembly (P=0.01). The seven cases of failure included four fixations,considered unstable at inclusion, one femoral non-union associated with BMI 45 and one inadequate subchondral roughening (at the time of arthrodesis). There was a significant difference in delay to non-union treatment start between the groups with (251 days) and without (420 days) bone healing. DISCUSSION: The present results are in line with the literature. The main prognostic factors were fracture fixation stability, short time to treatment, and inter-fragment gap less than 10mm. Bone healing rates in the literature are around 80% for non-union treated at around 6 months, versus 60% for more than 12 months' delay. Factors such as gender, bone site, smoking, numbers of previous operations or type of osteosynthesis do not impact consolidation. External treatment offers an alternative to traditional surgery (graft, or bone-marrow concentrate or bone morphogenetic protein injection), provided that the fracture fixation is stable. Bone healing rates are better, and the procedure is non-invasive. External treatment results using ultrasound are similar to those using electromagnetic fields; the main difference lies in treatment session duration, which is 20 min for ultrasound, versus 3 hours for electromagnetic fields. Active patient commitment is vital, as the treatment is delivered at home, although the machine is equipped with a monitor to count treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: The 88% bone healing rate supports advocating first-line implementation in non-union of less than 10mm with stable osteosynthesis. This rate is higher than in traditional surgery, with a unit cost at least 60% lower: €1772 for external therapy, versus €4480 for decortication with or without fracture fixation exchange (itemized 08c50 under the French healthcare treatment coding system). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective therapeutic study.

Risks relating to posterior 2-portal arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis and articular surfaces abrasion quality achievable with these approaches: a cadaver study.

INTRODUCTION: Many techniques for arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis have been described since 1985. The procedure can be challenging because posterior and anterior portals are used conjointly with distraction. A posterior 2-portal approach was described in 2000. HYPOTHESIS: The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of the freshening that can be achieved in the posterior subtalar joint using this approach. Does a posterior 2-portal approach allow for a complete freshening of the posterior subtalar joint? MATERIAL AND METHODS: Freshening was performed through an arthroscopic posterior 2-portal approach on 10 cadavers. The quality of bone freshening and proximity of the neurovascular structures to the posterior portals were subsequently evaluated by dissection. RESULTS: There was one partial laceration of the sural nerve. The posteromedial portal was 6.8mm (95% CI: 4.4 to 9.2) away from the posterior tibial vascular pedicle. The entire talar and calcaneal articular surfaces of the posterior subtalar joint were freshened. In eight of 10 cases (95% CI: 48 to 95%), the posteromedial process of the talus prevented contact between fragments. DISCUSSION: This study showed that the entire posterior subtalar joint can be freshened through an arthroscopic posterior 2-portal approach with little morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Laxity measurements using stress radiography to assess anterior cruciate ligament tears.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical diagnosis of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is based on demonstrating anterior subluxation of the tibia on the femur. In any of the following perspectives, diagnostic (cutoff value confirming rupture), prognostic (treatment efficacy), and therapeutic (laxity influencing the treatment), this laxity can be measured on stress X-rays. WORKING HYPOTHESIS: The diagnostic value of dynamic radiographs is low for ACL rupture. Passive Telos(®) X-rays have better diagnostic value, better radiologic quality, and are easier to carry out than active Franklin-type X-rays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 112 patients (28 females, 84 males; mean age, 33.7 years [range, 18-72 years]) with an indication for knee arthroscopy were studied prospectively. Before undergoing the arthroscopic treatment, two series of images of both knees were taken: one series of passive anterior drawer dynamic X-rays on a Telos(®) device at 250 N and a series of active anterior drawer dynamic X-rays according to Franklin (contraction of the quadriceps against 7 kg of weight at the ankle). The arthroscopic evaluation of the ACL (reference status) was compared to the anterior laxity measurements (absolute and differential) of each knee compartment (medial, lateral, and average) to determine the diagnostic value of the two radiological tests. RESULTS: We found 70 patients with an "arthroscopically ruptured ACL", 32 with an "arthroscopically healthy ACL", and 10 with a "partial rupture". The measurement of the anterior drawer values on the dynamic X-rays (active and passive) by two independent observers was reliable and reproducible (ICC>0.80), particularly when using the medial compartment (ICC=0.96) and the differential values eliminating the interobserver measurement error and interindividual laxity variations. In terms of X-ray technique, the active images were more frequently painful and the radiographic result showed less good quality than the Telos images. The anterior drawer values in the "healthy ACL" group were significantly less than in the "ruptured ACL" group for the Telos(®) images, whether the measurements were absolute or differential. For the Franklin images, this difference was only significant for the absolute values. Used for diagnosis (4-mm differential on the medial compartment), the passive dynamic images had lower diagnostic values (Se=59% and Sp=90%) than the series reported in the literature, which were marked by great heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: The measurement of anterior drawer values on Telos(®) and Franklin dynamic X-rays is a reliable and reproducible measurement, particularly when using the medial compartment and differential measurements. This small series did not demonstrate a diagnostic value for the Franklin images, contrary to the Telos(®) X-rays. Used for diagnostic purposes, the Telos(®) images had a low sensitivity; consequently, they should be used preferentially for prognostic or therapeutic purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective case-control study.

Mini-invasive nail versus DHS to fix pertrochanteric fractures: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Fixation devices to treat trochanteric fractures belong to two general categories: dynamic hip screw (DHS) type and intramedullary type implants. In spite of possible pitfalls, both are considered valid options. Comparing a sliding screw-plate system (DHS) along a mini-invasive nailing device (BCM nail) with primary insertion of the cephalic screw, sheds light on the debated management of trochanteric fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Due to its design, the BCM nailing system allows a stable internal fixation and promotes enhanced postoperative functional recovery. OBJECTIVES: To test this hypothesis in a comparative prospective case-control study using the DHS screw-plate as a reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of 30 patients, older than 60 years old, with trochanteric fractures were included in this study. The screw-plates were placed according to the standard method. Regarding the nailing system, the cephalic screw was positioned first, then the nail was inserted through the screw via a mini-invasive approach and locked distally using a bicortical screw. Comparison between the two groups was based on (1) operative data: operating time, intra- and postoperative blood loss; (2) immediate postoperative course: complications, length of hospital stay, delay to sitting in a wheelchair; (3) the postdischarge evolution: weightbearing, readmission to hospital; (4) functional outcomes: recovery and mobility; (5) anatomical outcomes: restitution and bone healing. RESULTS: The operating time (54+/-8.8 min vs 59+/-13.8 min) and intraoperative (1.37+/-0.98 vs 1.90+/-1.43) and at Day 3 (1.25+/-1.05 vs 1.82+/-1.5) blood loss (haemoglobin loss), were favourable to the screw-plate subgroup (p<0.05). The delay to sitting in a wheelchair (4.76+/-1.53 d vs 4+/-1.44 d) was favourable to the nail subgroup (p<0.05). There was a higher incidence of secondary displacements in the screw-plate subgroup (3/26 [11.5%] vs 0/25 [0%]) (p<0.05). The screw-plate subgroup demonstrated a poorer healing rate at 3 months (88% vs 100%) (p<0.05). Regarding functional recovery, a lesser decrease in the Parker score was observed in the nail subgroup at 3 postoperative months (2.42+/-2.3 vs 1.52+/-1.44) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study has shown the benefits of the BCM nail in terms of stability. But the potential advantages of this mini-invasive technique were limited by ancillary-related difficulties which need to be rectified. These preliminary results are in favour of a further development of this innovating device.