Aspergillus niger as a rare cause of postarthroscopy knee septic arthritis in a healthy patient.

This case report outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered in a man in his 70s suffering from knee septic arthritis caused by Aspergillus niger It is the second published case in the literature with osteoarticular infection from A. niger and the first one in the last 40 years. Following knee arthroscopy, the patient experienced persistent pain, swelling and discomfort, prompting further investigation. Postoperative knee cultures were negative for infection, but symptoms were not ameliorated. Therefore, an arthroscopic debridement was performed that revealed severe joint inflammation and degeneration. Cultures from the synovial fluid and tissue samples identified infection from A. niger sp. Antimicrobial treatment with voriconazole finally led to significant clinical improvement and eradication of infection. This case highlights the intricacies involved in diagnosing and managing fungal osteoarticular infections in healthy patients without concomitant medical diseases or comorbidities.

Periprosthetic giant cell tumour of the tibia: en bloc resection and megaprosthesis revision.

We present a case detailing the diagnosis and management of a periprosthetic giant cell tumour in a female patient in her 70s, who had undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for primary osteoarthritis in her right knee 7 years prior. The patient reported 4 months of painful weight-bearing. Various imaging modalities, including plain radiographs, CT scans and MRI, revealed a sizeable lytic lesion beneath the TKA prosthesis, along with loosening of the tibial component.Blood tests and analyses of synovial fluid ruled out periprosthetic joint infection, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a giant cell tumour of the bone. Treatment entailed en bloc resection of the tumour and revision of the TKA using a hinged, oncological-type megaprosthesis. Surgical procedures involved careful resection of the proximal tibia, preservation of vasculature and the creation of a medial gastrocnemius muscle flap. Following surgery, the patient underwent supervised rehabilitation with a functional brace.

Coagulopathy in COVID-19 infection: a case of acute upper limb ischemia.

Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis have been recently identified as sequelae of severe infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report a case of severe coagulopathy manifesting with right upper limb arterial and deep vein thrombosis in an 80-year-old male patient with severe COVID-19 associated pneumonia. He clinically deteriorated and received care in the intensive care unit where he was intubated. At that point, his coagulation laboratory tests were deranged, and he eventually developed dry gangrene in his right thumb and index finger, as well as a deep venous thromboembolism in his right axillary vein. Despite receiving treatment dose anticoagulation and undergoing arterial embolectomy, revascularization was unsuccessful. Amputation of the right arm at the level of the elbow was considered, but the patient died from respiratory failure.

Comparison between conventional MRI and MR arthrography in the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage tears and correlation with arthroscopic findings.

PURPOSE: The triangular fibrocartilage complex is one of the most important stabilizers of the wrist and a defect in its anatomical structure is a possible cause of ulnar sided wrist pain. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy between conventional MRI and MR arthrography (MRA) in the depiction of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. METHODS-MATERIALS: A total of 60 patients with clinical findings that suggested TFCC tears underwent wrist MRI and MRA. All the MRI and MRA results were compared with the arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: 40 tears were confirmed by arthroscopy. 38/40 tears were identified by MRA while MRI identified 26/40 tears. There were also 8 false positives and 13 false negative results identified by MRI. Two false negative results were identified by MRA. No false positive results were identified. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is more sensitive and specific method in terms of the diagnosis of TFCC tears compared to conventional wrist MRI. There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between wrist arthroscopy and MRA.

