Pediatric femoral shaft fracture requiring revision surgery for nonunion associated with vitamin D and K deficiencies: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Nonunion of femoral shaft fractures in children is rare, and there is no clear treatment protocol. In this case report, a pediatric femoral shaft fracture that developed in nonunion due to vitamin deficiency after osteosynthesis, which was successfully treated with vitamin augmentation and replacement with a rigid antegrade intramedullary nail, is described. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is an 11-year-old Japanese girl. She injured her right femoral shaft fracture when she hit a wall after kickboarding down a hill and underwent osteosynthesis with a titanium elastic nail. Six months postoperatively, she developed nonunion, was found to be deficient in vitamins D and K, and was started on vitamin supplementation. She underwent replacement with a rigid antegrade intramedullary nail at 7 months postoperatively, and bone union was achieved 3 months after reoperation. CONCLUSION: When delayed union of a fracture is observed postoperatively, even in children without underlying disease, the cause of the problem must be investigated and treated promptly.

Factors Affecting the Second Complete Atypical Femoral Fracture after the First Atypical Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: Atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is an atypical low-energy subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fracture. Even if bone fusion is achieved in patients with AFF, the risk of AFF in the contralateral femur must be considered. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting complete AFF in the contralateral femur and conservatively treated incomplete AFF. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Radiographs of 111 femurs in 104 AFF cases were examined, and the femurs were classified as follows: 85 contralateral femurs with complete AFF; 18 contralateral femurs with incomplete AFF; 8 femurs with incomplete AFF without surgical treatment. Various patients' clinical data were collected, and we investigated the factors affecting the second complete AFF. RESULTS: Complete fractures occurred in 10 (9.7%) of 103 femurs without incomplete AFF at the first visit and in 3 (37.5%) of 8 femurs with incomplete AFF. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that lateral cortical bone thickening and thigh pain were associated with significantly poorer prognoses (p = 0.026 and p = 0.013, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that eldecalcitol usage after AFF onset (p = 0.0094) and previous use of bisphosphonate or denosumab (p = 0.0126) were protective factors for second complete AFF and that the presence of thigh pain (p = 0.0134) was a risk factor for second complete AFF. CONCLUSIONS: Eldecalcitol administration after bone union of first AFF may prevent AFF recurrence. In addition, painful incomplete AFF has a high risk of developing a complete fracture.

Effects of bisphosphonates and treadmill exercise on bone and kidney in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease rats.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the aging of society has highlighted the need for development of effective treatments for elderly patients. This study examined whether the combination of treadmill exercise therapy and alendronate (ALN) can improve bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength without worsening renal function in adenine-induced CKD model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 70) were divided into experimental groups based on the treatment protocol, i.e., non-CKD (control), vehicle only (CKD), ALN only, exercise only, and combined ALN plus exercise. A 0.75% adenine diet was used to induce CKD. Groups were killed at either 20 or 30 weeks of age. Comprehensive assessments included serum and urine biochemistry tests, renal histology, bone histomorphometry, BMD measurement, micro-computed tomography examinations, and biomechanical testing. RESULTS: Blood biochemistry tests, urine analyses and histological evaluations of the kidney demonstrated that ALN treatment did not worsen renal function or kidney fibrosis in moderate-stage CKD model rats. Both ALN and treadmill exercise significantly suppressed bone resorption (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). Moreover, ALN monotherapy and combined ALN and treadmill exercise significantly improved BMD of the lumbar spine and femur, bone microstructure, and trabecular bone strength (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). Treadmill exercise was also shown to decrease cortical porosity at the mid-diaphysis of the femur and improve kidney fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The combination of ALN and treadmill exercise is effective in improving BMD, the microstructure of trabecular and cortical bone, and bone strength, without compromising renal function in adenine-induced CKD model rats.

