Time-Dependent Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reducing Donor-Site Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has a high incidence among sports players, and one important side effect of the surgery is graft donor site morbidity. Although some evidence suggests that application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during ACLR reduces pain and improves knee function, it is not a universal finding. PURPOSE: To perform a meta-analysis of previous studies testing the effects of PRP on donor site morbidity after ACLR. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We reviewed PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to find studies testing the effects of PRP on the donor site of ACLR autograft. After identifying 4 studies, we conducted 2 meta-analyses, 1 for the effects of PRP on pain, assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and the other for the functional knee scores. We also tested the ability of time after ACLR to predict the PRP-related reduction of pain. RESULTS: In the 4 studies identified, 157 patients were analyzed. Although the VAS score was lower with PRP at 6 months (raw mean difference [RMD], -0.97 [95% CI, -1.59 to -0.36]; P = .001) and 12 months (RMD, -0.61 [95% CI,-1.02 to -0.21]; P = .003), the effects of PRP disappeared at 24 months (RMD, -0.08 [95% CI,-0.38 to 0.22]; P = .586). A univariate regression analysis reinforced the ability of time after ACLR to predict the PRP-related reduction of VAS pain score (r2 = 0.98). However, knee function after ACLR was not improved by the use of PRP (standardized mean difference, 0.71 [95% CI,-0.17 to 1.60]; P = .114). CONCLUSION: PRP applied to a bone-patellar tendon-bone donor site could reduce knee pain within a year, and this reduction had a correlation with time, meaning that the effect of PRP decreased with time after surgery. However, pain reduction did not reach clinical relevance and did not lead to better functional knee scores.

PRP does not improve the objective outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been used in association with anterior cruciate ligament resconstruction (ACLR) to improve rehabilitation. The purpose was to systematically review the literature to compare the effects of PRP on ACLR in its objective and subjective outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed. Two independent reviewers included all the English language literature of patients undergoing primary ACLR with autograft combined with PRP. The outcomes analyzed were graft ligamentization (MRI), tibial and femoral tunnel widening (MRI), knee laxity, IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner activity scale and visual analog scale. RESULTS: Nine studies were included with a total of 525 patients. PRP did not improve ligamentization of graft (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.01 [95% CI: - 0.37; 0.39]), did not lead to lesser tunnel widening (SMD: 0.71 [95% CI: - 0.12; 1.54]), or lead to lesser knee laxity (raw mean difference: 0.33 [95% CI: - 0.84; 0.19]). Although there was statistical significance for PRP effects on Lysholm score and VAS (p < 0.01), their magnitude was limited. CONCLUSION: PRP showed no improvement in objective outcomes like ligamentization and less tunnel widening, while it showed just small improvements in terms of Lysholm, VAS and knee laxity. Therefore, there is not enough evidence to support a recommendation in favor of PRP and more research is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Anterior minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis technique (MIPO) for humeral shaft fractures: an anatomical study of neuromuscular structures at risk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular structures at risk during modified anterior minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis technique (Belangero-Livani) for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen human specimens ranging from 38 to 82 years old were used. Specimens were positioned supine with the shoulder in 70° abduction and the forearm in full supination. Anterior minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis technique according to Belangero-Livani technique was performed in each specimen. Under radioscopic control, the plate was introduced in retrograde fashion through the subbrachialis path. Anatomical structures were inspected and different anatomical parameters were measured after dissection at the end of the surgical procedures. Measurements were performed using a high digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient test. A p value of < 0.05 was used to define statistical significance. RESULTS: There were no macroscopic lesions of myotendinous or neurovascular structures in any specimen. The mean distance between the radial nerve to the distal lateral end of the plate was 8.63 mm (range 4.14-13.83 mm). The mean total length of the humerus was 328.59 mm. We found a significant direct correlation between the total length of the humerus and both specimen height and weight. CONCLUSION: The modified Belangero-Livani anterior MIPO technique for humeral shaft fractures performed in retrograde fashion is safe and useful, without major risk to the soft tissue of the anterior compartment of the arm, including the radial nerve in the lateral intermuscular septum. Intraoperative dissection, avoiding deep lateral retraction on the distal approach, minimizes the risk of radial nerve damage. Strict surgical planning and appreciation for the anatomic landmarks can reduce the risk of damage to neuromuscular structures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case series with no comparison group; Treatment study.

