Results of arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of anteromedial facet coronoid fractures at short-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Varus posteromedial rotatory instability is a typical pattern of elbow injury that involves fracture of the anteromedial facet (AMF) of the coronoid, as well as injuries to the lateral ligament complex and the posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament. Some authors support the idea that subtype II AMF coronoid fractures require fixation to restore elbow stability, but this topic is still an issue in the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of AMF fractures. METHODS: This retrospective single-center trial evaluated consecutive patients who underwent ARIF of isolated subtype II AMF coronoid fractures between 2014 and 2020. At the final follow-up, the patients were examined for elbow range of motion, stability, and pain. Injury and post-treatment radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture healing and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (21 male and 11 female patients) with a median age of 47 ± 16 years were included. The average follow-up period was 28 ± 12.4 months. Coronoid process fractures were fixed by cannulated screws in 26 cases (81.25%); in 2 of these cases, additional Kirschner wires were used. Two Kirschner wires were used in 1 case (3.12%), and in the remaining 5 cases (15.62%), osteosuture was used. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament was injured in 27 cases (84.4%) and was always repaired. Other associated lesions were medial collateral ligament injury, osteochondral lesion, and radial head fracture. There were no surgical complications. At the final follow-up, the average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 98.4 ± 2.7 and the mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47.3 ± 1.4. No cases of nonunion were detected on radiographic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically demanding, ARIF has several potential advantages in comparison to open surgery: less scarring, a decreased risk of infection, and less postoperative pain.

Role of the interosseous membrane in post-traumatic forearm instability: instructional review.

PURPOSE: In the last two decades, a strong interest on the interosseous membrane (IOM) has developed. METHODS: The authors present a review of the new concepts regarding the understanding of forearm physiology and pathology, with current trends in the surgical management of these rare and debilitating injuries. RESULTS: Anatomical and biomechanical studies have clarified the anatomy of forearm constrains and their role in forearm longitudinal and transverse stability. The radial pull test, a new intraoperative test, has been developed that might increase the detection on IOM injuries. The forearm is now considered a "functional unit" and, consequently, a new classification has been proposed. Uncommon variants and rare patterns of forearm fracture dislocations have been reported in the literature and could not be classified to those commonly referred to using eponyms (Monteggia, Galeazzi, Essex-Lopresti). The new Artiaco et al. classification includes all injury patterns, thus avoids confusion in the nomenclature, and helps surgeon with detection of lesions and guiding surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the new classification and after current literature review, authors propose a management flowchart for treatment of forearm instability injuries.

Acute radial head replacement with bipolar prostheses: midterm results.

In irreparable radial head fractures, especially if primary stabilizers of the elbow are damaged, the prosthetic replacement prevents instability and stiffness. Concerns have arisen over the use of bipolar press-fit prostheses due to the frequent finding of osteolysis and the risk of instability if compared to monopolar implants. Our aim was to assess midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of bipolar implants and the influence of osteolysis on proximal pain. Seventeen patients with irreparable fractures of the radial head, treated in acute with the same prosthetic model (rHEAD recon SBI/Stryker) between January 2015 and December 2018, were enrolled. Clinical assessment was performed using MEPS and DASH scores; a radiographic study was done to identify heterotopic ossifications and periprosthetic osteolysis. Outcomes at the last follow-up, according to MEPS, were excellent in 10 cases, good in 5 and fair in 2; none of the patients had severe pain or instability. In 3 cases, it was necessary to remove the implant, mainly because of early loosening. Radiological findings of osteolysis were detected in 9 cases, but no statistical correlation was found with MEPS and proximal pain. The use of bipolar implants is reliable if an accurate repair of ligament tears is performed and provides a good stability. Nevertheless, the risk of early aseptic loosening in uncemented implants is not negligible, and the follow-up of the patient must be strict. Late osteolysis does not seem to have clinical relevance, but further prospective studies are necessary to clarify this topic.

Radiocapitellar plica: a narrative review.

