Horizontal Gaze Palsy, Scoliosis, and Split Pons Sign in a 6-Year-Old Girl.

ABSTRACT: A 6-year-old girl presented with complaints of absent horizontal eye movements since birth. There was also associated progressive scoliosis for past 1 year. Neuroimaging revealed split pons sign, butterfly-shaped medulla, and prominent inferior olivary nuclei. The presence of congenital horizontal gaze palsy, childhood onset progressive scoliosis, and abnormal neuroimaging findings confirmed the diagnosis of horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis. This case highlights the importance of neuroimaging in a child presenting with horizontal gaze palsy and scoliosis that helped for starting early rehabilitation of the child, prevention of permanent vision loss, and parental counseling for future pregnancies.

Cross-cultural validation of Hindi version Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in osteoarthritis knee.

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Hindi version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (H-KOOS) in osteoarthritic knee. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients of osteoarthritis knee (OA) between 40 and 80 years of age were evaluated with H-KOOS, Short form health survey (SF12v2) and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The H-KOOS was re-evaluated after 48 h in 125 patients to assess the test-retest reliability. For responsiveness, 40 patients were treated with the intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection, and the effect was assessed after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Most of the domains in H-KOOS did not show a ceiling effect. The floor values were observed in 3.75% of patients in sports/recreation function and 2.75% of patients in Quality of life (QoL). The test-retest reliability was excellent with the Intraclass-Correlation-Coefficient (ICC) ranging from 0.89 to 0.94. Internal consistency as assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was acceptable for pain, activities of daily living (ADL) and sport/recreation function (range 0.86-0.93); however, symptoms and QoL had weak internal consistency. There were moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.35 to 0.6) between domains measuring similar constructs in H-KOOS, SF12v2 and WHOQOL-BREF indicating good convergent construct validity. The responsiveness as measured by the effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) was large for pain (ES 0.9, SRM 0.8), moderate for Sport/Rec (ES 0.66, SRM 0.2) and small for ADL, QoL and Symptoms subscales. CONCLUSION: The Hindi version KOOS is a valid, reliable and responsive measure to evaluate osteoarthritis knee with minimal ceiling and floor effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, level II.

Results of the modified reverse step-cut osteotomy in paediatric cubitus varus.

PURPOSE: Cubitus varus deformity occurs in children as a late consequence of supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus. Different types of corrective osteotomies have been described, but a gold standard has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to report the clinical, radiological, and cosmetic outcome of the modified reverse step-cut osteotomy technique. METHODS: This study was conducted on 15 cases, which were operated during the period between July 2015 and June 2016. We used the technique modified reverse step-cut osteotomy with the calculated medial translation of the distal fragment to correct varus and sagittal plane deformity and to achieve anatomical alignment of the forearm axis with the axis of the humerus. Follow-up was done for two years. Pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radiological parameters were compared, and patient satisfaction was assessed. RESULTS: The mean pre-operative humerus-elbow-wrist (HEW) angle was - 22.4°; it improved to + 9.4° post-operatively. The pre-operative mean range of motion was 131.6°, and the post-operative mean was 132°. The clinico-radiological outcome was assessed according to Oppenheim criteria. There was an excellent result in nine patients (60%), a good result in five patients (33.3%), and poor results in one patient (6.6%). Cosmetic outcome was assessed as per Barrett's criteria, excellent result in thirteen patients (86.6%) and poor results in two patients (13.3%). Post-operative lateral condylar prominence index (LCPI) was compared with the normal side, and there was no significant difference. CONCLUSION: We have achieved satisfactory results with acceptable cosmetic appearance and functional outcomes with minimal complications. We recommend this technique as a safe, reliable, reproducible, technically easy procedure for correction of cubitus varus deformity.

Distal femoral physeal crush injury with metaphyseal comminution - A report of two cases and a new perspective to physeal injury.

The physis of a long bone may get 'sandwiched' and crushed between the metaphysis and the epiphysis if it is traumatically loaded along its long axis. Such a physeal injury may lead to complications like angular deformities and growth restrictions and hence, management of such injuries requires adequate planning and attentive execution. Two patients with distal femoral physeal crush injury were treated using a ring fixator such that one ring had the wires passing through the epiphysis and the other through the femoral shaft. On table image intensifier controlled distraction of the crushed physis was done to bring the height of the physis similar to that of the opposite limb. Patients were followed up for more than two years clinically and radiologically. There was no clinical or radiological angular deformity of the operated limbs. MRI scans showed intact physes with no physeal bar formation in either of the two patients. The distraction obtained by the ring fixator appears to have provided ample 'breathing space' to the compressed physis and that the growth potential may have been re-gained by the procedure. However, two years is a relatively short duration of follow-up and further follow-up of longer duration and in greater number of patients is needed to gauge the actual effectiveness of the technique used by us.

