Early Postoperative Complications and Ambulation in Patients Treated for Hip Fractures, the Unexpected Positive Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison Study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused countries worldwide to implement lockdowns. Elective surgeries were temporarily suspended, with surgeries being performed only for emergent/urgent medical conditions such as hip fractures where early surgical intervention has shown decreased rates of morbidity/mortality. OBJECTIVES: To assess the indirect influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown on hip fracture patients, considering factors such as time to surgery, early postoperative complications, and ambulation status. METHODS: A comparative retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients presenting to our emergency department (ED) with hip fractures that were treated surgically (N=29) during a 1-month period during the government lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The treatments were compared to consecutive patients who presented with hip fractures and were treated surgically (N=44) during the same timeframe in the previous year (control). Comparisons were made using t-test, ANOVA test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test. RESULTS: The COVID-19 group was operated on sooner (20.34 vs. 34.87 hours), had fewer early postoperative complications (10.3% vs. 31.8%), had better ambulatory status at discharge, and experienced a shorter hospital stay (5.93 vs. 8.13 days) with more patients being discharged home (72.4% vs. 22.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with hip fractures to our ED during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown indirectly benefited from this situation by undergoing earlier surgical treatment, thus experiencing fewer early postoperative complications, faster ambulation, and sooner discharge.

Lower Extremity Fractures in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Following Road Traffic Accidents.

Lower extremity fractures (LEFs) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) can result in significant morbidity and account for a substantial part of nonfatal injuries requiring hospitalization. This study investigated the epidemiology of RTA-associated LEFs in the pediatric population. Based on the National Trauma Registry, data of 28,924 RTA hospitalized pediatric patients were reviewed. Data were analyzed according to LEF mechanism of injury, age distribution, fracture types, associated injuries, surgical treatment, and their interrelations.A total of 4970 (17.18%) sustained LEFs, with the highest risk for motorcycle-associated RTA, followed by pedestrians. Approximately 1 of 4 patients had multiple fractures. Forty percent (2184 cases) sustained additional injuries, for which car-associated RTAs were at the greatest risk (61%, P < 0.0001), followed by pedestrians and motorcycles (46%-45%, P < 0.0001). Overall, head/neck/face injuries were the most commonly associated injuries. The tibia was the most fractured bone (42%), followed by the femur, fibula, foot, and ankle. This distribution varied according to RTA mechanism. Forty-one percent of cases required fracture treatment in an operating room. As patients were older, the greater the chance they required further treatment in the operating room (P < 0.0001).This large-scale study on the epidemiology of LEFs in the pediatric population following RTA provides unique information on epidemiological characteristics of LEF, pertinent both to medical care providers and to health policy makers allocating resources and formulating prevention strategies in the attempt to deal with the burden of road traffic accidents.Level of Evidence: Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level II.

High Interspecimen Variability in Engagement of the Anterolateral Ligament: An In Vitro Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction as an adjunct to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a subject of clinical debate. This uncertainty may be driven in part by a lack of knowledge regarding where, within the range of knee motion, the ALL begins to carry force (engages). QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does the ALL engage in the ACL-intact knee; and (2) where within the range of anterior tibial translation occurring in the ACL-sectioned knee does the ALL engage? METHODS: A robotic manipulator was used to measure anterior tibial translation, ACL forces, and ALL forces in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (10 donors; mean age, 41 ± 16 years; range, 20-64 years; eight male) in response to applied multiplanar torques. The engagement point of the ALL was defined as the anterior tibial translation at which the ALL began to carry at least 15% of the force carried by the native ACL; a threshold of 15% minimized the sensitivity of the engagement point of the ALL. This engagement point was compared with the maximum anterior tibial translation permitted in the ACL-intact condition using a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Normality of each outcome measure was confirmed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The ALL engaged in five and four of 10 ACL-intact knees in response to multiplanar torques at 15° and 30° of flexion, respectively. Among the nine of 10 knees in which the ALL engaged with the ACL sectioned, the ACL-intact motion limit, and ALL engagement point, respectively, averaged 1.5 ± 1.1 mm and 5.4 ± 4.1 mm at 15° of flexion and 2.0 ± 1.3 mm and 5.7 ± 2.7 mm at 30° of flexion. Thus, the ALL engaged 3.8 ± 3.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-6.3 mm; p = 0.027) and 3.7 ± 2.4 mm (95% CI, 2.1-5.3 mm; p = 0.008) beyond the maximum anterior tibial translation of the ACL-intact knee at 15° and 30° of flexion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this in vitro, cadaveric study, the ALL engaged in up to half of the ACL-intact knees. In the ACL-sectioned knees, the ALL engaged beyond the ACL-intact limit of anterior subluxation on average in response to multiplanar torques, albeit with variability that likely reflects interspecimen heterogeneity in ALL anatomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings suggest that surgical variables such as the joint position and tension at which lateral extraarticular grafts and tenodeses are fixed might be able to be tuned to control where within the range of knee motion the graft tissue is engaged to restrain joint motion on a patient-specific basis.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus total knee arthroplasty: Which type of artificial joint do patients forget?

