The effectiveness of a modified Metaizeau technique in fixation of adult radial neck fractures: a prospective study with a modification of the Broberg-Morrey classification.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of adult radial neck fractures is lower compared with its pediatric counterpart. The literature on adult radial neck fracture management is limited; also, there is a lack of a detailed fracture classification system. In our study, we are evaluating the modified Metaizeau technique for the treatment of adult radial neck fractures. We also describe a modification to the existing fracture classification proposed by Broberg and Morrey to make it more inclusive of different fracture patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective case series in which we included all the patients who presented to us with adult radial neck fractures. We used a modified Metaizeau technique to treat these fractures. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for a minimum duration of 1 year with a visual analog scale score, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the Oxford Elbow Score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and a subjective satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: We included a total of 7 patients who had completed follow-up of 1 year. Of the total 7 cases, 3 cases had an associated radial head fracture (undisplaced), and 1 had an associated radial shaft fracture (segmental pattern). Elastic nails were removed at 6 weeks, and all fractures united. The subjects returned to their preinjury activity levels by the end of 3 months and had excellent outcomes as measured by various outcome scores. CONCLUSION: The modified Metaizeau technique for closed reduction and internal fixation of adult radial neck fractures is effective and simple and has no complications compared with other treatment methods. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to arrive at a more meaningful conclusion.

Distal femoral physeal crush injury with metaphyseal comminution - A report of two cases and a new perspective to physeal injury.

The physis of a long bone may get 'sandwiched' and crushed between the metaphysis and the epiphysis if it is traumatically loaded along its long axis. Such a physeal injury may lead to complications like angular deformities and growth restrictions and hence, management of such injuries requires adequate planning and attentive execution. Two patients with distal femoral physeal crush injury were treated using a ring fixator such that one ring had the wires passing through the epiphysis and the other through the femoral shaft. On table image intensifier controlled distraction of the crushed physis was done to bring the height of the physis similar to that of the opposite limb. Patients were followed up for more than two years clinically and radiologically. There was no clinical or radiological angular deformity of the operated limbs. MRI scans showed intact physes with no physeal bar formation in either of the two patients. The distraction obtained by the ring fixator appears to have provided ample 'breathing space' to the compressed physis and that the growth potential may have been re-gained by the procedure. However, two years is a relatively short duration of follow-up and further follow-up of longer duration and in greater number of patients is needed to gauge the actual effectiveness of the technique used by us.

Proximal tibial and fibular physeal fracture causing popliteal artery injury and peroneal nerve injury: A case report and review of literature.

Either proximal tibial or tibial physeal injuries are rare. The combination of both is even rarer, let alone causes a vascular injury. Early intervention is the key for management. We hereby present an interesting case of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury with popliteal arterial occlusion and common peroneal nerve injury. The present case is important in two aspects: firstly it reports a very rare occurrence of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury associated with vascular insult and common peroneal nerve injury; secondly it highlights that with timely intervention excellent results can be achieved in paediatric patients.

Surgical principles for complex primary total knee arthroplasty in the presence of extra-articular deformity.

Background: Accurate restoration of alignment is vital to the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedure. Deformities, whether these are intra-articular and/or extra-articular AND/OR whether these are uniplanar/multiplanar/complex, can impose varying technical challenges in surgical planning and execution. Literature on performing TKA in presence of limb deformity is limited, especially for extra-articular deformities. Objectives: The objectives of this narrative review are twofold. Firstly, we analyse the existing English literature for studies focussed on TKA and deformity correction and summarise the important points about deformity pathomechanics, clinical and radiological assessment, pre-operative planning and surgical techniques. The second objective is to provide the readers with a simplistic and wholistic management algorithm to assist surgeons in meticulous planning to tackle the technical challenges imposed by lower limb deformities while performing a TKA. Discussion: Approach to each patient must be holistic and customised on an individual basis according to patient characteristics, deformity characteristics and surgeon experience. The three main options available are: (1) Primary TKA (symmetric cuts/asymmetric cuts with/without computer navigation assistance) (2) Single stage corrective osteotomy and TKA and (3) Two-staged deformity correction and TKA. A multi-disciplinary team approach is required and a knee surgeon well-versed in revision arthroplasty and a limb reconstruction surgeon specialising in deformity correction, should be involved from the outset. The use of computer navigation technology, particularly for deformity correction and TKA, has increased over the last couple of decades and is recommended by the authors for these challenging cases.

