[Targeting anticoagulated patients for medication reconciliation at discharge in orthopaedic surgery]. / Conciliation médicamenteuse de sortie ciblée en chirurgie orthopédique : focus sur les anticoagulants.

In orthopedic surgery, the well-known iatrogenic risk of oral anticoagulants is particularly increased due to surgical management (suspension and resumption of treatment). In order to prevent avoidable iatrogenic events linked to incomplete discharge documents, targeted medical reconciliation (MR) has been deployed. This is a single-center prospective study conducted in orthopaedic surgery for six months including any patient treated upon admission with an oral anticoagulant. The analysis of the compliance of discharge documents (hospitalization report and prescriptions) was carried out before and after pharmaceutical interventions. The criteria analysed included the mention of the oral treatment, its dosage as well as the supervision of the switch from heparin therapy to the usual oral treatment. The documents were compliant if the mention of oral anticoagulant treatment and the date of the shift were correctly documented. Thirty-seven patients were included. The compliance rate of discharge documents was significantly improved by MR, going from 13.5 % to 78.4 % (P <0.05). The non-compliances before the intervention concerned the absence of mention of: the usual treatment (64.9 %), its dosage (81.1 %) or the switch's securing (75.7 %). Discharge from surgery of the patient on anticoagulants is a stage presenting a real risk which can be managed by the intervention of pharmacists. Improving the compliance of discharge documents is a first step towards better securing drug management.

[Plastic surgery and fighting: Our experience during Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020]. / Chirurgie plastique et conflit armé : notre expérience lors du conflit au Haut-Karabakh en 2020.

INTRODUCTION: This work relates the experience of three French surgical missions in the care of the war wounded during the armed conflict in Nagorno Karabakh which took place from September 27 to November 10, 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three surgical missions were carried out in Armenia between October 2020 and January 2021. Surgeons intervened in different hospitals, at different times of the conflict and on various war wounds. RESULTS: The presence of a plastic surgeon proved to be essential in the care of war wounded, especially in delayed emergency and secondary care. The ortho-plastic treatment offered during these missions has proven to be effective in the reconstruction of limbs. These missions made it possible to introduce the induced membrane technique of Masquelet AC in Armenia. During our visit to the Yerevan burn center, we mentioned the very probable use of white phosphorus as an etiology in several of the cases analyzed. CONCLUSION: We relate the particular experience of civilian surgeons in the context of a modern armed conflict. The presence of a plastic surgeon proved to be indispensable in the care of war wounded and especially in their secondary reconstructions.

Iatrogenic peritonitis following an incident during ablation of a pedicle screw.

Immediate complications can arise due to faulty implantation of material during fusion procedures, but none have been reported in connection with ablation of material in the spine. We report a case of intraperitoneal migration of a pedicle screw during attempted removal. It crossed the psoas muscle and perforated a small-intestine loop, triggering hemorrhagic shock and peritonitis by perforation. We analyze the causes and mechanisms underlying this exceptional case of migration, with a view to sharing preventive measures. Initial extra-pedicular screw positioning and the pressure exerted to remove it were responsible for this serious incident.

External fixation of the thalamic portion of a fractured calcaneus: a new surgical technique.

The optimal treatment for intra-articular calcaneus fractures remains controversial, despite internal fixation techniques providing good results. The major point of contention is the need to reconstruct the overall morphology versus to restore the anatomy of the subtalar joint perfectly. We will describe a two-stage technique for treating intra-articular calcaneus fractures in which the primary fracture line goes through the thalamic fragment. The first procedure focuses on the overall morphology by restoring the height and length with osteotaxis being accomplished with a medial external fixator. The second procedure consists of internal fixation through a minimally invasive lateral approach to restore the anatomy of the articular facets. Any defects are filled with injectable bone substitute. This novel technique is compared to the complication rates and radiology and anatomy outcomes in published studies. This two-stage surgical technique reduces the length of hospital stays and the number of complications.

Articular fractures of the distal humerus.