PURPOSE: During recent years, there has been an intensive growth of interest in the patient's perception of functional outcome. The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a recently introduced score that measures joint awareness of patients who have undergone knee arthroplasty and is less limited by ceiling effects. The aim of this study was to compare the FJS between patients who undergo medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 1 and 2 years post-operatively. METHODS: This prospective study compares the FJS at a minimum of one (average 1.5 years, range 1.0-1.9) and a minimum of 2 years (average 2.5 years, range 2.0-3.6) post-operatively between patients who underwent medial UKA and TKA. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty patients were included. Sixty-five patients underwent medial UKA and 65 patients underwent TKA. At both follow-up points, the FJS was significantly higher in the UKA group (FJS 1 year 73.9 ± 22.8, FJS 2 year 74.3 ± 24.8) in contrast to the TKA group (FJS 1 year 59.3 ± 29.5 (p = 0.002), FJS 2 year 59.8 ± 31.5, (p = 0.004)). No significant improvement in the FJS was observed between 1- and 2-year follow-up of the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo UKA are more likely to forget their artificial joint in daily life and consequently may be more satisfied. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Coronal tibiofemoral subluxation in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze knees in varying stages of osteoarthritis (OA) for the presence of coronal tibiofemoral (CTF) subluxation and to determine if CTF subluxation severity is related to knee OA worsening. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated CTF subluxation and limb alignment in 113 patients with different stages of knee OA who were being considered for an arthroplasty procedure. Knee OA was classified as "mild" or "severe" according to Kellgren-Lawrence scale. CTF subluxation was measured in the study groups and in 40 knees of healthy controls using software developed specifically on the basis of Iterative Closest Point mathematical algorithm. RESULTS: Mean CTF subluxation in "mild OA" and "severe OA" groups was 3.5% (±2) and 3.5 % (±5) of the tibial plateau, respectively. For both the mild and severe OA groups, CTF subluxation was significantly increased compared to the 1.4% (±1) CTF subluxation in the control group, (p < 0.0001) and (p = 0.012), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in CTF subluxation between the mild OA and severe OA groups (p = 0.75). Limb varus malalignment in mild OA and severe OA groups was 3.6° (±2.2) and 5.3° (±2.6), respectively. Both significantly increased comparing to the 1° (±0.7) control group alignment (p < 0.0001). Varus malalignment in the severe OA group was significantly increased comparing to the mild OA group (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: CTF subluxation is a radiographic finding related to knee OA which occurs mainly in the early stages of the osteoarthritic process and stagnates as OA progresses.

Predictors of Subjective Outcome After Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Unexplainable pain after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains a leading cause for revision surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the patient-specific variables that may influence subjective outcomes after medial UKA to optimize results. METHODS: Retrospectively, we analyzed 104 consecutive medial UKA patients. The evaluated parameters consisted of age, body mass index, gender, preoperative radiographic severity of the various knee compartments, and preoperative and postoperative mechanical axis alignments. RESULTS: At an average of 2.3-year follow-up, our data demonstrate that body mass index, gender, and preoperative severity among the various knee compartments do not influence Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) results. Preoperatively, patients aged <65 years had inferior WOMAC stiffness (4.6 vs 2.9, P = .001), pain (9.7 vs 7.6, P = .041), and total (37.2 vs 47.6, P = .028) scores vs patients aged ≥65 years. Postoperatively, only the difference on the WOMAC stiffness subscale remained significant between both age groups, in favor of patients aged ≥65 years (1.0 vs 1.5, P = .035). A postoperative varus mechanical axis alignment of 1°-4° correlated to significantly superior WOMAC pain (P = .03), function (P = .04), and total (P = .04) scores compared to a varus of ≤1° or ≥4°. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that greater pain relief can be expected in patients aged <65 years and that a postoperative lower limb alignment of 1°-4° varus should be pursued. Taking these factors into consideration will help to maximize clinical outcomes, fulfill patient expectations after medial UKA, and subsequently minimize revision rates.

