Ultrasonic Pin Placement for Resorbable Rigid Fixation of a Thyroid Cartilage Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To present the first use of an ultrasonic pin resorbable plate fixation system for rigid fixation of a laryngeal fracture. METHODS: Presentation of a 20-year-old male with a high velocity injury to his neck, via a lacrosse ball, resulting in a displaced laryngeal cartilage fracture. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, a Poly-D, L-Lactic Acid (PDLLA) polymer plate was contoured in-situ, bridging the fracture, and secured with ultrasonically placed resorbable pins. He was extubated on post-op day one and had return to vocal baseline one-month post-op. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic pin placement systems for resorbable rigid fixation of a thyroid cartilage fracture optimizes recovery of respiratory and phonatory functions. Laryngoscope, 133:1470-1472, 2023.

Effectiveness of Absorbable Plates for the Treatment of Nasal Septal Cartilage Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial fracture. Nasal bone fractures often occur in combination with septal cartilage fractures, because the nasal septal cartilage acts as a vertical strut and provides structural support for the nose and bilateral nasal airway. However, the treatment for nasal septal cartilage fracture remains controversial, and if untreated, nasal septal cartilage fracture can lead to various complications, such as nasal obstruction and posttraumatic nasal and septal deformity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of our procedure in which septal cartilage fractures were treated with septoplasty using an absorbable plate as an internal splint. METHODS: Between January 2017 and November 2020, 21 patients with nasal septal cartilage fractures were treated with septoplasty using an absorbable plate as an internal splint. The severity of the septal cartilage fracture was graded from 0 to 3 according to the computed tomography septal grading system. The numeric graded scale of nasal septal cartilage fracture was evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using a computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with septal cartilage fractures, 12 were treated with a polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh plate, and 9 were treated with a polydioxanone (PDS) plate. In the PDS plate group, the preoperative numeric scale of nasal septal cartilage fracture was 2.50 (2.00-3.00), whereas the postoperative numeric scale was 1.00 (1.00-1.25, P = 0.023). In the PCL mesh plate group, the preoperative numeric scale of nasal septal cartilage fracture was 2.00 (2.00-3.00), whereas the postoperative numeric scale was 1.00 (1.00-1.50, P = 0.034). The effectiveness of the PCL mesh plate and that of the PDS plate group according to the septal grading scale were 1.45 (SD, 0.522) and 1.18 (SD, 0.603), respectively. However, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that septoplasty using absorbable plates provides satisfactory and safe clinical outcomes in patients with nasal septal cartilage fractures.

Does Gender Influence Outcome in Cartilage Repair Surgery? An Analysis of 4,968 Consecutive Patients from the German Cartilage Registry (Knorpel Register DGOU).

The goal was to examine gender differences of patient characteristics and outcome after cartilage repair based on a collective of nearly 5,000 patients. Patient characteristics, accompanying therapies, and outcome (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], reoperations, patient satisfaction) of 4,986 patients of the German cartilage register DGOU were assessed by t test for possible gender differences. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Women were older than men (38.07 ± 12.54 vs. 26.94 ± 12.394 years, P = 0.002), more often preoperated (0.30 ± 0.63 vs. 0.24 ± 0.55, P = 0.001), and had a longer symptom duration (25.22 ± 41.20 vs. 20.67 ± 35.32 months, P < 0.001). Men had greater mean leg axis malalignment than women (3.24° ± 3.26° vs. 2.67° ± 3.06°, P < 0.001), less favorable meniscal status (P = 0.001), worse defect stage (P = 0.006), and a more severely damaged corresponding articular surface (P = 0.042). At baseline (59.84 ± 17.49 vs. 52.10 ± 17.77, P < 0.001), after 6 months (72.83 ± 15.56 vs. 66.56 ± 17.66, P < 0.001), after 12 months (77.88 ± 15.95 vs. 73.07 ± 18.12, P < 0.001), and after 24 months (79.311 ± 15.94 vs. 74.39 ± 18.81, P < 0.001), men had better absolute KOOS values, but women had better relative KOOS increases 6 months (14.59 ± 17.31 vs. 12.49 ± 16.3, P = 0.005) as well as 12 months postoperatively (20.27 ± 18.6 vs. 17.34 ± 17.79, P = 0.001) compared with preoperatively, although 12 and 24 months postoperatively they were subjectively less satisfied with the outcome (P < 0.001) and had a higher reintervention rate at 24 months (0.17 ± 0.38 vs. 0.12 ± 0.33, P = 0.008). In summary, the present work shows specific gender differences in terms of patient characteristics, defect etiology, defect localization, concomitant therapy, and the choice of cartilage repair procedure. Unexpectedly, contrary to the established scientific opinion, it could be demonstrated that women show relatively better postoperative KOOS increases, despite a higher revision rate and higher subjective dissatisfaction.

