Isolated Tear of the Vastus Lateralis Tendon: A Rare Case Managed Conservatively.

Introduction: Isolated ruptures of the vastus lateralis (VL) tendon are exceptionally rare, with few reported cases in the orthopedic literature. This case report sheds light on non-surgical management for partial VL tendon ruptures, providing insight into an alternative treatment pathway that avoids surgical intervention. Case Report: A 27-year-old Caucasian male experienced a partial, isolated rupture of the VL tendon after a minor fall. The injury was confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging at the lateral patellar insertion. The patient displayed no knee instability and was treated conservatively with platelet-poor plasma injections, a hinged knee brace, and targeted physiotherapy. Conclusion: This case illustrates that conservative treatment can be effective for patients with isolated partial VL tendon ruptures, particularly when knee stability is maintained. The patient achieved full activity recovery within 6 months, highlighting the potential of non-surgical options to provide successful outcomes in similar cases. This report enriches our understanding of tendon injury management and emphasizes the clinical viability of conservative strategies, potentially influencing treatment decisions for similar orthopedic injuries.

Giant Lipoma in the Index Finger of a 60-Year-Old Patient: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors found on the head, neck, shoulder, and back, but they are rarely encountered in the fingers, constituting <1% of such tumors. Case Report: This case report presents an exceptional location of a giant lipoma on the proximal phalanx of a 60-year-old Caucasian male's rightindex finger, alongside a literature review that identified 20 similar cases. The patient, with no significant health issues, reported that the growthhad been asymptomatic for 2 years before seeking consultation due to aesthetic concerns and impaired finger extension. Diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, and histopathological analysis after surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of a maturelipoma. Conclusion: This case contributes to the scarce documentation on finger lipomas, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges they present and the effectiveness of surgical removal in averting recurrence. It also highlights the unusual demographic occurrence, given the predominant presentation in middle-aged females, and underscores the necessity of considering lipomas in the differential diagnosis of finger masses. The literature review expands on the rarity of this condition, providing an analysis of 20 other cases, thereby enriching the understanding of lipoma manifestations in rare locations.

Patella Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review.

The management and underlying causes of patellar periprosthetic fractures (PPF) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) constitute an issue of growing importance given the rising frequency of these procedures. Patella periprosthetic fractures, though relatively rare, pose significant challenges and are a frequent indication for revision surgeries. Despite a decrease in overall incidence, PPFs remain the second most common type of periprosthetic fractures after TKA. Several factors have been identified and associated with patient-specific factors, surgical technique errors, and implant-related causes. Currently extensor apparatus integrity, bone stock, and component loosening are the major concerns and indications for the selective treatment approach. In this study, a thorough review of the existing literature was performed summarizing the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, treatment approach, and functional outcome of PPF. This review aims to underline the significance of such predisposing factors, point out the severity of PPF, and offer insights into the optimal intra- and post-operative management of the patella.

Delayed onset of Corynebacterium simulans infection following open reduction and internal fixation of a trimalleolar fracture.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures can lead to significant disability. This case report emphasizes a unique instance of SSI caused by Corynebacterium simulans, following ORIF of a trimalleolar ankle fracture in a 55-year-old female patient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of C. simulans infection after ORIF in the literature. The pathogen was detected after surgical debridement, removal and sonication of the hardware, and identified through matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Specific intravenous antibiotic regimen was administered for a total duration of 4 weeks. During the 12th month follow-up, the patient presented no signs of infection and an excellent clinical outcome. This case report underscores the need for alertness regarding atypical pathogens in postoperative complications and the critical role of precise microbial diagnosis in managing rare orthopaedic infections.

Intraoperative calprotectin lateral flow immunoassay can assist decision-making between one- and two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty for patients with suspected periprosthetic joint infection.

