Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in humerus nonunion after intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results achieved after the use of lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in oligotrophic humerus nonunions resulting from failed intramedullary nailing (IM). METHOD: We evaluated nine patients with humerus nonunion after failed locked intramedullary nailing, all treated using 3.5-mm locked compression plates (LCP) placed through lateral minimally invasive approaches, between 2010 and 2016. Patient's age averaged 39.7 years. All nonunions were diaphyseal and oligotrophic. All nonunions had previous surgical treatment with static locked nails (seven antegrade and two retrograde). The IM nails were all well inserted in the humerus (none of them protruded or had rotator cuff lesions associated). Pre-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score averaged 25.5 points. Pre-operative Constant's score averaged 80.2. Pre-operative visual analog scale of pain averaged 2.4 points. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 17.7 months. Time between initial surgery and revision procedure averaged 11.7 months. Union was achieved in all cases, after an average of 4.8 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 5.1 points, and final Constant's score averaged 93.7 points. The analog scale of pain averaged 0.7 points. Time from definitive surgery to work return averaged 3.9 months. Long 3.5-mm LCPs were used (plate length averaged 16.9 screw holes). In two cases, a third 4-cm incision at the nonunion site was performed and cancellous autologous iliac crest bone graft was associated. CONCLUSION: In our series of nine patients, we achieved union and good objective and subjective results, with high patient satisfaction, using a lateral MIPO technique and placing long 3.5-mm LCPs in selected oligotrophic humerus nonunions after failed IM nailing.

Treelink: data integration, clustering and visualization of phylogenetic trees.

BACKGROUND: Phylogenetic trees are central to a wide range of biological studies. In many of these studies, tree nodes need to be associated with a variety of attributes. For example, in studies concerned with viral relationships, tree nodes are associated with epidemiological information, such as location, age and subtype. Gene trees used in comparative genomics are usually linked with taxonomic information, such as functional annotations and events. A wide variety of tree visualization and annotation tools have been developed in the past, however none of them are intended for an integrative and comparative analysis. RESULTS: Treelink is a platform-independent software for linking datasets and sequence files to phylogenetic trees. The application allows an automated integration of datasets to trees for operations such as classifying a tree based on a field or showing the distribution of selected data attributes in branches and leafs. Genomic and proteonomic sequences can also be linked to the tree and extracted from internal and external nodes. A novel clustering algorithm to simplify trees and display the most divergent clades was also developed, where validation can be achieved using the data integration and classification function. Integrated geographical information allows ancestral character reconstruction for phylogeographic plotting based on parsimony and likelihood algorithms. CONCLUSION: Our software can successfully integrate phylogenetic trees with different data sources, and perform operations to differentiate and visualize those differences within a tree. File support includes the most popular formats such as newick and csv. Exporting visualizations as images, cluster outputs and genomic sequences is supported. Treelink is available as a web and desktop application at http://www.treelinkapp.com .

Revision with plates of humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the results achieved after revision with plates of humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 32 patients with humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing, treated by internal fixation with plates between 1998 and 2012. Nonunions were diaphyseal in 19 cases, they were located in the proximal humeral metaphysis in nine cases, and in the distal humeral metaphysis in four cases. There were 11 atrophic nonunions and 21 oligotrophic nonunions. Initial treatment was performed with static locked nails in 12 cases, nails with expansive locking systems in 11 cases, and using thin elastic nails in nine cases. The nails were placed antegrade in 18 cases and retrograde in 14 cases. Time between initial surgery and revision surgery averaged 14.5 months. In seven diaphyseal nonunions, the intramedullary nail was left in-situ. Bone graft was added in 25 cases. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 35 months. Union was achieved in all cases, after an average of 3.8 months. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at last follow-up averaged 14 points, and Constant's score averaged 82 points. The analogue scale of pain averaged 0.8 points. Out of seven patients with radial nerve compromise, six recovered completely and one needed tendon transfers. CONCLUSIONS: Revision with plates after failed intramedullary humeral nailing achieved union and good predictable objective and subjective results in all cases. Adequate implant selection and meticulous surgical technique are necessary to achieve successful osteosynthesis and bony union.

