Proximal femur fracture: Direct medical costs of hospital treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femur fractures are one of the most common injuries in older adults representing a serious health condition in developed as well as developing countries. AIM: This study aimed to assess the hospitalization costs of the proximal femur fracture. METHODS: We conducted a prospective descriptive study spread over six months about patients hospitalized and operated on for proximal femur fractures. In order to estimate the cost we referred to the nomenclature of professional acts and the prices set by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Finance. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients, 55 females and 45 males with an average age of 76 years. The average hospital length of stay was 5 days. The preoperative stay was at a mean of three days. The average total hospitalization cost for these fractures was 2877 Tunisian Dinars depending on the type of fracture and surgical treatment. The main components of the costs were hospital stay costs and human resources costs 40%, cost of the implant 25.9%, cost of consumables 12%, operating cost 10%, cost of additional examinations 9% and cost of medications 2%. CONCLUSION: Proximal femur fractures represent an important cause of health resource consumption. To reduce the cost of hospital care, we recommend limiting the length of hospital stay as much as possible, investing in total hip and hemi-arthroplasties and adapting economical behavior taking into account the cost of consumables.

Update on post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures.

Aims: Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but serious. Few studies carried out on small cohorts have reported them in the literature. The aim of this work is to describe the specific characteristics of post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures, and the outcome of their surgical treatment in terms of function and complications. Methods: Patients with this type of fracture were identified retrospectively over a period of six years (January 2016 to December 2021). The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, date of insertion of the prosthesis, details of the intervention, date of the trauma, characteristics of the fracture, and type of treatment. Functional results were assessed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Data concerning complications of treatment were collected. Results: Our series included 20 patients, with a mean age of 77 years (46 to 90). All the patients had at least one comorbid condition. Radiographs showed that 75% of the fractures were pure transverse fractures, and a transverse component was present in 90% of patients. All our patients underwent surgical treatment: open reduction and internal fixation, revision of the acetabular component, or both. Mean follow-up was 24 months, and HHS at last follow-up was 75.5 (42 to 95). The principal complications observed were dislocations of the prosthesis (30%) and infections (20%). A need for revision surgery was noted in 30% of patients. No dislocation occurred in patients undergoing osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction. We did not note either mechanical loosening of the acetabular component nor thromboembolic complications. In all, 30% of patients presented acute anemia requiring transfusion, and one death was reported. Conclusion: Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures frequently have a transverse component that can destabilize the acetabular implant. The frequency of complications, principally dislocations, led to a high rate of revision surgery. Improvements in preoperative planning should make it possible to codify management to reduce this high rate of complications. The best results were obtained when the surgical strategy combined osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction.

Computer Navigation-Assisted Resection of Heterotopic Ossification Around the Hip: A Technical Note.

Heterotopic ossification is a rare but debilitating situation. It occurs in patients who have undergone paralysis and/or immobilization. Hip osteoma is one of the most frequent locations and is associated with a significant functional handicap. Its treatment is based on surgical resection, which is a risky surgery that is not devoid of complications such as infections, hematoma, and recurrence. We describe in this paper a new surgical technique that adds to the classic hip osteoma resection: guidance with a navigation system coupled to a 3D imaging tool. We performed this technique on two patients (three hips, one bilateral case). We think that this technique makes the surgery safer with fewer complications.

The Saint-Joseph Acetabular score: a reproducible and accurate prediction of the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: Acetabular fractures are associated to an increased risk of subsequent hip osteoarthritis. The only available score for post-operative reduction assessment in acetabular fractures (Matta's score) is x-ray based. CT-scan was shown superior to X-rays in post-operative reduction assessment. We aim to describe a CT-scan-based post-operative reduction score in acetabular fractures and evaluate its accuracy and reproducibility. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that includes 138 patients who underwent surgery for an acetabular fracture in our tertiary referral centre with a mean follow-up of 104.39±42.2 months. The post-operative CT-scan was reviewed and residual displacement (maximum gap and step) measured by three independent observers. The association between the occurrence of THA and the CT-scan measurements was evaluated. This led to a new prognostic score. The interobserver reliability and accuracy of this score were calculated. RESULTS: Interobserver reproducibility for the residual maximal gap was 0.82 (95% CI [0.70-0.89]) and 0.61 (95% CI [0.52-0.70]) for the residual maximal step displacement measurements. We created a score from a logistic regression model, attributing 1 point for every 1 mm of residual maximal step displacement and 1 point for every 2 mm of residual maximal gap displacement. The interobserver reproducibility of this score was 0.78 (95% CI [0.71-0.84]), and its AUC was 0.79 (95% CI [0.69-0.88]). CONCLUSION: This is the first CT-scan-based score for the assessment of residual displacement of a surgically treated acetabular fracture. It shows good interobserver reproducibility and accuracy in predicting the risk for secondary THA. It should be regularly used per-operatively (if per-operative 3D imaging is available) and post-operatively to predict the prognosis.

