Minimally invasive osteosynthesis of distal tibial fractures using anterolateral locking plate: Evaluation of results and complications.

PURPOSE: Soft tissue healing is of paramount importance in distal tibial fractures for a successful outcome. There is an increasing trend of using anterolateral plate due to an adequate soft tissue cover on ante- rolateral distal tibia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of minimally invasive anterolateral locking plate in distal tibial fractures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 42 patients with distal tibial fractures treated with minimally invasive anterolateral tibial plating. This study evaluates the bone and soft tissue healing along with emphasis on complications related to bone and soft tissue healing. RESULTS: Full weight bearing was allowed in mean time period of 4.95 months (3-12 months). A major local complication of a wound which required revision surgery was seen in one case. Minor complications were identified in 9 cases which comprised 4 cases of marginal necrosis of the surgical wound, 1 case of superficial infection, 1 case of sensory disturbance over the anterolateral foot, 1 case of muscle hernia and 2 cases of delayed union. Mean distance between the posterolateral and anterolateral incision was 5.7 cm (4.5-8 cm). CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive distal tibial fixation with anterolateral plating is a safe method of stabilization. Distance between anterolateral and posterolateral incision can be placed less than 7 cm apart depending on fracture pattern with proper surgical timing and technique.

A comparative study of two percutaneous pinning techniques (lateral vs medial-lateral) for Gartland type III pediatric supracondylar fracture of the humerus.

BACKGROUND: The management of displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus with closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is the most widely accepted method of treatment, but controversy continues regarding the pin fixation techniques. A prospective randomized controlled study was undertaken to compare the stability, functional outcome and iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury between lateral pin fixation and medial-lateral pin fixation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty-two patients with Gartland type III supracondylar fracture of the humerus were randomized into two groups-lateral pin fixation (n = 31) and medial-lateral pin fixation (n = 31). Primary assessment was performed for major loss of reduction and iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Secondary assessment included clinical outcome, elbow range of motion, radiographic measurements, Flynn grade, and complications. RESULTS: There were two (6.5 %) iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury cases in the medial-lateral entry group and two (6.5 %) cases with mild loss of reduction in the lateral entry group. No major loss of reduction was observed in either of the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in change of Baumann angle, metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle, Flynn grade, carrying angle, and the total elbow range of motion (P < 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral pin fixation offers similar functional and radiological outcome and almost equal mechanical stability compared with medial-lateral pinning without the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE [OCEBM 2011]: Level 2.

A Prospective Randomized Study on Whether Computer Navigation Is Better Than Conventional Total Knee Replacement in Terms of Short-Term Functional and Clinical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION:  Computer navigation results in better radiological alignment in total knee replacement (TKR). However, functional and clinical outcomes are equally good in conventional TKR. This study aims to compare the functional and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing navigated and conventional TKR. METHODS: A prospective randomized study between navigated TKR (NKR/Group I) and conventional TKR (CKR/Group II) was carried out. Functional outcome was analyzed using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Clinical outcome was evaluated as knee range of motion. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (68 knees) were randomized into two groups: I and II. The mean follow-up was 26 months. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to knee range of motion, OKS, and WOMAC score at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: We concluded that there is no difference in clinical and functional outcomes between navigated and conventional TKR.

Functional Outcome of Uncemented Total Hip Replacement in Low Socioeconomic Group Using Modified Harris Hip Score: A Prospective Midterm Follow-Up Study.

Background Total hip replacement is a safe and effective surgery with excellent outcomes in most patients with hip arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes and complications of total hip replacement among patients with low socioeconomic status in India. Methods We assessed 50 patients whose incomes fell below the poverty line and who underwent uncemented total hip replacement. We used a modified Harris Hip Score, replacing two items (one measuring range of motion and one measuring deformity) with two new ones (one related to return to professional activity and another regarding sexual activity). Results At the final follow-up, patients' modified Harris Hip Score improved from a preoperative mean value of 13.28 (0-46) to a postoperative mean value of 88.52 (64-100), suggesting marked improvement in functional outcome (p<0.001). In total, 32 (64%) patients returned to their original profession, and 12 (24%) switched to alternate work with mild pain. All patients reported satisfaction with their sexual activity at the final follow-up. Conclusions Many patients in India whose income is below the poverty line work in manual labor professions (e.g., farmers, masons, and cobblers) that increase their risk of hip damage. Total hip replacement is beneficial for these patients, offering good personal and professional quality of life after the surgery.

