Bosworth ankle fracture-dislocation: current concept review.

Bosworth fracture (BF) is a special type of locked ankle fracture-dislocation, characterized by displacement of a fragment of the fractured fibula from the fibular notch behind the posterior surface of the distal tibia. BF is a complex injury affecting multiple structures of the ankle joint, which is still frequently misjudged even today, potentially leading to severe complications. CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, should be the diagnostic standard in BF, as it provides a complete picture of the fracture pathoanatomy, most prominently the morphology of the frequently associated posterior malleolar fracture. BF requires early reduction of the displaced fibular fragment without repeated attempts on closed reduction. Non-operative treatment of BF almost always fails. The standard treatment procedure is early open reduction internal fixation. Due to the relative severity and paucity of the injury, BF seems to be particularly prone to soft tissue complications, including compartment syndrome. The results of operative treatment are mixed. Many studies report persistent pain even after a short time interval, with limitations of the range of motion or even stiffness of the ankle joint, and development of degenerative changes. Larger studies with long-term results are still missing.

Muscular branches from the ulnar artery are the basis for a pedicled partial flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap.

The feasibility of a pedicled flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap was studied in 10 fresh cadavers. The number, length and distance from the flexion wrist crease of muscular branches from the ulnar artery in the distal 10 cm of the forearm were recorded. The mean number of muscular branches was 2.7 (range 1-4). The mean distance of the most distal branch was 35 mm (range 26-40) from the proximal wrist flexion crease. Its mean length was 20 mm (range 16-26). A partial muscle flap was raised on the most distal branch and transposed over the median nerve in the distal forearm. Dissection and transposition of this flap were feasible in all specimens. The reliable pattern of muscular branches to the flexor digitorum superficialis allows the elevation of a pedicled partial muscle flap that can cover the median nerve in the distal forearm.Level of evidence: V.

Injury to the posterior malleolus in Maisonneuve fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and a complex pathoanatomy of posterior malleolus fractures in a Maisonneuve fracture. METHODS: The study included 100 prospectively collected patients with a complete clinical and radiological documentation of an ankle fracture or fracture-dislocation including a fracture of the proximal quarter of the fibula. RESULTS: A posterior malleolus fracture was identified in 74 patients, and in 27% of these cases it carried more than one quarter of the fibular notch. Displacement of the posterior fragment by more than 2 mm was shown by scans in 72% of cases. Small intercalary fragments were identified in 43% of cases. Fractures of the Tillaux-Chaput tubercle were identified in 20 patients. CONCLUSION: Our study has proved a high rate of posterior malleolus fractures associated with a Maisonneuve fracture, and documented their considerable variability in terms of involvement of the fibular notch, tibiotalar contact area, direction of displacement and frequency of intercalary fragments. Of no less importance is a combination of Tillaux-Chaput fractures with a Maisonneuve fracture.

Long-term results of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The study evaluates long-term results in patients treated by valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO) for partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) after fracture of the femoral neck in adolescent age. Although this method is mentioned in literature frequently, there are only few studies in the literature dealing with it in detail. METHODS: Authors evaluated five patients at the interval of 15 to 20 years following VITO. The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 13.6 years and at the time of VITO 16.7 years. The studied parameters included resorption of necrotic segment of femoral head, development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis and leg shortening. RESULTS: Comparison of radiographs and MRI scans before and after VITO showed resorption of the necrotic segment of the femoral head and its remodeling in all five patients. However, two patients gradually developed slight osteoarthritic changes. In one patient, remodeling of the femoral head occurred during the first 6 years postoperatively. Subsequently, the patient developed severe osteoarthritis with marked clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: VITO can improve the long-term function of the hip joint in adolescents with ANFH after a femoral neck fracture, but cannot restore completely the original shape and structure of the femoral head.

Pathoanatomy of pertrochanteric fractures - a postmortem study.

