Radiologic study of disc behavior following compression fracture of the thoracolumbar hinge managed by kyphoplasty: A 52-case series.

INTRODUCTION: Kyphoplasty has proved effective for durable correction of traumatic vertebral deformity following Magerl A fracture, but subsequent behavior of the adjacent discs is unclear. The objective of the present study was to analyze evolution according to severity of initial kyphosis and quality of fracture reduction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A single-center prospective study included cases of single compression fracture of the thoracolumbar hinge managed by Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty with polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. Radiology focused on traumatic vertebral kyphosis (VK), disc angulation (DA) and disc height index (DHI) in the adjacent discs. Linear regression assessed the correlation between superior disc height index (SupDHI) and postoperative VK on the one hand and correction gain on the other, using the Student t test for matched pairs and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Fifty-two young patients were included, with mean follow-up of 18.6 months. VK fell from 13.9° preoperatively to 8.2° at last follow-up. DHI found significant superior disc subsidence (P=0.0001) and non-significant inferior disc subsidence (P=0.116). DA showed significantly reduced superior disc lordosis (P=4*10(-5)). SupDHI correlated with VK correction (r=0.32). Preoperative VK did not correlate with radiologic degeneration of the adjacent discs. CONCLUSION: Correction of traumatic vertebral deformity avoids subsidence and loss of mechanical function in the superior adjacent disc. The underlying disc compensates for residual deformity. Balloon kyphoplasty is useful in compression fracture, providing significant reduction of traumatic vertebral deformity while conserving free and healthy adjacent discs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Scarf osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus: a review of 123 cases with 4.8 years follow-up]. / Ostéotomie Scarf dans le traitement de l'hallux valgus: à propos de 123 cas avec un recul moyen de 4,8 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Many different osteotomies can be used for the treatment of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Scarf osteotomy associated or not with phalangeal osteotomy and to search for deformation cutoff points beyond which corrections appear to be difficult to achieve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 87 patients (123 feet) among 130 who underwent hallux valgus surgery between October 1993 and November 2000. Mean follow-up was four years eight months. The serie included 83 women and 4 men. Mean age at surgery was 53.5 years. A Scarf diaphyseal osteotomy was performed in all patients associated or not with phalangeal osteotomy. Each patient was reviewed clinically and radiographically with anteroposterior and lateral views of the foot in the standing position. RESULTS: 84.6% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. There was a correlation between the index of satisfaction and clinical symptoms (metatarsalgia, stiff hallux, pain over exostosis). There was a statistically significant decrease in hallux valgus (31.2 degrees to 17.5 degrees ), of metatarsus varus (12.1 degrees to 7.5 degrees ), and articular angle of the distal metatarsus (13.3 degrees to 11.1 degrees ). Patients who had phalangeal osteotomy achieved the best hallux valgus correction (15 degrees versus 21.4 degrees ). Mean shortening of the first metatarsus was 2.2 mm with a decrease in the metatarsus-ground angle (19 degrees versus 20.1 degrees ). Cutoff limits for deformations which are difficult to correct satisfactorily were M1M2 angle > or = 15 degrees and distal metatarsal articular angle > or = 13 degrees . The overall Groulier score showed 70.7% very good and good results, 27.6% fair results and 1.7% poor results. DISCUSSION: The Scarf technique is a reliable method to achieve significant correction of hallux valgus deformation. It requires a rigorous technique with specific attention to the elevation of the first metatarsus and excessive shortening, two factors favoring metatarsalgia. Adding a phalangeal osteotomy can improve the radiological result, but it is very difficult to obtain satisfactory correction if the initial deformations are severe and associated. Rotation of the plantar fragment helps for better orientation of the articular surface of the first metatarsus but limits the correction of the metatarsus varus. Function is the basic objective of hallux valgus surgery and patient satisfaction is related solely to clinical symptoms.

Failed back surgery syndrome: who has failed?

