Single-strand repair of EWAS 1 lesion of triangular fibrocartilage complex.

PURPOSE: To report the results of our modified technique for repair of the EWAS 1 lesion of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). METHODS: This retrospective case series reviewed 22 consecutive patients with EWAS 1 TFCC tear. Arthroscopic repair was done using our modified double-loop arthroscopic outside-in technique which is originally described by Mathoulin and Del Piñal. The repair was performed using single-strand suture and 18-gauge cannula, having three passes through the tear. Follow-ups ranged from 24 to 33 months with an average of 29.3 months. The results were evaluated by the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), Visual Analog Score (VAS). In addition, range of motion (ROM) and power grip were compared with the contralateral side. RESULTS: The mean age was 23 years. The dominant side was affected in 16 wrists. There was postoperative improvement of the all functional outcome measures (MMWS, VAS, ROM, and power grip). All the patients returned to their previous activities with no reported intra- or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The described outside-in technique is safe and effective technique for repair of EWAS 1 TFCC tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, case series, level IV.

Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation in the treatment for diabetic ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ankle fractures were usually treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) which may lead to Charcot joint, or conservative which may lead to pressure sores. For better results, minimally invasive procedures have been developed, which decrease complications and enable early mobilization and rapid rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a total of 26 uncontrolled diabetic patients: 8 males [30.8%] and 18 females [69.2%]. The mean age of the patients was 67.4 (range 60 to 75) years. We include only Weber A and B where 10 patients suffered from lateral malleolus only (38.5%), 11 patients with bi-malleolar ankle fracture (42.3%) and 5 patients with tri-malleolar fracture (19.2%). RESULTS: The mean time to union was 6.92 weeks (range of 6 to 12 weeks). Weight-bearing has begun from the first day in 19 patients (73.1%), while 7 patients began weight-bearing 4 weeks after the operation (26.9%). Mean follow-up ranged from 2 to 5 years. Mean AOFAS was 96.12 (range of 60 to 99). Only 3 patients suffered from complication: One patient suffered from Charcot joint, one suffered from fracture displacement and needed revision, and one suffered from mal-reduction. Thus, the complication rate was 11.5%. CONCLUSION: We believe that percutaneous cannulated screws technique is a simple and effective method that can be applied safely in uncontrolled DM patients with ankle fractures.

Foot and ankle function after tibial overlengthening.

Lengthening the tibia more than 25% of its original length can be indicated for proximal femoral deficiency, poliomyelitis, or femoral infected nonunion. Such lengthening of the tibia can adversely affect the ankle or foot shape and function. The present study aimed to assess the effect of tibial lengthening of more than 25% of its original length on the foot and ankle shape and function compared with the preoperative condition. This was a retrospective study of 13 children with severe proximal focal femoral deficiency, Aitken classification type D, who had undergone limb lengthening from June 2000 to June 2008 using Ilizarov external fixators. The techniques used in tibial lengthening included lengthening without intramedullary rodding and lengthening over a nail. The foot assessment was done preoperatively, at fixator removal, and then annually for 3 years, documenting the range of motion and deformity of the ankle and subtalar joints and big toe and the navicular height, calcaneal pitch angle, and talo-first metatarsal angle. At fixator removal, all cases showed equinocavovarus deformity, with decreased ankle, subtalar, and big toe motion. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was significantly reduced. During follow-up, the range of motion, foot deformity, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved, reaching nearly to the preoperative condition by 2 years of follow-up. The results of our study have shown that tibial overlengthening has an adverse effect on foot and ankle function. This effect was reversible in the patients included in the present study. Lengthening of more than 25% can be safely done after careful discussion with the patients and their families about the probable effects of lengthening on foot and ankle function.

Mid-term results of sub-trochanteric valgus osteotomy for symptomatic late stages Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of late stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is controversial. Although the concept of femoral head containment is a well-established technique of treatment, its use remains debatable in the late stages of the disease, as it does not improve symptoms in terms of limb length discrepancy and gait. AIM: To assess the results of subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy in symptomatic patients with late-stage Perthes disease. METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, 36 symptomatic patients with late stage of Perthes disease were surgically treated with subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and followed-up for 8 to 11 years using the IOWA score and range of motion (ROM) variables. The Mose classification was also assessed at the last follow-up to reflect possible remodeling. The patients were 8 years old or older at the time of surgery, in the post-fragmentation stage, and complaining of pain, limited ROM, Trendelenburg gait, and/or abductor weakness. RESULTS: The preoperative IOWA score (average: 53.3) markedly improved at the 1-year post follow-up period (average: 85.41) and then slightly improved at the last follow-up (average: 89.4) (P value < 0.05). ROM improved, with internal rotation increased on average by 22° (from 10° preoperatively to 32° postoperatively) and abduction increased on average by 15.9° (from 25° preoperatively to 41° postoperatively). The mean Mose deviation of femoral heads was 4.1 mm at the end of the follow-up period. The tests used were the paired t-test and Pearson correlation test, where the level of significance was a P value less than 0.05. CONCLUSION: Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy can be a good option for symptomatic relief in patients with late-stage of LCPD.

