Medium-term follow-up series using a modular distal fixation prosthesis to address proximal femoral bone deficiency in revision total hip arthroplasty. A 5- to 9-year follow-up study.

We reviewed a series of 39 patients (40 cases) receiving the Link MP stem in revision hip arthroplasty. Average follow-up was 68 months (range 60-115 months). Proximal femoral defects were classified using the Endo-Klinik and Paprosky classifications. Indications included: osteolysis 13 cases; septic loosening 8 cases; periprosthetic fractures 18 cases; metastatic bone disease 1 case. We found 92.5% overall survival rate, average Harris Hip Score past two years of 67 and average Oxford Hip Score past five years of 43. We found no implant failure or loosening. Complications included: 4 deep infections (2 revised to excision arthroplasty), 5 dislocations (1 revision of the proximal modular segment for impingement). We concluded that revision was successful in cases of peri-prosthetic fractures, septic and aseptic loosening. We advocate use of cerclage wires to prevent peri-operative fractures and use of proximal modular segments with CCD angle of 126 to avoid dislocation.

Ability to kneel after total knee replacement.

We have investigated the ability to kneel after total knee replacement. We asked 75 patients (100 knees) at least six months after routine uncemented primary total knee replacement, to comment on and to demonstrate their ability to kneel. Differences between the perceived and actual ability to kneel were noted. In 32 knees patients stated that they could kneel without significant discomfort. In 54 knees patients avoided kneeling because of uncertainties or recommendations from third parties (doctors, nursing staff, friends, etc). A total of 64 patients was actually able to kneel without discomfort or with mild discomfort only and 12 of the remainder were unable to kneel because of problems which were not related to the knee. Twenty-four patients therefore were unable to kneel because of discomfort in the knee. There was no difference between the 'kneelers' and 'non-kneelers' with regard to overall knee score, range of movement and the presence of patellar resurfacing.

An unusual cause of sciatica. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: This case report illustrates the need to be aware of extraspinal causes of sciatica. A patient with a strangulated sciatic hernia showed the clinical features of sciatic leg pain, intestinal obstruction, and a left gluteal abscess. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the need to examine the course of the sciatic nerve for local pathology when the cause of sciatica is not obvious. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Sciatic herniae are rare. The coexistence of sciatica and a gluteal abscess, caused by a strangulated sciatic hernia, does not appear to have been reported previously. METHODS: A 66-year-old woman with preexisting low back pain and left leg pain was admitted to the hospital with intestinal obstruction and a left gluteal mass. Results of needle aspiration suggested the diagnosis, which was confirmed by laparotomy. The sciatic hernia was repaired via a transabdominal approach. RESULTS: The symptoms of sciatic nerve compression and intestinal obstruction resolved fully after surgery. CONCLUSION: The possibility of local pathology causing sciatic nerve compression should be considered when a patient reports sciatic leg pain, particularly if the presentation is atypical. Intestinal obstruction or the presence of a gluteal mass should suggest the possibility of a sciatic hernia.

Displaced avulsion of the ischial apophysis: a hamstring injury requiring internal fixation.

A case is reported of an adolescent sprinter who was chronically disabled by pain after non-operative management for an acute hamstring injury. He had sustained an avulsion fracture of the ischial apophysis with displacement of 2.5 cm. Avulsion fractures of the ischial apophysis with displacement of 2 cm or more are unusual, but they frequently result in a symptomatic non-union, and early diagnosis, open reduction, and internal fixation is to be encouraged.