Evaluation of treatment planning discrepancies: CT versus plain radiographic findings in patients with foot and ankle trauma.

This study aimed to compare the findings of plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) of foot and ankle in patients submitted to the emergency department with high-energy foot and ankle trauma, to demonstrate if missing fractures on plain radiographs will significantly alter the treatment plan considered for each patient based on the findings of each imaging modality. We retrospectively observed standard radiological foot and ankle x-rays and CT scans in patients who presented to our center from April 2019 to June 2020 with a history of foot and ankle trauma with either loss of consciousness, a history of high-energy trauma, or clinical presentation disproportionate to plain radiographic findings. We investigated the number of fractures of each bone detected on plain radiographs and CT scans and the treatments based on each modality's findings in patients admitted to our center. Sixty-five out of 163 (39.87%) included in our study had at least one missed fracture on plain radiography that was detected on CT. Thirty-one (19%) patients had normal radiography despite actually having fractures. In 38 (23.31%) patients CT changed the treatment plan decided by our surgeons (P < 0.001). The two imaging modalities had a moderate agreement for detecting foot and ankle fractures overall (κ = 0.432). The failure to detect fractures in patients with high-energy trauma can significantly impact treatment effectiveness. Integrating CT scans into the diagnostic process can lead to changes in treatment planning and ultimately improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: IV.

Proximal femoral varus osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: Do age and lateral pillar classifications influence short-to-mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral varus osteotomy (FVO) is one of the most used treatment methods with acceptable outcomes for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). We aimed to investigate the influence of age at disease onset and the Lateral Pillar classification on clinical and radiological outcomes of FVO surgery LCPD patients between 6-12years of age. HYPOTHESIS: Proximal FVO surgery in the early fragmentation phase of LCPD patients led to acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes in a 3-year follow-up, regardless of preoperative age and Herring type. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with LCPD (Herring groups B, B/C, and C) who underwent FVO were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated radiological [center-edge angle, extrusion index, epiphyseal index, acetabular index, articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD)] and clinical [hip abduction range of motion (ROM), Trendelenburg sign, pain, and Harris hip score (HHS)] outcomes with a follow-up of 37.3±10.5months (range: 24-180months). Finally, the overall treatment outcome was assessed using the Stulberg classification. RESULTS: The ROC curve analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between age and clinical or radiological outcomes, and there was no predictable age cut-off for surgical outcomes (p=0.13). No significant difference was found in Stulberg classification at the follow-up between patients with type B, B/C, and C of the lateral pillar (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrated that open-wedge proximal FVO surgery in the early fragmentation phase of LCPD patients led to acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes in a 3-year follow-up. Each sample of our study was very small and a lot of variables were measured, making this result not adequately strong enough to draw a robust conclusion. However, FVO surgery remains a possible suggestion for patients in the early fragmentation phase, and age and lateral pillar type may not be limiting factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; therapeutic retrospective cohort.

Bone reconstruction with modified Masquelet technique in open distal femoral fractures: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Large bone defects require complex treatment, multidisciplinary resources, and expert input, with surgical procedures ranging from reconstruction and salvage to amputation. The aim of this study was to provide the results of a case series of open comminuted intra-articular distal femoral fractures with significant bone loss that were managed by early fixation using anatomical plates and a modified Masquelet technique with the addition of surgical propylene mesh. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients referred to our institution with OTA/AO C3 distal femur open fractures and meta-diaphyseal large bone loss between April 2019 and February 2021. We treated the fractures with irrigation and debridement, acute primary screw and plate fixation in the second look operation, and Masquelet method using shell-shaped antibiotic beads supplemented by propylene surgical mesh to keep the cements in place. The second step of the procedure was conducted six to eight weeks later with bone grafting and mesh augmentation to contain bone grafts. Surprisingly, hard callus formation was observed in all patients at the time of the second stage of Masquelet procedure. RESULTS: All five patients' articular and meta-diaphyseal fractures with bone loss healed without major complications. The average union time was 159 days. The mean knee range of motion was 5-95 degrees. The average Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) was 49 out of 80. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of early plate fixation and the modified Masquelet technique with polypropylene mesh is an effective method for managing large bone defects in open intra-articular distal femoral fractures with bone loss, resulting in shorter union time possibly associated with the callus formation process. This technique may also be applicable to the management of other similar fractures specially in low-income and developing areas.

Management of a floating shoulder accompanied by a scapular surgical neck fracture: a case report and review of the literature.

In this article, we want to present a floating shoulder case accompanied by a scapular surgical neck fracture and review the literature about its diagnosis and management. Case Presentation: Our patient was a 40-year-old man who suffered a severe left shoulder injury as a result of a car-to-pedestrian accident. Computed tomography scan revealed a scapular surgical neck and body fracture, a spinal pillar fracture, and a dislocation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The medial-lateral displacement and glenopolar angle were 21.65 mm and 19.8°, respectively. There was a 37° angular displacement and a greater than 100% translational displacement.Initially, the AC joint dislocation was approached via a superior incision on the clavicle and reduced with a single hook plate. A Judet approach was then used to expose the scapula fractures. The scapular surgical neck was fixed with a reconstruction plate. The spinal pillar was stabilized with two reconstruction plates following reduction.Following a year of follow-up, the patient's shoulder range of motion was acceptable, and an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 88 was achieved. Discussion and Conclusion: Floating shoulder management is still controversial. Floating shoulders are often treated surgically due to their consequent instability and potential risk of nonunion and malunion. As shown in this article, the indications for operating on isolated scapula fractures may also apply to floating shoulders. A well-planned approach to fractures is also imperative, and the AC joint should always be a priority.

