Long-term results of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with minimal invasive surgery using percutaneous screw fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last 20 years, minimally invasive surgery using Percutaneous Screw Fixation (PSF) has been performed increasingly frequently in the treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures (DIACFs). The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term postoperative outcomes of mobility, foot function, stability, pain and patient satisfaction. METHODS: All patients had DIACFs and underwent PSF between 1998 and 2006 according to the method reported by Forgon and Zadravecz. Functional outcomes, range of motion and change in footwear were evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Maryland Foot Score (MFS). All patients completed a general health status form (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for patient satisfaction. Anatomical restoration was assessed based on the pre- and postoperative radiographic images. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients with an DIACF were observed in the period 1998-2006. Patients who had open fractures, died or were <18 years of age at trauma were excluded. A total of 46 patients were asked to complete the questionnaires, during the last quarter of 2018. Of these patients, 27 with 29 DIACFs responded (58%). Nineteen were males, and the mean age at trauma was 45 years. Seven cases were classified as Sanders type II, 14 as Sanders type III, and 8 as Sanders type IV. The mean pre- and postoperative Böhler angles were 10 ͦ and 26 ͦ, respectively. The average follow-up period was 16 years, and at the follow-up, the mean AOFAS, MFS, SF-36 and VAS scores were 76, 74, 63 and 7.7 points, respectively. In comparison to the results at 5-10 years postoperatively in a previous study, we observed a decline in the average AOFAS and MFS scores by 8 and 11 points, respectively. Patient satisfaction decreased by 0.1 points and general health by 14 points. CONCLUSION: The long-term results of this study show relatively good functional outcomes is two-thirds of the treated patients. According to the reported scores, patients described their level of function as essentially normal. PSF should therefore be considered as a good option in patients with DIAC fractures, especially in patients with Sanders II and III fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Patient-reported outcome measures after surgery for an acetabular fracture.

Aims: The aim of this study was to record the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after surgery for a fracture of the acetabulum, in our centre. Patients and Methods: All patients who underwent surgery for an acetabular fracture between 2004 and 2014 were included. Patients completed the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) questionnaires. A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed on all patients. CT scans were used to assess the classification of the fracture and the quality of reduction. Results: A total of 220 patients were included, of which 55 (25%) developed post-traumatic OA and 33 (15%) underwent THA. A total of 164 patients completed both questionnaires. At a mean follow-up of six years (2 to 10), the mean SF-36 score for patients with a preserved hip joint was higher on role limitations due to physical health problems than for those with OA or those who underwent THA. In the dimension of bodily pain, patients with OA had a significantly better score than those who underwent THA. Patients with a preserved hip joint had a significantly better score on the function scale of the mHHS and a better total score than those with OA or who underwent THA. Conclusion: Of the patients who were treated surgically for an acetabular fracture (with a mean follow-up of six years), 15% underwent THA at a mean of 2.75 years postoperatively. Patients with a THA had a worse functional outcome than those who retain their native hip joint. We recommend using PROMS and CT scans when reviewing these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:640-5.

Open pelvic fracture: the killing fracture?

BACKGROUND: Open pelvic fractures are rare but represent a serious clinical problem with high mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open pelvic fractures in our clinic and to compare the results from our patient group with those of closed fractures and with the literature from the past decade. METHODS: Data of patients older than 16 years of age who were admitted to our hospital with a pelvic fracture between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2014, were analyzed. The collected data were patient demographics, mechanism of injury, RTS, ISS, transfusion requirement during the first 24 h, Gustilo-Anderson and Faringer classification, number and type of interventions complications, mortality, and length of stay. RESULTS: Twenty-four of 492 patients (5% of all pelvic fracture patients) had an open fracture. Their mean age was 36 years, the mean ISS was 31, and the mean number of transfused packed red blood cells was 5.5. These numbers were all significantly higher than in the patients with a closed fracture, although they were comparable to other studies with open fractures. The mortality was 4% in the open group versus 14% in the closed group (p = 0.23). The reported mortality in the literature ranges between 4 and 45%. CONCLUSION: Open pelvic fractures are relatively rare but are a cause of significant morbidity. In this series, we treated patients with open pelvic fractures successfully, with a survival rate of 96%. There was no significant difference in survival rate between open and closed pelvic fractures. Compared with other studies, the mortality in our study was relatively low.