The First Report of the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society's Global Registry.

OBJECTIVE: The International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society's (ICRS's) global registry, aims to be the best source of information for patients and an unbiased resource of evidence-based medicine for scientists and clinicians working to help those unfortunate enough to suffer the pain and disability associated with articular cartilage lesions. This article constitutes the scientific summary of the reports' main findings. DESIGN: The article outlines the historical precedents in the development of orthopedic registries from the earliest tumor registries, then local arthroplasty databases that led ultimately to international collaborations between national arthroplasty and soft tissue registries. The ICRS global cartilage registry was designed from the outset as a GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant, multilingual, multinational cooperative system. It is a web-based user-friendly, live in 11 languages by end 2019, which can be accessed via https://cartilage.org/society/icrs-patient-registry/. Patients and clinicians enter data by smartphone, tablet, or computer on any knee cartilage regeneration and joint preservation treatment, including the use of focal arthroplasty. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Kujala patient-reported outcome measures are collected preoperatively, 6 months, 12 months, and annually for ten years thereafter. EQ-5D data collection will allow cost-effectiveness analysis. Strengths, weaknesses, and future plans are discussed. RESULTS: Since inception the registry has 264 users across 50 countries. Major findings are presented and discussed, while the entire first ICRS global registry report is available at https://cartilage.org/society/icrs-patient-registry/registry-annual-reports/. Conclusion. A measure of the maturity of any registry is the publication of its findings in the peer reviewed literature. With the publication of its first report, the ICRS global registry has achieved that milestone.

Fixation of Acute Chondral Fractures in Adolescent Knees.

OBJECTIVES: Chondral fractures are focal cartilage lesions without osseous attachment, most commonly seen in adolescent knees. They have limited capacity for intrinsic healing and traditional treatment has been removal of loose fragments. However, case reports of successful healing after fixation indicate that repair of the joint surface is possible. We wanted to evaluate the outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent fixation of acute chondral fractures in the knee. DESIGN: Patients treated with fixation of a chondral fracture in the knee at our institution were invited to participate in a follow-up study. The mechanism of injury, fragment properties and complications were registered. Patients completed KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) and Lysholm questionnaires and performed a validated single leg hop test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess healing of the defect and the quality of the cartilage. RESULTS: Ten patients with a median age at surgery of 15 years (12-17 years) and median follow-up of 5 years (2-9 years) were assessed. The lesions were located on the patella (n = 7), the trochlea (n = 2), and the lateral femoral condyle (n = 1). Median lesion size was 250 mm2 (1.9-6.0 cm2) All patients were treated within 2 months of injury (4-58 days). All patients returned to preinjury level of sports and MRI showed retained fragments that integrated well with surrounding cartilage at follow-up. Mean Lysholm score at follow-up was 90 (73-100). CONCLUSION: Fixation of traumatic chondral-only fragments using bioabsorbable implants may result in successful healing in adolescent patients and should be considered a treatment option in acute injuries.

Osteochondral Fracture of Posterior Aspect of Lateral Femoral Condyle After Lateral Patella Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A healthy 15-year-old girl presented with osteochondral fracture at the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) associated with a right patellar dislocation after a noncontact injury. The patient remained asymptomatic 18 months after the arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation of the osteochondral fracture using bioabsorbable pins and was able to eventually resume her usual activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of an osteochondral fracture at the posterior aspect of the LFC after an acute patellar dislocation, successfully treated with arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation using bioabsorbable pins. This rare injury and unique mechanism of injury have been discussed.