Elbow dislocation with ipsilateral diaphyseal forearm bone fracture: A rare injury report with literature review.

Dislocation of the elbow along with shaft fractures of both bones of the ipsilateral forearm is a rare injury though elbow dislocation or fracture of the forearm bones may occur separately. Such injuries need a concentric reduction of the dislocation and an anatomical fixation of forearm bones for optimal functional outcomes. We report a case of elbow dislocation with fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus along with fractures of shafts of the radius and ulna in a 44-year-old female. Closed reduction of the elbow and operative stabilization of all fractures were done with good clinical, radiological and functional outcomes in 2 years follow-up period. A significant degree of force is needed to produce a combined dislocation of a joint and fracture of bones around that joint and these complex injuries may be missed if the clinician is not aware of the possibility of such injuries. The fact that the previously reported cases had a posterolateral dislocation while our case had a posteromedial dislocation and a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle as well makes it unique in its presentation and worth reporting. We have also included an up to date literature review on this topic.

Proximal tibial and fibular physeal fracture causing popliteal artery injury and peroneal nerve injury: A case report and review of literature.

Either proximal tibial or tibial physeal injuries are rare. The combination of both is even rarer, let alone causes a vascular injury. Early intervention is the key for management. We hereby present an interesting case of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury with popliteal arterial occlusion and common peroneal nerve injury. The present case is important in two aspects: firstly it reports a very rare occurrence of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury associated with vascular insult and common peroneal nerve injury; secondly it highlights that with timely intervention excellent results can be achieved in paediatric patients.

Paediatric bilateral 'floating elbow'.

A child sustained an ipsilateral supracondylar humerus (SCH) and distal both-bone forearm fractures bilaterally, in addition to facial injuries, following a fall from height. He was managed surgically by closed reduction and pinning for both SCH and distal end radius fractures bilaterally. At the final follow-up, all the fractures had united uneventfully, and he had no functional limitations or cosmetic concerns. We conclude that a floating elbow in the paediatric population is an uncommon injury, and the bilateral scenario is even rarer. One should be vigilant for compartment syndrome; early surgical fixation may give better results.

Does the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist Need Modification for Orthopaedic Surgery Practices? A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Indian Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Background: It is well known that the implementation of the WHO surgical safety checklist (SSC) leads to improved operating room team coordination and reduced perioperative complication and mortality rates. Although it is proven to be beneficial worldwide, its awareness and usage need to be evaluated in a diverse country like India. As orthopaedic surgeries involve implants and tourniquet usage, it is important to evaluate the applicability of WHO SSC specifically to orthopaedic surgeries, and whether any modifications are needed. Materials and Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among Indian Orthopaedic Surgeons with a pre-defined questionnaire regarding awareness, usage and suggestions to modify the existing WHO SSC (2009) for orthopaedic surgeries. Results: 513 responses were included for final analysis. 90.3% of surgeons were aware of the surgical safety checklist; however, only 55.8% used it routinely in their practice. The awareness of SSC availability was 1.85 times more among younger surgeons (< 20 years of experience) than among those with > 20 years of experience. 17% of surgeons thought the usage of SSC was time-consuming and 52.4% of participants felt a need to modify the existing WHO SSC (2009) for orthopaedic surgeries. 34.5% recommended the inclusion of the patient blood group in the "Sign-in" section, 62.77% proposed the inclusion of details about the tourniquet, whereas only 6.63% suggested adding about surgical implant readiness in the "Time-out" section and 72.7% suggested including a check to make sure the tourniquet was deflated, removed and also recording of the total usage time during the "Sign-out" section. Conclusion: Despite high (90%) awareness among Indian Orthopaedic surgeons, they have limited usage of the WHO SSC in their practice. Identifying barriers and considering modifications for orthopaedic surgeries, like details about tourniquet usage during the "Time-out" section and a check to ensure it was removed during the "Sign-out" section, will improve patient safety and outcomes. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-024-01096-5.