A retrospective study of idiopathic clubfoot managed by Ponseti method using Pirani and Dimeglio scoring, in Indian population: a minimum 3-year follow-up.

Congenital talipo-equino-varus (CTEV) is one of the most common congenital deformities affecting children in India with an incidence of 1.19/1000 live births. Ponseti treatment regimen has been established as the gold standard of care for idiopathic clubfoot. We present quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results of Ponseti management in early presenting idiopathic clubfoot cases, with a minimum follow-up of three years after correction. We retrospectively analysed the data of 122 children (comprising a total of 191 feet) who were treated for clubfoot by the standard Ponseti method with a minimum 3-year follow-up post-correction at our clinic. All cases were treated under the supervision of a single senior Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon. The mean age at onset of treatment was 2.3 months. Mean follow-up period was 4.2 years. The mean number of casts applied was 6.7. The mean duration of treatment until the application of splint was 9.5 weeks. The mean Pirani score at the commencement of treatment was 4.5. At the completion of treatment (around 3.6 years of age), the Dimeglio score was 'Benign' (Good) in 106 cases, 'Moderate' (Fair) in 11 cases and 'Severe/Very Severe' (Poor) in 5 cases. The P-value was calculated to be 0.8 for the sex-wise comparison of the treatment outcome. Ponseti method of nonoperative treatment for idiopathic clubfeet remains a gold standard for all cases treated during infancy. Identifying atypical clubfeet is important as their prognosis ought to be guarded. Despite facing problems at various stages of management, adhering to the basic treatment principles laid down by Ponseti helps in achieving good outcomes in majority. Level of Evidence: IV.

Bioaerosols in orthopedic surgical procedures and implications for clinical practice in the times of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Orthopedic surgical procedures (OSPs) are known to generate bioaerosols, which could result in transmission of infectious diseases. Hence, this review was undertaken to analyse the available evidence on bioaerosols in OSPs, and their significance in COVID-19 transmission. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Lancet preprint databases for studies on bioaerosols in OSPs. Random-effects metanalysis was conducted to determine pooled estimates of key bioaerosol characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed by the RoB-SPEO tool; overall strength of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. RESULTS: 17 studies were included in the systematic review, and 6 in different sets of meta-analyses. The pooled estimate of particle density was 390.74 µg/m3, Total Particle Count, 6.08 × 106/m3, and Microbial Air Contamination, 8.08 CFU/m3. Small sized particles (

Genetics and the Elite Athlete: Our Understanding in 2020.

Modern competitive sport has evolved so much that athletes would go to great extremes to develop themselves into champions; medicine has also evolved to the point that many genetic elements have been identified to be associated with specific athletic traits, and genetic alterations are also possible. The current review examines the published literature and looks at three important factors: genetic polymorphism influencing sporting ability, gene doping and genetic tendency to injury. The ACTN3 gene has an influence on type II muscle fibres, with the R allele being advantageous to power sports like sprinting and the XX genotype being associated with lower muscle strength and sprinting ability. The ACE gene polymorphisms are associated with cardio-respiratory efficiency and could influence endurance athletes. Many other genes are being looked at, with specific focus on those that are potentially related to enhancement of athletic ability. Recognition of these specific gene polymorphisms brings into play the concept of genetic engineering in athletes, which constitutes gene doping and is outlawed. This has the potential to develop into the next big threat in elite sports; gene doping could have dangerous and even fatal outcomes, as the knowledge of gene therapy is still in its infancy. Genetic predisposition to injury is also being identified; recent publications have increased the awareness of gene polymorphisms predisposing to injuries of ligaments and tendons due to influence on collagen structure and extracellular matrix. Ongoing work is looking at identifying the same genes from different races and different sexes to see if there are quantitative racial or sexual differences. All of the above have led to serious ethical concerns; in the twenty-first century some sports associations and some countries are looking at genetic testing for their players. Unfortunately, the science is still developing, and the experience of its application is limited worldwide. Nevertheless, this field has caught the imagination of both the public and the sportsperson, and hence the concerned doctors should be aware of the potential problems and current issues involved in understanding genetic traits and polymorphisms, genetic testing and genetic engineering.

Better Clinicoradiological Results of BST-CarGel Treatment in Cartilage Repair Compared With Microfracture in Acetabular Chondral Defects at 2 Years.

