Corona mortis: clinical evaluation of prevalence, anatomy, and relevance in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical prevalence, characteristics, and relevance of the corona mortis (CM) in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 185 theater reports from patients (73 females; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2 years) who underwent surgeries for pelvic ring injuries, acetabular fractures, or combined injuries using anterior approaches (Modified Stoppa or Pararectus) at our institution between 01/2008 to 12/2022. During procedures, the CM was routinely identified, evaluated, and occluded. Bilateral exposure of the superior pubic branch in 25 cases led to 210 hemipelvises analyzed. EXCLUSIONS: CM not mentioned in report and revisions via the initial approach. RESULTS: In the 210 hemipelvises examined, the prevalence of any CM vessel was 81% (170/210). Venous anastomoses were found in 76% of hemipelvises (159/210), arterial in 22% (47/210). Sole venous anastomoses appeared in 59% (123/210), sole arterial in 5% (11/210). Both types coexisted in 17% (36/210), while 19% (40/210) had none. A single incidental CM injury occurred without significant bleeding. In ten cases, trauma had preoperatively ruptured the CM, but bleeding was readily managed. Females had a significantly higher CM prevalence than males (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings show a CM prevalence aligning more with anatomical studies than prior intraoperative series. Although we observed one incidental and ten trauma-related CM injuries, we did not encounter uncontrollable bleeding. Our data suggest that in anterior pelvic approaches, when the CM is actively identified and occluded, it is not associated with bleeding events, despite its high prevalence.

The ideal site of cement application in cement augmented sacroiliac screw fixation: the biomechanical perspective.

PURPOSE: To compare construct stability of cement augmented sacroiliac screws using two different cementation sites in a biomechanical fragility fracture model of the pelvis. METHODS: A fracture model with an incomplete fracture of the sacral ala and complete fracture of the anterior pelvic ring mimicking a FFP IIB fragility fracture of the pelvis was established in five fresh frozen human cadaveric pelvises. Sacral fracture stabilization was achieved with bilateral 7.3 mm fully threaded sacroiliac screws. Cement augmentation was performed at the tip of the screw (body of S1; Group A) on one side, and at the midshaft of the screw (sacral ala; Group B) on the contralateral side. Biomechanical testing was conducted separately on both sides comprising cyclic loading of axial forces transferred through the tested hemipelvis from L5 to the ipsilateral acetabulum. Combined angular displacement in flexion and internal rotation ("gap angle"), angular displacement of the ilium in relation to the screw ("screw tilt ilium"), and screw tip cutout were evaluated. RESULTS: Relative interfragmentary movements were associated with significantly higher values in group A versus group B for "gap angle" (2.4° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), and for "screw tilt ilium" (3.3° vs. 1.4°; p < 0.001), respectively. No significant difference was indicated for screw tip cutout between the two groups (0.6 mm [Group A] vs. 0.8 mm [Group B]; p = 0.376). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated less fragment and screw displacements in a FFP IIB fracture model under physiologic cyclic loading by cement augmentation of sacroiliac screws at the level of the lateral mass compared to the center of vertebral body of S1.

Exposure of the Lumbosacral Plexus by Using the Pararectus Approach: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Surgical exploration of the lumbosacral plexus is challenging. Previously described approaches reach from invasive open techniques with osteotomy of the ilium to laparoscopic techniques. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel surgical technique to explore lumbosacral plexopathies such as benign nerve tumors or iatrogenic lesions of the lumbosacral plexus in 4 case examples. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 4 patients suffering from pathologies or injuries of the lumbosacral plexus between 2017 and 2019. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 23.5 (range 11-52) months. All patients underwent neurolysis of the lumbosacral plexus using the single incision, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal pararectus approach. RESULTS: In all patients, the pathology of the lumbosacral plexus was successfully visualized, proving feasibility of the extraperitoneal pararectus approach for this indication. There were no major complications, and all patients recovered well. CONCLUSION: The pararectus approach allows excellent visualization of the lumbar plexus and intrapelvic lesions of the femoral and sciatic nerves.

