Complications associated with volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures in 1955 cases: A multicentre retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Since volar locking plates (VLPs) have the benefits of more stable fixation and fewer complications, VLP osteosynthesis is now the preferred osteosynthesis method in the operative management of distal radius fractures (DRF). Along with the increases in operative management of VLP, the character and frequency of complications have changed. Thus, this multicentre study aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with DRFs who were treated with VLP fixation, describe the complication types and rates related to the procedure, and compare the results with those found in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study was conducted between January 2008 and December 2017. In total, data from 2225 patients over 17 years old who underwent VLP fixation for DRF were screened. Patients with closed reduction and pinning, external fixation, dorsal plate fixation, and screw-only fixation were excluded. Finally, 1955 wrists from 1921 patients (86.3%) were included. The following types of complications were investigated: (1) tendon injury, (2) nerve-related, (3) fixation- and instrument-related, (4) osteosynthesis-related, (5) infection, and (6) others. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60.3 ± 14.6 years with 587 males (30.6%). Distal ulnar fractures were found in 940 wrists (48.1%). The mean interval between fracture and surgery was 6.2 days, while the mean operative time was 68.3 ± 30.3 minutes. The following complications were found: (1) nine (0.46%) and 12 (0.61%) cases of flexor pollicis longus and complete extensor pollicis longus tears, respectively; (2) nine cases (0.46%) of palmar sensory median nerve branch damage, 15 cases (0.77%) of complex regional pain syndrome, and 36 cases (1.84%) of carpal tunnel syndrome; (3) five cases (0.26%) of fracture displacement even after plate fixation, six cases (0.31%) of screw breakage, 26 cases (1.33%) of radiocarpal joint screw penetration, and 511 cases (26.14%) of implant removal; (4) five cases (0.26%) of delayed union and three cases (0.15%) of non-union; (5) 83 (4.25%) and two (0.1%) cases of superficial and deep infection, respectively; and (6) two cases (0.1%) of compartment syndrome and three cases (0.15%) of radial artery damage. CONCLUSIONS: After 10 years of experience performing VLP fixation for DRFs in a multicentre setting, the results regarding complication types and rates support its use as a reasonable treatment option with low rates of complication.

Comparison of patellofemoral outcomes after TKA using two prostheses with different patellofemoral design features.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results after TKA using two prostheses with different sagittal patellofemoral design features, including outcomes related to compatibility of the patellofemoral joint. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic results of 81 patients (100 knees) who underwent TKA using the specific prosthesis (group A) were compared with those in a control group who underwent TKA using the other prosthesis (group B). The presence of anterior knee joint pain, patellar crepitation, and patellar clunk syndrome was also checked. RESULTS: The function score and maximum flexion angle at the last follow-up were slightly better in group A than those in group B (92.0 ± 2.3 vs. 90.6 ± 4.2) (133.6° ± 8.4° vs. 129.6° ± 11.4°). Anterior knee pain was observed in 6 knees and patellar crepitation in four knees in group A. In group B, these symptoms were observed in 22 knees and 18 knees, respectively. There was no patellar clunk syndrome in either group. The alignment was corrected with satisfactory positioning of components. The patellar height remained unchanged after TKA in the two groups. The differences between preoperative and postoperative patellar tilt angle and patellar translation were small. CONCLUSION: When comparing the clinical and radiographic results after TKA using two prostheses with different sagittal patellofemoral design features, TKA using the specific prosthesis provided satisfactory results with less clinical symptoms related to the patellofemoral kinematics with TKA using the other prosthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A comparison of fasciocutaneous and adipofascial methods in the reverse sural artery flap for treatment of diabetic infected lateral malleolar bursitis.

PURPOSE: Infected lateral malleolar bursitis occurring as a diabetic complication requires debridement and flap surgery because it cannot be treated by conservative methods. The most accessible flap is the reverse sural artery flap, which can be harvested as a fasciocutaneous flap or an adipofascial flap. The purpose of this study was to compare the two types of flap methods performed in patients with diabetic infected lateral malleolar bursitis. METHODS: Twenty-nine cases of diabetic infected lateral malleolar bursitis treated with reverse sural artery flap between 2006 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Fasciocutaneous flap methods were performed in 15 cases (group A), and adipofascial flap methods were performed in 14 cases (group B). Patients in the two groups did not differ in sex or age. The mean follow-up period was 16 months. RESULTS: All flaps survived. Infection was controlled at a mean of 2.4 months in both groups. At final follow-up, infection recurred in one case of each group, which was treated with antibiotics. No case developed an ulcer in the flaps. The patients were able to ambulate in regular shoes. All but one of the patients (28 patients) expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic appearance following treatment. No case required a debulking operation. CONCLUSION: Both the fasciocutaneous and adipofascial methods for reverse sural artery flaps were shown to be viable options for the control of diabetic lateral infection. In addition, the two groups did not differ in terms of appearance or complication rate following treatment.

540° Cervical Realignment Procedure for Extensive Cervical OPLL With Kyphotic Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present a novel, two-stage [posterior and anterior-posterior (P-AP) 540°] procedure for extensive cervical ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with kyphotic deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The optimal surgical strategy for extensive cervical OPLL remains a controversial issue. Neurological injury and dural defect are complications of anterior surgery, while a posterior surgery can lead to poor clinical outcomes related to incomplete decompression. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive cases of patients who underwent procedure described herein, which consists of two stages: the first (P: laminectomy and facet release with segmental screw fixations without rod assembly) and the second 1 week later (AP: multilevel anterior cervical discectomy with fusions (ACDFs) at the apex of the deformity without decompression, placement of lordotic grafts, and posterior fusion). To assess the radiographic parameters, extent of OPLL, maximal canal occupying ratio (%), the distances from the maximal compression to the K-line, and C2-7 angle were analyzed. Clinically, we analyzed visual analog scale of neck and arm pain, neck disability index (NDI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were enrolled (M:F = 15:3, mean age 64.5 yrs, mean follow-up was 30 months). The mean extent of the OPLL was 3.8 vertebral body levels. Posterior fusion was performed on a mean 4.5 segments and anterior fusion was on a mean 2.4 segments. The mean C2-7 Cobb angle was improved from 10.5° to -12.2° at follow-up. The K-line distance to the maximal compression and canal occupying ratio were improved from -3.3 mm, 73.5% to 3.8 mm, 38.4%, respectively. Preoperative NDI and JOA scores were significantly improved (18.5 to 9.4 and 8.2 to 14.8) at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The 540° P-AP procedure could provide safe decompression, cervical realignment, and favorable outcomes without the disadvantages of the conventional anterior and/or posterior surgery for extensive cervical OPLL with kyphotic deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.