How to determine the bone mineral density of the distal humerus with radiographic tools?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate three methods of prediction of the bone quality of the distal humerus: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Ct-Scan and plain radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density (BMD) of 21 cadaveric distal humerus was determined using DEXA at two levels. Then a CT-scan and anteroposterior radiographs were taken. The cancellous density was estimated with the CT-scan. The cortico-medullar index (CMI) was calculated as cortical thickness divided by total bone thickness on AP views. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the BMD of the epiphysis and the CMI of r = 0.61. The mean BMD of the distal humerus was 0.559 g/cm(2). Male specimens showed a significantly higher BMD than females. The mean CMI of diaphysis was 1.431 and the mean BMD of the metaphysis region was 0.444 g/cm(2). DISCUSSION: More than a direct evaluation of the bone density with a CT-scan, the CMI of the distal humerus diaphysis is a predictor of the bone quality of the distal humerus. This should be of great help for the surgeon's decision making in case of fracture of the distal humerus, as open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of fractures of the distal humerus can lead to failure due to poor bone quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Anatomic Cadaver Study.

[Tibial valgus osteotomy]. / Ostéotomie tibiale de valgisation.

The tibial valgus osteotomy whatever its technique has a survival rate of about 85 % to 10 years, if we consider the reoperation as a criterion of failure, with a confidence index at 78%. The age, weight, sex and functional signs have no impact on the outcome. We have found no evidence in the preoperative radiographic assessment, neither the medial pinch, or varus epiphyseal neither varisant gap, which could be a failure and a reoperation before the tenth year. Good results were observed significantly when there is an over-valgus at least 3 degrees of global axis of the lower limb. This corresponds to a valgus epiphyseal by more than 2 degrees . The substantial reduction in the gap varisant that lowers the overall time varisant below 200 kg cm provides the same positive results. The outcome will depend directly on the accuracy of the calculation of the preoperative correction performed and the quality of surgical achievement. Because of the need for precision, navigation technique appears as reliable, simple which makes it also possible to monitor the front slope and tibial rotation induced. The osteosynthesis must be stable and rigid to avoid postoperative loss of correction.

[Femoral neck fractures in patients over 50 years old]. / Les fractures du col du fémur après 50 ans.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many papers and instructional course lectures, therapeutic guidelines are not clearly defined about treatment of femoral neck fractures. The aim of this multicentric French symposium was to prospectively study the results of current therapeutic options in order to propose scientifically proven options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three prospective studies were carried out in order to answer to these questions: (1) is it possible with anatomical reduction and stable fixation to lower the non union and osteonecrosis rate? (2) is functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures successful in more than 65 years patients? (3) what criteria are useful to choose the kind of arthroplasty for more than 65 years patients? RESULTS: For the 64 patients between 50 and 65 years old included in the first study, 44 ORIF and 17 prostheses were performed. No open reduction was performed in this series despite a 34% malreduction rate. The risk for displacement after functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures is 31%. For patients over 65 years old, almost fractures are treated in this series by an arthroplasty. The one-year mortality rate after displaced femoral neck fracture was 17%. Functional results were better in total hip prosthesis group than in bipolar or unipolar group. Non cemented stems were not safer than cemented ones in frail patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: For young patients, ORIF should be the treatment of choice: the initial displacement and its effects on the femoral head vascularisation, the quality of reduction and fixation are the two most significant factors for good outcome. For Garden 1, fractures in patients 65 years old or more, it is proposed to performed an internal fixation despite in two thirds of the cases, it should be unnecessary because non identification of predictive factors of failure. For patients over 65 years old, the type of arthroplasty to perform in displaced fractures is to be chosen according to the preoperative mobility and comorbidities. Because of acetabular erosion with long-term follow-up, it is clearly indicated to perform total hip replacement for patients with life expectancy of 10 years or more. For frail patients, unipolar arthroplasty is the best option. The place for bipolar or uncemented implants is not yet well-defined and more prospective trials are needed. In this multicentric study, results appear quite different in terms of mortality, or functional status. These differences seem to be related to technical choice, geriatric care, nutritional consideration or surgical organisation, all factors that may be of major importance for prognostic.

[Dislocation and fractures around the knee with popliteal artery injury: A retrospective analysis of 54 cases]. / Traumatismes des genoux associés à une rupture de l'artère poplitée: étude rétrospective d'une série de 54 cas.

