Conventional Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation vs Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation of Ganglion Impar in Chronic Perineal Pain of Nononcological Origin.

Background: Chronic nononcological perineal pain has been effectively managed by ganglion Impar block. Chemical neurolysis, cryoablation, and radiofrequency ablation have been the accepted methods of blockade. Recently, pulsed radiofrequency, a novel variant of conventional radiofrequency, has been used for this purpose. Study Design: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting: Two different interventional pain management centers in India. Objective: To compare the efficacy of conventional radiofrequency and pulsed radiofrequency for gangliom Impar block. Methods: The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the conventional radiofrequency (CRF) group (N = 34), conventional radiofrequency ablation was done, and in the PRF pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) group (N = 31), pulsed radiofrequency ablation was done. After informed and written consent, fluoroscopy-guided ganglion Impar block was performed through the first intracoccygeal approach. The extent of pain relief was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours, and at the first, third, and sixth weeks following the intervention. A questionnaire to evaluate subjective patient satisfaction was also used at each follow-up visit. Results: In the CRF group, the mean VAS score decreased significantly from the baseline value at each follow-up visit. But in the PRF group, this decrease was insignificant except at 24-hour follow-up. Intergroup comparison also showed significantly better pain relief in the CRF group as compared with the PRF group. At the end of follow-up, 28 patients (82%) in the CRF group and four patients (13%) in the PRF group had excellent results, as assessed by the subjective patient satisfaction questionnaire. There was no complication in any patient of either study group, except for short-lived infection at the site of skin puncture in a few. Conclusion: Ganglion Impar block by conventional radiofrequency provided a significantly better quality of pain relief with no major side effects in patients with chronic nononcological perineal pain as compared with pulsed radiofrequency. Limitations: The short-term follow-up period of only six weeks was a major drawback associated with this study.

Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot by Ponseti Technique in Children Presenting After One Year of Age.

We conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of the Ponseti technique in the management of idiopathic congenital clubfoot in patients older than 1 year of age. A total of 19 patients with 28 clubfeet (16 males [84.2%], 3 females [15.8%]) were included in the present study. The mean age at presentation was 2.7 (range 1 to 3.5) years. The results of treatment using the Ponseti technique were evaluated using the Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems. The mean precorrection total Pirani score was 4.84 (range 3.5 to 5.5) and the mean precorrection Dimeglio score was 12.96 (range 10 to 14). The mean postcorrection total Pirani score was 0.55 (range 0 to 1), and the mean postcorrection Dimeglio score was 2.32 (range 2 to 3). These differences were statistically significant (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). In 92.8% of the feet, satisfactory correction of the deformity was achieved. The mean number of casts applied was 8 (range 5 to 12). All but 1 (3.6%) of the clubfeet required tenotomy to achieve correction. The mean follow-up duration was 2.7 (range 1.5 to 3.5) years. We have concluded that the Ponseti technique is an effective method for the management of idiopathic congenital clubfoot, even in toddlers.

Haemophilic arthropathy of the knee: a surgeon's nightmare.

Surgical management of knee synovitis secondary to mild haemophilia, without any significant previous medical history and an adverse family history of haematological disorders, is arduous. Due to its rare occurrence, the diagnosis is often delayed or sometimes missed, leading to the grave and often lethal consequences in intraoperative and postoperative periods. Hardly isolated knee arthropathy due to mild haemophilia has been reported in the available literature. In this report, we present the management of a case of a 16-year-old male with isolated knee synovitis with undiagnosed mild haemophilia, who came to us with the first episode of knee bleeding. We elucidate the signs and symptoms, investigations, surgical management, and difficulties faced, especially during the postoperative period. This case report is presented to enhance awareness of the existence of this disorder and its management to prevent postoperative complications.

Arthroscopic debridement of the ankle in synovitis.

