Open reduction and internal fixation of modified Mason type III/IV radial head fractures with more than three fragments: an analysis of the clinical outcome and reoperation rate.

PURPOSE: It is generally accepted that a radial head fracture (RHF) with more than three parts is not suitable for repair; therefore, most authors suggest straightforward radial head arthroplasty (RHA). With up to 20% risk for reoperation after RHA, improvement in reduction and fixation techniques may represent a valuable alternative before further extending the indications for arthroplasty. To determine the functional results and radiological failure rate after osteosynthesis of multi-fragmentary RHF with more than three articular fragments. We specifically determined (1) the one-year Broberg and Morrey functional elbow score, (2) duration of fracture healing, (3) complication rate, and (4) number of patients converted to RHA. METHODS: This study is a retrospective single-center case series. All patients who underwent primary osteosynthesis for RHF between 2012 and 2019 were included. Nine patients with an average age of 52 years had an average clinical and/or radiological follow-up of 49 months. RESULTS: The preoperative imaging identified nine fractures with four fragments. Three patients underwent osteosynthesis with plates and screws, whereas six patients underwent osteosynthesis with only screws. The mean Broberg and Morrey score was 95 points. Overall, eight of the nine patients had satisfactory results. All patients retained their radial heads and showed radiological fracture healing. Only two patients presented with low-grade complications requiring no further surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that osteosynthesis of RHF with up to four fragments can achieve good functional results with a low complication rate and seems to be a valid alternative to RHA.

Triple Disruption of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex - Review and Surgical Technique.

Introduction: The shoulder girdle is composed of two arches, and these two arches are held together by the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC), a ligamentous complex. Goss's 1993 description of the SSSC as a ring includes the glenoid, coracoid process, coracoclavicular ligaments, distal clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, and acromion. Goss also noted in a 1996 study that a rupture of the SSSC in two places can result in an unstable lesion. This case report presents an unusual association of fractures involving the coracoid process, acromion, and distal clavicle, which has rarely been reported in the literature. Indeed, a triple lesion of the SSSC is very uncommon and the treatment is still debated. Therefore, we propose a surgical technique which we believe to have provide good results. Case Report: A 54-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with Neer I distal third fracture of the clavicle, a displaced fracture of the acromion, and a fracture of the coracoid process following a left shoulder trauma after an epileptic crisis. The patient underwent surgery and has been followed for 1 year with good clinical and functional outcomes. Conclusion: This case report highlights the complexity of lesions of the SSSC and the importance of determining proper surgical technique based on the type of lesion. It demonstrates that surgery combined with active rehabilitation can lead to good functional outcomes for patients with this type of injury. This report will be of interest to clinicians involved in the treatment of this type of lesion and should add a valuable treatment option for the treatment of triple disruption of the SSSC.

CT-based and morphological comparison of glenoid inclination and version angles and mineralisation distribution in human body donors.

BACKGROUND: For optimal prosthetic anchoring in omarthritis surgery, a differentiated knowledge on the mineralisation distribution of the glenoid is important. However, database on the mineralisation of diseased joints and potential relations with glenoid angles is limited. METHODS: Shoulder specimens from ten female and nine male body donors with an average age of 81.5 years were investigated. Using 3D-CT-multiplanar reconstruction, glenoid inclination and retroversion angles were measured, and osteoarthritis signs graded. Computed Tomography-Osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) is an established method to determine the subchondral bone plate mineralisation, which has been demonstrated to serve as marker for the long-term loading history of joints. Based on mineralisation distribution mappings of healthy shoulder specimens, physiological and different CT-OAM patterns were compared with glenoid angles. RESULTS: Osteoarthritis grades were 0-I in 52.6% of the 3D-CT-scans, grades II-III in 34.3%, and grade IV in 13.2%, with in females twice as frequently (45%) higher grades (III, IV) than in males (22%, III). The average inclination angle was 8.4°. In glenoids with inclination ≤10°, mineralisation was predominantly centrally distributed and tended to shift more cranially when the inclination raised to > 10°. The average retroversion angle was - 5.2°. A dorsally enhanced mineralisation distribution was found in glenoids with versions from - 15.9° to + 1.7°. A predominantly centrally distributed mineralisation was accompanied by a narrower range of retroversion angles between - 10° to - 0.4°. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first to combine CT-based analyses of glenoid angles and mineralisation distribution in an elderly population. The data set is limited to 19 individuals, however, indicates that superior inclination between 0° and 10°-15°, and dorsal version ranging between - 9° to - 3° may be predominantly associated with anterior and central mineralisation patterns previously classified as physiological for the shoulder joint. The current basic research findings may serve as basic data set for future studies addressing the glenoid geometry for treatment planning in omarthritis.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pectoralis Major Transfer for the Treatment of Irreparable Subscapularis Tears: Results After a Mean Follow-up of 20 Years.