Arthroscopically-assisted mini open partial synovectomy for the treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee. A retrospective comparative study with long-term follow up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the long-term results of treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) comparing two operative procedures of excision of the lesion-the arthroscopic and the arthroscopically assisted mini-open. We hypothesized that the latter approach allowed for treatment of LPVNS with acceptable recurrence rates, complication rates and functional outcomes. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2006, 21 patients with LPVNS were treated with partial synovectomy through an arthroscopically-assisted mini open technique (group A), and 23 patients were treated with an arthroscopic excision of the lesion (group B). All patients were clinically examined at one, three, and 12 months post-operatively and graded by the Lysholm knee score and the Ogilvie-Harris score. RESULTS: The mean Lysholm score was improved from 58.7 ± 9 to 94.2 ± 7 for group A (p < 0.05) and from 57.4 ± 9.1 to 95.5 ± 8 for group B (p < 0.05). The mean Ogilvie-Harris score was improved from 7.2 ± 2 to 11.2 ± 0.9 for group A and from 7.1 ± 2 to 11.75 ± 0.5 for group B (p < 0.05). We encountered two cases of CRPS and one case of recurrence of the lesion in group A and no complications for group B. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopically-assisted mini open partial synovectomy is a safe alternative treatment, especially for surgeons without extended experience in arthroscopic techniques. The arthroscopic localization of the precise position of the lesion and its subsequent mini-open excision is a safe and effective technique with very low morbidity and recurrence rate and equivalent functional outcome to fully arthroscopic excision due to limited incision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Distal Locking Screws for Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Fractures.

Recently introduced tibial intramedullary nails allow a number of distal screws to be used to reduce the incidence of malalignment and loss of fixation of distal metaphyseal fractures. However, the number of screws and the type of screw configuration to be used remains obscure. This biomechanical study was performed to address this question. Thirty-six Expert tibial nails (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) were introduced in composite bone models. The models were divided into 4 groups with different distal locking configurations ranging from 2 to 4 screws. A 7-mm gap osteotomy was performed 72 mm from the tibial plafond to simulate a 42-C3 unstable distal tibial fracture. Each group was divided in 3 subgroups and underwent nondestructive biomechanical testing in axial compression, coronal bending, and axial torsion. The passive construct stiffness was measured and statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. Although some differences were noted between the stiffness of each group, these were not statistically significant in compression (P=.105), bending (P=.801), external rotation (P=.246), and internal rotation (P=.370). This in vitro study showed that, when using the Expert tibial nail for unstable distal tibial fractures, the classic configuration of 2 parallel distal screws could provide the necessary stability under partial weight-bearing conditions.

Arthroscopic 4-point suture fixation of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures.

Tibial eminence avulsion fractures are rare injuries occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. When necessary, regardless of patient age, anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are mandatory for fracture healing and accurate restoration of normal knee biomechanics. Various arthroscopically assisted fixation methods with sutures, anchors, wires, or screws have been described but can be technically demanding, thus elongating operative times. The purpose of this article is to present a technical variation of arthroscopic suture fixation of anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Using thoracic drain needles over 2.4-mm anterior cruciate ligament tibial guidewires, we recommend the safe and easy creation of four 2.9-mm tibial tunnels at different angles and at specific points. This technique uses thoracic drain needles as suture passage cannulas and offers 4-point fixation stability, avoiding potential complications of bony bridge fracture and tunnel connection.

Concomitant acromioclavicular and miliary tuberculosis.

A 48-year-old man was being treated unsuccessfully for miliary tuberculosis for 5 months until he presented with acromioclavicular joint swelling. Imaging of the shoulder revealed destruction of the acromioclavicular joint and the patient was brought to the operating theatre and underwent the excision of the distal end of the clavicle, synovectomy and drainage of the abscess. Surgery was followed by prompt clinical, functional and radiological improvement. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of acromioclavicular tuberculosis. Resistance to appropriate antituberculous treatment in patients with miliary tuberculosis can sometimes be a result of undiagnosed extrapulmonary site of infection.

Reverse cutting guidewire for intramedullary nailing: a solution for a common yet undocumented and unresolved complication.

In 6 of the 81 patients who were treated with intramedullary nailing for a femoral or tibial fracture the ball-tipped guidewire was impossible to remove manually after nail implantation. In four cases we had to remove the implant and to re-insert the nail. While this is a relatively common complication well known to orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, it has not been previously reported. We developed and tested in vitro a reverse cutting guidewire that was able to successfully deal with this problem obviating the need for implant removal and re-insertion.

Open pisiform fracture: excision or internal fixation?

A 53-year-old man presented with an open fracture of the pisiform after a fall on his left wrist. Treatment of the patient presented a dilemma between excision of the proximal fragment and internal fixation. The patient underwent internal fixation with a 2.5 cortical screw. At 6 months follow-up the fracture appeared fully consolidated with full functional recovery of the wrist.