Distal humeral fractures represent 2% of all adult elbow fractures. Injury mechanisms include high-energy trauma with skin involvement, and low energy trauma in osteoporotic bone. Treatment goals are anatomical restoration in young, high-demand patients and quick recovery of activities of daily living in the elderly. Complete fractures are relatively easy to diagnose, but partial intra-articular fractures are not. The clinical diagnosis must take into account potential complications such as open injuries and ulnar nerve trauma. Standard X-rays with additional distraction series in the operating room are sufficient in complete articular fracture cases. Partial intra-articular fractures will need CT scan and 3D reconstruction to fully evaluate the involved fragments. SOFCOT, AO/OTA and Dubberley classifications are the most useful for describing fractures and selecting treatment. Surgery is the optimal treatment and planning is based on fracture type. Complete fractures are treated using a posterior approach. Triceps management is a function of fracture lines and type of fixation planned. Constructs using two plates at 90° or 180° are the most stable, with additional frontal screw for intercondylar fractures. Elbow arthroplasty may be indicated in selected patients, having severely communited distal humerus fractures and osteoporotic bone. Open fractures make fixation and wound management more challenging and unfortunately have poorer outcomes. Other complications are elbow stiffness, non-union, malunion and heterotopic ossification.

[The distally based sural flap at the ankle and foot: complications analysis in a 27 cases study]. / Le lambeau sural à pédicule distal à la cheville et au pied : analyse des complications à propos d'une série de 27 lambeaux.

The distally based sural flap is widely used in foot and ankle skin and soft tissue repairs. It is described as an easy and reliable procedure. But in our experience, the flap necrosis was observed rather frequently. The analysis of this complication was the main goal of this retrospective study. The distally based sural flap has been used 27 times for skin repair at the foot and ankle. Twenty-six cases were post-traumatic. The success rate was 70%. Eight (mostly partial) necrosis occurred, one total necrosis lead to mid-leg amputation. In post-trauma reconstructions, this flap was not found so reliable. The rate of flap necrosis increases with age and comorbidities. No relationship could be established between the necrosis of the flap and its width. Heel and lateral localizations were found more risky. Technical modifications are discussed with a special focus on the two staged procedure.

Distally-based vastus lateralis muscle flap: a salvage alternative to address complex soft tissue defects around the knee.

Repeated soft tissue injuries around the knee represent challenging clinical situations where functional prognosis of the joint is often poor, especially in the presence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). When gastrocnemius muscle flap techniques have already been used and failed, therapeutic solutions become rare. The authors suggest a regional solution to salvage these cases by the transfer of distally-based vastus lateralis muscle flaps. Four clinical operations of this muscle flap transfer are described, with three around TKA revision and one case of a post-traumatic knee amputation resulting from a compound open knee injury. Technical details of the intervention are presented. In all cases, skin closure was achieved, even if distal marginal necrosis was seen in two cases related to the type of muscle flap vascularisation.Final joint mobility was always poor (45 grades on average). Distally-based vastus lateralis muscle flaps represent a salvage procedure to correct iterative soft tissue defects around the knee that threaten short-term joint function. These muscle flaps do not require microsurgical anastomosis.

Synoviocyte infection with adeno-associated virus (AAV) is neutralized by human synovial fluid from arthritis patients and depends on AAV serotype.

Intraarticular gene transfer with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors may allow efficient therapeutic transgene expression within the joint in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), allowing high expression of the protein within the joint, preventing both systemic diffusion and side effects. However, humans demonstrate antibodies against AAV, which can influence gene transfer. To better understand critical obstacles to intraarticular gene therapy with AAV, we have previously shown that synovial fluid (SF) contains IgG to AAV that neutralizes chondrocyte infection in vitro. Our objective was therefore to compare neutralization exerted by SF from RA patients for four different AAV serotypes (AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 8) on human primary synoviocytes. Serotype 2 infected synoviocytes most efficiently followed, in decreasing order, by serotypes 1, 5, and 8. SF from all patients partially inhibited infection of synoviocytes by at least one of the four serotypes. Infection with serotypes 1 and 2 was the most inhibited by SF, whereas inhibition was weak for serotypes 5 and 8. Last, we have shown that inhibition of AAV1/interleukin (IL)-4 infection of synoviocytes by SF could be reversed by increasing the number of AAV1/IL-4 particles, with a dose-dependent effect. We conclude that the most infectious AAV serotypes (1 and 2) in synoviocytes are also the serotypes most neutralized by SF. Thus, serotype 5 seems to demonstrate the best infection efficiency:immunogenicity ratio for local use in articular diseases. These data may be useful for tailoring intraarticular AAV-mediated gene therapy to individual patients.

