The Outcomes of Distraction Osteogenesis over an Intramedullary Nail for the Treatment of Bone Defects in Infectious Nonunions.

Objectives: The concurrent utilization of an external fixator and intramedullary nail (IMN) for segment transportation may potentially decrease the duration of external fixator implementation and reduce associated complications. This study aimed to report the outcomes of bone transport utilizing a combination of IMN and Ilizarov frame in a cohort of individuals who had tibia or femur critical-sized bone deficiency resulting from nonunion. Methods: The present research used a single-arm clinical trial design to enroll a series of patients presenting with critical-sized bone defects resulting from infectious nonunion of the tibia or femur. The study was conducted during the period of 2017-2020 in a referral Orthopedic Surgery Center located in Tehran, Iran. The management of patients with infectious nonunion was carried out through two main stages, including infection eradication and bone transportation. The process of bone healing and segment transportation was evaluated by radiographic assessment throughout the follow-up period. Results: A total of 39 patients with bone defects in the tibia (19 cases) or femur (20 cases) with a mean age of 31.44 (±11.95, range=18-60) were included in this study. Twenty-nine (74.3%) patients had open fractures. The bone defect exhibited an average size of 6.31 ± 1.95 cm. The mean of the consolidation index (CI) was 0.97 (range=0.51-1.32) mo/cm, and the mean of the external fixator index was 0.67 (range=0.41-1.10). Although the CI was longer in patients with open fracture compared to those with closed fracture, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.353). After the end of the two-year follow-up, complete union was observed in 35 patients (89.7%). Conclusion: Intercalary segmental bone transportation using the Ilizarov technique over an IMN, as well as preserving the advantages of the conventional callotasis method, reduces the complications of long-term use of the Ilizarov frame and increases patient adherence to treatment.

Treatment options and outcomes for delayed scapular anatomical neck fractures: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Scapular anatomical neck fractures are among the most infrequent shoulder girdle fractures. Only seven radiologically confirmed cases of scapular anatomical neck fractures have been documented in the literature to date, of which only one case underwent delayed surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old male Persian patient with morbid obesity was diagnosed with a scapula anatomical neck fracture after a motor vehicle collision. The radiographic assessment of the patient indicated an increase in the scapular glenopolar angle (73.9°). Due to concurrent chest and head injuries, surgical intervention was deferred until 6 weeks following the injury. The posterolateral limited Dupont-Evrard approach was used because of the patient's extremely high body mass index. Two plates were utilized to achieve stable fixation of the glenoid neck fracture. Following a 1 year follow-up period, complete fracture union was successfully attained, resulting in a constant score of 79. CONCLUSIONS: The most accurate radiographic indicators of these fractures are a superior fracture line located laterally to the coracoid process, a small inferior spike, and an elevated glenopolar angle. The only tendon attached to the glenoid is the long head of the triceps, making these fractures unstable; therefore, surgery is required in the majority of instances. The small size of the fractured component makes stabilization more difficult. Overall, anatomical scapular neck fractures are extremely uncommon and distinguished from other scapular fractures by their unique radiological and biomechanical characteristics. This case highlights the challenges encountered when managing scapular fractures in patients with morbid obesity. The delayed surgical intervention and the choice of surgical approach tailored to the patient's specific anatomical and physiological considerations proved to be effective in achieving a favorable outcome.

Primary seronegative intermuscular hydatidosis in a child, an infection that should be approached like a tumor: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Intermuscular hydatid cyst is one of the rarest types of hydatid cyst, and as far as we know, only nine cases were reported in the literature before this study. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 10-year-old Iranian child with an intermuscular cystic mass in the medial-distal thigh. Despite the typical imaging findings, the patient's serological and hematological tests were negative for hydatid cyst. The cyst underwent wide excision accompanied by neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy with Albendazole. No evidence of recurrence was detected during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue cystic masses in endemic areas, and aspiration or drainage should be avoided as much as possible, even when serological tests are negative and imaging is non-diagnostic. In cases where the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst has been confirmed before the surgery, it is recommended to approach the cyst, like a tumor with chemotherapy using Albendazole both before and after wide cyst excision.