The successful treatment of a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc distal leg injury with a large bone defect in elderly patient with severe osteoporosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc tibial open fracture with large bone defects in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis is a rare injury that may be a challenging clinical scenario. CASE PRESENTATION: This study presents the case of a 68-year-old Japanese man who sustained a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc open tibial fracture with a large bone defect. The patient had severe osteoporosis and the bone was contaminated; therefore, we determined that the bone could not be returned to the tibia. The patient underwent acute limb shortening and gradual lengthening with an Ilizarov external fixator combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and teriparatide administration for limb reconstruction, which allowed immediate full weight-bearing capacity. The fixator was removed at 12 months postoperatively, and by this time, the fracture had completely healed. At the most recent 5-year follow-up after the injury, the patient reported full weight-bearing capacity without walking aids and had full knee and ankle range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of combined Ilizarov technique, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and teriparatide for limb reconstruction of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIc open tibial fractures with large bone defects in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis.

Evaluation of Medial Meniscal Extrusion Using Radiography.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in medial meniscal extrusion (MME), but few reports have evaluated MME via X-ray. In this study, the amount of MME and meniscal height at the medial border of the tibia were measured via X-ray with gradation processing. The extrusion length divided by the meniscal height yields the meniscal extrusion ratio, which was used as an index. In addition, the medial meniscal length of the part protruding from the medial border of the tibia on MRI was measured as an absolute value. Then, the correlation between the meniscal extrusion ratio and the amount of MME on MRI was examined, and there was a strong correlation between the meniscal extrusion ratio via X-ray and the amount of MME on MRI (correlation coefficient 0.860, p < 0.0001). The cut-off value of the meniscal extrusion ratio via X-ray for positive meniscal extrusion on MRI was 0.50, with an AUC of 0.9825, sensitivity of 0.9063, and specificity of 0.8663. From the present study, it was possible to measure the extrusion length and meniscal height via gradation processing, with X-ray and without MRI, and to calculate the meniscal extrusion ratio, which strongly correlates with the amount of MME on MRI.

Effects of Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Doxorubicin on Bone Metabolism in Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of doxorubicin (Dox) on bone microstructure and metabolism in a mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCRF S-180II cells (2-4×105 cells/0.2 ml) were injected subcutaneously into the back of mice. The mice were divided into four groups according to tumor and treatment status and were reared and sacrificed after 2 or 4 weeks. Micro-computed tomography (CT) was performed to calculate the architecture of the femoral bone. The proximal tibia was double stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone morphometry was performed. RESULTS: Trabecular bone mass was significantly reduced in the Sarcoma and Sarcoma+Dox groups. Cortical bone thickness was reduced in the DOX group, with a stronger effect observed in the Sarcoma+Dox group. In bone morphometry, osteoclast number at the bone surface (Oc.N/BS) was significantly lower in the Dox, Sarcoma, and Sarcoma+Dox groups than in the Control group at 2 weeks. The osteoblast surface at the bone surface (Ob.S/BS) was significantly lower in the Dox and Sarcoma groups than in the Control group at 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, the differences were smaller for both Oc.N/BS and Ob.S/BS. CONCLUSION: The use of doxorubicin alone worsened the cortical bone structure; however, the presence of both soft-tissue sarcoma and doxorubicin use worsened both cortical and trabecular bone structures from an early stage.

Skip Fusion With Sacral-Alar-Iliac Screw Fixation for Pelvic Ring and Lumbar Fractures: A Case Report.

Pelvic ring fractures are associated with high-energy trauma and high mortality owing to critical blood loss and concomitant injuries. If there is a concurrent lumbar fracture, the postoperative range of motion will be limited owing to the increased fusion range. Here, we report a case in which skip fusion with sacral-alar-iliac screw fixation was effective as a minimally invasive procedure for treating pelvic ring and lumbar fractures.

Teriparatide and etelcalcetide improve bone, fibrosis, and fat parameters in chronic kidney disease model rats.