Virtual orthopedic assessment: Main principles and specific regions.

Telemedicine was originally created as a way to treat patients who were located in remote places far away from local health facilities or in areas with shortages of medical professionals. Telemedicine is still used today to address those problems, and is increasingly becoming a tool for convenient medical care. With the emergence of pandemics, telemedicine became almost a mandatory and valuable option for continuing to provide medical care in various specialties. As the threat of pandemic progress has continued for months and may continue for years, it is essential to validate existing tools to maintain clinical assessment and patient treatment to avoid negative consequences of the lack of medical follow-up. Therefore, the establishment of a virtual assessment technique that can be conducted effectively is of outmost importance as a way of adapting to the current situation. This study evaluated the role of telemedicine in the assessment of various orthopedic pathologies by means of a systematic virtual evaluation.

Percutaneous low-energy osteotomy in treatment of pathological coronal knee deformities in pediatrics.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting in treatment of pathological coronal knee deformities in children equal or younger than 6 years. A prospective nonrandomized case series study was conducted. A total of 62 (109 limbs) patients with pathological coronal knee deformities were treated by percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting and observed over 3-10 years. The pathological nature was variable (rickets, Blount disease, dysplasia, after trauma, or after infection). The average age at the time of surgery was 4.5 years (range: 3-6 years). Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated annually and at the end of follow-up period. There was a statistically significant improvement of the clinical appearance and the radiological parameters regarding mechanical axis deviation and tibiofemoral angle at the end of follow-up period. The total complication rate was 6.4%, with only four limbs with overcorrection and three limbs with recurrence. Percutaneous osteotomy is a simple, safe, and effective option in the treatment of children with coronal knee deformities equal or younger than 6 years.

Ilizarov external fixation and then nailing in management of infected nonunions of the tibial shaft.

BACKGROUND: Ilizarov technique is useful in the management of infected nonunions of the tibia. Its main drawback is the long duration of external fixation (EF) with marked patient discomfort. Several techniques have been described for early removal of EF to avoid this problem. METHODS: Between September 2000 and October 2001, a prospective study at a tertiary trauma center was performed. Thirty-three patients with infected nonunion of the tibial shaft were included. The eradication of infection was by debridement, followed by limb reconstruction using segment transport technique with Ilizarov EF system. When the transported segment reached the docking site, we offered the patients removal of EF, and replacement by intramedullary (I M) fixation with bone graft at the docking site. Advantages and risks were explained to all patients. Patients (N = 17) who accepted this technique were compared with patients (N = 16) who preferred to continue in EF till full bone union, with bone graft at the docking site used in both groups. Mean age of the patients was 29 years, and mean duration of nonunion was 12.6 (range, 6-22) months. Average duration of follow-up from the date of presentation was 36 (range, 22-48) months. Main outcome measurements were assessment of bone and functional outcome using the classification of the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov, EF index, radiographic consolidation index, healing time, duration of EF, and complications RESULTS: The average duration of EF in the first group was 3.1 month, meanwhile in the second group it was 8.5 months. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov bony and functional outcome assessment score showed no statistically significant difference between the two techniques on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early removal of EF and replacement by intramedullary nail can achieve complete healing for infected nonunion of the tibial shaft with shorter duration of EF; nearly one-third the usual duration of EF and give the same functional and bony outcome as the classic technique. It is a relatively safe technique but the risk of infection recurrence must be explained to the patient.

Intramedullary fixation of failed plated femoral diaphyseal fractures: are bone grafts necessary?

BACKGROUND: Nonunited fracture shaft femur after plate fixation is a common problem in third world countries because of economic reasons. Management of such a problem is still controversial and is associated with many surgical details, due not only to the nonunited fracture itself, but also to the broken implant which is not easy to remove. METHODS: This study is a randomized prospective study presenting 40 patients with aseptic nonunited fracture shaft femur associated with failed plating managed by the removal of hardware, and intramedullary fixation using an interlocking nail with or without autogenous iliac bone graft. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without iliac autogenous bone graft regarding the demographic data, the preoperative condition, and the postoperative course including time needed for bone union and return to work. The statistically significant difference was in the intraoperative blood loss and the duration of surgery with less blood loss and shorter duration of surgery occurring in the group treated by reamed intramedullary nail without iliac bone graft. CONCLUSION: In cases with aseptic nonunited fracture shaft femur after failed plating, intramedullary reamed nailing without autogenous bone graft produced similar results as with bone graft, but with less operating time and blood loss.

