[Technique Optimization of Interposition Arthroplasty During Proximal Row Carpectomy with Regard to the Vascularity of the Capsule in Carpal Joint: Cadaverous Study]. / Optimalizace techniky interpozicní artroplastiky pri proximální karpektomii s ohledem na vaskularizaci dorzální kapsuly karpu: kadaverózní studie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The study aimed to propose an optimal based fl ap creation with the view to ensure long-term survival of the interposition arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 28 dorsal wrist capsules were collected from 16 cadavers (with age range at death 18 to 80 years, with no visible wrist pathology). Altogether 112 histological specimens were obtained from these 28 samples. Post-hoc Dunn's tests were used to analyse the percentage of vascularisation of individual sides of the dorsal capsule (circumference and area) at the 0.05 level of signifi cance. Spearmann's correlation analysis was used to assess the effect of age on vascularization of the dorsal wrist capsule. In cadavers in whom both capsules were collected, the limbs were compared. For the sake of comparison, the Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used. RESULTS Regarding statistical signifi cance, the largest share of the total circumference and area of the measured vessels of the dorsal capsule is constituted by the distal side (35.2% of the circumference and 30.9% of the area). The blood supply of the dorsal capsule received on the ulnar side is the lowest (12.9% of the circumference and 17.6% of the area). There was no signifi cant effect of age on vascularization of the dorsal wrist capsule confi rmed. Also, the comparison of vascularization of both limbs from a single cadaver did not yield any statistically signifi cant results. DISCUSSION Proximal row carpectomy is a long-established surgical technique used to manage the degenerative changes in the wrist. Our results showed the best vascularization on the distal and radial sides of the dorsal wrist capsule. In this light, the distally-based fl ap or the fl ap described by Berger, which respects the clinically important ligaments, appear to be the least invasive and help maintain the future stability of the wrist. CONCLUSIONS In clinical practice, we advise that a radially-based fl ap according to Berger is created and the distal side of the dorsal capsule, the most vascularized portion based on our results, is preserved as much as possible. The fl ap created in this manner also preserves the important carpal ligaments and appears to the authors of this study to be the most benefi cial, also with respect to the presence of the largest arteries, contrary to the distal side. Another option is to use a distally-based fl ap for interposition arthroplasty. Key words: interposition arthroplasty, proximal row carpectomy, vascularization, degenerative changes, wrist.

[Comparison of Modifications of Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Children]. / Srovnání modifikací prolongace femuru a bérce u detí.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Limb lengthening has always belonged to the most complex surgical techniques in paediatric orthopaedics. In our study, we compared the results of femoral and tibial lengthening using three different surgical techniques. The presented study aimed to shorten the duration of external fixation to a minimum and to reduce the complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective study compared 74 patients (38 boys, 36 girls) who had undergone stepwise progressive lengthening of the femur or tibia between the years 2007 and 2019. The most frequent indication was the proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD, 33 patients). The total number of lengthening procedures was 130 (femur 72, tibia 58), the follow-up period was 2-14 years. The following modifications of surgical techniques were used: (i) standard approach, i.e. corticotomy with a two-stage removal of the fixator, (ii) preventive fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) and also with a two-stage removal of the fixator, and (iii) standard approach with an early removal of the external fixator and plate osteosynthesis. RESULTS The mean lengthening achieved was 56 ± 18 (27-114) mm in femur and 54 ± 16 (25-110) mm in tibia. There was no statistical difference in the lengthening achieved by different modifications. The mean duration of external fixation in femur and tibia lengthening was comparable (166 and 164 days). The complications were observed in 60% of lengthening procedures, the most frequent being the pin release or axial malalignment of the lengthening (33 cases, 25%). The patients with ESIN displayed statistically the lowest complication rate (26%), the highest complication rate was seen in children with osteosynthesis using a plate (80%). CONCLUSIONS It follows from our results that fixation with intramedullary nails in comparison with the standard approach and plate osteosynthesis helped decrease the number of complications by more than 50%. The plate osteosynthesis is indicated in patients with repeated lengthening (achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia or PFFD with pronounced shortening) since it significantly reduces the duration of external fixation. Key words: limb lengthening, femur, tibia, surgical techniques, complications.