INTRODUCTION: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) results from a cascade of medical and surgical events that lead to or leave the patient with chronic back and radicular pain. This concept is extremely difficult to understand, both for the patient and for the therapist. The difficulty is related to the connotations of failure and blame directly associated with this term. The perception of the medical situation varies enormously according to the background and medical education of the clinician who manages this type of patient. Eight health system experts (2 pain physicians, 1 orthopaedic spine surgeon, 1 neuro spine surgeon, 1 functional neurosurgeon, 1 physiatrist, 1 psychologist and one health-economic expert) were asked to define and share their specialist point of view concerning the management of postoperative back and radicular pain. Ideally, it could be proposed that the patient would derive optimal benefit from systematic confrontation of these various points of view in order to propose the best treatment option at a given point in time to achieve the best possible care pathway. CONCLUSION: The initial pejorative connotation of FBSS suggesting failure or blame must now be replaced to direct the patient and therapists towards a temporal concept focusing on the future rather than the past. In addition to the redefinition of an optimised care pathway, a consensus based on consultation would allow redefinition and renaming of this syndrome in order to ensure a more positive approach centered on the patient.

Subacromial impingement: influence of coracoacromial arch geometry on shoulder function.

OBJECTIVE: To find correlations between radiological coracoacromial arch geometry and shoulder function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a prospective study of the efficacy of arthroscopic subacromial decompression, we evaluated the function of the treated and contralateral shoulders using Constant's functional score and confronted the results to several radiographic parameters reflecting coracoacromial arch geometry. RESULTS: Constant's score values were low (42 +/- 15) because of pain and a low level of activity. Males had significantly higher scores than females. Constant's score was unaffected (P > 0.05) by patient age, the side, the level of activity, or the duration of symptoms, but was significantly influenced by the orientation of the acromion with respect to the scapular spine and to the vertical scapular axis. The preoperative Constant's score was significantly higher in patients with a more horizontal acromion (P = 0.01). A very tight correlation was found between the preoperative Constant's score and the angle between the acromion and scapular spine (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we defined an open and a closed coracoacromial arch geometry. Coracoacromial arch geometry is correlated with shoulder function syndrome and can assist in the interpretation of rotator cuff impingement.

In-vitro biomechanical study of a dorso-lumbo-sacral posterior supple instrumentation with variable section.

This study is designed to analyse the behavior, in the sagittal plane, of a complete human dorso-lumbar rachis, made rigid by the posterior instrumentation used for the treatment of scoliosis, on subjects suffering from DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). The object of this analysis is to demonstrate the reliability of early surgery made possible by new instrumentation. Close review of the literature shows that the currently used Harrington or Luque instrumentations lead to mechanical complications, especially rod breaking, at the thoraco-lumbar junction. 8 specimens were non-destructively tested in-vitro. Compression and flexion were applied. For each test, rachis movements with and then without instrumentation, and also rod restraints were noted. The results show a linear stiffness multiplied by 8.3 in flexion and 11.6 in extension. The maximum restraint recorded for physiological displacements is 77 MPa. This remains largely under the fatigue-breaking limit of the metal used (stainless steel hammer-hardened 316 L, Young's modulus = 200,000 MPa, Poisson's ratio = 0.21, endurance limit = 350 MPa at 5 x 10(6) cycles). The results of this study encourage us to continue and develop early surgery in children affected by myopathy, with fixation of the complete rachis, including a lumbo-sacral arthrodesis and a supple dorsal part of the mounting, in the sagittal plane.

Compression of the peroneal nerve by a cyst in a seven-year-old child.

Compressions of the peroneal nerve are rare since only some sixty such cases have been described since 1921. The authors report a new observation of compression extrinsic to the peroneal nerve by a synovial cyst, the source of which was the upper fibulo-tibial joint, in a child of seven years. As far as we know, this is the youngest age found in the relevant literature. Because of a swiftly appearing painful swelling, along with complete paralysis of the peroneal nerve, an electromyogram and a nuclear magnetic resonance were performed, with a view to confirming the diagnosis and to clarifying the topography of the cyst. The removal of the latter led to the child being cured with complete recovery of the peroneal nerve within three months.

[A case of traumatic obturator luxation of the hip in a 4-year-old child]. / Un cas de luxation obturatrice traumatique de la hanche chez une enfant de 4 ans.

