Rate of complications due to neuromuscular scoliosis spine surgery in a 30-years consecutive series.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications in a large series of patients affected by neuromuscular scoliosis. METHODS: It was a monocentric retrospective study. In this study have been considered complications those events that significantly affected the course of treatment, such as getting the hospital stay longer, or requiring a subsequent surgical procedure, or corrupting the final result of the treatment. RESULTS: Of the 358 patients affected by neuromuscular scoliosis treated from January 1985 to December 2010, 185 that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. There were recorded 66 complications in 55/185 patients. Of that 66 complications, 54 complications occurred in 46/120 patients with Luque's instrumentation, while only 12 complications occurred in 9/65 patients with hybrid instrumentation and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); 11/126 patients with pelvic fixation and 5/59 without pelvic fixation, as well as 45/156 patients treated by posterior approach alone and 10/29 patient that underwent combined anterior-posterior approach suffered complications but both this did not result in a statistical significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment in neuromuscular scoliosis is burdened by a large number of complications. An accurate knowledge of possible complications is mandatory to prepare strategies due to prevent adverse events. A difference in definitions could completely change results in good or bad as well as in our same series the adverse events amounted at almost 30% of cases, but complications that due to complete failure would amount at 9.19% of patients.

Endoscopic Excision of Symptomatic Os Trigonum in Professional Dancers.

The present study reports the clinical results of excision of a symptomatic os trigonum using an endoscopic procedure in professional ballet dancers. The hypothesis was that posterior endoscopic excision of the os trigonum would be safe and effective in treating posterior ankle impingement syndrome related to the os trigonum. Twelve professional dancers underwent excision of a symptomatic os trigonum for PAIS using a posterior endoscopic technique after failure of conservative treatment. The patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale score, the Tegner activity scale score, and the visual analog scale score. The surgical time, timing of a return to sports, patient satisfaction, and any complications related to the procedure were recorded. The average postoperative follow-up duration was 38.9 ± 20.6 (range 12 to 72) months. The mean Tegner activity scale score increased from 4.3 ± 0.8 (range 3 to 5) preoperatively to 9 ± 0.2 postoperatively (p < .05). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score increased from 67.8 ± 6.0 (range 58 to 76) preoperatively to 96 ± 5.1 (range 87 to 100) postoperatively, with 7 of 12 patients (58.3%) reporting the maximum score of 100 points (p < .05). The return to sports was 8.7 ± 0.7 (range 8 to 10) weeks. No major complications were recorded. The results of the present study demonstrate that the endoscopic excision of symptomatic os trigonum using a 2-portal technique after failure of conservative treatment is characterized by excellent results with low morbidity.

Efficacy of the assisted self-reduction technique for acute anterior shoulder dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: The "original" traction-free Kocher's method to perform the reduction of shoulder dislocation has been recently reviewed and some authors speculated that it can be self performed by patients under the guide of the physician. In this way, as an "assisted self-reduction" technique, it is also effective and simple to perform. The aim is to study the effectiveness of the assisted self-reduction technique, in comparison to the well known and largely used traction-countertraction method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a consecutive series of 237 uncomplicated anterior shoulder dislocations, a total of 61 were managed by the residents of our institution under the supervision of the senior authors using the assisted self-reduction method and 176 were managed by other orthopaedic consultants on duty in the Emergency Department using the traction-countertraction technique. Only the senior authors used the assisted self-reduction technique, whereas the other orthopaedic consultants used the traction-countertraction method. The need for intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia to perform the assisted self-reduction was considered a failure. Recorded variables were demographic data, previous dislocation, traumatic mechanism and medication use during shoulder reduction, time to perform the reduction. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent of the acute dislocation treated with the assisted self-reduction technique and 81 % treated with the traction-countertraction method were reducible without recourse to intravenous sedation. CONCLUSIONS: The assisted self-reduction technique is simple, effective and gentle. Physicians on duty in the Emergency Departments should therefore be encouraged to use it.

Patellar tendon ossification after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone--patellar tendon--bone autograft.

