Plantar intermetatarsal perforator flap for first web skin-graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Foot-syndactyly has long been managed through conventional surgical procedures, each having its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. While these methods, which do not require skin grafts, exhibit a lower incidence of long-term complications, they lead to undesirable scarring on the dorsal side of the foot and reduced patient satisfaction. In this study, we introduce an innovative technique involving an intermetatarsal plantar flap, supported by an anatomical investigation and clinical application. METHODS: Eight freshly preserved lower limbs were injected with colored latex to examine the cutaneous vessels on the plantar surface, a skin-flap was designed in an elliptical shape to address first web conjoined toes. The flap was extended from the center of each affected ray measuring ~30% of the sole's length. Using the mentioned novel approach, a flap was created and dorsally extended with a straight incision to release bilateral simple foot-syndactyly in an 8-year-old child presented with Apert's Syndrome. RESULTS: We identified cutaneous branches originating either from the medial plantar vessels or the lateral proper artery of the hallux. On average, the mean number of cutaneous branches found over the first intermetatarsal web spaces was 5.8 (ranging from 5 to 8) most of them originating from medial plantar vessels with a mean of 5.1 branches (range 4-6) while proper lateral great-toe digital artery provided a mean of 0.6 branches (range 0-2). Intra-operatively, in our patient, advancing the plantar flap ensured complete coverage of the commissure, obviating the necessity for skin grafts. Incisions healed uneventfully and a wide first web was obtained. Over a 15 months follow-up, no complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the skin-graftless first web release of syndactyly using a plantar intermetatarsal flap is a reliable and straightforward procedure with good cosmetic results, offering a promising alternative to conventional techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch transfer to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy in neonatal lower brachial plexus and spinal cord injury: A case report.

Concomitant lower neonatal brachial plexus palsy (Klumpke) and spinal cord injury is extremely rare but with a clearly established mechanism of injury pattern. No successful surgical techniques have been reported to date to restore intrinsic hand function. We report a case of successful transfer of the extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy. Three-month-old boy with the diagnosis of left Klumpke paralysis and thoracic spinal cord injury associating left Horner's sign, intrinsic minus deformity of all the digits, and thenar muscle paralysis in the upper limb. Both lower limbs were fully paralyzed. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord narrowing from T1 to T5 and pseudo-meningoceles involving the left C8 through T3 roots. Since no spontaneous recovery was apparent by 6.5 months and surgical exploration showed pronator quadratus denervation, the ECRB motor branch deep branch was transferred to the ulnar nerve (DBUN) with interposed a 7.5 cm-long sural nerve graft. By 18 months post-operatively, all the digits showed complete active IP extension. Thirty-six months after surgery, no signs of first dorsal interosseous nerve or thenar muscle reinnervation were present, thus an extensor carpi ulnaris opponensplasty was performed. ECRB motor branch might be a valuable tool to restore finger intrinsic function in these uncommon cases.

Triceps to teres minor motor nerve transfer to restore glenohumeral external rotation after neonatal brachial plexus injury.

INTRODUCTION: Attaining active glenohumeral external rotation (aGHER), whether via primary reconstruction or spontaneous recovery, is infrequent in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPI). We evaluated the effectiveness of triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfers to restore this function, both performed primarily (i.e., in conjunction with microsurgical plexus reconstruction) or secondarily (after primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 12 children with NBPI undergoing triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfer via an axillary approach, six undergoing primary surgery and six secondary. The primary outcome was post-operative restoration of aGHER in abduction. The primary-surgery group consisted of six children of mean age 8 months (range 5-11) with partial injuries ranging from C5-C6 to C5-C8. The secondary-surgery group included six patients with C5-C6 injuries of mean age 43 months (range 23-120), undergoing re-operation a mean 40 months (range 18-116) after their primary surgery. RESULTS: No complications occurred after surgery. At a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 14-30), aGHER in abduction only was restored in one patient in the primary group while in the secondary group, aGHER in abduction was restored in all patients to a mean 73° (range 70-80) after a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 6-26). CONCLUSIONS: Triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfer is not indicated as primary surgery for NBPI. However, they can be effective in children in whom primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER, even if the spinal accessory nerve is unavailable for transfer to the infraspinatus motor branch.