The authors report a case of antero-inferior traumatic dislocation of the hip, in a four-year old child. They have reviewed the literature. If the isolated dislocation is rarely unknown, its reducing can set a problem and be impossible due to a capsulo-ligamentous interposition. This imposes the open reducing. In this case, the surgical treatment and a sufficient follow-up allow to affirm the total cure, without aftermaths.

[Acetabular reconstruction using bone allograft in the revision of total hip prosthesis]. / Reconstruction cotyloïdienne par allogreffe osseuse dans les révisions de prothèse totale de hanche.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Aseptic loosening of the acetabular component is the most worrying problem after hip arthroplasty. During revision surgery we prefer to rebuild a solid bony acetabulum close to the anatomy in which the implant will be cemented. On the basis of the first 48 acetabular reconstructions using deep-frozen bony allografts, we carried out a review of our results in a pathology which will surely increase in the future. MATERIAL: 48 hips were operated according to this technique. It has been possible to review 38 of them, with an average follow-up of 7.3 years (extremes 5 years, and 9.6 years). The average age of the population at the time of surgery was 63 years. Two etiologies predominated: congenital hip dislocation sequelae and primitive hip arthritis. In 10 cases of massive deterioration, a Muller's ring was used to stabilize the allograft. METHODS: The results were analyzed at 6 months, 2 years, 4 years, and at maximum follow-up, clinically, according to Merle d'Aubigné grading system. Radiologically, Ranawat's criteria were used to assess the re-centering of the reconstructed hips. The development of radiolucent lines and implants migration were also assessed. RESULTS: Clinically, the patients' comfort was always improved by pain relief. Radiologically, average acetabular upward migration of 5 mm and medialisation of 3.5 mm were observed. 24 hips presented radiolucent lines. 19 radiolucent lines were below 2 mm. 5 were greater than 2 mm and leaded to loosening. In 4 of these 5 cases of radiolucent lines, there were acetabular migrations with failure. The radiological image remained stable afterwards. In these cases there was a real loosening, necessitating further surgery. In all cases, partial resorption of the graft was observed. DISCUSSION: Study of our first 38 cases shows that bony allograft and cemented acetabulum, sometimes including an armature, is one possible solution to the problem of difficult acetabular reconstructions. However, with an average follow-up of 7.3 years, we already have 5 (13 per cent) aseptic acetabular loosening, of which one has been operated on. Radiological analysis of these does not question the allograft, but rather imperfect re-centering. Analysis of the good results, 33 (87 per cent) stable acetabulum indicates re-fixing in quasi-anatomical position, in conditions close to those of a first time arthroplasty, with the aid of perfectly stabilized bony transplants, and where contact with the receiver acetabulum is maximal. CONCLUSION: Our follow-up is one of the longest in literature. But with a migration rate already of 13 per cent, it is not yet sufficient for us to be permanently assured about the future of our patients, even if their age is greater and their activity less than those of patients having a first hip arthroplasty.