Aims: Accurate diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) presents a significant challenge for hip surgeons. Preoperative diagnosis is not always easy to establish, making the intraoperative decision-making process crucial in deciding between one- and two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Calprotectin is a promising point-of-care novel biomarker that has displayed high accuracy in detecting PJI. We aimed to evaluate the utility of intraoperative calprotectin lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) in THA patients with suspected chronic PJI. Methods: The study included 48 THAs in 48 patients with a clinical suspicion of PJI, but who did not meet European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) PJI criteria preoperatively, out of 105 patients undergoing revision THA at our institution for possible PJI between November 2020 and December 2022. Intraoperatively, synovial fluid calprotectin was measured with LFI. Cases with calprotectin levels ≥ 50 mg/l were considered infected and treated with two-stage revision THA; in negative cases, one-stage revision was performed. At least five tissue cultures were obtained; the implants removed were sent for sonication. Results: Calprotectin was positive (≥ 50 mg/l) in 27 cases; out of these, 25 had positive tissue cultures and/or sonication. Calprotectin was negative in 21 cases. There was one false negative case, which had positive tissue cultures. Calprotectin showed an area under the curve of 0.917, sensitivity of 96.2%, specificity of 90.9%, positive predictive value of 92.6%, negative predictive value of 95.2%, positive likelihood ratio of 10.6, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.04. Overall, 45/48 patients were correctly diagnosed and treated by our algorithm, which included intraoperative calprotectin measurement. This yielded a 93.8% concordance with postoperatively assessed EBJIS criteria. Conclusion: Calprotectin can be a valuable tool in facilitating the intraoperative decision-making process for cases in which chronic PJI is suspected and diagnosis cannot be established preoperatively.

Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injury: European perspective.

Trauma is one of the main causes of death in younger people and ongoing disability worldwide. In Europe, while there is generally good organization of trauma reception and acute treatment, rehabilitation from major musculoskeletal injuries is less well defined and provided. This article documents the diverse approaches to rehabilitation after major injury in 6 European nations. The recognition of need is universal, but achieving a robust rehabilitation strategy is more elusive across the varying health care systems. Switzerland has the most robust service in the insured population. In the other countries, particularly where there is a reliance on public institutes, this provision is at best patchy. In the Netherlands, innovative patient-empowering strategies have gained traction with notable success, and in the United Kingdom, a recent randomized trial also showed this approach to be reproducible and robust. Overall, there is a clear need for learning across the national systems and implementation of a minimum set of standards.

Which patients are at risk for kidney dysfunction after hip fracture surgery?

BACKGROUND: Kidney dysfunction (KD) after hip fracture surgery is a major complication. However, the incidence and risk factors of KD in this population are unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore (1) determined the incidence of KD in a large cohort of fracture patients, (2) identified preoperative risk factors predisposing to KD, and (3) determined the effect of KD on length of stay and subsequent function. METHODS: Between April 2011 and June 2012, 450 patients (263 women) with a mean age of 73 years (range, 67-96 years) underwent surgery for hip fracture in our institution. We calculated incidence and retrospectively reviewed suspected predisposing risk factors. We report followup at 6 months. RESULTS: The overall incidence of KD was 11% (n = 52). Forty-five patients (86%) developed acute KD and seven patients developed acute-on-chronic KD. Three of the 52 patients died during the followup time. Thirty-eight of the 52 patients (73%) regained their prior kidney function after treatment. An increased risk of KD was found in those with diabetes, shock during or after surgery, age, and preexisting KD. Mean length of stay was higher for patients with KD compared to those without: 9.6 versus 7.4, respectively. At 6 months, 39 of the 49 surviving patients (80%) were fully weightbearing. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients at risk for postoperative KD can be identified and treated. Most patients recover from their KD and the majority return to full weightbearing.

Isolated Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Trochanter in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Avulsion fractures of the lesser or greater trochanter or the iliac crest are uncommon injuries in adolescents. The anterior superior iliac spine, ischium, and anterior inferior iliac spine are the most frequently affected sites. We report a rare case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained an avulsion fracture of the lesser trochanter while playing soccer. No malignancy or associated metabolic bone disease was detected. Conservative treatment was suggested, consisting of a non-weight-bearing period and analgesics. Routine follow-up was performed at one, three, and six months after the injury. Radiographs were utilized to confirm fracture healing. Full recovery and return to a pre-injury functional level were observed at six months. Within this timeframe, a thorough literature review is performed.

Screw Fixation as the Primary and Definitive Treatment of an Isolated Uncommon Fracture of the Anterior Margin of the Distal Tibia.