BACKGROUND: BST-CarGel (CarGel) is an injectable chitosan scaffold that is mixed with fresh, autologous blood and injected into the site of microfracture (MF) to physically stabilize clots and enhance cartilage repair. PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term clinicoradiological outcomes of patients treated arthroscopically for acetabular chondral defects with CarGel in conjunction with MF compared with those treated with MF alone. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and received MF with or without CarGel for acetabular chondral defects between 2014 and 2018 with a minimum 2-year clinicoradiological follow-up were included. Intraoperative details, postoperative complications, and clinical outcome scores, including the international Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Profile, were analyzed. Serial plain radiographs were assessed independently by 2 blinded observers. A survival analysis was performed to identify the number of cases converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in both groups, which was correlated with the cartilage defect size at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Eighty patients (54 CarGel and 26 MF) were evaluated, including 56 men (70%) and 48 right hips (60%). Three patients were lost to follow-up. There were no major adverse events in either group. The average defect size was 3.63 and 4.97 cm2 in MF and CarGel, respectively (P = .002). There was a statistically significant improvement in iHOT-33 (from 43.24 to 60.17 in MF and from 41.13 to 58.39 in CarGel) and HOS-ADL (from 62.25 to 76.75 in MF and from 44.69 to 79.16 in CarGel) scores. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the outcome scores after adjusting for covariates. Survival analysis showed 34.6% of MF cases and 5.9% of CarGel cases were converted to THA (P = .001). The mean defect size of the failure group was higher in CarGel than in MF (8.83 and 3.72 cm2, respectively). Mean joint space reduction was 1.41 mm in MF and 0.19 mm in CarGel (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Two-year clinicoradiological results were promising in these lesions that are difficult to treat. Arthroscopic treatment of chondral acetabular defects with CarGel demonstrated a significant decrease in progressive loss of joint space and conversion to THA compared with MF as an isolated procedure.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Using Distal Tibial Allograft for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The all-arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction technique using a distal tibial allograft avoids damage to the subscapularis muscle and allows repair of the capsulolabral tissue. PURPOSE: To analyze the clinicoradiologic outcomes of patients who underwent this procedure to treat anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss with a minimum 2-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Over 6 years, 73 patients (52 male and 21 female; mean age, 28.8 years) under the care of the same surgeon underwent arthroscopic stabilization with capsulolabral Bankart repair and bony allograft augmentation of the glenoid for recurrent shoulder instability with significant bone loss. Pre- and postoperative patient-reported functional assessment was performed using 2 questionnaires, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and radiological assessment was performed using radiographs and computed tomography scans obtained preoperatively and approximately 1 year later (mean ± SD, 0.9 ± 1.1 years). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 1.1 years. The mean pre- and postoperative WOSI scores were 71.1 ± 17.5 and 25.6 ± 21.9, respectively (P < .001). There were no recurrences of dislocation, although 1 patient had symptoms of subluxation; however, 5 patients had hardware complications that required screw removal. There were no cases of nerve injury. Postoperative computed tomography scans were available for 66 patients. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. The graft union rate was 100%. Overall, graft resorption was <50% in 86% of patients (57/66). Eighteen patients (27%) had no resorption (grade 0), 39 (59%) had <50% (grades 1 and 2), and 9 (14%) had ≥50% (grade 3); however, none had symptoms of instability. The mean alpha angle of the screw between the screw shaft axis and the native glenoid axis was 18.3°± 5.7°. Graft positioning was flush with the glenoid in 61 of 66 patients (92.4%), and vertical positioning was excellent in 64 of 66 patients (97.0%) (3- to 5-o'clock position). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic stabilization using distal tibial allograft augmentation resulted in excellent clinicoradiologic outcomes at a 2-year follow-up. This procedure has the advantages of being an anatomic reconstruction that addresses bony and soft tissue instability. However, long-term follow-up studies are necessary for better assessment of outcomes.

Bilateral Quadriceps Rupture in an Elite Weight Lifter: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTR) are rare injuries in sportspersons; weightlifting, involving sudden eccentric contraction of the bilateral quadriceps, has the potential to cause this injury. We present a case of an elite weightlifter with bilateral quadriceps tear occurring during the "jerk" part of clean and jerk phase of weightlifting; single stage bilateral end to end repair was done, followed by 3 weeks of cast immobilisation. He then underwent a supervised rehabilitation protocol, leading to graduated strengthening of the muscles. He went back to competitive sport after 2 years and participated in a national championship after 5 years. Detailed questioning revealed a history of anabolic steroid use in the early phase of his career; a literature review showed only seven cases of this injury pattern in weightlifting/bodybuilding sports, and five of these seven had a definitive history of anabolic steroid use. Bilateral QTR may be a pointer to predisposing factors like use of steroids, which should be diligently identified. Good outcomes are possible after early surgical repair and rehabilitation, with high rates of return to sports.