Gartland Type-IV Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Preoperative Radiographic Features and a Hypothesis on Causation.

BACKGROUND: The diagnose of Gartland Type-IV (G-IV) supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) has been reported to only be possible via fluoroscopy intra-operatively. HYPOTHESIS: A preoperative radiographic fracture pattern can indicate a G-IV SCHF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective qualitative analysis of radiographs and reduction techniques used in twenty-seven GIV SCHF. RESULTS: Anterior-posterior radiographs demonstrated lateral translation or angulation in 21 cases (valgus type) and medial translation or angulation in 6 cases (varus type). In spite of a complete cortical disruption, lateral radiographs showed that the distal fragment was vertically aligned with the proximal fragment. Reduction was achieved in semi-extension, via supination in valgus type fracture and pronation for varus type fractures. DISCUSSION: Our conjecture is that a trauma vector in the coronal plane would result in a near-circumferential periosteal disruption, with which either a medial or lateral periosteal hinge remains. The distal fragment would be vertically aligned in lateral radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Diagnostic.

Arthroscopic Calcaneonavicular Coalition and Too-long Anterior Process of the Calcaneus Resection in Children.

Persistent symptomatic calcaneonavicular coalition (CNC) and too-long anterior process of the calcaneus (TLAP) are congenital disorders that can benefit from surgical treatment. The arthroscopic technique for CNC and TLAP resection has previously been described. The aim of this prospective study was to describe outcomes following arthroscopic resection of 12 (38.71%) CNC and 19 (61.29%) TLAP cases in 30 consecutive pediatric patients treated between July 2009 and March 2013. There mean age was 12.4 (range 10 to 15) years, and the mean follow-up was 55.2 (range 24 to 79) months. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, AOFAS pain scores, and patient satisfaction were assessed. All final postoperative imaging scans revealed complete synostosis resection without recurrence. The mean overall AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score increased from 78.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.74 to 81.01) to 93.06 (95% CI 91.10 to 95.03) (p < .001). All patients showed pain reduction after surgery; even 1 patient (3.23%) who initially developed complex regional pain syndrome eventually had a successful outcome. The mean AOFAS pain score increased from 23.87 (95% CI 22.05 to 25.69) to 34.84 (95% CI 32.97 to 36.70) (p < .001). All patients were either satisfied (n = 9 [30%]) or very satisfied (n = 21 [70%]) with the intervention at the final follow-up. Although both arthroscopic CNC and TLAP resection are demanding techniques, they allow for precise coalition resection through a less invasive approach, which may ultimately lead to faster recovery and improved outcomes.

Transverse Anterior Approach to the Elbow for Pediatric Displaced Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The anterior approach to the elbow for pediatric lateral condyle fractures (LCF) would provide a better visualization of the articular fracture resulting in better functional results, less complications and a more cosmetically-appealing scar than usually seen with the lateral approach. METHODS: Retrospective study of children undergoing an open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced LCF via an anterior approach with a transverse incision. Bilateral elbow range of motion (ROM), upper limb alignment and complications were registered. A 4-point ordinal Likert-type scale was employed for parents to rate their level of satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the scar. RESULTS: Eighteen children of mean age 76 months (range 27 to 101 months) were included. Fractures were classified as Jackob's Type II in 14 cases and Milch's type II in all cases. Mean follow-up was 12 (range 4 to19) months.Successful condral fracture visualization and reduction was achieved in every case. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred. In all cases bone union was obtained 4 to 5 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up, active elbow ROM of at least 90%, was obtained. All parents claimed to be "very satisfied" with their child's scar. A lateral spur was identified in 66.7% o patients. CONCLUSION: The anterior approach to the elbow was both a feasible and safe allowing full anatomical cartilage reduction. Complications after this technique might decrease compared to the lateral approach but need future comparative studies. The rate of lateral spur did not decreased. Cosmetic scar results seem to be a clear advantage of this approach compared to the classical lateral approach.

