EULAR/EFORT recommendations for management of patients older than 50†years with a fragility fracture and prevention of subsequent fractures.

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) have recognised the importance of optimal acute care for the patients aged 50 years and over with a recent fragility fracture and the prevention of subsequent fractures in high-risk patients, which can be facilitated by close collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists or other metabolic bone experts. Therefore, the aim was to establish for the first time collaborative recommendations for these patients. According to the EULAR standard operating procedures for the elaboration and implementation of evidence-based recommendations, 7 rheumatologists, a geriatrician and 10 orthopaedic surgeons met twice under the leadership of 2 convenors, a senior advisor, a clinical epidemiologist and 3 research fellows. After defining the content and procedures of the task force, 10 research questions were formulated, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was performed and the results were presented to the entire committee. 10 recommendations were formulated based on evidence from the literature and after discussion and consensus building in the group. The recommendations included appropriate medical and surgical perioperative care, which requires, especially in the elderly, a multidisciplinary approach including orthogeriatric care. A coordinator should setup a process for the systematic investigations for future fracture risk in all elderly patients with a recent fracture. High-risk patients should have appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment to decrease the risk of subsequent fracture.

[CT guided dual site infiltration in pudendal neuralgia]. / Infiltration scano-guidée en deux sites dans la névralgie pudendale.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of CT guided dual site infiltration in patients with pudendal neuralgia and determine prognostic factors of efficacy. Materials and methods. Retrospective review of 49 patients with suspected pudendal neuralgia who underwent one or multiple injections of local anesthetics and steroids. Patients were classified based on clinical and electrophysiological findings. RESULTS: 70% of patients with typical symptoms of pudendal neuralgia responded favorably to the infiltrations compared to 27% of patients with atypical symptoms (p<0.05). The mean number of infiltrations was 2.2. 84% of responding patients experienced symptomatic relief after the first infiltration. The mean duration of symptomatic relief was 3 months. CONCLUSION: Infiltration is an effective treatment for patients with typical pudendal neuralgia, and should be included in the management of these patients.

[Osteoporosis and the orthopaedic surgeon in 2007]. / L'ostéoporose et l'orthopédiste en 2007.

Despite advances in the prevention and treatment of fragility fractures, their prevalence continues to grow. The identification and treatment of osteoporosis in these high-risk patients are widely reported to be inadequate. The results of the 2002 and 2006 "Orthopaedic Surgeon Survey" under the auspice of BJD and IOF have shown a better involvement of the orthopaedic surgeon in osteoporosis management during his routine clinical practice. The orthopaedic surgeons knew that fragility fractures in patient over 50 years old require investigation for osteoporosis. Although some surgeons agreed to initiate investigation and inform patient about new osteoporosis fracture risk, the majority did not institute medical treatment and thought that the patient primary care provider or rheumatologist should be responsible for medical care. This round table highlights the current aspect of management of fragility fractures and focuses on diagnosis imaging techniques, pharmacological treatment as well as recent advances in implant design and surgical techniques.

[Anatomic danger of percutaneous section of the inter-metatarsal ligament for the treatment of Morton's neuroma]. / Dangers anatomiques de la section percutanée du ligament inter-métatarsien dans le traitement du névrome de Morton.

Certain authors have proposed percutaneous neurolysis of Morton's neuroma. We conducted a human anatomy study to assess the reliability and the iatrogenic effect of percutaneous section of the ligament. Percutaneous section of the inter-metatarsal ligament was performed on 16 fresh cadaver specimens via a dorsal approach. The plantar dissection demonstrated that the section was not complete, without associated lesion, in only six cases. Analyzing these failures, we determined the necessary procedure for correct section.