DETERMINANTS OF RETURN TO PLAY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the performance of return to play (RTP) and non-RTP patients in different assessment tools after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR). METHODS: Out of 182 studies searched on PubMed, 11 presented RTP and non-RTP groups assessing the performance of young individuals, practitioners of different sports, with different tools. RESULTS: There was higher limb symmetry (7.13% [95%CI 4.55; 9.70], p < 0.001), Tegner activity scale (2.41 [95%CI 0.18; 4.64], p = 0.03), functional scores such as International Knee Documentation Committee (x7.44 [95%CI 4.69; 10.19], p < 0.001), Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score for quality of life (14.75 [95%CI 10.96; 18.54], p < 0.001) and for sports/recreation (11.86 [95%CI 8.87; 14.86], p < 0.001); and lower knee laxity (-0.25 mm [95%CI -0.36; -0.14], p < 0.001) in RTP compared to non-RTP patients following ACLR. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that these different tools can differentiate RTP for non-RTP patients, which may contribute to the physician's decision about the ideal time for RTP. Level of Evidence III, Systematic review of Level III studies.

OBJETIVO: Revisar sistematicamente e meta-analisar o desempenho de atletas que retornaram (RTP) e não retornaram (não RTP) ao esporte em diferentes ferramentas de avaliação após cirurgia de ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA). MÉTODOS: De 182 estudos pesquisados no PubMed, 11 tiveram grupos RTP e não RTP avaliando a performance de jovens, praticantes de distintas modalidades esportivas, em diferentes ferramentas. RESULTADOS: Houve melhor simetria dos membros (7,13% [95%IC 4,55; 9,70], p < 0,0001), escala de atividade de Tegner (2,41 [95%IC 0,18; 4,64], p = 0,03), escores funcionais como o International Knee Documentation Comittee (7,44 [95%IC 4,69; 10,19], p < 0.001), Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score para qualidade de vida (14,75 [95%IC 10,96; 18,54], p < 0,001) e esportes/recreação (11,86 [95%IC 8,87; 14,86], p < 0,001); e frouxidão ligamentar do joelho (-0,25 mm [95%IC -0,36; -0,14], p < 0,001) em RTP comparados com pacientes não RTP após RLCA. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que essas ferramentas conseguem diferenciar pacientes RTP de não RTP, o que deverá contribuir com a decisão de médicos sobre o momento ideal de retorno ao esporte. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão sistemática de Estudos de Nível III .

Determinants of return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / Determinantes do retorno ao esporte após reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

ABSTRACT Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze the performance of return to play (RTP) and non-RTP patients in different assessment tools after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR). Methods: Out of 182 studies searched on PubMed, 11 presented RTP and non-RTP groups assessing the performance of young individuals, practitioners of different sports, with different tools. Results: There was higher limb symmetry (7.13% [95%CI 4.55; 9.70], p < 0.001), Tegner activity scale (2.41 [95%CI 0.18; 4.64], p = 0.03), functional scores such as International Knee Documentation Committee (x7.44 [95%CI 4.69; 10.19], p < 0.001), Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score for quality of life (14.75 [95%CI 10.96; 18.54], p < 0.001) and for sports/recreation (11.86 [95%CI 8.87; 14.86], p < 0.001); and lower knee laxity (-0.25 mm [95%CI -0.36; -0.14], p < 0.001) in RTP compared to non-RTP patients following ACLR. Conclusion: We confirmed that these different tools can differentiate RTP for non-RTP patients, which may contribute to the physician's decision about the ideal time for RTP. Level of Evidence III, Systematic review of Level III studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente e meta-analisar o desempenho de atletas que retornaram (RTP) e não retornaram (não RTP) ao esporte em diferentes ferramentas de avaliação após cirurgia de ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA). Métodos: De 182 estudos pesquisados no PubMed, 11 tiveram grupos RTP e não RTP avaliando a performance de jovens, praticantes de distintas modalidades esportivas, em diferentes ferramentas. Resultados: Houve melhor simetria dos membros (7,13% [95%IC 4,55; 9,70], p < 0,0001), escala de atividade de Tegner (2,41 [95%IC 0,18; 4,64], p = 0,03), escores funcionais como o International Knee Documentation Comittee (7,44 [95%IC 4,69; 10,19], p < 0.001), Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score para qualidade de vida (14,75 [95%IC 10,96; 18,54], p < 0,001) e esportes/recreação (11,86 [95%IC 8,87; 14,86], p < 0,001); e frouxidão ligamentar do joelho (-0,25 mm [95%IC -0,36; -0,14], p < 0,001) em RTP comparados com pacientes não RTP após RLCA. Conclusão: Concluímos que essas ferramentas conseguem diferenciar pacientes RTP de não RTP, o que deverá contribuir com a decisão de médicos sobre o momento ideal de retorno ao esporte. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão sistemática de Estudos de Nível III .