Bone Allograft Segment Covered with a Vascularized Fibular Periosteal Flap: A New Technique for Pediatric Mandibular Reconstruction.

The free vascularized fibular graft is nowadays the preferred technique for pediatric mandibular reconstruction. Despite the versatility and proven efficacy for restoring the facial appearance and maxillomandibular function, those mandibular reconstructions with free vascularized fibula associate difficulties for a simultaneous restoration of the alveolar height and facial contour, which are derived from the height discrepancy between the fibula and the native mandible. In addition, the donor-site growth and morbidity are of special concern in the pediatric patient. We report a novel technique for pediatric mandibular reconstruction, in an 11-year-old girl, using a combination of a bone allograft segment with a vascularized fibular periosteal flap (VFPF), after resection of an Ewing sarcoma located at the right body of the mandible. The patient has showed optimal cosmetic, functional, and radiological outcomes, which have been maintained for 2.5 years, without detecting donor-site complications. Through this original technique, and based on the powerful osteogenic and vasculogenic properties of the pediatric VFPFs, we could effectively reconstruct a large mandibular defect providing a functional and aesthetic reconstruction, while avoiding the potential morbidity associated with the fibula resection.

Endoscopic Woodward procedure for Sprengel deformity: case report.

Sprengel deformity (SD) results in a limitation of movement of the shoulder girdle and produces an esthetic defect. Our aim is to assess the feasibility and advantages of a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for SD correction. A 4-year-old boy with a Cavendish grade III right SD. The patient underwent an endoscopic Woodward procedure with access through two small incisions at the level of the upper and lower angles of the scapula. Near-symmetrical shoulder elevation was achieved, with an excellent cosmetic result. The endoscopic Woodward procedure is a feasible, effective, and minimally invasive technique in the treatment of SD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Vascularized fibular grafts extended with vascularized periosteum in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the results of extending vascularized fibular grafts (VFG) with vascularized periosteum (VPG) in bone defect reconstruction in children. METHODS: Retrospective study of 10 children, mean age at surgery was 9.8 years (range, 4-16 years). Origin of one defect was oncological (n = 5), septical (n = 2), traumatic (n = 2), or congenital (n = 1). In five cases the flap consisted of a VFG and a vascularized epiphyseal transfer (VFET) in five. Mean bone defect was 8.5 cm .Mean length of the vascularized periosteal extension was 5.5 cm (range 3.5-8) for VFET, 4.8 cm for VFG (range 3-8). Bone union was assessed with monthly radiographs. RESULTS: Radiographs showed a periosteal callus at 4 weeks in all cases. Bone union was achieved at a mean of 8.4 weeks (range 4-12). Donor site complications included two cases of flexor hallucis longus contracture, and one case of surgical wound marginal necrosis following FVG. One transient tibialis anterior weakness and one tibialis anterior contracture occurred following VFET harvest. None required surgical treatment. Mean follow-up was 28.7 months (range 7-72). CONCLUSIONS: The association of a vascularized periosteal extension with fibular flaps seems to accelerate flap to recipient bone union. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:410-415, 2017.

Free vascularized tibial periosteal graft with monitoring skin island for limb reconstruction: Anatomical study and case report.