[Prospective and comparative study of minimally invasive posterior approach versus standard posterior approach in total hip replacement]. / Etude prospective comparant la voie postérieure minimale invasive versus voie postérieure standard sur prothèse totale de hanche de première intention.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: There have been few prospective studies comparing minimally invasive approaches for total hip replacement. We wanted to ascertain the contribution of the minimally invasive posterior approach in comparison with the standard posterolateral approach in terms of early outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was prospective comparative consecutive series of patients. Patients with major architectural problems or undergoing revision arthroplasty were excluded. One hundred ten patients (116 hips) were divided into two groups which were comparable for number of patients, gender, age, body mass index, indication for surgery, and preoperative function scores. The preoperative ASA score was lower in the minimally invasive group (p=0.04). The patients were in the lateral reclining position for the two approaches and classical instrumentation using the same implants (stems and cemented or non-cemented cups) were used. We noted operative time and blood loss (using the Brecher method based on the hematocrit at day 1 and 5 and the number of blood transfusions), postoperative pain, and implant position. Functional outcome was assessed with the modified Harris score and the WOMAC index (at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months). Statview(R) was used to search for statistical significance considering p<0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Mean length of incision was 8.5 cm versus 15.1 cm. Mean blood loss was significantly less in the minimally invasive group (p=0.027) as was the level of postoperative pain as confirmed by the lesser consumption of morphine analgesics (p=0.006). Other operative variables as well as implant position were comparable. There were no major complications in the minimally invasive group. In the standard group, there was one case of common peroneal nerve palsy, two dislocations, and two fractures related to falls after prosthesis implantation. The WOMAC index was better after the minimally invasive approach at six weeks and at three months (p<0.05). The modified Harris score was better only at six weeks. Functional outcome and pain became comparable thereafter. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive posterior approach does not require an orthopedic table nor specific instrumentation. A minute procedure is required with ligature of the posteromedial circumflex artery of the thigh to improve exposure and limit intraoperative bleeding. It enables satisfactory reproducible implant positioning. Conversion to an open posterolateral approach is possible if needed. The minimally invasive posterior approach enables a reduction in intraoperative bleeding and in postoperative pain while allowing earlier more rapid rehabilitation. Early clinical outcome is better but beyond six weeks, the functional results are comparable for the two approaches. The minimally invasive posterior approach is a reliable reproducible approach with a progressive learning curve.

[Squamous-cell carcinoma and osteomyelitis: three cases and a review of the literature]. / Epithéliomas épidermoïdes et ostéomyélites chroniques: à propos de 3 cas et revue de la littérature.

Chronic osteitis and squamous-cell carcinoma is a rare but classically described association. We report three cases of chronic tibial osteitis which developed open leg trauma. During the surveillance, after a latency period of several years, local signs developed leading to biopsy which provided the diagnosis of degenerative carcinomatosis. Search for locoregional extension or metastatic dissemination was negative. All three patients underwent amputation with good results. This small series, together with a review of the literature, enabled us to describe the principle epidemiological and diagnostic features, focusing on early signs. The appropriate management scheme remains to be determined although amputation, which some may consider as a failure, should not be postponed indefinitely.

[Ganglion cyst rupture in the retro-femoral fat: a report of two cases]. / Rupture de kyste mucoïde dans la graisse rétro-fémorale: à propos de deux cas.

Ganglion cysts are ubiquitous cystic lesions without synovial wall and inconstant communication with the articular cavity. The later must nonetheless always be carefully looked for. We report two cases of ganglion cyst rupture in the retrofemoral fat simulating phlebitis with thigh cellulitis. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the literature. Familiarity with this entity ensures adequate medical diagnosis and management, avoiding unnecessary imaging and laboratory work-up and inappropriate use of anticoagulant and antibiotic.

