[Intra-articular distal radial fracture with lunate fossa rotated, about 4 cases: interest of surgical procedure by volar medial approach]. / Fracture articulaire du radius distal avec fragment de fossette lunarienne retourné, à propos de 4 cas : intérêt du traitement chirurgical par voie antéro-médiale.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular distal radial fractures in young subjects occur in severe trauma. Articular reduction needs to be anatomical. We report four cases with the particularity of having a 90° or 180° rotated lunate fossa. Our goal is to bring out the positive aspects of surgical procedure by volar medial approach and to assess long-term functionnal and radiological results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study focused on four men whose average age was 27 (age range from 19 to 43). The fractures were type IV according to Melone's classification. The associated lesions included: one fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid, one fracture of the distal quarter of the ulnar diaphysis and one scapho-lunate diastasis. We used a volar medial approach between the flexors tendons and the ulnar bundle in order to pin the fragment of lunate fossa. The rest of the radial epiphysis was pinned after a 5mm skin incision. In two cases, this pinning was complemented with a brachial-antebrachial-palmar cast and in the other two cases with an external fixator. RESULTS: The follow-up period averaged 68.8 (18 to 115) months, all the patients were clinically examined through antero-posterior, lateral and dynamic X-rays. The objective results assessed according to Green and O'Brien's criteria, later modified by Cooney, were as follows: two very good, one good, one average. The X-rays showed consolidated fractures. According to Knirk and Jupiter's classification of arthritis, we had three grades 0, one of which showed a subchondral sclerosis of the lunate fossa, and one grade 3. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Imaging with simple radiographs is not sufficient and needs to be complemented with CT scan. Our approach allows for direct access to the fragment of the lunate fossa and easier visualization of the distal radioulnar, compared to Henry's approach, thereby avoiding excessive traction of the median nerve. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Niveau IV.

Variation of the proximal insertion of the abductor digiti minimi muscle: correlation with Guyon's canal syndrome? Case report and literature review.

We describe the case of an original insertion and course of the abductor digiti minimi muscle on the medial part of the palmaris longus tendon. The anomalous muscle was only present on the left side. Various studies have reported the frequency of anomalous muscles in approximately 22 to 35% of hands and it was in majority an anomalous abductor digiti minimi muscle. The knowledge of this original insertion is important because it can sometimes be correlated with ulnar nerve compression at Guyon's canal. But Guyon's canal syndrome is less common than carpal tunnel syndrome, and the incidence of ulnar nerve compression in relation with anomalous muscle is approximately 2.9% of cases. It is possible to diagnose the anomalous muscle through ultrasound or MRI. This variation should be taken into consideration by surgeons during surgical procedures for ulnar nerve decompression at Guyon's canal and when performing anteromedial approach to the wrist between flexors tendons and ulnar bundle.

Irreducible Pipkin II femoral head fractures: Is transgluteal approach the best strategy?

UNLABELLED: Femoral head fracture-dislocations (FHFD) are rare, while irreducible cases are even less frequent. Truly irreducible fractures such as the two cases in this report must be differentiated from incomplete reduction due to incarcerated bone or soft tissue interposition. Opinions vary on the surgical approach to be used once the hip is reduced and the fragment of the femoral head yet remains to be stabilized. Reports in the literature do not usually take into account the specificity of irreducible lesions, which in our opinion should be treated by the transgluteal approach (TGA) while reducible forms can be treated by the Hueter approach. The transgluteal approach with the patient in the lateral decubitus position provides a direct anterior view of the antero-infero-medial fracture site as well as dorsal access via the injuries occasioned to dorsal soft tissues by the posterolateral dislocation. A lag screw can be used with this approach, which is the only way to stabilize the ligament teres femoris attachment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV retrospective historical study.

Tibial segmental bone defect reconstruction by Ilizarov type bone transport in an induced membrane.

The management of combined loss of skin coverage and bone substance in the lower third of the leg is problematic. A recommended sequential strategy associates removal of infected tissue and coverage followed by treatment of the bone defect. We report a technique without microsurgery, using Masquelet's induced membrane technique to manage the bone loss, associated to bone transport and coverage by a fasciocutaneous flap with distal pedicle. In a patient presenting with a 10 cm defect with bone exposure, this 2-step procedure allowed consolidation at 7 months without functional sequelae; the fixator was kept in place for 9 months. Neither microsurgery nor cancellous bone graft was required. Using a spacer to induce a membrane facilitated bone transport and distal consolidation.

[Necrotizing fasciitis and cellulitis of the upper limb resulting from centipede bite: two case reports]. / Dermohypodermite bactérienne et phlegmon du membre supérieur par morsure de scolopendre: à propos de deux cas.

Centipede bites occurring in tropical countries are rare, however vigilance must be exercised during activities in the open air and dwellings should be checked in the event of rain. The bite is very painful and can be accompanied by generalised signs. An initial wound disinfection and a check of antitetanus vaccination status is all that is usually needed to ensure an uneventful outcome. There are however, rare cases where local toxicity and a bacterial super-infection, often with Gram+ cocci, can lead to a cellulitis or even necrotizing fasciitis of the hand. The diagnosis of a centipede bite can be made by the double marks made by the fangs. Wound debridement and antibiotics led to a good outcome in both our cases.