Double tension band osteosynthesis in transverse supracondylar distal humerus fractures and nonunions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective and subjective results achieved after double tension band fixation in transverse extra-articular intracapsular supracondylar distal humerus fractures and nonunions in adults. METHODS: Nine patients presenting six fractures and three nonunions of the distal humerus, treated with double tension band wiring between 1998 and 2011, were retrospectively evaluated. Two fractures were type A2 and four type A3, and the nonunions were oligotrophic; all nine lesions had a supracondylar intracapsular transverse orientation, that passed through the olecranon fossa, in a direction parallel to the joint line, and they compromised both columns of the distal humerus. Patient's age averaged 70 years (range, 56-82). RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 24.6 months (range, 12-53). All fractures and nonunions united; there were no infections, elbow stiffness or heterotopic bone formations. DASH score at final follow-up averaged 14.2 points (range, 4-22). The analog scale of pain averaged 1.1 points (range, 0-3). Elbow range of motion averaged 100° (range, 100-120°). Flexion averaged 123° (range, 115-130°) and elbow extension loss averaged 15.5° (range, 10-25°). CONCLUSIONS: The results achieved with double tension band fixation in transverse extra-articular intracapsular supracondylar distal humerus fractures and nonunions are comparable to the results that can be expected when using other available fixation methods; this technique is faster, less demanding and cheaper, and surgeons should have it in mind when leading with these particular types of distal humerus fractures and nonunions.

The use of a new locking 90 degree blade plate in the treatment of atrophic proximal humerus nonunions.

This level IV case series study prospectively evaluated patients with atrophic proximal humerus nonunions stabilised with a locking 90 degree blade plate. All patients were women with an average age of 69 years (range 56-78). Time from trauma to nonunion treatment averaged 23 months. Five patients had had previous surgical treatments. Two patients had a history of infection and one patient with active infection was reconstructed in two stages. Follow-up averaged 22 months (range 18-36); union was achieved in all seven cases after an average of 5.85 months. The DASH score at the last follow-up averaged 25 points and Constant score averaged 72.7 points. No patient required additional procedures. At the last follow-up all patients were free of infection, and there were no cases of avascular necrosis. The results with locked 90 degree blade plates in atrophic nonunions of the proximal humerus in adults were favourable in this series.

Post-traumatic distal humerus non-union : Open reduction and internal fixation: long-term results.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the long-term functional results achieved after open reduction and internal fixation of 24 distal humerus non-unions. Non-unions were extra-articular-extracapsular (11 cases), extra-articular-intracapsular (8 cases) and intra-articular (5 cases). Preoperative elbow range of motion averaged 45 degrees. Time between original trauma and revision surgery averaged 14 months. Stabilisation methods varied according to type and location of the non-union. Follow-up averaged 46 months (range: 18-108). Elbow range of motion at last examination averaged 98 degrees . Flexion averaged 110 degrees and extension loss averaged 17 degrees . The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score averaged 16 points. Secondary transposition of the ulnar nerve was necessary in three cases. Sixteen patients reported no pain at last examination, seven had mild pain and one had moderate pain. Distal humerus non-unions present different characteristics; consequently, surgical treatment must be individualised for each patient. Even though they are demanding procedures, bony union and good long-term functional results were achieved.

Osteoblastoma of the scaphoid: a case report.

Osteoblastoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor that rarely is found in the hand or wrist. Recurrent osteoblastomas often have a more aggressive appearance than the original tumor, and differential diagnosis from osteosarcoma is difficult. The pain that can accompany this tumor is debilitating. Therefore, successful treatment requires complete removal of the tumor. The purpose of this report is to present an unusual case of osteoblastoma of the carpal scaphoid. This tumor was treated successfully by curettage and bone grafting. At 1 year postoperatively, the patient presented with a stable, painless wrist with full range of motion.