Medial Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Improves Patellofemoral Congruence: a Possible Mechanistic Explanation for Poor Association Between Patellofemoral Degeneration and Clinical Outcome.

The purpose was to determine the effect of medial fixed bearing unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) on postoperative patellofemoral joint (PFJ) congruence and analyze the relationship of preoperative PFJ degeneration on clinical outcome. We retrospectively reviewed 110 patients (113 knees) who underwent medial UKA. Radiographs were evaluated to ascertain PFJ degenerative changes and congruence. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The postoperative absolute patellar congruence angle (10.05 ± 10.28) was significantly improved compared with the preoperative value (14.23 ± 11.22) (P = 0.0038). No correlation was found between preoperative PFJ congruence or degeneration severity, and WOMAC scores at two-year follow up. Pre-operative PFJ congruence and degenerative changes do not affect UKA clinical outcomes. This finding may be explained by the post-op PFJ congruence improvement.

A large-scale study on epidemiology and risk factors for chronic ankle instability in young adults.

Up to 40% of ankle sprains can result in chronic ankle instability (CAI). The prevalence of CAI and its association with body mass index (BMI) and height in the general young adult population has not been reported. The database records of young adults before recruitment into mandatory military service were studied. Information on the disability codes associated with CAI was retrieved. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the BMI and body height with various grades of CAI severity. The study cohort included 829,791 subjects (470,125 males and 359,666 females). The prevalence was 0.7% for mild CAI and 0.4% for severe instability in males and 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, for females (p < .001). An increased BMI was associated with ankle instability in males (overweight, odds ratio [OR] 1.249, p < .001; obese, OR 1.418, p < .001) and females (overweight, OR 1.989 p < .001; obese, OR 2.754, p < .001). The body height was associated with an increased risk of CAI when the highest height quintile was compared with the lowest height quintile in both males (OR 2.443, p < .001) and females (OR 1.436, p < .001) for all levels of instability severity. The present study has shown a greater prevalence of CAI among males than females in a general healthy young adult population. CAI was associated with an increased BMI and greater body height for all grades of instability severity.

Dynamic Locking Plate versus Multiple Cancellous Screws for the Fixation of Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures: Long-Term Results and Quality-Of-Life Assessment Based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes and quality-of-life measures for two fixation methods in the setting of displaced femoral neck fractures. The two groups included fixation with multiple cancellous screws (group 1) and telescopic femoral neck screws and a small locking plate device (Targon FN) (group 2). Patients underwent reduction and internal fixation with either multiple cancellous screws or the Targon FN device from March 2000 to January 2012. Failure endpoints included nonunion, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and revision surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures included chronic pain, ability to ambulate, and the use of ambulation assistive devices. Statistical analysis demonstrated a statistically significant lower rate of non-union and overall complication in the Targon FN group (p value < 0.001 and p value = 0.005, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that operative fixation with the Targon FN device decreased the odds ratio for overall complication by a factor of 0.34 (p = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in patient-reported outcomes (chronic pain (p = 0.21), ability to ambulate (p = 0.07), and the use of an ambulation assistive device (p = 0.07)). When compared to traditional cancellous screw fixation of femoral neck fractures, the Targon FN device has significantly lower complication rates and equivalent patient-reported outcomes.