BACKGROUND: Among the various complications described in literature, the patellar tendon ossification is an uncommon occurrence in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone - patellar tendon - bone graft (BPTB). The heterotopic ossification is linked to knee traumatism, intramedullary nailing of the tibia and after partial patellectomy, but only two cases of this event linked to ACL surgery have been reported in literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 42-year-old Caucasian man affected by symptomatic extended heterotopic ossification of patellar tendon after 20 months from ACL reconstruction using BPTB. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by Ultrasound, X-Ray and Computed Tomography studies, blood tests were performed to exclude metabolic diseases then the surgical removal of the lesion was performed. After three years from surgery, the patient did not report femoro-patellar pain, there was not range of motion limitation and the clinical-radiological examinations resulted negative. CONCLUSION: The surgical removal of the ossifications followed by anti-inflammatory therapy, seems to be useful in order to relieve pain and to prevent relapses. Moreover, a thorough cleaning of the patellar tendon may reveal useful, in order to prevent bone fragments remain inside it and to reduce patellar tendon heterotopic ossification risk.

The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in improving pain and edema during early rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized, Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Kinesio Taping (KT) is being increasingly applied in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of KT on an early rehabilitation program, in combination with the standard protocol after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: This study enrolled 52 male patients, aged 18 to 45 years, who underwent ACLR with doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendon (DGST) autograft. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group A (the control group) which received a standard rehabilitation protocol, and Group B (the experimental group), which had the same rehabilitation protocol plus the KT application. Pain intensity, range of motion, edema, thigh circumference, Tegner-Lysholm Scale and KOOS scale were measured at the second and fourth week follow-ups. RESULTS: Patients in the experimental group showed significant results during the second week for both pain and edema reduction compared to the control group (p< 0.05). After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, pain intensity in the two groups was similar (n.s.), while edema reduction in the experimental group showed a significant result compared to the control group  (p< 0.05). Nevertheless, the other outcomes did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The application of KT after ACLR contributed to relieve pain and reduce edema in the early postoperative rehabilitation period. Other potential benefits of KT on muscle activation and strength should be investigated through a longer follow-up and a targeted test.

Early-Onset Scoliosis Treated With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods.

The recently developed magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) system has gained popularity because it limits additional surgical lengthening procedures and promises reduction of the complication rate previously reported for the traditional growing rods. A retrospective single-center study was performed. Demographic and complications data were recorded. A statistical analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of MCGR placement and of subsequent lengthening on the Cobb angle, T1-T12 kyphosis, and the distances from T1-T12 and T1-S1. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Six had idiopathic scoliosis and 18 patients had nonidiopathic scoliosis (neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis). Nine patients underwent primary MCGR placement, and 15 had the traditional growing rods removed and replaced with MCGRs. The mean age at surgery and at last follow-up was 6.3 years and 8.8 years, respectively. The mean follow-up was 29.2 months. The MCGR placement significantly reduced the Cobb angle and kyphosis by an average of 21.33° and 10.79°, respectively. The T1-T12 and the T1-S1 distances increased an average of 1.19 and 1.89 cm/year, respectively, during the follow-up period. The average percentage of achieved-to-intended distraction was 65% on the concave side and 68% on the convex side at last follow-up. There were 9 postoperative complications in 8 (33%) patients, 6 of whom had nonidiopathic scoliosis. The MCGR system is reliable and effective in the treatment of patients affected by early-onset scoliosis. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(6):e601-e608.].

Acute kidney failure after total knee arthroplasty revision with antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer.

Gentamicin-impregnated cement beads and spacers are frequently used in case of infective complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). A great number of studies in the literature demonstrated that the local administration of gentamicin produces high local antibiotic levels but low serum and urine gentamicin concentrations. Gentamicin-impregnated cement spacer can induce nephrotoxicity in patients presenting major renal impairment susceptibility. We report a case of acute renal failure using a gentamicin-impregnated block spacer. An 83-year-old woman underwent a gentamicinimpregnated bone-cement spacer implant because of an infected TKA removal. Three days later patient clinical status got worse reporting a decreased urine output and increasing C-reactive protein (CRP), Serum Creatinine (SCr) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). Because the symptoms could be related to the knee spacer lead us to the decision of gentamicin-impregnated cement spacer removal. The day following the removal procedure showed progressive improvement of general condition with evidence of SCr and BUN normalization. Gentamicin-impregnated cement spacer can induce nephrotoxicity in patients presenting major renal impairment susceptibility.