Revision of a Failed Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty following Excessive Reaming with a Medial Cup Protrusion.

Background and Objectives: Atraumatic intrapelvic protrusion of the acetabular component following excessive reaming of the acetabulum with a far medial positioning of the cup is a rare, but serious complication of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study analyzes the factors contributing to this uncommon complication and presents the outcome after the revision surgery using the Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft and plating of the posterior column and/or screws for the anterior column. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study with seven patients (four males, mean age 76 ± 10 years (60−86)) that underwent a revision THA within 24 ± 17 days (5−60) after an atraumatic periprosthetic acetabular fracture with a medial cup protrusion was performed. All fractures were reconstructed with a Ganz reinforcement ring and bone graft with a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.7 years (0.5−5). Radiographs were evaluated for the following: (i) cup positioning immediately after the primary THA and the revision surgery, (ii) cup migration in the follow-up, and (iii) fracture healing. Results: The position of the acetabular component as assessed on the postoperative radiographs after the index surgery and before the complete medial cup protrusion showed a cup placement beyond the ilioischial line indicative of a fracture of the medial wall. The revision surgery with the reconstruction of the medial wall with a Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft restored in the presented cases the center of rotation in the horizontal direction with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). During the follow-up, there was no aseptic loosening with the relevant cup migration or significant change in the position of the acetabular cup at the final follow-up (p > 0.05) after the revision. All seven fractures and bone grafts realized a bone union until the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Following excessive reaming, the acetabular component was placed too far medially and resulted in an intrapelvic cup protrusion. An unstable cup following a fracture of the medial wall was evident on the immediate postoperative radiographs. In the case of the medial wall perforation with an intrapelvic cup protrusion after the primary THA, the reconstruction with a Ganz reinforcement ring was a successful treatment option resulting in the fracture healing and a stable cup positioning. Surgeons should be aware of that rare and probably underreported complication and restore the anatomic center of rotation by treating the defect intraoperatively.

Does increased acetabular depth affect safe infra-acetabular screw placement in acetabular fracture fixation?

BACKGROUND: Infra-acetabular screws enhance the fixation strength in acetabular fractures with separation of both columns. Placement without iatrogenic femoral head violation is challenging. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the acetabular configuration, the patients' age and gender on safe infra-acetabulum screw insertion. METHODS: In 112 patients (69 females; mean age: 34 years, range 17-88; n = 200 hips), the lateral center-edge angle (LCE) was measured on radiographs. Using corresponding axial CT scans the residual distance from (the lateral border) of the screw to (the medial border of) the femoral head ("Screw-to-Femoral Head distance"; "RD_SFH") was determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using linear regression, multiple linear regression and normal distribution estimation. RESULTS: The mean (range) LCE angle was 30° (7°-51°) and the mean (range) "RD_SFH" was 5 mm (1-14 mm). The linear regression model shows a significant linear relation between LCE and "RD_SFH" with a slope parameter of - 0.15 (p value < 0.0001), the Pearson correlation between LCE and "RD_SFH" is - 0.56 (CI [- 0.71, [- 0.40]). Age did not have a significant impact on the relation between LCE and "RD_SFH" (p value 0.85). Compared to male patients, in females, the intercept is 4.62 mm (p value 0.0005) less, the slope parameter is 0.09 (p value 0.029) larger. CONCLUSION: The virtual possibility to place an infra-acetabular screw was given in all patients. An increasing depth of the acetabulum correlated with a decrease in residual distances. As hip joint cartilage thickness was not considered in measurements, intraoperative rule-out of screw mispositioning especially in deep acetabular sockets and females is still of utmost importance.

The use of the E-PASS scoring system in determining complication development in patients with isolated acetabular fractures.