Anterior approach to the sacroiliac joint for pelvic ring fractures: Technical note.

Displaced pelvic fractures, combining an anterior lesion and sacroiliac disruption, most often require multiple surgical approaches. The technique we describe here allows these lesions to be treated by a single approach. It combines a Stoppa approach to address the anterior lesion and a pararectus approach to the sacroiliac joint through the same incision under the rectus abdominis muscle. This pararectus approach is done by passing laterally to the external and common iliac vessels. The entire anterior surface of the sacroiliac joint is exposed by the same passage through the abdominal wall. No neurological or vascular complications occurred in a 7-patient case series. Reduction was achieved in all cases. This approach is an interesting alternative to traditional approaches and enriches the surgeon's therapeutic arsenal for managing these complex fractures.

Acute traumatic quadrilateral space syndrome following scapula fracture.

The acute tunnel syndrome of the quadrilateral space of Velpeau is a very rare entity in which the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex artery experience brutal compression in shoulder injuries. We report the case of a burst fracture of the right scapula with great displacement of the lateral border occasioning a total isolated paralysis of the right axillary nerve by axillary nerve compression. The lateral scapula border fracture was reduced and stabilized with neurolysis of the axillary nerve through a posterior approach. The recovery of the axillary nerve occurred in ten weeks. Our case is original, not only because of the rarity of isolated axillary nerve injury follwing scapula fractures without shoulder dislocation, but also because the compression of the axillary nerve by bone impingement could be undiagnosed and comprise prognosis.

A New, Easy, Fast, and Reliable Method to Correctly Classify Acetabular Fractures According to the Letournel System.

BACKGROUND: Accurate classification of acetabular fractures remains difficult. To aid in the classification of acetabular fractures and to aid in teaching, our department developed a diagnostic algorithm that involves the use of 1 standardized 3-dimensional reconstruction of a computed tomography (CT) scan (an exopelvic view without the femoral head) with 8 anatomical landmarks. The algorithm was integrated into a smartphone application (app). The main objective of this study was to test the efficacy of this algorithm and smartphone app. METHODS: Fourteen reviewers (3 experts, 3 fellows, 3 residents, and 5 novice reviewers) evaluated a set of 35 CT scans of acetabular fractures in 2 phases. During the first phase, the scans (including axial 2-dimensional views and 3-dimensional (3D) multiplanar reconstruction views) were assessed by each reviewer twice, with an interval of 4 weeks between the readings to decrease recall bias. During that phase, the reviewers were provided with a diagram of the Letournel classification system with no guidelines for interpretation. During the second phase, performed 4 weeks after the first phase, 1 standardized 3D reconstruction (an exopelvic view without the femoral head) was reviewed twice, with an interval of 4 weeks between the readings. During that phase, the reviewers used the smartphone app. The primary outcome was the accuracy of classification. Interobserver reliability, reading time, and time needed for accurate classification were noted. RESULTS: The accuracy of fracture classification was 64.5% when the standard method of analysis was used and 83.4% when the app was used (p < 0.001). Improvement was noted in all groups, with the expert group showing the least improvement (88.6% to 97.2%, p = 0.04) and the novice group showing the most improvement (42.0% to 75.5%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, use of the app greatly increased the accuracy of classification of complex fractures. The average reading time was 71.8 minutes when the standard method was used and 37.4 minutes when the app was used. The interobserver reliability improved in all groups to an excellent reliability (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The Letournel classification system is difficult to understand and to learn but remains the only system guiding the surgical strategy for acetabular fractures. The impact of diagnostic algorithms is debatable. The most important finding of the present study is the high accuracy for inexperienced groups when the app was used. Another important finding is the high reliability of this method for the diagnosis of complex acetabular fractures.