Pseudotumour Complicated by Implant Loosening One Year After revision Ceramic on Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudotumor is not an uncommon complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This can occur in relationship to different bearing surfaces of head and liner ranging from soft to hard articulation. There is wide spectrum of presentation from asymptomatic to implant failure. CASE REPORT: We report a case of pseudotumor formation with acetabular cup aseptic loosening after revision ceramic on metal hip arthroplasty. The patient underwent pseudotumor excision and re-revision complex arthroplasty procedure using trabecular metal shell and buttress with ceramic on polyethylene THA. CONCLUSION: The surgeon should aware of this complication during a presentation in revision cases to prevent rapid progression of cup loosening, and to intervene early to avoid complex arthroplasty procedures.

Ganglion cyst of the hip mimicking lumbar disk herniation - A case report.

Sciatic nerve compression due to a ganglion cyst around the posterior aspect of the hip joint is not commonly described in literature. We report a rare case of a 63-year-old man with a ganglion cyst around his hip joint, who presented with symptoms of sciatica. After excision of the cyst, the patient was symptom free. A high index of clinical doubt and detailed clinical examination is required for non-palpable cystic lesions in close proximity to the sciatic nerve in patients presenting with symptoms of sciatica and in patients with concomitant of lumbar disk herniation.

Healing Process of Osteonecrotic Lesions of the Femoral Head Following Transtrochanteric Rotational Osteotomy: A Computed Tomography-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) is a controversial hip-preserving procedure with a variable success rate. The healing process of femoral head osteonecrosis after TRO has been poorly explained till now. This study aimed to evaluate the healing process of previously transposed necrotic lesion after a TRO for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Among 52 patients (58 hips) who had preserved original femoral head after TRO, we retrospectively reviewed 27 patients (28 hips) who had undergone sequential CT scans and had no major complication following TRO. The average age was 34 years (range, 18 to 59 years). The mean follow-up period was 9.1 years. We evaluated the reparative process of the transposed osteonecrotic lesion with CT scans. RESULTS: Plain radiographs of the osteonecrotic lesion revealed sclerotic and lucent changes in 14 hips (50%) and normal bony architecture in the other 14 hips (50%) at the final follow-up. CT scans of the osteonecrotic lesions showed cystic changes with heterogeneous sclerosis in 13 hips (46%), normal trabecular bone with or without small cysts in 9 hips (32%), and fragmentation of the necrotic lesion in 6 hips (22%). Seventeen hips (60%) showed minimal (13 hips) to mild (4 hips) nonprogressive collapse of the transposed osteonecrotic area. The collapse of the transposed osteonecrotic area on the CT scan was significantly associated with the healing pattern (p = 0.009), as all 6 patients (6 hips) with fragmentation of the necrotic lesion had minimal (5 hips) to mild (1 hip) collapse. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the collapse of the transposed osteonecrotic area on the CT scan of 17 hips (60%) and postoperative Harris hip score (p = 0.021). We observed no differences among the healing patterns on CT scans with regard to age, gender, etiology, staging, preoperative lesion type, preoperative intact area, percentage of necrotic area, direction of rotation and immediate postoperative intact area. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the hips showed incomplete regeneration of the transposed osteonecrotic lesion with cysts, sclerosis, and fragmentation, whereas repair with normal trabecular bone was observed only in one-third of the hips that were preserved after Sugioka TRO.

Subperiosteal Schwannoma of Pelvis- A Rare Case and Review of Literature.

Schwannoma are benign tumours of the nerve sheath. They are commonly found in the soft tissue, but its presence in the bone is extremely rare. We herein present a case of 34-year-old man with two adjacent pelvic subperiosteal schwannomas. Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed osseous pressure erosion and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed two cystic signal intensity lesions, one near superior aspect of right posterior iliac wing and another inferior to it with adjacent cortical pressure erosion. The tumour was excised en bloc and on histopathological examination, the diagnosis was confirmed as subperiosteal schwannoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of subperiosteal schwannoma involving the pelvis. When a surface cystic lesion is encountered, subperiosteal schwannoma should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

Bilateral Clavicle Fractures: A Report of Three Cases.