Polytrauma at the Emergency Department; can we relate arterial blood gas analysis to a shock classification?

OBJECTIVE: Shock is defined as a change of circulation which results in hypoxia at the tissue level. Lactate and base deficit (BD) are associated with a high risk of multiple organ dysfunction in trauma patients. In this study we evaluated the influence of early recognition of shock in trauma patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study, relevant data were collected from the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC) database between January 2009 and December 2010. Vital parameters were taken at the accident scene, and patients were divided into four shock classes. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed on arrival in the emergency department. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 17.0. Statistical significance was assumed at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were included. Patients who suffered from prehospital shock, and those who were intubated prior to hospital admittance showed a bad outcome, presenting with a more severe metabolic acidosis, higher ISS and higher mortality. There was a significant difference for bicarbonate and BD between shockclass I + II and shockclass III + IV, respectively 22.7 vs. 19.7 and -3.4 vs. -6.9. Intubated patients had a decreased bicarbonate and BD compared to not intubated patients, respectively 21.81 vs. 23.24 and -5.08 vs. -2.38. Mortality and ISS were higher in patients in shock class III and IV. Significant differences in serum lactate levels were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital shock influences patient outcome; outcome of patients is related to initial shock classification. Further validation of our shock classification, however, is necessary.

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus is a standard procedure in many institutions. To avoid soft-tissue complications, several minimally invasive procedures have recently been introduced. The aim of this study was to assess the percutaneous treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with use of one of these techniques. METHODS: All patients who underwent percutaneous screw fixation according to the method of Forgon and Zadravecz between 1998 and 2006 were selected. Postoperative infections were recorded. During follow-up, pain, functional outcome, range of motion, and change in footwear were evaluated with the use of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Maryland Foot Score (MFS). All patients also completed a general health status form (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for patient satisfaction. Subsequent subtalar arthrodesis and the removal of irritating screws were performed when indicated. RESULTS: We reviewed the cases of thirty-seven patients who had a combined total of thirty-nine displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures and a follow-up period of at least twenty-four months. Five wound infections occurred, two of which were superficial and three of which were deep. At a mean follow-up time of sixty-six months, the mean AOFAS and MFS scores were 84 and 86 points, respectively, of 100 possible points. The mean score on the SF-36 was 76 points, and the mean score on the visual analog scale for patient satisfaction was 7.9 points of 10 possible points. Twenty-nine patients (78%) were able to wear normal shoes. At the time of follow-up, subtalar arthrodesis had been performed in two patients and seventeen patients (46%) had undergone an uncomplicated removal of painful screws. No substantial correlation was found between the severity of the fracture (Sanders classification) or the quality of the reduction when correlated with functional outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the technique of Forgon and Zadravecz to be an excellent option for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in selected patients despite the frequent need for screw removal following fracture-healing.

[Intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism; particularly valuable for suspected solitary parathyroid adenoma and re-operation]. / Intraoperatieve bepaling van parathormoon bij primaire hyperparathyreoïdie; vooral waardevol bij vermoeden van solitair bijschildklieradenoom en bij heroperatie.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the value of intraoperative parathormone (PTH) measurement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. DESIGN: Prospective study. METHOD: Evaluation of the value of intraoperative measurement ofPTH in 75 patients (including 19 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia(MEN)-1 syndrome) who underwent parathyroidectomy in 2001-2005. RESULTS: The so-called Miami-criterion (PTH concentration 10 min after excision at least 50% below the value measured prior to the first incision) correctly predicted the success of the operation in 91% of the subjects. The success rate was correctly predicted as follows: in subgroups of patients with MEN-1 syndrome, 85%, patients after exclusion of MEN-1, 94%, and patients in whom a solitary adenoma was likely after preoperative localization studies, 97%. In 13% of the total number of operations, PTH-measurements led to further exploration, removal of additional parathyroid tissue and normocalcemia postoperatively. In patients without MEN-1 syndrome, in whom a solitary adenoma was likely on the basis of preoperative investigations, it was possible to limit the operation to a unilateral procedure in 87%. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, intraoperative PTH-measurement in combination with preoperative imaging studies leads to patients being cured with a unilateral instead of a bilateral operation.