Tibio-calcaneal fusion by retrograde intramedullary nailing in charcot neuroarthropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Charcot's neuroarthropathy of ankle leads to instability, destruction of the joint with significant morbidity that may require an amputation. Aim of surgical treatment is to achieve painless stable plantigrade foot through arthrodesis. Achieving surgical arthrodesis in Charcot's neuroarthropathy has a high failure rate. We assess the outcomes of retrograde intramedullary interlocked nailing in tibio-talar arthrodesis for Charcot's neuroarthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 diabetic patients with a mean age of 49 year underwent ankle tibio-talar arthrodesis using retrograde nailing for Charcot's neuroarthropathy. The postoperative complications have been discussed and their management outlined. The outcomes were measured radiologically and clinically. Follow up was done after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: 14 patients (33.3%) achieved uneventful uncomplicated fusion. Thirty three patients had varus deformity. Nine patients had valgus deformity. Using Paired t test, it showed statistically significant improvement in the functional outcomes (AOFAS& EQ-5D-5L) over the follow up time, despite of the mild deterioration of radiological angles in the final follow up visit compared to the postoperative radiological findings. CONCLUSION: Retrograde nailing is one of the best options for tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis in the high-risk Charcot's neuroarthropathy population. It could be done through small incisions with lower soft tissue complications, its load-sharing properties allows a considerable compression across the ankle and talocalcaneal joints with early weight bearing and with satisfactory functional outcomes.

Effect of lengthening along the anatomical axis of the femur and its clinical impact.

AIM: To review and study the effect of lengthening along the anatomical axis of long bones and its relation to the mechanical axis deviation. METHODS: We try in this review to calculate and discuss the exact clinical impact of lengthening along the anatomical axis of the femur on affecting the limb alignment. Also we used a trigonometric formula to predict the change of the femoral distal anatomical mechanical angle (AMA) after lengthening along the anatomical axis. RESULTS: Lengthening along the anatomical axis of the femur by 10% of its original length results in reduction in the distal femoral AMA by 0.57 degrees. There is no objective experimental scientific data to prove that the Mechanical axis is passing via the center of the hip to the center of the knee. There is wide variation in normal anatomical axis for different populations. In deformity correction, surgeons try to reproduce the normal usual bone shape to regain normal function, which is mainly anatomical axis. CONCLUSION: Lengthening of the femur along its anatomical axis results in mild reduction of the distal femoral AMA. This may partially compensate for the expected mechanical axis lateralisation and hence justify its minimal clinical impact.

Recent biological trends in management of fracture non-union.

Bone regeneration is a complex, well-orchestrated physiological process of bone formation, which can be seen during normal fracture healing, and is involved in continuous remodelling throughout adult life. Currently, there is a plethora of different strategies to augment the impaired or "insufficient" bone-regeneration process, including the "gold standard" autologous bone graft, free fibula vascularised graft, allograft implantation, and use of growth factors, osteoconductive scaffolds, osteoprogenitor cells and distraction osteogenesis. Improved "local" strategies in terms of tissue engineering and gene therapy, or even "systemic" enhancement of bone repair, are under intense investigation, in an effort to overcome the limitations of the current methods, to produce bone-graft substitutes with biomechanical properties that are as identical to normal bone as possible, to accelerate the overall regeneration process, or even to address systemic conditions, such as skeletal disorders and osteoporosis. An improved understanding of the molecular and cellular events that occur during bone repair and remodeling has led to the development of biologic agents that can augment the biological microenvironment and enhance bone repair. Orthobiologics, including stem cells, osteoinductive growth factors, osteoconductive matrices, and anabolic agents, are available clinically for accelerating fracture repair and treatment of compromised bone repair situations like delayed unions and nonunions. A lack of standardized outcome measures for comparison of biologic agents in clinical fracture repair trials, frequent off-label use, and a limited understanding of the biological activity of these agents at the bone repair site have limited their efficacy in clinical applications.

Comparison between lengthening over nail and conventional Ilizarov lengthening: a prospective randomized clinical study.

