Volar locking plates versus K-wire/pin fixation for the treatment of distal radial fractures: a systematic review and quantitative synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Volar locking plate and Kirschner wire/pin fixations are the most commonly used methods for surgical fixation of distal radius fractures. SOURCES OF DATA: A literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and Embase Biomedical databases, selecting studies comparing two or more different surgical treatments including Kirschner wire fixation and volar locking-plate fixation. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Methodological quality of all selected articles was assessed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: A total of 14 publications (1306 patients) were included in this review, 10 of which were prospectively designed (8 randomized controlled trial). A total of 659 (50.5%) patients underwent volar locking plating (VLP group), while 647 of 1306 (49.5%) were treated with Kirschner wire/pin fixation (KW group). No differences were recorded in terms of ROM, grip strength, radiographic variables and total rate of complications. There is no clear superiority of either fixation method for the surgical management of distal radius fractures. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: At a pooled analysis, VLP obtained statistically significant better DASH value compared to KW (18.1 ± 7.8 vs. 12.8 ± 6.4%, P = 0.026). Costs and surgical times were significantly higher for plate fixation. GROWING POINTS: Both techniques provide excellent clinical and radiographic results, without a clear superiority of either fixation method for the surgical management of distal radius fractures. RESEARCH: There is a need for more randomized trials performing standardized measurements at fixed follow-up, with results divided by subtypes of distal radius fractures.

Starting with ultrasonography decreases popliteal block performance time in inexperienced hands: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The widespread of hallux valgus surgery in a day care setting enhanced the role of regional anaesthesia in the last few years. Sciatic nerve block at popliteal fossa has been shown to provide safe and effective analgesia. Our purpose was to compare the success rate and performance time of popliteal block during resident's training for regional anaesthesia by using nerve stimulation (NS) or combined nerve stimulation and ultrasound (NS + US). METHODS: 70 adult patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery were randomly assigned to receive sciatic nerve block at popliteal fossa with US+NS or NS alone with a double injection technique for peroneal and tibial branches, respectively. Two residents experienced with nerve stimulator performed the procedures after a learning phase concerning ultrasonography. A local anaesthetic solution, containing 10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine and 10 mL of 2% lidocaine was used: 12 mL were infiltrated close the tibial nerve, and 8mL were infiltrated close the common peroneal nerve. Block success rate, sensory block onset time, block performance time were evaluated. Recourse to general anaesthesia was considered as failure. RESULTS: No differences were detected in success rate and onset time of sensory block between the two groups (P > 0.05). The time to block tibial nerve and the overall block time were significantly faster in US+NS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound guidance for popliteal nerve block resulted in similar success rate with a faster procedure time when compared with nerve stimulator, thus providing a possible effect on resident education and operating room efficiency.

Hemiarthroplasty and distal oblique first metatarsal osteotomy for hallux rigidus.

BACKGROUND: In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of the addition of a decompressive osteotomy to hemiarthroplasty of the great toe in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients affected by Grade III hallux rigidus underwent distal oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal and hemiarthroplasty of the hallux metatarsophalageal joint. Clinical evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) and the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), preoperatively and at followup visits. Standard weightbearing radiographs were performed to assess implant alignment, loosening, and bone loss. The mean followup was 26.4 (range, 16 to 29) months. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score improved from 47.5 ± 11.5 preoperatively to 76.0 ± 15.5 postoperatively (p < 0.01). At the last followup the SF-36 subscales Physical functioning, Bodily pain and Emotional role scores were increased from baseline. At the last followup, six patients (28.5%) were very satisfied with the outcome, ten patients (47.6%) were satisfied and five patients (23.8%) were dissatisfied. In the dissatisfied group, two patients had persistent joint pain with stiffness and subluxation of the prosthesis. Dorsal subsidence of the implant was present in ten patients at the last radiographic followup. CONCLUSION: Hemiarthroplasty of the proximal phalanx and distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy for Grade III hallux rigidus at 2-years followup yielded mixed patient satisfaction and unsatisfactory radiographic outcome.

