Periprosthetic distal femoral fractures after total knee replacement treated by ORIF. Mid to long-term follow-up study in 12 patients.

Periprosthetic fractures following total knee arthroplasty are a quite uncommon traumatic lesion that often are present in elderly patients with osteoporosis and comorbidities. The most common periprosthetic fracture affects the distal femur. The main internal fixation techniques are ORIF with a locking plate and retrograde intramedullary nailing. In the present study, we report the medium-long term results in 12 patients with a distal femoral periprosthetic fracture stabilized with a locking plate. We reviewed 12 patients affected by a periprosthetic distal femur fracture surgically treated between 2010 and 2016 by ORIF using a locking compression plate after an average follow-up of 5.75 years. The average age of the patients at diagnosis was 78 years. The mean interval time between knee arthroplasty and distal femoral fracture was 8.25 years. Clinical results were assessed using the WOMAC score, while radiographic results according to Beals and Tower's criteria. All fractures of our series were type II according to the Rorabeck and Taylor classification. At follow-up, the WOMAC score ranged from 40.5 to 76.5 points (average 53.92). Radiographic results, according to Beals and Tower's criteria, were excellent in 5 patients and good in 7. All patients returned to their previous daily activities. We believe that reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate is a surgical option of treatment that provides satisfactory clinical and radiological results in Rorabeck type II periprosthetic distal femoral fractures.

Surgical correction of valgus deformities of the knee in Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia.

Coxa vara and shepherd's crook deformity represent the most common femoral deformities in patients affected by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD) and McCune Albright syndrome (MAS). The tibia is also commonly affected, with antero-medial bowing and valgus deformity. Surgical treatment of these deformities are technically demanding and, in most cases, intramedullary nails are the preferred method to stabilize corrective osteotomies. Genu valgus may also be present, as a residual defect after the surgical correction of the aforementioned deformities. The aim of our study was to report the outcomes obtained in five patients with PFD or MAS operated on for complex deformities of the lower limbs with an associated residual genu valgum greater than 15°. It was surgically treated by distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomy stabilized with a screw plate. The osteotomy was performed distal to the intramedullary nail in femurs, while it was performed after removing the intramedullary nail in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. In latter cases, the intramedullary device was reinserted at least 6 months after surgery. At follow-up, the femoro-tibial angle was corrected in all cases and the patients were satisfied with the final result. Two patients showed mild limping, unrelated to the alignment of the knee. In our opinion, residual valgus deformities of the lower limb greater than 15 degrees should be corrected to improve function and cosmetic appearance of these patients. The osteotomy of the distal femur or of the proximal tibia stabilized by a screw-plate represent the treatment of choice for the correction of these deformities.

Treatment of olecranon fractures in childhood: A systematic review.

Background: Literature over the last 20 years provides evidence for a surgical treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in children, this is usually obtained with commonly proposed methods, although there is no general agreement about the best recommended technique. Aim: Identifying the best surgical technique in displaced olecranon fractures in children and the role of associated fractures in the prognosis of these lesions, by analyzing the most relevant studies on this topic. Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE database and Scopus database. Articles reporting clinical outcomes of pediatric patients affected by olecranon fractures treated surgically were identified. Results: The initial search produced 111 studies, with 8 fulfilling the eligibility criteria of our study. Selected articles (2002-2022) included 122 patients overall. Conclusion: Displaced olecranon fractures, occurring during skeletal growth and surgically treated, generally have good results, although we are unable to recommend the best surgical treatment based on our review. In most cases, they are intra-articular fractures; thus, the overall goal is to get an anatomic reduction that in some cases cannot be obtained by percutaneous techniques. Tension band suture is the preferred device, although it is not recommended in adolescence for the high risk of fixation failure. Associated lesions may affect results.

Clinical and Radiological Results after Fracture-Dislocations of the Ankle: A Medium- to Long-Term Followup Study.

The authors report the long-term outcome in a series of 26 patients surgically treated for a fracture-dislocation of the ankle by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), reviewed after an average followup of 5.2 years. The average age of the patients was 46.8 years; 17 were female and 9 male; the right side was involved in 22 patients and the left side in 4; 10 patients had a unimalleolar fracture, 11 a bimalleolar fracture, and 5 a trimalleolar fracture. The quality of reduction was excellent in 14 cases and good in 12. The functional results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, while radiographic results followed the Van Dijk classification. At followup, the AOFAS score ranged from 75 to 98 points with an average of 87.9, while the radiographic results were evaluated as grade 0 in 16 ankles and grade I in 10. Fracture-dislocations of the ankle occurred more frequently after high-energy traumas in younger patients on the right side, but they were also observed in older females after low-energy trauma. Excellent reduction was correlated with better radiographic results at long term followup. However, these injuries may lead to a poor functional outcome, despite an anatomical reduction and good radiographic results; in fact, in nine of our cases (34.6 percent), the AOFAS score was less than 90 points.