BACKGROUND: Recent pathoanatomic studies based on 3D CT reconstructions have questioned validity of AO/OTA classification because it does not reflect the reality and requires revision. These 3D CT studies, however, do not allow analysis of all details. Therefore, we have exploited the possibility to analyze the pathoanatomy of pertrochanteric fractures on postmortem specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the collection of the Institute of Anatomy, the authors obtained 16 specimens of hip joints of individuals who had sustained a pertrochanteric fracture and died within 30 days of the injury, with anteroposterior radiographs of the injured hip available in all of them. The number of major fragments and their shape, and the courses of the main fracture lines were studied. RESULTS: Three major fragments (a proximal head and neck fragment, a distal diaphyseal fragment and a posterior flat fragment), separated by three types of fracture lines (primary, secondary and tertiary lines) were identified. The primary line separated the proximal fragment (head and neck) from the distal diaphyseal fragment. The secondary fracture line separated the posterior flat fragment from the distal diaphyseal fragment. The tertiary fracture line split the posterior fragment into two parts. A key factor for fracture instability is the defect of the posterior cortex, which depends on the size and shape of the posterior fragment. Avulsion of the lesser trochanter and the adjacent cortex results in an unstable configuration of fracture lines on the medial side, while on the lateral side a large posterior fragment weakens the lateral trochanteric wall. CONCLUSION: In agreement with recent CT studies, the findings of this pathoanatomical study change, in a number of aspects, the traditional view of the pathoanatomy and classification of pertrochanteric fractures, and introduces the concept of three, instead of the traditional four, main fragments.

Lateral malleolar crest and its clinical importance.

PURPOSE: During study of anatomy of a fractured posterior malleolus of the ankle on CT scans, the authors noticed a prominent crest on the lateral malleolus, which they termed the lateral malleolar crest (LMC). As, in their view, LMC is a clinically important structure which was only briefly mentioned by a few authors without an official term, they focused on the anatomy of this structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 352 dry fibulae were analyzed and the following parameters recorded: (F) length of the fibula, (LMC) total length of LMC, (A) length of the part of the examined crest from the superior border of the articular facet of the lateral malleolus (AFLM) to its most proximal intersection with the midline of the fibula, (B) height of the medial triangular rough surface, and (A/F) A/F ratio. RESULTS: The crest was observed in all specimens. (F) was 346.5 ± 26 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 344-349), (LMC) was 85.4 ± 11.6 mm (95% CI 84.2-86.6), (A/F) was 25% ± 3% (95% CI 24.7-25.3) in the whole group. (A) was 25.9 ± 6.5 mm (95% CI 24.8-26.8) in the whole group, (B) was 34.9 ± 4.7 mm (95% CI 34.3-35.5) in the whole group, 36 ± 6.1 mm (95% CI 35.1-36.9). CONCLUSION: LMC is an important structure on the lateral malleolus. The knowledge of its anatomy is essential for placement of syndesmotic screws or/and the fibular plate.

Circumflex arterial sulcus of the scapula (sulcus arteriae circumflexae scapulae): its anatomy and clinical relevance.

INTRODUCTION: The circumflex scapular artery (CSA) has been described in detail in the literature, but the groove, i.e., the circumflex sulcus (CFS), formed by the artery on the lateral pillar of the scapula has been completely neglected. The aim of the present study was to describe the variability and anatomy of the CFS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the examination of 103 pairs of dry bone specimens of adult scapulae, i.e., 206 specimens, including 92 (46 pairs) male and 114 (57 pairs) female specimens. In the first step, quantitative criteria were defined for assessment of the CFS presence and type. Subsequently, statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed. RESULTS: The study revealed considerable variability of the arterial groove, which was well developed in 33% (type A), shallow in 40% (type B), and absent in 27% (type C) of cases. The mean distance between CFS and the infraglenoid tubercle was 3.3 cm CI0.95 (3.1-3.3), which corresponds to the proximal third of the lateral border of the scapula. CONCLUSION: The study has confirmed variability of the arterial groove (CFS) and its localization in relation to the inferior glenoid rim. The findings are clinically important, particularly in relation to the Judet approach to scapular fractures (localization of the CSA course).

Maisonneuve Fractures of the Ankle: A Critical Analysis Review.

¼: Maisonneuve fractures (MFs), originally described as subcapital (high) fibular fractures with additional injury to the anterior and interosseous tibiofibular ligaments, display a variable injury pattern, ranging from stable to highly unstable fractures. ¼: The high incidence of associated fractures of the posterior malleolus, the medial malleolus, and the anterolateral distal tibia (the "anterior malleolus") as well as the variable position of the fibula in the fibular notch (FN) warrant preoperative examination via computed tomography (CT). ¼: The main goal of treatment is anatomic reduction of the distal fibula into the FN, which requires prior reduction of displaced posterior malleolar fractures, if present, to restore the integrity of the FN. ¼: Open reduction of the distal fibula into the FN and fixation with 2 transsyndesmotic screws or fixation with a screw(s) and suture-button implant, under direct vision, on the lateral aspect of the ankle joint and anterior tibiofibular alignment are preferred over closed reduction to avoid sagittal or rotational malpositioning, which is associated with an inferior outcome. ¼: Intra- or postoperative 3D CT visualization is essential for assessment of the accuracy of the reduction of the distal fibula into the FN.