BACKGROUND: One recognized salvage option in the treatment of an irreparable subscapularis tear is the pectoralis major tendon transfer (PMT). We aimed to analyze the long-term clinical and imaging outcome of PMT for irreparable subscapularis deficiency. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients representing 30 shoulders underwent PMT at a mean age of 53.0 years (range, 35 to 67 years). At a mean of 19.7 years (range, 18 to 22 years) postoperatively, 24 shoulders (80%) were clinically examined and 21 were radiographically and sonographically assessed. The long-term results were compared with preoperative findings and previously published short-term results. RESULTS: The mean relative Constant score (percentage of age and sex-matched normal scores; CS%) and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) both improved significantly from preoperatively (CS%, 47%, and SSV, 22%) to postoperatively (CS%, 77%, and SSV, 71%; p < 0.001 for both). All patients rated their results as good or excellent. Active anterior elevation was improved from preoperatively (120°) to postoperatively (131°), but the difference was not significant. Active internal and external rotation decreased significantly from the short-term (32-month) follow-up to the time of the latest follow-up (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively); however, internal rotation remained at 6 points compared with the 8 points recorded at short-term follow-up and external rotation decreased only from a mean of 51° to 39°. Loss of active range of motion was not observed subjectively and was not subjectively limiting, represented by the high ultimate SSV and overall satisfaction. Four shoulders (19%) showed evidence of glenohumeral arthropathy (Samilson and Prieto grade 3), but clinically were mildly symptomatic to asymptomatic at the time of the latest follow-up (CS% range, 67% to 88%; SSV range, 70% to 80%). Rupture of the PMT was sonographically identified in 2 patients (10%) and was associated with radiographic evidence of advanced cuff tear arthropathy (Hamada stages ≥4). Six (20%) of the initial 30 shoulders were revised, and 1 (4%) of the 24 shoulders that were clinically examined underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: At long-term follow-up, PMT for isolated and combined subscapularis tears is associated with good to excellent clinical results. Although one-third of the shoulders developed mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic osteoarthritis, the need for salvage with use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was rare. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Watertightness of wound closure in lumbar spine-a comparison of different techniques.

BACKGROUND: Since a primary watertight dural suture after incidental durotomies has a failure rate of 5-10%, a watertight closure technique of the overlying layers (fascia, subcutis and skin) is essential. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to find the most watertight closure technique for fascia, subcutis and skin. METHODS: Different suturing techniques were tested for each layer in a sheep cadaveric model by measuring the leakage pressure. The specimens were mounted on a pressure chamber connected to a manometer and a water tube system. Subsequently, the leakage was over-sewed with a cross stitch and the experiment was repeated. RESULTS: Cross stitch suturing [median =180 mbar (43; 660)] performed best compared to continuous [median =16 mbar (6; 52)] (P=0.003) but not to single knot [median =118 mbar (21; 387)] (P=1.0) or locking stitch suturing [median =109 mbar (3; 149)] (P=0.93) for fascia closure. Continuous suture [median =9 mbar (3; 14)] resulted in a higher leakage pressure than single knot [median =1 mbar (1; 6)] (P=0.017) for subcutaneous closure. No significant differences were found between intracutaneous, Donati-continuous, single knot and locking stitch for skin closures (P=0.075). However, the Donati-continuous stitch closure resulted in higher pressures in tendency. Over-sewing increased median leakage pressure from 8.0 to 11.0 mbar (P=0.068) and from 4.0 to 13.0 mbar (P=0.042) for single knot and for locking stitch skin closures, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cross stitches for the fascia, continuous suturing technique for the subcutis and Donati-continuous stitch for the skin resulted in the most watertight closure within this experimental setting. If leakage occurs, over-sewing might relevantly improve the watertightness of the wound.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of glenohumeral instability.

