Clinical evaluation of tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail fixation in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde nail. METHODS: A total of 12 diabetic patients [8 men and 4 women; mean age at intervention: 56.8 years (range: 27-76 years)] who underwent tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis by a retrograde nail were enrolled in this study. The indication for surgery was massive talar osteonecrosis in four patients, Charcot arthropathy in another four patients, and various severe ankle/hindfoot derangements in four patients. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. All patients were evaluated by their American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) score, and radiographic follow-up was performed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 59.5 months (range: 27-121 months). Ten patients (83.3%) healed and were able to walk with full weight bearing without crutches. Among them, nine patients (75%) achieved union with solid bone healing. The mean overall improvement in the AOFAS score was 72.5% (preoperatively: 40 points vs postoperatively: 69 points; p<0.001). We observe a complication in 50% of our patients. Minor complications included two cases of dehiscence of the surgical wound, one case of soft tissue irritation owing to hardware protrusion, and one cause of lymphedema. Two patients had deep infection and underwent surgical removal of hardware, debridement, and antibiotic treatment: one healed after the treatment but never recovered full weight bearing and the other one died from other complications. These two deep infections occurred after 23 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde nails is a salvage technique extremely effective in ankle and hindfoot disorders in a diabetic patient. This procedure allows good functional outcomes and pain relief. When correctly indicated, it is a safe procedure with good clinical outcomes and low risk of below-knee amputation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Workers' compensation is associated with worst clinical results after lumbar fusion / Compensação trabalhista é associada a piores resultados clínicos após artrodese lombar / Compensación laboral es asociada con los peores resultados clínicos después de artrodesis lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of clinical results with preoperative situation of worker compensation (WC) in patients submitted to spine surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective, comparative, single center study. Patients who underwent lumbar spine arthrodesis were included. The outcomes were pain scores (VAS), physical constraint (ODI) and quality of life (EQ-5D). Outcomes were analyzed before surgery and after surgery (minimum follow-up of six months and maximum of 12). Two groups were compared: individuals with or without WC at preoperative visit. Results: A total of 132 cases were analyzed (mean age 54 years and 51% female), 29 (22%) assigned to the WC group. The groups were matched for age, sex, and preoperative depression levels. In the preoperative period, the groups showed equal pain and physical constraint; however the CT group had lower quality of life (p=0.05). Although both groups showed improvement in clinical outcomes after surgery (p<0.05), worse scores were observed for the WC group compared to the non-WC group, respectively: VAS 4.9 vs. 3.2 (p=0.02), ODI 34.7 vs. 23.4 (p=0.002), and EQ-5D 0.56 vs. 0.75 (p=0.01). Conclusion: In this study it was possible to observe that WC is associated with worse clinical results following elective surgical treatment of the lumbar spine.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação de resultados clínicos à situação pré-operatória de compensação trabalhista (CT) em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de coluna. Métodos: Este estudo foi retrospectivo, comparativo e em único centro. Foram incluídos pacientes que passaram por artrodese da coluna lombar. Os desfechos clínicos foram escores de dor (EVA), restrição física (ODI) e qualidade de vida (EQ-5D). Os desfechos foram analisados antes e depois da cirurgia (acompanhamento mínimo de seis meses e máximo de 12). Dois grupos foram comparados: indivíduos sem ou com CT na visita pré-operatória. Resultados: No total foram analisados 132 casos (média de idade 54 anos e 51% do sexo feminino), sendo 29 (22%) do grupo com CT. Os grupos se mostraram pareados quanto a idade, sexo e nível de depressão pré-operatória. No pré-operatório os grupos se mostraram iguais quanto a dor e restrição física, porém, o grupo com CT apresentava qualidade de vida inferior (p = 0,05). Apesar de os dois grupos terem mostrado melhora nos desfechos clínicos após a cirurgia (p < 0,05), observaram-se piores escores para o grupo com CT comparado com grupo sem CT, respectivamente: EVA 4,9 vs. 3,2 (p = 0,02), ODI 34,7 vs. 23,4 (p = 0,002) e EQ-5D 0,56 vs. 0,75 (p = 0,01). Conclusão: No presente trabalho, foi possível observar que a CT está ligada a piores resultados clínicos após tratamento cirúrgico eletivo da coluna lombar.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación de resultados clínicos con la condición preoperatoria de compensación laboral (CL) en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de columna. Métodos: Este estudio fue retrospectivo, comparativo y en un único centro. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a la artrodesis de la columna lumbar. Los parámetros clínicos analizados fueron puntuaciones de dolor (EVA), restricción física (ODI) y calidad de vida (EQ-5D). Esos parámetros se analizaron antes y después de la cirugía (seguimiento mínimo de seis meses y máximo de 12). Se compararon dos grupos: pacientes sin o con CL en la visita preoperatoria. Resultados: En total se analizaron 132 casos (promedio de edad 54 años y 51% del sexo femenino), siendo 29 (22%) del grupo con CL. Los grupos eran pareados en cuanto a edad, sexo y nivel de depresión preoperatoria. En el preoperatorio los grupos se mostraron iguales en cuanto al dolor y restricción física, pero el grupo con CL presentaba calidad de vida inferior (p = 0,05). Aunque los dos grupos hayan mostrado una mejora en los parámetros clínicos después de la cirugía (p < 0,05), se observaron puntuaciones más bajas en el grupo de CL en comparación con el grupo sin CL, respectivamente: EVA 4,9 vs. 3,2 (p = 0,02), ODI 34,7 vs. 23,4 (p = 0,002) y EQ-5D 0,56 vs. 0,75 (p = 0,01). Conclusión: En el presente estudio fue posible observar que la CL está vinculada a peores resultados clínicos después del tratamiento quirúrgico electivo de la columna lumbar.