[Giant-cell tumor of the hand: midterm results in five patients]. / Tumeur à cellules géantes de la main: résultats du traitement: 5 cas au recul moyen de 7, 8 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Giant-cell bone tumors are benign but have great potential for recurrence. Frequently observed in epiphyseal areas of tubular bones, these tumors are rarely found in hand localizations. We examined the characteristic features of giant-cell tumors of the hand and analyzed the pertinence of surgical treatment. We noted complications, consequences of recurrence and later operations on the same tumor site in five cases. CASE REPORTS: Five patients treated between 1973 and 2000 for giant-cell tumors involving the hand bones were reviewed retrospectively. Mean age was 41.6 years and mean follow-up was 7.8 years. The surgical procedure was curettage for two, curettage with bone graft for two and amputation for one. The Enneking score was noted. RESULTS: Pain was the main symptom, with local swelling in several cases. At 7.8 years follow-up recurrence was noted for four of the five tumors. Two patients were treated for a second recurrence. Amputation of the forearm was required for one recurrence affecting soft tissue. Mean time between two consecutive recurrences was three months. In all six episodes of recurrent tumor were treated. These five patients had a total of ten operations. There were no cases of metastasis nor multicentric foci. DISCUSSION: Treatment of giant-cell tumors involving the hand bones is designed to eradicate the tumor and also protect hand function while keeping in mind the aggressive nature of these benign tumors. Surgical alternatives for radical treatment can include wide resection, resection of the ray and amputation.

[Pre-operative diagnosis of bucket-handle meniscal tears: clinical evaluation and value of arthroscan and MRI radiological criteria]. / Diagnostic préopératoire des anses de seau méniscales: valeur des critères cliniques, arthro-TDM et IRM.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: It is important for both the patient and the surgeon to determine whether a meniscal lesion can be repaired before undertaking surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the pertinence of clinical signs and determine the value of imaging findings for the preoperative diagnosis of bucket-handle meniscal tears. This preliminary study was conducted before undertaking an analysis of preoperative criteria of reparability in a homogeneous group of meniscal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective series included 33 arthroscopically-proven bucket-handle meniscal tears in patients who underwent arthrography and/or arthroscan and/or MRI preoperatively. The images were reviewed by two senior radiologists who established a consensus diagnosis. Clinically, the type of blockage and the presence of permanent flexion before surgery were noted. The following items were noted on the imaging results: fragment displacement (fragment in the notch on the coronal slice) anterior megahorn, double PCL, and serpent sign on the sagittal slice. Longitudinal, transversal extension and position of the bucket-handle were noted. We searched for correlations with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Fourteen patients had a history of knee blocking and 15 had permanent flexion before surgery. Only 10 patients had the typical association of blocking and flexion. Certain diagnosis of bucket-handle meniscal tear was provided by MRI (13/15), arthroscan (6/7), and arthrography (10/24) giving an equivalent sensitivity for the two slice imaging techniques. The sign of a fragment in the notch on the coronal slice was a constant finding. The double PCL sign was sensitive for medial meniscal tears and for lateral meniscal tears with associated ACL tears. The diagnosis was successfully established in all 9 patients who underwent several explorations (2 or 3). Buckle-handle meniscal tear was not identified in 9 patients (arthrography 7, MRI 2). DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrate that the preoperative diagnosis of bucket-handle meniscal tears cannot be properly established on clinical criteria of typical blocking and/or permanent flexion. They confirm that arthrography is not contributive to diagnosis and that the absence of a slice image is detrimental to diagnosis. The sensitivity of the two slice imaging methods was similar. The key sign was the presence of a fragment in the notch on the coronal slice; in the three cases where this sign was absent, the reason was found to be the small size of the displaced fragment (resolution limit) and time between imaging and arthroscopy. The characteristic features of the bucket-handle lesions observed in this series are exactly the same as reported in earlier reports but to our knowledge provide the first data on comparative performance of arthroscan and MRI. CONCLUSION: The noninvasive nature of MRI and the possibility of assessing the meniscal wall and the quality of the meniscal tissue make MRI the exploration of choice for preoperative assessment of meniscal tears.

