Arthroscopic Bankart repair with and without arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage in anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs defect: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported and clinic outcomes between arthroscopic Bankart repair with (REMP) and without (NO REMP) arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs lesion and minimal glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Patients 14 years or older with a recurrent anterior shoulder instability with the presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs defect (of any size) confirmed on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were eligible to participate. Consented patients were randomized intraoperatively to NO REMP or REMP. Study visits were conducted preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability score. Secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperative recurrent shoulder instability, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, range of motion, complications, and revision surgery. To compare groups, a mixed-effects linear model was used for continuous variables and a χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical data. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed survival distribution between groups. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were randomized to Bankart repair with (n = 54) or without (n = 54) remplissage. The mean follow-up was 26.5 months (21-53 months) and 24.3 months (23-64 months) for the REMP and NO REMP groups, respectively. Rates of postoperative recurrent instability were higher (P = .027) in the NO REMP group with 9 of 50 (18%) vs. 2 of 52 (4%) postoperative dislocations in the REMP group. There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes between groups at any time point. Survival curve distributions were also significantly different favoring REMP (χ2 = 5.255, P = .022). There was a significant difference in rate of revision surgery between groups with 6 in the NO REMP and none in the REMP groups (P = .029). Post hoc, patients were noted to have a higher risk for re-dislocation if their Hill-Sachs lesion was ≥20 mm in width or ≥15% of humeral head diameter. One intraoperative complication was reported in the REMP group. CONCLUSIONS: There is significantly greater risk of postoperative recurrent instability in patients who did not have a remplissage performed in conjunction with an arthroscopic Bankart repair for the treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with Hill-Sachs lesions of any size and minimal glenoid bone loss (<15%) at 2 years postoperatively. Otherwise, there are no differences in patient-reported outcomes, complications, or shoulder function at 2 years postoperatively. In addition, the remplissage procedure has significantly lower rates of re-dislocation in high-risk patients with Hill-Sachs lesions ≥20 mm and/or ≥15% in size.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Imageless Navigation With the Concept of Combined Anteversion.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implant positions and clinical results of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an imageless navigation with the concept of combined anteversion. METHODS: A total of 40 cementless revision THAs (24 men and 16 women) using an imageless navigation with the concept of combined anteversion were retrospectively evaluated. The concept of combined anteversion was applied in cup positioning based on Widmer's equation (cup anteversion + 0.7 × stem anteversion). The mean follow-up period was 80.7 months. Postoperatively, the inclination of the cup was evaluated on standard anteroposterior view of the radiograph, and the anteversion of the cup and femoral stem was evaluated using computed tomography scan. A cup inclination of 40° ± 10° and combined anteversion of the cup and femoral stem of 37° ± 10° based on Widmer's equation were regarded as the "safe zone." RESULTS: The average anteversion of the revised femoral stems was 15.3° ± 2.9° (range, 9.5°-21.5°), whereas that of the remained femoral stems was 17.4° ± 9.7° (range, 4.2°-29.8°). The inclination, anteversion of the cup, and combined anteversion after revision THA were 42.3° ± 3.1° (range, 32.1°-48.2°), 25.0° ± 2.9° (range, 16.9°-29.5°), and 36.1° ± 3.4° (range, 27.2°-42.9°), respectively. Therefore, the position of the implants, relative to the safe zone, showed no outliers after the revision surgery. Neither dislocation nor osteolysis was observed after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Favorable results of this study indicate that imageless navigation helps the surgeon in placing the components of revision THA in the safe zone. This study also shows that when this safe zone is consistently obtained, then no postoperative dislocations were observed in these patients over the 6-year follow-up period.

Open reduction and internal fixation of isolated PCL fossa avulsion fractures.

PURPOSE: The study was aimed to share the experience of managing posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures of tibia with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The study also evaluated the effect of delay in treatment and presence of occult PCL injury on the final outcome after surgery. METHODS: Forty-two patients (30 males and 12 females) with a median age of 26 years (range: 14-53 years) who underwent ORIF through a modified posterior approach for PCL fossa avulsion fractures were assessed after a median follow up of 18 months (range 10-42 months). In 30 patients surgery was performed within 3 weeks of injury. Fifteen patients had an occult intrasubstance PCL tear as seen on MRI. Assessment of results was made using Hughston criteria. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the outcomes between acutely treated patients and patients with chronic injury. Although patients with acute fixation were found to fare better, the results were fair or good in majority of the patients (9 out of 12) with delayed presentation. Patients with occult injury to PCL had poorer outcomes and these results were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: ORIF for PCL avulsion fractures of tibia results in stable fixation, early mobilization and good functional outcomes. Although ORIF done acutely leads to best clinical outcomes, a delay in presentation (>3 weeks) does not necessarily contraindicate ORIF. An occult injury to PCL usually leads to inferior outcomes and primary PCL reconstruction should be considered as a viable option in these patients.