[Correction of Valgus Knee Deformity by Hemiepiphyseodesis: a Restrospective Analysis]. / Korekce valgózní deformity kolena u detí pomocí hemiepifyzeodézy: retrospektivní analýza.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Hemiepiphyseodesis is commonly used to correct a coronal plane knee deformity during childhood. Since 2007 Blount staple method has been replaced by the eight-Plate Guided Growth System. We retrospectively analysed the indications, results and complications of the older Blount staple method so as to compare them with the newer eight-Plate Guided Growth system. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 2009 to 2019, a total of 98 lower extremities of 54 patients were treated by hemiepiphyseodesis. Lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured before and after the correction. We focused on the location of hemiepiphyseodesis (distal femur/proximal tibia/both), the operative time and compared the results of implanting 2 or 3 Blount staples. RESULTS The primary correction of valgus knee deformity was achieved in 97%, of which only partial correction was observed in 9.2% and slight overcorrection in 6.1%. A total of 4 patients (4.1%) underwent subsequent corrective osteotomy. The mean LDFA increased from 80° to 86°, while the mean MPTA decreased from 94° to 92°. The mean MAD decreased from 23 mm to 3 mm. The reported complication rate was 5.1%, including four cases of loosening of staples and one case of superficial infection. DISCUSSION It has been verified that the LDFA reduction correlates with staple implantation into the distal femur, conversely the increase in the MPTA correlated with the implantation of staples into the proximal tibia or into both locations. The number of implanted staples (2 or 3) did not affect the size of the resulting correction, but the operative time was statistically significantly shorter when 2 instead of 3 staples were implanted. CONCLUSIONS Blount staple hemiepiphyseodesis is an older method, but it still gives very good results with a low rate of complications. The operating time can be shortened by using 2 staples only, with the same correction effect. The LDFA and MPTA parameters are helpful in identifying the location of hemiepiphyseodesis. The key to success of treatment still remains in correct timing of the implantation of staples with sufficient growth potential. Key words: hemiepiphyseodesis, guided growth, valgus knee deformity, Blount staple.

Analysis of Gene Expression of Pseudoarthrosis Tissue in Congenital Short Femur, Initial Study and First Exprerience.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Although the congenital short femur is morphologically well characterized, changes at the molecular level have not been described in the literature so far. The absence of such information, along with the unknown aetiology of the defect, was the motivation for analysing angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the pseudoarthrosis (false joint) tissue in PFFD patients compared to physiological bone. The authors expected differences in gene expression, particularly in the quantity of expressed genes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A piece of bone was removed during an elective surgery procedure, placed in an RNA stabilization reagent, which prevents RNA degradation, and deep frozen. Thereafter, RNA was isolated and the profile of transcription was analysed by biochip analysis (SuperArray Bioscience Corporation). In total, it is possible to detect 113 genes of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. From the end of 2005 until the end of 2008, samples of 7 patients with PFFD and 3 physiological bone samples were examined. Several analyses were repeated to confirm the results; in total 13 chips for osteogenesis and 11 chips for angiogenesis expression were used. RESULTS Differences in the quantity and representation of the genes were noted. Some genes were considered over-expressed in PFFD tissue compared with the control sample (e.g. the gene for calcitonin receptor, collagen XII, I alpha 2, collagen II, IX, FGFR2, fibronectin, integrin) and other genes under-expressed (e.g. the gene for annexin A5, collagen XVIII alpha1, collagen I alpha1, cathepsin K, FGFR1, FGFR3, IGF2, VEGFB). CONCLUSIONS The differences in gene expression confirmed the authors' hypothesis. So far, the results cannot be generalized; this is the first step for follow-up experiments to confirm the suggested information and to integrate it with clinical findings, such as the alternative blood supply of affected extremity in some patients. Key words: proximal femoral focal deficiency, gene expression, microarray analysis, angiogenesis, osteogenesis.