Safety of computer-assisted surgery for cannulated hip screws.

Computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery has developed considerably during the past few years. Several manufacturers produce hardware and software for use in trauma surgery. Validation of these systems before clinical application is mandatory to be sure they work accurately and safely. The accuracy of surgical performance is highly correlated with the cut-out percentages of hip screws. In a standardized operative setting, three cannulated hip screws were inserted in each of 20 sawbones. The screws were positioned either by fluoroscopic navigation technique or by conventional operative technique depending on randomization. Our primary aim was to assess whether computer-navigated screw fixation is equally safe compared with conventional screw fixation using fluoroscopy. To determine safety, we investigated number of drilling attempts, screw position, and radiation time. Secondary to these safety parameters, we also compared the operating time between the two procedures to assess the efficiency of computer navigation. Statistical analysis showed no differences regarding accuracy of screw position. Computer-assisted surgery resulted in fewer drilling attempts and less radiation time, with a similar operation time. We believe the currently used navigation system is safe and accurate.

Malignant adenomyoepithelioma of the breast with metastasis in the thyroid gland 12 years after excision of the primary tumor. Case report and review of the literature.

We describe a patient who was admitted to our hospital with an enlarged left lobe of the thyroid gland. Since fine-needle aspiration showed atypical follicular cells, a surgical exploration followed. Owing to extensive tumor infiltration into the surrounding tissues curative surgery was not possible, and only an incisional biopsy was taken. Histological examination of this biopsy revealed a mixed tumor composed of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. A primary thyroid tumor, metastasis of a salivary gland, and a skin appendage tumor could be excluded based on clinical examination, conventional histology, and immunohistochemistry. A tumor of the left breast treated 12 years earlier had originally been classified as an intraductal/intracystic carcinoma with focal invasion, but was re-examined. Using immunohistochemistry, the breast tumor was reclassified as a malignant adenomyoepithelioma. The current tumor was apparently a metastasis from this primary breast tumor. An updated review of the literature is given, including current knowledge on histological and immunohistochemical features of adenomyoepithelioma of the breast, with special attention to the reported pathological characteristics of recurrent and malignant tumors. Based on the reported pathological characteristics of recurrent and metastatic tumors we offer a diagnostic tool for identifying potentially malignant and recurrent tumors.

Late effects of intraoperative radiation therapy in anastomotic rat colon.

PURPOSE: to determine whether intraoperative radiotherapy causes long-term negative effects on the healing of colonic anastomoses in the rat. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 175 rats were divided into seven equal groups. One group served as sham-irradiated control group. In the others, following a colonic resection, 1 or 2 cm of the distal bowel limb was irradiated with a single dose of 10, 15, or 20 Gy (groups 10/1, 15/1, 20/1, 10/2, 15/2, and 20/2, respectively). Subsequently, an anastomosis was constructed. The animals were killed after 6 (n = 10 in each group) or 12 (n = 15) months. The abdomen was inspected for abnormalities and the colonic diameter was measured. The anastomotic segment was analyzed biochemically (hydroxyproline) and histologically. RESULTS: During the experimental period, 1 rat (group 15/1) died because of anastomotic leakage and 3 others died from unknown causes. There was no difference in colonic diameter between groups. Altogether 17 rats developed an adenocarcinoma in the irradiated area: 11 of these had received a dose of 20 Gy. Histological observation indicated that fibrosis was present only in a limited number of animals, mostly after irradiation with a dose of 15 or 20 Gy. All anastomoses were functional and showed normal histology. The hydroxyproline content of the anastomotic segment was increased--with respect to the control group--only in the 20/2 group after 6 months. After 12 months, the hydroxyproline concentration in the (irradiated) segment distal to the anastomosis proper was higher in the 10/1 and 15/1 groups than in the control group. Otherwise, there were no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative irradiation with a single dose of 10-20 Gy, delivered to the distal limb used for anastomotic construction, does not appear to constitute a threat to anastomotic integrity. Dose-related changes included formation of adenocarcinomas and fibrosis, but function and histology of the anastomosis proper remained unaffected.