Association between Lysholm score and muscular torque deficit after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The asymmetry of muscular strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with increase in the development of new lesions. This asymmetry is precisely assessed by isokinetic dynamometry which is a high-cost technique, limited to major centers and hospitals. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the accuracy of one of the most frequently used functional questionnaires, the Lysholm score, to diagnose the knee torque deficit. METHODS: In total, 115 patients were evaluated after ACLR. Knee symptoms were evaluated using the Lysholm questionnaire and knee extensor and flexor peak torque during maximal isokinetic concentric contractions at 60° s-1 (5 repetitions) and 180° s-1 (15 repetitions). Patients with <20% peak torque deficit were considered symmetric (normal). RESULTS: An increase in the Lysholm score was associated with a deficit reduction in the peak torque of knee extensors at 60° s-1 (r = -0.294) and 180° s-1 (r = -0.297) (p < 0.05 for both). Cutoff Lysholm scores of >90 points for 60° s-1 allowed the correct diagnosis of symmetry in 71% and of >89 points for 180º·s-1 allowed the correct diagnosis of symmetry in 73%, for knee extensors. Patients with a Lysholm score of >89 points presented an isokinetic deficit 36% lower than patients with a Lysholm score of ≤89 points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A Lysholm score of >89 points has predictive value for deficits in the peak torque of knee extension (<20%). However, replacement of the isokinetic evaluation by this instrument must be performed with caution because of its accuracy.

Boyd Amputation Using the Tension Band Technique.

BACKGROUND: Amputation at the level of the hindfoot results in an equinus deformity from an imbalance of muscle-tendons acting across the ankle. Boyd's reconstruction for hindfoot amputations is a well-known technique that retains the calcaneus and fuses it with the distal tibia at the ankle mortise. It provides an excellent weight-bearing stump and in most cases does not require an artificial limb but its use has been restricted because of the difficulty in obtaining high union rates in the tibiocalcaneal fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients (four unilateral and one bilateral) underwent leg amputations from January 2012 to November 2013 using the Boyd technique for reconstructing the stump and were stabilized with a tension band. The study sample consisted of adult patients who had traumatic reasons for the amputation. Patients under 18 years old with a hindfoot that was inadequate for Boyd reconstruction (i.e., insufficient soft tissue coverage or no posterior tibial artery pulse) were excluded. One (case #2) had systemic comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, chronic vascular insufficiency) as well as being a smoker. Three men and two women (mean age 39 years; range 21-61 years) were included. Three patients underwent amputation on the right side, one on the left side, and one bilaterally (case #5). All patients presented with Gustillo and Anderson IIIC open fractures. The mean time from lesion to amputation was 2.25 weeks (range 1-4 weeks). The mean follow-up duration was 16 (range 12-24) months. The post-surgery examination included a clinical examination and radiography. A 6 minute walk test (6 MWT) was performed on week 32 after the amputation. This study was carried out with the approval of our institution's ethics committee. All patients provided a written informed consent form in accordance with the World Medical Association and the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: All six stumps fused successfully. The 6 MWT results were comparable to those found in the literature for other lower limb amputees. CONCLUSION: The tension band technique used as part of the Boyd amputation to achieve tibiocalcaneal fusion was effective in all five trauma patients. Sound fusion was achieved in all cases with the 6 MWT scores comparable to that in the literature. This technique should be considered an osteosynthesis option for the Boyd procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Mongon MLD, Sposito AL, Nunes GMN, et al. Boyd Amputation Using the Tension Band Technique. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2019;14(2):102-105.