"Double Maisonneuve fracture": an unknown fracture pattern.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe pathoanatomy and to raise awareness of a fracture of the lateral malleolus combined with a high subcapital fracture of the fibula caused by a dislocation mechanism. METHODS: The study comprised 11 patients, 5 men and 6 women, with the mean age of 57 years (range, 21-87), with a "Double Maisonneuve fracture". Individual lesions of ankle structures were described on the basis of radiographs, CT, and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The distal fibular fracture was classified as Weber type B in 1 case and Weber type C in 10 cases. The proximal fibular fracture was described as a subcapital oblique spiral fracture with metadiaphyseal involvement in nine cases and a high short oblique fracture with fibular head involvement in two cases. Injury to the deltoid ligament was revealed in six cases; a bicollicular fracture of the medial malleolus was found in five patients. Posterior malleolar fractures were classified as type 1 in eight cases and type 2 in three cases. Avulsion of the Chaput tubercle was detected in four cases. Injury to the interosseous tibiofibular ligament was assessed in nine patients. CONCLUSION: Double Maisonneuve fracture is a rare but probably underreported injury that must be taken into consideration during examination, as it may be easily overlooked. The essential part of diagnosis is a careful clinical examination and radiological assessment of the lower leg with additional CT examination of the ankle.

The coracoglenoid notch: anatomy and clinical significance.

INTRODUCTION: The superior surface of the anatomical neck is presented in the classification of scapular fractures as a 2-cm-long structure, which does not correspond to reality. This issue has not yet been adequately addressed in the literature. The aim of the study was to assess the variability of a notch between the upper rim of the glenoid and the coracoid base, the so-called coracoglenoid notch (CGN), and its clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the examination of 204 dry bone specimens of adult scapulae (92 male and 112 female). We have determined quantitative criteria for the evaluation of the CGN type, measuring the offset of anatomical neck using a digital caliper. The findings were compared with 3D CT reconstructions of fractures of the scapular anatomical neck. RESULTS: Three basic types of CGN have been identified: type A-a well-developed notch in 31%, type B-a shallow notch in 53% and type C-an absent notch in 16%. No significant difference in CGN was found between the sexes, or between the right and left sides. When compared with our six cases of the anatomical neck fracture of the scapula, two patients displayed CGN type A and type B, respectively; but in four patients, it was impossible to distinguish between types A and B. CONCLUSION: The study has documented a high variability of CGN. Its presentation in the classification schemes does not correspond to anatomical reality. The presence of a deep, or shallow, notch may constitute an anatomical predisposition to a fracture of the anatomical neck.

Fractures of the coracoid process - pathoanatomy and classification: based on thirty nine cases with three dimensional computerised tomography reconstructions.

PURPOSE: Until now, classifications of coracoid fractures have been based on plain radiographs, without use of 3D CT reconstructions. Therefore, the aim of the present study has been to describe the pathoanatomy of these fractures and their associated injuries to the shoulder girdle, on the basis of 3D CT reconstructions. METHODS: The cohort comprised 39 patients, who each sustained a coracoid fracture investigated with 3D CT reconstructions. The patients were assessed in terms of age, gender, pathoanatomy of the coracoid fracture, fractures of other parts of the scapula, and associated injuries to the shoulder girdle. RESULTS: We identified 24 fractures of the base, one fracture of the beak body, eight fractures of the apex, and six comminuted fractures of the coracoid process. A total of 22 associated injuries were found (7 fractures of the acromion, 5 fractures of the anterior glenoid rim, 3 fractures of the superior glenoid, 1 fracture of the inferior glenoid, 4 fractures of the surgical neck, 2 fractures of the scapular body) and 18 other associated injuries to the shoulder girdle (8 AC dislocations, 5 proximal humeral fractures, and 5 clavicular fractures). CONCLUSION: On the basis of 3D CT reconstructions, four basic coracoid fracture patterns were identified. The authors´ findings and literature review have shown that a considerable number of coracoid fractures are combined with injuries to other parts of scapula and shoulder girdle. These associated injuries must be taken into account and targeted when taking the patient's history, and during clinical and primarily radiological examinations.

