Is Ultrasound (US)-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection More Efficacious as a Treatment Modality for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy Than US-Guided Steroid Injection?: A Prospective Triple-Blinded Study with Midterm Follow-up.

Background: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) has an array of modalities described for its management. The present study analyzed two modalities used for managing the condition. Methods: The present study included 64 non-athletes with LET who failed conservative treatment that included avoiding strenuous activities, ice-fomentation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bracing, and physiotherapy for 6 months. A random allocation of the participants was done, with one group injected with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the other group with corticosteroids. The procedure was performed by the same blinded orthopedic surgeon after localizing the pathology using ultrasound. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scores, and handgrip strengths were recorded by blinded observers other than the surgeon administering the injection. Results: The average age of the patients was 40 years. The mean VAS score at the latest follow-up of 2 years in the PRP group was 1.25 and it was significantly better than the score of 3.68 in the steroid group (p < 0.001). The mean DASH score at the latest follow-up of 2 years in the PRP group was 4.00 and it was significantly better than the score of 7.43 in the steroid group (p < 0.001). The mean PRTEE score at the latest follow-up of 2 years in the PRP group was 3.96 and it was significantly better than the score of 7.53 in the steroid group (p < 0.001). The scores were better in the steroid group at a short-term follow-up of 3 months (p < 0.05), while they were better in the PRP group at a long-term follow-up of 2 years (p < 0.05). Hand-grip strength was comparable in the PRP group (84.43 kg force) and steroid group (76.71 kg force) at the end of the 2-year follow-up with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.149). Conclusions: Corticosteroid injections alleviated symptoms of LET over short-term follow-up providing quicker symptomatic relief; however, the effect faded off over the long term. PRP injections provided a more gradual but sustained improvement over the long-term follow-up, indicating the biological healing potential of PRP.

Efficacy of Periarticular Local Infiltrative Analgesic Injection on Postoperative Pain Control and Functional Outcome in Sequential Bilateral Total Knee Replacement: A Prospective Controlled Trial in 120 Consecutive Patients.

Background: One of the drawbacks of total knee replacements (TKR) is the early postoperative pain, which affects patient satisfaction and increases the duration of rehabilitation. The present study analyzes the potency of local infiltrative analgesia and its effect on rehabilitation in bilateral sequential TKRs. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted on 120 patients undergoing bilateral sequential TKR performed by a single surgeon using an anterior midline incision with a standard medial parapatellar approach. At the end of the surgery, a periarticular cocktail injection was administered to one knee, whereas the other knee served as the control. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for the pain level in each knee based on the visual analog scale (VAS) score and improvement in the range of motion (ROM). Intergroup and intragroup analyses were performed using the unpaired t test and analysis of variance, respectively. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 120 patients, 58% were women and 42% were men with a mean age of 62.14 ± 8.58 years. The postoperative mean VAS score was significantly lower in the test knee group than in the control knee group (p < 0.05). The postoperative mean ROM was more in the test group as compared to the control group on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05), whereas it was comparable on day 14 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Periarticular injection of a drug combination in patients managed with bilateral TKRs that are done simultaneously reduces the early postoperative pain and improves rehabilitation during the first week after surgery.

The Glomus Tumor of Finger - A Case Series.

Introduction: Glomus tumor is a rare hamartoma, common in young female which is excruciatingly painful and affects daily activities. It is usually present in distal phalanx (subungual) but may occur in different locations. A clinician needs high-level suspicion to diagnose this condition. Case Report: We hereby reviewed five cases (four females and one male) of this rare entity selected from patients attending our outpatient department since 2016 and were operated on. Out of these five cases, four were primary cases and one reoccurrence. Each of these was managed with en bloc excision of tumor and confirming it with biopsy after diagnosing it clinically and radiologically. Conclusion: Glomus tumors are rare, benign, and slow-growing tumors that arise from neuromuscular-arterial structures called glomus bodies. Radiologically, magnetic resonance imaging classically shows T1 weight isointense and T2 mild hyperintense. Approaching a subungual glomus tumor through transungual approach with complete excision of the nail plate has reduced the risk of reoccurrence due to complete view/access of the tumor and placing intact the nail plate after excision reduces the incidence of post-operative nail deformity.

