68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in-vivo mapping of CXCR4 receptors as potential radiotheranostic targets in soft tissue and bone sarcoma: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo imaging of CXCR4 receptors in soft tissue/bone sarcoma. METHODS: Ten (7M: 3F; mean age = 24.7 ± 14.2 years) consecutive patients with clinical and radiological evidence of bone/soft tissue sarcoma were recruited prospectively whole body 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was performed at 60-min after tracer administration. After performing standard CT, PET acquisition from head to toe was done (3 min/bed position) in a caudocranial direction. PET/CT data was reconstructed and SUV max , SUV mean values, target-to-background ratio (TBR) and active tumor volume (cc) were computed for the tracer avid lesions. Histopathological and IHC analysis was performed on the surgically excised primary tumors. CXCR4 receptors' intensity was evaluated by visual scoring. RESULTS: The mean SUV max and SUV mean values in the primary tumors were 4.80 ±â€…1.0 (3.9-7.7) and 2.40 ±â€…0.60 (0.9-4.0). The mean TBR and tumor volume (cc) were 1.84 ±â€…1.3 and 312.2 ±â€…285. Diagnosis of osteosarcoma in 7, chondrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma in 1 patient each was confirmed on HP analysis. Distant metastatic lesions were seen in 3/10 patients. Nuclear CXCR4 receptors' positivity was seen in 5, cytoplasmic in 4 and both pattern seen in 1 patient. The mean CXCR4 receptors' intensity was found to be 7.6 ±â€…2. The highest SUV max value of 7.7 was observed in the patient having both cytoplasmic and nuclear CXCR4 expression. SUV max was found to be poorly correlated ( r  = 0.441) with CXCR4 expression. CONCLUSION: 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT detects CXCR4 receptors over-expressed in sarcoma, its radio-theranostics potential needs detailed evaluation.

Does the residual displacement of pelvic ring affect the functional outcome in pelvic ring injures?

PURPOSE: The effects of residual displacement on the functional outcome of the patient are not distinctly known and the acceptability criteria of residual displacement of the pelvic ring remain disputed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of residual displacement on functional outcome in pelvic ring injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 49 patients with pelvic ring injuries (both operative and non-operative) were followed up for six months. Anteroposterior (AP), Vertical and rotational displacements were measured at admission, after surgery and at six months. Resultant displacement (vector addition of AP and vertical displacement) was taken for comparison. Displacement was graded as excellent, good, fair and poor according to Matta's criteria. Functional outcome assessment was done at six months using Majeed score. Work adjusted Majeed score was calculated for non-working patients by taking the percentage score. RESULTS: We compared the means of residual displacement with functional outcome (Excellent/Good/Fair) and found that there was no significant difference between the groups in operative (P=0.33) or non-operative patients (P=0.09). This showed that patients with relatively higher residual displacement also had satisfactory functional outcomes. The functional outcomes were compared after dividing the residual displacement into 2 groups: <10 mm and >10 mm and no significant difference was found in outcomes for either operative or non-operative patients. CONCLUSION: Up to 10 mm of residual displacement is acceptable in pelvic ring injuries. More prospective studies with a longer follow up are needed for determination of correlation between reduction and functional outcome.

Thermal imaging in total knee replacement and its relation with inflammation markers.

Total knee replacement is an end-stage surgical treatment of osteoarthritis patients to improve their quality of life. The study presents a thermal imaging-based approach to assess the recovery of operated-knees. The study focuses on the potential of thermal imaging for total knee replacement and its relation with clinical inflammatory markers. A total of 20 patients with bilateral knee replacement were included for thermal imaging and serology, where data was acquired on pre-operative day and five post-operative days. To quantify the inflammation, the temperature-based parameters (like mean differential temperature, relative percentage of raised temperature) were evaluated from thermal images, while the clinically proven inflammation markers were obtained from blood samples for clinical validation. Initially, the knee region was segmented by applying the automatic method, subsequently, the mean skin temperature was calculated and investigated for a statistical relevant relationship with inflammatory markers. After surgery, the mean skin temperature was first increased (>2.15 ℃ for different views) then settled to pre-operative level by 90th day. Consequently, the mean differential temperature showed a strong correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r > 0.893) and C-reactive protein (r > 0.955). Also, the visual profile and relative percentage of raised temperature showed promising results in quantifying the temperature changes both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study provides an automatic and non-invasive way of screening the patients for raised levels of skin temperature, which can be a sign of inflammation. Hence, the proposed temperature-based technique can help the clinicians for visual assessment of post-operative recovery of patients.