A retrospective multicentric series of 54 cases of knee trauma with acute ischemia by popliteal artery injury were analyzed. These high-energy traumas involved 25 dislocations and 29 fractures, 11 involving distal femur, 15 the proximal tibia and 3 a floating knee. There were 45 men and 7 women, mean age 42 years. Thirty-three patients suffered multiple injuries. The knee injury was open in 25 cases and associated with sciatic paralysis in 32. Vascular repair was almost always achieved with bypass surgery. An external fixator was used in 39 patients. Vascular repair was unsuccessful in three cases requiring amputation, all three cases involving fractures. There were also six secondary amputations due to muscle necrosis or septic nonunion. The rate of complete recovery of the sciatic was 25%. The rate of nonunion was 37%, half due to infection. Outcome assessed at at least one year follow-up was moderate with frequent functional sequelae. The analysis of these results and data reported in the literature provided indications for diagnostic and therapeutic propositions.

[Traumatic knee dislocation with popliteal vascular disruption: retrospective study of 14 cases]. / Luxations traumatiques du genou associées à une interruption de l'artère poplitée: étude critique rétrospective d'une série de 14 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Complex femorotibial dislocation of the knee joint generally results from high-energy trauma caused by a traffic or a contact sport accident. Besides disruption of the cruciate ligaments, in 10-25% of patients present concomitant palsy of the common peroneal nerve and more rarely disruption of the popliteal artery. The purpose of this work was to assess outcome in a monocentric consecutive series of knee dislocations with ischemia due to disruption of the popliteal artery and to focus on specific aspects of management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective series included eleven men and three women, aged 18 to 74 years (mean 47 years). The right knee was injured in five and the left knee in six. Trauma resulted from a farm accident in six patients, fall from a high level in two, a traffic accident in three and a skiing accident (fall) in one. Two other patients with morbid obesity were fall victims. Nine patients had a single injury, two presented an associated serious head injury, one a severe chest injury, and one multiple trauma with coma, chest contusion, and abdominal lesions. One patient had a fracture of the distal femur with associated ischemia. Five knee dislocations were open with a popliteal wound for three and a posteromedial wound for two. Four patients presented total sciatic nerve palsy and nine palsy of the common peroneal nerve. The dislocation was documented in ten cases: lateral (n=1), anterior (n=4), posterior (n=5). For four patients, the dislocation had been reduced during pre-hospital care. Preoperative arteriography was available for eight patients and confirmed the disruption of the popliteal artery; the diagnosis was obvious in six other patients who were directed immediately to the operative theatre without pre-operative imaging. Revascularization was achieved with a upper popliteal-lower popliteal bypass using an inverted saphenous graft. The graft was harvested from the homolateral greater saphenous vein in eight patients and the contralateral vein in six. On average, limb revascularization was achieved after 10.07 hours ischemia. Intravenous heparin was instituted for 810 days followed by low-molecular-weight heparin. The dislocation was stabilized by a femorotibial fixator in nine patients and a cruropedious cast in five. An incision was made in the anterolateral and posterior leg compartments in twelve patients. A revision procedure was necessary on day one in one patient because of recurrent ischemia; a second bypass using an autologous venous graft was successful. One other 75-year-old patient also presented recurrent ischemia on day five; the bypass was reconstructed but the patient died from multiple injuries. Seven thin skin grafts were used to cover the aponeurotomy surfaces. Mean duration of the external fixator was 3.4 months. The five patients treated with a plaster case were immobilized for 2.7 months on average. Ligament repair was performed in three patients (one lateral reconstruction and one double reconstruction of the central pivot for the two others). A total prosthesis with a rotating hinge was implanted in two patients aged 67 and 74 years after removal of the external fixator at six and seven months. Failure of the ligament repair also led to arthroplasty in a third patient. RESULTS: Blood supply to the lower limb was successfully restored as proven by the renewed coloration of the teguments and-or presence of distal pulses in 13 patients. Transient acute renal failure required dialysis in one patient. Four patients developed pin track discharges and there was one case of septic arthritis of the knee joint which was cured after arthrotomy for wash-out and adapted antibiotics. Outcome was assessed a minimum 18 months follow-up (average 22 months) for the 13 survivors. The three sciatic palsies recovered partially at five and six months in the tibial territory but with persistent paralysis in the territory of the common peroneal nerve. The nine cases of common peroneal nerve palsy noted initially regressed completely or nearly completely in three patients, partially in three and remained unchanged in three. The results were assessed as a function of the final knee procedure: outcome was satisfactory for the patients with a total knee arthroplasty. Outcome of the three ligamentoplasties was good in one, fair in one, and a failure in one (revision arthroplasty). Patients treated by immobilization without a second surgical procedure complained of joint instability with a variable clinical impact; their knee retained active flexion greater than 90 degrees and complete extension. DISCUSSION: An analysis of the literature and the critical review of our clinical experience was conducted to propose a coherent therapeutic attitude for patients presenting this type of trauma. The prevalence of disruption of the popliteal vascular supply in patients with knee dislocation is between 4 and 20%. The rate is closely related to that of injury to nerves and soft tissue. Ischemia should be immediately suspected in all cases of knee dislocation. The pedious and tibial pulses must be carefully noted before and after reduction of the dislocation to determine whether or not there is an organic arterial lesion. If the pulses are absent initially, they should be expected to reappear strong, rapidly and permanently after reduction. Otherwise, arteriography should be performed. Dislocation stretches the artery between two points of relative anchorage in the adductor ring and the soleus arcade to the point of rupture. Repair requires a bypass between the upper popliteal artery and the tibioperoneal trunk using an inverted saphenous graft because the walls are torn over several centimeters. The traumatology and vascular surgical teams must work in concert from the beginning of the surgical work-up in order to establish a coherent operative strategy founded on primary reduction of the dislocation, installation of a fixator and then vascular repair and aponeurotomy incisions. It would be preferable to wait until the bypass is proven patent and wound healing is complete before proposing ligament repair. This should be done after a precise anatomic work-up to assess each ligament lesion. Bony avulsion or simple disinsertion can however be repaired in the emergency setting at the time of the bypass as well as any ligament rupture which is obvious and-or situated on the medial collateral approach. Secondarily, elements of the central pivot can be repaired in young patients with an important functional demand. Arthroplasty is not warranted except in the elderly patient. Dissection of the popliteal fossa or debridement of the wound enables a careful anatomic assessment of the nerve trunks. In the event of a peroneal nerve disruption, it is advisable to fix the nerve ends to avoid retraction. Beyond three months without clinical or electromyography recovery, surgical exploration is indicated. In the event more than 15 cm is lost, there is no hope for a successful graft. Complete knee dislocation is extremely rare. It can be caused by high-energy trauma associated with several ligament ruptures, particularly rupture of the central pivot observed in 10-25% of cases with common peroneal nerve palsy. Compression, contusion or disruption of the popliteal artery is very rarely caused by the displacement of the femur or the tibia. Limb survival may be compromised. Mandatory emergency restoration of blood supply will modify immediate and subsequent surgical strategies. There has not however been any study exclusively devoted to double joint and vascular involvement. Our objective was to present a critical retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of knee dislocations with ischemia due to disruption of the common popliteal artery treated in a single center and to describe the specific features of management strategies for a coherent diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