Ununited diaphyseal forearm fractures with segmental defects: plate fixation and autogenous cancellous bone-grafting.

BACKGROUND: With current techniques of plate-and-screw fixation, diaphyseal nonunions of the radius and ulna are unusual. The few reports that have been published have discussed the use of structural corticocancellous bone grafts for the treatment of atrophic nonunions that are associated with osseous defects. We reviewed the rate of union and the functional results in association with the use of plate-and-screw fixation and autogenous cancellous (nonstructural) bone grafts. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with an atrophic ununited diaphyseal fracture of the forearm were treated with 3.5-mm plate-and-screw fixation and autogenous cancellous bone-grafting. A segmental osseous defect with an average size of 2.2 cm (range, 1 to 6 cm) was present in each patient. Twenty of the original fractures had been open. Eleven patients had had treatment of a deep infection before referral to us. The nonunion involved both forearm bones in eight patients, the radius alone in sixteen patients, and the ulna alone in eleven patients. RESULTS: The atrophic nonunion was associated with an open fracture in twenty patients, suboptimal fixation in twenty-two, a fracture-dislocation of the forearm in nine, and infection in eleven. All fractures healed without additional intervention within six months. Two patients had a subsequent Darrach resection of the distal part of the ulna for the treatment of arthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint. After an average duration of follow-up of forty-three months, the final arc of motion averaged 121 degrees in the forearm, 131 degrees at the elbow, and 137 degrees at the wrist, with an average grip strength of 83% compared with that of the contralateral limb. According to the system of Anderson and colleagues, five patients had an excellent result, eighteen had a satisfactory result, eleven had an unsatisfactory result (because of elbow stiffness related to associated elbow injuries in three and because of wrist stiffness in eight), and one had a poor result (because of malunion). CONCLUSIONS: When the soft-tissue envelope is compliant, has limited scar, and consists largely of healthy muscle with a good vascular supply, autogenous cancellous bone-grafting and stable internal plate fixation results in a high rate of union and improved upper limb function in patients with diaphyseal nonunion of the radius and/or ulna.

[Mucormycosis. Clinical cases and update]. / Mucormicosis revisión de casos y actualización.

Mucormycosis is an emerging mycotic infection with high mortality. We described the clinical presentation, evolution and treatment of 5 patients with diagnosis of mucormycosis.

La mucormicosis es una micosis emergente, de elevada mortalidad. El objetivo del estudio es presentar las características clínicas y evolución de los casos asistidos en el Sanatorio Allende, de la Ciudad de Córdoba República Argentina y hacer una actualización bibliografíca. Se presentan 5 pacientes con mucormicosis con diferentes formas clínicas de presentación. El diagnóstico clínico se confirmó por histopatología y/o cultivo de los tejidos. Concluimos que en la actualidad la sospecha clínica basada en la forma de presentación y los factores de riesgo siguen siendo claves para establecer la sospecha clínica y realizar el diagnóstico temprano. En cuanto al tratamiento se basa fundamentalmente en el desbridamiento quirúrgico para eliminación del tejido necrótico y Anfotericina liposomal como antifúngico de elección. El posaconazol nuevo triazol tendría un rol importante en la consolidación del tratamiento una vez que el paciente logra la estabilización clínica o como tratamiento de rescate.

Two-team simultaneous open surgical treatment in bilateral shoulder fracture dislocation.