Kinematic Alignment Technique Outperforms Mechanical Alignment in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results of kinematic alignment (KA) with those of mechanical alignment (MA) in single-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 65 patients who had bilateral knee osteoarthritis underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty. One knee was randomly selected to be operated on with the calipered-KA technique and the other with MA. The participants were assessed via the Oxford Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire, and visual analog scale before the surgery and the same plus the Forgotten Joint Score at their last follow-up visit, 2 years postoperatively. Maximum knee flexion and the time reaching maximum knee flexion, named the recovery time, were also recorded. Hip-knee-ankle angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and lateral distal femoral angle were measured before and after the surgery using 3-joint-view radiographs. RESULTS: At 2 years, there were significant differences between the KA and MA techniques in terms of duration of surgery, recovery time, and final Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Forgotten Joint Score, and maximum flexion range in favor of KA (P < .05), but no significant difference in visual analog scale score or Oxford Knee Score. In patients who have a preferred knee, the KA knee was preferred over the MA knee by most patients. No prosthetic failure or revision was reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The KA technique yields acceptable functional outcomes compared to the MA technique. The KA technique was associated with a shorter surgery time, a faster recovery time, and higher patient satisfaction in 2-year follow-ups. Larger multicenter studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Outcomes of the Modified Stoppa Approach in Acetabular Fracture Management: Incidence of Nerve Injuries.

Objectives: Displaced acetabular fractures are complex injuries that necessitate precise surgical intervention. Obturator nerve injuries occur in approximately 2% of cases. The modified Stoppa approach, offering enhanced exposure of the quadrilateral plate, has gained attraction as an alternative technique for anterior acetabular fractures. However, its proximity to the obturator nerve poses a risk of iatrogenic injury. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of nerve injuries and functional outcomes in patients undergoing the modified Stoppa approach for traumatic acetabular fractures. Methods: This retrospective study involved 86 patients with anterior column fractures, whose data were prospectively collected. The fractures were treated using the modified Stoppa approach. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures, alternative surgical approaches, prior nerve injuries, hip issues, refusal to participate, or inadequate follow-up. Data collection involved pre-operative imaging, thorough post-operative neurological assessments, and post-operative radiographic evaluation. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results: Most patients were male (n=54) with a mean age of 40±17.3 years. Post-operative infection occurred in six cases, with resolution in four through antibiotics and two necessitating device removal. Obturator nerve damage was detected in 14 patients, comprising nine traumatic and five iatrogenic cases. During the follow-up, symptoms improved in all patients, except for the four patients with iatrogenic nerve damage. Conclusion: Traumatic nerve injuries generally heal naturally over time. In contrast, iatrogenic injuries have a less optimistic prognosis, potentially resulting in lasting neurological deficits.

Arthroscopic management of ankle primary synovial chondromatosis (Reichel's syndrome): A case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary Synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease characterized by metaplastic cartilaginous nodules originating from the synovium, which rarely involves the ankle joint. To date, there has been a limited number of reported cases regarding the arthroscopic treatment of this disease, which can be attributed to its rare incidence. This article aims to illuminate the advantages and challenges of this technique by presenting a case study. Furthermore, we delve into the existing literature to assess the different treatments used for this disease and their outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old male patient presented with ankle pain, swelling and limited dorsiflexion. Subsequent imaging findings led to the diagnosis of anterior ankle primary synovial chondromatosis. Following this, the patient underwent arthroscopic assisted loose body removal and partial anterior synovectomy, conducted via anteromedial and anterolateral portals. During the five-year follow-up period, no recurrence was observed, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was assessed as 88. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Given the uncommon occurrence of this disease, no standardized treatment approach has been established in the literature. While many researchers advocate for surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications like osteoarthritis and malignancy, there exists a diversity of perspectives concerning the specific strategies and techniques to employ. CONCLUSION: Partial anterior synovectomy and loose body removal using arthroscopy via anteromedial and anterolateral portals demonstrate a notably efficacious and low-risk technique for addressing primary synovial chondromatosis affecting the anterior chamber of the ankle.

