Shoulder abduction and external rotation restoration with nerve transfer.

INTRODUCTION: In upper brachial plexus palsy patients, loss of shoulder function and elbow flexion is obvious as the result of paralysed muscles innervated by the suprascapular, axillary and musculocutaneus nerve. Shoulder stabilisation, restoration of abduction and external rotation are important as more distal functions will be affected by the shoulder situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, eleven patients with upper type brachial plexus palsy were operated on with triceps nerve branch transfer to anterior axillary nerve branch and spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for shoulder abduction and external rotation restoration. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were men with ages ranged from 21 to 35 years (average, 27.4 years). The interval between injury and surgery ranged from 4 to 11 months (average, 7.2 months). Atrophy of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and deltoid muscle and subluxation at the glenohumeral joint was obvious in all patients preoperatively. During the pre-op examination all patients had at least muscle grading 4 on the triceps muscle. RESULTS: The mean post-operative value of shoulder abduction was 112.2° (range: 60-170°) while preoperatively none of the patients was able for abduction (p<0.001). The mean post-operative value of shoulder external rotation was 66° (range: 35-110°) while preoperatively none of them was able for external rotation (p<0.001). Postoperative values of shoulder abduction were significantly better that those of external rotation (p=0.0004). The postoperative average muscle grading for shoulder abduction according the MRC scale was 3.6±0.5 and for the shoulder external rotation was 3.2±0.4. CONCLUSIONS: Combined nerve transfer by using the spinal accessory nerve for suprascapular nerve neurotisation and one of the triceps nerve branches for axillary nerve and teres minor branch neurotisation is an excellent choice for shoulder abduction and external rotation restoration.

Management of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with a double-button fixation system.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous static and dynamic techniques have been described for the management of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. To date, no standard technique has been established and several complications have been described for each of these techniques. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of acute AC joint reconstruction after a mini-open technique using the double-button fixation system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with acute AC joint dislocation treated with the double-button fixation system by one surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Functional assessment was performed by an independent reviewer using the DASH, Constant and the VAS scores. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance of the affected shoulder was assessed on a standard radiograph and compared with the contralateral normal one. RESULTS: Eight patients were operated on for grade III AC joint dislocation and 4 for grade IV. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 27.5 years. The mean follow-up was 18.25 months (range: 12-30 months). At the most recent follow-up, the mean Constant score was 94.8 (range: 84-100) showing a significant increase compared with the mean pre-operative value of 34.4 (range: 25-52) (p<0.001). The mean DASH score was significantly decreased from 19.6 (range: 14-28) preoperatively to 0.25 (range: 0-3) at the last follow-up (p<0.001). The mean VAS score showed a significant decrease from 5.75 (range: 4-7) to 0.2 (range: 0-2) (p<0.001). The mean CC distance on the operated shoulder was found to have no significant difference from the CC distance on the contralateral normal side (10.5 vs. 10mm) (p>0.05). There was no evidence of AC joint osteoarthrosis, CC calcification or osteolysis of the distal clavicle or the coracoid process. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed mini-open technique provides adequate exposure of the base of the coracoid with minimal damage to the soft tissues surrounding the CC ligaments while ensures an excellent cosmetic result. We recommend this fast and relatively simple technique for all type IV injuries and for type III injuries in heavy manual workers and high-demand upper extremities athletes.

Vascularized fibula transfer for lower limb reconstruction.

Massive bony defects of the lower extremity are usually the result of high-energy trauma, tumor resection, or severe sepsis. Vascularized fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of large skeletal defects, especially in cases of scarred and avascular recipient sites, or in patients with combined bone and soft-tissue defects. Microvascular free fibula transfer is considered the most suitable autograft for reconstruction of the middle tibia because of its long cylindrical straight shape, mechanical strength, predictable vascular pedicle, and hypertrophy potential. The ability to fold the free fibula into two segments or to combine it with massive allografts is a useful technique for reconstruction of massive bone defects of the femur or proximal tibia. It can also be transferred with skin, fascia, or muscle as a composite flap. Proximal epiphyseal fibula transfer has the potential for longitudinal growth and can be used in the hip joint remodeling procedures. Complications can be minimized by careful preoperative planning of the procedure, meticulous intraoperative microsurgical techniques, and strict postoperative rehabilitation protocols. This literature review highlights the different surgical techniques, indications, results, factors influencing the outcome, and major complications of free vascularized fibular graft for management of skeletal or composite defects of the lower limb.