[Mid-term results of Wallaby I posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study of the first 425 cases]. / Résultats à moyen terme de la prothèse totale du genou Wallaby I conservant le ligament croisé postérieur: à propos des 425 premiers cas suivis prospectivement.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Posterior Wallaby I is a fixed polyethylene tibial plateau prosthesis enabling preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Its asymmetrical and divergent femoral condyles articulate with also asymmetrical tibial plateaus. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze outcome of the first 425 Wallaby I prosthesis of the Guepar group implanted for first-intention treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These 425 prostheses were implanted from December 1992 to February 1995 by senior and junior surgeons. Mean patient age at implantation was 70.5 years. 91% had primary or secondary osteoarthritis and only 8.9% had inflammatory rheumatoid disease. The mean preoperative IKS score was 25.34 points and the IKS function score was 29.04. 10.35% of knees were aligned normally (mechanical axis between 2 degrees varus and 3 degrees valgus) according to the IKS criteria (Ewald), 24% presented valgus > or = 4 degrees and 65.6% varus > or = 3 degrees. All tibial and patellar components (except one) were cemented, 5.8% of the femoral pieces were inserted without cement. All but 11 patellae were resurfaced. Clinical outcome was assessed with the IKS score and radiological outcome with the IKS criteria. The patella was considered to be tilted when the alpha angle was > 5 degrees and dislocated when the AA' distance was > 5 mm. The chi-square test was used for comparison of quantitative variables (significance set at 0.05). RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were rare: two infections cured with debridement-lavage and antibiotics without removal of the prosthesis, one peronal nerve palsy which regressed partially, ten late unions without clinical consequence (particularly in the inflammatory rheumatoid patients). Twenty-six prostheses were followed less than one year (eight patients died and eighteen were lost to follow-up) and 84 less than five years (27 patients died and 57 lost to follow-up before five years). 315 prostheses were followed for more than five years (5-9 years) with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. Among the 399 prostheses followed for one year or more, we noted: four infections including three requiring change of the prosthesis (one cured by arthroscopic lavage), two aseptic loosenings which were revised (one global one tibial), one tibial loosening and three patellar loosenings which were not revised, and two femoral ossifications limiting joint motion but improved by arthrolysis and resection of the ossifications. Three patients experienced anterior pain requiring secondary patellar resurfacing in two and section of the lateral patellar wing in one. Ninteen patellar fractures (4.7%) were noted, including 17 with no significant functional impact which were not revised. The mean IKS knee score among prostheses followed for five years was 90.5 points, with mean motion 110.5 degrees. Mean IKS function score was 61.63 points. 72.9% of the knees were aligned, 22.2% in varus and 4.9% in valgus. The mechanical axis of 94.3% of the knees was between 5 degrees varus and 5 degrees valgus. Prosthesis survival at eight years (Kaplan-Meier method) was 97.7% considering all reasons for prosthesis removal and 98.5% for removal for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicentric study demonstrated that the results obtained with the Wallaby I prosthesis are as good as those obtained with other prostheses sparing the PCL and published in the literature. Preservation of the PCL enables better knee stability, correct motion (110.5 degrees in our series) with almost no radiological wear of the tibial polyethylene at eight years. The only worrisome complication is patellar fracture.