Long head of the biceps pathology combined with rotator cuff tears.

The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is an anatomic structure commonly involved in painful shoulder conditions as a result of trauma, degeneration, or overuse. Recent studies have pointed out the close correlation between LHBT lesions and rotator cuff (RCT) tears. Clinicians need to take into account the importance of the LHBT in the presence of other shoulder pathologies. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of recent publications on anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and current treatment strategies.

Chondroblastoma of the femoral head disrupting the articular cartilage. Description of a novel surgical technique.

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign tumour. Involvement of the femoral head may often lead to a delayed diagnosis. We present the case of a 15-year-old patient with right hip pain which was first attributed to adductor tendinitis. Following aggravation of the symptoms, thorough investigation including a CT-guided biopsy, revealed the diagnosis of chondroblastoma of the femoral head. Removal of the lesion based on the techniques described in literature was not possible, mainly because the articular cartilage was breached. A novel surgical technique was used in order to address the rare location and behaviour of the tumour. This technique offered the patient pain relief and return to his previous every day and sports activities. No recurrence was seen at two years follow-up.

Primary cementless total hip arthroplasty with an alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearing: results after a minimum of twenty years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The biological problems related to wear debris after total hip arthroplasty have stimulated renewed interest in alternatives to metal-on-polyethylene bearing surfaces. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of 100 patients who had undergone a total of 109 primary total hip arthroplasties with a cementless alumina ceramic-on-ceramic prosthesis between January 1985 and December 1989. The mean age of the patients at the time of the index arthroplasty was forty-six years. Clinical evaluation was performed with use of the Charnley modification of the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scale. Seventy-eight patients who had had a total of eighty-five arthroplasties were available for follow-up evaluation at an average of 20.8 years. The patients' average age at the time of the latest follow-up was 66.8 years. RESULTS: Six hips (six acetabular cups and one femoral stem) in six patients underwent revision. Aseptic loosening of the cup combined with focal osteolysis was the cause of all six revisions. In one patient, the stem was also revised because of aseptic loosening. At the time of final follow-up, the result was excellent (according to the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scale) in 68% of the hips, good in 19%, fair in 9%, and poor in 4%. The mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score improved from 7.9 points preoperatively to 16.9 points postoperatively (p < 0.001). The cumulative rate of survival of the prostheses was 84.4% at 20.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these cementless ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties continued to be satisfactory at a minimum of twenty years postoperatively. The improved design of contemporary prostheses and the new generation of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces may lead to even better long-term results.

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic arthrodesis has been used mainly for in situ fusion of arthritic ankles without deformity. This paper presents the application of arthroscopic arthrodesis of ankles with marked deformity. METHODS: The results of 78 consecutive cases of arthroscopic ankle arthrodeses, performed in 74 patients, were retrospectively evaluated. Forty-eight ankles had minor deformity (group A), whereas 30 ankles had a varus or valgus deformity of more than 15 degrees (maximum 45 degrees) (group B). The average hospital stay was 3.8 and 3.4 days in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.74). Postoperative treatment included ankle immobilization for 3 months. Progressive weightbearing was initiated at 2 weeks. Mean followup was 21.1 months. RESULTS: Fusion occurred in 47 of 48 (97.9%) ankles in group A at an average time of 13.1 +/- 5.8 weeks and in 29 of 30 (96.7%) ankles at 11.6 +/- 2.4 weeks in group B (p = 0.19). Unplanned operative procedures were required in 11 ankles (14.1%). One superficial wound infection occurred. Symptomatic arthritis from the adjacent joints developed in six ankles (7.7%). Postoperative ankle alignment in the frontal plane averaged 0.7 and 0.4 degrees of valgus (p = 0.41), whereas the sagittal plane angle averaged 106 +/- 4 degrees and 104.5 +/- 7 degrees in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.22). The outcome was graded as very good in 79.2% (38 feet) in group A and 80% (24 feet) in group B, fair in 18.8% (9 feet) in group A and 16.7% (5 feet) in group B and poor in one ankle in each group (p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic technique offered high fusion rates and low morbidity. Deformity correction was achieved with good results.