The results of corrective osteotomy for valgus arthritic knees.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of corrective varus osteotomy in the treatment of arthritic knees with valgus deformity. METHODS: The data were retrieved from a literature review. Each relevant study was screened for demographic details, surgical techniques, follow-up periods, clinical outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 27 publications describing the results of varus osteotomies for valgus arthritic knees were reviewed. All were small case series studies, variable in their patient population, surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, follow-up periods, clinical assessments and were categorized as level IV of scientific evidence. CONCLUSION: The role of varus osteotomy remains poorly defined. The literature generally supports this procedure in active and cooperative patients to reduce pain and delay the need for knee replacement. New techniques hold promising results regarding shortening of rehabilitation time and low reoperation and complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pediatric nonaccidental injury: are orthopedic surgeons vigilant enough?

BACKGROUND: Nonaccidental pediatric injuries are major cause of morbidity and mortality, with fractures being second to soft-tissue injuries as the most common presentation. As the orthopedic surgeon might be the only physician an abused child would encounter, the role of the orthopedic surgeon is of great importance. It includes recognition, treatment, and appropriate report of suspected child abuse. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitude and knowledge of orthopedic surgeons treating suspected nonaccidental injuries. METHODS: Evaluation of orthopedic surgeons included level of knowledge regarding pediatric nonaccidental injury, common practice, and reporting attitudes to Child Protection Services. We specifically examined whether seniority and professional experience had effect on knowledge and performance. Data were collected by a questionnaire distributed to orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: The study cohort includes 130 orthopedic surgeons. As much as 62.3% of participating physicians had 10 years or less experience practicing as orthopedic surgeons, and 37.7% had more than 10 years of experience. A mean of 2.39 cases of suspected child abuse was treated over the last year by the physicians that completed the questionnaire. Thirty-five percent of the responders had specific targeted training with respect to the "violence toward minors or helpless reporting obligation law." Of the participating physicians, 89.2% stated that they thought it is the responsibility of the orthopedic surgeons to raise the suspicion for child abuse and refer the child and his/her parents to Child Protection Services. When treating a case of suspected nonaccidental injury, 61.2% of experienced physicians stated that they try to find out what caused the symptoms as opposed to 81.5% of less-experienced physicians (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that many orthopedic surgeons--both senior physicians and less-experienced physicians--can benefit by improved education and training modality related to pediatric nonaccidental injury. More-experienced physicians had lesser awareness and tendency to further investigate cases with suspected nonaccidental injury compared with less-experienced physicians. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective study.

Delay in diagnosis of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis in adults: an elusive disease with poor outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hematogenous osteomyelitis of long bone is rare in adults, especially in the immune competent host. Only a few cases have been described to date. OBJECTIVES: To present a case series of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis in adults, a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose and may cause major morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We reviewed three cases of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis that occurred between 2007 and 2009. The course of the disease, physical findings, imaging modalities, laboratory analysis, culture results and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: In all cases the diagnosis was delayed after symptoms were first attributed to radicular-like pain or lateral thigh pain due to an inflammatory non-infectious source. In all cases infection was caused by an unusual or fastidious bacterium. The pathogen was Haemophilus aphrophilus in one case, and Streptococcus specimens were found in the other two. Pathological fracture occurred in two of the cases despite culture-specific antibiotic treatment and a non-weight bearing treatment protocol. It took five surgical interventions on average to reach full recovery from infection, but residual disability was still noted at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that although femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis is a rare condition in adults, its ability to mimic other pathologies can result in delayed diagnosis and major morbidity. In our series the pathogen was different in each case and was cultured only from the infected site. Pathological fracture is a devastating complication but we do not recommend prophylactic stabilization at this point.

Flexible pes planus in adolescents: body mass index, body height, and gender--an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on the prevalence of flexible pes planus (FPP) have been conducted in pediatric populations and older adults. There is limited comparable information on these parameters for the adolescent age group. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of FPP and its association with body mass index (BMI), body height, and gender among healthy and fit adolescents. METHODS: The data for this study were derived from a medical database containing records of 17-year-old males and females before their recruitment into mandatory military service. Information on the disability codes associated with FPP according to the Regulations of Medical Fitness Determination was retrieved. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between BMI, body height, and gender to various grades of FPP severity. RESULTS: The study cohort included 825 964 adolescents (467 412 males and 358 552 females). The prevalence was 12.4% for mild FPP and 3.8% for severe FPP among the males and 9.3% and 2.4%, respectively, for the females. An increased BMI was associated with FPP in both males (overweight: odds ratio [OR] 1.385, confidence interval [CI] 1.352-1.419, P < .001; obese: OR 1.765, CI 1.718-1.813, P < .001) and females (overweight: OR 1.408, CI 1.365-1.620, P < .001; obese: OR 1.549, CI 1.481-1.620, P < .001). Body height was associated with a decreased risk of FPP when the highest height quintile was compared with the lowest height quintile in both males (OR 0.782, CI 0.762-0.802, P < .001) and females (OR 0.730, CI 0.707-0.754, P < .001) for all FPP severity grades. CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater prevalence of FPP among males compared with females in a general healthy adolescent age group. FPP was associated with increased BMI and shorter body height for all grades of FPP severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