Efficacy of immunohistological methods in detecting functionally viable mechanoreceptors in the remnant stumps of injured anterior cruciate ligaments and its clinical importance.

PURPOSE: Various histological and immunological methods have been used to detect the mechanoreceptors and nerve fibers on the intact ACLs as well as on the remnant stumps. However, some of these methods lack standardization, and the variable thickness of slices used often leads to misinterpretation. The study was based on the hypothesis that immunohistological methods are easier and more reliable means to demonstrate mechanoreceptors in the remnant ACL stumps as compared with the conventional methods. We also attempted to validate the methodology of immunohistology as a means of characterizing functional mechanoreceptors in the residual stump of an injured ACL. METHODS: The remnants of the ruptured ACL in 95 patients were harvested during arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and evaluated immunohistologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and monoclonal antibodies to S-100 and NFP. Multiple sections from each specimen were serially examined by two histologists. RESULTS: The positivity of monoclonal antibody against NFP showed a statistically significant relationship with the presence of morphologically normal mechanoreceptors, whereas the positivity of monoclonal antibody against S-100 showed a statistically significant relationship with the presence of free nerve ending in the residual stump of an injured ACL. CONCLUSIONS: Immunological methods are more reliable and easier to use as compared with the conventional methods of histological staining for identifying remnant stumps likely to be of some proprioceptive benefit after an ACL injury. Such an identification might help us preserve certain remnant stumps during ACL reconstruction which might in turn improve the postoperative functional outcomes.

Management options for total knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritic knees with extra-articular tibial stress fractures: a 5-year experience.

Difficult primary knees are fairly common in Asian countries, and tibial stress fractures in deformed osteoarthritic knees add to the challenge. Management options are ill-defined because of limited experience; for 5 years, 8 osteoarthritic knees with extra-articular tibial stress fractures ranging from unicortical stress lesions to frankly mobile fractures were managed by total knee arthroplasty. At mean 42.25 months follow-up, average Knee Society Score improved from 23.62 to 80.87; and average functional score improved from 18.75 to 67.75. All 8 fractures united; 1 (plate plus stem extender) had wound breakdown and delayed union. We present our learning experience with single-stage modular total knee arthroplasty using stem extenders or plates; with proper planning and additional use of image intensifier, these unique cases can reliably be managed with satisfactory outcomes.

Neglected lateral process of talus fracture presenting as a loose body in tarsal canal.

Lateral process fractures of talus are rare injuries with a potential to cause significant morbidity if misdiagnosed. The appropriate management of these fractures is still controversial and only a few reports are avai- lable on this subject. We presented a case of a 37-year-old male with neglected fracture on the lateral process of talus which was misdiagnosed at the time of injury. The patient presented to 7 months after misdiagnosis with a chronic ankle pain. Our case is unique in the sense that it is a rare case of neglected fracture on the lateral process of talus which presented as a loose body in sinus tarsi. However, a surgery with an excision of the loose body presented a satis- factory outcome along with 2 years' follow-up. To our knowledge, it ought to be the first case reported in the English literature. Through this case report, we highlight the importance of high index of suspicion for such rare bony injuries while evaluating trauma to the lateral side of ankle and discuss the principles of management of these fractures.

Management and outcome of a variant of posadas fracture in an adolescent patient: A case report.