Italian translation of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, with re-assessment of reliability and validity.

PURPOSE: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) in patients affected by hallux valgus. METHODS: The MOXFQ was translated into Italian and culturally adapted following the forward and backward translation method. A sample of 172 patients with hallux valgus was asked to fill in the MOXFQ and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Two-week retest was performed on a random sub-sample of 40 patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity was assessed with the use of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, using a priori hypothesized correlations with SF-36 domains. RESULTS: The internal consistency reliability was acceptable for all MOXFQ domains (Pain, Walking/standing and Social interaction) with Cronbachs' alpha coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.83. The assessment of test-retest reliability reveals satisfactory values with ICCs ranging from 0.85 to 0.92. Construct validity was supported by the presence of all the hypothesized correlation, with the exception of Italian Walking/standing domain with the SF-36 Role-Physical domain (rho = -0.29). CONCLUSIONS: The Italian version of MOXFQ is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating foot pain and functional status in patients affected by hallux valgus.

Comparison of plantar pressure, clinical, and radiographic changes of the forefoot after biplanar Austin osteotomy and triplanar Boc osteotomy in patients with mild hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Boc's modification of the Austin procedure is a triplane distal osteotomy that achieves shortening and plantarflexion of the first metatarsal with a lateral translation of the metatarsal head. The clinical results and influence of the Austin and Boc osteotomies on plantar pressure have been compared retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups: 30 Austin and 30 Boc osteotomies were performed with a mean followup of 37 (range, 29 to 56) months. RESULTS: Sixty patients with mild hallux valgus deformities and central metatarsalgia, took part in the study. Pressure measurements were performed with a Diagnostic Support system footplate. The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of the Austin group was 81.9 and 86.4 for the Boc group. The pressure distributions under the fourth and fifth metatarsal head were comparable in both groups (p>0.05). The Austin group showed decreased load bearing under the hallux and the first metatarsal head (p<0.01), consistent with a persistent overloading of the second and third metatarsal head (p>0.05). The Boc group showed decreased weightbearing under the hallux with better load distribution beneath the second and the third metatarsal head (p<0.05). Correlation of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and pressure variables confirmed a significant negative correlation with altered hallux and central metatarsal head loading (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Boc triplane osteotomy seems to restore more physiologic loading of the forefoot in comparison to the Austin procedure, reducing the incidence of painful callus under the second and third metatarsal head.

A case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus wound infection: phylogenetic analysis to establish if nosocomial or community acquired.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is rapidly increasing in both hospital and community settings. A 71-year-old man admitted at the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, with MRSA wound infection consequent to orthopedic surgery was studied and the MRSA transmission evaluated by phylogenetic analysis.

Pseudarthrosis after percutaneous distal osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: a case report.

Nonunion of the first metatarsal after hallux valgus surgery is a rare complication that often results in significant pain and disability requiring surgical management. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who developed a pseudarthrosis of the first metatarsal after percutaneous retrocapital distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal for a mild hallux valgus deformity. The operative treatment consisted of debridement of fibrous nonunion with plating followed by application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) with an external device.

Hallux valgus correction in a patient with metatarsus adductus with multiple distal oblique osteotomies.

Metatarsus adductus is a structural foot deformity that is rarely associated with hallux valgus deformity. Surgical treatment is challenging, and multiple osteotomies are often required to correct both deformities. However, surgical impact must be considered, especially in elderly patients. We present a clinical case of a 76-year-old woman affected by hallux valgus and metatarsus adductus deformity. Multiple distal oblique osteotomies were performed on the first, second, and third metatarsals, coupled with Z-lengthening of the extensor digitorum longus tendons.

A new device for performing triplanar distal osteotomy for hallux valgus.

Triplanar distal osteotomy is a safe procedure for mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. It allows shortening and plantar displacement of the first metatarsal while correcting the intermetatarsal angle. However, complications such as dorsiflexion and excessive shortening of the first metatarsal have been associated with distal osteotomy. We describe a new device, designed by one of the authors (P.R.), that enables precise positioning of the Kirschner guide wire for the osteotomy cuts.