Radiocapitellar plica is a vestigial lateral portion of elbow synovial fold which may cause pain and snap in some cases. Plica is a difficult and misleading diagnosis and it could be easily confused with a common lateral epicondylitis however, they are different conditions. Pathology full understanding and proper diagnosis is essential to achieve patient's pain relief and functional recovery therefore, we reviewed the most relevant literature about radiocapitaller plica. The aim of this study is to provide the best and current concepts about: clinical evaluation, imaging findings and surgical treatments of radiocapitellar plica.

Monteggia-like lesions: preliminary reports and mid-term results of a single center.

Background and aim of the work Monteggia-like lesions are complex and rare elbow injuries. A detailed classification and a proper surgical treatment can provide quite good functional and radiological outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the mid-term results of Monteggia-like lesions surgical treatment. The other purpose was to investigate whether the complexity of ulna and radius fractures could be prognostic factors of insufficient functional results. Methods Seven women and five men, with a mean age of 59,25 years who had sustained a Monteggia-like lesion were followed up clinically and radiologically after surgical treatment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QUICK-DASH) score were used for evaluation at a mean of 17,5 months postoperatively (12-26). The range of movement (ROM), patients' satisfaction and neurological symptoms were also investigated. Osteolysis, implant loosening and heterotopic ossification were graded. Pearson's test was used to correlate the different classification systems used (AO/OTA, Bado and Jupiter, PURCCS, Mason) with MEPS and QUICK-DASH score. Results The mean MEPS was 84,92 (65 to 100). The mean QUICK-DASH score was 18,75 (0 to 34,1). The mean active pronation and supination was 72,5° and 59,17°, respectively. The mean active ROM of the elbow was 101,43°. Heterotopic ossifications were absent in six cases but were found in six. No statistically significant correlation was found between the analyzed variables. Conclusions Quite good functional results can be obtained in Monteggia-like lesions if injury pattern is recognized and each component of the injury is addressed. Further studies are needed to determine any prognostic factors.

A rare case of complicated pure posterior sternoclavicular dislocation in a young athlete.

Sternoclavicular joint dislocation (SCJD) is a rare injury, generally classified in anterior and posterior. The posterior SCJD is very infrequent yet potentially associated with life-threatening complications. In patients with unfused medial clavicle physis, SCJD can be associated with fracture-dislocation (Salter type I or II). We hereby present the case of a 12- year-old basketball player with severe pain in sternoclavicular region and arising dysphagia after a fall and tackle by another player. A SCJ injury was hypothesised and the CT scan detected the presence of a true posterior SCJD with no associated fracture, which was also confirmed during open reduction. As the patient complained dysphagia, it was also necessary to study other possible mediastinal compressions by a contrast medium CT scan of the great vessels. The CT scanned brachiocephalic vein compression without additional clinical evidence or signs. Twenty hours after the trauma the patient underwent an unsuccessful closed reduction; for this reason, surgical treatment with open reduction and fixation was mandatory. After 12 weeks of therapy she returned to her previous sport activity.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing in proximal humeral fractures: results of 23 cases.

INTRODUCTION: the metaepiphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus represent 5% of all fractures and mainly affect elderly patients. The type of treatment remain controversial. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinic and radiographic results of 23 patients affected by two or three fragments fractures of the proximal humerus with or without metaphyseal extension treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: all patients were clinically evaluated using the "Constant score" (CS) and individual satisfaction was assessed with a visual scale (VS). Moreover, the fracture's healing process and the neck shaft angle (NSA) were assessed radiographically. RESULTS: the mean follow-up was 72 months (24-120). Clinical evaluation and individual satisfaction were positive in most cases (mean CS 79,39 and VS 3,17). Worse results were observed in patients over 65 years. DISCUSSION: among the different surgical options intramedullary nailing ensures good fracture stability and high consolidation rate. The entry point through the rotator cuff is of main importance as well as proximal nail positioning and choice of the locking screws length. In this study the functional results of the shoulder are worse in the elderly, who are supposed to have already a degenerated rotator cuff. CONCLUSIONS: antegrade intramedullary nailing should be considered a valid therapeutic option in this type of fractures. The surgical technique may influence functional results, as consequence of iatrogenic damage of the rotator cuff.