Hemi-hamate arthroplasty for the management of chronic proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations: Analysis of 21 cases in Indian population and review of the literature.

Background: Chronic fracture-dislocations involving the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are challenging cases. We conducted this study to analyze the outcomes following hemi-hamate autograft reconstruction of such injuries and to compare our results with the existing literature. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 21 patients with chronic dorsal PIP fracture-dislocations that were managed with hemi-hamate autograft reconstruction was done. The average articular surface involvement was 64%. The average duration between injury and surgery was 9.4 weeks (range, 6-16). Quick DASH (Disabilities of Shoulder and Hand) scores, VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores, range of motion of the PIP joints, DIP (distal interphalangeal) joints, and MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joints were measured during serial follow-up visits. Results: Union and graft incorporation was seen in all cases. The average Quick DASH score at four weeks post-surgery was 66 and it improved to eight at one year (p-value<0.05). The average VAS score at four weeks post-surgery was 7.66 and it improved to 2.09 at one year (p-value<0.05). The mean flexion of the MCP joint improved from 52.85° at the end of four weeks to 72.38° at one year (p-value<0.05). The average flexion at the PIP joint improved from 10.47° at the end of four weeks to 70.47° at one year (p-value<0.05). The average DIP flexion improved from 38.33° at the end of four weeks to 62.38° at one year (p-value<0.05). The average hand grip strength was 85% of the normal side. Conclusion: Hemihamate autograft reconstruction is a suitable procedure for the management of chronic PIP joint fracture-dislocations, especially in cases with extensive involvement of the articular surface. Level of evidence: III.

An Analysis of the Structures at Risk from Percutaneous Pinning of Distal Radius Fractures and a Comparison of Two Pinning Techniques: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: A stab incision and blunt dissection prior to wire placement are believed to decrease the risk of injury to underlying structures during percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures (DRF). However, only a few studies have compared stab incision and blunt dissection to direct wire placement. The aim of this cadaveric study is to analyse the structures at risk during percutaneous pinning of DRF and compare the two methods of wire placement. Methods: A total of 10 cadavers (20 upper limbs) were divided into two groups of five each. Five 2.0 mm Kirschner (K)-wires were inserted into the distal radius under fluoroscopic control in a standard fashion to simulate percutaneous pinning of DRF. In group 1, the K-wires were inserted directly, whereas in group 2, the wires were inserted after making a stab incision and blunt dissection to reach the bone. Each cadaveric limb was then dissected carefully to measure the distance of the K-wires from the branches of the superficial radial nerve (SRN), the cephalic vein and the first dorsal compartment and to determine the structures injured (pierced or in close contact) by the K-wires. Results: Out of the 100 K-wires placed, 18 wires were in close contact or pierced an underlying structure. These included 11 wires injuring tendons, six wires injuring branches of the SRN and one wire injuring the cephalic vein. Direct wire placement (group 1) resulted in injury to eight structures (44.4%) while stab incision and blunt dissection prior to wire placement (group 2) resulted in injury to 10 structures (55.5%). This difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Percutaneous pinning of DRF is associated with a high risk of injury to the extensor tendons and branches of the SRN. This risk is not reduced by making a stab incision and blunt dissection prior to K-wire placement.

The influence of joint line restoration on functional outcome after primary total knee arthroplasty: A prospective study.

Objective: Restoration of proper joint line position after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important for improved knee function and kinematics. We reviewed the magnitude of joint line alteration and the resulting effect on post-operative knee outcomes scores at one year follow-up. Materials and methods: 120 patients who underwent TKA for primary osteoarthritis knee were included. Assessment of joint line position before and after surgery was performed with the help of bony landmarks (excluding osteophytes): Medial Epicondyle Joint Line distance (MEJL), Lateral Epicondyle Joint Line distance (LEJL) and Fibula Head Joint Line distance (FHJL) were calculated. Post-operative knee function was assessed using 'The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index' (WOMAC) and 'Knee Society Score' (KSS) at one year follow-up. Results: Joint line elevation was observed in 104/120 (86.7%) patients and 16/120 (13.3%) patients had no joint line elevation. The mean joint line elevation was 3.00 (±2.13) mm. The patients were sub-classified into two study groups: Group A- Joint line elevation <5 mm and Group B- Joint line elevation ≥ 5 mm. The mean post-op one-year KSS score was significantly higher in patients in Group A compared to Group B (52.82 ± 7.564 vs. 40.73 ± 7.146; p < 0.001). The mean post-op one-year WOMAC score was lower in patients in Group A compared to Group B (65.51 ± 14.762 vs.75.64 ± 8.203) and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Elevation of joint line ≥5 mm from the pre-operative value has a negative impact on post-operative functional outcome in primary TKA.