Inflammation and hypertrophy of the ankle joint's synovial lining can occur due to various causes. Chronic pain and degenerative changes may be due to synovitis causing clinical manifestations through traction on the joint capsule. The failure of conservative treatment for at least six months indicates arthroscopic debridement, which can provide significant pain relief without the morbidity of extensive surgical exposures. This study was therefore conducted to establish the functional results of arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint in synovitis. Fifteen patients with chronic ankle pain who had not responded to conservative treatment for approximately six months were included in the study. Arthroscopic debridement was performed using a shaver blade, followed by a postoperative ankle physiotherapy regimen. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the AOFAS, FADI, and VAS scores, with a mean follow-up period of 26 months. There was a significant improvement in the final clinical outcomes of the patients. The post-operative VAS score improved to 2.20±0.56 (2-4) (p-value=0.001), the AOFAS score was 86±8.25 (65-98) (p-value-0.001), and the FADI Score was 86.93±7.35(70-96) (p-value=0.001). Thirteen patients (86.67%) achieved outstanding or good results, while two had fair results, according to Meislin's criterion. One patient reported a superficial wound infection, which subsided with antibiotic therapy. The study findings indicate that arthroscopic ankle debridement is an efficient method to treat persistent ankle discomfort induced by synovitis, and it has a low postsurgical complications rate, quicker recovery, and less joint stiffness.

Orthopaedic problems in the blind.

Background: Blindness is a common problem in every society and country. The problem ranges from complete blindness to partially sighted in the affected population. India has close to 12 million visually impaired people. Orthopaedic problems are not uncommon in blind. Orthopaedic Surgeons though had been aware of the postural and gait abnormalities in blind but very few published studies have systematically focused on the effect of blindness on the development of posture and gait. Methods: Case Control study done for the orthopaedic evaluation of the blind and partially sighted individuals. The study population included 242 students of Ahmadi School for the Blind, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India), as the cases and another matched set of 250 non-blind children. All the children were assessed for the orthopaedic problems like degree of ligamentous laxity, spinal alignment, foot morphology and alignment of hips, knees and ankles. Standing posture and gait were also examined and recorded. Ligamentous laxity was assessed according to the method adopted by Beighton et al.10 Chi-square test was applied using IBM SPSS 23.0. Results: 139 children (57.4 %) were found to have laxity of the ligaments. 72 children (29.7 %) had spine deformities, out of which kyphosis was present in 34 (47.2 %), scoliosis in 23 (31.9 %), lordosis in 13 (18.0 %), and meningomyelocele in 2 (2.9 %) children. 119 children (49.1 %) had foot deformities. 37 children (15.2 %) had knee deformity. 22 children (9.0 %) showed evidence of cerebral palsy. 216 children (89.2 %) had varying degrees of postural abnormalities. The data was statistically significant when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Blindness causes a wide range of complicated sensory and motor problems that frequently forces people into isolation. Blind rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary approach. Orthopaedic problems are quite common in blind individuals and should be dealt separately.

Pantalar dislocation: a rare presentation with review of treatment methods.

Pantalar dislocation means the simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal, talonavicular, and tibiotalar joint. It is a rare injury comprising only 3.4% of major talar injuries. Treatment of closed Pantalar dislocation is controversial. However, the aim should be to attain a stable anatomic reduction of the Talus in the ankle joint. To prevent further damage to the skin and neurovascular structures, closed reduction of these dislocations should be performed as soon as possible. We report a case of Pantalar dislocation where we tried to reduce the talus both by closed and open methods but it was not possible to reduce the dislocation until the talonavicular joint was reduced first. Intending to improve the clinical knowledge of Pantalar dislocation, we want to convey our clinical experience and results from this rare dislocation.

Single-stage versus two-stage reconstruction in chronic multi ligament knee injury.

BACKGROUND: Multi ligament knee injury (MLKI) refers to the disruption of at least 2 of the 4 major knee ligaments. These injuries are managed in single and two-stage surgeries however, treatment guidelines for best practice are unsettled. There is no study in the literature that compares single and two-stage surgery for the management of chronic multiligament knee injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome between single-stage and two-stage surgical fixation in chronic multi-ligament knee injury. METHODS: Twenty seven patients with chronic MLKI with at least 2 years of follow up were included. Fourteen patients underwent reconstruction of torn ligaments in a single-stage operation (Group I) and 13 patients underwent reconstruction of torn ligaments in two stages (Group II). Assessment of clinical outcome was done with IKDC knee score, TEGNER LYSHOLM knee score, range of movement and laxity tests (Anterior drawer test, Lachman, Posterior drawer test, pivot shift test, dial test, varus and valgus stress test). RESULTS: At final follow up, there was no significant difference in post-operative IKDC knee scores in group I and group II (84.7±7.1 and 81.4±8.4 respectively, p=0.3) and Lysholm scores (85.8±8.3 and 80.9±8.3 respectively, p=0.1), range of movement (133.2±5.7 and 131.5±6.6 respectively, p=0.5) and all the patients regained full extension. At the final follow up 12/14 patients (85.7%) in group I and 11/13 patients (84.6%) in group II had a negative/grade 1 anterior drawer test (p=0.6), 14/14 (100%) in group I and 13/13 (100%) patients had negative/grade 1 lachman test (p=0.6), 13/14 patients (92.8%) in group I and 13/13 patients (100%) patients in group II had negative/grade 1 pivot shift test (p=0.4), 9/10 patients (90%) in group I and 12/13 patients (92.3%) in group II had negative/grade 1 posterior drawer (p=0.6), 6/6 patients (100%) in group I and 6/7 patients (85.7%) in group II had negative/grade 1 dial test (p=0.3), 5/6 patients (83.3%) in group I and 5/7 patients (71.4%) in group II had negative/grade 1 varus stress test (p=0.4), 6/7 patients (85.7%) in group I and 7/7 patients (100%) in group II had negative/grade 1 valgus stress test (p=0.1). CONCLUSION: Chronic MLKI managed by single stage and two stage reconstruction provides similar functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Cohort Study.