A semiquantitative histological analysis of repair of anastomoses in the rat colon after combined preoperative irradiation and local hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia is a promising method for increasing the efficacy of radiation therapy of colorectal cancer. To study the histological aspects of healing of an anastomosis in the colon, after combined preoperative (sham) irradiation and (sham) hyperthermia treatment, 48 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups. In each animal, a segment of the colon was treated successively by (sham) irradiation (single dose of 25 Gy X rays) and/or (sham) hyperthermia (44 degrees C, 30 min). After 5 days, a resection of the colon was performed by construction of an anastomosis: The distal limb consisted of (sham-) irradiated and/or (sham-) hyperthermia-treated bowel. Rats were killed 3 or 7 days after the surgical procedure. Evaluation of healing of the anastomosis was made by: (1) histological analysis of sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, (2) semiquantitative measurement of collagen in the area of the anastomosis and (3) semiquantitative analysis of the number of macrophages by immunocytochemistry. Healing of the anastomoses in animals receiving irradiation or hyperthermia alone and in control animals was relatively uneventful. There were no differences between groups in formation of collagen or infiltration by macrophages in the area of the anastomosis. Animals treated with both radiation and hyperthermia showed marked necrosis, infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and rupture of the anastomosis. It is concluded that preoperative irradiation with a single dose of 25 Gy in combination with local hyperthermia at 44 degrees C for 30 min leads to disturbed repair of anastomoses.

High-dose preoperative irradiation without detrimental effect on early repair of anastomoses in the colon of the rat.

Preoperative radiotherapy as an adjunct to surgery for rectal carcinoma is generally thought to impair the healing of colorectal anastomoses. To delineate the presumed hazards of preoperative irradiation, we investigated this effect in a new model where, in contrast to experiments reported so far, anastomoses were constructed using normal tissue for the proximal limb and irradiated tissue for the distal limb. A group of 120 male Wistar rats, divided randomly into 12 groups of 10 each, were used. In 60 animals, a colonic segment of 2.2 cm was irradiated with a single dose of 25 Gy X rays administered 28 or 5 days or 3 or 1 day(s) before colonic resection. For each experimental group, a control group was included which was sham-irradiated on the same preoperative day. The animals were sacrificed on the third or the seventh postoperative day, and healing of the anastomosis was evaluated by measurement of bursting pressure, breaking strength and hydroxyproline concentration and content. Comparison between each experimental group and its control group showed that preoperative irradiation did not reduce the strength of the anastomoses. Also, the concentration and content of hydroxyproline in the tissue of the anastomoses were unchanged. These data indicate that construction of a colonic anastomosis consisting of one irradiated bowel end in rats is not by definition detrimental to the development of early wound strength.

Combined preoperative irradiation and direct postoperative 5-fluorouracil without negative effects on early anastomotic healing in the rat colon.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Preoperative irradiation with direct postoperative chemotherapy could benefit patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. This study was designed to examine, in an experimental model, if such treatment is feasible without detrimental effects on early anastomotic healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A colonic segment was irradiated (25 Gy) in 3 groups (n = 10 each) of male Wistar rats. After 5 days, a colonic resection was performed with anastomotic construction; only the distal limb consisted of irradiated bowel. Postoperatively, animals received daily intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, group I/CH: 17.5 mg/kg; group I/CL: 12.5 mg/kg) or saline (group I). Three additional groups were treated similarly, but with sham-irradiation: CH, CL and C, respectively. All rats were killed 7 days postoperatively. Parameters measured were: weight, serum albumin and protein, and anastomotic bursting pressure, breaking strength and hydroxyproline content. RESULTS: Body weight was diminished significantly in rats receiving chemotherapy. Serum albumin and protein was significantly lower in irradiated groups. At sacrifice, 40% of I/CH rats had functional rectal stenosis. The average bursting pressure (P = 0.0005) and the average breaking strength (P = 0.012) were only reduced significantly in the CH group. The anastomotic hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in the I/CH and I/CL groups vs. the control group. CONCLUSION: High-dose direct postoperative 5-FU leads to reduced anastomotic strength. Although the combination of preoperative irradiation (25 Gy) and direct postoperative high-dose 5-FU does not reduce early anastomotic strength, some stenosis may occur. The combination of preoperative irradiation and low-dose 5-FU has no such effect.