Tibial plafond fractures constitute one of the most challenging fracture types while they are commonly associated with soft tissue damage and severe bone comminution. We present the clinical outcomes of screw fixation as the initial and definitive treatment of an isolated uncommon fracture of the anterior margin of the distal tibia. This is a case of an uncommon type of fracture of the distal tibia. The patient underwent a successful screw fixation and the fracture healed in three months. There was no bone and soft tissue infection. Sixteen months after the injury, an excellent function of the ankle joint was noted. Although fractures of the anterior margin of the distal tibia are uncommon high-energy injuries, uneventful healing with very good functional results can be achieved with screw fixation as the initial and definitive treatment.

Isolated complete rupture of distal biceps femoris tendon following a motor vehicle accident: A case report and review of the literature.

Isolated complete ruptures of the distal biceps femoris tendon are rare injuries. To our knowledge, very few cases have been reported in English literature. We present the case of a young man who complained of pain on the posterolateral corner of the knee after a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination and MRI findings revealed a complete rupture at the musculotendinous junction of distal biceps femoris tendon. We describe the surgical treatment performed, and the clinical outcome.

Biophysical Enhancement in Fracture Healing: A Review of the Literature.

Bone healing constitutes a complex process involving cellular and pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite progress in osteosynthesis techniques, fracture union continues to be challenging. In some cases, it is not ultimately achieved or is delayed relative to the expected time resulting in economic and social outcomes for the patient and the health system. In addition to surgical treatment, biophysical methods have been developed to assist in fracture healing used in combination or individually. Biophysical stimulation is a non-invasive therapy used in orthopedic practice to increase and enhance tissue's reparative and anabolic activities. This study reviewed the existing literature, including electromagnetic fields, ultrasound, laser, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and electrical stimulation, and revealed the efficacy of biophysical stimulation for bone healing. This study aims to define if these methods are helpful, especially in cases of non-union. Biophysical stimulation requires care and precision in use to ensure the success expected of it by physicians and patients.

Complete disruption of vastus intermedius tendon and partial rupture of vastus medialis tendon.

Quadriceps tendon ruptures are common injuries, however isolated ruptures are rare. Particularly, reports for isolated vastus intermedius ruptures are very scarce. We present a case of a 62-years-old male patient who sustained a complete rupture of vastus intermedius tendon with a partial rupture of vastus medialis while rectus femoris tendon was intact, after a fall from standing height. Due to lag in extension, surgical treatment was performed, consisted of an end-to-end Krakow suture technique accompanied with two anchors placed on osseous attachment to the superior pole of the patella. A hinged knee brace locked in full extension was applied for 4 weeks. Gradual range of flexion was suggested after the 3rd postoperative week. Full range of motion was achieved in the 7th postoperative week.

Cervical Spinal Epidural Abscess: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes: A Case Series and a Literature Review.

Although recent diagnostic and management methods have improved the prognosis of cervical epidural abscesses, morbidity and mortality remain significant. The purpose of our study is to define the clinical presentation of cervical spinal epidural abscess, to determine the early clinical outcome of surgical treatment, and to identify the most effective diagnostic and treatment approaches. Additionally, we analyzed studies regarding cervical epidural abscesses and performed a review of the literature. In this study, four patients with spinal epidural abscess were included. There were three men and one woman with a mean age of 53 years. Three patients presented with motor deficits, and one patient was diagnosed incidentally through spinal imaging. All the patients had fever, and blood cultures were positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism cultured from abscesses. All patients underwent a surgical procedure, and three patients recovered their normal neurological functions, but one remained with mild neurological disability that was resolved two years postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 12 months, and no deaths occurred in this series. Furthermore, we identified 85 studies in the literature review and extracted data regarding the diagnosis and management of these patients. The timely detection and effective management of this condition are essential for minimizing its associated morbidity and mortality.

Acetabular erosion after bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The choice between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) to treat displaced femoral neck fractures, particularly among the elderly, is still controversial. Acetabular erosion consists of a late multifactorial process that may happen after hip HA resulting in significant postoperative burden. This study aims to investigate the impact of acetabular erosion progress after hip HA in patients over 70 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 5-year (2013-2018) retrospective study including consecutive series of patients >70 years who were treated with bipolar hip HA for femoral neck fractures. Patients were categorised into 3 groups for analysis (A = 70-75 years, B = 75-80 years, C = >80 years). The study enrolled a total number of 813 patients who met the inclusion criteria. We assessed acetabular erosion through radiological examinations and measured functional deterioration using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Our comprehensive investigation extended over a maximum period of 5 years. The correlation of patients' characteristics and HA features on erosion progress was assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex distribution, injury side, BMI, ASA score, bipolar head diameter, mHHS and leg-length discrepancy among the groups (p > 0.05). During the follow-up period, acetabular erosion with consequential conversion to THA was observed in 6.13%, 4.22% and 1.96% for Groups A, B and C respectively (p = 0.009). A statistically significant difference of acetabular erosion was observed in Group A compared to patients of Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Age constitutes a significant factor of acetabular wear after HA in the elderly. The higher rate of acetabular wear in patients <75 years suggests that THA is a more viable option, as HA is for patients >80 years old.