Does an Adjustable-Loop Device Loosen following ACL Reconstruction with a Hamstring Graft? A Retrospective Study with a Follow-Up of Two Years.

Arthroscopic anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the gold standard treatment for an ACL tear and requires the use of fixed or adjustable-loop devices to fix a femoral-side graft. Although the adjustable mechanism is designed to provide one-way tensioning, there is a concern that the adjustable loop will loosen and lengthen during cyclic loads, creating graft laxity. The present paper is a retrospective study of patients who underwent ACLR with the fixation of a hamstring graft with an adjustable loop on the femoral side from November 2016 to October 2018. The knee's functional outcome was evaluated using an International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Lachman test, and pivot shift test. The patients were assessed preoperatively and finally postoperatively after two years of surgery. Thirty-two patients were analyzed. Significant improvement was obtained in the final clinical outcome of the patients. Twenty-seven patients (84.4%) were Lachman negative, and twenty-eight patients (87.5%) were pivot shift test negative, the mean Lysholm score was 96.91, and the IKDC score was 91.47 (p < 0.001). There was no infection, graft failure, or flexion restriction. Arthroscopic ACLR with an adjustable-loop suspensory device is a successful fixation method for femoral-side graft fixation and offers a similar functional outcome as with fixed-loop devices.

A prospective randomized study of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with adjustable- versus fixed-loop device for femoral side fixation.

PURPOSE: Suspensory devices are extensively used in the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. They include fixed- and adjustable-loop devices. There are only a few studies comparing the efficacy of these two devices in the available literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between the adjustable-loop device (group I) and fixed-loop device (group II). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study. Both groups were equivalent in demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative variables. Twenty-three patients underwent femoral side graft fixation with adjustable-loop and 20 with fixed-loop devices. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Assessment of clinical outcome was done with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and knee stability tests (Lachman test and pivot shift test). Patient evaluation was performed preoperatively and finally postoperatively 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative IKDC scores of group I and II were 91.9 ± 3.6 and 91.5 ± 3.6, respectively, and Lysholm scores were 91.0 ± 3.6 and 91.4 ± 3.5, respectively, after 2 years; however, the difference in the outcomes was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Twenty patients (87%) in group I and 17 patients (85%) in group II had a negative Lachman test (p = 0.8). Twenty-two patients (95.7%) in group I and 19 patients (95%) in group II had a negative pivot shift test (p = 0.9). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction with fixed- and adjustable-loop suspensory devices for graft fixation gives equivalent and satisfactory clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

Prediction of peroneus longus graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by inframalleolar harvest and from anthropometric data.