[Prospective study assessing quality-of-life after hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture]. / Morbidité, mortalité et autonomie des patients opérés par prothèse intermédiaire pour fracture cervicale vraie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted a prospective multicentric study of 203 consecutive patients who underwent hemi-arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture between May 1999 and August 2001. The purpose of the study was to assess quality-of-life among these patients one year after their surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mean patient age was 79.6 +/- 8.6 years; 71.2% were women. Most fractures were Garden type III and IV (87.4%) and 90.9% were recent (< 21 d). The hemiarthroplasty was performed with the Intermedia implant via a posterolateral approach in 73.9% of patients with acetabular reaming for 13.7%; a skirted head was used in only 20.8%. The Robinson score (19/26 < or = 6.89) for joint motion, lifestyle, degree of osteoporosis (Singh score), and history (ASA score), as well as a psychomotor indicator (Hodkinson score) were noted preoperatively. Quality-of-life was measured at one year in the same patients using the Postel Merle d'Aubigne (PMA) score and a quality-of-life score. RESULTS: Among the 203 patients, 38 (18.7%) were lost to follow-up and 37 died (18.2%). Eleven posterior dislocations (5.4%) were noted and four were reduced orthopedically. The PMA score was 84.7% satisfactory results (excellent, very good, good). Preoperatively 58.8% of the patients were independent and 7% were in nursing homes; one year postoperatively, these proportions were 54% and 4.8%. There was a significant difference in the PMA score between two populations defined by the preoperative Robinson score less than or greater than 20. Outcome was better for patients with a Robinson score > 20 pre-operatively. For these two populations, change in lifestyle was highly significant one year postoperatively. However, for the overall population, changes in lifestyle and joint motion were not significantly different between the pre- and postoperative evaluations. Paradoxically, 29.1% of the patients who were dependent preoperatively were not one year after surgery, which indicates that certain patients also had a better quality-of-life after their hemiarthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Mortality after fracture of the femoral neck remains high (18.2% at one year). There were no infections requiring revision in this series, but there were eleven cases of dislocation (5.4%). The difference in joint motion and quality-of-life between the pre- and postoperative assessment was not significant for the whole population, but one third of the patients who were independent preoperatively were not at last follow-up.