Acute and chronic humeral shaft fractures in adults.

Humeral shaft fractures account for up to 5% of all fractures. Many of these fractures are still being treated conservatively using functional (Sarmiento) bracing or a hanging arm cast. Union is achieved in 10 weeks in more than 94% of cases. Angulation of less than 30° varus or valgus and less than 20° flessum or recurvatum can be tolerated by the patient from a functional and esthetic point of view. The ideal candidate for this treatment is a patient with an isolated fracture. Plate and screw fixation of the fracture results in union in 11 to 19 weeks. Reported complications include non-union (2.8-21%), secondary radial nerve palsy (6.5-12%) and infection (0.8-2.4%). Anterograde or retrograde locked intramedullary nailing requires knowledge of nailing techniques and regional anatomy to avoid the complications associated with the technique. Union is obtained in 10-15 weeks. Reported complications consist of non-union (2-17.4%), infection (0-4%) and secondary radial nerve palsy (2.7-5%). Hackethal bundle nailing is still used for fracture fixation, despite an elevated complication rate (5-24% non-union and 6-29% pin migration) because of its low cost and simple instrumentation. Union is achieved in 8-9 weeks. Controversy remains about the course to follow when the radial nerve is injured initially. If the fracture is open, significantly displaced, associated with a vascular injury or requires surgical treatment, the nerve must be explored. In other cases, the recommended approach varies greatly. Conservative treatment is inexpensive and has a low complication rate. Humeral shaft fractures are increasingly being treated surgically, at a greater cost and higher risk of complications.

Does venous microemboli detection add to the interpretation of D-dimer values following orthopedic surgery?

The identification of risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following orthopedic surgery remains unclear. We have investigated the relationship between plasma levels of D-dimer (DD), the presence or absence of microemboli 1 day after surgery, and the occurrence of DVT 7 days after total hip or knee replacement. The prevalence of DVT was 25 (13.3%) among 188 patients and was lower in 112 patients with DD < 2808 ng mL(-1) than in the 56 patients with higher DD levels: respectively, 8.0% vs. 21.4% (p < 0.05). D-dimer is not suitable for individual estimation of DVT risk. Microemboli were found in 112 (60%) of 186 subjects. The presence/absence or the frequency of the microemboli showed no relationship with the occurrence of DVT. Last, when evaluating the risk of DVT in orthopedic surgery, microemboli detection does not add to the interpretation of DD concentration.

Metastatic lesions of the cervical spine. A retrospective analysis of 20 cases.