BACKGROUND: The decision to treat acetabular fractures is occasionally deferred or foregone in patients perceived to be unfit for surgery. The previously validated estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E-PASS) score has been shown to predict outcome in a variety of fractures, and consists of a preoperative risk score (PRS), a surgical stress score (SSS), and a comprehensive risk score (CRS). PURPOSE: To correlate E-PASS and its components with postoperative complication to quantify risk for individual surgical and patient factors in acetabular fracture management. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient records was performed for all patients with acetabular fractures surgically treated between January 2013 and June 2018 in a level 1 Trauma Centre. Patients with multiple injuries and/or malignancies were excluded. E-PASS scores were determined with standard demographic data and subscores were correlated with complication development. RESULTS: Of the included 106 patients (mean age 61 years, range 17-93), complications were reported in 37 (34.9%) patients and 3 (2.8%) died. Hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality rates increased significantly with the PRS and CRS. The SSS did not correlate significantly with frequency of complications. Age was found to be the only significant independent risk factor (p value = 0.031, OR = 1.03 per year of age). CONCLUSION: Latent patient factors have a clear influence on adverse outcomes in contrast to controllable factors such as surgical stress indicating an important role for perioperative care in reducing postoperative complications. Integrated orthogeriatric care with assessment of comorbidities, prevention or early recognition, and treatment of perioperative complications is essential.

Transfer of osteochondral shell autografts to salvage femoral head impaction injuries in hip trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral head impaction defects are observed with variable severity, as a result of traumatic hip dislocations which can be caused by traffic accidents or seen in professional athletes amongst other mechanisms. Compression of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone into the femoral head results in irregular articular surfaces influencing the outcome with predisposition to osteoarthritis, and being predictive for the need for delayed total hip replacement. This study reports the outcome after a minimum follow-up (FU) of five years in a consecutive series treated with transfer of osteochondral shell autografts in hips (TOSAH) from the head-neck junction into the defect using surgical hip dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 06/2007 and 03/2014 a series of twelve consecutive patients (mean age: 35yrs, range 18-53; median Injury Severity Score: 12, range 9-27) sustained a traumatic posterior hip dislocation in combination with acetabular and/or Pipkin fractures and were inter alia treated using TOSAH using surgical hip dislocation. Conversion to total hip replacement (THR) during FU was noted as failure. Patients were clinically (Merle d'Aubigné score) and radiographically assessed for occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA), avascular necrosis (AVN) and/or heterotopic ossification (HO) at a minimal follow-up of five years. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 6.9 years (5.0-11.6). At five-year follow-up, we found a survivorship of 57.1% (95% Confidence interval {CI}, 46.7-100%). Four patients required conversion to a total hip replacement at 11, 16, 28 and 44 months respectively after the TOSAH procedure due to osteoarthritis progression. One patient required conversion to a total hip replacement 12 months after TOSAH procedure due to AVN. One patient was lost to follow-up after 2.7 years. The remaining six patients with preserved hips presented with a median Merle-d'Aubigné score of 16 points (range: 14-18) and no AVN. Two patients showed asymptomatic grade I osteoarthritis according to Tönnis at latest follow-up and three patients showed mild asymptomatic HO according to Brooker (Grade I-II). CONCLUSION: The presented technique can be used as a salvage procedure for severely injured hip joints and to preserve the hip joint at midterm with satisfying clinical and radiological outcomes.

Rehabilitation protocols in unstable trochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails in elderly: current practices and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Optimal rehabilitation treatment after surgery for fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures is challenging in elderly patients. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to analyse the existing literature on available rehabilitation protocols with regards to permitting or restricting early weight bearing following fixation of unstable trochanteric fractures treated by the use of cephalomedullary nails in patients at least 65 years of age. METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on the checklist of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies published between 1948 and 2018 on elderly patients with unstable trochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails that offered information on the postoperative rehabilitation protocol have been selected. Subsequently, the results and complications have been analysed according to the protocols. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 7056 initial articles have been selected for analysis. Authors who did not restrict weight bearing to their patients reported a shorter hospitalization time and a lower orthopaedic complication rate but a greater systemic complication rate, worse functional scores, and a higher reoperation and mortality rates. Those results should be taken with caution because of the heterogeneity of provided clinical information and the fact that none of the included studies considered the different rehabilitation protocols as study variables to analyse its influence on the results. CONCLUSION: With evidence available to date, there is no clear agreement on the postoperative rehabilitation protocol following fixation of an unstable trochanteric fracture by cephalomedullary nail in the elderly.