The aim of this study is to compare lengthening over an intramedullary nail to the conventional Ilizarov method with regard to percentage length increase, external fixation index, consolidation index and incidence of complications. This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Thirty-one limbs in 28 patients were included in the study; 15 were lengthened over an intramedullary nail, and 16 limbs were lengthened conventionally. The mean duration of external fixation in the lengthening over nail group was 52.2 days compared to 180.4 days in the conventional group. There was higher incidence of complications in the conventional method group. In comparison with conventional Ilizarov lengthening, lengthening over an intramedullary nail offers a shorter period of external fixation and fewer complications overall, but there is a high incidence of deep intramedullary infection which is serious.

Methods to shorten the duration of an external fixator in the management of tibial infections.

Massive segmental bone loss due to chronic osteomyelitis represents a considerable challenge to orthopedic surgeons and is a limb threatening condition. The only option available in such a clinical situation is segment transport using the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis; yet the most common problem in cases of bone transport with the Ilizarov technique in massive bone loss, is the long duration of the fixator. In addition to autologous bone grafting, several mechanical, biologic, and external physical treatment modalities may be employed to promote bone formation and maturation during segment transport in osteomyelitis patients. Mechanical approaches include compressive loading of the distraction regenerate, increased frequency of small increments of distraction, and compression-distraction. Intramedullary nailing and hemicorticotomy can reduce the time in external fixation; however, these techniques are associated with technical difficulties and complications. Exogenous application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound or pulsed electromagnetic fields may shorten the duration of external fixation. Other promising modalities include diphosphonates, physician-directed use (off-label use) of bone morphogenetic proteins, and local injection of bone marrow aspirate and platelet gel at the osteotomy site. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to establish safe and effective guidelines for various modalities to enhance new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis after segment transfer.

Functional outcome after lengthening with and without deformity correction in polio patients.

Poliomyelitis is one of the causes of limb length discrepancy. The aim of lengthening and deformity correction in such patients is to improve the functional mobility of the patient. This study aims to find out whether or not improvement of limb length inequality with or without deformity correction affects or improves ambulation. This prospective study included 32 skeletally mature patients managed using the Ilizarov technique and external fixation for limb lengthening with or without deformity correction. Functional Mobility Scale scoring was used for assessment of ambulation before lengthening and at the final follow-up. The average duration of follow-up was 2 years and 9 months. Lengthening alone did not change the Functional Mobility Scale score. While lengthening associated with deformity correction improved the mobility scale at 5 m only (in the house), it had no effect on the 50 and 500 m score.

Recurrence after correction of acquired ankle equinus deformity in children using Ilizarov technique.

To describe our Ilizarov technique for the treatment of acquired equinus deformity in children and to determine if compliance with continuous use of an ankle foot orthosis (after removal of the fixator and until skeletal maturity) can influence the severity of recurrence. A cohort of 26 children with post-traumatic or post-burn contractures producing an equinus deformity was followed up for a minimum of 2 years after skeletal maturity. Cases with a bony deformity and/or nerve injury were excluded from this study. All patients were managed by a percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening followed by application of an Ilizarov external fixator. Post-operative treatment was in the form of gradual correction at a rate of 0.5 mm per day. Correction started from the second postoperative day until an over-correction of 15 degrees dorsiflexion was achieved. Ankle range of movement was encouraged 4 weeks prior to removal of the external fixator. On removal of the fixator, a posterior splint was applied until substituted by an ankle foot orthoses (AFO). The AFO was used continuously during the first 2-3 months and at nighttime thereafter until skeletal maturity. Fifteen children were compliant with the use of the AFO until skeletal maturity and 11 non-compliant. We compared the recurrence and the size of deformity between the two groups. The rate of recurrence, degree of equinus at recurrence and number of episodes of external fixation surgery showed statistical significant differences (P < 0.01) between the groups. The Ilizarov technique for treatment of acquired equinus deformity secondary to soft tissue scarring is a safe and effective technique. The use of an AFO until skeletal maturity can decrease the risk and degree of recurrence.

Hemi-corticotomy in the management of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia.

We reviewed 20 cases of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibial diaphysis without shortening or deformity resulting from different causes. Debridement included removal of the anterior half of the tibial cortex with any sequestrum, leaving the posterior cortex intact with its vascular muscle attachments. This was then followed by hemi-corticotomy (hemi-circumferential corticotomy and partial bone fragment transfer) in order to reconstruct the resulting defect. This technique proved effective in 19 out of the 20 patients. Follow-up was by plain radiography and sedimentation rate estimations, with an average follow-up of 34 months after operation. In nine patients, early removal of the fixation frame immediately after segment transfer followed by cast application produced the same outcome as achieved with patients in whom the frame remained in position until the end of the procedure.