Fractures of the distal humerus in younger age group commonly involve the supracondylar extra articular area and do not have any associated dislocation. We present a rare variant of transcondylar fracture dislocation (posadas fracture) with articular extension and ipsilateral forearm fracture in an adolescent. A 16 year old male fell down while cycling and was brought to the trauma centre after 4 h. Anatomical reduction of articular fragments was achieved and stabilised with bicolumnar plating. Medial and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments were repaired and anterior capsule was reattached for stability after reduction of elbow. Forearm fractures were reduced and internally fixed with limited contact dynamic compression plating. ROM (range of motion) brace was applied with 30 degree extension block and active ROM exercises were advised for 4 weeks, followed by active assisted exercises for next 6 weeks under the supervision of a therapist. Patient was serially followed up for up to 1 year and after one year, the patient was pain free with ROM of 0 degree to 120 degree flexion and has resumed his previous activity levels. Displacement of transcondylar fragment due to pull of extensor and flexor muscles and articular involvement necessitates open reduction and adequate stabilization of both columns especially in older children and adolescents. Concurrent collateral ligament repair is essential in order to restore elbow stability and earlier commencement of ROM. Early restoration of joint anatomy can lead to good functional outcome.

The "Open-Envelope" Approach: A Limited Open Approach for Calcaneal Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs), but there is limited literature on this subject. The objective was hence to assess the clinicoradiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with an innovative open-envelope MIS technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 closed Sanders Type 2 and 3; DIACFs were included in this study. The Open-envelope approach was developed, which is essentially a limited open, dual incision, modified posterior longitudinal approach allowing excellent visualisation and direct fragment manipulation. The main outcome measures were American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) hindfoot score and preoperative and postoperative radiological angles. RESULTS: The Bohler angle improved from a preoperative mean of 14.3° (range 0°-28°) to a postoperative mean of 32.46° (range 22°-42°). The Gissane angle improved from a preoperative mean of 135.83° to a postoperative mean of 128.33°. The postoperative improvement in Bohler and Gissane angles was highly significant (P < 0.001). The AOFAS scores at 6 months were excellent in nine patients, good in 15 patients, and fair in six patients. Three patients had residual valgus deformity of the heel. CONCLUSIONS: Open-envelope technique minimized soft tissue complications and achieved acceptable radiological reductions with good clinical outcomes.

Crush Fractures of the Anterior end of Calcaneum.

The anterior end of calcaneum fractures can present as inversion injuries, stress fractures or as a part of displaced intraarticular calcaneum fracture. Rarely, these may occur due to abduction injury from a laterally directed force that crushes the anterior calcaneum instead of the cuboid, and has associated medial column injuries which are unrecognized. Compression fractures of the anterior calcaneum are actually lateral column shortening injuries with poor outcomes in the few published reports. We describe three patients with compression fractures of the anterior end of calcaneum resulting from foot abduction injury which were managed by reduction and column length restoration via distraction by external fixator. All three fractures showed good to excellent outcomes using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score at followup >1 year. Awareness of this injury pattern is important, and appropriate measures to reduce and maintain the fracture reduction are needed to avoid long term disability.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Elbow Pathologies: a Descriptive Review of Current Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Platelet-rich plasma is used in many orthopedic pathologies such as tendinopathies and ligament injuries. The clinical results reported in the scientific literature are, however, confusing. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a narrative literature review regarding the role of PRP in the most common elbow soft tissue pathologies. RECENT FINDINGS: The response to PRP seems to be favorable when compared to steroid injection for pain management and for patient-reported outcomes in lateral epicondylitis. PRP injection does not seem to have the potential complications associated with a steroid injection such as skin atrophy, discoloration, and secondary tendon tears. Only a few manuscripts comparing the results of PRP treatment with either extracorporeal shockwave (ESW), dry needling, or even surgical treatments in lateral epicondylitis exist. The use of PRP in other elbow pathologies such as golfer's elbow, ulnar collateral ligament injury, and distal biceps and triceps pathology is examined in few studies, with unclear recommendations. Regarding elbow pathologies, PRP injections in tennis elbow seems to be the best-studied intervention. A major limitation in these studies is the significant heterogeneity in the methods used for preparing PRP, for example employing leukocyte-rich, leukocyte-poor preparations, PRP with or without activation, which makes the results of the studies difficult to compare. Results of this review show that more studies on larger cohorts, with comparable formulations, and with longer follow-up are required to give optimal suggestions concerning the use of PRP in elbow pathologies.

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures: a current concepts review.

Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) represent a source of tremendous disability to the patient, economic burden to the society and a treatment challenge to the average orthopaedic surgeon. To date, no single approach is universally applicable to all calcaneus fractures. Despite a plethora of published meta-analyses and recent randomized controlled trials, the literature is still unclear and offers conflicting recommendations. The aim of this current concepts review is to assess the latest available data and offer pragmatic and practical recommendations to address some of the issues surrounding DIACFs.