Direct anterior decompression of L4 and L5 nerve root in sacral fractures using the pararectus approach: a technical note.

PURPOSE: To describe a new surgical technique for neurolysis and decompression of L4 and L5 nerve root entrapment after vertical sacral fractures via the pararectus approach for acetabular fractures, and to present four case examples. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated four patients suffering radiculopathy from entrapment of the L4 or L5 nerve root in vertical sacral fractures between January and December 2016. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 18 (range 7-27) months. All patients underwent direct decompression and neurolysis of the L4 and L5 nerve roots via the single-incision, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal pararectus approach. RESULTS: In all patients, the L4 and L5 nerve root was successfully visualized and decompressed, proving feasibility of the pararectus approach for this indication. No patient presented with a neural tear. Complete neurologic recovery was present in one patient at last follow-up; two patients had incomplete recovery of their radiculopathy; and one patient had no improvement after nerve root decompression. CONCLUSIONS: The pararectus approach allows for sufficient visualisation and direct decompression and neurolysis of the L4 and L5 nerve root entrapped in vertical sacral fractures. Although neurologic recovery was not achieved in all patients in this small case series, the approach may be a suitable alternative to posterior approaches and other anterior approaches such as the lateral window of the ilioinguinal approach.

The pararectus approach-a versatile option in pelvic musculoskeletal tumor surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic tumors are usually resected through the utilitarian pelvic incision, an extended ilioinguinal/iliofemoral approach. The pararectus approach, an intrapelvic anatomical approach with extraperitoneal access to the pelvis, has been established previously for the treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, it has not been used to address pelvic tumors. The study aimed at investigating the feasibility of this approach for pelvic tumor surgery and the possibilities of combining this approach with standard approaches to the hip joint. METHODS: Thirteen patients that underwent pelvic tumor resections were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor resections were performed through the pararectus (n = 10) or extended pararectus approach (n = 3). In six of those cases, the pararectus approach was combined with extrapelvic approaches including the modified Gibson (n = 4), the Kocher-Langenbeck (n = 1), and the trochanteric flip approach (n = 1). The mean follow-up was 32.6 ± 9.1 months. RESULTS: In all cases, the tumor resections were carried out according to the preoperative plan. In seven of 13 cases, wide resections were performed; six of 13 cases were planned close resections. Four cases of major complications were observed (vascular injury, deep infection, iliac vein thrombosis, total hip arthroplasty dislocation). Minor complications were observed in two cases. One tumor recurred locally. At the final follow-up, 10 patients were alive, eight of those without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the suitability of the pararectus approach for pelvic tumor resections. The possibility to combine the approach with standard approaches to the hip joint allowed for single-stage reconstructions of the pelvis and the hip joint without sacrificing surgical margins and function. The pararectus approach is a versatile option adding to the established approaches for musculoskeletal tumor surgery of the pelvis.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Using the Modified Stoppa Approach.