Pre-operative Joint Inflammation has no Bearing on Outcome of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction at 1-Year Follow-Up; a Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To study the effect of pre-operative joint inflammation on clinical outcome at 1 year follow-up following ACL reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Male patients, aged 18-40 years, suffering from isolated ACL injury were included. All patients were randomly divided into two groups based on the type of graft used: Group A: semitendinosus gracilis graft with preserved insertions (STG-PI), Group B: bone-patellar tendon-bone graft (BPTB). Patients were categorised based on the time of presentation after injury: (a) within 6 weeks of injury, (b) between 6 and 12 weeks of injury, (c) after 12 weeks of injury. Synovial fluid levels of Interlukin-1, Interlukin-6 and TNF-α were measured in all the ACL deficient knees by taking a joint fluid sample intra-operatively. RESULTS: The total number of patients in the study was 59; 23 in group A (STG-PI) and 36 in group B (BPTB). Mean age of patients was 26 ± 5.146 years. 14 out of 59 (23.7%) patients presented within 6 weeks of injury, 16 (27.11%) patients presented between 6 and 12 weeks after injury and 29 (49.1%) patients presented after 12 weeks of injury. IL-6 levels were significantly high in group with < 6 weeks of injury than in group with > 12 weeks since injury. IL-6 had significant correlation with VAS scores, KT 1000, Lysholm knee scores and Tegner level of activity. There was no difference in outcome (pain scores, mechanical stability, Lysholm knee score and Tegner level of activity) at 1 year follow-up when patients with different time intervals since injury were compared. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcome in terms of pain score, mechanical stability, functional scores and return to sporting activity is comparable, irrespective of the time since injury, at short term follow-up.

Intra-articular dislocation of the patella: a rare variant to an uncommon injury.

Horizontal intra-articular dislocation of the patella is a very rare traumatic entity. We present an unusual case of horizontal intra-articular dislocation in which the patellar articular surface was facing upwards besides having an avulsion of the quadriceps tendon from the superior pole. There was associated posterolateral knee subluxation, which has not been described with intra-articular dislocation of the patella. A 20-year-old man presented with open patellar dislocation and locked knee after a roadside accident. The patient was managed successfully by open reduction and repair of the quadriceps tendon. There was buttonholing of the medial femoral condyle through the medial retinaculum leading to irreducible dislocation. A special reduction manoeuvre was employed to bring the knee to its normal alignment. Knowledge of this injury pattern is of utmost importance for proper recognition and appropriate allocation of the surgical technique.

Delay in surgery predisposes to meniscal and chondral injuries in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in instability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, associated intraarticular injuries remain a major cause of concern and important prognostic factor for long term results as it may lead to osteoarthritis. Delay in ACL reconstruction has been in variably linked to increase in these injuries but there is lack of consensus regarding optimal timing of reconstruction. The goal of this study was to investigate delay in surgery and other factors, associated with intraarticular injuries in ACL deficient knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 438 patients (42 females; 396 males) enrolled for this prospective observational study. The average age of patients was 26.43 (range 17-51 years) years with a mean surgical delay of 78.91 (range 1 week - 18 years) weeks after injury. We analyzed the factors of age, sex, surgical delay, instability, and level of activity for possible association with intraarticular injuries. RESULTS: Medial meniscus injuries had a significant association with surgical delay (P = 0.000) after a delay of 6 months. Lateral meniscus injuries had a significant association with degree of instability (P = 0.001). Medial-sided articular injuries were significantly affected by age (0.005) with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.048 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.014-1.082) reflecting 4.8% rise in incidence with each year. Lateral-sided injuries were associated with female sex (P = 0.018) with OR of 2.846 (95% CI of 1.200-6.752). The level of activity failed to reveal any significant associations. CONCLUSION: Surgical delay predicts an increase in medial meniscal and lateral articular injuries justifying early rather than delayed reconstruction in ACL deficient knees. Increasing age is positively related to intraarticular injuries while females are more susceptible to lateral articular injuries.