Intramuscular hemangioma of the foot: A case report and review of the literature.

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IHs) are rare benign neoplasms usually seen in children, adolescents and young adults. Although lower extremities are the commonest localization, the localization at the foot is extremely rare since only a few cases have been reported. We report a case of mixed type IH of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle in a 12-year-old boy who was treated with surgical excision, with wide surgical margins.

Digit and hand replantation.

For the past 45 years, the advent of microsurgery has led to replantation of almost every amputated part such as distal phalanx, finger tip, etc. Replantation of digits and hand can restore not only circulation, but also function and cosmetic of the amputated part. The goals of replantation are to restore circulation and regain sufficient function and sensation of the amputated part. Strict selection criteria are necessary to optimize the functional result. The management of this type of injuries includes meticulous preoperative management, microsurgical experience and continuous postoperative care. Among various factors influencing the outcome, the most important are the type and the level of injury, ischemia time, history of diabetes, age, sex, and smoking history. During the replantation procedure, bone stabilization, tendon repair, arterial anastomoses, venous anastomoses, nerve coaptation, and skin coverage should be performed. All structures should be repaired primarily, unless a large nerve gap or a flexor tendon avulsion injury is present. Adequate postoperative evaluation is mandatory to avoid early or late complications. To improve functional results, many replantation patients may need further reconstructive surgery.

Pyomyositis in children: early diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate early diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment outcome in children with pyomyositis. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2006, 6 children with a mean age of 7.2 years were diagnosed and treated for pyomyositis in our clinic. The most common site of involvement was the hip and thigh region. All patients underwent early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination that played a significant role in the early diagnosis and management of the disease. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen and was identified in 3 cases. Intravenous antibiotics were administered and were followed by oral agents for an additional period. The duration of therapy ranged from 3 to 6 weeks. No surgical intervention was needed. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate response to the therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although pyomyositis is a rare disease, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immediate onset of musculoskeletal pain in children. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important as major complications such as abscess formation and sepsis can be avoided. Having a high sensitivity to reactive inflammatory changes, MRI is a valuable tool in the armamentarium of the clinician in early diagnosis of pyomyositis.

Combined radiotherapy and indomethacin for the prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: :Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication following total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined radiotherapy and indomethacin as compared to indomethacin alone for the prevention of HO after hip arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 96 patients were prospectively enrolled to receive either a single dose of postoperative radiotherapy of 7.0 Gy and indomethacin for the first 15 postoperative days or indomethacin alone for the same period. A historical group of 50 patients that received indomethacin alone served as control. Primary endpoint was the radiographic evidence of HO at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of factors related to HO development, side effects from each treatment, and group differences in the clinical assessment with the Merle d'Aubigné Score. RESULTS: Four patients in the combined-therapy group developed HO compared to 13 patients in the indomethacin group (p < 0.05) and 13 patients in the historical group (p < 0.05). One patient each in the combined group and the historical group developed Brooker III HO (nonsignificant difference). Duration of surgery and congenital hip disease were associated with HO development in the indomethacin groups, while age and congenital hip disease showed such an association in the combined-therapy group. The side effects and mean Merle d'Aubigné Score did not differ significantly between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Combined radiotherapy and indomethacin was more efficacious in preventing HO after total hip arthroplasty compared to indomethacin alone and should be considered for future investigation.

Normative data on hand grip strength in a Greek adult population.