[Computer-assisted positioning of the acetabular cup for total hip arthroplasty based on joint kinematics without prior imaging: preliminary results with computed tomographic assessment]. / Positionnement de la cupule d'une prothèse totale de hanche par navigation sans image basée sur la cinématique articulaire: Premiers résultats avec evaluation tomodensitométrique de l'orientation des implants.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Most navigation systems for computer-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) require prior computed tomography (CT) or acquisition of multiple bone landmarks on the pelvis. In order to avoid these problems, we developed a computer-assisted navigation system without CT based on a kinematic approach to the hip joint. The principle is to orient the cup in relation to the cone describing the hip joint range of motion. The purpose of this work was to analyze preliminary results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen primary THA were implanted with the system (16 women, two men, mean age 68 +/- 7.8 years, age range 54-83 years, 18 degenerative hip disease). Two optoelectronic captors were fixed percutaneously on the pelvis and the distal femur. The acetabulum was prepared first followed by the femur using reamers and broaches of increasing size. The last broach placed in the femur was equipped with a large head adapted to the newly prepared acetabulum. The range of hip motion was recorded to determine the maximal range of motion cone. The acetabular cup was thus positioned in order the prosthesis range of motion included entirely the maximal range of motion of the hip joint. RESULTS: One patient fell three weeks after implantation causing posterior dislocation; there was no recurrence. The Postel-Merle-d'Aubligné score improved from 8 +/- 2.9 (range 3-12) preoperatively to 17 +/- 0.8 (range 16-18) at last follow-up. None of the patients complained about the captor insertion and there were no cases of hematoma or fracture. Operative time was 35-40 minutes longer for the first four cases and was progressively reduced 15-20 minutes for the last four cases. Mean leg length discrepancy was 5.6 +/- 7.5 mm (range 0-25) before implantation and 0.6 +/- 3 mm (range -5 to 10 mm) at last follow-up. CT-scan measurements revealed a mean anteversion of the femoral implant of 18.2 +/- 8.5 degrees (range 0-31). Anatomic anteversion of the cup (measured from the pelvis landmark and thus independently of the position of the pelvis) was 24.7 +/- 8.8 degrees (range 12-40). The sum of the femoral and anatomic acetabular anteversions was 43 +/- 13.1 degrees (range 22-71). Anteversions were 16 degrees for the cup and 16 degrees for the stem for the one case of dislocation. CONCLUSION: This method can be used in routine without lengthening operative time significantly. It safely controls leg length and helps position the cup. This study demonstrated that there is no ideal position for the cup which can be used for all patients. Because of the wide range of inclination and anteversion figures, half of the cases were outside the safety zone recommended by Lewinnek.

[Acute limb ischemia and fracture of the pelvic ring: a case report]. / Ischémie fémorale aiguë et fracture de l'anneau pelvien: à propos d'un cas.

We report the case of traffic accident victim who suffered multiple injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. The patient suffered blunt trauma of the pelvis followed by acute ischemia of the lower limb. The initial work-up revealed minimally displaced fractures of the right and left obturator rings and the left sacral wing, as well as a non-displaced fracture of the anterior wall of the acetabulum. Computed tomography eliminated a compressive retroperitoneal hematoma. The mechanism of the injury was direct blunt trauma rupturing an atheroma plaque which led to thrombosis of the left common femoral artery. Thrombectomy three hours 30 minutes after onset of ischemia enabled complete sensorial and motor recovery. Awareness of this unusual type of injury can be helpful in conducting a rigorous physical examination to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of male sexual function after pelvic trauma by the International Index of Erectile Function.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the multifaceted male sexual function after pelvic ring fracture. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of male sexual function after pelvic ring fractures was conducted, using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The department of traumatology database was scanned (June 1996 to April 1999) for 30 to 70-year-old male patients with pelvic fracture. Seventy-six consecutive, literate patients were then contacted by mail. IIEF domain scores were calculated for all responders. Cappelleri's method for identification and grading of erectile dysfunction was applied for patients sexually active within the past 4 weeks. Student's t test was used to compare the domain scorings of patients with those of the control population used for the IIEF psychometric validation. Relationships between IIEF results and patient characteristics were sought by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for quantitative variables and Student's t test for classes. RESULTS: Forty-six patients answered (60.1% response rate). Thirty-seven patients had experienced sexual intercourse in the past 4 weeks during which 11 patients (29.7%) had exhibited various degrees of impaired erection. As a whole, compared with the published controls a significant decrease in overall satisfaction (P <0.05) was demonstrated. Pubic diastasis was further related to impaired erectile function and overall satisfaction; we suggest that cavernosal nerves might be damaged at the time of diastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study evidenced the impairment of sexual overall satisfaction after pelvic trauma and the specific decrease in erectile function and erection firmness and confidence associated with pubic diastasis. The IIEF questionnaire might be considered at the time of rehabilitation to identify those patients that could benefit from supportive treatments.

[Deep lesion of the femoral artery and fracture of the femoral diaphysis. Value of selective embolization]. / Lésion de l'artère fémorale profonde et fracture de la diaphyse fémorale. Intérêt de l'embolisation sélective.

The authors report a case of an osteosynthesized fracture of the femoral shaft with a lesion of the deep femoral artery revealed at a late stage by sudden appearance of a hematoma. A diagnostic arteriogram was performed, followed by therapeutic embolization: temporary hemostasis was achieved by the hyper-selective injection of Gelfoam, thus allowing anti-coagulant therapy for associated venous thrombosis to be continued, without abnormal delay in bone consolidation.