Individual headless compression screws fixed with three-dimensional image processing technology improves fusion rates of isolated talonavicular arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Screw fixation is a typical technique for isolated talonavicular arthrodesis (TNA), however, no consensus has been reached on how to select most suitable inserted position and direction. The study aimed to present a new fixation technique and to evaluate the clinical outcome of individual headless compression screws (HCSs) applied with three-dimensional (3D) image processing technology to isolated TNA. METHODS: From 2007 to 2014, 69 patients underwent isolated TNA by using double Acutrak HCSs. The preoperative three-dimensional (3D) insertion model of double HCSs was applied by Mimics, Catia, and SolidWorks reconstruction software. One HCS oriented antegradely from the edge of dorsal navicular tail where intersected interspace between the first and the second cuneiform into the talus body along the talus axis, and the other one paralleled the first screw oriented from the dorsal-medial navicular where intersected at the medial plane of the first cuneiform. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray examinations certified that the double HCSs were placed along the longitudinal axis of the talus. Postoperative assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot (AOFAS), the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, satisfaction score, imaging assessments, and complications. RESULTS: At the mean 44-months follow-up, all patients exhibited good articular congruity and solid bone fusion at an average of 11.26 ± 0.85 weeks (range, 10 ~ 13 weeks) without screw loosening, shifting, or breakage. The overall fusion rates were 100%. The average AOFAS score increased from 46.62 ± 4.6 (range, 37 ~ 56) preoperatively to 74.77 ± 5.4 (range, 64-88) at the final follow-up (95% CI: -30.86 ~ -27.34; p < 0.001). The mean VAS score decreased from 7.01 ± 1.2 (range, 4 ~ 9) to 1.93 ± 1.3 (range, 0 ~ 4) (95% CI: 4.69 ~ 5.48; p < 0.001). One cases (1.45%) and three cases (4.35%) experienced wound infection and adjacent arthritis respectively. The postoperative satisfaction score including pain relief, activities of daily living, and return to recreational activities were good to excellent in 62 (89.9%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Individual 3D reconstruction of HCSs insertion model can be designed with three-dimensional image processing technology in TNA. The technology is safe, effective, and reliable to isolated TNA method with high bone fusion rates, low incidences of complications.

[Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint by Locking Plate]. / Artrodéza I. metatarzofalangeálního kloubu úhlove stabilní dlahou.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The authors in their paper evaluate a group of patients who underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using a locking plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 2010-2015, we performed surgery in 51 patients (56 forefeet), of which in 5 cases bilaterally and in 46 cases unilaterally, in 38 women and 13 men. The mean age was 57.8 years, the mean follow-up was 3.1 years. The indications for surgery were hallux rigidus in 23 patients, hallux valgus in 15 patients, hallux varus in 3 patients, and hallux erectus in 2 patients. In 4 patients the surgery was performed for valgus deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis, 9 patients were indicated for a failure of the prior surgical intervention. In all 56 forefeet, the anatomic, low-profile titanium plate Variable Angle LCP 1st MTP Fusion Plate 2.4/2.7 was used. RESULTS According to Gainor s score the surgical outcomes were assessed as excellent in 46 patients who underwent surgery (90%), good in 4 patients (8%), fair in 1 patient (2%), and poor in 0 patient (0%). In 53 forefeet, the control radiographs showed solid bone union. In 2 patients and 3 forefeet, non-union of the arthrodesis occurred. In 2 forefeet, revision arthrodesis was performed, after which solid bone union followed. Malpositioned union was reported in 5 forefeet, of which in 4 cases into valgosity and in 1 case into dorsiflexion. DISCUSSION Numerous fixation materials can be used for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The use of the least stable Kirschner wires (cerclage) is being abandoned and substituted with a more stable fixation by screws, memory staples and locking plates. The achievement of excellent results requires proper positioning of the arthrodesis. Impingement syndrome between the big toe and the second toe can result in painful callosities formation, too large dorsiflexion can lead to a hallux hammertoe, with reduced big toe support function, to metatarsalgia. CONCLUSIONS The arthrodesis is indicated in patients with Grade III and IV hallux rigidus, with severe hallux valgus, hallux varus, and in patients in whom the previous surgeries failed. We tend to prefer stable arthrodesis. Fixation by anatomic LCP plate facilitates early rehabilitation, loading and early return to work and sports activities. Key words: arthrodesis, metatarsophalangeal joint, hallux rigidus, hallux valgus.

Evaluación funcional mediante la escala de oswestry en pacientescon artrodesis postero-lateral por canal lumbar estrecho / Functional evaluation by oswestry disability index in patients with postero-lateral arthrodesis for lumbar spinal stenosis

OBJETIVOS: Establecer la evolución funcional y condición neurológica con la escala de Oswestry en la biomecánica de la columna lumbar en pacientes que fueron intervenidos mediante descompresión neurológica y artrodesis posterolateral más estabilización con tornillos transpediculares por presentar diagnóstico de canal lumbar estrecho (CLE) en el Hospital Obrero N°1 de la ciudad de La Paz, Bolivia, durante las gestiones 2012 a 2014. Identificar los factores clínicos, socio-demográficos de pacientes en los cuales se realizó artrodesis en columna vertebral por canal lumbar estrechó. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal de pacientes en los cuales se realizó artrodesis postero-lateral por CLE en el servicio de ortopedia traumatología entre las gestiones 2012-2014, en el Hospital Obrero Nro1. Se evaluó 16 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. RESULTADOS: Según valoración de la escala de Oswestry: un 56% de pacientes tienen limitación funcional mínima y un 6% discapacidad a los 6 meses post operatorio. El género más afectado fue el femenino con un 57%, la edad promedio fue de 64 años, el tiempo previo al tratamiento quirúrgico fue mayor a 12 meses en el 63%, los niveles instrumentados más frecuentes fueron de L3-L5 y L5-S1 con un 25%. CONCLUSIONES: Se realizaron técnicas quirúrgicas descompresivas: laminectomia, foraminectomia con instrumentación. El índice de discapacidad de Oswestry permite valorar que la técnica fue efectiva debido a que los pacientes presentan una evolución funcional sin limitaciones en su vida cotidiana en la mayoría de los casos.