Triradiate cartilage fracture of the acetabulum treated surgically.

Fractures of the acetabulum are rare in the pediatric age and may be complicated by the premature closure of the triradiate cartilage. We report a case of triradiate cartilage displaced fracture treated surgically. A 14 years old boy, following a high-energy road trauma, presented an hematoma in the right gluteal region with severe pain. According to radiographic Judet's projections was highlighted a diastasis of the right acetabular triradiate cartilage.  CT scan study with 2D-3D reconstructions confirmed as type 1 Salter-Harris epiphyseal fracture. Due to the huge diastasis of the triradiate cartilage, the patient was operated after 72 hours through a plating osteosynthesis. We decided during the preoperative study that the plates should not be removed. Two years after surgery, the patient is clinically asymptomatic; the radiographic evaluation shows a complete cartilage's fusion and the right acetabulum is perfectly symmetrical to the contralateral. For the treatment of acetabular fractures in pediatric age should be carefully evaluated fracture's pattern, patient's age, skeletal maturity's grade, acetabulum's volume and diameter.

Laryngeal fractures treated with titanium mesh fixation.

The larynx plays a vital role in respiration, swallowing, and vocal function. Thus, laryngeal fractures that are not appropriately managed may lead to permanent dyspnea, dysphagia, and voice disorders. In cases of laryngeal fractures, surgical repair by internal fixation has been performed with materials such as thread, steel wire, and titanium miniplates. However, thyroid and cricoid cartilage have a complicated morphology, and ossification at each site in the cartilage is not uniform; thus, in some cases it is difficult to perform internal fixation with conventional methods. In this case report, we describe two patients who underwent successful fixation of fractures in their laryngeal cartilage after trauma by using titanium mesh with thread and screws. Since optimal reduction and fixation of fractured laryngeal cartilage cannot be performed with conventional methods in patients with unossified cartilage, titanium mesh may be considered a safe and reliable alternative.

Simultaneous Surgical Treatment of Sternum and Costal Cartilage Fractures.

Studies have confirmed that, for severe flail chest or sternal fractures and even multiple rib fractures, surgical treatment can effectively reduce hospital stay and relieve chest wall pain. However, fixation of multiple costal cartilage fractures in such a small area is a challenge if an internal fixator is simply placed directly on the sternum. This case report shares a method of simultaneous fixation of multiple costal cartilage and sternal fractures through a small incision, and it is also appropriate for multiple costal cartilage fractures without sternal fracture.

Repair of displaced thyroid cartilage fracture using miniplate osteosynthesis.

Acute laryngeal trauma is estimated to occur in approximately one patient per 14 500 to 42 500 emergency room admissions. If the larynx is injured, its vital functions are affected and can be threatened in case of severe injury. Soft cartilage offers no protective advantage, which is the reason why young as well as older individuals are at risk of thyroid cartilage fracture. Experimentation on cadaver larynx has demonstrated that virtually all laryngeal fractures are longitudinally oriented. Furthermore, muscular pull can contribute to a misalignment of the fractures. As stated by Bent and Porubsky, a fracture is considered severely rather than moderately displaced, if it is freely mobile on physical examination, has more than two fracture lines or demonstrates a displacement greater than the width of the thyroid cartilage on CT imaging. We present two cases of severely displaced thyroid cartilage fracture treated in our department by open reduction and internal fixation using miniplates. Functional and radiological outcomes were excellent.

[When is cartilage repair successful?] / Wann ist eine Knorpelreparatur erfolgreich?

Focal cartilage lesions are a cause of long-term disability and morbidity. After cartilage repair, it is crucial to evaluate long-term progression or failure in a reproducible, standardized manner. This article provides an overview of the different cartilage repair procedures and important characteristics to look for in cartilage repair imaging. Specifics and pitfalls are pointed out alongside general aspects. After successful cartilage repair, a complete, but not hypertrophic filling of the defect is the primary criterion of treatment success. The repair tissue should also be completely integrated to the surrounding native cartilage. After some months, the transplants signal should be isointense compared to native cartilage. Complications like osteophytes, subchondral defects, cysts, adhesion and chronic bone marrow edema or joint effusion are common and have to be observed via follow-up. Radiological evaluation and interpretation of postoperative changes should always take the repair method into account.