[Proximal fibulo-tibial dislocation and ischemia associated with a leg fracture. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Luxation péronéo-tibiale supérieure et ischémie associées à une fracture de jambe. A propos de 2 cas.

Proximal fibulotibial dislocation may remain escape detection in leg injuries. Posterior dislocations are unusual and are associated with shortening of the limb due to the tibial fracture. Two cases of such dislocation are reported, associated with lower limb ischemia due to an injury of the arterial popliteal trifurcation. An anatomical model indicates the mechanism of this lesion. Such an unusual association has not be found elsewhere in literature.

[Reconstruction of the iliac bone using the homolateral femur after resection for pelvic tumor]. / Reconstruction de l'os iliaque à l'aide du fémur homolatéral après résection pour tumeur pelvienne.

The authors have treated three patients with extensive involvement of the acetabular and periacetabular bone by a malignant tumour. One had a metastasis from a carcinoma of the thyroid, one from a carcinoma of the breast and one a plasmocytoma. In all three cases, the upper part of the femur was unaffected. It was used to replace the resected innominate bone and fixed to the remaining bone by screws and plates. An acetabular cup was cemented into the transplanted bone, which itself was replaced by a massive femoral prosthesis. This technique allowed the patients to resume weight bearing rapidly. Two patients were alive and walked satisfactorily after two and four years respectively. The third died five months after the surgical procedure.

[Posterior sternoclavicular luxation. Apropos of 6 cases]. / Les luxations sterno-claviculaires postérieures. A propos de 6 cas.

The authors have reviewed six retro-sternal dislocations of the clavicle. The indirect mechanism of this dislocation was in 3 cases, due to sport accidents (rugby). The radiological incidence of Heining allowed the diagnosis and the CT examination carried out the checkup of the associated lesions. The surgical reduction revealed lesions of the meniscus which were found in 3 cases out of 6 and allowed one to realize a plastic operation using the tendon of the subclavian muscle (4 times out of 6) in order to stabilize by sternoclavicular joint, as well in recent injuries as in old ones. The results were satisfactory.

[Effect of alendronate on periprosthetic bone loss after cemented primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study]. / Action de l'Alendronate sur l'état osseux péri-prothétique après prothèse totale de hanche cimentée: étude prospective randomisée en double aveugle.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Bone remodeling and osteolysis around total hip prostheses, with its inevitable corollary, prosthesis loosening, remains a difficult problem in orthopedic surgery. Alendronate (bisphosphonate) has proven its efficacy for the treatment of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. A few in vitro studies have pointed out its inhibiting effect on particle-induced osteolysis. In vivo, one study has demonstrated its usefulness in preventing osteolysis around non-cemented total hip arthroplasties (THA). The purpose of this work was to study the efficacy of this agent for the prevention of changes in peri-prosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after primary THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study series included 38 patients with degenerative hip disease who underwent THA. The patients were randomized in double-blind fashion to two treatment arms: 10 alendronate and 600 mg calcium per day for 2 years (20 patients) or placebo and 600 mg calcium per day for 2 years (18 patients). Conventional x-rays and x-ray biphotonic absorptiometry (DPX) was performed on day four postop and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postop. The periprosthetic zones described by Grüen were used for analysis. RESULTS: DPX demonstrated a significant reduction in BMD in all patients included in the study. The bone loss was the same in both groups during the early postoperative period reaching maximum loss at 3 months. Differences were observed after this time. In the placebo group, bone loss reached a plateau at 6 months then BMD started to increase progressively, reaching 12.7% bone loss at 2 years follow-up (p<0.002). In the alendronate group, there was no plateau, BMD increased continuously starting from three months and reached 6.857% bone loss at 2 years (p<0.003). DISCUSSION: Administration of alendronate led to a significant reduction in peri-prosthetic bone loss at 2 years follow-up. These results are the first to our knowledge demonstrating the beneficial effect in vivo of alendronate on bone behavior around cemented THAs. CONCLUSION: This beneficial effect observed in vivo should be confirmed in further studies including a larger number of patients and longer follow-up. The action of alendronate could facilitate and even retard revision surgery by preserving bone stock.

[Percutaneous fluoroscopic and arthroscopic controlled screw fixation of posterior facet fractures of the calcaneus]. / Réduction et vissage percutanés des fractures thalamiques du calcaneus sous contrôle arthroscopique et fluoroscopique.