Significant Incidence of Extra-Articular Tibia Vara Affects Radiological Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To identify and quantify the presence of extra-articular tibia vara that might influence the mechanical axis alignment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 TKAs in 30 osteoarthritic Indian patients were prospectively evaluated. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), joint line convergence angle, and varus angulation at the femur and tibia were measured from the preoperative and postoperative standing hip-to-ankle radiographs. Four different methods were used to measure the varus angulation at the tibia: metaphyseo-diaphyseal angle (MDA), the angle between the anatomical axis and mechanical axis of the tibia, the angle between the proximal third and distal third of tibia and the angle between the proximal half and distal half of tibia. RESULTS: Extra-articular tibia vara quantified using MDA had the most positive correlation with HKA. Receiver operating characteristic plotting showed that MDA of >4° predicts abnormal postoperative HKA. Twenty-eight out of 48 knees had MDA of >4°, and 78.6% of these had postoperative HKA under-correction and 21.4% had less than ideal tibial component position. CONCLUSIONS: A significant inherent extra-articular varus angulation best measured using MDA exists in the proximal tibia in osteoarthritic Indian patients undergoing TKA. MDA of >4° is associated with abnormal postoperative HKA. Computer navigation may be useful for achieving ideal correction in such cases.

Glenoid fossa fractures: Outcome of operative and nonoperative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid fossa fractures are rare injuries having a prevalence of 0.1%. These fractures may be managed operatively if substantially displaced. However, several fractures of glenoid fossa are managed nonoperatively, even if displaced, due to high incidence of associated injuries which may render patient unfit to undergo major orthopaedic surgery. There is a relative paucity of articles reporting on outcome of treatment of glenoid fossa fractures. We present our experience of treating these injuries over past decade with operative and nonoperative methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 patients of glenoid fossa fractures were included in this series with 14 males and 7 females. Patients with displacement of >5 mm who were fit to undergo surgery within 3 weeks of injury were operated using a posterior Judet's approach. Overall 8 patients with displaced fractures were operated (Group A) while 9 patients with displaced fractures (Group B) and 4 patients with undisplaced fractures (Group C) were managed nonoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age and followup period in this series was 29 years and 7.3 years respectively. In group A, average constant score was 87.25. The least constant score was observed for group B (58.55) while group C had an average constant score of 86. Brachial plexus injury and fracture-dislocations had poorer outcome. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment for displaced glenoid fractures is a viable option at centers equipped to handle critically ill patients and subset of patients with fracture-dislocation as opposed to fracture alone should always be treated operatively due to persistent loss of function.

Isolated tuberculosis of sacrum with monoparesis: an atypical presentation.

Tuberculosis is a major health problem in developing nations. Spine is the most commonly affected site for skeletal tuberculosis but involvement of sacrum is rare. Isolated involvement of sacrum has been reported in literature but none of the reports has mentioned its clinical presentation as monoparesis. Our case presented with symptoms of sensory and motor deficit in right lower limb. The magnetic resonance imaging spine and non contrast computerized tomogram revealed a sacral lesion but were inconclusive of diagnosis. Histological examination after computed tomography guided biopsy revealed the condition as tuberculosis. Anti tubercular treatment was started after confirmation of diagnosis and continued for 18 months. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein drooped to normal range and patient was symptom free at two-year follow up. This case report intends to emphasize that sacral tuberculosis, being itself a rare condition, may present atypically as monoparesis.

Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery in a child with multiple hereditary exostosis: a rare case report and literature review.

Multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) is a rare condition that tends to be overlooked because of its benign nature. The formation of pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication in association with osteochondromatosis. An 8-year-child with MHE presented with a mass behind her left thigh. Imaging confirmed pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery. The patient was operated for closure of rent in the arterial wall with a polytetrafluroethylene graft and excision of osteochondroma. At 2 years of follow-up, circulation was normal and the patient was symptom free, without any growth disturbance. This case report highlights the rare possibility of pseudoaneurysm with osteochondroma and focuses on thorough evaluation and proper management of these patients.

Comparison of short term results of single injection of autologous blood and steroid injection in tennis elbow: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: It has been recently reported that local injection of autologous blood in tennis elbow offers a significant benefit by virtue of various growth factors contained therein. The objective of our study was assessment of efficacy of autologous blood injection versus local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of tennis elbow. METHODS AND TRIAL DESIGN: A single blinded, prospective parallel group trial was undertaken. 50 consecutive patients of untreated lateral epicondylitis were enrolled. Randomisation was done on alternate basis and two groups were constituted, first one receiving steroid injection and second one injection of autologous blood. Both groups were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks for pain relief and stage of disease. RESULTS: Baseline evaluation showed no difference between the two groups (chi square test, P > 0.05). Between group analysis at 2 weeks showed no difference in pain relief and Nirschl stage (unpaired t test, P > 0.05). Evaluation at 6 weeks demonstrated a significant decrease in pain levels and stage of disease in blood group (unpaired t test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous blood injection was more effective than steroid injection in the short term follow up in tennis elbow.

Distal femoral osteochondroma masquerading as deep vein thrombosis in an adolescent male.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is uncommonly seen in children and adolescents. A distal femoral osteochondroma causing isolated lower limb DVT is even rarer and to our knowledge only four such cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a solitary distal femoral osteochondroma in a 15-year-old adolescent presenting as isolated DVT. We highlight the potential of coexistence of DVT and osteochondroma in young patients. We also emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and outline the plan of management when faced with such a rare condition.

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the clavicle extending to the adjacent joint: a case report.

Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign bone tumour usually involving bones of the lower extremity in young adults. We present a case of chondromyxoid fibroma of the left clavicle extending to the adjacent joint in a 84-year-old man. The tumour had breached the hyaline cartilage of acromioclavicular joint. The tumour was excised en bloc, and the humeral head was curetted and grafted with autogenous cancellous bone. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery and regained excellent function of the left shoulder without any pain or stiffness. At the 18-month follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

A new method of measuring acetabular cup anteversion on simulated radiographs.

PURPOSE: Optimal positioning of acetabular components is crucial for maintaining stability of THA. Postoperative assessment of acetabular anteversion is a vital but difficult task. Various methods have been devised with good results for measuring anteversion on plain radiographs but these methods are either too complicated or require special objects like scientific calculators, special protectors, tables, etc. A new simplified method of measuring anteversion on plain radiographs was created based on basic geometry. METHODS: Anteversion of acetabular components was estimated on computer generated images of the acetabular cup by our method and compared with two previously established methods of Liaw and Pradhan. Measurement was done at 400 different positions of acetabular cup and compared with actual values. Another analysis was done after adding the femoral head to the acetabular component, thus obscuring some of the acetabular rim. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of error for our method was 0.77° ± 0.75° as compared to 0.93° ± 0.86° and 0.72° ± 0.68° for the methods of Liaw and Pardhan, respectively, with no significant differences from actual values. Maximal errors for our method, Liaw's and Pradhan's method were 3°, 4°, and 2.91°, respectively. On analysis, after the adding femoral head, there was a significant error of measurement with Liaw's method, while our method as well as Pardhan's remained accurate. All methods showed high inter- and intraobserver reliability. CONCLUSION: Our new simplified method of measuring acetabular anteversion on plain radiographs is acceptable in comparision to other established methods and requires only routinely used goniometer and calliper.