The objectives of this study were to establish data concerning normal hand grip strength (GS) and to explore possible associations with anthropometric parameters. GS was measured in 232 individuals in a standard arm position using the Jamar dynamometer. We examined differences between right/left and dominant/nondominant hands. Possible correlations of GS with anthropometric values were evaluated. Right hand and dominant hand GS were found to be higher and statistically significant compared to left hand and nondominant hand GS, respectively. Men had higher values of GS compared to women. A negative association was observed between age and dominant hand GS. A positive association was documented between height and dominant hand GS, while the respective comparison for weight and dominant hand GS documented a statistically significant positive association only in the male group. A positive association between BMI and dominant hand GS was seen in female individuals. Additional factors associated with GS should be the goal of future investigations.

Transtibial versus anteromedial portal of the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

The aim of this cadaveric study was to compare the transtibial versus the anteromedial portal with respect to the anatomic femoral positioning of the ACL attachment. Ten fresh frozen cadaveric knees were included in our study. A standard arthroscopy was performed and the normal ACL was partially cut through with arthroscopic scissors leaving a small footprint of 2 mm at the anatomical insertion area on the lateral femoral condyle. The femoral tunnel was drilled through the tibial tunnel and subsequently through the anteromedial portal. Using a probe with standard magnification, we measured the distances of the two femoral tunnels from the margin of ACL footprint arthroscopically. The femurs were then dissected and we measured the distances of the two tunnels from the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle. The median arthroscopically measured distance of the centers of transtibial femoral tunnel and of the femoral tunnel through the anteromedial portal from the margin of the femoral ACL footprint were 6.20 mm and 2.80 mm respectively. The difference was statistically significant. After femoral dissection the median distance of the centers of the transtibial femoral tunnel and the femoral tunnel performed through the anteromedial portal from the border of the articular surface at the lateral femoral condyle was 6.10 mm and 5.25 mm respectively (p<0.001). Both measurements showed that ACL reconstruction technique through the anteromedial portal is more accurate compared to the transtibial technique.

Can end-to-side neurorrhaphy bridge large defects? An experimental study in rats.

This study was undertaken to evaluate collateral sprouting capability in an end-to-side repair model with long regenerative distance. Forty-five rats were used and divided into four groups, according to the reparative procedure following peroneal nerve division: (A) "double" end-to-side neurorrhaphy with a regenerative distance of 0.6 cm; (B) "double" end-to-side neurorrhaphy with a regenerative distance of 1.2 cm; (C) end-to-end neurorrhaphy; and (D) nerve stumps buried into neighboring muscles. In all animals the contralateral healthy side served as a control. Functional assessment of nerve regeneration was performed at intervals up to 5 months using the Peroneal Function Index (PFI). Evaluation 150 days after surgery included peroneal and tibial nerve histologic and morphometric examination and wet weights of the tibialis anterior muscle. Functional evaluation and axonal counting data demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B, or between groups A and C. There was no functional or histologic evidence of donor nerve deterioration. In conclusion, the present study confirms that "double" end-to-side neurorrhaphy may be useful for the repair of divided human nerves with long gaps.

Axonal regeneration stimulated by erythropoietin: an experimental study in rats.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of erythropoietin to the collateral sprouting by using systemically delivered erythropoietin in an end-to-side nerve repair model. Forty-five rats were evaluated in four groups: (A) end-to-side neurorrhaphy only, (B) end-to-side neurorrhaphy and erythropoietin administration, (C) end-to-end neurorrhaphy and (D) nerve stumps buried into neighboring muscles. In all animals, the contralateral healthy side served as control. Functional assessment of nerve regeneration was performed at intervals up to 5 months using the Peroneal Function Index. Evaluation 150 days after surgery included peroneal and tibial nerve morphometric examination, and wet weights of the tibialis anterior muscle. During the first three weeks after surgery, when erythropoietin was regularly administered, functional evaluation showed that erythropoietin may facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration. However, there was rapid deterioration in the functional recovery when erythropoietin's administration was discontinued. As a consequence, at the end of this study, erythropoietin failed to maintain its initial stimulating effect in axonal regeneration. The results of wet muscle weights revealed statistically significant differences between Groups A and C, and Group B. Furthermore, data on axonal counting showed significant difference between Groups A and C, and Group B. Erythropoietin appears to facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration at the initial phase of its administration. Further investigation will be necessary to optimise the conditions (dose, mode of administration) in order to maintain its effects.