Twenty patients were surgically treated for metastatic lesions of the cervical spine. The primary cancer was known in 14 patients, breast cancer being the most prevalent. In six patients, the cervical metastasis was revelatory of cancer. Fourteen patients showed neurologic deficit. For the upper cervical spine, a posterior approach was employed. From C3 to C7, an anterior surgical approach was preferred. Since 1986, the authors have performed, after a corpectomy of one or more vertebrae, an acrylic corpoplasty reinforced with an anterior plate. Two cases of neurologic deterioration and one instability in lesions involving the lower cervical spine were encountered. The survival period for 17 patients was, on average, 11 months (ranging from 8 days to 46 months). Nineteen patients had pain relief. Of 14 patients with neurologic deficit, 9 experienced partial or total improvement. Three patients showed no neural recovery, whereas surgery worsened the conditions of two patients. For lower cervical lesions, the anterior approach is recommended even for C3 (retropharyngeal approach) or for cervicothoracic lesions.

Prolonged asymptomatic micro-embolism after hip or knee arthroplasty.

We studied the time course of micro-embolism by recording high intensity transient signals (HITS) on Doppler venous blood flow studies during a 7-day period in 57 of 63 consecutive patients after hip or knee replacement. No HITS were found before surgery, or in the non-operated leg after surgery. In the operated leg, the median number of HITS per minute showed an exponential decrease with time; a 50% reduction in the number of HITS took 72 minutes. Regardless of the duration and severity of HITS, we found no clinically apparent embolic event. Colour Doppler imaging at days 8 to 10 after operation showed a deep venous thrombosis in 17% of our patients with one thrombosis of the long saphenous vein. The presence or severity of HITS did not predict the venous thrombi. Although we found no pulmonary complications, we detected micro-emboli over a longer period after surgery than is usually reported. Spectral analysis of the Doppler venous signal is a repeatable and non-invasive monitoring technique in the post-surgical period. We failed to prove a correlation between deep venous thrombi and micro-emboli detected by this method.

[Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor]. / Pseudo-tumeur fibreuse calcifiante.

The case of a 17-year-young woman with Calcifying Fibrous Pseudotumor is reported. This observation emphasizes 1) A distinctive histologic appearance and the broad spectrum of this entity, 2) The differential diagnosis to consider, 3) The excellent prognostic and the low risk of local recurrence.

[Harris and Galante non-cemented total hip prosthesis. 1st results]. / La prothèse totale de hanche sans ciment de Harris et Galante. Premiers résultats.

Amongst the various models of total hip prosthesis available on the market, the Harris and Galante non-cemented implant constitutes an attractive alternative. The authors report their preliminary experience on the basis of a limited series (77 hips) and a follow-up of 6 to 30 months. The hemispherical acetabular prosthesis, which is very easy to use, induces a local reaction in about 10% of cases. The femoral pivot, inserted by means of a very sophisticated apparatus, is more frequently responsible for local reactions (4 circumferential rings, 2 of which were asymptomatic, and 24 partial rings particularly in Gruen's zone 1). Although the preliminary results of this short series appear to be encouraging (59 operated patients out of 63 were scored as D5 - D6), a longer follow-up is nevertheless essential.

[Pseudarthrosis of the femur neck and ununited ipsilateral diaphyseal fracture. Value of an adjustable 2-piece nail plate]. / Pseudarthrose du col fémoral et fracture diaphysaire homolatérale non consolidée. Intérêt d'un clou-plaque bibloc décalé.

The authors have treated four patients presenting in the same limb a pseudarthrosis of the neck of the femur and an ununited fracture of the femoral shaft. All the cases were treated by fixation of the diaphyseal lesion and valgus osteotomy of the femoral neck. To achieve this, the authors recommend the use of a two-piece nail plate sufficiently long to bridge the lower fracture site. In all the cases, union occurred without necrosis of the femoral head.

[Prevention of thromboembolic complications during total hip arthroplasty by pre- and postoperative heparinotherapy with adapted doses. Apropos of 356 cases]. / Prévention des complications thromboemboliques au cours de l'arthroplastie totale de hanche par héparinothérapie pré-et post-opératoire à doses personnalisées. A propos de 356 cas.