Several types of vascularized periosteal flaps have recently been described for the treatment or prevention of complex non-union in pediatric patients. Among them, a vascularized tibial periosteal graft (VTPG), supplied by the anterior tibial vessels (ATV), has been used successfully as a pedicled flap in a few patients. The purpose of the study is to describe the periosteal branches of the ATV, as well as the cutaneous and muscular branches by means of an anatomical study. In addition, to report on the use of VTPG as a free flap with a monitoring skin island in a clinical case. A mean of 6.5 periosteal branches (range 5-7) were found. In all cases we located a cutaneous perforator branching from one of the periosteal branches located at the midlevel of the leg. We performed a two-stage reconstruction of a recalcitrant non-union and residual shortening of the right tibia in a 17-year-old boy. After nonunion focus distraction, we used a massive bone allograft fixed with a nail and covered by a VTPG as a biological resource. Allograft consolidation was achieved 5.5 months after surgery. At eighteen months after surgery, no complications were observed and the patient had resumed all his daily activities, despite a residual 2-cm limb-length discrepancy. VTPG may be considered as a valuable surgical option for bone reconstruction in complex biological scenarios in the young population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:248-251, 2017.

Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Medial Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures to avoid Ulnar Nerve Injury.

BACKGROUND: Medial pinning is one of the most controversial aspects of the surgical treatment of supracondylar fractures (SHF) owing to the risk of ulnar nerve injury. AIM: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of medial pinning for SHF using ultrasound imaging for ulnar nerve visualization. METHODS: Fifteen children, with a mean age of 60 months, with displaced SHF were treated with a crossed-pinning configuration after fracture reduction. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to guide medial pin insertion to avoid ulnar nerve injury. RESULTS: Cubital tunnel anatomy was easily identified in all children. All children showed a subluxating ulnar nerve that required elbow extension to about 90º before medial pin insertion. None suffered ulnar nerve dysfunction after using the referred technique. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically demanding, ultrasound may be a valuable adjuvant to avoid ulnar nerve injury while performing a medial pinning in pediatric SHF.

Artroplastia total de cadera con copa no cementada en secuela de fractura de acetábulo / Total hip arthroplasty with cementless cup after acetabular fracture

Introducción: Las fracturas acetabulares pueden causar artrosis degenerativa de la cadera. La incidencia de artrosis postraumática tras fracturas acetabulares oscila entre el 12 por ciento y el 57 por ciento, y la de osteonecrosis cefálica femoral entre el 2 por ciento y el 40 por ciento luego de una luxo-fractura de cadera. La fractura acetabular suele deberse a traumas importantes en accidentes en la vía pública, laborales o deportivos y los pacientes, en general, acuden para el reemplazo total de cadera (RTC) a una edad más temprana que la población artrósica general. Se describe y analiza una serie de casos de RTC posfractura de acetábulo, y se la compara con un grupo de RTC en pacientes con patologías degenerativas. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a 19 pacientes sometidos a RTC con copa acetabular no cementada, por artrosis postraumática como secuela de fractura de acetábulo. La edad promedio al momento de la artroplastia era de 52,2 años (rango 19-83). La edad al sufrir la fractura era de 47,9 años (rango 16-81). El tiempo promedio entre la fractura de acetábulo y el RTC era de 52,4 meses (rango 4-360). El seguimiento promedio fue de 4,25 años. Resultados: En los RTC posfracturas acetabulares, no se registró ningún tipo de aflojamiento de los componentes protésicos radiográficos. En ningún caso, se registró infección. El puntaje de Harris promedió 89,3 (de 57 a 99). El grupo control con RTC por patologías degenerativas tuvo un seguimiento de 4,9 años; su puntaje de Harris fue 94,1 (de 78 a 100). En este grupo, no hubo signos de infección ni de aflojamientos clínicos ni radiográficos. No hubo diferencias significativas con el puntaje de Harris (p = 0,24) entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: El RTC para una artrosis postraumática como secuela de una fractura de acetábulo es un procedimiento más dificultoso que una artroplastia de rutina en un paciente con una enfermedad degenerativa. No hay diferencias clínicas ni radiográficas a corto plazo en los RTC con copas acetabulares no cementadas en pacientes con artrosis postraumáticas comparados con pacientes que sufren patologías degenerativas

Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina frente a Staphylococcus aureus resistente en la artritis septica aguda: estudio experimental, epidemiologico y clinico en niños / Methicillin-sensitive versus methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in acute septic arthritis: experimental, epidemiological and clinical study in children

Introducción: Los objetivos principales de este estudio fueron establecer la epidemiología de la artritis séptica en nuestra comunidad, determinar las diferencias entre la artritis séptica producida por Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina y las secundarias a Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina, y determinar las propiedades bactericidas del líquido sinovial. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 28 conejos neozelandeses, divididos en cuatro grupos de 2 cada uno; en los de los grupos I y II se inocularon 0,3 mL de Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina y en los de los grupos III y IV, 0,3 mL de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina. Se evaluó a 16 niños con artritis séptica, con un promedio de edad de 6 años. Se tomaron muestras de líquido sinovial de 10 rodillas, las cuales se colocaron en medios de cultivo inoculados con Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina y con Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina. Resultados: La resonancia magnética evidenció signos de artritis en todos los casos. Los hemocultivos fueron negativos. La anatomía patológica evidenció edema, infiltrado inflamatorio purulento con material fibrinoleucocitario, tejido de granulación y áreas con destrucción de la membrana sinovial. En la investigación clínica, la articulación más afectada fue la rodilla (10 casos); el agente causal no se pudo identificar en 9 casos. El estudio experimental para determinar la capacidad bactericida del líquido sinovial reveló 75 por ciento de inhibición de crecimiento de colonias de Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina y 0 por ciento de inhibición para colonias de Staphylococcus aureus resistente. Conclusiones: La elección de la antibioticoterapia para utilizar inicialmente en la artritis séptica debe variar de acuerdo con lo que muestren los estudios epidemiológicos de cada región...

Background: The main objectives of this paper were: to establish the epidemiology of septic arthritis in our community, determine the differences between methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis, and determine the bactericidal properties of synovial fluid. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits were used, divided into four groups of seven rabbits each; in groups I and II 0.3cc of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus were inoculated, and in groups III and IV 0.3cc of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were inoculated in the knee. We evaluated 16 children with septic arthritis, average age six years. Samples of synovial fluid were taken from 10 knees, placed in culture material and inoculated with methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Results: The MRI showed signs of arthritis in all cases. Blood cultures were negative. The histological evaluation showed swelling, inflammation, granulation tissue, pus, and destroyed areas in the synovial membrane. In the 10 children evaluated the most affected joint was the knee; the causative agent could not be identified in nine cases. The study to assess the bactericidal activity of the synovial fluid revealed 75% of growth inhibition for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and no growth inhibition for the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Conclusions: The antibiotics used for the initial treatment in septic arthritis should vary according to the epidemiology of each region. Synovial fluid has important bactericidal properties against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, but not against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus. The MRI should be the imaging study of choice to diagnose and evaluate septic arthritis.

Valor de la utilización de espaciadores de cemento y aloinjerto con antibiótico para reconstruir defectos óseos infectados: estudio experimental en conejos / Value of using antibiotic-loaded cement spacers and allograft to reconstruct infected bone defects: experimental study in rabbits