Transverse pinning of concomitant first and second metatarsal fractures using 1.5mm K-wires; case report and technical note.

Introduction and importance: Here we represented a new technique of closed reduction and transverse pinning to address first metatarsal comminuted fractures in patients with a concomitant second metatarsal shaft fracture. Case presentation: The first metatarsal comminuted fracture coincides with the second metatarsal simple fracture in this forefoot injury case. In a new technique, we used close reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) in a transverse direction of pins to achieve a satisfactory outcome.After performing traditional CRPP to fix the second metatarsal fracture, it served as physical support for the first metatarsal fixation. We drilled two 1.5mm pins through the first metatarsal bone at each proximal and distal side of the fracture site, transversely passed to the second metatarsal bone. Transverse pins came along from the first metatarsal medial side to the lateral. After six-week and 12-month follow-up, the patients had minimal pain with complete radiological and clinical fracture healing and no complication. Clinical discussion: Here, internal fixation was unsuitable due to extensive soft-tissue injury and inadequate bone support. Despite the many advantages of external fixators, they have drawbacks that persuade us to perform our new technique: using K-wires for transverse pinning fixation of the first metatarsal fracture using an adjacent metatarsal as support. This minimally invasive approach is profitable because of its minimal soft tissue damage, affordable price, and convenient access. Conclusion: The transfixation technique with K-wires is rarely used to treat metatarsal fractures. It may be helpful in similar cases of comminuted first metatarsal fracture with satisfactory outcomes.

Open knee dislocation, triple intra-articular fractures and patellar tendon rupture: case report of a knee disaster treated with aggressive irrigation/debridement, early anatomic reduction and internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: Open knee fracture-dislocation is a rare orthopedic injury. However, the importance of its correct management could not be overstated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth study reporting a case with simultaneous Hoffa fracture and knee dislocation and the 1st study describing a patient with open plateau fracture-dislocation accompanied with Hoffa fracture, patella fracture, and patellar tendon tear. In addition, this report is noticeable as our case had no gross ligament injury unlike frequent association of knee dislocation with knee collateral ligament damage. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we describe a 34-year-old motorcyclist referred to our center following a motor car accident. Further work-up revealed an open irreducible posterolateral knee dislocation, type 5 Hohl and Moore plateau fracture, lateral femoral condyle Hoffa's fracture, patellar fracture, and patellar tendon tear of his right knee. During an open reduction, it turned out that an entrapped lateral meniscus prevented the joint to be reduced by closed means. After applying a temporary external fixator, the patient was finally managed with open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSION: Irreducible knee dislocation needs further work up to rule out any interposed soft tissue into the joint. Aggressive irrigation/ debridement, early anatomic reduction, and internal fixation may help reduce open fracture complications including infection, non-union, and stiffness.

Superior sternoclavicular joint dislocation presented with shoulder motion limitation: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Sternoclavicular joint dislocation accounts for 1 percent of the human joint dislocations. Sternoclavicular joint dislocation most commonly occurs in anterior or posterior dislocation. To the best of the authors knowledge, only six cases of superior sternoclavicular joint dislocation are reported in the literature. The injury is commonly missed. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 28-year-old athlete with upper chest pain and right shoulder range of motion limitation. On imaging, it was revealed that he had a superior sternoclavicular dislocation. He was managed with arm sling, analgesics and physiotherapy. After 3 months, he was asymptomatic and returned to his sport activity successfully. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We searched the published related studies and summarized the signs and symptoms of patients presented with sternoclavicular dislocation. Chest pain is one of the most common symptom while sternoclavicular tenderness and restriction of shoulder movement are among the most common signs of sternoclavicular dislocations. Conservative, close reduction, and open reduction and internal fixation with fiber wire have been applied for cases with superior sternoclavicular dislocation with acceptable results. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is needed in order not to miss sternoclavicular dislocation. In cases with no evidence of mediastinal structure compression it may be managed conservatively successfully. However, some degree of cosmetic deformity may remain at the sternoclavicular joint in those treated with conservative therapy.

Intra-articular versus Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause excessive blood loss requiring allogenic transfusions. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been increasingly used for lowering blood loss. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) administrations of TXA in TKA patients who receive aspirin as chemoprophylaxis and uses no drain post-operative. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 49 TKA patients were intravenously given 15 mg/kg dose of TXA, and 49 patients intraarticularly received 15 mg/kg of TXA. Demographic information, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin values of the patients were used for assessing total perioperative blood loss by GOOD & NADLER formulae. RESULTS: There was not any significant difference between the IV TXA and IA TXA groups concerning blood loss (P=0.102). However, the decrease in hemoglobin level at 48 hours post-operation compared to the preoperative level in the IV TXA group was significantly higher than that in the IA TXA group (-2.3 ±0.8 vs. -1.9 ±1.0 g/dL; P=0.038). No blood transfusion was needed, and the deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolization were not observed in either of the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that during TKA, the IA TXA is equally safe and effective as its IV infusion concerning decreased blood loss and adverse effects. The use of TXA during TKA is safe for patients who receive less potent chemoprophylaxis agents such as aspirin.