Outcome of percutaneous reconstruction of chronic lateral collateral ligament rupture.

PURPOSE: Many techniques have been described for the reconstruction of chronic lateral collateral ligament (LCL) rupture with different autograft options. The advantages of percutaneous LCL reconstruction include small incisions, minimal soft tissue disruption, less postoperative pain, and speedy rehabilitation and recovery. The aim of this study was to report the functional outcome of percutaneous LCL reconstruction and overall patient satisfaction in Africans. METHODS: This prospective and interventional study involving 51 patients with chronic LCL rupture who had percutaneous LCL reconstruction using peroneus longus autograft was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 in National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala-Kano, Nigeria. The inclusion criteria were patients between the ages of 18 and 45 years with chronic isolated LCL and not more than 1 injury of knee ligament. Exclusion criteria were active infection, and multi-ligament knee injury requiring 2-staged surgery. The knee functions were assessed preoperatively, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively using the Lysholm scoring system. Patient satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Relevant information was recorded into Microsoft Excel sheet and data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 for windows. The paired samples t-test was used to compare the clinical outcomes as continuous variables. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was (30.10 ± 5.90) years. The median time from injury to surgery was 7 months (ranging from 3 to 28 months). The mean follow-up period was (14.07 ± 3.13) months. The mean preoperative and 1-year postoperative Lysholm scores were 44.33 ± 12.97 and 97.96 ± 1.23, respectively. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous LCL reconstruction using peroneus longus autograft significantly improves patient knee function and results in excellent patient satisfaction.

Quality of Life Following Hemiarthroplasty in the Elderly.

Background: Fracture neck of femur in the elderly population, are common and often a devastating condition leading to morbidity and sometimes even mortality if not treated or appropriately addressed. The optimal treatment has been a subject of debate. Arthroplasty or surgical fixation gives good outcome among others. Health related quality of life is a useful tool in assessing the outcome of hemiarthroplasty. This study compared the quality of life of elderly patient before and after hemiarthroplasty using EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire as a tool. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study done over 18 months on elderly people with fracture neck of femur who had hemiarthroplasty at the national orthopedic hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria. This study was designed to measure the outcome of hemiarthroplasty using health related quality of life with EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire as a tool. Result: There was a significant change in the quality-of-life indices observed during the pre-operative period and six months after surgery (P<0.05). This significant change was seen using both the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ-VAS. Conclusion: Hemiarthroplasty improves the health-related quality of life among elderly patients with fracture neck of femur. The EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire are a valuable tool in assessing the health related Qol following hemiarthroplasty.