Cryptococcus neoformans osteomyelitis of the tibia: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Osteomyelitis is a bone inflammation that can be related to various infectious agents. As with any other type of inflammation, the prevailing symptoms and signs may include redness, swelling, pain, and heat. Fungal osteomyelitis is rare and usually found in immune-compromised patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A non-human immunodeficiency virus immunocompromised Greek female patient, 82 years old, visited the emergency department due to a 3 day pain located mainly over the left tibia's anterior surface, accompanied by swelling and redness. There was also a subcutaneous lesion of her left breast. Medical history revealed that the patient had an unmasked close contact with pigeons, a main host of the disease. Initial x-ray imaging showed an osteolytic area in the upper third of the tibial diaphysis. The patient was admitted and underwent a computed tomography-guided biopsy. The specimen revealed a Cryptococcus neoformans infection of the bone and the breast. She was treated with 400 mg fluconazole twice a day for 3 weeks while in hospital and 200 mg twice a day upon discharge for 9 months. After that, she underwent surgical debridement because of lasting local irritation. She was closely monitored in our outpatient office, and in her last visit, 1 year after the initial admission, inflammatory signs had regressed vastly. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the ninth cryptococcal osteomyelitis of the tibia to be recorded since 1974, and the most unusual finding was the bifocal nature of the infection, affecting both the tibia and the breast.

Analysis of kidney dysfunction in orthopaedic patients.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of kidney dysfunction (KD) and to identify potential risk factors contributing to development of KD in orthopaedic population following an elective or emergency surgery. METHODS: A total of 1025 patients were admitted in our institution over a period of one year with various indications. Eight hundred and ninety-three patients (87.1%) had a surgical procedure. There were 42 (52.5%) male and 38 (47.5%) female with a mean age of 72 years (range: 47 to 87 years). We evaluated the following potential risk factors: age, comorbidities, shock, hypotension, heart failure, medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs, opiates), rhabdomyolysis, imaging contrast agents and pre-existing KD. RESULTS: The overall incidence of KD was 8.9%. Sixty-eight patients developed acute renal injury (AKI) and 12 patients developed acute on chronic kidney disease (CKD). In sixty-six (82.5%) patients renal function was reversed to initial preoperative status. Perioperative dehydration (p = 0.002), history of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003), pre-existing KD (p = 0.004), perioperative shock (p = 0.021) and administration of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (p = 0.028) or nephrotoxic antibiotics (p = 0.037) were statistically significantly correlated with the development of postoperative KD and failure to gain the preoperative renal function. CONCLUSION: We conclude that every patient with risk factor for postoperative KD should be under closed evaluation and monitoring.

Does PFNA II avoid lateral cortex impingement for unstable peritrochanteric fractures?

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral nail antirotation devices (PFNAs) are considered biomechanically superior to dynamic hip screws for treating unstable peritrochanteric fractures and reportedly have a lower complication rate. The PFNA II was introduced to eliminate lateral cortex impingement encountered with the PFNA. However, it is unclear whether the new design in fact avoids lateral cortex impingement without compromising stability of fixation and fracture healing. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore asked whether the PFNA II: (1) eliminates the lateral cortex impingement and fracture displacement experienced with PFNA; and (2) provides stable fracture fixation with a low major complication rate for unstable fractures in European patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients with an unstable peritrochanteric fracture, 58 treated with PFNA and 50 with PFNA II. We compared nail positioning, major and minor complication rates, operative and fluoroscopy time, blood transfused, time to mobilization, hospital stay, fracture union, and Harris hip score. The minimum followup was 12 months (mean, 13 months; range, 12-18 months). RESULTS: In the PFNA II group we encountered no impingement on the lateral cortex and no patients with lateral fragment or loss of reduction at insertion, whereas with the PFNA group, we had 10 and five cases, respectively. Fracture union occurred in all patients treated with PFNA II without mechanical failures. PFNA II cases were associated with a slightly shorter surgical time than PFNA cases (23 minutes versus 27 minutes, respectively). CONCLUSION: PFNA II avoided lateral cortex impingement experienced with PFNA, providing fast and stable fixation of the unstable peritrochanteric fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early failure of an uncemented femoral stem, as compared to two other stems with similar design, following primary total hip arthroplasty performed with direct anterior approach.