Bilateral clavicle fractures are uncommonly reported in the literature with the incidence being less than 0.5% of all the clavicle fractures. Bilateral clavicle fractures are caused either by high-energy transfer of compression forces across both shoulder girdles or by a direct trauma to one clavicle followed by that to the other clavicle. These fractures could be missed due to their association with more severe chest injuries or a more symptomatically displaced fracture on one side or due to inadequate chest radiographs. We report three cases of traumatic bilateral clavicle fractures with three modes of injuries in different age groups. All the fractures were treated conservatively with good functional outcomes without any sequelae. Bilateral clavicle fractures should be actively sought by every trauma team with proper clinical examination and chest radiographs including both shoulder joints in high-energy trauma cases or with bilateral shoulder compression injuries.

Is two-stage reimplantation effective for virulent pathogenic infection in a periprosthetic hip? A retrospective analysis.

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of two-stage reimplantation using antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) and the risk factors associated with failure to control periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 consecutive hips managed using two-stage reimplantation with ALBC. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 years (range: 2.5-9 years). RESULTS: The causative pathogens were isolated from 29 patients (76%), 26 of whom were infected with highly virulent organisms. Sixteen patients (42%) underwent at least two first-stage debridements. An increased debridement frequency correlated significantly with high comorbidity (P < 0.001), a lower preoperative Harris hip score (HHS; P < 0.001), antimicrobial resistance, and gram-negative and polymicrobial infection (P = 0.002). Of the 35 patients who underwent two-stage reimplantation, 34 showed no signs of recurrence of infection. The mean HHS improved from 46 ± 12.64 to 78 ± 10.55 points, with 7 (20%), 12 (34%), 11 (32%) and 5 (14%) patients receiving excellent, good, fair and poor ratings, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that two-stage reimplantation could successfully treat PJI after hip arthroplasty. However, the ability of ALBC to eradicate infection was limited because frequent debridement was required in high-risk patients (i.e., patients who are either in poor general health due to associated comorbidities or harbor infections due to highly virulent, difficult-to-treat organisms). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

A Rare Case of Femoral Neuropathy Associated with Ilio-Psoas Bursitis After 10 Years of Total Hip Arthroplasty.

We describe a case of femoral nerve palsy caused due to non-infective large iliopsoas bursitis after 10 years of cementless ceramic-on-metal THA. Bursectomy and exploration of femoral nerve were done to relieve the compressive symptoms of femoral nerve. Patient neurological symptoms were recovered within six months. Iliopsoas bursitis after THA can lead to anterior hip pain, lump in inguinal area or abdomen, limb swelling due to venous compression or more rarely neurovascular compressive symptoms depending on size and extension. Treating physician should be aware of this rare condition after THA in the absence of any radiographic findings so that prompt diagnosis and treatment can be carried out.

Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractureswith Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation II: Our Experience in Indian Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Unstable intertrochanteric fractures are difficult to manage and the choice of implant is critical for fracture fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotationII (PFNA II) in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 45 patients of unstable intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with the PFNA II between 2011 and 2013. Of which, 3 patients were died within 6 months of follow up. Hence, 42 patients were available for the study including 26 men and 16 women. The mean age was 61 years (range, 35 -90). Clinical evaluation was done using Harris hip score. The position of the blade in the femoral head was evaluated using Cleveland zones and tip apex distance. The fracture reduction was assessed using the Garden Alignment Index and postoperative fracture gap (mm) measurement. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 15.3 months (range, 9-27). Excellent to good results were accounted for 78% of cases according to Harris hip score. No cases of cut out or breakage of the implant noted. Implant removal was done in 2 patients due to persistent anterior thigh pain. CONCLUSION: We recommend PFNA II for fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with less operative time and low complication rate. However, proper operative technique is important for achieving fracture stability and to avoid major complications.

Locking Compression Plate in Distal Femoral Intra-Articular Fractures: Our Experience.