UNLABELLED: Different surgical options have been described for the treatment of bilateral shoulder fracture dislocations. We report 2 cases of bilateral shoulder fracture dislocation treated simultaneously by 2 surgical teams. One case had bilateral hemiarthroplasty performed, and the second case had 1 hemiarthroplasty and McLaughlin procedure on the other shoulder. A device to allow holding the patient in a bend chair position, with both shoulders hanging outside the operative table, allowing their free movement, was designed. At 1-year follow-up, neither of the patients had complications and both are pleased with their early result. Simultaneous treatment of both the shoulders by 2 different surgical teams in bilateral shoulder fracture dislocations that need surgical treatment has the advantages of reduced overall hospitalization time, reduced anesthetic risk, faster return to work, and reduced overall cost of care. The decision for simultaneous bilateral shoulder surgery must be made in concert with the patient, medical consultant, and anesthesiologist. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Colgajos pediculados en defectos de tejidos blandos en niños / Pedicled flaps for coverage of soft-tissue defects in children

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los resultados obtenidos con la utilización de colgajos pediculados en la cobertura de defectos de tejidos blandos, en los miembros, en niños. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron 13 niños que sufrieron pérdida o retracción grave de tejidos blandos, y requirieron de un colgajo pediculado para la adecuada cobertura del defecto, entre 2004 y 2013. La edad promedio fue de 7.9 años. El tiempo entre el trauma inicial y la realización del colgajo promedió 39 días. La cobertura se efectuó con colgajo sural (4 casos), colgajo en isla vasculonervioso (2 casos), colgajo radial (2 casos), colgajo inguinal (3 casos), colgajo abdominal (1 caso) y colgajo dorsal ancho (1 caso). En todos los pacientes, la reparación o la reconstrucción de las lesiones asociadas se llevaron a cabo en el mismo tiempo quirúrgico. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de19 meses. En los 13 casos se obtuvo una buena cobertura del defecto. El tiempo de internación fue, en promedio, de 8.1 días. Hubo una infección, una necrosis superficial y dos pacientes con cicatriz hipertrófica. Dos pacientes necesitaron tenólisis y dos, zetaplastias. Conclusiones: Los colgajos pediculados permiten obtener una adecuada cobertura en la mayoría de estas lesiones en niños; la reconstrucción de las lesiones asociadas por debajo de ellos es posible sin inconvenientes. Algunas desventajas de estos colgajos en adultos son la inmovilización del miembro afectado, con una potencial rigidez y la formación de edema, pero esto no se observó en los niños.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results achieved using pedicle flaps for coverage of soft-tissue defects in children. Methods: Thirteen children who suffered trauma or burns of the extremities, with soft-tissue loss or severe retraction, requiring a pedicled flap for adequate coverage, treated between 2004 and 2013, were evaluated. Average age 7.9 years. Time between initial trauma and flap coverage averaged 39 days. Coverage was achieved using a sural flap (4 cases), a neurovascular island flap (2 cases), a radial forearm flap (2 cases), a groin flap (3 cases), an abdominal flap (1 case), and a latissimus dorsi flap (1 case). Associated lesions were repaired or reconstructed at the same surgical procedure in all patients. Results: Follow-up averaged 19 months. Adequate coverage was achieved in all 13 cases. Hospitalization time averaged 8.1 days. One patient developed infection, one flap had superficial necrosis and two patients developed hypertrophic scars. Two patients needed extensor tendon tenolisis and two requiredz-plasties. Conclusions: Pedicled flaps allow for an adequate coverage in most soft-tissues defects in children; it is possible to simultaneously reconstruct all associated injuries. The main disadvantage of these flaps in adults is immobilization of the affected limb, with potential stiffness and edema formation, butthis was not evident in the children included in this series.

Valores de vitamina D en fracturas no consolidadas / Vitamin D levels in non-union fractures