Medial versus anterior approach for open reduction of hip in children with DDH under two years - A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Purpose: Open reduction (OR) is usually required in developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) for children below 24 months of age, those who failed to achieve a satisfactory reduction by the closed method. OR in this age group can be performed either through a medial or anterior approach. However, there is a paucity of literature and a lack of more substantial evidence regarding which approach (medial versus anterior) is superior for performing OR in this age group with minimal complications. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched for relevant articles reporting outcomes and complication rates of DDH children less than 24 months undergone OR either through medial or anterior approach using pre-defined keywords. Data on avascular necrosis (AVN) rates, further corrective surgery (FCS) rates, and clinical and radiological grading using McKay clinical criteria and Severin radiological criteria were assessed. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan (Review Manager 5.4) software. Results: Five comparative studies, having a minimum of two-year follow-up, were included for final analysis. According to the MINORS tool assessment, all five studies were of good to high quality. Of 257 hips, 151 and 106 underwent OR through medial and anterior approaches, respectively. Our meta-analysis showed a statistically significant (p = 0.01) number of AVN cases with the anterior approach compared to the medial approach. The overall random effect showed the odds of having AVN with an anterior approach to be 2.27 (95% CI: 1.18,4.38) times more than the same with a medial approach. Regarding FCS rates, the meta-analysis depicted no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.63). The two groups had no statistically significant difference regarding clinical and radiological outcomes using McKay and Severin criteria, respectively. Following surgery, improvement in the acetabular index from pre-operative value showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.48). Conclusions: Medial approach is safe and effective for OR of the hip in DDH up to 24 months of age. Our analysis showed that AVN rates are lower with a medial approach than the anterior approach, with similar clinical and radiological outcomes and rates of FCS. However, one should consider the surgeon's expertise while choosing between these approaches.

Quadriceps tendon autograft is promising with lower graft rupture rates and better functional Lysholm scores than hamstring tendon autograft in pediatric ACL reconstruction. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Graft rupture is the most prevalent complication following pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is frequently employed, while the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has garnered increased attention recently. This study aims to perform a systematic review to assess the complication rates and functional outcomes associated with these two widely used autografts in skeletally immature patients - comparing HT versus QT autografts. Research question: Is QT autograft better than HT autograft for ACLR in skeletally immature cohorts? Methodology: Three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Ovid) were comprehensively searched to identify pertinent articles reporting the outcomes of HT and QT autografts in pediatric ACLR with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Data on the outcome parameters, such as graft rupture rates, contralateral ACL injury rates, functional outcomes, and growth disturbances rates, were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using OpenMeta Analyst software. Results: Twelve studies were included for meta-analysis (pooled analysis) with 659 patients (QT: 205; HT: 454). The analysis showed that QT autografts had a significantly lesser graft rupture rate than HT autografts (3.5 % [95 % CI 0.2, 6.8] and 12.4 % [95 % CI 6.1, 18.7] respectively, p < 0.001). The graft rupture rates between QT with bone and without bone block showed no statistically significant difference (4.6 % [95 % CI 0.8, 1.0] and 3.5 % [95 % CI 2.0, 8.9] respectively, p = 0.181). The overall contralateral ACL injury rate was 10.2 %, and the subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the QT and HT groups (p = 0.7). Regarding functional outcome scores at the final follow-up, the mean Lysholm score demonstrated a significant increase in the QT group compared to the HT group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning growth disturbances at the final follow-up. Return to sports (RTS) varied between 6 and 13.5 months after surgery. Conclusion: QT autografts demonstrate encouraging outcomes, showcasing lower graft rupture rates, better functional outcomes, and comparable contralateral ACL injury rates and growth disturbances relative to the commonly used HT autograft in skeletally immature patients undergoing ACLR.

Surgical technique: Simple technique for removing a locking recon plate with damaged screw heads.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of locking plates in the treatment of periarticular fractures was a major breakthrough in orthopaedic evolution. Removal of these implants is extremely difficult as a result of cold welding and stripping of screw heads. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: A 31-year-old man had a schwannoma of the left C5-C6 nerve roots and upper trunk of the brachial plexus. One year before presentation he had undergone excision of the lesion through an approach using a clavicular osteotomy. The osteotomy had been fixed with a titanium locking recon plate. While surgically removing the implant, only one screw could be removed. The remaining five screws could not be turned owing to cold welding; repeated attempts at removing the screws damaged the screw heads. A large bolt cutter was used to cut the plate between the holes, and the resulting rectangular sections with the screws then were unscrewed from the bone. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Limited literature is available regarding techniques for locking screw removal. These include using a carbide drill bit or diamond-tipped burr, high-speed disc, or conical extraction screw. CONCLUSIONS: Not all centers have specialized instruments such as carbide drill bits to remove screw heads, but a large bolt cutter usually is available when screws cannot be unscrewed owing to cold welding. The technique of cutting is easily reproducible and does not require additional soft tissue stripping.