We describe a new technique for reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis of displaced posterior facet fractures of the calcaneus which appears to overcome the problems encountered with other percutaneous methods described for this type of surgery. The method relies on the use of traction which allows automatic reduction of the greater tubersosity. The patient is installed on an orthopedic traction table. Pin traction provides anatomic reduction of the posterior articular surface and restitution of Böhler's angle under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic control. We used this technique in thirteen patients with fifteen displaced posterior facet fractures of the calcaneum. Mean patient age was 50.4 Years. Mean follow-up was twenty Months. We did not have any cutaneous or infectious complications in this short series. In the majority of the cases, the overall functional and physical results were excellent or good. The mean Böhler's angle was 27 degrees, corresponding to 83% correction compared with the healthy side. These preliminary results are encouraging. We were able to restitute calcaneum anatomy, shorten hospital stay, and avoid all skin complications. Indications for this percutaneous technique could be widened. It is a valid alternative to open treatment of posterior facet fractures of the calcaneum.

[Fibrous dysplasia associated with intramuscular myxoma]. / Dysplasie fibreuse associée à un myxome des parties molles.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The association of fibrous dysplasia and of soft tissue myxoma is rare. The authors report a new case and discuss the underlying mechanism. CASE REPORT: A 45 years male consulted for a large painful swelling of the right gluteal muscle. The CT scan revealed the soft tissue tumor associated with a bone cyst of the right pelvic bone. The mass was removed at operation and tumoral bone tissue was curetted, there were no evidence of tissue continuity between the two lesions. The histological diagnosis was intra muscular myxoma and fibrous dysplasia. DISCUSSION: Intra muscular myxoma associated to fibrous dysplasia of bone is a rare syndrome described by Mazabraud in 1957. A review of the literature until 1995 reveals that only 17 cases of this syndrome have been reported. Intra muscular myxoma is a rare benign soft tissue tumour arising from fibroblast. Fibrous dysplasia is a hamartomatous bony disorder, which appears in mono or polyostotic forms, with or without extraskeletal manifestation. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to demonstrate a clear correlation between the two lesions. The authors suggest that myxoma result from bone mechanical disorders.

[Intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus: pathological description. Contribution of x-ray computed tomography]. / Les fractures thalamiques du calcanéum: description anatomo-pathologique. Apport de la tomodensitométrie.

Computed tomography (CT) is of cardinal importance in the study of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus, as with this imaging technique the primary fracture line of Palmer can be followed and its various locations visualised. If the three-stage classification system of these fractures as vertical, horizontal or mixed fractures, based on their radiological appearance, is adopted, a correlation can be established between the location of Palmer's line and these three anatomical types. The fundamental fracture line is medial in the vertical types, lateral in the horizontal types and is located in the centre of the posterior facet in the mixed types. It can be seen that the fundamental fracture line separates a laterally detached fragment which is always tilted, giving a vertical slope to the surface of the posterior facet which it supports and thus giving a vertical image. This fragment is itself separated from a medially detached fragment which is tilted horizontally and produces a horizontal image on the lateral view. The CT sections must be examined for the presence of a secondary sagittal line completely isolating the horizontally tilted fragment. The importance of the location of the fundamental fracture line, which is on the borderline between tilting and horizontalisation, suggests that pronation-supination of the foot is a factor in the causal mechanism of these fractures. A clear understanding of the three-dimensional position of the fragments and of their displacement, essentially defined by the location of the fracture line, is a prequisite before attempting surgical reduction of calcaneal fractures.

Reconstruction of the iliac bone using the homolateral femur after resection for pelvic tumor.

The authors have treated three patients with extensive involvement of the acetabular and peri-acetabular bone by a malignant tumour. One had a metastasis from a carcinoma of the thyroid, one from a carcinoma of the breast and one a plasmacytoma. In all three cases, the upper part of the femur was unaffected. It was used to replace the resected pelvic bone and fixed to the remaining bone by screws and plates. An acetabular cup was cemented into the transplanted bone, which itself was replaced by a massive femoral prosthesis. This technique allowed the patients to resume weight bearing rapidly. Two patients were alive and walked satisfactorily after two and four years respectively. The third died five months after the surgical procedure.

Ethical standards for orthopaedic surgeons.

This paper offers a summary of the ethical guide for the European orthopaedic community; the full report will be published in the EFORT Journal.