"Clothesline technique" for proximal tibial shaft fracture fixation using conventional intramedullary nail: a simple, useful, and inexpensive technique to prevent fracture malalignment.

Treatment of proximal tibial shaft fractures is always challenging. Despite the development of modern techniques, the literature still shows high complication rates, especially regarding proximal fragment malalignment. It is well known that knee position in flexion during tibial nailing is responsible for extension and valgus deformities of the proximal fragment. Unlike in tibial shaft fractures, nails do not reduce proximal tibial fractures due to the medullary canal width. This study aims to describe a simple, useful, and inexpensive technique to prevent valgus and extension deformities when treating proximal tibial fractures using conventional nails: the so-called clothesline technique.

Pedicled Sensate Composite Calcaneal Flap in Children With Congenital Tibial Pseudoarthrosis.

BACKGROUND: The preservation and functionality of a limb affected by a malformation (such as congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia) or a severely mangled lower limb in children, despite modern reconstructive techniques, remains challenging, often eventually requiring amputation to achieve a better outcome. The classical Syme and Boyd procedures are functionally better than transtibial (TT) amputation, but are not feasible for congenital tibial pseudoarthrosis. TT amputation delivers an excellent, effective, and functional stump that usually leads, after prosthetization, to a functional gait. Unfortunately, in some situations, particularly when amputation is performed conventionally, the stump is also associated with complications. Future surgical revisions are often needed, particularly in children, because of stump overgrowth. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, three patients diagnosed with congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia associated with neurofibromatosis who were indicated for TT amputation with calcaneal flap after failure of all previous surgical reconstructive procedures were selected. The chosen method for osteosynthesis was an external fixator of Ilizarov. RESULTS: At 12 weeks of follow-up, the stump had healed in all three patients, and tibiocalcaneal fusion was achieved without complications. All patients were prosthetized and had an asymptomatic gait. After a minimum follow-up of 6 years, all three cases with the pedicled sensate composite calcaneal flap still had a strong, full weight-bearing surface and have adapted easily to the conventional prosthesis, providing a painless stump with excellent functionality. CONCLUSION: With a 0 rate of needed revisions, all 3 cases with the pedicled sensate composite calcaneal flap preserving the hind foot still have a strong, full weight-bearing surface and have easily adapted to the conventional prosthesis, providing a painless and excellent functional stump that could last a lifetime. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Scaphoid fracture nonunion: correlation of radiographic imaging, proximal fragment histologic viability evaluation, and estimation of viability at surgery: diagnosis of scaphoid pseudarthrosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to correlate the pre-operative imaging, vascularity of the proximal pole, and histology of the proximal pole bone of established scaphoid fracture non-union. METHODS: This was a prospective non-controlled experimental study. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively for necrosis of the proximal scaphoid fragment by radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Vascular status of the proximal scaphoid was determined intra-operatively, demonstrating the presence or absence of puncate bone bleeding. Samples were harvested from the proximal scaphoid fragment and sent for pathological examination. We determined the association between the imaging and intra-operative examination and histological findings. RESULTS: We evaluated 19 male patients diagnosed with scaphoid nonunion. CT evaluation showed no correlation to scaphoid proximal fragment necrosis. MRI showed marked low signal intensity on T1-weighted images that confirmed the histological diagnosis of necrosis in the proximal scaphoid fragment in all patients. Intra-operative assessment showed that 90% of bones had absence of intra-operative puncate bone bleeding, which was confirmed necrosis by microscopic examination. CONCLUSIONS: In scaphoid nonunion MRI images with marked low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and the absence of intra-operative puncate bone bleeding are strong indicatives of osteonecrosis of the proximal fragment.