Is Bilateral Sequential Total Hip Replacement as Safe an Option as Staged Replacement? A Matched Pair Analysis of 108 Cases at a Tertiary Care Centre.

BACKGROUND: Rationale for symptomatic severe bilateral arthritis of the hip is sequential bilateral THR completed under the same anaesthesia. The rarity of procedures and apprehension of complications preclude the widespread use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 108 patients (216 hips) with bilateral arthritis who underwent total hip arthroplasties was done: out of which 54 patients (108 hips) underwent a single-stage sequential procedure (sequential group) and a matched group of 54 patients (108 hips) underwent a two-stage procedure at different admissions (staged group). Patients were matched according to age (± 2 years), gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification, perioperative management protocol and diagnosis. The mean duration of follow-up for sequential group was 5.1 years while that of staged group was 5.3 years. RESULTS: Most patients (88.88%) were operated with uncemented implants having ceramic on ceramic bearing surfaces under spinal or general anaesthesia. The operating time, post-op limb length and functional outcomes of both groups were comparable. Although the total estimated blood loss was significantly less in the sequential group (502 ml) as compared to the staged group (570 ml), the mean blood transfusion requirement was significantly higher (1.6 units) in the sequential group as compared to that in the staged group (0.9 units). The mean cumulative length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the staged group (23 days) compared with the sequential group (16 days). CONCLUSION: Single-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty is a safe and viable option when performed with expertise in appropriately selected patients without any surge in complications.

Heterotopic Ossification of annular ligament: A case report and review of literature.

Heterotopic Osification (HO) commonly occurs in the hip and elbow joint post, trauma, surgery or dislocation. HO can occur anywhere in the body, and the term Heterotopic Ossification of Ligaments and Tendon (HOTL) is specifically used to denote HO occurring in ligaments and tendons. HOTL of an annular ligament is reported rarely in the literature. Here we describe a case of calcified annular ligament in a neglected monteggia fracture (Bado Type - 1), which was managed by excision and reconstruction of the same using triceps fascia. Post-op review after 2.5 years showed a stable elbow, with some restriction in pronation.

A Rare Case of Vanishing Bone Disease of Metacarpals.

INTRODUCTION: Vanishing bone disease is rare phenomenon of idiopathic origin that leads to extensive osteolysis of bone. Prognosis of disease is unpredictable and definitive guidelines for management are still unknown. The vanishing bone disease has been reported for multiple other bones, however, this probably is the 1st time that vanishing bone disease of the metacarpals is being reported. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old male presented with shortening middle finger and poor grip strength of the left hand. Serial radiographs revealed progressive concentric reduction of third and then fourth metacarpal shaft, with a sucked candy appearance. All the blood parameters were normal including calcium and parathormone levels. There was no evidence of any tumor elsewhere in the body. Biopsy showed myxoid areas, proliferating vessels interposed with skeletal muscles. Thus, based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, we made the diagnosis of vanishing bone disease. The patient was treated with autologous non-vascularized fibula graft and was fixed with transverse k-wires to adjacent metacarpals. At 2-year follow-up, graft was completely incorporated and the patient gained full functional recovery. CONCLUSION: Vanishing bone disease affecting the metacarpals is very rarely reported in the literature. The diagnosis should be made by excluding all the other conditions such as primary bone tumors or secondary from other sites. There are no fixed treatment guidelines. However, we could treat this condition successfully with autologous non-vascularized fibular graft.

Better late than never: Clinical outcomes of delayed fixation in thoracolumbar spinal trauma.