Tuberculosis of the foot: An osteolytic variety.

BACKGROUND: Foot involvement in osteoarticular tuberculosis is uncommon and isolated bony involvement of foot bones with an osteolytic defect is even more rare; diagnostic and therapeutic delays can occur, worsening the prognosis. We present a retrospective series of osteolytic variety of foot tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present 24 osteolytic variety of foot tuberculosis (Eleven calcaneus, four cuboid, two cunieforms, one talus, three metatarsals, three phalanges) out of 92 foot TB cases collected over last 20 years. There were 16 adults and eight children. Tissue diagnosis was established in 23 of 24 cases based on PCR AFB staining, culture, and histopathology. Surgical intervention was reserved for patients with either a juxtaarticular focus threatening to involve a joint or an impending collapse of a midfoot bone with cystic destruction. RESULTS: Fifteen cases had an osteolytic lesion on the radiographs resembling a space-occupying lesion, five had patchy osteolysis, while four showed coke like sequestra; one patient had a lesion in two bones. Antitubercular chemotherapy after biopsy was sufficient to heal the lesion in 19 cases, while in five cases surgical debridement needed to be done. The lesions healed eventually. At an average followup of 8.3 years, (range 2-15 years) there were no recurrences and all patients were free from pain, with no restriction of movements. Six patients complained of occasional pain during walking on uneven ground. CONCLUSION: When tuberculous pathology is limited to the bone, the prognosis is better than in articular disease, as there is less deformity, and hence, less residual pain and disability.

Flexible intramedullary nailing in paediatric femoral fractures. A report of 73 cases.

BACKGROUND: Flexible intramedullary nailing has emerged as an accepted procedure for paediatric femoral fractures. Present indications include all patients with femoral shaft fractures and open physis. Despite its excellent reported results, orthopaedic surgeons remain divided in opinion regarding its usefulness and the best material used for nails. We thus undertook a retrospective study of paediatric femoral fractures treated with titanium or stainless steel flexible nails at our institute with a minimum of 5 years follow up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 73 femoral shaft fractures in 69 patients treated with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing with a minimum follow up of 5 years. Final limb length discrepancy and any angular or rotational deformities were determined. RESULTS: Mean age at final follow up was 15.5 years (10-21 years). Mean follow up was 7.16 years (5.0-8.6 years). Titanium and stainless steel nails were used in 43 and 30 cases respectively. There were 51 midshaft, 17 proximal, and 5 distal fractures.All fractures united at an average of 11 weeks but asymptomatic malalignment and LLD were seen in 19% and 58% fractures respectively. LLD ranged from -3 cm to 1.5 cm. Other complications included superficial infection(2), proximal migration of nail(3), irritation at nail insertion site(5) and penetration of femoral neck with nail tip(1). There were 59 excellent, 10 satisfactory and 4 poor results. CONCLUSION: Flexible intramedullary nailing is reliable and safe for treating paediatric femoral shaft fractures. It is relatively free of serious complications despite asymptomatic malalignment and LLD in significant percentage of fractures.

Giant cell tumor of distal phalanx of great toe. A case report.

Giant cell tumors are locally aggressive benign osseous neoplasms of unknown origin. They mostly occur after skeletal maturity in 3rd or 4th decade and commonly involve long bones although occasional occurrence at other sites has been reported. It is rare to see these tumors involving the phalangeal bone of foot. We report a case of giant cell tumor involving the distal phalanx of great toe in a 27 year old female who presented with swelling of great toe of right foot. Radiography showed an expansile lesion in distal phalanx of great toe. En bloc resection of phalanx was done. Biopsy showed giant cell tumor and regular follow up of this patient for two years showed no recurrence of tumor. Giant cell tumor at such a location is unusually aggressive and needs regular follow up to detect local recurrence.