Minimal invasive ostheosintesis for treatment of diaphiseal transverse humeral shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with transverse fractures of the shaft of the humerus treated with indirect reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws through minimally invasive technique. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were adult patients with transverse diaphyseal fractures of the humerus closed, isolated or not occurring within 15 days of the initial trauma. Exclusion criteria were patients with compound fractures. RESULTS: In two patients, proximal screw loosening occurred, however, the fractures consolidated in the same mean time as the rest of the series. Consolidation with up to 5 degrees of varus occurred in five cases and extension deficit was observed in the patient with olecranon fracture treated with tension band, which was not considered as a complication. There was no recurrence of infection or iatrogenic radial nerve injury. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that minimally invasive osteosynthesis with bridge plate can be considered a safe and effective option for the treatment of transverse fractures of the humeral shaft. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Study.

Minimal invasive ostheosintesis for treatment of diaphiseal transverse humeral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with transverse fractures of the shaft of the humerus treated with indirect reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws through minimally invasive technique. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were adult patients with transverse diaphyseal fractures of the humerus closed, isolated or not occurring within 15 days of the initial trauma. Exclusion criteria were patients with compound fractures. RESULTS: In two patients, proximal screw loosening occurred, however, the fractures consolidated in the same mean time as the rest of the series. Consolidation with up to 5 degrees of varus occurred in five cases and extension deficit was observed in the patient with olecranon fracture treated with tension band, which was not considered as a complication. There was no recurrence of infection or iatrogenic radial nerve injury. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that minimally invasive osteosynthesis with bridge plate can be considered a safe and effective option for the treatment of transverse fractures of the humeral shaft. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Study. .

Use of the vascularized iliac-crest flap in musculoskeletal lesions.

Bone loss was in the past treated by several methods, such as bone distraction and the use of nonvascularized or tissue-bank bone grafts. With the advent of modern microsurgical techniques, the vascularized bone flap has been used with good results; it resolves local nutritional problems, repairs soft tissue that is often damaged by severe trauma, and treats bone loss due to tumors, pseudarthroses, and osteomyelitis. This paper reports the authors' experience with the use of vascularized iliac-crest flaps to treat orthopedic pathologies in five patients with traumatic bone loss (<10 cm), three with osteomyelitis, and three with atrophic nonunion. In all cases, the same surgeon obtained a vascularized iliac-crest flap with a pedicle based on the deep iliac circumflex artery. All flaps consolidated within a mean period of 3 months. These findings demonstrate that the use of an iliac-crest flap is a treatment option in cases of bone loss and that it is associated with good functional results and minimal donor-site morbidity.

Tibiotalar arthrodesis in posttraumatic arthritis using the tension band technique.

BACKGROUND: Although a variety of surgical techniques are available for the treatment of ankle degenerative disease, arthrodesis is a common treatment especially for unilateral posttraumatic arthritis in young patients. A clear trend toward internal fixation for ankle arthrodesis is evident, but fusion site compression is known to play an integral role in primary bone healing. METHODS: Between September 2001 and October 2009, 17 adults with painful end-stage posttraumatic ankle arthritis were treated with the tension band technique to achieve tibiotalar arthrodesis. RESULTS: Tibiotalar fusion was obtained in all patients at a mean of 16.6 (range, 13 to 28) weeks. No patient had pain at the last postoperative follow-up examination. AOFAS and Mazur scores were preoperatively 29 and 23.1, respectively, and postoperatively 71.1 and 70.7, respectively. CONCLUSION: Arthrodesis with a tension band was a safe and effective surgical treatment option for posttraumatic ankle arthritis in patients without infection and good bone density, as it was simple, less invasive, and inexpensive and allowed early full weight-bearing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Cortical tibial osteoperiosteal flap technique to achieve bony bridge in transtibial amputation: experience in nine adult patients.