From January 1980 to July 1987, a continuous series of 356 total hip replacement underwent preventive treatment of subcutaneous Heparin, prescribed in adapted doses, both before and after surgery, and relayed at the 7th postoperative day by Ethyl Biscoumacetate. This medication was continued for 45 days. Modern methods of detection were used to detect thromboembolic complications: up to the 7th day radioactive labeled Fibrinogen and, at the slightest hint of problem, phlebocavography of the lower limbs. The established procedure made it possible to lower significantly the rate of phlebothromboses to 14 cases (3.9%) of which 3 (0.8%) developed non lethal pulmonary embolisms. The surgical site revealed an hematoma in 5% of the case, of which 1.4% had to be subjected to a surgical relief. Of the 4 deaths observed in this series, two resulted from the anticoagulant preventive method. The biological monitoring disclosed a lasting fall in the Antithrombin III in the three days following the operation and significant drop in the coagulation tests between the 4th and 6th day in the case of the patients who were to develop a thromboembolism.

[Treatment of chondrosarcoma of the tibia by cryosurgery. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Traitement des chondrosarcomes du tibia par cryochirurgie. A propos de 2 observations.

Two grade II central tibial chondrosarcomata of have been treated by extensive curettage and cryotherapy as described by Marcove. No recurrences or metastases were present after a follow-up of six and eight-and-a-half years respectively. A review of the treatment of these tumours was made and the advantages and disadvantages of liquid nitrogen considered. The indications for cryosurgery are described. The frequency and time of onset of recurrences and metastases is discussed in the light of published papers.

[Interlocking nail according to Seidel in recent diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. Review of 41 cases of 48 fractures]. / L'enclouage verrouillé selon Seidel des fractures diaphysaires humérales récentes. 41 cas revus sur 48 fractures.

The Seidel's humeral interlocking nail is used in our department since december 1986. We report about the 48 first cases, 41 of them have been reviewed with a mean time follow up of 14 months. The indications were humeral mid-shaft fractures with associated lesions (20 cases), failures of non operative treatment (10 cases) and compound fractures (7 cases). Primary radialis nerve lesions has to be explored before nailing. In 41 cases we used a static procedure; post-operative immobilisation average time: were 13 days. Consolidation occurred in all cases within an average time of 10.5 weeks. Post-operative complications consisted in 1 case of infection healed after removal of the nail, and 1 case of secondary displacement after dynamic nailing with secondary radio-circumflex paralysis. The results were appreciated concording to the criteria of Stewart and Hundlay. We noted 64 per cent excellent and good results for fractures of the upper third, 80 per cent for fractures of the middle third and 85 per cent for the distal third of the diaphysis. All transverse fractures had a very good result but also the transverse and spiral fractures with third fragment which represent very unstable fractures especially at the upper third. The closed interlocking nailing of the humeral fractures according to Seidel represents a reliable and stable fixation method. Consolidation occurs in all cases whatever the type or the level of fracture.

[Guépar's total radio-carpal prosthesis in the surgery of the rheumatoid wrist. Apropos of 72 cases reviewed]. / La prothèse totale radio-carpienne Guépar dans la chirurgie du poignet rhumatoïde. A propos de 72 cas revus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Total wrist arthroplasty is an alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of the rheumatoid wrist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two GUEPAR total wrist arthroplasties in sixty-four patients with rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed 1 to 10 years after the operation (average follow-up of 4 years). GUEPAR total wrist arthroplasty is a bicondylar prosthesis. The radial component made of polyethylene is cemented in the radius. The carpal component made of metal is fixed by two screws in the second and the third metacarpal. This component is constitued by two pieces: a perforated lower part permitting the passage of the screws and its metacarpal fixation and a biconvex cover fixed on the lower part by a micro-screw. RESULTS: In preoperative evaluation, all patients had severe pain and loss of function. Post-operatively, 89 per cent had no pain or mild pain and 96 per cent had better function. The average arc of flexion-extension was 47 degrees preoperatively and 39 degrees postoperatively. There were no deep infections or dislocations. Seventy percent of the patients were satisfied but eleven wrists (15 per cent) required revision: 5 cases for prosthesis revision and 6 cases for implant removal and arthrodesis. Prosthesis revisions were justified by the unscrewing of the carpal component micro-screw: they gived good results. Arthrodesis was required for 4 radial component loosening and for 2 important bone resorptions under the carpal component. Radial component loosening was associated in 3 cases with unscrewing of the micro-screw. Radiographical analysis showed in nearly all cases of this serie a bone resorption under the carpal component. This resorption was 2 mm wide at an average of to 2 years and 4 mm wide at 4 years. DISCUSSION: Clinical results of this study are good but eleven wrists required revision. Nine of these revisions were due to anomalies of first prosthesis: the unscrewing of the carpal component micro-screw was accountable to abnormal use of polyethylene with reaction of the wear products and loosening of the radial component. This problem is now resolved. More disquieting is the bone resorption under the carpal component. In fact, this resorption was constant and evolutive. It was very likely due to micro-movements between the metacarpal screws and the carpal lower part. Also, the conception of the metacarpal-fixation of this prosthesis must be revised. CONCLUSION: In rheumatoid arthritis, wrist arthrodesis gives good results if nothings affects the fingers, elbow or shoulder. If they are affected, total wrist arthroplasty is an alternative. Long term loosening of total wrist arthroplasty is a significant problem so its indication must be reserved for old patients.

