Botulinum toxin type A for treating chronic low back pain: A double blinded randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting. LBP can arise from various causes, with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor. The administration of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles. While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions, a limited number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP. AIM: To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP (CLBP). METHODS: In this RCT, adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled. Participants were allocated to either the Drug group, receiving 200 Ipsen Units (2 mL) of BoNT-A, or the Control group, which received a 2 mL placebo. Over a 2-month follow-up period, both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability at the start and conclusion of the study. A decrease in pain by 50% was deemed clinically significant. RESULTS: The study followed 40 patients for two months, with 20 in each group. A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants. There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months. Nonetheless, when comparing the mean score changes, only the reduction in ODI scores (15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group, clinically insignificant) was statistically significant (P = 0.012), whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant (P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.

Analysis of causes for revision in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

The study by Zhao et al identifies the factors leading to the failure of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in their patients. These factors include substandard suturing of the wound, the presence of osteophytes and intra-articular loose bodies causing impingement, premature loosening of the tibial component, choosing unsuitable patients for the procedure, dislocation of the movable insert, and damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament. The findings suggest that employing the correct surgical techniques and indications is essential for successful outcomes in the UKA.

White Cord Syndrome Following Long Posterior Decompression.

Introduction: Ischemia/reperfusion cascade can cause severe tissue damage as documented in myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral occlusive vascular; however, Chin et al. first identified unexplained neurological deterioration after decompressive spinal surgery and attributed this to reperfusion injury of the spinal cord. As this appears as hyperintense signal changes in post-operative T2-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) sequences, it is termed as "white cord syndrome." Case Report: A 63-year-old man presented with cervical myelopathy due to an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament and ossified ligamentum flavum, having Nurick's Grade IV posted for surgery. The patient underwent posterior instrumented decompression from 2nd cervical to 5th dorsal spine. Postoperatively, he had neurological deterioration and was investigated and found to have extensive cervical cord edema on MRI. There was no implant malposition. Conclusion: WCS has to be ruled out in a case of unexplained neurological deterioration after decompressive spinal surgery, especially in the cervical and dorsal spine. The exact mechanism and treatment of WCS remain unexplained; spine surgeons should warn patients about WCS before surgery to prevent ethical and medicolegal issues.

Acetabular fracture in India: An epidemiological study.

Introduction: Acetabular fractures, resulting from high-energy trauma, present significant orthopaedic challenges. Despite their rarity, the incidence of these fractures is rising, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their epidemiological characteristics, especially in diverse populations like India. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 3643 patients across four level-1 trauma centers in India (North 1, North 2, West, and South) from January 2001 to December 2019. Prior ethical approval was obtained from the respective institutions. Data were collected using the computerized patient record system (CPRS) and included patients with complete clinical and radiological records. Only patients with full radiological data were included, comprising standard anteroposterior radiograph, Judet views on radiographs, and computed tomography scan of the pelvis. The study evaluated the demographic characteristics, fracture patterns and surgical approaches. Results: The majority of patients were males (84.05 %) and the fractures were mostly seen in young individuals between 19 and 40 years' age group (44.9 %), followed by 41-60 years (42.3 %). Associated bony or other system injuries were seen in 53.42 % of patients, with pelvic injuries being the most common (9.8 %). Posterior wall fractures were the most frequent (20.7 %), while anterior wall fractures were the least common (0.8 %). Operative management was employed in 82 % of cases, with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach being the most commonly employed (42.5 %). Conclusion: High-velocity trauma remains the commonest cause of acetabular trauma in India, primarily affecting young male individuals. Pelvic fractures are the most commonly associated injuries. Posterior wall fractures are the commonest type of acetabular fracture, and the Kocher-Langenbeck approach is the commonly adopted surgical approach.

Neglected Anterior Dislocation of Hip Managed with Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Dual Approach: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Traumatic hip dislocations frequently result from road traffic accidents and are prevalent in developing nations. Untreated dislocations either due to ignorance or lack of proper treatment become more challenging to manage and have an increased likelihood of developing avascular necrosis (AVN). Over time, closed methods of reduction become impractical, and if the waiting period surpasses 3 months, open reduction likewise becomes unworkable. Anterior dislocations are less common than posterior dislocations, accounting for a frequency of 7-13% of all hip dislocations. Neglected anterior hip dislocations are extremely rare, and therefore, there is a paucity of information about the management of these dislocations and associated injuries. The available treatment options for these particular situations are total hip arthroplasty (THA), Girdlestone surgery, or hip arthrodesis. Case Report: We describe the case of a 49-year-old male who presented to our hospital with a neglected anterior dislocation of the hip. The patient disclosed a history of hip trauma 8 months ago, initially receiving conservative management. However, due to persistent pain and functional limitations, he sought further medical attention. A physical examination, radiographic evaluation, and computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent THA using dual anterior and posterior approaches, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Conclusion: Anterior dislocation of the hip is a relatively rare condition, and its neglected presentation is even rarer. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and early intervention in neglected anterior hip dislocations to minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes.