Simple and stable elbow dislocations: results after conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: In adults, elbow dislocations are second in frequency after shoulder dislocations. They are often the result of a trauma due to accidental falls on the palm of the hand with the elbow flexed. In most cases this mechanism produces a posterior dislocation of the radius and ulna with respect to the humerus. The therapeutic approach was usually conservative in the past and it was characterized by manual reduction and plaster immobilization. More recently, as consequence of biomechanic and pathophysiology studies, the management of these injuries has gradually changed. The current trend is to immobilize the elbow only for few days and to evaluate its stability several times. In case of instability surgery may be indicated. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of simple stable elbow dislocations treated conservatively between january 2012 and december 2018. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were included. All subjects underwent to a follow-up visit, in which clinical functional tests were performed in order to evaluate any stiffness in flexion-extension, prono-supination and instability in varus-valgus. In addition, patients were asked to complete three questionnaires (DASH, MEPS, SF-36) to evaluate how much the pathology interfered with ADL's. RESULTS: Outcomes showed that prolonged immobilization increased stiffness in flexion and extension with the need of longer reabilithation. The recovery of prono-supination was instead always optimal. ADL's migth be influenced by the traumatic event and its management. CONCLUSIONS: Results of conservative treatment of simple elbow dislocation are generally satisfactory. A precise flow-chart of the patient management after trauma is essential in order to detect unstable lesions and.

How to approach Monteggia-like lesions in adults: A review.

Monteggia-like lesions encompass a wide spectrum of fractures of the forearm and elbow associated with dislocations, subluxations and ligamentous lesions. Many attempts have been made to classify these injuries, not only to understand their pathology but also to develop optimal treatments. Unfortunately, although some of these classifications are complete, they are either complex, not immediately usable, or not exhaustive. An orthopedic surgeon who aims to rapidly treat this kind of injury needs a visual classification, and knowledge of the best surgical approach. Monteggia like lesions do not allow for mistakes during surgery, as even a minor error could be prove detrimental to performing and completing all surgical steps. In this paper, based on our extensive experience in treating these rare lesions, we suggest a practical guide to the best surgical approach for various types of Monteggia like lesions. Some technical tips and pitfalls are also described.

Single ray amputation in traumatic injury of the hand: review of literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: ring avulsion are relatively common hand lesions and are associated with significant disability, especially in hand-workers. The treatment choice is still debatable. We sought to conduct a detailed systematic review in attempt to collate evidence on functional, cosmetic and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following ray amputation for the management of traumatic hand injury and ring avulsion injury. METHODS: using the PubMed database we made a systematic search for articles regarding single ray amputation after traumatic hand lesion. Nine articles met our including criteria and were analysed. RESULTS: most of the included studies suggest that for those worse cases ray amputation still represent a good option. Indeed ray resection can eliminate the gap, remove a cumbersome or painful digit and guarantes better cosmesis but reduces grip and pinch strength (from 15% to 30%) and decreased palm width. CONCLUSIONS: different surgical techniques are available, almost all of them results in a loss of strength but ensure good both functional and cosmetic results.

Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis. A review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Fractures of the pelvis classically occur in adolescent during sports activities with forceful and repetitive contractions or passive lengthening acting on not yet ossified growth plates. Their misdiagnosis lead to disability, chronic pain and decrease of performances. Evidence based treatment guidelines do not exist; aim of this paper is to point out clinical outcomes, return to sport rates and complications of surgical and conservative approach. METHODS: A systematic search based on MEDLINE database was performed in August 2017 to identify all published articles from 2010 to 2017 reporting outcomes, return to sport and complications rates after surgical and non-operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the pelvis. RESULTS: Mean age was 14,5 years with anterior inferior iliac spine avulsion representing the most common injury (46%), followed by anterior superior iliac spine avulsion (32%), ischial tuberosity avulsion (12%) and iliac crest avulsion (11%). Rates of excellent outcome and return to sports at pre-injury levels were higher after surgical treatment; surgery has a higher risk of heterotopic ossification (9%) compared to conservative treatment (1,8%), whereas the risk of non-unions is lower (0% versus 2,5%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is preferred for major dislocations and fragment sizes, providing a faster return to pre-injury level of activity, decreasing the risk of pseudoarthrosis. Conservative treatment is advisable for minimally displaced fractures when a rapid recovery is not required; patient and his family should be informed on the risk of non-unions and the eventuality of a delayed surgical approach.