Surgical treatment of femoral deformities in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and McCune-Albright syndrome: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of femoral deformities in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD) or McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), such as coxa vara or shepherd's crook deformity, is a challenge. AIM: To evaluate the treatment of patients with femoral deformities caused by PDF or MAS treated by osteotomies and stabilized with different methods, by analyzing the most relevant studies on the topic. METHODS: A literature search was performed in Medline database (PubMed). Articles were screened for patients affected by PFD or MAS surgically managed by osteotomies and stabilized with different methods. RESULTS: The initial search produced 184 studies, with 15 fulfilling the eligibility criteria of our study. Selected articles (1987-2019) included 111 patients overall (136 femurs). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, the preferred method to stabilize corrective osteotomies is intramedullary nailing with neck cross pinning. When the deformity is limited to the proximal part of the femur, a screw or blade plate may be used, although there is a high risk of fracture below the plate. When the femur is entirely involved, a two-stage procedure may be considered.

Surgical treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by Dunn procedure modified by Ganz: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of SCFE is still controversial, especially in moderate and severe forms. Dunn osteotomy performed with the Ganz approach became very popular in the last decade, although it is a complicated and challenging surgical procedure with a risk of AVN. The aim of our study was to analyze the current literature verifying the effectiveness of this surgical procedure, with specific attention to the incidence of AVN and other complications. MAIN BODY: A systematic review on the subject was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed by searching all published articles about the topic in the databases. The articles were screened for the presence of the following inclusion criteria: patients affected by slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) surgically treated by Dunn osteotomy using the Ganz surgical approach. All the patients affected by pathologies other than SCFE, treated without surgery or with procedures not including a surgical hip dislocation were excluded. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were included in our systematic review. Selected articles were published from 2009 to 2021 and they included 636 overall hips. According to the selected articles, Dunn osteotomy modified by Ganz, performed by an experienced surgeon, allows for anatomical reduction of moderate or severe SCFE with a low incidence of AVN. CONCLUSIONS: The few papers with long term follow-up, reported no progression of hip osteoarthritis, however, since the patients are adolescent at surgery, longer follow-up studies are needed to validate this statement. It is still debated if better results are obtained in stable or unstable SCFE. The indication of this procedure in mild SCFE remains controversial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The effectiveness of preliminary traction in the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Historical papers on the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip suggest the use of preliminary traction to facilitate closed reduction or to decrease the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. In the 1980s, some authors questioned the role of preliminary traction and suspended its use, yielding satisfactory results. Since then, several studies called into question this method, and some authors have continued to recommend preliminary traction while other authors have discouraged its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reanalysed the full set of radiographs of 71 hips (52 patients) surgically treated by a medial approach after 4 weeks of preoperative longitudinal traction. The mean age at operation was 16 months. Before and after traction, the height of the dislocation was graded according to the Gage and Winter method. The hips were divided into two groups: group 1, in which the traction was effective, and group 2, in which the traction was not effective. These two groups were statistically analysed regarding the severity of the dislocation, the age of the patient at surgery and the incidence of AVN. RESULTS: Preliminary traction was effective in 48 hips (68%, group 1), while it was not effective in the remaining 23 (32%, group 2). The effectiveness of preliminary traction was statistically related to the height of the dislocation and to the age of the patient at surgery, with traction being less effective in more severe dislocations and in older children. The incidence of AVN was statistically lower in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, despite not having a control group, preliminary traction-when effective-seemed to reduce the incidence of AVN in patients surgically treated for congenital dislocation of the hip. The effectiveness of the traction was influenced by the severity of the dislocation and the age of the patient; it worked better for less severe dislocations and in younger children. To reduce hospital costs, traction should be applied at home. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Surgical Treatment of Severe Idiopathic Flexible Flatfoot by Evans-Mosca Technique in Adolescent Patients: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Flexible idiopathic flatfoot is very common in growing age and rarely causes pain or disability. Surgery is indicated only in severe symptomatic cases that are resistant to conservative treatment, and numerous surgical procedures have been proposed. Lateral column calcaneal lengthening as described by Evans and modified by Mosca is a widely used surgical technique for the correction of severe symptomatic flexible flatfoot. In the present study, we report the long-term clinical and radiographic results in 14 adolescent patients (mean age: 12.8 years) affected by severe symptomatic flexible flatfoot, surgically treated by Evans-Mosca procedure, for a total of 26 treated feet (12 cases bilateral and 2 unilateral). In all cases, surgery was indicated for the presence of significant symptoms resistant to nonsurgical management. Clinical evaluation was made according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) Score, and Yoo et al.'s criteria. Radiographic evaluation was made using anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs of the feet to evaluate Meary's angle and Costa-Bertani's angle and to evaluate possible osteoarthritic changes in the midtarsal joints. At follow-up (mean: 7 years and 7 months), we observed a satisfactory result in all patients. The mean average score of the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale improved from 60.03 points to 95.26; the mean FADI score improved from 71.41 to 97.44; and according to Yoo et al.'s criteria, the average clinical outcome score was 10.96. At radiographic examination, nonunion of the calcaneal osteotomy was never observed. Meary's angle improved from an average preoperative value of 25° to 1.38° at follow-up; Costa-Bertani's angle improved from an average preoperative value of 154.2° to 130.9° at follow-up. In no case, significant radiographic signs of midtarsal joint arthritis were observed. According to our results, we believe that Evans-Mosca technique is a valid option of surgical treatment for severe idiopathic flexible flatfoot and allows a satisfactory correction of the deformity with a low rate of complications.