Amputation, especially of the lower limbs, is a surgical procedure that gives excellent results when conducted under the appropriate conditions. In 1949 Ertl developed a technique for transtibial osteomyoplastic amputation which restored the intraosseous pressure through canal obliteration and expanded the area of terminal support through a bony bridge between the fibula and distal tibia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a modification of the original Ertl's technique in which a cortical osteoperiosteal flap created from the tibia is used to form a bony bridge during transtibial amputation in adults. Nine patients underwent leg amputations with the cortical tibial osteoperiosteal flap technique for reconstruction of the stump. The average duration of follow-up was 30.8 (range, 18-41) months. The post-surgery examination included a clinical examination and radiography. A 6-min walk test (Enright in Respir Care 48(8):783-785, 2003) was performed in the 32nd week after amputation. At 24th week post-surgery, all patients had stumps that were painless and able to bear full weight through the end. The creation of a cortical osteoperiosteal flap from the tibia to the fibula during transtibial amputation is a safe and effective technique that provides a strong and painless terminal weight-bearing stump. This constitutes a useful option for young patients, athletes, and patients with high physical demands.

A case series featuring extremely short below-knee stumps.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb amputations should be evaluated carefully, especially with regard to the possibility of preserving the knee joint to enable a more physiological gait and lower energy consumption. Below-knee amputations were performed immediately below the tibial tuberosity with maintenance of the insertion of the patellar tendon, resulting in very short, but functional stumps. This case study examined whether very short below-knee stumps allow a more functional gait, as compared to more proximal amputations. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: Between June 2010 and June 2011, four patients had extremely short below-knee amputations, with resection of the head of the fibula at the junction and reinsertion of the collateral ligaments and structures attached to the tibia. This was followed by placement of a prosthesis with a vacuum-assisted suspension socket. FINDINGS AND OUTCOME: At the end of treatment, patients that underwent transtibial amputations with an extremely short stump were considered well adapted to their prosthesis and were satisfied in relation to the acquired gait patterns. CONCLUSION: The extremely short below-knee amputation, despite having a short lever arm should be considered as another option for lower-limb amputations, although we cannot yet assure that other patient groups undergoing this level of amputation may have the same results of the study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The extremely short below-knee amputation, despite having a short lever arm should be considered as an option for lower limb amputations, as it can provide a prosthetic provision with a good functional outcome.

Sensate composite calcaneal flap in leg amputation: a full terminal weight-bearing surface-experience in eight adult patients.

Despite modern reconstruction techniques and replantation, the preservation of a severely traumatised limb, or even a limb affected by a congenital malformation, usually gives poorer functional results compared with amputation and prosthetisation. The aim of this study was to describe a hind foot (including the calcaneum and fat pad) sensate flap with a surface that allows full terminal weight bearing in transtibial amputations in adults. Between June 2007 and September 2008, eight patients underwent leg amputations with a sensate composite calcaneal flap reconstruction of the stump. Patients consisted of four men and four women with a mean age of 46.5 (26-66) years. All amputations were unilateral. The mean follow-up was 28.3 (25-42) months. There were no complications. Calcaneum tibial fusion was observed in all patients in a mean time of 3.5 (3-4) months. A below-knee prosthesis was adapted at 16 weeks postoperatively in all cases, and no need for stump revision occurred in this series during the entire follow-up period. A transtibial amputation covered with a sensate plantar flap preserving the calcaneum was proposed. In theory, the anatomic structures spared in this technique provide a strong, full, weight-bearing terminal surface of the stump that will last a lifetime.

Pedicled sensate composite calcaneal flap to achieve full weight-bearing surface in midshaft leg amputations: case report.