[Mid-term behavior of the bone fixation in non-cemented Miller-Galante 1 total knee arthroplasty]. / Comportement à moyen terme de la fixation osseuse de prothèses totales de genou de Miller-Galante 1 implantées sans ciment.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This retrospective work was conducted to analyze the quality of the bone-implant interface at mid-term in 45 cases treated with a non-cemented Miller-Galante 1 total knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the protheses reviewed were implanted without cement. A patellar implant was cemented in 31.1 p. 100 of the cases. Female sex predominated in this series (77.5 p. 100) and the mean age at operation was 67 +/- 6 years. Pre- and postoperative assessment was based on the HSS score. Mean follow-up was 8.3 years (range 7-11 years). We used the method advocated by the International Knee Society to analyze lucent lines on tibial and femoral implants. Non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis with a significance level set at 5 p. 100. RESULTS: The mean HSS score rose from 55 +/- 12 preoperatively to 80 +/- 13 postoperatively, with 62.2 p. 100 good or excellent results at last follow-up. One re-operation was required for aseptic loosening. The femoral implant presented a lucent line in 24.4 p. 100 of the cases at the first follow-up examination only. The tibial implant presented an anterior lucent line at the second follow-up examination then a medial line at the last follow-up in 22.2 p. 100 and 26.6 p. 100 of the cases respectively. Presence of a lucent line (tibial or femoral) on at least one view was significantly correlated with activity (p=0.01) and tibial slope (p=0.0087). DISCUSSION: The disappearance of the lucent lines seen on the femoral component at the second follow-up examination was the expression of its secondary integration. Inversely, we observed an evolution in the lines observed on the tibia. This was probably the result of posterolateral impaction and anteromedial ascension micromovements of the tibial component. An excessive tibial slope was statistically related to development of lucent lines. It increased tibial translation on weight bearing and probably induced an abnormal alteration of the polyethylene. We did not observe any case of massive osteolysis of the tibial metaphysis as described in the literature for non-cemented knee arthroplasties. The screws of the Miller-Galante 1 prosthesis do not protrude from the tibial implant (which would risk generating polyethylene debris) and the pieces used (screws and implants) are all made of the same metal. CONCLUSION: The quality of primary fixation of the non-cemented Miller-Galante 1 tibial implant was not totally satisfactory at mid-term. Inversely, simple impaction of the femoral component was sufficient to ensure stable positioning.

[Long-term outcome of Charnley's femoral implant. A review of 309 cases with follow-up of minimum 20 years]. / Comportement à long-terme de l'implant fémoral de Charnley. Revue de 309 dossiers avec un recul minimum de 20 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We evaluated the results of 309 femoral components of total hip arthroplasties performed using Charnley prosthesis and cement, by one surgeon, between January 1972 and December 1975. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observations and measurements were based on standard pelvic X-rays. Survivorship curves were calculated to evaluate femoral component failures at twenty years of follow-up. We compared the effect of different parameters on the femoral implant loosening. RESULT: At 20 years of follow-up, 82 hips were included in the study, 227 were expelled: 109 by death, 52 by revision and 66 by loss for follow-up. Probability for death, at 20 years follow-up, was 40.7 per cent, probability for revision was 33.9 per cent, for femoral loosening was 16 per cent. The rate of aseptic femoral loosening was higher for men, with high activity and varus position of the femoral stem. Statistical analysis showed correlation between calcar resorption and femoral loosening, between polyethylene wear and calcar resorption. No directly significant correlation was established between polyethylene wear and femoral loosening. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study confirms relations between polyethylene wear, calcar resorption and femoral loosening and underlines the influence of mechanical factors on femoral loosening. Femoral stem positioning is very important for femoral loosening. Varus position is clearly unfavourable. According to ours results, the best position is with a slight valgus.

[Erosion of polyethylene cupulae. Radiological study of 123 Charnley total prostheses]. / Usure des cupules en polyéthylène. Etude radiologique sur 123 prothèses totales de Charnley.

The authors have measured the distance between the centre of the femoral component and that of the acetabular component using a ten times magnification radiograph. This technique allows greater precision in the radiological assessment. 123 total hip prostheses were measured after an average follow-up of 131 months. The mean annual wear was 1.1 mm. There was a regular progression throughout the period. These results were comparable with those obtained by other authors. The wear appears to be only half as significant as in prostheses with a 32 mm femoral component (Muller type). The wear was maximal in young male patients. Patients who were overweight did not have any increased incidence of wear.

