A brief report on managing infected nonunion of a high tibial osteotomy in two stages: a case series involving seven knees.

The management of nonunion following high tibial osteotomy by total knee replacement (TKR) has been reported previously. We have extended the treatment to embrace cases with an infected high tibial osteotomy by performing an initial debridement with a period of antibiotic treatment followed by TKR. We have reviewed the results of seven knees in six patients with a mean follow-up of 40.5 months (20 to 57) after the staged TKR. At the latest follow-up, all the pseudarthroses had healed and there had been no recurrence of infection. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score improved from 51.2 (35 to 73) to a mean of 91.7 (84 to 98) at final review. Management of nonunion following high tibial osteotomy with a TKR can be extended to infected cases when treated in two stages with a debridement and antibiotic therapy prior to TKR.

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid compared to exercise therapy in osteoarthritis of the ankle. A prospective randomized trial with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study has been to determine whether hyaluronic acid (HA) or exercise therapy can improve functional parameters in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, 43 ankles (30 patients) with radiographic Kellgren Lawrence grade III OA were randomized to receive three intra-articular HA injections, with one-week interval of or exercise therapy for six weeks. Patients were evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and followed-up after 12 months. RESULTS: Total AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score of OA patients has improved in both groups, varying from 61.6+/-16.8 to 90.1+/-9.7 with HA treatment and from 72.1+/-16.6 to 87.5+/-17.5 using exercise therapy at the end of the trial (p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: This prospective randomized trial confirmed that, both HA injections and exercise therapy provide functional improvement. However, larger trials with longer follow-up are necessary for more definite conclusions.

Mixed sclerosing dysplasia of the bone associated with ovarian and skin problems.

The clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, and genetic features of a sclerosing bone dysplasia found in three members of a family are described. The bone disorder affected all metaphyseal-diaphyseal regions of all long bones, the skull, and three metacarpals. All affected members also had ichthyosis vulgaris and premature ovarian failure. These features have not been reported before, indicating a new syndrome.

Comparison of two hyaluronan drugs in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study with long term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term effects of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) applications in severe (Kellgren Lawrence stage III) osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial 184 knees (92 patients) with radiographic Kellgren Lawrence stage III OA were randomized to receive either 3 intra-articular high molecular weight HA (Hylan G-F 20) injections or 3 low molecular weight HA (Orthovisc) injections at one-week intervals. Patients were evaluated by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score and were followed-up for 12 months. RESULTS: The total HSS score in high molecular weight HA patients improved from 71.8+/-11.6 to 86.7+/-11.6 and in low molecular weight HA patients from 66.7+/-11.0 to 86.6+/-9.1 at the end of the trial (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups and both had improved in all parameters at the latest follow-up (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Three intra-articular injections at intervals of 1 week of both HA preparations resulted in a pronounced reduction in pain and improved function as measured by the HSS score during a period of 52 weeks, without complications.

Normal ranges of ulnar and radial deviation with reference to ulnar variance.

We aimed to determine the normal ranges of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist in relation to the ulnar variance. A total of 102 healthy subjects (204 wrists) were included in the study. The ranges of radial and ulnar deviation of the wrists were measured using a universal goniometer. Ulnar variance was assessed manually or radiographically, and recorded as ulna minus, ulna plus or ulna minus/plus. When the ranges of radial and ulnar deviation were compared with ulnar variance, ulnar deviation was greater in ulna minus subjects and radial deviation was greater in ulna minus/plus subjects. There was no significant difference in the total range of radio-ulnar deviation. The results of this study indicate that ulnar deviation is greater in ulna minus wrists, and we suggest that ulnar variance should be recorded alongside measurements of radial and ulnar deviation.

Postoperative immobilisation orthosis for surgically corrected hallux valgus.

A postoperative immobilisation orthosis was developed at the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, and applied from the first postoperative day as an alternative device for ambulation of patients who have undergone hallux valgus surgery while maintaining the corrected position. The orthosis is constructed with polyethylene thermoplastic sheet of 3mm thickness and Velcro. During the ambulation period, there was no complication or complaint due to its application and the position of the great toe was maintained. The time of the orthotic application was six weeks. The orthosis has allowed patients to walk with full weight bearing from the postoperative first day without any complication or recurrence.

Autoerythrocyte sensitization (Gardner-Diamond) syndrome mimicking compartment syndrome.

We report a case with an unusual manifestation of autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome (Gardner-Diamond syndrome). The patient had the clinical signs of compartment syndrome of the forearm requiring fasciotomy. Dermatological signs identical to Gardner-Diamond syndrome should alert the physician to avoid unnecessary fasciotomy, as these patients respond well to psychiatric treatment as in the present case.

Do orthopaedic journals provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice?