Cost-effectiveness of Early Surgery versus Conservative Treatment with Optional Delayed Meniscectomy for Patients over 45†years with non-obstructive meniscal tears (ESCAPE study): protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies show similar outcome between surgery and conservative treatment in patients with non-obstructive meniscal tears. However, surgery is still often preferred over conservative treatment. When conservative treatment is non-inferior to surgery, shifting the current standard treatment choice to conservative treatment alone could save over €30 millions of direct medical costs on an annual basis. Economic evaluation studies comparing surgery to conservative treatment are lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) with an economic evaluation alongside was performed to assess the (cost)-effectiveness of surgery and conservative treatment for meniscal tears. We will include 402 participants between 45 and 70 years with an MRI-confirmed symptomatic, non-obstructive meniscal tears to prove non-inferiority of conservative treatment. Block randomisation will be web-based. The primary outcome measure is a physical function, measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee 'Subjective Knee Form'. Furthermore, we will perform a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from societal perspective and a budget impact analysis from a societal, government and insurer perspective. Secondary outcomes include general health, quality of life, activity level, knee pain, physical examination, progression of osteoarthritis and the occurrence of adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This RCT will be performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Ethics Committee (number NL44188.100.13). The results of this study will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. We further aim to disseminate our results to guideline committees. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01850719.

Postoperative Imaging of the Knee: Meniscus, Cartilage, and Ligaments.

This article reviews the normal and abnormal postoperative imaging appearance of frequently performed surgical procedures of the meniscus, articular cartilage, and ligaments. Imaging algorithms and protocols are discussed with particular attention to MR imaging techniques. Attention is paid to surgical procedures and the expected postoperative appearance as well to commonly identified recurrent and residual disorders and surgical complications.

Can chondral healing be improved following microfracture? The effect of adipocyte tissue derived stem cell therapy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on chondral healing using the microfracture (MF) technique. METHODS: Thirty male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Standard cylindrical osteochondral defects (OCDs) were created in the weight-bearing areas of the medial condyles of all the right knees; the defects were four millimeters in diameter and two millimeters in depth. The control group (group A) was restricted to spontaneous healing. For group B, we performed MF with a 1.5-mm drill. For group C, we applied MF using the same method and then applied 3×10(6) ADSCs to the defect area. At eight weeks post-operation, the subjects were sacrificed, and the distal femoral joint surfaces were evaluated histopathologically for chondral healing. The samples were scored according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scale. RESULTS: The results for group C were significantly better than those for group A in terms of the surface properties (p=0.003). The matrix evaluation was better for group A than for group C (p=0.01). The cell distribution, cell viability and subchondral bone parameters were similar between the groups (p=0.198, p=0.387 and p=0.699). The cartilage mineralization parameter was better for group C than for group A (p=0.001). The signs of healing were better for group C than for group B, but the differences were not significant (p=0.185). CONCLUSIONS: Improvements with additional ADSC treatments were not statistically significant in cases in which ADSC treatment was compared with isolated MF treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additional ADSCs treatment may have positive effect on chondral healing but it doesn't seem significant.

Imaging of the postoperative knee.

On sagittal images after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, the femoral tunnel aperture should be at the junction of the line drawn along the posterior femoral cortex and the line drawn along the roof of the intercondylar notch (Bluemensaat line). The tibial tunnel aperture should be in the anterior portion of the second third, i.e. anterior aspect of the middle of the tibial epiphysis. An inaccurate placement of the femoral tunnel affects the graft isometry. A tibial tunnel too anteriorly placed results in intercondylar notch roof impingement. After meniscus surgery, first-line MRI is often sufficient to diagnose new tears; however, sometimes it is necessary to perform CT arthrography or MR arthrography. Surgical cartilage repair is evaluated based on articular congruity and on the appearance of the subchondral bone.