T-condylar fracture delayed for 10 days in a 5-year-old boy: a case report and review of the literature.

T-condylar fracture is rare in paediatric age group, especially in skeletally immature children less than 9 years old, with very few cases reported in available literature. We present such a case in a 5 year old child that was initially managed as a supracondylar fracture at another centre before referral to us, 10 days after the injury. The child was diagnosed as having a displaced T-condylar fracture on plain radiograph. Open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires was performed. At 2 years follow-up, the child had good range of motion at elbow with 5°of cubitus varus. With this background we discuss the pertinent principles of management of T-condylar fractures in skele-tally immature children.

Traumatic L5 over S1 spondyloptosis without neurological involvement managed nonoperatively: a case report.

High-grade spondylolisthesis is very rare. We came across a case of high-grade spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level in a 32-year-old manual labourer who was hit by a heavy object on his flexed back. The patient presented to us with persistent deformity in the back. He complained of back pain on prolonged standing and after moderate work. Because of that he was unable to return to his work. On clinical examination there was a large step in the lower lumbar region. Detailed neurological evaluation of the lower limbs did not reveal any sensory or motor deficit, neither did bowel or bladder involvement. Radiographic examination showed L5 over S1 traumatic spondyloptosis. CT scan revealed that neural canal was in normal width. MRI confirmed spondyloptosis of L5 over S1 without any compromise of the spinal canal and with normal-looking cauda. Concerning the delayed presentation and no neurological deficit, the patient was managed conservatively after thorough counsel. At 6 months, the patient returned to his work and at the latest follow-up (15 months) he was free from back pain. Conservative means of treatment can lead to satisfactory outcome, especially when the patient has delayed presentation.

Management of neglected cervical spine dislocation: a study of six cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case series of six neglected cervical spine dislocations without neurological deficit, which were managed operatively. METHODS: The study was conducted from August 2010 to December 2011 and cases were selected from the out-patient department of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. The patients were in the age group of 30 to 50 years. All patients were operated via both anterior and posterior approaches. RESULTS: During the immediate postoperative period, five (83.33%) patients had normal neurological status. One (16.67%) patient who had C5-C6 subluxation developed neurological deficit with sensory loss below C6 level and motor power of 2/5 in the lower limb and 3/5 in the upper limb below C6 level. CONCLUSION: There is no role of skull traction in neglected distractive flexion injuries to cervical spine delayed for more than 3 weeks. Posterior followed by anterior approach saves much time. If both approaches are to be done in the same sitting, there is no need for instrumentation posteriorly. But if staged procedure is planed, posterior stabilization is recommended, as there is a risk of deterioration in neurological status.

Iatrogenic aortic pseudoaneurysm following anterior thoracic spine surgery masquerading as chronic infection.

Late vascular complications involving aorta are rare but devastating adversities following anterior thoracic spine operations are present. The current article describes our experience with one such patient who had an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta, mimicking infection. The patient was treated successfully following concomitant efforts by multidisciplinary experts with shunting. We wish to highlight upon the significance of recognizing the possible sinister consequences of a dangerously prominent spinal implant and the role of a suspicious surgeon in identifying these menacing complications at the right time.

Predictors of early outcome in unstable pelvic fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To define the preoperative and intraoperative variables which may affect the immediate postoperative outcome in surgically managed patients with unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS: This study was performed prospectively from January 2009 to June 2011 on 36 consecutive patients admitted to the trauma ward of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, with unstable pelvic injuries. RESULTS: In the present study of 36 patients, 29 were managed surgically. Surgical duration was 2 hours in patients operated on within 1 week and 3.4 hours in those operated on after 1 week. The blood loss was 550 ml when surgery was done after a week, but when done within a week it was 350 ml. The average blood loss through Pfanenstial approach was 360 ml, through posterior approach was 408 ml and through combined approach was 660 ml which was significantly high. CONCLUSION: Anterior approach to the pelvis would cause significantly more amount of blood loss than posterior approach and external fixation. Surgical approaches do not have any influence on the surgical duration or the infection rate. The blood loss significantly increases when the surgical time is more than 1 h. The infection rate is not influenced by the duration of surgery. Presence or absence of associated injuries to the head, chest or abdomen is the main determinants of patient's survival and it greatly influences the duration of hospital stay.