CT controlled results of direct reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus in ankle fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present outcomes of operative treatment of the posterior malleolus fractures of type four of the Bartonícek/Rammelt classification. METHODS: In 19 patients, direct reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolus was performed from the posterolateral or posteromedial approaches. The accuracy of reduction was assessed with the use of postoperative CT scans. RESULTS: The mean size of the avulsed articular surface carried by posterior malleolus amounted to 36%. Reduction of the posterior malleolus fracture was assessed as anatomical in 14 cases and as satisfactory in five cases. Position of the distal fibula was assessed as anatomical in 15 cases. The mean AOFAS score was 89.4 points. All nine patients with anatomical reduction of all lesions achieved the mean AOFAS score of 93.1 points, five patients with malposition of posterior malleolus 89.1 points and five patients with malposition of the fibula in the fibular notch 87.8 points. A total of six patients developed osteoarthritic changes of grades one and two according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of the study demonstrated good mid-term results in type four fractures of the posterior malleolus treated by direct reduction from posterior approaches. Postoperative CT examination allowed evaluation of the accuracy of reduction of all fractures and reduction of the distal fibula into the fibular notch. Based on postoperative CT examination, it will be possible to assess the effect of reduction of individual lesions on the functional results.

Pathoanatomy of Maisonneuve fracture based on radiologic and CT examination.

INTRODUCTION: Although Maisonneuve fracture (MF) is a well-known type of ankle fracture-dislocation, there is still a lack of information about the epidemiology and the extent of all associated injuries. The aim of study is to describe MF pathoanatomy on the basis of radiographs, CT scans and intraoperative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 54 adult patients. MF was defined as an ankle fracture-dislocation with a fracture of the fibula in its proximal quarter. Ankle radiographs and lower leg radiographs were obtained in all patients. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed in 43 patients, of these in 34 patients in combination with 3D CT reconstructions. A total of 51 patients were treated operatively, and in 38 of these an open procedure was performed. RESULTS: The fibular fracture-fibular head was involved in four cases, and the subcapital region of the proximal quarter of the fibula was affected in 50 cases. Fractures of the posterior malleolus were identified in 43 of 54 patients (80%). Injury to the deltoid ligament was recorded in 27 cases (50%), a fracture of the medial malleolus in 20 cases (37%) and medial structures were intact in 7 cases (13%). Position fibula in fibular notch-in 9 cases the position changed only minimally, in 11 cases the space between the tibia and the fibula was larger than 2 mm, in 20 cases widening of the tibiofibular space was associated with external rotation of the fibula, in 2 cases fibula was trapped behind the posterior tibial tubercle and in 1 case it was associated with a complete tibiofibular diastasis. CONCLUSION: MF is a variable injury, always associated with rupture of the anterior and interosseous tibiofibular ligaments. CT examination should be employed widely in MF, and MRI should be considered under special circumstances.

Inferior glenoid fossa fractures: patho-anatomy and results of operative treatment.

INTRODUCTION: A typical feature of inferior glenoid fractures is a distal fragment separated from the glenoid fossa. In most cases, the inferior glenoid fractures are associated with a fracture of the scapular body. However, there are no detailed studies of inferior glenoid fractures, and only brief mentions can be found in the literature in this respect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basic group comprised 42 patients, with the mean age of 48 years, who sustained 42 fractures of the inferior glenoid. In this group, the scapular fracture anatomy was evaluated, based on 3D CT reconstructions. A total of 29 patients operated on were followed up for 12 to 128 months after injury (average, 52 months), three patients were lost to follow up. The results of the operative treatment, including complications, were assessed radiologically and functionally. RESULTS: Fracture anatomy was described from various aspects, i.e., the size of the articular surface carried by the separated glenoid fragment, the existence of multiple articular fragments, the size of the separated glenoid fragment and the extent of injury to the scapular body. All 29 operatively treated fractures radiologically healed within three months. Full and pain-free range of motion was restored in 18 patients; in eight patients it was limited by 20 degrees and in three patients by more than 40 degrees. The mean Constant score was 82. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the inferior glenoid fossa requires CT examination, including 3D CT reconstruction with subtraction of the surrounding bones. Displaced fractures are indicated for operative treatment.

Posterior Malleolar Fractures: Changing Concepts and Recent Developments.

Injuries to the posterior malleolus are of prognostic relevance in ankle fracture-dislocations. The three-dimensional outline of the fragments as reflected by computed tomography classification, involvement of the fibular notch, and the presence of intercalary fragments seem to be of greater therapeutic relevance than the size of the fragment and amount of the articular surface involved. Operative treatment aims at reconstruction of the posterior tibial plafond, the fibular notch, and the integrity of the posterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis. Direct open reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus fragments via posterior approaches is biomechanically more stable than indirect reduction and anteroposterior screw fixation.