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar diferentes formas de tratamiento en fracturas expuestas con pérdida ósea e infectadas en conejos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental utilizando 25 conejos adultos. En todos se reprodujo una fractura expuesta mediodiafisaria de fémur en la cual se inoculó Staphylococcus aureus. Luego, en forma aleatoria, en el grupo I no se realizó tratamiento (grupo de control), en el grupo II se colocó polimetilmetacrilato con gentamicina y vancomicina en el foco de fractura asociado a antibiótico por vía sistémica, en el grupo III se colocó polimetilmetacrilato sin antibiótico en el foco de fractura asociado a antibiótico por vía sistémica, en el grupo IV se colocó aloinjerto crioconservado molido de hueso con vancomicina en el foco de fractura asociado a antibiótico por vía sistémica y, en el grupo V, se administró sólo antibiótico por vía sistémica. Se realizó la evaluación histológica de la seudomembrana formada alrededor del cemento con antibiótico y sin él. Resultados: En el grupo I se obtuvieron cinco cultivos positivos para S. aureus, en el grupo II y IV cinco cultivos negativos en cada uno, en el grupo III cuatro cultivos negativos y un cultivo positivo, y en el grupo V dos cultivos negativos y tres cultivos positivos. Los resultados de la evaluación histológica fueron similares y mostraron que la presencia de antibiótico en el cemento no alteró las características histológicas de la seudomembrana. Conclusiones: Cuando se decide hacer la reconstrucción de la fractura en un tiempo la asociación de antibiótico al injerto de hueso ayuda a prevenir la infección; si se decide realizar la reconstrucción en dos tiempos la colocación de un espaciador de polimetilmetacrilato con antibiótico en el defecto óseo es el método de elección.

Background: The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate in rabbits different types of treatment in infected open fractures with bone loss.Methods: Twenty five adult rabbits were included in the study. A mid-diaphyseal open fracture of the femur was reproduced in all of them, and subsequently contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Group I was not treated (control group). In Group II, polymethylmethacrylate with gen-tamicin and vancomycin was placed in the fracture site, associated to systemic antibiotics. Group III was given polymethylmethacrylate without antibiotic in the fracture site, associated to systemic antibiotics. Group IV received fresh frozen morselized allograft with vancomycin in the fracture site, associated to systemic antibiotics. Group V only received systemic antibiotics. The pseudomembrane formed around the cement was histologically evaluated.Results: In Group I, five cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. In Groups II and IV, all cultures were negative. In Group III, four cultures were negative and one was positive. In Group V, two were negative and three were positive. The histological results were similar in the groups in which cement had been used; this showed that the addition of antibiotics to the cement does not alter the histological characteristics of the pseudomembrane.Conclusions: For primary open fracture reconstruction, the addition of antibiotics to the bone graft helps prevent infection; and if staged reconstruction is prioritized, placing a polymethylmethacrylate spacer with antibiotics in the defect during the first stage should be considered.

Efectos de la tensión y transfixión del cartílago de crecimiento con diferentes hilos de sutura: estudio experimental en conejos / Effects of compression and transfiction of the physes by different sutures: experimental study in rabbits

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las alteraciones que se producen en el cartílago epifisario femoral distal en conejos al ser rodeado o atravesado por distintos hilos de sutura. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 24 fémures distales de 18 conejos neozelandeses de 7 a 8 semanas, que se dividieron en cuatro grupos de 6 conejos cada uno. En el grupo 1 se atravesó la fisis rodeando el cóndilo femoral externo con Prolene® 3.0, en el grupo 2a con Vicryl® 3.0, en el 2b con lino 60 y en el grupo 3 no se la atravesó sino que fue rodeada con Vicryl® 4.0. Resultados: a) Imaginológicos: en todos los casos se encontró acortamiento del miembro operado; el grupo 3 fue el más afectado (promedio 9,75 mm). Hubo nueve casos de luxación medial rotuliana, cuatro en el grupo 2, dos en el grupo 1 y tres en el grupo 3. Cinco pacientes presentaron deformidad en varo, una en el grupo 1, dos en el 2 y dos en el 3. b) Anatomopatológicos: en todos los grupos se reconoció la placa epifisaria con sus cinco capas adecuadamente formadas. En ninguno se observó reacción inflamatoria ni de células gigantes de tipo cuerpo extraño; tampoco barras óseas; sólo en el grupo 2b se halló tejido conectivo alrededor del material exógeno (hilo). Conclusiones: El daño producido en el cartílago de crecimiento se debió principalmente al efecto de la presión sobre este, con independencia del material de sutura utilizado debido a que los resultados anatomopatológicos no revelaron alteraciones en su normal configuración y radiológicamente se encontró acortamiento femoral y en varo; estos fueron mayores en el grupo 3, en el cual la presión ejercida sobre la epífisis fue mayor y en todo su diámetro sin atravesarla, mientras que en los grupos 1, 2a y 2b sólo se ejerció presión en el cóndilo femoral externo atravesando la epífisis.