BACKGROUND: Glenohumeral instability is a rare indication for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), accounting for fewer than 1% of the indications in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of RTSA for recurrent instability after failed operative repair or instability associated with major bone loss in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective matched case-control study was performed. We compared 11 shoulders treated with RTSA for instability (cases) with 22 matched shoulders treated with RTSA for rotator cuff insufficiency (controls). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 74 months (interquartile range [IQR], 18 months; range, 22-171 months) in cases and 70 months (IQR, 13 months; range, 23-172 months) in controls. The median age was 74 years (IQR, 18 years) in the case group and 70 years (IQR, 13 years) in the control group. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in satisfaction scores, preoperative and postoperative absolute and relative Constant scores, and complication rates. Active range of motion tended to be superior in the controls for mean flexion (130° vs. 110°, P = .15), abduction (143° vs. 100°, P = .16), and external rotation (28° vs. 20°, P = .86) without the differences reaching statistical significance, possibly because of the small sample size. Postoperative dislocation was not recorded in cases or controls, but subjective insecurity regarding stability was reported once in each group. CONCLUSION: RTSA seems to represent a valuable treatment option for glenohumeral instability in an elderly population with large bone loss or as a salvage procedure after failed operative glenohumeral stabilization. Postoperative instability was not observed in the case and control groups.

Surgical Treatment of Mild to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformities With a Percutaneous Subcapital Osteotomy Combined With a Lateral Soft Tissue Procedure.

Distal metatarsal (MT) osteotomies have been used in mild or moderate cases of hallux valgus (HV) and proximal MT osteotomy has been considered the treatment of choice for severe deformities. A distal osteotomy could achieve a greater degree of correction by the addition of a distal soft-tissue procedure and be used to treat also severe deformity. Limited evidence about the use of the percutaneous subcapital osteotomy (SCOT); a type of MT osteotomy, in combination of a soft tissue procedure, is available. We evaluated this procedure routinely used in our clinic. A total of 30 consecutive patients treated in our hospital from September 2012 to April 2015 with SCOT combined with lateral soft tissue release were included in this retrospective review. Outcomes assessed included radiological parameters: HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), clinical evaluation using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complication rate. In 12 of the 30 patients included, the pathology was bilateral, comprising a total of 42 cases. The overall correction of the angles was statistically significant (P < .001), changing from a HVA of 28.2° and IMA of 13.5° preoperatively to 8.0° and 6.0° postoperatively, respectively. The cases were divided into mild-moderate (34/42) and severe (8/42). Both groups showed a statistically significant correction in the angles, 3 months after surgery (P < .001). The AOFAS score showed a median of 49 points (n = 24) preoperatively and of 95 points (n = 40) at the end of follow-up. The complication rate at end of follow-up was 19% (8/42). After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, our technique for HV correction results in a clinically relevant improvement of the radiological parameters and AOFAS score in mild to severe deformities. Combination with lateral release could be a meaningful surgical alternative for the treatment of severe cases to help decrease the risk of recurrence. Levels of Evidence: Level IV.

Review and Long-Term Outcomes of Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction versus Conservative Treatment in Siblings with Congenital Anterior Cruciate Ligament Aplasia.