[Mid-Term Results of Treatment of Severe Grades of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis without Surgical Hip Dislocation]. / Strednedobé výsledky lécení skluzu tezkého stupne pri coxa vara adolescentium bez chirurgické luxace kycelního kloubu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the results of treatment of acute and chronic severe slips of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The tested hypothesis was that the results will be comparable with the methods using surgical hip dislocation. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 1996-2014, 26 patients were treated for severe slips ( >60°). Boys prevailed (2:1) and were older on average (the mean age 13.8 vs.12 years). Chronic stable slips prevailed (16 patients) and were followed by acute-on-chronic slips (7 patients) and with acute slips (3 patients). The acute unstable slips were treated using closed reduction and transphyseal fixation. The acute-on-chronic slips were treated using closed reduction and fixation (2 patients) and subcapital osteotomy (5 patients), respectively. Chronic slips were treated as follows: with subcapital osteotomy (10 patients); with intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy (5 patients); and with transphyseal fixation without correction (1 patient). 22 patients were treated concurrently on the contralateral side as a prevention or to treat the slips. The follow-up ranged from 20 months to 13 years. The clinical results were evaluated according to four scores: 1) our own score (NB score) based on the reduction of ROM, shortening of extremity and limitations in activities; 2) Merle d'Aubigne score; 3) Harris hip score (HHS); 4) non arthritic hip score (NAHS). In the radiological evaluation, correction of slip angle, alpha-angle, avascular necrosis (AVN) and grade of arthrosis according to Toennis were observed. RESULTS According to the NB score 10 excellent results (38%), 11 very good results (42%), one good and one satisfactory result (4%) and 3 unsatisfactory results (11%) were achieved. According to the other scores the following results were reported: a) excellent: D'Aubigne-Postel - 19 (73%); HHS - 20 (77%); NAHS - 21(81%), b) good: D'Aubigne and HHS- 3 (11%); NAHS - 2 (8%), c) satisfactory: D 'Aubigne - one (4%), HHS and NAHS 0, d) unsatisfactory: D'Aubigne, HHS and NAHS - 3 (11%). The evaluation of surgical methods shows that the best results were achieved by closed reduction of acute slips (with 80% excellent results). The result of transphyseal fixation without reduction was satisfactory only. The intertrochanteric osteotomy led mostly to very good results (80%) and then to the excellent results (20%). After subcapital osteotomy, mostly excellent and very good results (40% each) were reported, followed by two unsatisfactory results (13%) and one good result (7%). As concerns the slip reduction and alfa angle, the best results were achieved by closed reduction and subcapital osteotomy. The FAI was observed/ in 10 patients. Arthrosis was observed as follows: grade I in 8 patients, grade II in 3 patients. The AVN was present as segmental in 4 patients (15%) and as complete in two patients (8%), namely in one after closed reduction and in one after subcapital osteotomy. Dislocations of the hip occurred twice after subcapital osteotomy. Chondrolysis and hip ankylosis were reported in one patient after subcapital osteotomy. DISCUSSION The hypothesis was confirmed because the results of treatment of severe slips without hip dislocation are comparable with procedures using the surgical hip dislocation. The results correspond with large published cohorts of patients in terms of correction as well as the rate of complications. CONCLUSIONS The best results were achieved by closed reduction of acute slips where no complications were present. Subcapital osteotomy without surgical dislocation is comparable with modified osteotomy with surgical hip dislocation. Intertrochanteric osteotomy represents an efficient method in treating grade II slips. Transphyseal fixation without slip correction cannot be recommended in treating severe slips. Key words: slipped capital femoral epiphysis, severe grades of slip, subcapital femoral osteotomy, intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy, closed reduction of slip.