BACKGROUND: The modified Stoppa approach is performed for safe and efficient management of acetabular fractures involving the anterior column. This approach avoids dissection of the inguinal canal, the femoral nerve, and the external iliac vessels as seen in the "second window" of the ilioinguinal approach and has thus been shown to be less invasive than the ilioinguinal approach1. As an intrapelvic approach, it facilitates the management of medial displacement fracture patterns involving the quadrilateral plate and dome impaction that typically occur in the elderly2,3. The reduced morbidity of this approach is of particular relevance for elderly patients who must respond to the stresses of injury and surgery with diminished physiological reserves. DESCRIPTION: The specific surgical steps include preoperative planning, patient positioning and setup, a Pfannenstiel incision, superficial and deep dissection, development of the Retzius space and retraction of the bladder, exposure of the superior pubic ramus and iliopectineal eminence, dissection and ligation of a potential corona mortis, exposure of the obturator nerve and vessels, subperiosteal preparation of the pubic ramus with retraction of the external iliac vessels, subperiosteal exposure of the quadrilateral plate with detachment of the internal obturator muscle and exposure of the posterior column, assessment of residual displacement by fluoroscopic views, longitudinal soft-tissue or lateral skeletal traction (optional) for reduction of medial displacement of the femoral head, disimpaction of the acetabular dome fragment and grafting of the supra-acetabular void (optional) under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic (optional) control, and reduction and fixation of extra-articular components (iliac wing posteriorly and pubic ramus anteriorly), the posterior column (infra-acetabular screw), and the quadrilateral plate (buttress plate). Before wound closure, the urine output is checked for occurrence of hematuria, an indication of bladder penetration. The anterior lamina of the rectus sheath is then sutured, and a layered closure performed. ALTERNATIVES: The ilioinguinal approach might be used instead. RATIONALE: The modified Stoppa approach avoids dissection within the inguinal canal, the second window of the ilioinguinal approach. Therefore, this approach is less invasive and might be an alternative for joint-preserving surgery, especially in the elderly.

Correction to: Reconstruction of AAOS type III and IV acetabular defects with the Ganz reinforcement ring: high failure in pelvic discontinuity.

The author would like to correct the errors in the publication of the original article. The corrected details are given below for your reading.

Early Surgery in Prone Position for Associated Injuries in Patients Undergoing Non-operative Management for Splenic and Liver Injuries.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing non-operative management (NOM) of blunt splenic and/or liver injuries, no data exist on the safety of same-admission surgery in prone position for concomitant injuries. METHODS: Retrospective study including adult trauma patients with blunt splenic/liver injuries and attempted NOM from 01/2009 to 06/2015 was conducted. Patient and injury characteristics as well as outcomes [failed (f)NOM, mortality] of patients with/without surgery in prone position were compared ('prone' vs. 'non-prone' group). RESULTS: A total of 244 patients with blunt splenic/liver injury and attempted NOM were included. Forty patients (16.4%) underwent surgery in prone position on median post-injury day 2.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.0]. Surgery in prone position was mostly performed for associated spinal or pelvic injuries. The ISS was significantly higher, and the proportion of patients with high-grade injuries (OIS ≥ 3) was significantly less frequent in the 'prone' group (30.0 ± 14.5 vs. 23.9 ± 13.2, p = 0.009 and 27.5 vs. 53.9%, p = 0.002). In-hospital mortality as well as NOM failure rates were not significantly different between the 'prone' and 'non-prone' group (2.5 vs. 2.9%, p = 1.000; 0.0 vs. 4.4%, p = 0.362). Eleven patients with high-grade injuries were operated in prone position at median day 3 (IQR 3.0). None of these patients failed NOM. However, one patient with a grade IV splenic injury required immediate splenectomy after being operated in right-sided position on the day of admission. CONCLUSION: In this single-center analysis, surgery in prone position was performed in a substantial number of patients with splenic/liver injuries without increasing the fNOM rate. However, caution should be used in patients with grade IV/V splenic injuries.