OBJECTIVES: To stablish the functional evolution and neurological condition through Oswestrydisability index (ODI)inthe biomechanics of the lumbar spine in patients who underwent neurological decompression and posterolateral arthrodesisand transpedicular screws stabilization by presenting lumbar spinalstenosis(LSS) in Obrero Hospital N° 1, La Paz city, Bolivia. To identify clinical, social and demographic factors of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in which postero-lateral arthrodesis was performed. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study between 2012 and 2014 was conducted. Patients who were treated with postero-lateral arthrodesis for lumbar spinal stenosis, in the traumatology service at Obrero Hospital in La Paz city were considered. We evaluated 16 patients who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: According to Oswestrydesability index, 56% of the patients have minimal functional limitation and 6% of disability at 6-month postoperative. The most affected gender were females with 57%, the average age was 64 years, prior time to surgical treatment was more than 12 months in 63%, and the most frequent instrumented levels were L3-L5 and L5-S1 with 25%. CONCLUSIONS: We performed decompressive surgical techniques: laminectomy, foraminotomy with instrumentation. Oswestry disability index helped to determine the applied techniqueswere effective. In most cases, patients displayed a functional evolution without limitations in their daily lives.

A Multicenter, Retrospective Study of Early Weightbearing for Modified Lapidus Arthrodesis.

The modified Lapidus arthrodesis is a long-established surgical technique for management of hallux valgus that provides reproducible results and quality patient outcomes. The data from 367 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral modified Lapidus arthrodesis from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 at participating centers were retrospectively evaluated. The included patients were categorized into early weightbearing (≤ 21 days) and delayed weightbearing (> 21 days) groups. A total of 24 nonunions (6.5%) were identified, with 13 (7.1%) in the early weightbearing group and 11 (6.0%) in the delayed weightbearing group. To date, the present study is the largest multicenter investigation to evaluate early weightbearing after modified Lapidus arthrodesis and the only large study to directly compare early and delayed weightbearing. The findings of the present study have shown that early weightbearing for modified Lapidus arthrodesis does not increase the risk of nonunion when evaluating various fixation constructs.

Update on the surgical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist and hand.

Surgical procedures for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are aimed at restoring function and decreasing pain. Over the past four decades multiple procedures have been described in the management of early and late disease. This article will review the most common forms of surgery used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Factors associated with longer length of hospital stay after primary elective ankle surgery for end-stage ankle arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Longer length of stay in the hospital after elective surgery results in increased use of health-care resources and higher costs. Improved perioperative care permits many foot and ankle surgical procedures to be performed as day surgery. This study determined perioperative factors associated with a longer length of stay after elective total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on patients who underwent open or arthroscopic ankle fusion or total ankle replacement for end-stage ankle arthritis at our institution from 2003 to 2010. Univariate and multivariable generalized linear regression models with gamma distribution and log link function were conducted with use of the length of the hospital stay as the dependent variable and preselected risk factors of age, sex, physical and mental functional scores, comorbid factors, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, body mass index, type of surgery, duration of surgery, and surgery day of the week as the independent variables. RESULTS: This study included 343 patients with a median length of stay of seventy-five hours (interquartile range, fifty-two to ninety-seven hours). With use of regression analyses, the variables of age, female sex, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, multiple medical comorbidities, rheumatoid arthritis, lower Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary and General Health domain scores, and open surgery were significantly associated with increased length of stay. Conversely, the variables of obesity, Short Form-36 Mental Component Summary score, surgery day of the week, and surgical duration were not associated with length of stay. Two predictive models of the length of stay were developed: one included only patient-related factors, and the other included patient and surgery-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who are identified with a higher risk of a longer length of stay may warrant better education and more focused perioperative care when designing care pathways and allocating health-care resources.