[The medial saphenous hetero (cross leg) flap in coverage of soft tissue defects of the leg and foot]. / Place du lambeau saphène médial hétéro jambier (cross-leg) dans la couverture des pertes de substance de la jambe et du pied.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Reconstruction of large areas of soft tissue defects of the lower limb is a major challenge, particularly when the zone involves the lower part of the leg and the foot. The cross-leg flap can be a reliable alternative to free flaps, both in adults and children. We analyzed our experience in a retrospective series of 26 patients who underwent a standardize surgical procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six cross-leg flap procedures were performed between 1984 and 2000 using the same technique. Mean patient age was 32 years (range 7-67 years). All patients were trauma victims. Mean delay from trauma to flap reconstruction was 2.5 years (range 18 days-16 years). A free flap or loco-regional flap for coverage had been unsuccessful in 19 patients. The zones involved were: leg (n=7), anterior ankle area (n=3), malleolar area (n=2), dorsal aspect of the foot (n=1), heal (n=11, including 4 in an exclusively non-weight-bearing area). Mean patient follow-up was 3 years (1-10 years). The same surgical technique with external fixation was used for all patients. The flap was harvested according to a standard technique with ratios ranging from 3: 1 to 4: 1. The donor site and the flap pedicle were covered with a thin skin flap, at least during the first operative time. During the first operative time, the recipient site was resected to the exact size of the flap, the remaining coverage was achieved during the weaning process using part of the flap pedicle. Weaning was achieved after a mean 27 days (21-38 days). RESULTS: Complete flap necrosis occurred in one case and partial necrosis in six. Punctual necrosis was observed in five cases requiring revision surgery or local care. One abscess of the donor site occurred two years after flap reconstruction. Coverage was satisfactory for leg and ankle reconstructions, with no recurrent ulcerations or hyperkeratosis at last follow-up. A satisfactory esthetic aspect was achieved in all cases. For foot reconstructions, ulcerations or hyperkeratosis of the plantar skin-flap junction was observed in five cases. All of the patients were however able to wear normal shoes and felt there had been an improvement after surgery. DISCUSSION: The cross-leg flap procedure should, in our opinion, be used in three situations. i) After failure of other techniques: results are very reliable for salvage procedures; 19 of our 26 patients had had failed free or loco-regional flap procedures prior to the cross-leg flap. ii) The reconstruction is large and blood supply contraindicates a free flap procedure (only one intact vascular axis). iii) The entire heal area to be reconstructed would be insufficiently covered by a free flap. Most of the long-term problems are related to heal coverage in weight-bearing areas.

[Reconstruction of the long bones by the induced membrane and spongy autograft]. / Reconstruction des os longs par membrane induite et autogreffe spongieuse.

In the reported series of 35 cases bone reconstruction of large diaphyseal defects was performed in two stages. The first stage was the insertion into the defect of a cement spacer which was responsible for the formation of a pseudosynovial membrane. The second stage was the reconstruction of the defect by a huge fresh autologous cancellous bone graft. The membrane induced by the spacer prevents the resorption of the graft and favors its vascularity and its corticalisation. In weight bearing diaphyseal segments the normal walking was possible at 8.5 months on average. The length of the reconstructed defects was 4 to 25 cm.

Functional anatomy of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow.

Postero-lateral instability of the elbow joint is a rare clinical condition, commonly related to a disruption of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow. Twenty elbow joint specimens were studied in order to describe the morphologic characteristics of this complex, and to determine the role of its different components in the stability of the elbow. After a morphologic and morphometric investigation, serial divisions of the medial bundle of the lateral collateral ligament were performed, with or without section of the annular ligament and the anterior bundle of the lateral collateral ligament. The anterior and medial bundles of the lateral collateral ligament had close relationships with the annular ligament and a common proximal course. Isolated section of the medial bundle of the lateral collateral ligament induced only minor laxity of the elbow joint. Combined divisions of the medial and the anterior bundles at their humeral insertion, or the medial bundle and the annular ligament at their ulnar insertion resulted in a reproducible subluxation of the ulno-humeral joint. Thus, postero-lateral rotatory stability of the elbow joint is largely maintained by the lateral collateral ligament complex, composed of three elements: the anterior and medial bundles of the lateral collateral ligament, and the annular ligament. In clinical practice, chronic postero-lateral instability is best treated by a ligamentous reconstruction, that must take into account all these anatomic considerations. We report here a new technique of ligamentoplasty using the fascia of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Anatomic study of the distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap.

The anatomy of the vascular perforation to the distal portions of the vastus lateralis muscle has been studied in 20 cadaver extremities to outline the vascular basis for distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap. From the 15.4 +/- 2.4, 11.8 +/- 1.7, and 7.9 +/- 2.0 cm distally to the patella, three quite large branches that issue from the deep femoral artery with the mean diameter of 2.8 +/- 0.2, 2.6 +/- 0.2, and 2.2 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively, distribute the distal parts of vastus lateralis muscle. These branches are thought to be an anatomic basis for the distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap. This allows the distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap to be raised for coverage of defects (1) in the popliteal fossa posterior and inferior portions of the knee anteriorly, (2) in the proximal one-third of the leg, and (3) for a below-knee amputation and the rotation of muscle tissue, such as when the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle are unavailable.