Comparison of Fixation Techniques for Acetabular Fractures Involving the Anterior Column with Disruption of the Quadrilateral Plate: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: In elderly patients who have sustained an acetabular fracture involving disruption of the quadrilateral plate (QLP), postoperative loading of the joint beyond the level of partial weight-bearing can result in medial redisplacement of the QLP. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the performances of 4 different fixation constructs intended to prevent medial redisplacement of the QLP. METHODS: Anterior column posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) fractures with disruption of the QLP were created on synthetic hemipelves (fourth-generation Sawbones models) and subsequently stabilized with (1) a 12-hole plate bridging the QLP (Group 1), (2) the plate with added periarticular screws along the QLP (Group 2), (3) the plate combined with an infrapectineal buttress plate (Group 3), or (4) the plate with the added periarticular screws as well as the buttress plate (Group 4). The point of load application on the acetabulum was defined to be the same as the point of application of maximum vertical hip contact force during normal walking. Loads were applied to simulate either partial weight-bearing (20 cycles, from 35 to 350 N) or inadvertent supraphysiologic loads (linearly increasing loads until the onset of failure, defined as fragment displacement of >3 mm). A universal testing machine was synchronized with a digital image correlation system to optically track redisplacement at the QLP. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: During experimental simulation of partial weight-bearing, maximum fracture step openings never exceeded 2 mm. During simulation of inadvertent supraphysiologic load, the median load to failure was higher (p < 0.05) in Group 2 (962 N; range, 798 to 1,000 N) and Group 4 (985 N; range, 887 to 1,000 N) compared with Group 1 (445 N; range, 377 to 583 N) and Group 3 (671 N; range, 447 to 720 N). CONCLUSIONS: All 4 fixation constructs performed in an acceptable manner on testing with simulated partial weight-bearing. Only additional periarticular screws along the QLP increased the fixation strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Redisplacement of the QLP resulting in an incongruency of the hip joint has been associated with poor long-term outcomes. Within the constraints of this study, periarticular long screws were superior to infrapectineal buttress plates in preventing medial redisplacement of the QLP.

A meta-analysis of synovial biomarkers in periprosthetic joint infection: Synovasure™ is less effective than the ELISA-based alpha-defensin test.

PURPOSE: (1) To determine the overall accuracy of synovial alpha-defensin, synovial C-reactive protein (sCRP), interleukin-6 (sIL-6), and leukocyte esterase (sLE) as diagnostic markers for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and (2) to independantly evaluate the accuracy of both the laboratory-based ELISA alpha-defensin test and the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test kit. METHODS: An EMBASE and MEDLINE (PubMed) database search was performed using a set of professionally set search terms. Two independent reviewers rated eligible articles. Sensitivity and specificity were meta-analysed using a bivariate random-effects model. RESULTS: Accuracy values were extracted from 42 articles. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of the represented biomarkers were: alpha-defensin ELISA 0.97 (95% CI 0.91-0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.94-0.98), respectively; Synovasure™ test kit assay 0.80 (95% CI 0.65-0.89) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.76-0.96), respectively; sLE 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.87) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.92), respectively; sIL-6 0.76 (95% CI 0.65-0.84) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.94), respectively; sCRP 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.91) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93), respectively. CONCLUSION: The labararory-based alpha-defensin ELISA test showed the highest ever reported accuracy for PJI diagnosis. However, this did not apply for the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test, which was comparable in its overall diagnostic accuracy to sCRP, sIL-6 and sLE. The later biomarkers also did not yield an overall diagnostic accuracy higher than that previously reported for synovial white cell count (sWBC) or culture bacteriology. Based on current evidence, no synovial biomarker should be applied as a standalone diagnostic tool. Furthermore, the use of the laboratory-based alpha-defensin ELISA test should be encouraged, still, the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test kit should be critically appreciated. LEVER OF EVIDENCE: III.

Most Influential Literature in Spinal Tuberculosis: A Global Disease Without Global Evidence.

STUDY DESIGN: Bibliometric review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: This bibliometric analysis aims to give an overview of the most influential academic literature written on spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: All databases included in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge were searched for the most influential publications in spinal tuberculosis. The most cited articles published between 1950 and 2015, with the main focus on orthopedic surgery, were identified using a multistep approach, and a total of 100 articles were included. The publications were then analyzed in this bibliometric analysis. RESULTS: The number of citations ranged from 243 to 36, with an average of 77.11. The articles were published in 34 different journals, and the studies were conducted in 20 different countries. The top 3 countries, India, the United States, and China, published a total of 51% (n = 51) of all articles. Low-burden countries produced 60% (n = 60) of all articles in our list. African centers produced only 4% (n = 4) of all included articles. CONCLUSIONS: Indian and Chinese researchers dominate evidence in spinal tuberculosis. Other areas with high disease burden, such as Africa, do not feature. Most publications are retrospective studies with a low level of evidence.