Introducción: La falta de consolidacion de una fractura es, en general, un fenomeno multifactorial. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar los valores de referencia de vitamina D (25OHD3) en fracturas que no consolidaron, estudiar su asociacion con la edad y su localizacion. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de observacion y descriptivo en 29 pacientes con fracturas no consolidadas. Se determinaron las concentraciones sericas de vitamina D (25OHD3) junto con los estudios prequirurgicos. Se calcularon modelos generalizados para estimar los efectos de la edad y la localizacion, y detectar grupos de pacientes con niveles inferiores al valor recomendado. Resultados: El 68,9% de los pacientes tenia concentraciones sericas promedio de vitamina D inferiores al valor normal (30,0 ng/ml), que se asociaron inversamente con la edad, 40 anos fue el punto de corte a partir del cual otras caracteristicas, como la localizacion de la fractura (en huesos que afectan a los miembros inferiores), condicionan conjuntamente la falta de consolidacion. Conclusiones: La mayoria de los pacientes cuya fractura no consolido tenia deficiencia de vitamina D y este fenomeno es marcado a partir de los 40 anos de edad. Es importante identificar a los pacientes con mayor riesgo de presentar este deficit en las primeras etapas del tratamiento de las fracturas, ya que el aporte de este micronutriente es un factor reconocido para disminuir el riesgo de falta de consolidacion. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Absence of bone union after a fracture is generally multifactorial phenomenon. The objective of this study was to determine reference vitamin D values (25OHD3) in non-unions, and to study their association with age and localization. Methods: A prospective, observational and descriptive study was performed to evaluate 29 patients with non-union fractures. Serum vitamin D levels (25OHD3) were determined together with standard preoperative studies. Generalized models were used to estimate the effects of age and location, as well as to detect the group of patients with vitamin D levels lower than recommended. Results: The 68.9% had serum levels of vitamin-D lower than the normal value (30 ng/mL), which was inversely associated with age, being the age of 40 the cutoff point from which other characteristics, such as location, conditioned simultaneously the non-union. Conclusions: Most patients with a non-union fracture had vitamin D deficiency, and this phenomenon was more evident in patients >40 years. Prompt identification of patients with increased risk of presenting this deficiency is important, as treatment could reduce the incidence of fractures that evolve into a non-union. Level of Evidence: IV

Osteosíntesis percutánea con placas volares bloqueadas en fracturas metafisarias distales de radio. Descripción de la técnica y resultados preliminares / Percutaneous volar locked plate fixation in metaphyseal fractures of distal radius. Technical description and preliminary results

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados objetivos y subjetivos obtenidos luego de una osteosíntesis con placas en T bloqueadas volares, colocadas mediante una técnica mínimamente invasiva, en fracturas de radio distal con extensión metafisaria. Materiales y Métodos: Evaluación retrospectiva de seis pacientes adultos que presentaron fracturas inestables de radio distal, extrarticulares o articulares parciales, con extensión metafisaria, tratadas quirúrgicamente con placas en T largas de compresión bloqueadas volares, mediante una técnica mínimamente invasiva, entre 2007 y 2012. Edad promedio: 40.17 años. Fracturas de tipo 23A3 (n=6) de la Clasificación AO/OTA. Se realizó la reducción indirecta, bajo radioscopia y, a través de dos pequeñas incisiones, se deslizó, en forma percutánea, una placa bloqueada volar en T. Se analizaron los parámetros radiográficos, el rango de movimiento y la fuerza. Los resultados subjetivos fueron evaluados usando la escala DASH y la escala analógica visual. Resultados: Tiempo de consolidación promedio: 2.4 meses. Los resultados radiográficos no mostraron diferencias significativas entre el primero y el último control al año de seguimiento. Flexión y extensión promedio: 70° y 60°, pronación y supinación: 79° y 80°, respectivamente. Fuerza de prensión promedio: 78,4%. Puntaje DASH 19,82; escala analógica visual 1,5 puntos. Conclusiones: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas reducen el daño quirúrgico y las complicaciones. Son una opción en pacientes con daño grave de partes blandas, conminución metafisaria y trauma de alta energía. La colocación de placas volares bloqueadas percutáneas es un procedimiento técnicamente demandante, permite obtener fijaciones estables y restaurar la anatomía radial en fracturas de radio distal con extensión metafisaria.