Sequelae of underdiagnosed foot compartment syndrome after calcaneal fractures.

The calcaneus is the most frequently fractured tarsal bone. Compartment syndrome (CS) complicates fractures and other injuries and is most commonly described in association with the lower leg. The long-term sequelae of CS of the foot can include toe clawing, permanent loss of function, persistent pain, muscle atrophy, contracture, painful warts, weakness, and sensory disturbances. The incidence and clinical significance of untreated CS after calcaneal fractures were questioned. All compliant patients treated by us for a calcaneus fracture underwent a physical examination and medical interview: 47 (49 fractures) were included in the final cohort (36 males, 11 females, mean age 49 ± 14.5 years, mean follow-up 23 ± 16 months). Missed CS sequelae were diagnosed by the presence of claw toes and plantar sensory deficits. The functional outcome and pain at rest and during activity were scored. Five patients (10%) had missed CS, and their functional score was significantly lower than for those without CS (52 ± 21.5 versus 77.4 ± 22 for no CS, p < .05). All missed CS cases were diagnosed in patients with a Sanders type 3 or 4 fracture. Intra-articular fracture was a significant factor associated with developing CS sequelae (p = .045). Untreated CS can cause muscle and nerve injury and contribute to a poor functional outcome. Because CS is more likely to develop after highly comminuted intra-articular fractures, these patients warrant close monitoring for CS development. Early detection and treatment might result in fewer late disabling sequelae of this injury.

[Chronic exertional compartment syndrome].

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an uncommon phenomenon first reported in the mid 50's. This condition is characterized by sharp pain during physical activity, causing reduction in activity frequency or intensity and even abstention. This syndrome is caused by elevation of the intra-compartmental pressure which leads to decreased tissue perfusion, thus ischemic damage to the tissue ensues. Chronic exertional syndrome is usually related to repetitive physical activity, usually in young people and athletes. The physical activity performed by the patient causes a rise in intra-compartmental pressure and thereby causes pain. The patient discontinues the activity and the pain subsides within minutes of rest. Chronic exertional syndrome is reported to occur in the thigh, shoulder, arm, hand, foot and gluteal region, but most commonly in the leg, especially the anterior compartment. The diagnosis of chronic exertional syndrome is primarily based on patients' medical history, supported by intramuscular pressure measurement of the specific compartment involved. Treatment of chronic exertional syndrome, especially the anterior and lateral compartment of the leg is mainly by surgery i.e. fasciotomy. If the patient is reluctant to undergo a surgical procedure, the conservative treatment is based on abstention from the offending activity, changing footwear or using arch support. However, the conservative approach is not as successful as surgical treatment.

CT and MRI as Diagnostic and Management Decision Tools for First Time Lateral Patellar Dislocations: A Cross-Sectional, Retrospective Study.

Background: Following first-time lateral patellar dislocation (FTLPD), most patients are treated conservatively, although 50% of patients will have recurrent dislocations. Typically, radiographs followed by CT and/or MRI are used to assist the clinician in determining treatment strategy and, combined with clinical findings, intraarticular free bodies (CT/MRI), significant medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tear (MRI) and lateral displacement of the patella (CT) form relative indications for surgery. Methods: Radiographs, MRI and CT knee studies of 34 patients after lateral patellar dislocation (26 FTLPD) were evaluated for intraarticular free bodies, patellar/trochlear fracture, lateral femoral condyle compression, MPFL tear, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and surgery indications. Free bodies and fractures were also evaluated on knee radiographs. FTLPD was analyzed as a subgroup. Surgical indications were compared between imaging modalities. Results: Among FTLPD (26 patients); free bodies were identified in 13 and 19 patients using MRI and CT respectively, compared with 5 patients on radiographs; this was statistically significant. In 8 cases surgery was indicated based on MPFL tear (MRI) combined with lateral patellar displacement (CT). When MRI and CT results were combined, 21 of 26 patients had imaging indications for surgery compared to 13 and 19 patients based on the MRI or CT alone, respectively.CT was statistically better than MRI alone or MRI with radiographs in identifying patients requiring surgery. Conclusion: An MRI or CT study is warranted to determine the need for surgery. A second imaging study (different from the first) should be considered, if surgical indication was not established from the initial study or clinical presentation.