Vertebral alveolar echinococcosis-a case report, systematic analysis, and review of the literature.

Alveolar echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is an infrequent zoonosis with a high degree of disability, morbidity, and mortality, especially in disease clusters of the northern hemisphere. The diagnosis is complicated by extended incubation time, diverse clinical manifestations, and mimicking of differential diagnoses. The primary organ affected is the liver, but extrahepatic disease is possible, with vertebral involvement in only a few dozen cases described worldwide. Although vertebral alveolar echinococcosis seems to be rare, it might be under diagnosed, and it might be seen more often as the number of people with immunocompromised conditions increases. Recognition of this syndrome is crucial, because advances in medical and surgical management strategies since the introduction of benzimidazole in 1976 have controlled and relieved symptoms in most cases. In this Grand Round, we present the case of a 75-year-old woman who was referred for biopsy of a lumbar lesion 3 months after she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis with metastasis to the lumbar spine and paravertebral region as well as the brain was confirmed by biopsy, PCR, and serology. The patient was given albendazole and referred for palliative surgery with the aim of pain control. Clinical features of the case are presented and discussed in the context of the literature. This case and review illustrate the complexity of extrahepatic alveolar echinococcosis manifestations and the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach.

Reconstruction of AAOS type III and IV acetabular defects with the Ganz reinforcement ring: high failure in pelvic discontinuity.

BACKGROUND: Large acetabular defects and pelvic discontinuity represent complex problems in revision total hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to investigate whether reconstruction with the Ganz reinforcement ring would provide durable function in large acetabular defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 46 hips (45 patients, 19 male, 26 female, mean age 68 years) with AAOS type III and IV defects undergoing acetabular revision with the Ganz reinforcement ring were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 74 months (24-161 months). Fourteen patients died during follow-up. All surviving patients were available for clinical assessment and radiographic studies. Radiographs were evaluated for bone healing and component loosening. A Cox-regression model was performed to identify factors influencing survival of the Ganz-ring. RESULTS: In the group of AAOS III defects, 3 of 26 acetabular reconstructions failed, all due to aseptic loosening. In pelvic discontinuity (AAOS IV), 9 of 20 hips failed due to aseptic loosening (n = 4), deep infection (n = 3), and non-union of the pelvic ring (n = 2). With acetabular revision for any reason as an endpoint, the estimated Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival was 86% in type III defects and 57% in type IV defects, respectively. The presence of pelvic discontinuity was identified as the only independent predictive factor for failure of the Ganz ring acetabular reconstruction (AAOS III vs. IV, Hazard ratio: 0.217, 95%, Confidence interval: 0.054-0.880, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The Ganz reinforcement ring remains a favorable implant for combined segmental and cavitary defects. However, defects with pelvic discontinuity demonstrate high failure rates. The indications should therefore be narrowed to acetabular defects not associated with pelvic discontinuity.

Surgical hip dislocation for removal of retained intra-articular bullets.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical hip dislocation with trochanteric osteotomy was introduced for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and other intra-articular pathologies of the hip. We expanded the indications to include removal of retained bullets in the hip joint as an alternative to hip arthroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a prospective case series of ten patients that were treated with a surgical hip dislocation for removal of retained bullets in the hip joint between January 2014 and October 2015 in a Level 1 trauma centre. The main outcome measurements were successful bullet removal, blood loss, surgical time and intraoperative complications. RESULTS: There were 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of mean age 27.3 years (range 20-32). All patients had one whole retained bullet for removal (right side: 8; left side: 2). In all cases the bullet could be removed in its entirety. The average surgical time was 73min (range 55-125) and the average blood loss 255ml (range 200-420). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical hip dislocation provides an unlimited view of the acetabulum and femoral head and neck and it therefore allows for easy removal of retained bullets. Osteocartilaginous lesions and concomitant fractures of the femoral head can be simultaneously evaluated and treated.