[Total arthroplasty, using Hardinge's approach, combined with trochanterotomy: comparative results of 200 cases]. / Arthroplastie totale de hanche par voie de Hardinge et par trochantérotomie: résultats comparés sur 200 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: A retrospective study to compare the results obtained in our first 100 total hip prostheses inserted by Hardinge's approach and of the 100 others inserted by trochanterotomy was undertaken. MATERIAL: In the trochanterotomy group the average age was 66 years; average follow-up was 26 months. Using the Merle d'Aubigné score the initial score was 11.8. There were 65 cases of centered hip arthritis. In the Hardinge group the average age was 65 years; average follow-up was 28.3 months. The Merle d'Aubigné initial score was 12.3. There were 78 cases of centered hip arthritis. There were therefore no significant differences between the two groups and the two groups were comparable. METHODS: The quantitative variables (age, duration of operation, blood loss, blood transfusion, follow-up) were compared by Student's test. The qualitative variables (thrombo-embolic complications, dislocations, periarticular ossifications, acetabular radiolucency lines, non-union of the greater trochanter, gluteus medius palsies) were compared by the chi 2 test. RESULTS: We found no significative differences on neither the functional level nor on the orientation of the prostheses nor on the number of infectious complications between these two surgical approaches. Moreover, we found more complications such as thromboembolism and dislocations favoured by non-union of the greater trochanter in patients operated by trochanterotomy. These patients also had greater blood loss. In patients operated by Hardinge's approach, we found gluteus medius palsies (recovering secondarily); we also found a higher frequency of periarticular ossifications and a greater number of partial acetabular lines. DISCUSSION: Non-union of the greater trochanter appears in all the series of total hip arthroplasty by trochanterotomy. No technique permitted to avoid this complication which usually leads to pain and hip instability. This surgical approach is associated with higher blood loss. With Hardinge's approach there is no risk of non-union of the greater trochanter and blood loss is less important. The risk of gluteus medius palsy has to be taken in to account but digital dissection of the muscle fibers seems adequate to diminish the frequency of this complication. There is also a greater number of asymptomatic periarticular ossifications in our study but whose long term consequences are unknown. CONCLUSION: This study leads us to prefer the Hardinge approach for total hip arthroplasty. Our recent experience encourages us even because it permits osteoplastic ridge and total hip resumption. We use the trochanterotomy only for the most difficult cases specially hip arthritis secondary to severe dysplasia or congenital hip dislocations when a lowering effect of the great trochanter should also be associated.

[Acetabular implant in Charnley's total arthroplasty. Review of 309 cases with a minimum of 15 years follow-up]. / L'implant cotyloïdien dans l'arthroplastie totale de Charnley. Revue de 309 dossiers avec un recul minimum de 15 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to appreciate the long term result of 309 acetabular components of total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All were performed using Charnley's prosthesis and cement, by one surgeon, between January 1972 and December 1975. Clinical function was graded according to Postel-Merle-d' Aubigné's scoring system (PMA score). We measured wear of polythylene using a personal method, on anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis. Radiolucent line were appreciated by Delee and Charnley's criteria, migration by Massin's criteria. Survivorship curves were calculated with radiolucent lines, as migration, on 15 years. We compared the effect of different parameters on wear and loosening of the sockets. RESULTS: At 15 years follow-up, we found 51.5 per cent hips with the highest PMA score (18). Revision for socket loosening was 3.88 per cent, the same for dislocations. Concerning 25 per cent of the sockets, wear of polyethylene was evaluated less than 0.065 mm a year, concerning 50 per cent of them, it was evaluated less than 0.11 mm a year, at last concerning 75 per cent of them, it was evaluated less than 0.16 mm a year. No significant correlation was established between the tilt of the acetabular component and the wear of polyethylene. We observed no radiolucent lines for 60 per cent of the implants, nor migration for 83 per cent of them. Statistical analysis proved the influence of the wear on radiolucent lines and migration. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The analysis confirms a moderate wear of polyethylene during 15 years. We introduce an original method for its measurement and its formulation. This method allows a truly description of wear in long term results. This analysis confirms also that several parameters intercede on loosening; these are different if one considers radiolucent lines or migration. We do think at last, that the best positionning of the socket in the A.P. view should approach 35 degrees.

