A direct saphenous nerve block in TKA: A surgeon friendly technique! Cadaveric study.

Introduction: Effective management of postoperative pain in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) poses a significant challenge for surgeons. Achieving rapid recovery without pain and promoting early ambulation in immediate and early postoperative periods are essential for patient satisfaction. There are many pain management protocols including nerve blocks. Nerve blocks procedures were done using USG and anaesthetist dependent. This cadaveric study aimed to define the VMO (Vastus medialis obliquus) triangle to target the 'safe zone' of the saphenous nerve during TKA: A surgeon's friendly technique. Methods: 12 formalin-fixed embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were dissected to explore anatomy, trajectory, the relation of saphenous nerve and measured the distances from the nearby palpable bony landmarks. Results: The average distance to target the saphenous nerve i.e target point from midpoint of superior pole of the patella was 10.6cm, the average angle to target the saphenous nerve is the angle between the line joining the medial epicondyle to the midpoint of the superior pole of the patella is found to be 64.2°. The average distance from midpoint of superior pole patella to medial epicondyle is found to be 8.1cm. Therefore, triangle so formed using these three points (1. Medial epicondyle, 2. The midpoint of superior pole of the patella, 3. Target point of the saphenous nerve) is called a VMO triangle. Conclusions: The saphenous nerve course, relations, and the distances from intraoperative bony landmarks for the VMO triangle during TKA which is a reproducible triangle so may be useful for arthroplasty surgeons to achieve successful saphenous nerve block and to avoid related complications during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Neglected femoral neck fractures in adults.

PURPOSE: To assess treatment outcomes in adults with neglected femoral neck fractures, and propose a treatment protocol based on bone quality measured by the Singh index. METHODS: 16 men and 6 women aged 18 to 48 (mean, 33) years presented with neglected (>3 weeks old) femoral neck fractures. Those with good bone quality (Singh index, >3) underwent closed reduction and valgus osteotomy and fixation with 120º double angle blade plates (group 1, n=8), whereas those with poor bone quality (Singh index, >3) and/or communition of the posterior femoral neck underwent fibular grafting and internal fixation with one or two 7-mm cannulated cancellous screws (group 2, n=14). Functional outcome was assessed at the 6-month follow-up, according to modified Askin and Bryan criteria. RESULTS: The mean delay in surgery was 12 (range, 4-21) weeks. Patients were followed up for a mean of 19 (range, 12-24) months. The mean time to union was 20 (range, 12-52) weeks. The mean time to full weight bearing was 18 (range, 12-40) weeks. All patients achieved bone union except one in group 1 who had non-union and breakage of the blade plate at week 20 and underwent total hip arthroplasty. Other complications included slippage of fibular graft (n=1), delayed union (n=1), avascular necrosis of the femoral head (n=2), limb length discrepancy (n=3), and superficial infection (n=1). Functional outcome was excellent in 2 patients, good in 17, and poor in 3. CONCLUSION: Valgus osteotomy and double angle blade plate fixation, and fibular grafting and cancellous screw fixation appeared to be appropriate treatments for neglected femoral neck fractures in adults.

Open wedge osteotomy of the proximal medial tibia for malunited tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: To review outcomes of open wedge osteotomy of the proximal medial tibia for malunited tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Seven men (mean age, 36 years) underwent open wedge osteotomy of the proximal medial tibia for instability secondary to malunited tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker types IV (n=3), V (n=1), and VI (n=3). Five patients had been treated conservatively and 2 surgically. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 12 to 30 months. Five patients achieved complete correction of the deformity, whereas 2 had residual articular surface depression of <2 mm. All patients were satisfied with their improvement in stability and knee function. One patient developed anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and instability and underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No patient developed any complication related to wound healing. No delayed loss of correction was observed. CONCLUSION: Open wedge osteotomy of the proximal medial tibia is recommended for young adults with instability of the knee joint secondary to malunited proximal tibial plateau fractures. The technique is simple and does not require specialised training or any specific instrumentation.

Unifocal Granuloma of Femur due to Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The radiological diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the long bones in pediatric population constitutes a challenge when the case history and clinical data are uncharacteristic. We believe that the description of few clinically and histologically proven cases to verify the existence of radiological signs useful for diagnosis may be of interest. Here, we describe a case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) presenting as unifocal eosinophilic granuloma of femur along with a brief review of the literature.