[Multilevel contiguous injuries of the lower cervical spine during flexion trauma with delayed diagnosis: a case report]. / Lésions étagées contiguës du rachis cervical inférieur lors d'un traumatisme en flexion de diagnostic retardé: à propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of bilateral C4-C5 facet fracture dislocation associated with a severe sprain underlying C5-C6, which had occurred during an traffic accident. The diagnosis of severe sprain was raised on the 55 th day. The injury mechanism is studied. Contiguous multilevel injuries of the lower cervical spine should be suspected in case of high-energy trauma. MRI can provide an exhaust if diagnosis of possible multilevel injuries. After fixation of the obvious lesion, intraoperative dynamic fluoroscopy must be performed to demonstrate any instability in another area.

Thigh compartment syndrome after intramedullary femoral nailing: possible femoral nerve block influence on diagnosis timing.

We report a case of anterior thigh compartment syndrome (TCS), which occurred after a closed femoral fracture internal fixation using an intramedullary rod. A 20 ml ropivacaine hydrochloride single-injection femoral block had preceded general anaesthesia to conduct the surgical procedure. The compartment syndrome diagnosis was made the morning after surgery when the level of pain was interpreted as disproportionate to the treated lesion; in addition, compartment pressure measure had increased to 54 mmHg. A compartment fasciotomy was performed. Diagnostic delays have previously been observed and attributed to nerve blocks in cases of tibial fracture. This patient's report raises the question of whether a femoral block may be responsible for delays in diagnosing compartment syndrome, although no series have been published of such occurrences in large numbers. When nerve blocks are used, they should be more analgesic than anaesthetic. Careful patient monitoring remains important.

[Fracture of the glenoid cavity Goss-Ideberg type II with inferior dislocation of the shoulder]. / Fracture de la glène de la scapula type II de Goss-Ideberg associée à une luxation inférieure de l'épaule.

We report the case of a fracture of the glenoid, Goss-Ideberg type II, associated with an inferior dislocation of the shoulder, a combination that has not to our knowledge been previously reported. The injury had occurred after a fall of three metres. The radiological assessment included an anteroposterior view and a CT scan that guided the surgical approach by indicating that the fragment of the glenoid cavity was especially dorsal. We carried out a preoperative MRI to eliminate the possibility of a rotator cuff tear being present. The surgical treatment was carried out with the patient in lateral decubitus position and restored normal function to the shoulder.

[Acute carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to prolonged pressure on the wrist during enolic coma]. / Syndrome du canal carpien aigu après compression prolongée dans un contexte de coma éthylique.

We report a case of acute carpal tunnel syndrome caused by prolonged compression. A 40-year-old man was admitted for an acute carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to direct compression of the wrist which was blocked in supination under his thorax for ten hours during a period of alcoholic coma. Total sensorial anesthesia of the median nerve territory was noted. The emergency procedure consisted in simple opening of the carpal tunnel without nerve exploration due to the risk of bacterial contamination resulting from skin lesions, devascularization and postoperative fibrosis. Initially, the skin on the volar aspect of the wrist had the aspect of a second degree burn. The patient recovered nerve function the next day and the skin wound healed within 15 days. The patient was seen at consultation at 13 months and exhibited complete recovery of wrist and hand motion with normal thumb opposition and no signs of sensorial or motor deficit. The retinaculum of the flexor system must be opened to guarantee full nervous recovery.

[Traumatic rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon after ankle fracture: three cases and a review of the literature]. / Rupture du tendon du tibial postérieur lors des fractures de la cheville: à propos de trois cas et revue de la littérature.

We report three cases of complete traumatic tibialis posterior tendon rupture which occurred after ankle fracture. Diagnosis was established at surgery. Repair of the non-degenerative tendon was achieved during the procedure for osteosynthesis of the malleolar fracture. Fractures healed a few months after surgery. The posterior tibialis muscle tendon functioned plantar arch was normal, except in one patient with multiple injuries who died in intensive care thirteen days after the accident. Although exceptional, injury of the tibialis posterior tendon should not be overlooked after ankle fracture. These injuries become apparent only at surgery for the malleolar fracture since pain hinders clinical examination. Primary suture best guarantees a good functional outcome. Residual pain, deficit in active inversion of the foot, modified medial longitudinal arch, or progression to planovalgus are retrospective diagnostic signs.

PLD score evaluation of the quality of life after severe (Grade III) open tibial fractures

Grade III open tibial fractures often require long hospitialized and many operations. They always leave unsightly scars and functional results are sometimes very poor. We wanted to establish a predictive score for use in all cases to help us to decide if amputation would give a better result or not. We devised a "PLD" scoring system with a maximum of twenty points, comprising data that concern the patient (0 to 4), the lesions (0 to 14) and the delay of bone coverage(0 to 2). Patient outcome was quantitatively scored by assessing the function (15 points) and the quality of life (professional, sport and leisure, social and psychologic, 15 points). Twenty-seven cases of grade III open tibial fracture were reviewed for this study. Traffic accidents (23 cases) were very frequent. For each case, the total hospital stay and the type and the number of interventions were noted. PLD scores were calculated at emergency and after one month. Final outcome was evaluated at the latest patients follow-up. Results showed that if the PLD score in emergency or at one month was < 5, the final resut was good or excellent (>25) for more than 80 percent of patients. If the score at one month was < 5, the result was judged poor (<20) in more than half the cases. If the PLD score in emergency or at one month was o 20, all such cases required an amputation in emergency or at a later stage. (AU)