[Compression of the peroneal nerve by a synovial cyst in a 7-year-old child]. / Compression du nerf sciatique poplité externe par un kyste synovial chez un enfant de 7 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Compressions of the peroneal nerve by synovial cysts are rare. Sixty cases have been described since 1921. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It concerns extrinsic compression of the peroneal nerve by a synovial cyst, developed from the upper tibiofibular joint, in a seven years old child. As far as we know, this is the youngest age found in the relevant literature. Because of a swiftly appearing painful swelling, along with complete paralysis of the peroneal nerve, an electromyogram and a magnetic resonance imaging were performed, in view to confirm the diagnosis and to clarify cyst topography. RESULTS: Removal of the cyst led to healing with complete recovery of the peroneal nerve within three months. DISCUSSION: Both intraneural and extraneural cysts exist. Most authors agree that their source is the upper tibiofibular joint. In case of intraneural cysts, complete removal is sometimes impossible. It seems preferable to make a longitudinal incision in the nerve to lay the tumor flat. Indeed, everything possible should be done to find, then ligature, the pedicle which passes by the articular nerve ending of the peroneal nerve in order to avoid recurrence. Extraneural cysts are sometimes intra- or inter-muscular and create a swelling which is often palpable. It is necessary to remove the cyst carefully and to dissociate it from the nerve endings. CONCLUSION: In all cases, recurrence is not infrequent. Longer the delay before intervention is less satisfactory the recovery will be.

[Biomechanical study and digital modeling of traction resistance in posterior thoracic implants]. / Etude biomécanique et modélisation numérique de la résistance à la traction des implants thoraciques postérieurs.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this experimental study was to compare posterior fixation systems using hooks and screws implanted in the thoracic spine. This study was completed by a digital analysis using the finished element method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the experimental study, we used 7 human thoracic spines. Forty-nine groups of 2 vertebrae were individualized. Traction was applied to maximum breaking force measured on an Instron. We used two types of instrumentations, alternating 4 pedicle screws and 2 pedicle-lamina hooks. For the digital study, we used a vertebral model composed of nearly 63 000 nodes and 14 000 elements. Elastic field calculations were carried out with a finished element abacus. RESULTS: The base of the pedicles broke when traction was applied to a pedicle-lamina hook assembly. The medial part of the pedicle broke when traction was applied to a pedicle screw assembly. Maximul break strength for hooks was 1 108 +/- 510 N. It was 820 +/- 418 N for 4 mm diameter screws and 1 395 +/- 435 for 5 mm screws. The most fragile vertebrae were T5-T6 and T7-T8. the screw-instrumented model showed that stress concentrated on the medial aspect of the pedicle, inside the medullary canal. Using a long screw did not reduce the stress force significantly. The hook-instrumented model showed that stress was greatest on the lower part of the pedicle. DISCUSSION: From a mechanical point of view, screw instrumentation is the more appropriate type of fixation. Screw fixation did not however demonstrate its superiority during the traction tests. For 4 mm screws, resistance was 23% weaker than with a hook assembly and for 5 mm screws, it was only 12% stronger. Pullout may be attributed to two principal causes, either fracture of the bony anchoring of the screw system or breakage of the pedicle. Bone thread pullout occurs when the screw threads do not penetrate sufficiently deep into the cortical bone due to the small diameter of the screw shaft. Using a larger diameter screw raises however the problem of damaging the pedicle. Pedicle breakage is seen with stronger stress forces and constitutes the upper limit of maximum break force. This leads us to formulate the hypothesis that in most cases, screw pullout occurs by breakage of the bony threading. Screws are less effective if they are not properly anchored in the pedicles, probably the reason for their relative weakness. Screw diameter should be adapted to the size of each pedicle. This would allow better transmission of stress from the screw to the pedicle. Hooks apply further stress to the vertebrae. The digital study showed that using a long screw crossing through the vertebra does not reduce the stress applied to the pedicles enough to justify its use.

[Measurement of antetorsion of the femoral neck by ultrasonics. Comparison with x-ray computed tomography]. / Mesure de l'antétorsion du col fémoral par échographie. Comparaison avec la tomodensitométrie.

A method of measurement of femoral anteversion using ultrasounds is presented. It is easily reproducible and non-irradiating. It was tested in 100 hips and compared with measurement by tomodensitometry. The results were similar. Both methods were tested in dry bones and the results again were comparable. It is concluded that ultrasound measurements are reliable and without danger and should be used in preference.

[Fractures of the humeral shaft: role of fasciculated nailing using Hackethal's method. Apropos of 129 cases]. / Fractures de la diaphyse humérale: place de l'embrochage fasciculé selon Hackethal. A propos de 129 cas.