Outcomes of Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgical Fixation: a Comparative Study between Younger and Older Age Groups.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures account for approximately 8% of the fractures of the elderly. Low bone quality that is more common in the elderly is one of the major challenges in fixing fractures and may be a barrier to achieving satisfactory outcomes after a surgical fracture treatment. Accordingly, surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures was controversial in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of surgical fixation in patients over and under 60 years of age. METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort study of data that were prospectively collected. In total, 48 patients who underwent surgery with open reduction and internal fixation before August 2019 were recruited and followed up at least one year after surgery. Demographic characteristics, the range of motion of the knees, visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain intensity, and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were obtained in this study. Furthermore, Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction. RESULTS: In total, 19 and 29 patients were over and under 60 years of age, respectively. According to Schatzker's classification, the most common type of fracture was type VI. The range of motion in the knees did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, OKS and the VAS of pain intensity were not significantly different in both groups (P>0.05). In addition, SF-36 scores were not significantly different between elderly patients and the age-matched general population. However, younger patients had lower scores in the physical function and vitality scales of SF-36, compared to the age-matched general population. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it can be stated that increasing age did not affect the surgical outcomes of patients with tibial plateau fractures.

Closed K-wire Fixation for the Treatment of Perilunate Dislocation and Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocations without Ligamentous Repair: Short Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of perilunate dislocations (PLDs) and transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations (TSPLDs) treated with operative volar approach without ligament repair or reconstruction. METHODS: A total of seven patients (10 hands) were studied during 2017-2018. We fixed scaphoid fractures thorough a volar approach and 3 k-wires were inserted to stabilize the scaphoid to the adjacent bones. We evaluated patients' range of motion by VAS and grip strength, sensitivity assessment, and radiographs. Mayo and DASH scores were also recorded for wrist evaluation. RESULTS: All fractures united well. The mean Mayo wrist score was 81.5. Five patients scored good and excellent results (90-100). Excellent DASH scores (˂20) were observed in 4 patients and there was no poor DASH score (˃50). CONCLUSION: Treatment of PLDs and TSPLDs with k-wire and screw fixation using a volar approach and without any ligament repair or reconstruction results in minimal manipulation and has favorable short-term outcomes.

Evaluation of Syndesmosis Reduction after Removal Syndesmosis Screw in Ankle Fracture with Syndesmosis Injury.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fracture-dislocation with a syndesmotic injury has been treated with syndesmotic screw fixation. There are little evidences about the safety and efficacy of syndesmotic screw removal on the syndesmotic malreduction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of syndesmotic screw removal of distal attachment of the fibula and tibia bones on the syndesmotic reduction and also impact of syndesmotic screw removal on the final functional score of ankle joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent syndesmotic screw fixation for diagnosed syndesmosis injury during internal fixation surgery for ankle fractures from April 2017 to March 2018 were assessed for enrollment in our study. During open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fracture, existence of syndesmosis injury was evaluated using the Cotton test and external rotation stress test. Appropriate rehabilitation including short leg cast and nonweight bearing have been accomplished for a duration 12 weeks before removing of syndesmotic screws. At 12 weeks, screws were removed. After 1-month weight bearing, bilateral axial computed tomography (CT) scan and single-leg weight-bearing X-ray for injured ankle were obtained. RESULTS: Of all 60 participants, 42 cases (70%) were male and 18 cases (30%) were female. Postoperative ankle radiographies were normal except one case with increased medial clear space. It was interesting findings that from total 60 cases, 18 patients (30%) had evidence of syndesmosis malreduction on postoperative initial CT scan, and after removing of syndesmotic screws (12 weeks) and a period of weight bearing and rehabilitation (4 weeks), there is evidence of appropriate reduction in 13 cases (of 18 patients [72.2%]) on final CT scans. CONCLUSION: Syndesmotic screw removal and weight bearing may be advantageous to achieve final anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis. Syndesmotic screw removal at appropriate time could not improve foot functional outcomes; however, more studies with the larger sample size are required to confirm the results of the study.