High-grade spondyloretrolisthesis in a 12-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report and literature review.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 is characterized by several skin, endocrine, central nervous system and musculoskeletal manifestations, spine deformities being the most common, affecting up to 64% of patients. Thoracic kyphoscoliosis is the most common deformity observed; however, high-grade spondylolisthesis and dural defects such as dural ectasia can also be found. The aim of this study is to describe a case of high-grade spondyloretrolisthesis in an NF-1 patient, associated with dural ectasia and extensive lumbar laminectomies, and to discuss our management and review the current literature on this controversial topic. A 12-year-old girl with NF-1 who had undergone extensive lumbar laminectomies in an outside facility presented to our emergency department complaining of back pain and lower limbs upper motor neuron symptoms. Image studies showed a high-grade lumbar spondyloretrolisthesis associated with dural ectasia. The first step of treatment was spine immobilization using a Boston brace. An anterior approach was used, and an L2 corporectomy was performed, using a Moss type cage between L1 and L3 with an instrumented arthrodesis and autologous bone graft for stabilization purposes. The second step planned was a posterior approach for arthrodesis and instrumentation, but after an extensive discussion with the parents and the patient, the parents did not agree to the procedure planned for the patient. A brace was used for 1 year while rehabilitation was performed. At the 1-year follow-up, there was a 70° kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction but it was clinically stable, with an acceptable sagittal balance. Dural ectasia is not a common finding in children with NF-1; however, it should be identified as its presence may predispose to spine instability and as a consequence the development of a high-grade spondyloretrolisthesis. Even though a few cases have been reported, we believe that it is important to consider the option of a double approach to achieve a better correction in both planes and a good outcome. If an extensive laminectomy is involved, it is mandatory to perform a posterior fusion and instrumentation.

Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis. Comparison of sports, recreational activities and functional outcome.

PURPOSE: Ankle arthrodesis (AAD) and total ankle replacement (TAR) are the major surgical treatment options for severe ankle arthritis. There is an ongoing discussion in the orthopaedic community whether ankle arthrodesis or ankle fusion should be the treatment of choice for end stage osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to compare the participation in sports and recreational activities in patients who underwent either AAD or TAR for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle. METHODS: A total of 41 patients (21 ankle arthrodesis /20 TAR) were examined at 34.5 (SD18.0) months after surgery. At follow-up, pre- and postoperative participation in sports and recreational activities has been assessed. Activity levels were determined using the ankle activity score according to Halasi et al. and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. Clinical and functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score. The percentage of patients participating in sports and recreational activities, UCLA score and AOFAS score were compared between both treatment groups. RESULTS: In the AAD group 86% were active in sports preoperatively and in the TAR group this number was 76%. Postoperatively in both groups 76% were active in sports (AAD, p = 0.08). The UCLA score was 7.0 (± 1.9) in the AAD group and 6.8 (± 1.8) in the TAR group (p = 0.78). The AOFAS score reached 75.6 (± 14) in the AAD group and 75.6 (± 16) in the TAR group (p = 0.97). The ankle activity score decrease was statistically significant for both groups (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed no significant difference between the groups concerning activity levels, participation in sports activities, UCLA and AOFAS score. After AAD the number of patients participating in sports decreased. However, this change was not statistically significant.

Four-corner fusion and scaphoid excision using headless compression screws for SLAC and SNAC wrist deformities.

Scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist deformities are the most common causes of traumatic arthritis of the wrist. Four-corner fusion and scaphoid excision has proven to be an effective procedure for relieving pain and preserving range of motion in the wrist joint. Several methods for providing fixation of the midcarpal joint during fusion have been used, including K-wires, staples, and the Spider plate. K-wire fixation has proven effective, but requires a period of cast immobilization to protect the fusion mass. The Spider plate was promising, but has not been without complications. The development and improvements in cannulated headless compression screws has resulted in increased indications for their use, including fixation for 4-corner fusion. We review the technique and tips developed by the senior author over the last several years using headless compression screws for fixation of the midcarpal joint. Acutrak 2 Standard implants were used. This technique has allowed for early range of motion with reliable fusion rates.