BACKGROUND: The literature is gradually drifting towards a graft of larger diameter for successful ACL reconstruction. There is no published literature regarding the anthropometric predictors for the diameter of the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) graft obtained in ACL reconstruction through the inframalleolar approach. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were finally evaluated for anthropometric parameters to predict quadrupled PLT graft diameter in ACL reconstruction using the inframalleolar technique. Intraoperative quadrupled PLT graft diameter was correlated to the patient's anthropometric data such as age, height, weight, duration of injury, and BMI. We used regression analysis in a stepwise manner to ascertain anthropometric indices associated with the graft diameter. RESULTS: This study included 46 males and six females. Mean age was 28.2 ± 7.4 years, mean height was 172.7 ± 2.8 cm, mean weight was 75.6 ± 3.4 kg, mean BMI was 25.3 ± 0.9 kg/m2, mean duration of injury was 9.2 ± 3.9 months, and mean graft diameter was 9.3 ± 0.4 mm. Positive correlation with graft diameter was found only with height (r = 0.6, P < 0.01) and weight (r = 0.4, P < 0.01). On analysing through linear regression, height and weight had significant association with graft diameter, and we formulated the following prediction equation: PLT graft diameter (mm) = 0.083 × height (cm) + 0.011 × weight (kg) -5.854. CONCLUSION: Patients' characteristics, including height and weight, have a significant correlation with quadrupled PLT graft diameter and the average diameter of graft is > 9 mm through this approach.

Metachronous multicentric giant cell tumour of the upper extremity in a skeletally immature girl : A rare presentation.

Giant Cell tumour (GCT) or Osteoclastoma is a benign locally aggressive tumour with a tendency for local recurrence. Long tubular bones (75-90%) are frequent sites of involvement. GCT constitutes 5% of all primary bone tumours. Metachronous multicentric giant cell tumour of bone is a rare entity. Multicentric GCT, in contrast to unifocal GCT, has a tendency to involve the small bones of hands and feet, involving the metaphysis/diaphysis of long bones and tends to occur in a slightly younger population. We report a young girl presenting with metachronous multicentric recurrent benign GCT, with the lesions involving the ipsilateral right hand and distal humerus. She was successfully treated with an aggressive surgical approach (en-bloc resection).

Management of complex non union of tibia using rail external fixator.

INTRODUCTION: Management of the complex non union of tibia is a challenging task due to infection, bony gap, deformity, poor bone quality and poor soft tissue cover at fracture site. The limb reconstruction system (LRS) or Rail fixator has emerged as a viable option for the treatment of the same as it can address most of all above problems. It is more patient friendly and easier to apply in comparison to Ilizarov ring fixator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty two patients (17 males and 5 females) with complex non union of tibia underwent thorough debridement and resection of non viable bone followed by bone transport to fill the gap and then lengthening (8 patients) or acute docking & lengthening (14 patients) by the use of rail fixator. The average time to union, bone gap filled, lengthening achieved, treatment index were measured. The bone and functional outcome assessment was done by ASAMI score. The complications were classified according to Paley's classification. RESULTS: Union without residual infection was achieved in 20 (90.1%) patients while 2 patients had failure. As per ASAMI criteria bone results were excellent in 12 (54.5%), good in 5 (22.7%), fair in 3 (13.6%) and poor in 2 (9.1%). Functional results were excellent in 11 (50%), good in 5 (22.72%), fair in 4 (18.18%) and failure in 2 (9%). Mean treatment duration was 8.2 months (range 7-19 months). Mean follow up duration was 11.3 months (range - 8.3 to 22 months). Average lengthening achieved was 4 cm (0-9 cm). Treatment index was 2.1 month/cm. CONCLUSION: The monolateral rail fixator is simple, effective, easier to apply and more patient compliant with acceptable functional and radiological outcome.

Status of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone in Patients Scheduled to Undergo Orthopedic Fracture Management: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is seen in all races, age groups, and ethnic backgrounds. VDD estimated to affect >1 billion people worldwide. The purpose of the present study is to characterize the extent of Vitamin D inadequacy and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels among patients presenting to us for fracture management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective case-control study was performed whereby serum Vitamin D levels and corresponding PTH levels were measured. The study subjects included patients >45 years of age irrespective of sex who presented with fracture as a result of trivial trauma. A total of 102 cases (34 intertrochanteric fracture, 66 fracture neck of femur, and 2 Colle's fracture) and 100 controls were included in the study. RESULT: Average serum hydroxy-vitamin D and serum PTH of cases 15.8 ± 5.25 ng/mL and 91.15 ± 6.03 pg/mL, respectively. Average S.25-OH Vitamin D and serum PTH of controls was 25.49 ± 3.79 ng/mL and 23.46 ± 3.79 pg/mL, respectively. Eighty (78.4%) cases were in insufficient range (Vitamin D between 10-30 ng/mL), 16 (15.6%) were deficient (Vitamin D <10 ng/mL), and only 6 (5.8%) were sufficient (Vitamin D >30 ng/mL). While in controls, 28% had sufficient and 72% had insufficient Vitamin D levels. There was no deficient control. Serum PTH levels were significantly raised in cases when compared to controls consistent with secondary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: This study gives us very important data regarding the prevalence of VDD and rise of PTH secondary to the former and this hormonal milieu in our body is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of fracture.