Bifocal Avulsion of the Patellar Tendon From the Distal Patella and Tibial Tuberosity in a Skeletally Immature Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: A 13-year-old boy suffered a sports injury of the right knee. The clinical examination showed swelling, inability to bear weight, and pain involving the inferior apex of the patella and the anterior tibial tuberosity. Imaging studies showed an avulsion fracture, sleeve-like, from the patella apex and avulsion of the tibial tuberosity. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. At the 24-month follow-up, no pain, limitation, or complication was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Bifocal patellar tendon avulsion in a skeletally immature patient is an extremely rare injury, and to our knowledge, only one case is reported.

Acute Onset Atypical Severe Scoliosis: A Case Report.

Background: Although most cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, scoliosis may also be congenital or associated with other diseases. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP) has been reported as a potential cause of non-structural scoliosis. HNP is unusual in adolescents and the clinical features are typically different from those in adults. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old Caucasian male was referred to our ambulatory service for evaluation of scoliosis after orthopedic evaluation at another center. He had noticed left-sided low back pain in the previous 6 months, which had worsened over the last two months with the development of limp and left lower extremity (LLE) paresthesias. After an accurate clinical evaluation, the acute onset of the curvature with mild back pain and associated neurological findings were suggestive of an intraspinal lesion. The MRI examination showed an L4-L5 HNP compressing L4 nerve root and displacing the distal L5 nerve root. An L4-L5 laminectomy and discectomy were performed. His left leg pain was completely relieved the day after surgery. At 3 months follow-up complete resolution of scoliosis deformity and return to full activity was achieved. Conclusions: Every child who presents with atypical scoliosis should have a complete physical examination and appropriate imaging studies seeking an underlying cause.Level of Evidence: V.

Rare Post Traumatic Kyphoscoliosis of the Thoracolumbar Spine After Posterior Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Vertebral fracture after posterior arthrodesis and instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis is a rare occurrence with limited reported cases in the literature. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old female patient surgically treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with T2-L1 posterior spinal fusion was in a low-energy fall resulting in fracture of L1 and new kyphosis and scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine at the distal aspect of the fusion. The fracture was initially managed conservatively, however pain persisted and thus she was indicated for extension of the fusion and correction of the post-traumatic kyphosis. Conclusions: Fractures after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis are rare and evidence for the appropriate management remains limited in the literature.Level of Evidence: V.

Chest pain caused by multiple exostoses of the ribs: A case report and a review of literature.

The aim of this paper is to report an exceptional case of multiple internal exostoses of the ribs in a young patient affected by multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) coming to our observation for chest pain as the only symptom of an intra-thoracic localization. A 16 years old patient with familiar history of MHE came to our observation complaining a left-sided chest pain. This pain had increased in the last months with no correlation to a traumatic event. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the presence of three exostoses located on the left third, fourth and sixth ribs, all protruding into the thoracic cavity, directly in contact with visceral pleura. Moreover, the apex of the one located on the sixth rib revealed to be only 12 mm away from pericardium. Patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy with an additional 4-cm mini toracotomy approach. At the last 1-year follow-up, patient was very satisfied and no signs of recurrence or major complication had occured. In conclusion, chest pain could be the only symptom of an intra-thoracic exostoses localization, possibly leading to serious complications. Thoracic localization in MHE must be suspected when patients complain chest pain. A chest CT scan is indicated to confirm exostoses and to clarify relationship with surrounding structures. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be considered a valuable option for exostoses removal, alone or in addiction to a mini-thoracotomy approach, in order to reduce thoracotomy morbidity.

Arthroscopic Treatment of 2 Consecutive Cases of Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica of the Ankle: A 5-Year Follow-Up Report.

The dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology consisting in an abnormal osteocartilaginous growth at the epiphysis, usually hemimelic with histological findings similar to benign osteochondroma. In this case series, we described the results of the arthroscopic treatment of 2 consecutive cases of intra-articular ankle localization of DEH in 2 patients aged 9 and 10 years. The good result obtained, persistent at the 5-year follow-up, leads us to consider the arthroscopic approach as a reliable treatment in patient affected by intra-articular ankle DEH.

Treatment of a Femur Nonunion with Microsurgical Corticoperiosteal Pedicled Flap from the Medial Femoral Condyle.