Marfan syndrome in children: correlation between musculoskeletal features and cardiac Z-score.

We investigated the correlation between the musculoskeletal features and the cardiovascular anomalies in pediatric patients affected by Marfan syndrome, in order to identify possible orthopedic deformities that could be a warning sign for severe aortic dilatation. Moreover, we analyzed the role of the orthopedic aspects in the early diagnosis of the disease in a pediatric population. Seventy-two patients from 3 to 14 years of age, underwent interdisciplinary evaluation that included an orthopedic and cardiological examination. At the orthopedic examination, we analyzed the musculoskeletal features included in the systemic score of the revised Ghent criteria. Cardiological evaluation included a transthoracic echocardiography with definition of the cardiac Z-score, which is an index that evaluates aortic diameter. A statistical analysis was performed. We identified a statistically significant correlation between the presence of pectus excavatum and cardiac Z-score ≥3 (P = 0.022). Clinically, this data means that pectus excavatum is frequently observed in patients with larger aortic root diameter. On the contrary, no statistically significant correlation was found between the other investigated musculoskeletal features and a pathological Z-score. In the pediatric population, the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome remains difficult because many clinical manifestations are age-dependent and the Ghent criteria, usually used for adults, are not reliable in children. Our results show that the presence of pectus excavatum could help in the early identification of patients at greater risk of developing possibly fatal aortic disease. However, it is always indicated to screen all patients with Marfan syndrome for cardiac abnormalities, even in absence of pectus excavatum.

Synovial cyst of the acromioclavicular joint with and without rotator cuff tear: A case series of two patients.

INTRODUCTION: Acromioclavicular joint cyst (AJC) is a very uncommon condition of the shoulder observed in elderly patients, caused by a degenerative acromioclavicular (AC) joint, frequently associated to a rotator cuff tendon tear. There are two possible cause for the cyst formation. We report two different cases of a AC synovial cyst, with and without rotator cuff tear. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report two cases, in patients aged respectively 80 and 77 years, with a very large AJC. In one case, the cyst was associated to a rotator cuff tear, while in the other case, the rotator cuff did not present any evident lesion. Both cysts were successfully surgical excised and a distal clavicle resection was performed. DISCUSSION: AJC is a rare complication observed in degenerative AC joint and in the majority of cases is associated to a rotator cuff tear. The diagnosis may be made by ultrasound and conventional radiographic examination, although MRI of the shoulder is generally preferred as it allows to better identify the condition of the rotator cuff. Generally, local aspiration of the cyst and corticosteroid injection fails with recurrence of the cyst and surgically treatment is indicated, especially in painful cases. CONCLUSION: Painful AJC should be surgically treated by excision of the cyst associated to a lateral clavicle resection; when a symptomatic massive rotator cuff is present, a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty may be considered. However, in elderly patients, who have no discomfort, watchful waiting may be the treatment of choice.

Clear cell hidradenoma of the hand: A case report in an 83-year old patient.