Standardized three dimensional computerised tomography scanner reconstructions increase the accuracy of acetabular fracture classification.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the role of four standardized 3D reconstruction views in the accurate diagnosis of acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five acetabular fracture cases were selected from a tertiary centre database. Fourteen reviewers with different experience level evaluated this set of images which were provided in axial 2D views and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) without 3D views in the first two readings then the standardized 3D views were added for the subsequent two readings. The primary outcome was the accuracy of diagnosis while inter-observer reliability and reading time as well as time needed for accurate diagnosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Accuracy of classification was 56.7% using the 2D and 73% using the described 3D (p < 0.001). Improvement was noted in all groups even though the expert group showed the least improvement (6.7% (p = 0.04)) and the least experience group showed the most improvement (35.7% (p < 0.001)). Average time of interpretation was 96 minutes for the 2D sets and 47 minutes for the 3D sets. Finally, the adding of the four standardized views increased the inter-observer reliability in all groups compared to the standard 2D sets with MPR. CONCLUSION: Acetabular fracture diagnosis according to Letournel classification is difficult and depends greatly on the experience of the reader. The described set of 3D images yields better accuracy and renders the diagnosis more repeatable and faster. We recommend the use of these images in classifying acetabular fractures.

Unusual circumstances to diagnose cervical Pott's disease.

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis usually affects the dorso-lumbar spine, and its cervical location is a rare condition that can mimic other diseases and consequently cause treatment delays. We report a case of tuberculous spondylodiscitis of the lower cervical spine discovered under unusual circumstances in a patient with severe polytrauma involving a cranio-cerebral trauma, a non-displaced fracture of the two laminæ and the spinous process of the C6 vertebrae as well as fibular and tibial shaft fractures. The patient underwent static tibial nailing, and a collar with occipital and chin supports was applied. At 2-month follow-up, the patient presented with severe neck pain without neurologic deficits. Plain and dynamic cervical radiographs showed a stable C6-C7 subluxation and C7 superior endplate collapse. The CT scan also outlined prevertebral soft tissue swelling. The MRI showed a C6-C7 spondylodiscitis associated with a prevertebral abscess with am 8-cm major axis. The diagnosis of C6-C7 Pott's disease was confirmed by a CT-guided biopsy. The patient received 12 months of antituberculous chemotherapy, after which the paravertebral abscess completely disappeared, and the patient has had no functional sequelae. The diagnosis of cervical spine tuberculosis is difficult and requires a high level of attention. Delays in establishing the diagnosis and starting the appropriate treatment result in severe complications such as spinal cord compression and spinal deformity, which are difficult to manage.

An uncommon variant of the Essex-Lopresti injury.

The Essex-Lopresti injury is an extremely rare condition combining radial head or neck fracture, distal radio-ulnar joint dislocation and rupture of the interosseous membrane. However, there are rare or unusual varieties or associated injuries. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman with a posterior dislocation of the radio-humeral joint, a radial shaft fracture, and a distal radio-ulnar joint dislocation. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the radial shaft fracture followed by an immobilization by a long elbow splint in supination for 6 weeks. At 18 months of follow-up, she was asymptomatic and she had a full range of elbow and wrist motion and had resumed thoroughly her previous job. The Essex-Lopresti injury results from a complex injury to the forearm axis with resultant longitudinal instability, which can be challenging to treat. There are some variations that can lead to a missed diagnosis resulting in persistent pain and instability of the wrist. The best outcomes are reached with early diagnosis and prompt management.

A Rare Cause of Compression of the Suprascapular Nerve: The Paraglenoid Cyst.

INTRODUCTION: The ductal syndromes of the shoulder combine all the compressive processes of the suprascapular nerve at the level of its passage in the spinoglenoid notch and this for several causes. The most common is a lesion of the labrum resulting in the formation of a cyst. These cysts are rare and often underestimated. Provoking a compression of the suprascapular nerve, they are likely to cause an atrophy of the external rotator muscles of the cuff. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of a paraglenoid cyst resulting in a ductal syndrome by suprascapular nerve compression. A 56-year-old man consulted our department for chronic pain of the left shoulder with a decrease in muscle strength. On clinical examination, the patient had a deficit of external rotation with a clear amyotrophy of the infraspinatus fossa. We opted for arthroscopic surgical resection. At the last follow-up, the patient did not show any more pain, with a total recovery of muscle strength. CONCLUSION: The clinical signs of compressive processes of the suprascapular nerve are quite misleading, so establishing a correct diagnosis and surgical management is vital before irreversible muscularatrophy takes place.