Pathoanatomy and computed tomography classification of glenoid fossa fractures based on ninety patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the pathoanatomy and a new classification of glenoid fractures developed on the basis of analysis of 3D computed tomography (CT) examinations and intra-operative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 90 patients (69 men and 21 women) who sustained glenoid fractures. Mean patient age was 47 years (17-92). In 77 nonpolytraumatised patients, anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the affected shoulder girdle were taken, including Neer I and II views. All 90 patients underwent CT examination, combined in 73 of them with 3D CT reconstruction including subtraction of the humeral head, ribs and clavicle, from the anterior and posterolateral views. In total, 52 patients (58 %) were operated on and 38 42 %) were treated non-operatively. RESULTS: In total, five basic types of injuries to the glenoid were identified based on analysis of the separated portion of the glenoid fossa: including fractures of the superior glenoid (14 cases, 16 %), the anterior glenoid (23 cases, 23 %), the posterior rim of the glenoid (5 cases, 6 %), the inferior glenoid (38 cases, 42 %) and the entire glenoid (10 cases, 11 %). CONCLUSION: The proposed classification of glenoid fractures defines five basic types of fractures verified by 3D CT reconstructions and intra-operative findings. It respects the anatomical architecture of scapula, fracture mechanism, associated injuries to the shoulder girdle and, where appropriate, the preferred surgical approach.

The scapular glenopolar angle: standard values and side differences.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine normal glenopolar angle (GPA) values on bone specimens of the scapula and compare them with various radiological views and CT examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GPA values were measured on 100 mature, dry, non-paired scapulae, 20 pairs of dry scapulae, 50 AP radiographs of the shoulder, 50 Neer I views, 50 AP chest radiographs and 20 3D CT reconstructions of the scapula. RESULTS: Measurements made on bone specimens of the scapula showed an average GPA value of 42.3°; the mean absolute side-to-side difference was on average 1.6°. The average GPA measured on 50 AP shoulder radiographs was 35.9°, on Neer I views 40.6° and AP chest radiographs 37.1°, with the mean absolute side-to-side difference on average 4.9°; on 3D CT the average GPA was 43.0° and the mean absolute side-to-side difference on average 1.4°. CONCLUSION: GPA values depend on the method of measurement used. Measurements made on 3D CT reconstructions and Neer I views showed almost the same values as those measured on bone specimens. The values measured on AP shoulder views and AP chest radiographs were statistically significantly lower. Side-to-side variability (right and left) measured on 3D CT reconstructions was insignificant, and the obtained values corresponded to the values from bone specimens. Therefore, the best method to measure the GPA is a 3D CT reconstruction and an exact Neer I projection.

Fractures of the scapular neck: diagnosis, classifications and treatment.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the scapular, or glenoid, neck are strongly debated in the relevant literature. Analysis of the respective studies, however, revealed a considerable confusion in terms of definition, terminology and diagnosis. In addition, there are few studies, primarily case reviews, dealing in detail with these fractures. The aim of this article is to present detailed information about fractures of the scapular neck, based on the analysis of our own experience and of the published literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our group of 17 fractures of the scapular neck comprised 14 men and three women, with a mean age of 38 years (range, 24-55). The authors diagnosed four fractures of the anatomical neck, nine fractures of the surgical neck and five trans-spinous fractures of the neck. Of these 17 scapular neck fractures, six fractures were treated non-operatively, and 11 fractures were operated on via the posterior Judet approach. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years (range, 1-11). RESULTS: Fractures in all six non-operatively treated patients healed without complications in the anatomical position and with full function of the shoulder. In 11 operatively treated patients, all fractures of the scapula and clavicle healed within three months. In nine cases the function of the shoulder was subjectively and objectively assessed as normal, and in the remaining two cases as fair. CONCLUSION: The term "scapular, or glenoid, neck" covers three different types of fractures, i.e., fracture of the anatomical neck, fracture of the surgical neck and trans-spinous neck fracture. Fractures of the surgical neck are divided into stable, fractures with rotational instability and fully unstable fractures, depending on the integrity of the coracocacromial and coracoclavicular ligaments. Accurate diagnosis of fractures of the scapular neck requires 3D CT reconstructions. Undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures may be treated non-operatively, markedly displaced fractures constitute an indication for osteosynthesis via the Judet approach.