Objective: To evaluate objective and subjective outcomes after closed reduction and minimally invasive volar locked T-plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated six patients treated with minimally invasive volar locked T-plate osteosynthesis for unstable extra-articular or partial articular distal radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement, between 2007 and 2012. Average age: 40.17 years. According to the AO/OTA classification, all patients had 23A3 type fractures. Indirect reduction was performed. Two volar small incisions were made; a volar locked compression T-plate was introduced in the sub-muscular plane, under radioscopic guidance. Analysis included radiological parameters, range of motion and strength. Subjective results were assessed using DASH score and the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: All fractures healed within 2.4 months. Radiographic outcomes showed no differences between the first postoperative control and the last one at one-year follow-up. Average flexion and extension 70° and 60°, pronation and supination: 79° and 80°. Grip strength: 78.4%. DASH score 19.82 and visual analogue scale: 1.5 points. Conclusions: Minimally invasive technique decreases surgical injury and complications. It is an option in patients with metaphyseal comminution, severe soft tissue injuries and high energy trauma. Percutaneous volar locked compression plate allows to obtain a stable fixation and to restore distal radius anatomy in radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement.

Allograft tendon interposition and brachioradialis tendon stability augmentation in revision surgery for failed Darrach distal ulna resections.

Achilles allograft interposition is one treatment alternative for failed Darrach distal ulna resections, good results have been reported with its use but concern remains with the stability of the distal ulnar stump. The use of brachioradialis tendon passed through the radius and then divided in to 2 branches to pass over the volar and dorsal aspect of the ulnar stump with the Achilles tendon interposition, seems to represent a more reliable, secure, and biological way of restoring palmar and dorsal stability to the distal ulnar stump; while it allows a better control of the tension given to the Achilles allograft interposed than that achieved when using only suture anchors as described in the original technique.

Cement spacers with antibiotics for the treatment of posttraumatic infected nonunions and bone defects of the upper extremity.

Treatment of patients with posttraumatic infected nonunions or highly contaminated open fractures with segmental bone loss of the long bones of the upper extremity is demanding. The use of a 2-stage reconstruction technique, being the first stage characterized by thorough debridement, copious lavage, soft tissue coverage, and placement of a cement spacer with antibiotics at the infected site, and the second stage by cement spacer removal, internal fixation, and placement of bone graft with local antibiotics, is presented. We carried out this technique in 20 cases, in 12 cases the cement was molded to fit the defect and placed as a solid interposition mass, in 3 cases it was placed lateral to the affected bone, and in the remaining 5 cases a Rush nail covered with a cement mantle was used. Follow-up averaged 18 months. All nonunions and fractures healed after an average of 5 months. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score at last follow-up in nonunions averaged 14 points and 21 points in bone losses. Although generally 2 surgical procedures are needed, 1 to cure or prevent infection and another to achieve bony union, this approach for complex open fractures with segmental bone loss and for infected nonunions of the long bones of the upper extremity represents a valid treatment alternative.

Lesiones combinadas complejas postraumáticas en la pierna. Tratamiento temprano frente a tratamiento diferido / Complex combined post-traumatic leg injuries. Early versus delayed treatment

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados obtenidos en las lesiones combinadas complejas postraumáticas del tercio medio y distal de la pierna, tratadas en forma temprana o tardía. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 14 pacientes tratados entre 2004 y 2012. Se los dividió en dos grupos: con cobertura de partes blandas realizada en los primeros 10 días posteriores al trauma (grupo I, 6 casos) y con cobertura después de los 10 días (grupo II, 8 casos). En el grupo I, la cobertura se efectuó con seis colgajos musculares libres de dorsal ancho y, en el grupo II, con seis colgajos musculares libres y dos colgajos fasciocutáneos rotatorios surales de base distal. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 39.5 meses en el grupo I y de 50.6 meses en el grupo II; el promedio de días de internación fue de 20.8 y 42.4, respectivamente. En dos casos del grupo I y seis casos del grupo II, todos con pérdida ósea de la tibia distal, se efectuó la reconstrucción ósea en dos tiempos. En dos pacientes, uno de cada grupo, se necrosó el colgajo muscular libre y se practicó la amputación infrarrotuliana. Conclusiones: En lesiones agudas, es recomendable la cobertura con colgajos libres, pero en lesiones crónicas, nuestras indicaciones se han ido modificando, y los colgajos fasciocutáneos rotatorios son nuestra primera opción de cobertura en la actualidad. Nivel de evidencia: IV