[Factors affecting quality of care for elderly subjects undergoing surgery for hip fracture: review of the literature]. / Facteurs de qualité de la prise en charge des sujets âgés opérés d'une fracture de l'extrémité supérieure du fémur: revue de la littérature.

Hip fractures are one of the leading causes for admission of elderly subjects to healthcare facilities. Because of population aging, the incidence of hip fractures has increased considerably over the last years and will continue to increase in industrialized countries. Hip fracture in an elderly subject may be life threatening and has a significant functional and social impact not only because of the fracture itself, but also because of the risk of complications related to the patient's health status and the long hospital stay. The purpose of this work was to identify in the published literature professional practices, excepting the surgical procedure, associated with better early and long-term outcome in elderly patients with hip fracture. Questions raised concerning the patient's hospital stay include factors related to the preoperative phase (time to surgery, usefulness of traction), the operation itself (antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthesia technique), and the postoperative phase (prevention of venous thrombosis, malnutrition, episodes of confusion, duration of indwelling bladder catheter, correction of anemia, geriatric care during the stay in the orthopedic ward, early and intense rehabilitation, prevention of recurrence). Among these factors, several appear to be associated with better outcome, including long-term outcome--surgery as early as possible in light of the patient's general status, antibiotic prophylaxis in accordance with standard recommendations (SFAR), prevention of venous thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin initiated at admission and associated with elastic contention. Oral nutritional support is probably beneficial and should be proposed for all patients. Particular attention must be given to prevention of confusion in order to reduce the rate of institutionalization. The rythm of rehabilitation exercises should be at least five sessions per week. Finally, there are several methods, which are effective in preventing recurrence, taking into account osteoporosis, risk of falls. Preventive measures should be instituted for all patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

[The chief clinician of universities--resident of hospitals: his pedagogic impact]. / Le chef de clinique des universités-assistant des hôpitaux: son rôle et son impact pédagogique.

When a resident is named "Chef de Clinique des Universités-Assistant des Hôpitaux" he has reached the top rung of specialist's training in France. In addition to his role within the hospital ("Assistant des Hôpitaux"), a role learned during the residentship, the title of "Chef de Clinique des Universités" means that he has a teaching role which is acquired intuitively on the basis of experience rather than actually being taught. The resident is given no special training before, as a young "Chef", he is called upon to teach medical students, residents, nurses, physical therapists or even patients under the authority of a professor. Teaching is done in various distinct locations (University and hospital: bedside, operating theatre, emergency room, consultations) which further complicates the new situation. The aim of this work was to retrospectively examine the teaching role of the "Chef de Clinique" based on personal experience both as a resident and as "Chef". Personal experience is given as an introduction to each paragraph.

[Distal reimplantation of the extremities]. / Les réimplantations distales des extrémités.

Over the last two years, 15 patients have undergone revascularization surgery to a total of 17 distal extremities at the level of or distal to the last phalangeal joint. Operations were performed by three surgeons trained in microsurgical techniques, making the series a homogeneous one. Results were analyzed using Tamai and Nakamura's scores. Determinant factors, social and economic costs and effects on occupation are emphasized. The mean success rate of 65% is influenced by the total or partial nature of the section, its localization to the thumb or long fingers and the mechanism of section. The good functional results obtained were due to distal forms of amputation, recognized despite the technical difficulties as being an indication of choice for this reimplantation surgery. All patients in this group were able to return to work, with or without adaptation, within a variable lapse of time.