Possible pathogenetic mechanisms and new therapeutic approaches of pes equinovarus.

Idiopathic pes equinovarus (clubfoot) is a congenital deformity of the foot and lower leg defined as a fixation of the foot in plantar flexion, adduction, supination and varus. The deformity does not affect only the foot position, which is usually investigated by radiography, CT, micro-CT, MRI or ultrasound but logically influence the whole gait biomechanics. It is supposed, that clubfoot belongs to a group of fibroproliferative disorders whose origin and multi-hierarchical effect remain unknown. It has been suggested that fibroblasts and growth factors may be involved. To gain a more global view, direct analysis of the protein composition of extracellular matrix, a proteomic approach was used. At present two principle methods are mostly used for the treatment of clubfoot: physiotherapy and the Ponseti method. The determination of the general biological and biomechanical parameters for various regions of the clubfoot can potentially help in the understanding of the mechanisms participating on this serious anomaly and thus contribute to the development of the more efficient therapeutic approach. This review summarizes the present knowledge on the possible pathogenetic mechanisms participating in the development of the clubfoot and their possible relation to the new therapeutic approaches.

[Operative Treatment for Saddle-Shaped Femoral Heads]. / Operacní resení sedlovité deformity hlavice kosti stehenní.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY A saddle-shaped deformity of the femoral head has a poor prognosis due to rapid development of secondary changes. A new method of treatment by intra-articular anteromedial wedge reduction osteotomy (AWRO) of the femoral head may preserve the hip for the future. This study was designed to ascertain that this invasive technique was safe and effective and to confirm our hypothesis that AWRO significantly improved functional and radiological parameters of the hip joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients who underwent AWRO between 2010 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. The indication criteria for the procedure included Stulberg grade V hips on AP radiographs, hinged abduction with pain, limping and a limited range of movement. Values of the Stulberg grading, capital diaphyseal index, caput-collum-diaphyseal angle and Harris hip score were recorded before and after surgery and the results were statistically evaluated using the paired t-test. The AWRO procedure was performed from the anterolateral approach after subperiosteal protection of the vessels had been ensured. The central necrotic part of the femoral head was removed, and the medial segment was mobilised and fixed to the intact lateral segment. Either a hip spica cast or bed-rest for six weeks was indicated. Full weight bearing was allowed at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS Twelve patients with an average follow-up of 55 months were evaluated. There were eight boys and four girls with an average age of 14 years at the time of surgery. The average Harris hip score improved from 54.52 before to 73.58 after surgery. The post-operative outcomes according to the Stulberg classification included one grade II hip, seven grade III hips, three grade IV hips and one grade V hip. The average capital-diaphyseal index dropped from 1.56 (1.19-1.92) to 1.28 (0.95-1.67) and the average caput-collum-diaphyseal angle increased from 134 degrees (121-143) to 140 degrees (130-155) after surgery. Avascular necrosis developed in two patients. All the differences were statistically significant. DISCUSSION Reduction osteotomies of the femoral head reported in the literature differ from the AWRO procedure used in this study in both the approach and the performance. The results presented here are in agreement with those published in the relevant literature. They showed no significant deterioration in comparison with the outcomes of our short-term study reported earlier. The outcome of treatment is related to the disease aetiology, functional parameters and previous procedures involving the hip joint. CONCLUSIONS AWRO is a salvage procedure that prolongs the longevity of joints in incongruent hips with very high morbidity. This procedure gave significantly better results in years after surgery, which confirmed our hypothesis. Level of evidence IV Key words: hinge abduction, Perthes disease, Stulberg, femoral head reduction osteotomy, avascular necrosis, arteria circumflexa femoris medialis.