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated by secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Etelcalcetide (EC) is a treatment for SHPT that reduces serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. However, the effects of combined treatment with osteoporosis drugs such as teriparatide (TPTD) remain unclear. This study investigates the combined effects of EC and TPTD on bone in CKD model rats. Methods: The CKD model was established in 8-week-old male Wistar rats by feeding them a 0.75% adenine diet for 4 weeks. At 20 weeks of age, the rats were divided into 4 groups (N = 9-10 in each group): CKD group (vehicle administration), TPTD group (30 µg/kg, 3 times/week), EC group (0.6 mg/kg, daily), and Comb group (TPTD and EC combined). EC was injected for 12 weeks starting at 20 weeks of age, and TPTD was injected for 8 weeks starting at 24 weeks of age. After treatment, the followings were evaluated: bone mineral density, bone strength, biochemical tests, bone and fat histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography. Results: In CKD model rats, the combination of EC and TPTD was more effective in increasing cortical bone thickness and bone strength and inhibiting porosity. In addition, the combined treatment decreased bone marrow adiposity and fibrosis, and it increased bone mass and improved bone microstructure in trabecular bone. Conclusions: With the observed benefits such as improved bone mass, bone strength, structural properties, and bone marrow adiposity, combination therapy may be a potential way to improve bone fragility in CKD.

Intravascular Administration of Acridine Orange and Zoledronate in a Bone Metastasis Model of Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study evaluated the effect of haematogenous administration of acridine orange (AO) alone and in combination with zoledronate (ZOL) on bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: E0771 cells (1.0×105 cells/10 µl) were injected directly into the right femur of female mice. The mice were divided into five groups according to treatment (drugs and irradiation) and were reared and sacrificed after 6 weeks. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed to calculate the destruction rate of the femur bone. We measured tumour weight and volume at sacrifice and performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labelling staining of tumours. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, the bone destruction rate was lower in the AO+ZOL group than in the radiation group. At 6 weeks, the AO+ZOL group had a lower bone destruction rate than the control and radiation groups; the ZOL group had a lower rate than the radiation group. The AO and AO+ZOL groups had suppressed tumour weight and volume compared to the control and radiation groups. The number of extraosseous apoptotic cells was higher in the AO+ZOL group than in all other groups except the AO group. CONCLUSION: In a model of local bone metastasis of breast cancer, haematogenous administration of AO reduced tumour size and more so when combined with ZOL.

Effects of teriparatide and low-intensity aerobic exercise on osteopenia in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), bone fragility increases fracture risk. Teriparatide (TPTD) improves bone strength, and exercise therapy suppresses blood glucose levels in T2DM. In this study, the combined effects of TPTD and exercise therapy on trabecular and cortical bone were examined in advanced T2DM model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-week-old Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats were divided into four groups (n = 9-10 in each group at two time points): Cont group (vehicle-treated control), TPTD group (TPTD 30 µg/kg injected subcutaneously, 3 times/week), Exe group (treadmill exercise, 10 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 times/week), and Comb group (TPTD-treated and treadmill exercise combined). Five and 10 weeks after treatment, bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, and bone micro-architecture were measured. RESULTS: TPTD and combined treatment significantly increased BMDs of the lumbar spine and femur compared to the Cont group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). In the three-point bending test of the femur, only combined treatment increased the maximum load at 5 weeks compared with the Cont and Exe groups (p < 0.01). In the compression test of the distal femoral metaphysis, both TPTD and combined treatment increased the trabecular bone strength compared with the Cont and Exe groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Although TPTD and combined treatment improved the micro-architecture of trabecular bone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), only combined treatment improved the micro-structures of cortical bone from 5 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of TPTD and treadmill exercise increased BMD and trabecular and cortical bone strength of the femur with improved micro-architecture in T2DM model rats.

Open tibial shaft fracture in a boy with autism spectrum disorder treated using a ring external fixator: A case report.