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate treatment of complex combined post-traumatic injuries of the distal and middle third of the leg, and compare the results obtained with early versus delayed treatment. Methods: Fourteen patients treated between 2004 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into two groups: those with soft tissues coverage performed during the first 10 days following trauma (group I, 6 cases) and those with coverage performed after 10 days (group II, 8 cases). Coverage was performed using six latissimus dorsi free flaps in group I, and with six muscle free flaps and two rotational fasciocutaneous flaps in group II. Results: Follow-up averaged 39.5 months in group I and 50.6 months in group II. Hospital stay averaged 20.8 days for group I and 42.4 days for group II. Staged bony reconstruction was performed in two patients from group I and six patients from group II, all with distal tibia bone loss. In two patients, one in each group, the muscle free flap became necrotic, and an amputation was performed. Conclusions: In lesions treated early coverage using free flaps should be favored; but in chronic ones, our practice has changed towards using rotatory fasciocutaneous flaps when possible. Level of evidence: IV

Resección guiada por ecografía de gangliones dorsales de muñeca / Ultrasound-guided resection of dorsal wrist ganglion

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar prospectivamente los resultados del drenaje de gangliones dorsales de muñeca y la ruptura de su pedículo guiada por ecografía, y determinar su tasa de recidiva, las complicaciones y los resultados subjetivos. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron prospectivamente 32 pacientes con gangliones dorsales sintomáticos de muñeca tratados mediante punción guiada por ecografía, aspiración del contenido y ruptura del pedículo con un trocar, entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2011. La edad de los pacientes promedió 31 años. Todos realizaban tareas administrativas, y retornaron a sus tareas habituales al día siguiente del procedimiento. El puntaje DASH previo al procedimiento fue, en promedio, de 2,90. El dolor previo al procedimiento promedió 7,75 puntos. Se separó a los pacientes en dos grupos, gangliones primarios (grupo 1: 19 pacientes) y gangliones recurrentes con cirugía previa (grupo 2: 13 pacientes). Resultados: Once pacientes tuvieron recidivas (34,3%) al año de seguimiento: 5 del grupo 1 (26,31%) y 6 del grupo 2 (46,1%). El puntaje DASH a los 6 meses promedió 1,91 (rango 1,02-3,98). El dolor a los 6 meses promedió 1,53 puntos (rango 0-4). Ningún paciente presentó complicaciones neurológicas o tendinosas, infección o hematomas (seguimiento promedio 6 meses). Conclusión: La técnica bajo control ecográfico es mínimamente invasiva con una tasa de recurrencia aceptable (26% en pacientes sin antecedente quirúrgico), considerando que plantea menores riesgos que los procedimientos quirúrgicos al igual que un menor costo y bajo costo laboral.

Background: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the results of dorsal wrist ganglion cyst drainage and pedicle rupture under ultrasound guidance, and to determine recurrence rate, complications and subjective outcomes. Methods: Thirty-two patients with symptomatic dorsal wrist ganglion cysts treated by ultrasound-guided puncture, aspiration and pedicle rupture with a trochar, between January 2010 and June 2011, were prospectively evaluated. Age of the patients averaged 31 years. All patients returned to their previous daily activities the day after the procedure. DASH score before the procedure averaged 2.90 points. The pre-drainage visual analog scale for pain averaged 7.75 points. Patients were divided into two groups: without previous surgery (group 1: 19 patients) or with previous surgery (group 2: 13 patients). Results: Eleven patients had recurrences (34.3%) after a six-month follow-up: 5 patients in group 1 (26.31%) and 6 in group 2 (46.1%). DASH score at final follow-up averaged 1.91 points. Pain score at last follow-up averaged 1.53 points. There were no neurological or tendinous complications, infection or hematomas (follow-up 6 months). Conclusions: The technique under ultrasound guidance is minimally invasive with an acceptable recurrence rate (26% in patients without previous surgical interventions), considering that it presents less risk than surgical procedures, its lower cost and the immediate return to work.