Innovative Approaches in the Management of Shoulder Instability: Current Concept Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article summarises the latest innovations and concepts in the management of shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss. RECENT FINDINGS: The management of shoulder instability has undergone significant evolution in the last century with rapid strides being made in the last few decades due to the transition from open to arthroscopic techniques allowing management of pathological entities which were previously untreatable. However, there is no consensus on treatment methods, especially in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The complication profile associated with non-anatomic glenoid bony reconstruction procedures has triggered research for alternate techniques using free bone grafts. Open Latarjet procedure continues to be the gold standard in the face of glenoid bone loss; however, arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction with bone block grafts is gaining in popularity and is associated with excellent short-term clinico-radiologic outcomes. Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using bone grafts has been proposed as an alternative to the complex all-arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with excellent short-term results, minimal complications and a relatively easier learning curve. Capsular reconstruction has emerged as option for the management of instability with poor quality or absent capsular tissue. Future long-term outcome studies and randomised comparative trials will determine if these innovations stand the test of time.

Arthroscopic Revision with Autologous Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Failed Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Using Distal Tibia Allograft.

Recurrent instability after anterior shoulder stabilization surgery is not an uncommon complication, with variable rates of recurrences associated with different surgical procedures. The Latarjet procedure continues to be the gold standard in the management of anterior instability with significant glenoid bone loss, although a recent trend toward arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) with distal tibial allograft has been noted, with excellent short-term results and minimal complication rates. Arthroscopic revision stabilization for failed stabilization procedures is increasingly being performed, although it is technically more challenging than the primary stabilization procedure because of the anatomic rearrangements of the index surgery. In this article, we describe a revision arthroscopic technique for anatomic glenoid reconstruction using iliac crest autograft for a previous failed AAGR procedure secondary to nonunion of the graft. The graft is passed through the Halifax far-medial portal without splitting the subscapularis. Arthroscopic revision in the setting of a failed AAGR procedure is technically easier than after a Latarjet procedure, as the anatomy is relatively undisturbed in the former, facilitating easier identification of anatomic landmarks, accurate graft positioning, and decreased risk of neurovascular injuries. A Bankart capsulolabral repair is performed after graft fixation, making the graft extra-articular and providing additional stability.

Revision of a Failed Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for a Massive Rotator Cuff Tear With Arthroscopic Anatomic Bridging Reconstruction Using an Acellular Human Dermal Matrix Allograft.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a nonanatomic tendon transfer that is often considered a salvage procedure for failed repairs of massive rotator cuff tears. A rupture of the transferred latissimus tendon is an uncommon complication and there is limited literature on its management, especially in the young, active population without cuff arthropathy. In this article, we present a technique of managing a failed latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for a massive rotator cuff tear with an arthroscopic, anatomic bridging reconstruction using an acellular human dermal matrix allograft.

The 'forgotten rubber band' syndrome - A systematic review of a uniquely 'desi' complication with a case illustration.

BACKGROUND: Once an exceedingly rare entity, multiple cases of forgotten rubber band syndrome or the so-called 'dhaaga' syndrome have now been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a thorough and systematic review of the literature for all articles reporting a chronic type of rubber band syndrome and to present an additional similar case as an illustration. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and case report. METHODOLOGY: PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant articles using different combinations of the keywords till 20th June 2017. All articles reporting cases of chronic rubber band syndrome with a discharging sinus were included. Pearling of the bibliographies of selected articles was conducted to locate articles missed by the primary database search. Data from these reports were collected on pre-defined forms and the results were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 15 cases have been reported in the literature so far and all cases are from India. Thirteen of these have been reported in the wrist region. Median duration of presentation is 7.6 months after the application of elastic band. Characteristic clinical signs are a circumferential linear scar with discharging sinus (multiple sinuses noted in around one-fourth of the cases). 'Soft tissue constriction sign' on plain radiograph is pathognomonic for this condition. Rate of missed/misdiagnosis is very high (46.7%) and it has been confused with tubercular osteomyelitis which is endemic in India. All cases responded to surgical debridement of circumferential fibrous tissue and foreign body removal with good functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion must be maintained for this 'syndrome' in chronic osteomyelitis cases presenting with a linear, circumferential scar and discharging sinus in India. Soft tissue constriction sign on plain radiographs are pathognomonic.