Combined preoperative irradiation and local hyperthermia delays early healing of experimental colonic anastomoses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a combination of preoperative irradiation and local hyperthermia of a colonic segment is detrimental to subsequent early anastomotic healing. DESIGN: A prospective randomized experimental trial. SETTING: An animal research laboratory. INTERVENTIONS: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. In each animal, a segment of the colon was treated successively by (sham) irradiation and (sham) hyperthermia. After 5 days, a colonic resection was performed and an anastomosis was constructed; the distal limb consisted of (sham) irradiated, (sham) hyperthermia-treated bowel. The rats were killed 3 or 7 days after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body weight, serum albumin and protein levels, anastomotic bursting pressure, breaking strength, and hydroxyproline content. RESULTS: All animals tolerated (sham) treatment well. Weight was diminished, though not notably, in treated animals vs the control group. After combined preoperative irradiation and hyperthermia, the frequency of local anastomotic complications increased: 4 of 20 animals had a covered perforation when they were killed. In this group, the bursting pressure was lower 3 days after the operation (P = .008). The breaking strength was also lower but not notably. The serum albumin level was significantly lower in this group vs the control group (P = .006); the serum protein level was not decreased. After 7 days, no differences existed between the groups. The hydroxyproline content of the anastomotic tissue was notably higher in rats treated with radiation plus hyperthermia vs control rats (in both the 3- and 7-day groups). The anastomotic hydroxyproline concentration did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of preoperative irradiation and hyperthermia results in increased local anastomotic complications. Anastomotic strength is at risk in the first days after the anastomotic reconstruction. Preoperative irradiation or hyperthermia alone does not lead to impaired anastomotic healing in the early phase.

Effect of irradiation on healing of newly made colonic anastomoses in the rat.

PURPOSE: Short-term effects of radiotherapy on the healing process of newly made colonic anastomoses are investigated by measuring the anastomotic strength in a rat model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four groups of Wistar rats were used. In all groups, rats underwent a 1 cm sigmoid resection with end-to-end anastomosis. Group I served as a control group. In group II the anastomosis was irradiated after closure of the abdominal wall with a single dose of 20 Gy of 250 kV x rays. Group III was irradiated with a single dose of 20 Gy while the abdominal wall was not closed, and the surrounding tissues were carefully covered by a lead plate, simulating intra-operative radiotherapy. Group IV was treated as group III, but a larger dose of 25 Gy was applied. Animals were sacrificed 3 or 7 days after the operation. General condition of the rats was determined by observation, weight loss, serum protein and albumin at sacrifice. Anastomotic healing was evaluated by inspection, bursting pressure, hydroxyproline and protein contents of the anastomotic segment. RESULTS: Direct postoperative externally irradiated rats (group II) showed a marked weight loss, hypoproteinaemia and hypo-albuminaemia because of involvement of small bowel in the irradiated volume. With respect to anastomotic healing there were no significant differences between control and irradiated groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the application of a single dose of irradiation (20 and 25 Gy) on colonic anastomoses given in a direct postoperative or intraoperative model has no measurable side effect on the early healing of newly made colonic anastomoses. Direct postoperative external irradiation results in unwanted side effects in the adjacent bowel.

The Lynch syndrome; a high-risk factor for colorectal carcinoma.

Based on the case history of two patients, the problems of suspected familial colon carcinomas are discussed with special reference to screening policy and treatments. Upon identification of hereditary colon cancer (Lynch syndrome). treatment of the patient should consist of extensive resection and, if the patient is younger than 50 years, life-long careful follow-up.