Outcome evaluation of minimally invasive surgery versus extensile lateral approach in management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of DIACFs, but there is limited literature on this topic. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinico-radiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with MIS technique with ORIF. METHODS: This randomised control trial (RCT) included 21 closed Sanders type 2 and 3 DIACFs which were selected from 70 who presented. Extensile lateral approach was used in the ORIF group; while MIS techniques included either percutaneous reduction or small incisions with indirect fragment manipulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: AOFAS hindfoot score, pre-operative and postoperative radiology. RESULTS: There were 9 fractures in the Extensile group and 12 in the MIS group, with both groups having comparable demography, fracture classification, surgery delay & initial radiology. Bohler's angle improved after surgery by an average of 18.44 with ORIF and 14.67 with MIS (p=0.28). Mean AOFAS in the MIS group was 82.58 (66.67% good and 33.33% fair) and was 89.56 (44.44% excellent, 55.56% good, 0 fair/poor) with ORIF (p=0.034). Two patients who underwent ORIF had a major complication (one deep infection and Sural nerve injury each) while none in the MIS group. CONCLUSIONS: MIS methods minimized soft tissue complications and achieved comparable radiological reductions but clinical outcomes were poorer, with percutaneous methods having the worst outcomes.

Hamulus Stress Fracture in a Batsman: An Unusual Injury in Cricket - A Case report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Hamulus fractures are uncommon injuries constituting 2-4% of carpal fractures and are usually reported in athletes. Stress fractures of hamulus are even rarer and very few cases have been reported till date. In this case report, we present the first documented case of stress fracture of hamulus in a cricket batsman and review the existing literature on hamulus fractures, both acute and stress fractures, in sportspersons in general. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old, right-handed, cricket batsman presented with pain in the hypothenar region of his left hand of 7 weeks duration. The pain typically worsened during batting, and he had difficulty in gripping the bat. Plain radiographs were largely inconclusive; magnetic resonance images, however, demonstrated a stress fracture of the hamate hook. The patient was put on conservative management, and his bat grip was modified. He recovered completely within 12 weeks and went back to playing professional cricket. CONCLUSIONS: Hamulus stress fractures should be considered in cricketers presenting with chronic, non-traumatic, and ulnar-sided hand pain. The nonleading hand is more likely to be involved in a batter, as seen in other sports with a double haSnd grip. Nonoperative treatment, change of grip and adequate rehabilitation give good outcomes in most cases.

Association of ACL tears and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the collagen 12 A1 gene in the Indian population - a preliminary case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Genetic predisposition to ACL tears has received tremendous interest in the past few years with many SNPs of different genes being linked to ACL tear. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine if specific sequence variants in COL12A1 gene are associated with ACL tears in Indian population. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients with surgically diagnosed ACL tear and 52 healthy, age-matched controls without any ligament/tendon injuries were genotyped for rs970547 and rs240736 SNPs using real time PCR method. RESULTS: The AG and GG genotypes were significantly under-represented in study group patients in rs970547 region (p=0.0361). However, there was no significant difference in genotype/allele frequencies in the rs240736 region. CONCLUSIONS: The COL12A1 rs970547 SNP is associated with ACL tears in the Indian population. However, these results need to be validated further so that predisposed individuals can be screened in the future for counselling and intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is There a Genetic Predisposition to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are among the most common knee ligament injuries and frequently warrant reconstruction. The etiopathogenesis of these injuries has focused mainly on mechanism of trauma, patient sex, and anatomic factors as predisposing causes. Several genetic factors that could predispose to an ACL tear have recently been reported. PURPOSE: This systematic review summarizes the current evidence for a genetic predisposition to ACL tears. The principal research question was to identify genetic factors, based on the available literature, that could predispose an individual to an ACL tear. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and HuGE databases were searched; the search was run from the period of inception until June 21, 2015. A secondary search was performed by screening the references of full-text articles obtained and by manually searching selected journals. Articles were screened with prespecified inclusion criteria. The quality of studies included in the review was assessed for risk of bias by 2 reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 994 records were identified by the search, out of which 17 studies (16 case-control studies and 1 cross-sectional study) were included in the final review. Two studies observed a familial predisposition to an ACL tear. Fourteen studies looked at specific gene polymorphisms in 20 genes, from which different polymorphisms in 10 genes were positively associated with an ACL tear. In addition to these polymorphisms, 8 haplotypes were associated with ACL tear. One study looked at gene expression analysis. CONCLUSION: Although specific gene polymorphisms and haplotypes have been identified, it is difficult to come to a conclusion on the basis of the existing literature. Several sources of bias have been identified in these studies, and the results cannot be extrapolated to the general population. More studies are needed in larger populations of different ethnicities. Gene-gene interactions and gene expression studies in the future may delineate the exact role of these gene polymorphisms in ACL tears.

Glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad and its management by arthroscopic excision.

We present a rare case of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad in a 42-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging findings along with the characteristic clinical picture led us to suspect a glomus tumor as the possible etiology. An ischemia test was found to be positive and this further substantiated our diagnosis. An arthroscopic excision was performed and the histology confirmed the diagnosis of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad. The patient responded well to the excision with immediate complete resolution of pain and she remains asymptomatic at the last follow-up after 15 months. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad and the first ever to be managed by simple arthroscopic excision. The tumor poses a great challenge to an orthopedic surgeon. However, knowledge of its characteristic clinical presentation and the recognition of such a rare entity can help achieve an early diagnosis and timely management.

Differences among mechanoreceptors in healthy and injured anterior cruciate ligaments and their clinical importance.

Mechanoreceptors in an intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) contribute towards functional stability of the knee joint. Injury to the ACL not only causes mechanical instability, but also leads to a disturbance in the neuromuscular control of the injured knee due to loss or damage to mechanoreceptors. ACL reconstruction restores proprioceptive potential of the knee to some extent, but the results vary. Although the remnant ACL contains residual mechanoreceptors, the number and functionality of these receptors is dependent, to some extent, on the physical characteristics of the remnant and duration of injury. Remnants, especially that adherent to the PCL, may actually act as a possible source of reinnervation of the graft. These remnants are worth preserving during ACL reconstruction and can play an important role in restoration of proprioception of knee following ACL reconstruction.

Tuberculosis of the foot: An osteolytic variety.

BACKGROUND: Foot involvement in osteoarticular tuberculosis is uncommon and isolated bony involvement of foot bones with an osteolytic defect is even more rare; diagnostic and therapeutic delays can occur, worsening the prognosis. We present a retrospective series of osteolytic variety of foot tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present 24 osteolytic variety of foot tuberculosis (Eleven calcaneus, four cuboid, two cunieforms, one talus, three metatarsals, three phalanges) out of 92 foot TB cases collected over last 20 years. There were 16 adults and eight children. Tissue diagnosis was established in 23 of 24 cases based on PCR AFB staining, culture, and histopathology. Surgical intervention was reserved for patients with either a juxtaarticular focus threatening to involve a joint or an impending collapse of a midfoot bone with cystic destruction. RESULTS: Fifteen cases had an osteolytic lesion on the radiographs resembling a space-occupying lesion, five had patchy osteolysis, while four showed coke like sequestra; one patient had a lesion in two bones. Antitubercular chemotherapy after biopsy was sufficient to heal the lesion in 19 cases, while in five cases surgical debridement needed to be done. The lesions healed eventually. At an average followup of 8.3 years, (range 2-15 years) there were no recurrences and all patients were free from pain, with no restriction of movements. Six patients complained of occasional pain during walking on uneven ground. CONCLUSION: When tuberculous pathology is limited to the bone, the prognosis is better than in articular disease, as there is less deformity, and hence, less residual pain and disability.

Hip hemiarthroplasty periprosthetic loosening caused by papillary ovarian carcinoma metastasis in a 78-year-old woman: a rare presentation and a literature review.

Hip arthroplasty failure secondary to septic or aseptic loosening is common, but periprosthetic loosening caused by metastasis of a distant primary lesion is unusual and seldom described in the literature. In this report, we present the case of a 78-year-old woman with bipolar hemiarthroplasty implant loosening secondary to metastatic spread of papillary ovarian carcinoma. We also review the literature and describe the factors that could possibly predispose to metastatic seeding in patients with hip arthroplasty. In addition, we highlight the radiologic features that might help differentiate such loosening from other, more common causes at an early stage of presentation.