Autism spectrum disorder covers a group of behaviorally defined disorders that may result in the patient having difficulty staying calm during medical treatments, due to anxiety-related overreactions. Tibial fractures are the third most common pediatric long-bone fracture. Conservative treatment is selected in many cases, but surgical treatment may be selected in cases of open fracture and no treatment policy has been established. We described the case of a 6-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder who was unable to stay calm due to anxiety and required sedation. We diagnosed open tibial shaft fracture (Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification 42A1, 4F2A; Gustilo classification type 1). On the day of injury, we performed osteosynthesis using a ring external fixator and primary closure of the open wound. Full weight-bearing was permitted from immediately after surgery. No significant complications were observed postoperatively, and the external fixator was removed 84 days postoperatively. No abnormal alignment of the lower leg, leg-length discrepancy or range of motion disorder was identified. To the best of our knowledge, no other reports have described use of a ring external fixator for open tibial shaft fractures in children with autism spectrum disorder. Using a ring external fixator appears helpful for open tibial shaft fractures in children who are unable to stay calm due to autism spectrum disorder, because there is no need to limit weight-bearing immediately after surgery. For Gustilo classification type 1 pediatric open fracture, primary closure of the open wound is safe after sufficient bone fixation.

Evaluation of the Nature and Etiologies of Risk Factors for Diaphyseal Atypical Femoral Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Differences in mechanisms of subtrochanteric and diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are speculated in studies that analyzed differences in the patients' background. However, the etiologies of each type of AFF have not been studied in detail. This study aimed to investigate the nature and etiologies of the risk factors for diaphyseal AFFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty consecutive Japanese patients with 91 diaphyseal AFFs (AFF group) and 110 age-matched women with osteoporosis (non-AFF control group) were included. Their clinical data were compared; factors affecting AFFs were investigated, and the etiologies of the risk factors for diaphyseal AFFs were examined. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that femoral serrated changes, bisphosphonate or denosumab usage, and lateral and anterior femoral curvatures were risk factors for diaphyseal AFFs (p < 0.0011, p = 0.0137, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that serrated changes and low serum 25(OH)D levels affected the lateral curvature (p = 0.0088 and 0.0205, respectively), while serrated changes affected the anterior curvature (p = 0.0006), each significantly affected the femoral curvature. High serum calcium (Ca) levels, lateral femoral curvature, and anterior femoral curvature were predictors of serrated changes (p = 0.0146, 0.0002, and 0.0098, respectively). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for diaphyseal AFFs were bone resorption inhibitor usage, a strong femoral curvature, and serrated changes. Low serum 25(OH)D levels and serrated changes are risk factors for lateral curvature, while a high serum Ca level is a risk factor for serrated changes.

Teriparatide and exercise improve bone, skeletal muscle, and fat parameters in ovariectomized and tail-suspended rats.

INTRODUCTION: Although teriparatide (TPTD) and exercise may improve osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and fat metabolism during ageing, the effects of treatment with a combination of TPTD and exercise on these factors remain unclear. Therefore, this study examined the effects of TPTD and exercise on bone, skeletal muscle, and fat in ovariectomized and tail-suspended rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven-month-old female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and subjected to tail suspension. The rats were then randomized into one of the following four groups (n = 20/group) after 4 weeks: control group, treated with TPTD vehicle and no exercise; TPTD group (30 µg/kg TPTD, 3 days/week); Exercise group (treadmill at 12 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week); and Combined group treated with TPTD and treadmill exercise. After 1 and 8 weeks of treatment, bone, skeletal muscle, and fat tissue parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: TPTD improved bone mineral density (BMD), bone structure, bone strength at the femoral metaphysis, and the percentage of skeletal muscle mass, and decreased the percentage of fat mass and the adipose volume in the bone marrow. Treadmill exercise increased BMD, bone strength of cancellous bone, and the percentage of skeletal muscle mass, and decreased the percentage of fat mass as seen on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly affected BMD, bone structure, and bone strength of cortical bone at the femoral diaphysis. CONCLUSION: TPTD or treadmill exercise improved bone, skeletal muscle, and fat mass. Combination therapy with TPTD and exercise had synergistic effects on BMD, structure, and bone strength in ovariectomized, tail-suspended rats.

A new double level osteotomy procedure to restore a joint line and joint angles in severe varus osteoarthritis. - Double level osteotomy associated with tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (DLOTO).

High tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) is a well-established surgical procedure to correct a varus malalignment and treat medial compartment osteoarthritis. Recently, double level osteotomy (DLO) was recommended for extensive varus knees as a single level osteotomy (SLO) approach may create an excessive joint line obliquity and eventually result in a new bony deformity. However, a severe varus knee in cases of advanced osteoarthritis involves not only a bony deformity (extra-articular deformity) but also a medial joint space narrowing with a widened lateral joint space (intra-articular deformity). A DLO alone cannot reduce this intra-articular deformity. However, tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO) can complement DLO as to reduce this intra-articular deformity. This technical note describes a novel modified DLO procedure associated with TCVO which can restore a normal alignment and a joint line and achieve joint preservation even in cases of extensive varus osteoarthritis.

Effectiveness of Ilizarov external fixation in elderly patients with pilon fractures.

BACKGROUND: Pilon fractures are associated with soft tissue complications such as skin necrosis, and deep infections have been reported very often. This study retrospectively compared the treatment effects of Ilizarov external fixation and of internal fixation methods in elderly patients with pilon fractures. METHODS: A total of 37 patients >60 years old with pilon fractures (AO classification type 43) were investigated. Patients were treated either with internal fixation (n = 15) or Ilizarov external fixation (n = 22). The patients' mean age was 74.2 (range, 60-78) years in the internal fixation group and 76.1 (range, 60-82) years in the Ilizarov external fixation group. Many patients in the internal fixation group received toe-touch to 1/3 partial weight-bearing at 2-4 weeks postoperatively and full weight-bearing by 6-8 weeks postoperatively. Many patients in the Ilizarov external fixation group received partial weight-bearing (as tolerated) 1 day postoperatively, 1/2 partial weight-bearing at 2 weeks postoperatively, and full weight-bearing at 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean duration of hospitalization was 79.1 ± 30.1 days for the internal fixation group and 29.1 ± 18.8 days for the Ilizarov external fixation group (p < 0.05). Bone mineral density (T-score) was 2.6 ± 0.7 for the internal fixation group and 3.6 ± 1.2 for the Ilizarov external fixation group (p < 0.05). The incidence of skin disorders that required additional surgical treatment was 33.3% (5/15 patients) in the internal fixation group and 0% (0/22 patients) in the Ilizarov external fixation group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with periarticular fractures of the ankle, those who underwent Ilizarov external fixation had a shorter duration of hospitalization and fewer complications than those who underwent internal fixation.

Analysis of bone in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease model rats.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adenine-induced CKD model rats by serum analyses, and to examine bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, and microstructure of trabecular and cortical bone in these rats. METHODS: Eight-week-old, male Wistar rats (n = 42) were divided into 2 groups: those fed a 0.75% adenine diet for 4 weeks until 12 weeks of age to generate CKD model rats (CKD group); and sham rats. The CKD and sham groups were sacrificed at 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age (n = 7 in each group and at 12, 16, and 20 weeks), and various parameters were evaluated, including body weight, renal wet weight, muscle wet weight, renal histology, biochemical tests, BMD, biomechanical testing, and micro-computed tomography (CT). The parameters were compared between the 2 groups at the various time points. RESULTS: In the CKD model rats, at 20 weeks of age, serum creatinine, phosphorus, and intact-PTH levels were elevated, and serum calcium levels were normal, indicating that the CKD was stage IV and associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Decreased BMDs of the whole body and the femur were observed as bone changes, and micro-CT analysis showed deterioration of bone microstructure of the cortical bone that resulted in decreased bone strength in the cortical and trabecular bone. CONCLUSIONS: These CKD model rats showed stage IV CKD and appear appropriate for evaluating the effects of several treatments for CKD-related osteoporosis and mineral bone disorder.

Evaluation of factors affecting the occurrence of second atypical fracture after bone union of the first atypical fracture.