Surgical approaches for open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A number of surgical approaches have been described for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of intra-articular distal humerus (IDH) fractures in adults. However, there is no consensus as to which approach is better in terms of functional outcomes and complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the functional outcomes and types and rates of complications are influenced by the choice of surgical approach for ORIF of IDH fractures (AO/OTA types 13 B & C). METHODS: A systematic review of literature was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. Studies, both prospective and retrospective and comparative or non-comparative, dealing with surgical approaches for ORIF of IDH fractures in adult patients were included. Conference abstracts, studies looking primarily at the results of internal fixation rather than the surgical approach, those including extra-articular distal humeral fractures, pediatric distal humeral fractures (<18 years of age), delayed unions, non unions, malunions, cadaveric studies, pathological fractures and studies with <10 patients were excluded. Studies that looked at surgical modalities other than internal fixation (for e.g. total elbow arthroplasty) for intra-articular distal humerus fractures or those that did not report a validated functional outcome scoring system were also excluded. RESULTS: 11 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, of which 5 were comparative studies and 6 were non-comparative. Quantitative analysis was performed on two sets of two studies, each set comparing the Bryan and Morrey or the triceps-split approach to the olecranon osteotomy approach, and revealed no significant differences in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, range of motion and rates of complications. The overall methodological quality of the studies included in the review was low. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality evidence on surgical approaches for ORIF of IDH fractures in adults is lacking. Evidence from low-quality studies indicates that there is no difference in the functional outcomes or complication rates when comparing the Bryan and Morrey or triceps-split to the olecranon osteotomy approach. Future research in the form of high-quality randomized controlled trials is needed to determine which approach is superior in terms of functional outcomes and complications.

Neglected, semimembranosus osteochondral avulsion fracture of the posteromedial tibial plateau.

Semimembranosus avulsion fracture is infrequently reported and is easy to miss on plain radiographs; the mechanism of injury is highly controversial. Initial reports linked it to anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscal tears. We report an osteochondral semimembranosus avulsion fracture of the posteromedial tibial plateau with associated posterior cruciate ligament rupture. Also described is a novel surgical fixation technique for such osteochondral fractures where the surgical exposure is limited due to the obliquity of the fracture line resulting in a greater involvement of the articular cartilage than the small bony component. The fixation technique described may be used for osteochondral fractures where the application of a conventional compression screw may not be feasible.

The "Open-Envelope" Approach: A Limited Open Approach for Calcaneal Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs), but there is limited literature on this subject. The objective was hence to assess the clinicoradiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with an innovative open-envelope MIS technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 closed Sanders Type 2 and 3; DIACFs were included in this study. The Open-envelope approach was developed, which is essentially a limited open, dual incision, modified posterior longitudinal approach allowing excellent visualisation and direct fragment manipulation. The main outcome measures were American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) hindfoot score and preoperative and postoperative radiological angles. RESULTS: The Bohler angle improved from a preoperative mean of 14.3° (range 0°-28°) to a postoperative mean of 32.46° (range 22°-42°). The Gissane angle improved from a preoperative mean of 135.83° to a postoperative mean of 128.33°. The postoperative improvement in Bohler and Gissane angles was highly significant (P < 0.001). The AOFAS scores at 6 months were excellent in nine patients, good in 15 patients, and fair in six patients. Three patients had residual valgus deformity of the heel. CONCLUSIONS: Open-envelope technique minimized soft tissue complications and achieved acceptable radiological reductions with good clinical outcomes.

Simultaneous, Non-traumatic, Bilateral Neck Femur Fractures in Uremic Renal Osteodystrophy: A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral, simultaneous, non-traumatic, pathological femur neck fractures due to renal osteodystrophy (RO) in chronic renal failure cases are uncommon but are increasingly being reported in the literature. Seizure episodes due to uremic encephalopathy could lead to such fractures. CASE REPORTS: We describe three cases of patients with end-stage renal disease and RO, who presented with bilateral, non-traumatic femur neck fractures after episodes of grand mal con-vulsions. We also review the literature for all such similar cases and briefly discuss the path-ophysiology of RO and the management of these pathological fractures. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous, pathological, bilateral neck femur fractures are increasingly being reported in chronic renal failure patients with high morbidity and mortality. These fractures tend to be missed as the patients are generally immobilized and bed ridden due to the renal disease. Early diagnosis with high index of suspicion in patients with hip pain followed by supervised treatment with the involvement of a nephrologist is of uttermost importance.