INTRODUCTION: An increased risk of early femoral component loosening has been reported using the direct anterior approach (DAA) compared with other common surgical approaches. However, long-term data are scarce. The purpose of this study is: (1) to determine the incidence of early femoral loosening in a high volume, single surgeon's practice utilising the DAA approach; and (2) to examine the effect of stem design and type of coating on aseptic loosening in the early and mid-term postoperative period. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1650 consecutive patients (1800 hips) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the DAA between August 2011 and December 2017 was conducted at our institution. 3 types of uncemented femoral stems (Quadra-S, Avenir, TwinSys), with similar design, but different coating, were implanted. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at 4 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 46.4 months, the total incidence of revision for aseptic loosening was 0.44% (n = 8). All loose stems were Quadra-S, failing to achieve osseointegration, for an overall incidence of 0.96% (p = 0.002). None of the other stems were loose. Radiolucent lines around the proximal stem portion were visible in 75 Quadra-S stems (4.1%) on radiographs taken at 1 year postoperatively and continued to deteriorate at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this specific cohort of patients, the increased rate of femoral stem aseptic loosening was implant-related and was attributed only to a specific type of femoral stem (Quadra-S). No relation to other factors was proven suggesting that the surface characteristics of this femoral stem and the lack of bioactive coating are responsible for the observed early femoral failures. These findings should be confirmed by additional registry work and larger population sample sizes are needed to evaluate the prosthesis performance after implantation through the DAA.

Angiogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury: Progress and Treatment.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) provokes the onset of an intricate pathological process. Initial primary injury ruptures local micro-neuro-vascularcomplex triggering the commencement of multi-factorial secondary sequences which exert significant influence on neurological deterioration progress. Stimulating by local ischemia, neovascularization pathways emerge to provide neuroprotection and improve functional recovery. Although angiogenetic processes are prompted, newly formed vascular system is frequently inadequate to distribute sufficient blood supply and improve axonal recovery. Several treatment interventions have been endeavored to achieve the optimal conditions in SCI microenvironment, enhancing angiogenesis and improve functional recovery. In this study we review the revascularization pathogenesis and importance within the secondary processes and condense the proangiogenic influence of several angiogenetic-targeted treatment interventions.

Lateral mass screw complications: analysis of 1662 screws.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive patient series. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the risks and the complications associated with screw fixation devices of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The usefulness of lateral mass internal fixation has been well documented in the clinical setting. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the complications associated with these devices in a degenerative clinical setting. METHODS: From 1999 to 2007, 225 consecutive patients underwent posterior cervical fixation using a screw-plate and polyaxial screw-rod implant systems. There were 105 women and 120 men (age range: 45 to 84 y; mean, 68 y). In all patients, the surgical indication was cervical spondylosis with myelopathy. Mean follow-up interval was 18 months (range: 12 to 72 mo). Screw position was evaluated by computed tomography scanning postoperatively in all patients. Clinical and radiographic outcome was assessed at each visit after surgery. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications include fracture of lateral mass in 27 screws placement and nerve irritation in 3 bicortical screws. Early complications include hematoma formation in 2 cases and C5 root palsy in 5 cases after spinal canal decompression. Late complications include pseudarthrosis in 6 cases and screw pull-out in 3 cases. There were no cases of spinal cord or vertebral artery injury, infections, deaths, or adjacent segment disease. All patients had radiographic union, and no patient developed mechanical implant failure requiring removal of instrumentation. Reoperation was required in 14 (6.2%) cases because of nerve injury, hematoma formation, pseudarthrosis, and screw pull-out. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical findings indicate that lateral mass fixation can be used safely with minimal complications and low rate of morbidity for cervical myelopathy treatment.