Of the possible levels of amputation, transtibial amputations result in functionally excellent outcomes. However, in contrast to hind foot amputations, such as Syme and especially Boyd amputation, acute or late complications related to the amputated stump are frequent with the various described techniques. The aim of this study was to describe a hind foot (including the calcaneum and fat pad) pedicled sensate flap with a surface that allowed full terminal weight-bearing in transtibial amputations in adults. One male patient, 66 years old with schizophrenia and chronic distal tibial osteomyelitis, underwent a leg amputation with sensate composite calcaneal flap construction. The stump was painless and able to bear total terminal weight at 12 weeks. Calcaneum tibial fusion was observed at 12-week postoperative follow-up. A below-knee prosthesis was adapted in 12 weeks, and at the 1-year follow-up, the patient was completely satisfied with the functional performance of his stump. The flap described provides proprioceptive feedback with the best bone and skin to support weight bearing. Another advantage is the possibility to use the same prosthesis commonly used in Boyd or Syme amputation due a longer arm leverage, which also allows full terminal weight-bearing. In the current study, a transtibial amputation covered with a pedicled sensate plantar flap preserving the calcaneum was proposed. In theory, the anatomic structures spared in this technique provide a strong full weight-bearing terminal surface of the stump that will last a lifetime.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes idosos um ano após o tratamento cirúrgico de fraturas transtrocanterianas do fêmur / Functional outcomes and quality of life one year after surgical management of trochanteric fractures

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto que as fraturas transtrocanterianas produzem sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes idosos, tratados cirurgicamente, durante o período de um ano de acompanhamento. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 73 idosos com fratura transtrocanterina, com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos de ambos os sexos. Foi aplicado questionário padronizado, para se obter informações quanto aos hábitos de vida, atividade física, funcionalidade, deambulação e estado cognitivo. Foram excluídos os óbitos ocorridos durante o estudo, pacientes que não deambulavam, com doenças neurológicas ou fraturas patológicas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 80,17 ± 7,2, sendo 75 por cento do sexo feminino. Ao comparar as somatórias das atividades de vida diária (p=0,04) e instrumentais da vida diária (p=0,004), obtidas na pré e pós-fratura, os pacientes tornaram-se mais dependentes pós-fratura. Atividades de vida diária que apresentaram piora pós-fratura foram: tomar banho (p=0,04), ir ao banheiro (p=0,02) e vestir-se (p=0,04). Todas as atividades instrumentais da vida diária apresentaram diferença significativa, apresentando maior dependência funcional pós-fratura, assim como aumento da necessidade de auxílio a deambulação (p=0,00002), idade avançada (p=0,01) e não realizar atividades domésticas (p=0,01). A baixa pontuação no teste Minimental estava associada com uma maior dependência para realizar as atividades da vida diária na pré-fratura (p=0,00002) e pós-fratura (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Após um ano, as atividades de vida diária que dependiam dos membros inferiores pioraram significativamente, todas as atividades instrumentais de vida diária apresentaram piora significativa em mais de 50 por cento dos pacientes e mais da metade dos pacientes que andavam sem apoio perderam esta capacidade.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact that trochanteric hip fractures produce on life quality of elderly patients, treated surgically, during one year of monitoring. METHODS: Were selected 73 elderly with transtrochanteric femur fracture, aged equal or over than 65 years and of both sexes. All participants underwent a standardized questionnaire which obtained information on lifestyle habits, functionality, physical activity, ambulation and cognitive state. Were excluded patients who died, not walking, with neurological diseases and pathological fractures. RESULTS: The average age was 80.17 ± 7.2 years and 75 percent was female. When comparing the summation of activities of daily living (p = 0.04) and instrumental daily living (p = 0.004) obtained before and after fracture, the patients become more dependent after fracture. Activities of daily living that worsened after fracture were bathing (p = 0.04), toileting (p = 0.02) and dressing (p = 0.04). All instrumental activities of daily living showed a significant difference, with functional dependence after fracture, increased need for walking aid (p = 0.00002), aged (p = 0.01) and not doing housework (p = 0.01). The low score on the test Minimental was associated with a greater dependence to perform activities of daily living before (p = 0.00002) and after (p = 0.01) fracture. CONCLUSION: After a year, activities of daily living that depended on the lower limbs worsened significantly, all instrumental activities of daily living were significantly worse in more than 50 percent of patients and more than half of patients who walked without support lost this ability.