Is There an Association between BMI, Height, and Gender and Long-Bone Fractures during Childhood and Adolescence? A Large Cross-Sectional Population Study of 911,206 Subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic long-bone fractures (TLFs) among children and adolescents are relatively common, with morbidity and economic consequences. Obesity has become a significant global concern. Studies have found an association between TLFs and BMI in the past but not in a large cross-sectional population study. Our study objective was to measure the incidence of TLFs in the 17-year-old general population and evaluate its association with BMI, body height, and gender. METHODS: Data from a medical database containing all 17-year-old candidates' records before recruitment into mandatory military service were retrieved as BMI, height, gender, and history of TLFs. Logistic regression models assessed the association between BMI and height to TLFs. RESULTS: The records of 911,206 subjects (515,339 males) were reviewed. In total, 9.65% had a history of TLFs (12.25% and 6.25% for males/females, respectively). Higher BMI was associated with TLF, with a linear trend in the odds ratio (OR) for having TLFs. The strongest association was found between obese females and TLFs (OR = 1.364, p < 0.0001). Height was an independent factor positively associated with TLFs. The OR for a TLF in the highest height quintile was 1.238 (p < 0.001) for males and 1.411 (p < 0.001) for females compared to the lowest quintile. Although TLFs were more common in males, the OR for TLFs was more prominent in females. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between BMI, body height, and TLFs in healthy adolescents. TLFs are more common in males, but the strongest association between overweight and obesity is evident in females.

Uncemented arthroplasty for metastatic disease of the hip: preliminary clinical experience.

Improved longevity among patients with metastatic bone disease led to increasing incidence of pathologic and impending fractures around the hip. Cemented hip arthroplasty is considered to be the standard of care for this condition. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of uncemented hip arthroplasty in those patients. We performed a retrospective review of clinical and radiologic data of 57 consecutive patients (60 hips) who underwent an uncemented hip arthroplasty due to metastatic hip disease. Mean follow-up was 18.6 months (range, 5-60 months); overall 1-year survival and mortality rates were 58.5% and 38.3%, respectively. Multiple myeloma and metastatic prostate carcinoma patients had better outcome over other metastasis origin. At last follow-up, no prosthesis failure or operation-related major complication has been recorded.

Distal femoral osteotomy for valgus arthritic knees.

BACKGROUND: Patients with genu valgum and isolated osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment are candidates for distal femoral varus osteotomy. Opening wedge osteotomy is a precise method to realign the knee axis with good short to midterm results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients who have had opening wedge distal femoral varus osteotomy utilizing the Puddu plate (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) fixation. METHODS: The study included 6 patients (7 knees) followed for an average of 6.5 ± 1.5 years after distal femoral varus osteotomy with Puddu fixation and iliac crest allograft. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Oxford Knee Score and subjective satisfaction rating. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for tibiofemoral angle, Insall-Salvati index and Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale for osteoarthritis. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 46.7 ± 10.7 years. The mean body mass index at surgery was 29.6 ± 5.6 kg/m(2). Overall at the last follow-up the mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 13.1 ± 8.6 to 26 ± 12.5. The average subjective satisfaction rate at the last follow-up was 6.6 ± 2.8. The measured tibiofemoral angle was corrected by an average of 11.9°. There was no worsening of arthritic changes in comparison to the preoperational radiographs. All radiographs showed full incorporation of the bone grafts, and there were no hardware failures. At the end of this study none of the patients required additional surgery, and none had knee replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Opening wedge distal femoral varus osteotomy with Puddu plate fixation can be a reliable procedure for the treatment of lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee associated with valgus deformity.