PURPOSE: Teriparatide is sometimes used in the treatment of atypical femoral fracture (AFF). Even if bone union is achieved, orthopedic physicians must consider the risk of relapse. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting AFF recurrence, and to determine the appropriate treatment for osteoporosis after bone union. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one consecutive AFFs in 113 Japanese patients were included. Eleven patients had AFF in the unaffected limb (9 patients) after the first AFF or re-fracture at the original fracture site (2 patients) after bone union of the first AFF was confirmed. We divided all patients into two groups: the second fracture group (22 AFFs in 11 patients) and non-second fracture group (109 AFFs in 102 patients). We compared clinical information between the 2 groups and investigated the factors affecting AFF recurrence using the Student t-, Welch t-, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the 2 groups, multivariate analysis of factors associated with AFF recurrence identified short duration of treatment with teriparatide and active vitamin D3 (p = 0.0408 and 0.0366, respectively) as risk factors. Even in the analysis excluding subtrochanteric AFF, short periods of teriparatide and active vitamin D3 administration were observed as risk factors (p = 0.0484 and 0.0346, respectively). CONCLUSION: The administration of teriparatide for as long as possible after occurrence first AFF and the use of active vitamin D3 after completion of teriparatide therapy may be the most effective strategy to prevent the recurrence of AFF.

Successful treatment of a habitual patellar dislocation after a total knee arthroplasty with a closing-wedge distal femoral varus osteotomy and medial patello-femoral ligament reconstruction.

A 68-year-old female suffering from habitual patellar dislocations following a mal-positioned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was successfully treated with a biplanar closed wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) and medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. To the best of our knowledge, no such case has been previously described. Our experience with this case suggests that treatment for a patella dislocation following valgus mal-positioning of TKA should be considered positively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Effectiveness of circular hexapod external fixation with soft tissue reconstruction in treating severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe varus deformity and soft tissue injury caused by a burn around a complex knee dislocation is a rare injury. Soft tissue reconstruction and deformity correction with circular hexapod external fixation of the knee and hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are challenging and can lead to major complications if not performed appropriately. We present a case in which a combination of soft tissue reconstruction, circular hexapod external fixation, and TKA was used treat severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented for knee surgery with soft tissue reconstruction, deformity correction with circular hexapod external fixation, and hinged TKA for a severe complex deformity and soft tissue injury caused by a burn injury at 6 months of age. The left leg was shorter by 35 mm in terms of functional leg length discrepancy. She walked with a limp, with a marked varus deformity of the left knee during the stance phase of walking. After a 3-stage repair, the patient was able to walk without assistance, confirming improvement of mobility. CONCLUSION: The treatment method was an effective use of a combination of soft tissue reconstruction, circular hexapod external fixation, and rehearsal surgery using a 3D printed bone model of the modular rotating hinge component of TKA, which was successfully used to treat a severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring. This staged surgery maintained the leg length and ultimately achieved a satisfactory alignment.

Effectiveness of circular external fixator in periprosthetic fractures around the knee.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is rising due to an increasing number of TJAs performed annually and the growing elderly population. In many elderly patients with periprosthetic fractures, the bone strength is lowered due to the deterioration of bone quality and a decrease in bone quantity; rigid fixation of the fracture is difficult. It is a challenging operation for orthopedic surgeons. The usefulness of circular external fixation for periprosthetic fractures has been reported in several case studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of union and complications associated with circular external fixation in periprosthetic fractures around the knee. METHODS: We included 19 patients with periprosthetic femur and tibial fractures who underwent osteosynthesis using a circular external fixator and had at least 2 years of follow-up. All patients had comorbidities and high risks associated with anesthesia. Tourniquets were not used in any of the patients. There were no cases in which the skin incision was placed, and the closed reduction technique was used in all cases. RESULTS: A 100% union rate was achieved with no serious complications. All fractures healed after a mean time of 14.3 ± 5.2 weeks (range, 8-38 weeks). The walking ability was the same level as before the injury in 13 cases. DISCUSSION: There are many comorbidities associated with periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients. Double-plate or revision surgery were largely invasive and had high risks associated with anesthesia. Circular external fixation is a feasible and effective treatment option because it provides stable fixation, prompt postoperative mobilization, and has no major complications, especially in elderly patients who are treated for periprosthetic fractures. CONCLUSION: Circular external fixation is a safe and reliable method for periprosthetic fractures around the knee in elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.