Management of Neglected Lateral Condyle Fracture of Humerus: A Comparison between Two Modalities of Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Implant for fixation of neglected fracture lateral condyle humerus remains an issue of controversy. This study compares the clinical and radiological outcome of fixation with Kirschner wire (K-wire) and with cancellous screw (CS) in neglected fracture lateral condyle humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 patients of neglected lateral condyle humerus fracture, treated either by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with K-wire or ORIF with CS were included in study. The comparisons were made in term of slab immobilization time, union time, improved range of motion (ROM), final achieved carrying angle, and functional outcome measured by Liverpool Elbow Score (LES). RESULTS: There were 22 patients in Group I with mean age 7.8 years and 20 patients in Group II with mean age 7.3 years. Mean delay in presentation was 12.9 versus 15.6 weeks (P > 0.05). Mean followup was 26.9 versus 26.7 months. Mean duration of immobilization was 11.6 versus 9.4 weeks (P < 0.001). Improved carrying angle was 6.8° versus 9.7° (P < 0.05). Mean gain in ROM was 17.7° versus 27.5° (P < 0.05). Mean LES was 8.15 versus 8.18 (P > 0.05). Premature closure of physis was observed in two patients. Pin tract infection was seen in three of Group I (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in LES, irrespective of implant used. Screw was better in terms of duration of slab, improvement in carrying angle and ROM.

In vivo comparison of a fixed loop (EndoButton CL) with an adjustable loop (TightRope RT) device for femoral fixation of the graft in ACL reconstruction: A prospective randomized study and a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of in vivo studies comparing the functional outcome and knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using fixed loop (EndoButton (EB) CL) and adjustable loop (TightRope (TR) RT) devices for femoral fixation of soft tissue grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional outcomes were assessed in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, knee stability by anteroposterior laxity and side-to-side difference (SSD) using KT-1000 arthrometer. The evaluation was performed preoperatively and post-operatively at 6 months and 2 years. RESULTS: Both groups were matched in terms of demographic, preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative covariates. EB ( n = 52) appeared to have better IKDC and Lysholm scores at 6 months post-operative when compared to TR ( n = 50). However, at a final follow-up of 2 years, the results were similar. The anterior tibial translation and SSD were statistically insignificant between the two groups at 6 months and 2 years. CONCLUSION: ACLR using EB or TR for femoral fixation gives substantially equivalent functional results and knee stability at mid-term follow-up.

Giant cell reaction of a metatarsal bone: a case report.

A rare, non-neoplastic lesion involving the 1st metatarsal bone in a 5-year-old female is described. Radiographically it presented as a cystic lesion of the whole of the metatarsal. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed it to be a benign giant cell lesion. The tumour was excised en bloc and the metatarsal replaced by a free fibular graft of adequate length. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis as giant cell reaction of bone. The lesion is said to arise as a local tissue response to bleeding as evidenced by the clustering of giant cells in areas of haemorrhage. The entity should be differentiated from aneurismal bone cyst, brown tumours of hyperparathyroidism giant cell tumour, chondroblastoma, non-ossifying fibroma etc. Treatment usually consists of curettage or excision of the involved bone with or without bone grafting. Recurrences are common in curetted lesions.

Inadvertent injection of potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride during treatment of chronic low back ache with epidural injection leading to paraplegia.

Epidural injection of steroid is given for back pain resistant to other conservative management. Normal saline (NS) is used as diluent in 80 mg methylprednisolone and a local anesthetic. Due to a similar looking ampoule of NS and potassium chloride (KCl), there is a probability of accidental use of KCl instead of NS. We present a case of a 50-year-old male patient having low back ache refractory to other conservative treatments. Epidural injection of steroid was given, but accidently KCl was mixed with methylprednisolone instead of NS. He developed severe cramps in the lower limbs, pruritus, and sweating, and finally paraplegia. Electrocardiography and blood showed features suggestive of hyperkalemia. He was given calcium gluconate and potassium chelating agent along with supportive measures. The patient recovered within 8 h. It is concluded that calcium gluconate and potassium chelating agent can be used if accidentally KCl is injected in epidural space.

Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity In Postmenopausal Women with Peripheral Neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION: The post-menopausal phase is characterized by a decline in the serum oestrogen and progesterone levels. This phase is also associated with higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy. AIM: To explore the relationship between the peripheral motor nerve status and serum oestrogen and progesterone levels through assessment of Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity (MNCV) in post-menopausal women with peripheral neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College during 2011-2013. The study included 30 post-menopausal women with peripheral neuropathy (age: 51.4±7.9) and 30 post-menopausal women without peripheral neuropathy (control) (age: 52.5±4.9). They were compared for MNCV in median, ulnar and common peroneal nerves and serum levels of oestrogen and progesterone estimated through enzyme immunoassays. To study the relationship between hormone levels and MNCV, a stepwise linear regression analysis was done. RESULTS: The post-menopausal women with peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower MNCV and serum oestrogen and progesterone levels as compared to control subjects. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed oestrogen with main effect on MNCV. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that while the post-menopausal age group is at a greater risk of peripheral neuropathy, it is the decline in the serum estrogen levels which is critical in the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Prediction of quadruple hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by anthropometric measurements.

BACKGROUND: The literature is scanty regarding the anthropometric predictors on the diameter of quadruple hamstring graft obtained in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in Indian population. Minimum diameter of the graft for ACL reconstruction should be >7 mm to preclude failure. The objective of this study was to assess the prediction of the hamstring graft diameter by several anthropometric parameters including age, thigh circumference, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 46 consecutive patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction by the same surgeon using quadruple hamstring grafts were evaluated. The age, thigh circumference of the normal side, height, weight and BMI were recorded preoperatively and Pearson correlation was done using these parameters with graft diameter measured intraoperatively. Regression analysis in a stepwise manner was undertaken to assess the influence of individual anthropometric parameters on the graft diameter. RESULTS: There were 44 males and 2 females. Mean age was 29.4 years, mean height was 172.6 cm, mean weight was 70.9 kg, mean BMI was 23.8 kg/m(2), mean thigh circumference was 47.1 cm and mean graft diameter was 7.9 mm. There was a positive correlation individually between the thigh circumference and graft diameter obtained (r = 0.8, P < 0.01, n = 46), and between the height and graft diameter (r = 0.8, P < 0.01, n = 46). On the regression analysis thigh circumference and height were found to be significant predictors of graft diameter giving the following equation: Graft diameter (mm) = 0. 079 height (cm) +0.068 thigh circumference (cm) -9.031. CONCLUSION: Preoperatively using the above equation if graft diameter came out to be <7 mm then alternate options of graft material must be kept in mind in order to prevent failure.

Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture Fixation - Is Proximal Femoral Locked Compression Plate Better Than Dynamic Hip Screw.

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric fractures are one of the most common fractures encountered in our practice. Most of them need operative intervention and union is achieved. As per the literature dynamic hip screw (DHS) is the gold standard for the treatment of these fractures, however problem arises with maintenance of neck shaft angle and proper reduction in unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The situation gets more complex when "cut out" of femoral head screw occurs either alone or in combination with varus collapse when they are treated with DHS. Here we are giving results of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with Proximal Femoral Locked Compression Plate (PFLCP) as compared with similar patients treated with Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 27 patients (17 males, 10 females) with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were subjected to PFLCP treatment from March 2011 to November 2012 in one group. Another was a similar group of 35 patients treated with DHS from March 2008 to February 2010. Results of group 1 were compared with group 2. Detailed clinical conditions of all patients, duration of surgery, blood loss, length of incision and duration of image intensifier use were recorded. Patients were revisited at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Results were evaluated clinically by Harris hip Score and radiologically for fracture union. Progress of union and complications (limb shortening, varus collapse, cut out of femoral head screw and medialization of distal fragment) were recorded. RESULTS: Among 27 patients treated with PFLCP, one patient expired 6 week postoperatively and one patient lost to follow up, so 25 patients were evaluated for final outcome of which 23 (92%) showed union at follow up of 12 months. One patient developed bending of proximal screws and three developed varus collapse. Among the group treated with DHS, eight patients developed varus collapse, seven developed medialization and three had femoral head screw cut out. According to Harris hip Score 88% cases had good to excellent result in PFLCP group whereas only 60% cases in the DHS group had good to excellent result. CONCLUSION: Treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral locked plate (PFLCP) can give good healing, with a limited occurrence of complication.