[Efficiency of conservative treatment by overhead traction in developmental dysplasia of the hip]. / Úspesnost konzervativní lécby vývojové kycelní dysplazie metodou "over-head trakce"

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a disorder affecting the development of the acetabulum, proximal femur and joint capsule. The objective of this study was to analyse the results of closed reduction by overhead traction in subluxated and dislocated hips. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from 2002 to 2007, a total of 109 patients (124 hips) were treated by overhead traction. The indication criteria included adductor contracture and misalignment of the hip joint assessed as classes III A, III B or IV according to the Graf ultrasonographic classification. There were 96 (88 %) girls and 13 (12 %) boys. The left side was more frequently affected, at a ratio of 83 to 41, and bilateral DDH was found in 15 patients. Teratologic dislocations were not included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to age and the place of primary diagnosis. The children primarily diagnosed at our hospital Na Bulovce where placed in group 1, the patients diagnosed outside our hospital fell in group 2. The average age at the beginning of treatment was 2.2 months in the first group and 6 months in the second group. Our method of overhead traction consists of two phases. Horizontal traction is applied for two weeks in phase 1; the hips are then flexed beyond 90 degrees and gradually abducted for another 4 weeks in phase 2.The outcome of traction is examined by arthrography and a spica cast is applied in the safe zone.We observed the relation between the Graf classification and arthrograpy. The outcome of closed reduction was compared between the groups and the development of avascular necrosis was observed. The hips treated by open reduction were assessed in a different study. RESULTS The efficiency of closed reduction was 84 % in group 1 and 60 % in group 2 in which also two cases of recurrent dislocation were found. No significant differences between the Graf classification and the final arthrographic findings were recorded in either group (p ≥ 0.05). Avascular necrosis as defined by the Salter criteria was not diagnosed. DISCUSSION: Early reduction is essential to ensure normal development of the hip joint. Overhead traction therapy for misalignment of the hip joint is a safe method reducing damage to the femoral head. Its principle lies in gradual distraction of the contracted muscles and joint capsule with a concomitant change in traction direction in order to achieve a reduction manoeuvre without placing increased stress on the femoral head. CONCLUSIONS: Overhead traction is the method of choice for management of Graf's class III A, III B and IV hips. For the efficiency of treatment, an early diagnosis and a correct indication are essential. To avoid complications such as avascular necrosis, it is necessary to observe the principle of a safe zone.

[The Ponseti method of treatment of congenital clubfoot--first experiences]. / Ponsetiho metoda v lécení pes equinovarus congenitus--první zkusenosti.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To provide a detailed description of the Ponseti method and report the first results of its use, including factors that played a role. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the 2005-2007 period, 91 patients with idiopathic rigid clubfoot (133 feet) were treated by the Ponseti method. The group comprised 62 boys and 29 girls. In most patients the Ponseti method was used as primary treatment, or by 3 months of age when previous treatment failed. In five children this treatment was started between the 3rd and 8th months of age. The result were evaluated by the criteria described by Richards et al., who distinguished four groups. The result was regarded as good when a permanent plantigrade foot was achieved (group 1). Plantigrade feet likely to require posterior release later were considered indeterminate rusults (group 2). Feet that needed posterior release, anterior tibial muscle transfer or lateral column shortening fell in the fair result group (3). Feet requiring complete subtalar release were classified as poor results (group 4). The results achieved in each year were statistically evaluated using Fisher's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The overall evaluation for 3 years showed good results in 70%, indeterminate in 7.5%, fair in 6.76% and poor in 15.8% of the treated feet. A detailed analysis for each year revealed that, in 2005, good results (50%) were recorded in a significantly lower number of feet than in 2006 (72.2%; p=0.032) and 2007 (93%; p<0.001). On comparison of the years 2006 and 2007, good results in 2007 were found in a significantly higher number of feet than in 2006 (p=0.019). The poor results were due to 1) very rigid feet (6%); 2) initial problems with availability of Denis-Brown splints (19 feet; 14.5%); 3) problems with shoes not made to custom and not fitting patient's little feet (20 feet; 15%) 4) faulty techniques of correcting the deformity (4 feet); 5) poor family cooperation in compliance with the bracing protocol (15 feet; 11.2%). Some of the factors were combined. A delayed beginning of the treatment had no significant effect on the results. DISCUSSION: Our 3-year results of clubfoot treatment, by which plantigrade foot position was acheved on average in 77.5% of the patients, are in agreement with those achieved outside Ponseti centres. However, there were clear differences, with the worst results in 2005. The results comparable with those of Ponseti and his co-workers were achieved by us only in 2007. In accordance with the findings of Richards et al. we suggest that the percentage of short-term good results can change insignificantly within 4 years because of increased recurrence of deformities. CONCLUSIONS: Although our initial results were worse than reported in the literature, it can be concluded that the Ponseti method of treating idiopathic clubfoot is more efficient that the methods used previously and can be recommended as an efficient, safe and economical technique. Good compliance with the protocol improves the therapeutic results.