Background: To determine changes in the distal femoral physis when surrounded or transfixed with different suture materials. Methods: Twenty-four distal femoral physes of 18 New Zealand rabbits (7-8 weeks old) were divided into four groups of six rabbits each. In group 1 a Prolene 3.0 suture was used. Group 2 was divided in two, number 2a used a Vicryl 3.0 suture, and number 2b a linen 60 suture; and in group 3 a Vicryl 4.0 suture was used. The suture in groups 1, 2a and 2b transfixed the physis surrounding the lateral femoral condyle. In group 3 the physis was surrounded, not transfixed.Results: Imaging: In all cases the limb was shorter, group 3 was the most affected (average, 9.75 mm.). There were 9 cases of medial patellar dislocation (4 in group 2, 2 in group 1 and 2 in group 3). Five cases of varus deformity were found (1 in group 1, 2 in group 3 and 2 in group 2). Pathological anatomy results: The five layers of the physis were adequately preserved in all cases. No inflammatory response or foreign body-type giant cells, or epiphyseal fusions were found. Connective tissue around the suture was found only in group 2b. Conclusions: Damage to the physis was mainly caused by the amount of pressure exerted on it regardless of the suture material used in each case because the pathological anatomy results did not reveal any abnormalities, and radiologically, a greater femoral varus and shortening was found in group 3 in which the pressure on the physis was greater in all its diameter without transfixing the physis. In groups 1, 2a and 2b the pressure was exerted around the lateral femoral condyle transfixing the physis.

Tratamiento, lesiones asociadas y complicaciones en las fracturas homolaterales del femur y la tibia: rodilla flotante / Treatment and associated injuries in ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures: floating knee

Introducción: Rodilla flotante es un término que describe las fracturas concomitantes homolaterales de la tibia y el fémur. Estas lesiones se relacionan con un alto número de complicaciones potencialmente mortales. Informamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de este tipo de lesiones en un período de seis años, revisamos los resultados y los comparamos con los de la bibliografía. Materiales y métodos: Entre enero de 2003 y julio de 2009 se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional que incluyó a 16 pacientes, 11 varones (68,7 por ciento) y 5 mujeres (31,3 por ciento), con una edad promedio 38,5 años (20 a 70 años). Se utilizó la clasificación de Fraser para rodilla flotante. Se evaluó la amplitud de movimiento de la rodilla, el material utilizado en la cirugía, las lesiones asociadas, el tiempo de consolidación, las complicaciones y las cirugías complementarias. Resultados: Doce de los 16 pacientes (75 por ciento) presentaron lesiones asociadas. Doce pacientes (75 por ciento) recibieron tratamiento definitivo temprano y en los 4 restantes (25 por ciento) se realizó control del daño. El tiempo de consolidación de ambos huesos promedió los 6 meses. Ocho pacientes (50 por ciento) requirieron cirugías complementarias. Conclusiones: La rodilla flotante suele ser consecuencia de un politraumatismo. Las diferentes series publicadas refieren un promedio de 50 por ciento a 62 por ciento de lesiones asociadas en estos pacientes. El uso de fijadores externos temporales (control del daño) es una excelente opción terapéutica. El mejor tratamiento para estas fracturas es la estabilización temprana y definitiva, que permite la rápida movilización del paciente y disminuye los problemas sistémicos en los politraumatizados, así como las complicaciones asociadas con un período prolongado de permanencia en cama.