[Treatment of comminuted fractures of the lower end of the radius with internal osteosynthesis, traction and early mobilization]. / Traitement des fractures comminutives de l'extrémité inférieure du radius par ostéosynthèse interne, distracteur et mobilisation précoce.

Goals for treatment of comminutive fractures of the distal radius include restoration of the articular profile of the proximal part of the joint, while axial loading forces must be avoided as much as possible to prevent secondary displacement. The choice of an internal fixation protected by an external wrist distractor-fixator, with early activo-passive mobilisation, seems to achieve the goal. Twelve patients with a comminuted fracture of the distal radius, including axial articular impigment displacement were reviewed for this study. All fractures were Frykman's type III, IV, VII or VIII. Distraction was done with a specific external apparatus, allowing an internal fixation, using an anterior plate and posterior Kirschner wires for the more complex cases. Distraction was released at the end of the surgical procedure, while the distractor was left in place. The wrist was mobilised early in the post-operative period, and the distractor was removed two months later. At a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, two patients were still painful. Mean motion of the wrist joint was 115 degrees for flexion-extension and 35 degrees for radio-ulnar deviation. Radiological results were good (10 cases), in both planes sagittal and frontal, and stable with time. The radio-ulnar index was correct in 11 cases. Only two cases of Sudeck's atrophy were noted. Authors use a specific external wrist distractor to obtain and maintain reduction in comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius, using internal fixation in combination. Early motion of the wrist, protected by the wrist distractor seems to lower rates of Sudeck's atrophy.

[Limits and insufficiencies of the treatments of recent double-break articular fractures of the lower fourth of the radius]. / Limites et insuffisances des traitements des fractures récentes à double trait articulaire du quart inférieur du radius.

The authors present a series of 39 intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the radius classified as Frykman VII and VIII. Clinical results showed 77% of good and very good results. Radiographs showed 71% of reduced articular surfaces but only 37% of radiuses were considered to be anatomical. The authors emphasize the high rate of secondary displacement due to the epiphyseal comminution, and the importance of pre-operative radiographs obtained under traction, allowing good analysis of the fracture and evaluation of the comminution.

[Giant cell tumor of the radius: resection-reconstruction by vascularized peroneal graft]. / Tumeur à cellules géantes du radius: résection-reconstruction par greffe du péroné vascularisé.

The radius location of a giant-cell tumor is not rare. Treatment sets the surgeon with the reconstruction procedure after block excision, specially when localized in the distal end of the bone. The authors present one case of a grade I giant-cell tumor of the distal radius, treated after a first recurrence. A block excision was done and the distal end of the radius was reconstructed by a free vascularized fibular transplant. Healing succeeded in 2 months and a half. The wrist motion recovery was good. No recurrence was observed for eighteen months after surgery. Radius reconstruction after block excision can be done by using free vascularized bone transfers. Healing occurs after a shorter period due to the graft's living characteristics.

[Arguments for early intervention in intracranial aneurysms. From a series of 33 aneurysms with hematoma]. / Arguments pour une intervention précoce dans les anévrysmes intra-craniens. A partir d'une série de 33 anévrysmes avec hématome.

33 cases of intra-cerebral hematomas after rupture of intra-cranial aneurysm are reported: 12 were operated on emergency (before 24 hours); surgery was delayed in 13 cases, and 8 died before surgery. Mortality in operated cases is not as high as usually considered (28%). Results of patients with late surgery (day 3 to day 30) are similar to those patients with early surgery in spite of better neurological state. These poor results are related to worsening because of spasm development during time elapsed before surgery. Early surgery may prevent spasm development by release of blood clots out of basal cisterns. This attitude can be extended in cases with large amount of blood clots in subarachnoid spaces. Out of 23 cases with unoperated aneurysm, 8 cases had an hematoma and 6 died, and 11 cases had an important subarachnoid haemorrhage and 9 died. Except in one case, death was related to spasm development.