Wrist arthrodesis with volar plate fixation in cerebral palsy.

Wrist arthrodesis can obtain better appearance, hygiene, and ease of daily care, with some degree of functional improvement in patients with cerebral palsy with a severe wrist flexion deformity. Rigid fixation using a dorsal plate and screws has been accepted as a reliable technique, although hardware-related problems are relatively common. We describe a volar plate fixation technique for wrist arthodesis in cerebral palsy, which can allow concomitant flexor tendon release and avoid a prominent hardware and a cosmetically undesirable scar on the dorsum of the wrist.

A new concept for thumb basal joint arthrodesis: the V-shaped osteotomy.

Nonunion is a common complication after trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis. Classically, arthrodesis involves the apposition of the trapezium to the metacarpal after excision of the diseased joint surfaces producing either a cone-in-cup configuration or 2 opposing flat surfaces. With these techniques, it is difficult to achieve good coaptation of the bony surfaces in the desired angle of arthrodesis. Additional bone grafting is often required. We describe a new technique to shape the trapeziometacarpal joint surfaces that provides inherent stability, a larger contact area, and that allows easy positioning of the thumb in the ideal position for fusion.

A transepiphyseal fracture of the femoral neck in a child with 2 widely displaced Salter-Harris III fragments of the capital femoral epiphysis.

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a transphyseal fracture of the femoral neck with a fracture of the capital femoral epiphysis involving 2 widely displaced Salter-Harris III fragments in a child. Preoperative surgical lateral radiographs of the hip of a 14-year-old boy clearly showed an anteriorly dislocated femoral head fragment. However, the overlapping ischium, soft tissue, and an anteriorly dislocated femoral head fragment caused a posteriorly dislocated fragment of the split femoral head to be overlooked on the radiographs. The emergent nature of the injury resulted in the performance of an open reduction without further imaging studies. Based on the initial evaluation, an anterior iliofemoral approach was chosen, which made it difficult to locate the posteriorly dislocated main fragment of the split femoral head. This case highlights that plain radiographs do not always provide adequate information for such injuries. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be employed to enable accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for fracture-dislocations of the pediatric hip.

Non-invasive extendible endoprostheses for limb reconstruction in skeletally-mature patients.

We describe the application of a non-invasive extendible endoprosthetic replacement in skeletally-mature patients undergoing revision for failed joint replacement with resultant limb-length inequality after malignant or non-malignant disease. This prosthesis was developed for tumour surgery in skeletally-immature patients but has now been adapted for use in revision procedures to reconstruct the joint or facilitate an arthrodesis, replace bony defects and allow limb length to be restored gradually in the post-operative period. We record the short-term results in nine patients who have had this procedure after multiple previous reconstructive operations. In six, the initial reconstruction had been performed with either allograft or endoprosthetic replacement for neoplastic disease and in three for non-neoplastic disease. The essential components of the prosthesis are a magnetic disc, a gearbox and a drive screw which allows painless lengthening of the prosthesis using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The mean age of the patients was 37 years (18 to 68) with a mean follow-up of 34 months (12 to 62). They had previously undergone a mean of six (2 to 14) open procedures on the affected limb before revision with the non-invasive extendible endoprosthesis. The mean length gained was 56 mm (19 to 107) requiring a mean of nine (3 to 20) lengthening episodes performed in the outpatient department. There was one case of recurrent infection after revision of a previously infected implant and one fracture of the prosthesis after a fall. No amputations were performed. Planned exchange of the prosthesis was required in three patients after attainment of the maximum lengthening capacity of the implant. There was no failure of the lengthening mechanism. The Mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating score was 22 of 30 available points (18 to 28). The use of a non-invasive extendible endoprosthesis in this manner provided patients with good functional results and restoration of leg-length equality, without the need for multiple open lengthening procedures.