There is no consensus on the best treatment for anterior cruciate ligament hypoplasia or aplasia. To our knowledge, no comparative study between operative and conservative treatment of this condition has ever been performed. Conservative treatment is a viable alternative to surgery for ACL aplasia. Two siblings were examined at our outpatient clinic. The male patient underwent bilateral ACL reconstruction, while his sister was treated conservatively. Our results show a worse long-term outcome for the operative patient. At her last follow-up, the female patient treated conservatively showed subjective improvement in stability and gait. A review of the literature shows inconsistent outcomes after reconstruction in contrast to reports with cruciate ligament agenesis that did not undergo reconstruction with acceptable to good outcomes. Cruciate reconstruction should be reserved for cases of impaired articular instability, objectively manifest in the frequency of giving-way episodes. Treatment depends on the patient's condition and expectations. Surgery should therefore only be suggested after proper patient counseling.

Experience of total knee arthroplasty using a novel navigation system within the surgical field.

BACKGROUND: With the aim of improving component alignment and outcome in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), several computer-assisted devices (CAD) have been developed. METHODS: In February 2014, the present unit started to use a new imageless navigation system with accelerometric pods within the surgical field for all primary TKAs; there was no need for optical trackers or cameras. This paper presents the results of the first 72 TKAs using this iAssist system in 71 prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed patients. It analyzed component positioning in standard and full-length leg x-rays. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70years (range 52-88). The center of hip, knee and ankle (mechanical axes) deviated on average 0.5° (standard deviation (SD) of 1.8) valgus from the targeted straight alignment. Three TKAs had >3° deviation (i.e. four degree varus, five degree and seven degree valgus). The frontal tibial tray alignment was an average of 89.9° (range 86.4-100.1°, SD ±2.0) with the target being 90°, and the sagittal slope was as targeted at 85.0° (range 78.4-88.8°, SD ±1.7). CONCLUSIONS: This CAD facilitated good mechanical alignment and reproducible accuracy in component positioning. Pods clipped onto cutting jigs within the surgical field provided simple and accurate navigation, with little extra time needed for calibration and no need for optical trackers or pre-operative imaging.

Arthroscopic Synovectomy in Bilateral Lipoma Arborescens.

INTRODUCTION: Lipoma arborescens (LA) is an uncommon condition that consists of a villous lipomatous proliferation of the synovial membrane. Open synovectomy has been previously selected as a curative treatment option. In recent years, some authors have published good results with arthroscopic interventions. We describe a well-documented case of bilateral LA of the knees treated with staged arthroscopic synovectomy. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old North American woman without a history of trauma presented with recurrent effusions and mild pain in both knee joints for many years. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral LA with multiple villous lipomatous synovial proliferations pattern. Degenerative changes of the medial meniscus were detected bilaterally. The patient underwent bilateral arthroscopic anterior synovectomy and partial medial meniscectomy of the knee with three portal techniques. Arthroscopic the knee joint contained a large number or finger-shaped synovial proliferations with yellowish good vascularized diffuse villous masses in the suprapatellar bursa and intercondylar fossa. The cartilage showed degenerative changes with Outerbridge Grade II to III, which was particularly severe in the femoropatellar compartment. Histopathological examination of the villous masses demonstrated papillary hypertrophy, slight hyperplasia, vascular hyperplasia with a slight degree of stromal fibrosis, and interstitial lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. The adipose cells were reduced in number in relation to a normal finding but had a normal aspect without any pathological changes. 25 months after the first operation, the patient reported pain relief with the preserved function. Magnetic resonance examination of both knee joints at the last follow-up showed no relapse of the disease. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved on the right knee joint from 39.3 preoperatively to 85.1 at the last follow-up, and on the left knee joint from 54.2 preoperatively to 86.3 at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic anterior synovectomy is an efficient method of achieving good results in LA with multiple villous lipomatous synovial proliferations pattern.

Intra-articular giant synovial osteochondroma: case reports of the ankle and knee joint.

Two cases of giant intra-articular osteochondromas (knee and ankle joint) are reported; pathologically they are rare representations of synovial chondromatosis. A 17-year-old man presented with a tumorous mass which had been localized in his left ankle for many years, increasing in volume during the last months. The lesion was removed by posteromedial ankle arthrotomy. The second case was observed in a 39-year-old woman with a slow-growing mass in her right knee joint. The lesion was removed from the Hoffa fat pad by open anteromedial arthrotomy.