Association between nutritional scores and multilevel vertebral involvement in tubercular spine: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of nutritional scores comprising the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), in prediction of multilevel vertebral involvement (> 2 vertebra) in Spinal Tuberculosis (STB). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 39 STB patients was conducted to assess nutritional indices (CONUT and PNI) and the numbers of vertebral affection. Spearman's correlation was used to examine the association between these variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine optimal cutoff values, with Area Under the Curve (AUROC) evaluation. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was performed as a predictive model. RESULTS: There were 24 males and 15 females, with a mean BMI of 18.88 kg/m² (± 1.37). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between BMI, PNI (rho - 0.68, p < 0.001) and multilevel vertebra involvement, while ESR (rho 0.83, p < 0.001), CRP (rho 0.81, p < 0.001), and CONUT score (rho 0.83, p < 0.001) positively correlated with multilevel vertebral affection (> 2 vertebra). Age and comorbidities showed no correlation with the level of vertebral affection. ROC analysis revealed a CONUT Score ≥ 3 cutoff (sensitivity-95.7%, specificity-87.5%) and PNI ≤ 38.605 (sensitivity-78.3%, specificity-93.8%) for predicting multilevel STB (> 2). PNI exhibited superior specificity and positive predictive value where as CONUT score was a better parameter for sensitivity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Both CONUT score and PNI were significant predictors of vertebral involvement in univariate analysis, with multivariate analysis identifying CONUT score as the sole predictor of multilevel vertebral affection. CONCLUSION: Nutritional scores, including CONUT score and PNI, emerged as significant predictors of multilevel STB. CONUT score displayed superior sensitivity, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy, while PNI served as a nutritional marker with high specificity and positive predictive value in predicting multilevel involvement in spinal tuberculosis.

Combined articular and ligament reconstructions in neglected fracture-dislocation of the knee.

Background: The management of neglected traumatic knee dislocations is challenging and is commonly associated with suboptimal outcomes. In this article we present two cases of neglected knee dislocations in two young trauma victims who presented late due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Two young patients presented at our center with neglected knee fracture-dislocations after eight weeks and six months of trauma. Comprehensive evaluation was performed using radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical intervention included open reduction and internal fixation of the mal-aligned intra-articular fracture fragments. Additionally, articular congruency was restored and repair or reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscus was conducted using suitable tendinous autografts and implants. Following surgery, the knees were immobilized for six weeks, followed by aggressive physical therapy. Results: After three months of surgical intervention, fracture union and joint stability were achieved. At the >36-month follow-up appointments, both patients were pain-free at rest with a stable knee joint, achieving ≥90 degrees of knee flexion and without extensor deficits. Concurrent with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritic changes in the knee joint, there was mild pain (VAS 2) after prolonged knee movement activities and walking for long distances (>1 km). Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation, along with simultaneous menisco-ligamentous reconstructions in neglected fracture-dislocations of the knee result in satisfactory clinical outcomes. This approach proves to be an effective joint preservation procedure in young patients, even in delayed and neglected conditions.

Knee Arthrodesis Using Dual-Plate Construct is Following Failed Distal Femur Megaprosthesis-A Case Report.

Introduction: Knee arthrodesis following failed total knee arthroplasty is a viable limb salvage option, and this procedure is reserved for failed two-stage revision surgery in severe comorbid patients with irreparable extensor mechanism disruption, severe instability, and extensive soft tissue loss. Knee arthrodesis using a dual-plate construct has been scarcely reported. We report a case of knee arthrodesis using a dual-plate construct in a male in his 20s who presented to us with a broken distal femur megaprosthesis. Case Report: An anterior midline incision was given. The cement mantle and broken prosthetic components were removed. The bone surfaces were freshened up and fixed using two orthogonal locking plates. After 4 months, there was a solid fusion in the knee, and the patient started walking independently with a short limb gait. The patient was advised limb lengthening for a shortening of 3 cm, but he denied it and managed with a shoe raise. After 4 years, he was pain free, and radiographs revealed a solid knee fusion. The patient was fully satisfied with the procedure, and he resumed manual work. Conclusion: This case report revealed that knee arthrodesis using a dual-plate construct is an economically viable salvage option for failed distal femur megaprosthesis.

Does indirect decompression by oblique lateral interbody fusion produce similar clinical and radiological outcomes to direct decompression by open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Objectives: Open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) remains the most popular and widely practiced lumbar fusion method even today, providing direct decompression. Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a novel retroperitoneal approach that allows placement of a large interbody cage which provides an indirect neural decompression, and screws can be placed minimal invasively or through the Wiltse OLIF (W-OLIF) approach. We aim to find out the short-term efficacy of W-OLIF to O-TLIF in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes in patients of lumbar degenerative diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients were divided equally into two groups (group O-TLIF and group W-OLIF). Several parameters were measured, such as the spinal cord cross-sectional area (SC-CSA), foraminal cross-sectional area (F-CSA), disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), Schizas grade for stenosis, and Meyerding's grading for olisthesis. Functional scores were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) and lower limbs, Oswestry Disability Index. All parameters were repeat measured at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Both groups were similar in composition preoperatively. There was significant improvement in all clinical and radiological parameters post-surgery in either group. However, at 3 months, The DH, FH, FSA, and VAS (LBP) were better in the W-OLIF group than in O-TLIF. Procedure-related complications were seen in both groups (15% in the O-TLIF group and 19% in the W-TLIF group), but only one patient in O-TLIF required revision due to cage migration. Conclusion: Similar improvement occurs in most of the clinical and radiological parameters in the W-OLIF group compared to the O-TLIF group. Few radiological parameters such as the DH, FH, and F-CSA and the VAS (LBP) correction are superior in the W-OLIF group in the short-term follow-up. We conclude that indirect decompression by W-OLIF provides equivalent, if not better, results than the traditional O-TLIF lumbar fusion.

Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in the Iliac Bone: A Case Report.

Introduction: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are non-neoplastic expansile, vascular, osteolytic benign tumors in the long bone, spine, and sternum. The location in the pelvis is sparse. Case Report: A 12-year-old female presented with pain in her left pelvis for 6 months. On radiological examination, we found an expansile balloting lytic lesion involving almost the whole ilium and sparing the hip joint. There were multiple fluid levels seen on magnetic resonance imaging. The initial biopsy suggested ABC. Curettage and bone grafting were done along with electrocauterization and chemical cauterization. At 1-year follow-up, she is doing well without any complaints. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates a rare ABC of the ilium that was managed with curettage and bone grafting.