INTRODUCTION: Clear cell hidradenoma (CCH) is a superficial adnexal tumor of the sweat glands. It generally appears on the trunk or scalp and is uncommon on the upper and lower limbs; it is extremely rare on the hand. CCH tend to be benign, with low malignancy risk. Treatment is based on complete surgical excision. We report a rare case of a CCH of the palm of the hand in an 83-year old patient. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 83-year old male patient presented with a small mass on the palmar surface of his left hand, which was progressively increasing over 5 years. The tumor was surgically excised after sonography and sent for histologic examination, based on which diagnosis of CCH was made. Three months after surgery, the patient had no recurrence and was symptom free. DISCUSSION: CCH is a rare tumor of the distal extremities and to the best of our knowledge, only one case of this tumor on the hand has been reported. Our case represents a rare CCH located at the palm of the hand, which was successfully surgical excised without recurrence. Therefore, CCH needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis when encountering masses on the distal extremities. Hidradenocarcinoma is the malignant variant that arises from the same cells. CONCLUSION: We report the second case of CCH on the palmar surface of the hand. Treatment of choice is surgical excision, followed by histological analysis and close follow-up for recurrence.

A simultaneous bilateral asymmetric hip fracture in an elderly patient: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous bilateral hip fractures are usually associated with high energy trauma, seizures, metabolic diseases and bisphosphonates use. They are observed rarely in the elderly population after simple trauma and usually have the same fracture pattern (symmetric). We report a rare case of asymmetric fracture and discuss mechanism of injury and treatment, analyzing the literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of an 86-year old woman with a simultaneous bilateral asymmetric hip fracture (trochanteric on the right side and subcapital on the left), occurred after a fall at home. The patient was surgically treated by open reduction and internal fixation with an intramedullary nail on the right and by hemiarthroplasty on the left performed during the same surgical session, with good results. DISCUSSION: Simultaneous bilateral hip fractures in the elderly are rare and usually are symmetric. In the majority of the cases these fractures are intracapsular and are treated by hemiarthroplasties. On the contrary, simultaneous bilateral hip fractures with a different pattern, as the described case, are extremely rare. The possible mechanism of injury is a spontaneous fracture on one side, which causes a fall the contralateral side. The surgical treatment may be performed bilaterally, treating first the trochanteric fracture. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral asymmetric hip fracture are extremely rare and may occur in elderly patient with a specific mechanism of injury. We believe that the trochanteric fracture should be operated first to avoid possible complications.

Lower limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail: a long-term follow-up study of 28 cases.

BACKGROUND: Limb lengthening using an external fixator requires a long period of external fixation and may be associated with several complications such as axial deformity, fracture of the regenerated bone, and joint stiffness. With the goal of reducing the time of external fixation as well as some of these complications, we performed femoral or tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail, according to Paley's technique, in 28 patients, followed up after a mean period of 8 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients treated for lower limb discrepancy by limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail were reviewed from 5 to 11 years after healing of regenerated bone. There were 20 femurs and 8 tibiae, with average age at surgery of 14.2 years and average length inequality of 6.1 cm for femurs and 5.3 cm for tibiae. RESULTS: The mean lengthening was 5.8 cm for femurs and 4.8 cm for tibiae. The mean period of radiographic consolidation of the regenerated bone was 6 months for femoral lengthening and 4.5 months for tibial lengthening. At follow-up, we observed 8 excellent results, 15 good results, 4 fair results, and 1 poor result, based on Paley's evaluation criteria. The main complications were one deep infection, one nonunion of the distracted segment, one breakage of the distal fiche of the external fixator, and one breakage of both distal locking screws of the intramedullary nail. DISCUSSION: We believe that limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail still represents a good method to treat limb length discrepancy because it reduces the time of external fixation, prevents axial deformities and fractures of regenerated bone, and allows early rehabilitation. The new intramedullary lengthening nails, which theoretically are the ideal device for treating limb length inequality, are still very expensive and need longer follow-up for definitive evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Surgical treatment of primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. Long-term results of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Surgical treatment is used when conservative treatment, such as splinting or oral analgesics, fails. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcomes obtained in 40 patients (50 thumbs) surgically treated for thumb osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients (50 thumbs), with severe trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis, surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition were reviewed after an average follow-up of 8 years. All patients were women. At follow-up, clinical results were evaluated on the basis of the DASH score, possible presence of pain and the following criteria: palmar abduction of the thumb, carpometacarpal joint opposition of the thumb (Kapandji), extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint and strength of the hand. RESULTS: The DASH score improved from 42.65 (preoperatively) to 16 (at follow-up), and most patients were asymptomatic. Palmar abduction of the thumb averaged 57 mm. Carpometacarpal joint opposition averaged 8.8. Metacarpophalangeal extension was abnormally increased in 86% of the cases. The strength of the operated hand was comparable to the contralateral side in 46 cases. Radiographic examinations showed a slight proximal migration of the first metacarpal bone (< 3 mm) in all cases but mild signs of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in only 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the reported experience, we believe that primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition allows good long-term results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.