PURPOSE: To analyse factors influencing functional outcome and neurological recovery in patients undergoing delayed surgery for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) involving thoracolumbar spine. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 33 patients with thoracolumbar SCI who underwent delayed surgery (≥ 72hrs post-trauma) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year (average:32.55 months) was done. The parameters studied included age, sex, co-morbidities, mode of trauma, associated trauma, level and number of vertebrae involved, fracture morphology, thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS), maximal spinal cord compression (MSCC), signal changes in the cord, neurological deficit as per the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, lower extremity motor score (LEMS), bowel bladder involvement, time interval between trauma and surgery. RESULTS: Mean time interval from injury to spine surgery was 24.45 days. At the end of 1-year follow-up, 17(51.5%), 12(36.36%), and 3(9.1%) patients had ≥ 1, ≥ 2, and ≥ 3-grade ASIA improvement, respectively. The mean LEMS rose to 33.86 from 17.09 (P < 0.001). 8 out of 20 patients with bladder involvement showed improvement. 4 patients succumbed, 22 were ambulatory, and 7 remained non-ambulatory. On comparing various parameters, pre-operative LEMS score (P-value: < 0.001), cord signal changes (P-value:0.002), and presence of cord transection (P-value:0.007) differed significantly in the above-mentioned three groups, while age (P-value:0.442), average TLICS (P-value:0.872), time from injury to surgery (P-value:0.386) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that there is still a significant scope for neurological improvement even after delayed surgery in patients with thoracolumbar SCI. The lower the LEMS score at the time of presentation, signal changes in the cord and presence of cord transection have a significant influence on unfavourable clinical outcomes at the end of 1-year post-surgery.

A Rare Case of Lateral Displacement of Median Nerve in a Dislocated Elbow and its Management.

Introduction: Elbow dislocation usually presents with a deformity and swelling, yet it can also present with neurological complication. Nerve injury with dislocation is common in the pediatric age group and is reported infrequently among adults. The most common nerve involved with dislocation is the ulnar nerve followed by the median nerve. The median nerve usually slips medially during dislocation and gets entrapped posterior to the medial epicondyle or it can get entrapped between the fractured medial epicondyle. Here, we describe a unique case of posterolateral elbow dislocation in a 30-year-old female patient with having lateral displacement of the median nerve and the mechanism probably by which the nerve got displaced laterally. Case Presentation: A 30-years-old female patient of right hand dominant came to us with a left elbow injury after a road traffic accident. Clinical and Radiological examination revealed a posterior-lateral dislocated elbow with a fracture of the radial head and lateral condyle avulsion. Clinically, there was a weakness and sensory hypoesthesia along the median nerve distribution over the left hand and forearm. Initially, closed reduction and splinting done. Later, a planned surgery with a lateral approach avulsed lateral condyle and radial head fixation done with relocation of the median nerve, which was displaced laterally. Conclusion: There are numerous cases of elbow dislocation with nerve involvement and their complications have been previously described throughout literature. Here, we present a rare case of lateral displacement of the median nerve in a dislocated elbow and the possible mechanism with its management.

A managed case of rare intraosseous lipoma of femoral neck.

43 year-old female presented with anterior hip pain not responding to conservative treatments. Plain radiograph showed radio-lucent area with sclerotic margin in the femoral neck region. On MRI scan the diagnosis of intraosseous lipoma was confirmed. Due to persistent pain and risk of fracture, decision of operative treatment was made. She underwent curettage of the lesion under image-intensifier and reinforcement of femoral neck with non-vascularised fibular grafting. Post-operative x-rays showed incorporation of the fibular graft with good clinical and functional outcome. Intraosseous lipoma in the femoral neck is a rare presentation and in cases with persistent symptoms or risk of impending fracture, operative treatment gives a good functional outcome.

A Rare Case of Intraneural Neurothekeoma of Median Nerve Mimicking Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Neurothekeomas are uncommon benign soft tissue tumors of the peripheral nerves. It is commonly found in the upper extremities and in the head and the neck region as a small, asymptomatic, and superficial nodule. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of intraneural neurothekeoma (2.8 χ 2.4 x 1.8 cm) of the median nerve at the wrist in a 56-year-old female, which presented with clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSION: Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by intraneural neurothekeoma has been rarely reported. Clinicians should be aware of this rare cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.