Heterotopic Ossification and Entrapment of the Tibial Nerve Within the Tarsal Tunnel: A Case Report.

Heterotopic ossification has been reported to occur after musculoskeletal trauma (including orthopedic procedures). This has been known to cause nerve entrapment syndromes and persistent pain, limiting joint mobility. We present a case of a 19-year old female collegiate athlete who had previously undergone ankle arthroscopy and arthrotomy to remove 2 ossicles. At approximately 1 year postoperatively, the patient developed pain when planting and pivoting her foot. Imaging revealed a radiodense lesion at the posteromedial ankle consistent with heterotopic ossification and entrapment of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. The patient underwent surgical resection and postoperative indomethacin prophylaxis. At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient remained asymptomatic, without evidence of recurrence of the heterotopic ossification. In our review of the published data, we found no previously reported cases of heterotopic ossification causing entrapment of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. In the present case report, we describe this rare case and the postulated etiologies and pathophysiology of this disease process. In addition, we discuss the clinical signs and symptoms and recommended imaging modalities and treatment.

Evaluation of fever in the immediate postoperative period in patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty.

Forty percent to 50% of patients may experience an immediate postoperative fever. Research suggests that these are of aseptic cause due to inflammatory mediators. This is a retrospective analysis of fevers in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients from 2006 to 2008. Thirty-six percent of THA and 31% of TKA patients developed a fever, with most developing a maximum temperature on postoperative day (POD) 2. The maximum mean temperature between the THA and TKA group was not significantly different. Fevers in the immediate postoperative period are a normal variant in patients undergoing THA or TKA. Urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity, and chest x-ray are not required during this period because most of these fevers stem from aseptic causes.

Cascading Adjacent Level Vertebral Compression Fractures Necessitating a Series of Eleven Kyphoplasties.

Vertebral kyphoplasty is a procedure used for the treatment of compression fractures. While early randomized-controlled trials were equivocal regarding its benefits, more recent RCTs have shown favorable results for kyphoplasty with regard to pain relief, functional recovery, and health-care related quality of life compared to control patients. Risks of kyphoplasty include but are not limited to cement extrusion, infection, hematoma, and vertebral body fracture of adjacent levels. We describe a case of a 66-year-old male attorney who underwent eleven kyphoplasties in an approximately one-year period, the majority of which were for fractures of vertebrae adjacent to those previously treated with kyphoplasty. Information on treatment was gathered from the patient's hospital chart and outpatient office notes. Following the last of the eleven kyphoplasties (two at T8, one each at all vertebrae from T9 to L5), the patient was able to function without pain and return to work. His physiologic thoracic kyphosis of 40 degrees prior to the first procedure was maintained, as were his lung and abdominal volumes. We conclude that kyphoplasty is an appropriate procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and can be used repeatedly to address fractures of levels adjacent to a previous kyphoplasty.