Return to Activity Following Isolated Ulnar Nerve Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Ulnar neuropathy is one of the more commonly diagnosed mononeuropathies; despite this, a definitive surgical treatment strategy has not been widely agreed upon. In this study, we systematically review the literature and assess return to play or activity outcomes in patients with neuritis or neuropathy undergoing in situ decompression, subcutaneous transposition, or submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. We hypothesized that ulnar nerve transposition or decompression in the absence of concomitant ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) pathology would have a high rate of return to activity. Relevant studies were generated from 1975 to 2023 using PubMed, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus. Articles reporting on return to play or activity outcomes following isolated ulnar nerve transposition or decompression for ulnar neuritis were included. Studies evaluating patients with concomitant UCL injury or revision surgery were excluded. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, ranging from 1977 to 2021. There were a total of 358 patients with a reported return to play or activity status across all studies with an average age of 27.2 years (range, 11-75). Successful return to play, activity, or work was reported in 303 patients (84.6%). Patients undergoing transposition, subcutaneous (n = 232) and submuscular (n = 20), had return rates of 87.9% and 95%, respectively. Patients undergoing in situ decompression (n = 106) had return rates of 75.5%. This systematic review found an 84.6% return to activity rate following ulnar nerve transposition or decompression in the absence of concomitant UCL pathology. Overall, transposition or decompression of the ulnar nerve provides a favorable return to activity rates and with appropriate indications and surgical technique will likely yield a successful return.

Os Trigonum Syndrome: A Cause of Posterior Ankle Pain.

BACKGROUND: Os trigonum syndrome represents a cause of posterior ankle pain that is predominantly seen in athletes. The os trigonum ossicle forms from a secondary ossification center of the talus and is located at its posterior aspect in an interval between the posterior lip of the tibial plafond and calcaneus. The os trigonum ossicle is often an incidental finding and asymptomatic. However, repetitive plantarflexion and push-off maneuvers can cause symptoms and lead a patient to pursue orthopedic care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed search engine with the following keywords: "os trigonum", "os trigonum ossicle", "os trigonum syndrome", "posterior ankle impingement", and "Stieda process". RESULTS: The pertinent anatomy, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of os trigonum syndrome were reviewed in the literature and are extensively discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: Os trigonum syndrome represents a potential cause of posterior ankle pain that needs thorough evaluation regarding history, physical examination, and imaging. Once diagnosed, treatment ranges from conservative to surgical interventions depending on surgeon preference and specific case presentation. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(2):e67-e72.].

Gluteus Maximus Tendon Reference: A Novel Method to Restore Leg Length in Total Hip Arthroplasty With Femoral Bone Loss.

BACKGROUND: Accurate restoration of leg length and proximal femoral geometry is essential for achieving satisfactory outcomes in both primary and revision total hip arthroplasty. Although common landmarks such as the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter (LT) may be used to measure limb length intraoperatively in primary cases, these landmarks may be absent or disrupted in fractures and revision procedures. We propose the distance between the gluteus maximus tendon gluteal sling (GS) and the center of the femoral head (FHC) as a novel anatomic landmark beyond the zone of injury, which can be used to restore limb length in the setting of proximal femoral bone loss or fracture. METHODS: One hundred healthy hips were retrospectively reviewed using MRI to determine the distance between the proximal edge of the GS and the FHC. Additional measurements were collected including the distance between the GS and the greater trochanter and LT, as well as the FHC to the LT and greater trochanter.Results: The distance between the GS and the femoral head was consistent and measured 8.0 cm (±1.88 cm, SD = 0.66). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) was observed between patient height and GS to FHC distance. DISCUSSION: The distance between the GS and the center of the femoral head consistently measures 8 cm and can be used to set implant height to restore proximal femoral geometry and leg length in total hip arthroplasty with proximal femoral bone loss.

Orthopedic Manifestations of Lead Toxicity.

Given the recent news regarding the water supply in Flint, Michigan, lead toxicity has become an increasingly important topic in health care. Lead toxicity can have a widespread effect on the human body. Because lead has a significant effect on mineralized tissue such as bone, the purpose of this review was to identify and analyze the orthopedic manifestations of lead poisoning. The effects of lead at the cellular level, on the hematopoietic system, in osteoporosis, and in pediatric patients are discussed. Possible treatment options and recommendations for further monitoring are presented. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):e202-e207.].

Nonoperative Treatment of Fracture of the Entire Posterior Process of the Talus With Subtalar Dislocation: Case Report.

Level V, expert opinion.