Long-term results of various therapy concepts in severe pilon fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular fractures of the tibia plafond are among the most challenging of orthopaedic problems. This is a retrospective case-control study of surgically treated pilon fractures which was undertaken to compare the internal fixation with the two external fixation methods. METHODS: This is a case-control study of 55 patients with 55 pilon fractures. There were 36 type C and 19 type B. Of these fractures, 24 were open and 31 closed. Three surgical protocols were used. In 20 patients, Group A, a half pin external fixator with ankle spanning was performed. The mean age of patients was 42.0 years (22.0-74.0), SD 14.1 and the mean follow-up was 77.7 months (38.0-132.0), SD 25.4. In 22 patients, Group B, a single ankle sparring ring hybrid external fixator under a small arthrotomy was performed. The mean age of patients was 48.4 years (28.0-76.0), SD 12.4 and mean follow-up was 67.9 months (36.0-132.0), SD 27.8. In 13 patients, Group C, a two-staged internal fixation was performed. The mean age was 45.6 years (30.0-66.0), SD 9.7 and the mean follow-up was 78.6 months (55.0-132.0), SD 25.4. We addressed the dissimilarity of the type of fracture in each group performing supplementary stratified analyses within each fracture type group. RESULTS: Group A had union in 6.9 months, group B in 5.6 months and group C in 5.1 months; P = 0.009. Six patients (Group A), two (Group B), and one (Group C) had limitation of ankle motion; P = 0.47. One patient from group C developed infection and the plate was removed. Four patients (Group A), one (Group B), and one (Group C) have developed posttraumatic arthritis (loss of joint space and pain); P = 0.25. Seven patients from Group A have reduced their activities; P = 0.004. In stratified statistical analysis by type of fracture, the associations noted for both fracture groups combined were also noted separately within each fracture group. CONCLUSION: In this long term follow-up study, the two-staged internal fixation and the hybrid fixation with small arthrotomy were equally efficacious in achieving bone union. Patients in external fixation with the ankle spanning had a significantly higher rate of delayed union. Also more patients in this group have reduced their activities.

Two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction in zone 2 of the hand in children.

Two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction (Hunter) is indicated in children with extensive adhesions in zone 2 of the hand, with some reservations concerning the patient's age and cooperation. Nine children (mean age 6.9 years) were treated with the modified Paneva-Holevich technique, which has advantages over the classic Hunter reconstructions. It involves an intrasynovial graft (FDS of the injured finger) that is anatomically stable and morphologically more appropriate compared with free grafts. The size of the silicone rod is precisely assessed in the first stage, the proximal tenorrhaphy has healed by the time the second stage is performed, and donor site morbidity is minimized. After a mean follow-up of 40.1 months, the mean total active motion was 196 degrees, and eight patients achieved a good or excellent result according to the Buck-Gramcko and the revised Strickland scale. Staged flexor tendon reconstruction is technically feasible even in very young children. Results in children are comparable to those achieved in adults.

Two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction in zone II using a silicone rod and a pedicled intrasynovial graft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of a modified Paneva-Holevich technique for flexor tendon reconstruction in zone II. METHODS: Twenty patients (22 digits) with poor prognosis injuries (Boyes grade 2-5) were reconstructed. The technique included placing a silicone rod and creating a loop between the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in the first stage and reflecting the latter as a pedicled graft through the pseudosheath created around the silicone rod in the second stage. RESULTS: After a follow-up period of at least 1 year (mean, 50 mo) the rate of good and excellent results was 82% according to the Buck-Gramco scale and 73% using the modified Strickland scale. CONCLUSIONS: These results compare favorably with those using the classic (Hunter) 2-stage reconstructions with a silicone rod and a free tendon graft. Apart from technical versatility, additional advantages of the technique include using a local intrasynovial graft, the absence of donor site morbidity, and a low rate of postreconstruction tendon ruptures and tenolysis.