Osteochondral Fractures of the Knee in Skeletally Immature Patients: Short-Term Results of Operative Fixation using Omnitech Screws.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Retrospective case series looking at the use of Omnitech compression screws for the management of osteochondral fractures in skeletally immature patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine patients with a mean age of 14 were included in the study with a mean follow up of 26 months. RESULTS: The average KOOS, IKDC and Tegner Lysholm Scores were 86.7, 90.34 and 96.1 respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of Omnitech screws in the acute setting for skeletally immature patients shows excellent short-term outcomes.

Chondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle in children with different treatment methods.

Adolescents are predisposed to chondral injuries of the knee; however, the incidence of traumatic chondral and osteochondral fractures and their role in the development of joint degeneration are not fully elucidated. Several methods are described for the treatment of chondral or osteochondral fractures of the knee. In our literature review, we could not find any report on the management of chondral fractures with autologous bone pegs or headless screws. We report three cases of traumatic cartilage fractures of the lateral femoral condyle in adolescents who were treated with three different methods. We also present their follow-up outcomes.

Isolated osteochondral fracture of the metatarsal head of lesser toes.

Isolated fracture of the metatarsal head is very rare and no consensus has been reached regarding their best management. We reported four cases of isolated osteochondral fracture of the metatarsal head with different method of treatment to achieve the common goal of restoration of the congruity of the metatarsal head.

[Historical Changes in Meniscus Surgery--The Changing Appreciation of Disease, Surgical Techniques and Complications]. / Geschichtlicher Wandel der Meniskuschirurgie - Veränderungen in Krankheitsverständnis, Operationstechniken und Komplikationen.

The menisci play an important role in normal function of the knee joint. Meniscal injuries are associated with pain, swelling, impairment in function and activity level as well as early arthrosis of the knee joint. Patients with meniscal tears have to undergo surgery frequently. The pathway from the beginning of meniscal surgery to the modern arthroscopic meniscal surgery was not straightforward. The clinical picture of meniscal injuries, which caused articular trouble, was controversial for a long time. Meniscal surgery developed from knee joint surgery of the loose articular bodies. The first meniscal tear was not described until 1731. More than 100 years later, in 1866 the first planned meniscal surgery was performed. The importance of surgical techniques of meniscal resection and meniscal repair was emphasised in 1885. The beginning of knee joint arthroscopy took place in the 2nd decade of the 20th century. However, arthroscopy did not start its triumphal phase not until the 1960s coursing from Japan over North America to Europe. Approximately 150 years had passed from the risky arthrotomy surgeries of the past to the modern arthroscopic meniscal surgeries with low complication rates. Today, arthroscopic knee surgeries and especially arthroscopic meniscal surgeries are one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures.

Application of pulsed electromagnetic fields after microfractures to the knee: a mid-term study.

PURPOSE: Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) may improve clinical outcomes following microfractures and prevent their decline over time. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy and microfractures to the medial femoral condyle for management of grade III-IV cartilage lesions were randomly divided into two groups using a block randomization procedure. After surgery, 34 patients underwent PEMFs application in the I-ONE group; 34 patients underwent placebo treatment in the placebo group. All patients had the same postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Sixty patients (28 in the I-ONE group, 32 in the placebo group) were assessed at an intermediate follow-up of two years and a minimum follow-up of five years after surgery. RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous. There was a significant improvement from baseline to the last minimum follow up of two years. At two years, IKDC and Lysholm and Constant scores were significantly improved compared to baseline in both groups with no significant inter-group differences. At the last follow up (minimum five years), clinical and functional outcomes were decreased in both the groups, with significant better outcomes in the I-ONE group. At five years, the percentage of patients still active at the same level they were pre-operatively was greater in the I-ONE group (82% vs 68%, P = 0.28). At radiographic assessment, at the latest evaluation, six patients (21.4%) in the I-ONE group and nine (28.1%) in the placebo group demonstrated grade I-II degenerative changes according to Fairbank grading system (Χ = 0.36, P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: PEMFs application can improve the effectiveness of microfracture in the long term.