Resultados de la utilización de aloinjerto criopreservado en fracturas y consolidaciones fallidas de huesos largos / Outcomes of cryopreserved allograft in long bones fractures and nonunions

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar las indicaciones y la incorporación del aloinjerto criopreservado en fracturas y consolidaciones fallidas de huesos largos. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, 20 pacientes tratados entre 2005 y 2011, 7 fracturas y 14 consolidaciones fallidas de huesos largos en los que se utilizó aloinjerto óseo criopreservado (un paciente con compromiso bilateral de fémur), 11 asociados a autoinjerto. Edad promedio: 45.2 años (rango 19-74). Diez mujeres y 10 hombres. Defectos óseos clasificados en circunferenciales y no circunferenciales. Resultados: La consolidación luego del uso de aloinjerto molido de Banco se logró en 14 casos tras un promedio de 8 meses (rango 4-18); de los 7 restantes, se logró la consolidación luego de cirugías de revisión en 5 casos, uno permaneció sin consolidación y, en otro, se amputó el miembro. Conclusiones: El autoinjerto sigue siendo el patrón de referencia en la reconstrucción de defectos óseos. Los nuevos sistemas de extracción de autoinjertos, como el fresado con irrigación/aspiración (RIA, Synthes) han llevado a que el uso de aloinjerto en fracturas sea poco frecuente. Pero, en los pacientes de nuestra serie, con múltiples cirugías, defectos óseos o trastornos psiquiátricos graves, el aloinjerto óseo crioconservado aislado o asociado a autoinjerto permitió obtener buenos resultados (18 casos consolidaron), aunque 5 casos requirieron cirugías de revisión.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications and incorporation of cryopreserved allograft in long bone fractures and nonunions. Methods: Retrospective study of 20 patients treated between 2005 and 2011, with 7 fractures and 14 long bones nonunions in which cryopreserved allograft bone was used (one patient had bilateral femoral involvement), associated with autograft in 11 cases. Average age 45.2 years (range 19 to 74). Ten women and ten men. Bone defects were classified according to whether they were circumferential or not. Results: Bony union after using morcellized allograft was achieved in 14 cases, after an average of 8 months (range 4 to 18), among the remaining 7 cases union was achieved after revision surgery in 5 cases, another case did not achieve consolidation, and an amputation was performed in another patient. Conclusions: Bone autograft remains the gold standard in bone defect reconstructions. Using new extraction systems for autografts, such as reamed irrigation/aspiration (RIA, Synthes) has made the use of allograft in fractures infrequent. In our patients with multiple surgeries, bone defects or severe psychiatric disorders, the use of isolated cryopreserved allograft or associated with bone autograft obtained good results (18 cases with consolidation), although 5 patients required revision surgeries.

Infected nonunions of long bones of the upper extremity: staged reconstruction using polymethylmethacrylate and bone graft impregnated with antibiotics.

This case series evaluates 12 patients presenting posttraumatic infected nonunions affecting long bones of the upper extremity, treated with staged reconstruction using polymethylmethacrylate spacers with antibiotics in the first stage and bone graft impregnated with antibiotics in the definitive surgical procedure. Five nonunions affected the humerus, four the ulna and three the radius. All nonunions were atrophic. Patient's age averaged 35.9 years. The size of the bony defect averaged 2.8 cm. Time between original trauma and revision surgery averaged 9.6 months. Follow-up averaged 19 months. All nonunions healed after an average of 5 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 15 points. Although two surgical procedures are needed, one to cure infection and another to achieve bony union, this approach for posttraumatic infected nonunions of long bones of the upper extremities represents a valid treatment alternative.