Introduction. The vascularized corticoperiosteal flap is harvested from the medial femoral condyle and it is nourished by the articular branch of the descending genicular artery and the superomedial genicular artery. This flap is usually harvested as a free flap for the reconstruction of bone defects at forearm, distal radius, carpus, hand, and recently at lower limb too. Case Report. A 50-year-old Caucasian man referred to our department for hypertrophic nonunion of the distal femur, refractory to the conservative treatments. The first surgical choice was the revision of the nail and the bone reconstruction with a corticoperiosteal pedicled flap from the medial femoral condyle. We considered union to have occurred 3.5 months after surgery when radiographs showed bridging of at least three of the four bony cortices and clinically the patient was able to walk with full weight bearing without any pain. At the last follow-up (25 months), the patient was completely satisfied with the procedure. Discussion. The corticoperiosteal flap allows a faster healing of fractures with a minimal morbidity at the donor site. We suggest that the corticoperiosteal pedicled flap graft is a reliable and effective treatment for distal femur nonunion.

Partial tendon tear as unusual cause of trigger finger: a case report.

We report a case of post-traumatic trigger finger due to a partial longitudinal tear of the flexor digitorum superficialis. The suspect came from the clinical history and the young age of the patient. It was successfully treated with tendon flap suture and pulley A1 release.

Isolated asymptomatic short sternum in a healthy young girl.

Congenital sternal defects are rare deformities frequently associated with other anomalies of the chest wall and other organ systems. Although pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and cleft sternum can present as isolated deformity, in most cases they are associated with heart and inner organs anomalies and described as symptoms of syndromes like Marfan syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Poland anomaly, and Cantrell pentalogy. In contrast, the etiology of an isolated defect is not well understood. We observed a short sternum (dysmorphic manubrium, hypoplastic body, and complete absence of the xiphoid process) in a completely asymptomatic 13-year-old woman. A comprehensive instrumental exams panel was performed to exclude associated anomalies of the heart and of the other organ systems. The patient was completely asymptomatic and she did not need any medical or surgical treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated short sternum reported in literature.

Osteomyelitis caused by Pantoea agglomerans in a closed fracture in a child.

Development of osteomyelitis in a closed fracture is rare. Although it has been reported that trivial trauma may be associated with the subsequent development of acute osteomyelitis, no evidence has been found that fractures are involved in the etiology of osteomyelitis. Only 25 cases (11 in adolescents) of osteomyelitis after closed fracture have been reported in literature. The authors report a case of osteomyelitis in an 8-year-old girl after a forearm fracture involving the diaphysis of the radius and ulna. Radiographic examinations were performed 5, 14, and 30 days after trauma. At last examination, the forearm appeared swollen and red. Blood culture and radiographs confirmed the clinical suspicion of osteomyelitis. The cultures grew Pantoea agglomerans, a saprophytic gram-negative bacterium commonly isolated from plants, flowers, seeds, water, and soil and sensitive to all of the most common antibiotics. After the arm was immobilized, high doses of intravenous antibiotics were administered for 4 weeks, and oral antibiotics were prescribed for an additional 4 weeks. The patient responded well to treatment. Twelve months after the initial injury, the patient regained full elbow and wrist flexion-extension range of motion. Based on their experience and a review of the literature, the authors suggest that bone infection be considered for patients with closed fractures complicated by excessive or prolonged pain and swelling with evident signs of inflammation where no other obvious infection is apparent. Moreover, in children, bacterial infection may cause osteomyelitis more frequently than in adults, but no evidence exists that a closed fracture increases the incidence of osteomyelitis in children with a systemic infection.

Intra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumor arising from the posterior cruciate ligament.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors originate from the synovial tissue of the joints, tendon sheaths, mucosal bursas, and fibrous tissues adjacent to tendons. The disease presents in localized and diffused forms. Large joints, such as the knee, are not frequently affected. Magnetic resonance imaging has been reported to be the best noninvasive technique to diagnose these tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis has to be confirmed by histopathological examination. Few reports exist of tenosynovial giant cell tumors arising from the posterior cruciate ligament. This article describes a case of an 18-year-old man with no history of trauma but with a 2-year history of mild, ongoing, and worsening right knee pain and swelling localized in the popliteal region. Clinical examination of the knee was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intra-articular mass measuring 4.8×2.1×2.7 cm in the posterior region of the knee attached to the posterior cruciate ligament. Arthroscopy was performed using the posterior approach through the posterolateral and posteromedial portals. A specimen of the lesion was removed arthroscopically for histopathological examination, and a wide resection of the mass was performed with a shaver and a radiofrequency ablation device. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a tenosynovial giant cell tumor. No recurrence had occurred at 2-year follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination may help in achieving a correct diagnosis, and arthroscopic excision using a posterior approach may be the treatment of choice by surgeons.