Six-year outcomes of anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis with use of interbody fusion cages and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-four-month outcomes have been reported for patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease who were treated with stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis with use of dual tapered interbody fusion cages and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. This report represents an update of the clinical and radiographic results of this treatment at six years. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-seven patients with single-level degenerative disc disease with up to grade-I spondylolisthesis were enrolled in two prospective, multicenter, U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption studies and were treated with an open or a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The patients received recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge with lumbar fusion cage implants. One hundred and forty-six patients completed the six-year clinical follow-up evaluations, and 130 patients had complete radiographic follow-up at six years. Outcomes were determined with use of well-established clinical outcome measurements (Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form-36, and back and leg pain scores) and radiographic assessments. RESULTS: At six years, 128 (98%) of the 130 patients treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and stand-alone fusion cages had a fusion. The second surgery rate was 6.7% (eighteen patients) prior to two years and 3.7% (seven patients) from two to six years. A worst-case scenario analysis, which includes all second surgical procedures due to pseudarthrosis, resulted in a fusion rate at seventy-two months of 91% (128 of 141). Significant improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index scores, Short Form-36 health survey physical component summary scores, and back and leg pain scores were achieved by six weeks in both the open and laparoscopic groups and were sustained at six years (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who were working at six months (63%) was higher than the percentage who had been working preoperatively (52%), and this improvement was sustained at six years (68%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of dual tapered threaded fusion cages and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge obtained and maintained intervertebral spinal fusion, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced pain after anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis in patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease.

Ankle fusion for bone loss around the ankle joint using the Ilizarov technique.

We present the results of ankle fusion using the Ilizarov technique for bone loss around the ankle in 20 patients. All except one had sustained post-traumatic bone loss. Infection was present in 17. The mean age was 33.1 years (7 to 71). The mean size of the defect was 3.98 cm (1.5 to 12) and associated limb shortening before the index procedure varied from 1 cm to 5 cm. The mean time in the external fixator was 335 days (42 to 870). Tibiotalar fusion was performed in 19 patients and tibiocalcaneal fusion in one. Associated problems included diabetes in one patient, pelvic and urethral injury in one, visual injury in one patient and ipsilateral tibial fracture in five. At the final mean follow-up of 51.55 months (24 to 121) fusion had been achieved in 19 of 20 patients. A total of 16 patients were able to return to work. The results were graded as good in 11 patients, fair in six and poor in three. The mean external fixation index was 8.8 days/mm (0 to 30). One patient with diabetes developed severe infection which required early removal of the fixator. Refractures occurred in three patients, two of which were at the site of fusion and one at a previous tibial shaft fracture site. Equinus deformity of the ankle fusion occurred after a further fracture in one patient. There were two patients with residual forefoot equinus, and one developed late valgus at the fusion site. Poor consolidation of the regenerated bone in two patients was treated by bone grafting in one and by bone and fibular strut grafting in the other. Residual soft-tissue infection was still present in two patients.

Complicaciones en el tratamiento de las fracturas del húmero proximal / Complications in the treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus

Las complicaciones propias al tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas del húmero proximal son la rigidez articular, la necrosis aséptica de la cabaeza humeral, la consolidación de la fractura en posición defectuosa del foco fracturario. Se describe cada una de ellas y la manera más adecuada para prevenirlas.

Arthrodesis of the ankle in the presence of a large deformity in the coronal plane.

A consecutive series of 23 patients (25 ankles) with osteoarthritis of the ankle and severe varus or valgus deformity were treated by open arthrodesis using compression screws. Primary union was achieved in 24 ankles one required further surgery to obtain a solid fusion. The high level of satisfaction in this group of patients reinforces the view that open arthrodesis, as opposed to ankle replacement or arthroscopic arthrodesis, continues to be the treatment of choice when there is severe varus or valgus deformity associated with the arthritis.