Irreducible Subtalar Dislocation Caused by Sustentaculum Tali Incarceration.

INTRODUCTION: Subtalar dislocation is an uncommon lesion in traumatology chiefly when it concerns the lateral form. Surgical treatment is required when a fracture is related or the dislocation is irreducible. Even well treated, these dislocations progress unavoidably to subtalar arthrosis, which stays well tolerated. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old male with irreducible lateral subtalar dislocation caused sustentaculum tali incarceration confirmed on computed tomography (CT). The patient underwent emergent open reduction and internal fixation; the sustentaculum tali was reduced and fixed with a compression screw. At 3 years, "American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-hindfoot" score was 86, and the functional result was considered excellent despite a Grade I subtalar osteoarthritis on the ankle X-ray. CONCLUSION: An irreducible subtalar dislocation is exceptionally due to the incarceration of sustentaculum tali. CT is of great interest for good fracture analysis and management planning. Anatomical reduction of the articular surfaces, stable osteosynthesis, sufficient immobilization, and a well-conducted rehabilitation are the only guarantors of a good functional outcome.

Femoral Head Stress Fracture in Children: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The stress fracture of the femoral head rarely occurs; but, it is generally encountered in case of bone insufficiency, and it is exceptional in younger individuals. The main differential diagnosis may include several diseases, namely, slipped upper femoral epiphysis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and Perthes' disease. Bone scintigraphy is very sensitive but lacks specificity. Nowadays, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for an accurate diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We present the first description of this pathology in the pediatric population with the particularity of its atypical aspect on MRI through a case of stress fracture of femoral head in 12-year-old female. CONCLUSION: Stress fractures may sometimes mimic malignant or infectious lesions and are easily misdiagnosed. MRI is the gold standard which may be the only modality to identify the fracture.

The head to foot screw fixation. A new technique of percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid bone.

OBJECTIVES: Many techniques have been described for screw fixation of the scaphoid bone. The approach is either proximal or dorsal. A new percutaneous technique is presented by the authors called the head to foot screw fixation. Indications and results are evaluated. METHODS: It is a percutaneous technique with fixation of the scaphoid bone by two screws introduced in an opposite direction: a proximal screw and a distal screw. No postoperative immobilization was necessary. A prospective study was conducted in 40 patients over a period of three years. The average age was 25 years with extremes of 14 and 44 years. This technique was practiced in fractures (30 cases) and nonunion (10 cases) in which the localization was proximal, corresponding to Schernberg types I, II and III. Forms associated with perilunate dislocation of the carpus were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The results were analysed with a mean of 8 months (6-30). Union was obtained in all the cases. No tendon injury related to percutaneous approach was noted. The technique required a learning curve with progressive decrease in operative time from 45 to 15 minutes. It was necessary in two cases to change protruding screws which were not diagnosed during the first intervention. Percutaneous screw fixation was achieved again in both cases.   Conclusions: The combination in our experience of two screws allowed us to prevent rotation around the unthreated area of a single screw. Our technique, bringing together the head to the foot of the screw, reduces the crowding at the proximal part of the scaphoid bone. This non-invasive method permitted early mobilization with no pain until biological union.

Myxoid liposarcoma of the hand - A rare entity.

Hand liposarcomas are not well recognized in common practice, which leads to erroneous diagnostics and delayed proper treatment. We reported a case of a myxoid liposarcoma classified as stage IIb, and developed in the palmar side of the left hand in a 38-year-old man. There was an initial tumor reduction by a sclerosing agent injection that proved to be a failure. An open excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnostic after pathology examination. Recurrence occurred after 2 years, followed by a second resection and an adjunctive radiotherapy. At 5 years follow-up, the patient was recurrence free. Although myxoid liposarcoma is rare in the hand, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a painless soft tissue mass in this region.

Double level arterial injury with neuropraxia following anterior shoulder dislocation.

Vascular and nervous complications are rare after shoulder dislocation. We report the case of a double level arterial injury with neuropraxia following anterior shoulder dislocation that was diagnosed by MultiDetector-row Computed Tomographic (MDCT) angiography and treated by surgical bypass graft and embolectomy. Our case is original, not only because of the rarity of these complications, but also because of the thromboembolism of brachial artery which could be undiagnosed and could compromise prognosis.