BACKGROUND: In the hierarchy of research designs, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are considered to be evidence of the highest grade, and scientific journals are the main source of scientific information. METHODS: Using the National Library of Medicine Medline database, all randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses from 1966 to 1999 were retrieved from the journals indexed in the core list of the Science Citation Index in 1999, dedicated primarily to orthopaedics. The abstracts of the articles were reviewed independently by each author and classified by the year, journal name and subject. RESULTS: The total number of articles was 36,293, of which only 671 were randomized controlled trials (1.85%) and 12 were meta-analyses (0.03%). Although there was a progressively increasing trend for randomized controlled trials, more than half of them (81.9%) were published in four journals. Of the randomized controlled trials, 66% was about arthroplasty, and hip and knee arthroplasties covered 90.7%. CONCLUSION: Although the number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses is tending to increase, the conclusion of this study is that the high-quality evidence provided by the major orthopaedic journals is quite low, and more randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are needed for evidence-based orthopaedic practice.

Patellectomy: an overview with reconstructive procedures.

Patellectomy is a relatively old procedure and its effect on knee function has been a matter of controversy. Although indications for a patellectomy have been narrowed, patellectomy still is indicated as the last choice of treatment in certain situations including comminuted fractures, advanced chondromalacia or osteoarthritis, dislocations, infections, and tumoral conditions. Excision of the patella results in a decrease in the moment arm of the extensor mechanism, alteration of the forces acting on the tibiofemoral joint and instant center of motion, limitation of range of motion, anterior instability, loss of protection of the trochlea from injury, and poor cosmesis. A good technique of patellectomy should overcome all or at least some of these problems. Although comparison of various techniques of patellectomy is impossible because of the lack of prospective randomized trials, reinforcement techniques seem more logical than simple repair procedures.

Treatment of cubitus varus using the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis.

Seven children with a post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity were treated using the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis. The outcome was rated as excellent in each case and all were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance. No complications had been encountered by the latest follow-up at a mean of 66.7 months. This technique seems reliable for the treatment of such deformities, provided that it achieves full correction by gradual distraction. Nerve palsy and unsightly scars are avoided, and the range of movement of adjacent joints is preserved.

Effects of various irrigating solutions on articular cartilage. An experimental study in rabbits.

The effect of six different solutions (normal saline, ringer's lactate, chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol) on articular cartilage was investigated in an in vivo rabbit model study. The right knees were aspirated and injected with one of these solutions for five days and, three days later, the patellae of the rabbits were excised and investigated histologically. Left knees were used as controls. There was no difference between the groups and the controls with respect to structure, cell density, and nuclei-to-lacunae ratio. These results suggest that, these solutions have no noxious effects on articular cartilage when used as irrigating fluids in orthopaedic practice.

The relationship between the tibialis posterior tendon and the accessory navicular.

Out of a total of 116 cadaver feet, 29 specimens were selected by means of palpation of the tuberosity of navicular for a possible presence of the accessory navicular. They were then radiographed and the accessory navicular was detected in ten. Also three fresh amputation specimens with an accessory navicular were added to the study. A total of 13 legs was dissected and in nine of them, the tibialis posterior tendon inserted directly into the accessory navicular without extending to the sole of the foot. In these feet, the second part of the tibialis posterior tendon originated from the accessory navicular, extending to the normal insertions. There was no connection between these two parts and when traction was applied to either one, no movement was observed in the other. Also a fibrocartilaginous mass was detected in four specimens, probably formed to resist the friction between the tendon and the bone. These results may explain the pronated foot in the presence of the navicular, due to the loss of the function of the tibialis posterior tendon.

Lengthening of congenital below-elbow amputation stumps by the Ilizarov technique.

Patients with short congenital amputations below the elbow often function as if they have had a disarticulation of the elbow. We have reviewed the results in six patients who had lengthening of such stumps by the Ilizarov technique to improve the fitting of prostheses. The mean lengthening was 5.6 cm (3.4 to 8.4), and in two patients flexion contractures of the elbows were corrected simultaneously. Additional lateral distraction was used in one patient to provide a better surface on the stump. There were no major complications. All six patients were able to use their prosthesis at the latest follow-up after 39 to 78 months.

Two-prong splint in the treatment of proximal humeral fracture.

Twenty-nine patients with two-, three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures were treated by two-prong splint. At the latest follow-up, 22 patients had excellent and satisfactory results according to the Neer criteria, with only two failures. Avascular necrosis was detected in only one patient. Given these results, we conclude that the present method can be the treatment of choice for these injuries.

Two-prong splint in the treatment of proximal humeral fracture.

Twenty-nine patients with two-, three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures were treated by two-prong splint. At the latest follow-up, 22 patients had excellent and satisfactory results according to the Neer criteria, with only two failures. Avascular necrosis was detected in only one patient. Given these results, we conclude that the present method can be the treatment of choice for these injuries.

Tibialis posterior tendon abnormalities in feet with accessory navicular bone and flatfoot.

To assess tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) pathology, we investigated 27 feet with the accessory navicular bone and 22 normal feet by MRI. We found two major anatomical differences in the feet with the accessory navicular bone; the TPT directly inserted in the accessory navicular bone, without any continuity to the sole of the foot or with a slip, less than 1 mm in thickness, and there was a mass with the density of fibrocartilage tissue, between the tendon and the bone in 20/27 feet. These abnormalities were not detected in the control group. 3 patients in the study group were operated on and the MRI findings were confirmed. These findings suggest that patients with the accessory navicular bone and flatfoot should be examined by MRI for insertion abnormalities of the TPT.