This retrospective study was based on 141 diaphyseal fractures of the humerus, treated by Hackethal fasciculated pinning, among 371 fractures followed up during 10 years in our department. There were six preoperative radial paralyses. The mean consolidation delay was 65 days. Six fractures did not unite and there was no sepsis. The only immediate neurological postoperative complication was a regressive cubital paralysis. 72 fractures could be followed-up with a mean of 4 years, to establish a functional result chart. 94.4 per cent of the results were good and very good, 2 shoulder stiffness and only one elbow stiffness. The displaced fractures of the humeral diaphysis on D2 to D5 zones, as well as pathological fractures are good indications for Hackethal fasciculated pinning.

[Protocol for the use of Pavlik harness in the treatment of congenital dislocation and dysplasia of the hip]. / Protocole d'utilisation du harnais de Pavlik dans le traitement de la luxation congénitale et de la dysplasie de hanche.

The authors wanted to establish a protocol of use of Pavlik's harness and check ots efficiency with as few complications as possible for the ambulatory treatment of congenital dislocation and dysplasia of the hip. To achieve this, they studied 41 hips in 37 children. They noted 2 failures of reduction, 2 failures of stabilization, 2 cases of osteochondritis and 1 transitory crural paresis. It should be noted that reduction failed and osteochondritis and crural paresis occurred in one and the same child. The other children, ie. 36 hips, had a quite favorable evolution without any stay in hospital, and reduction and stabilization were permanent. This confirms the merits of Pavlik's harness and the low rate of iatrogenic complications. The authors propose a starting, observation and termination procedure for the treatment. However, it still is difficult to define how long stabilization will take and to specify the indication for the treatment of a possible residual dysplasia.

Kyphopasty and vertebroplasty.

Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty are percutaneous techniques performed under radioscopic control. They were initially developed for tumoral and osteoporotic lesions; indications were later extended to traumatology for the treatment of pure compression fracture. They are an interesting alternative to conventional procedures, which are often very demanding. The benefit of these minimally invasive techniques has been demonstrated in terms of alleviation of pain, functional improvement and reduction in both morbidity and costs for society. The principle of kyphoplasty is to restore vertebral body anatomy gently and progressively by inflating balloons and then reinforcing the anterior column of the vertebra with cement. In vertebroplasty, cement is introduced directly under pressure, without prior balloon inflation. Both techniques can be associated to minimally invasive osteosynthesis in certain indications. In our own practice, we preferably use acrylic cement, for its biomechanical properties and resistance to compression stress. We use calcium phosphate cement in young patients, but only associated to percutaneous osteosynthesis due to the risk of secondary correction loss. The evolution of these techniques depends on improving personnel radioprotection and developing new systems of vertebral expansion.

Evaluation of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Preliminary results of a prospective study on 65 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a prospective, single-center, continuous study of patients operated for fractures urelated to osteoporosis at the thoracolumbar junction level using percutaneous techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous techniques for these indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients who underwent standalone balloon kyphoplasty surgery or combined with percutaneous posterior osteosynthesis in cases of associated distraction. The fractures were classified according to the Magerl classification. The patients were evaluated clinically (visual analog scale [VAS], the Oswestry Disability Index, and autonomy) and radiologically (vertebral kyphosis and height variations of the vertebral body) for 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 45.4 years (range, 19-72 years). The main indications were A.1 fractures of L1. We noted 22% cement leakages, none having a clinical impact. In the overall series, the VAS at the lesional level improved from 5.5 (range, 3-8) preoperatively to 0.6 (range, 1-3) at 12 months. In all, 95% of the workers resumed their occupation. Traumatic kyphosis improved from 13.3° (range, 5-23°) before the surgery to 8.3° (range, 1-20°). DISCUSSION: The complication rate was low. The radiological results are comparable to those reported in the literature for other series with percutaneous surgery. Only the loss of the correction observed in the group undergoing standalone kyphoplasty with calcium phosphate cement led us to propose another type of treatment for these indications. This study must be continued over the long term to detect the appearance of discopathy related to cement leakage and to answer questions as to how cement evolves. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective study with low statistical power.