Background. Intra-articular fractures of distal femur present a huge surgical challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate functional outcome, fracture healing, and the complications of distal femoral intra-articular fractures using locking compression plates. Material and Methods. We reviewed 46 distal femoral fractures treated with distal femoral locking compression plates between 2009 to 2012. There were 36 men and 10 women with mean age of 35 years (range 20-72). More than half of the patients were of type C3 (AO classification) and had been caused by high energy trauma with associated injuries. Results. 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 44 patients, the mean follow-up period was 25 months (range 18-36). The mean time for radiological union was 12 weeks (range 10-18) except 2 patients which had gone for nonunion. At the latest follow up ROM >120° is noted in 32 patients, 90-120 in 10 patients, and 70-90 in 2 patients. 38 patients (86%) had good/excellent outcome. Conclusion. Use of standard lateral approach for simple intra-articular distal femoral fractures (C1) and transarticular/minimally invasive techniques for complex intra-articular fractures (C2/C3) results in improved exposure of the knee joint and better union rates with low incidence of bone grafting.

Functional Evaluation in High Energy (Schatzker Type V and Type VI) Tibial Plateau Fractures Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.

Objective. To review functional outcome in high energy tibial plateau fractures treated by plating. Design. Retrospective analysis. Material and Methods. Sixty-five patients with Schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using plates were included in the study. The functional evaluation of the patients was carried out with Oxford knee scoring. Results. Fifty-four cases (83%) had Oxford knee score between 40 and 48. Seven (10.7%) had score between 30 and 39, three (4.6%) had score between 20 and 29, and one patient (1.5%) had a score of 18. Delayed union was seen in two cases and nonunion was seen in one case. The superficial wound infection was noticed in (9.2%) patients which was resolved with regular dressings and oral antibiotics. Three (4.6%) patients had developed deep wound infection and one among them had developed osteomyelitis. Conclusion. Open reduction and internal fixation in high energy tibial plateau fractures can provide good functional results in appropriately selected cases.

Pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1 and A2) not amenable to closed reduction: causes of irreducibility.

PURPOSE: To define the unique radiographic features, operative treatment, and complications of pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1 and A2) which are not amenable to the usual closed reduction manoeuvres. METHODS: During a 2-year period (from August 2011 until December 2013), 212 patients with pertrochanteric fractures were treated at our level I trauma centre. A retrospective review was undertaken to determine which of these fractures were not reducible via the routine closed reduction manoeuvres and required some form of open reduction. These fractures were assessed for radiographic markers of irreducibility, surgical findings, reduction techniques, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had fractures, which were not amenable to closed reduction and underwent open reduction. These fractures could be grouped into four patterns. A preoperative CT scan was available for at least two cases of each pattern, which provided further insights into the cause of irreducibility by closed means. These included a variant where the proximal fragment is locked underneath the shaft fragment (3 cases), bisected lesser trochanter with a locked proximal fragment (3 cases), irreducibility due to entrapped posteromedial fragment at the fracture site (6 cases) and a variant where the proximal fragment is flexed passively by the underlying lesser trochanter (12 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Pertrochanteric fractures, which are not amenable to closed reduction, are uncommon, but are heralded by unique radiographic features. These patients warrant special consideration in terms of recognition and management. The specific radiographic markers should alert the surgeon to this injury pattern and its related difficulty encountered during closed reduction. Once reduction is achieved, however, these fractures follow an uneventful course.

Efficacy of Debridement for Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Hip Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: In early prosthetic joint infection after hip arthroplasty, debridement with prosthesis retention may be performed for implant salvage, but the reported success rates are highly variable. Hence we reviewed the outcome of radical debridement and retention of prosthesis using established diagnostic criteria and surgical procedures in relation to significant variables including clinical characteristics, pathogenicity, and antibiotic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (11 men and 9 women) with early prosthetic joint infection after unilateral hip arthroplasty, treated by radical debridement with retention of prosthesis from January 2000 to May 2011. Average follow-up period was 55 months (12-178 months). The outcome was evaluated and analyzed based on recurrence of infection and clinical (Harris hip score) and radiological criteria. RESULTS: Pathogens were isolated from 11 hips (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in three, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis [MRSE] in two, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus [MSSA] in one, Acinetobacter baumannii in two, Enterococcus faecalis in two patients, and Enterococcus, Citrobacter species in one). The mean duration of antibiotic administration was 43.5 days. Recurrence of infection was not observed in any case. Average Harris hip score was 91 points at the last follow-up. Revision surgery was not required for any reason including implant failure. Dislocation occurred in two hips after debridement and was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Radical debridement with prosthesis retention is an effective procedure for early prosthetic joint infection after hip arthroplasty in carefully selected patients and with early diagnosis.