[Distal rectus femoris tendon transfer in cerebral palsy patients]. / Transfer distálního úponu m. rectus femoris u pacientu s detskou mozkovou obrnou.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Cerebral palsy is a serious world-wide problem; its incidence ranges from one to five per thousand of live-born children and is much influenced by gestation age and birth weight. In orthopaedic treatment of lower extremity motor disorders, one of the options for contracture or deformity elimination and for stiff leg gait improvement is rectus femoris tendon transfer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of this surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from 1993 to 2003, 15 patients of both sexes, aged 5 to 13 years, were treated by the Gage method (22 operations) in our department. The indication for surgery was excessive spasticity of the femoral quadriceps muscle at the beginning of the swing phase of the gait cycle. The spastic syndromes included quadruparesis in seven patients, diparesis in seven patients and hemiparesis in one patient. After surgery, a circular plaster cast was applied for 4 weeks. Following immobilization, all patients received a short-term inpatient and long-term outpatient physical therapy. They were followed- up for 1 to 10 years and gait improvement was analyzed on the basis of three criteria in the swing phase: quality of the initial swing, frequency of tripping over the toe and the degree of knee flexion. The results were evaluated on a 1-to-4 scale (best to worst), categorizing the patients into four groups. RESULTS: The first, second and third categories included eight, five and two patients, respectively. None of the patients was placed in the fourth category. Surgery did not increase the initial range of inner hip rotation. Patients with milder forms of cerebral palsy (diparesis and hemiparesis) achieved better results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that distal rectus femoris tendon transfer significantly improved knee flexion during the swing phase of the gait cycle. The prerequisite for a good outcome of surgery is a pre-operative potential for passive knee extension and stable function of the other lower extremity joints. Key words: cerebral palsy, surgical treatment, quadriceps tendon transfer.

A possible role of the oxidant tissue injury in the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Chronic sojourn in hypoxic environment results in the structural remodeling of peripheral pulmonary arteries and pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of changes in pulmonary vascular structure is related to the increase of radical production induced by lung tissue hypoxia. Hypoxia primes alveolar macrophages to produce more hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the increased release of oxygen radicals by other hypoxic lung cells cannot be excluded. Several recent reports demonstrate the oxidant damage of lungs exposed to chronic hypoxia. The production of nitric oxide is high in animals with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and the serum concentration of nitrotyrosine (radical product of nitric oxide and superoxide interaction) is also increased in chronically hypoxic rats. Antioxidants were shown to be effective in the prevention of hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension. We suppose that the mechanism by which the radicals stimulate of the vascular remodeling is due to their effect on the metabolism of vascular wall matrix proteins. Non-enzymatic protein alterations and/or activation of collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases may also participate. The presence of low-molecular weight cleavage products of matrix proteins stimulates the mesenchymal proliferation in the wall of distal pulmonary arteries. Thickened and less compliant peripheral pulmonary vasculature is then more resistant to the blood flow and the hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is developed.