How to determine the bone mineral density of the distal humerus with radiographic tools?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate three methods of prediction of the bone quality of the distal humerus: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Ct-Scan and plain radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density (BMD) of 21 cadaveric distal humerus was determined using DEXA at two levels. Then a CT-scan and anteroposterior radiographs were taken. The cancellous density was estimated with the CT-scan. The cortico-medullar index (CMI) was calculated as cortical thickness divided by total bone thickness on AP views. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the BMD of the epiphysis and the CMI of r = 0.61. The mean BMD of the distal humerus was 0.559 g/cm(2). Male specimens showed a significantly higher BMD than females. The mean CMI of diaphysis was 1.431 and the mean BMD of the metaphysis region was 0.444 g/cm(2). DISCUSSION: More than a direct evaluation of the bone density with a CT-scan, the CMI of the distal humerus diaphysis is a predictor of the bone quality of the distal humerus. This should be of great help for the surgeon's decision making in case of fracture of the distal humerus, as open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of fractures of the distal humerus can lead to failure due to poor bone quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Anatomic Cadaver Study.

Acute and chronic humeral shaft fractures in adults.

Humeral shaft fractures account for up to 5% of all fractures. Many of these fractures are still being treated conservatively using functional (Sarmiento) bracing or a hanging arm cast. Union is achieved in 10 weeks in more than 94% of cases. Angulation of less than 30° varus or valgus and less than 20° flessum or recurvatum can be tolerated by the patient from a functional and esthetic point of view. The ideal candidate for this treatment is a patient with an isolated fracture. Plate and screw fixation of the fracture results in union in 11 to 19 weeks. Reported complications include non-union (2.8-21%), secondary radial nerve palsy (6.5-12%) and infection (0.8-2.4%). Anterograde or retrograde locked intramedullary nailing requires knowledge of nailing techniques and regional anatomy to avoid the complications associated with the technique. Union is obtained in 10-15 weeks. Reported complications consist of non-union (2-17.4%), infection (0-4%) and secondary radial nerve palsy (2.7-5%). Hackethal bundle nailing is still used for fracture fixation, despite an elevated complication rate (5-24% non-union and 6-29% pin migration) because of its low cost and simple instrumentation. Union is achieved in 8-9 weeks. Controversy remains about the course to follow when the radial nerve is injured initially. If the fracture is open, significantly displaced, associated with a vascular injury or requires surgical treatment, the nerve must be explored. In other cases, the recommended approach varies greatly. Conservative treatment is inexpensive and has a low complication rate. Humeral shaft fractures are increasingly being treated surgically, at a greater cost and higher risk of complications.

Locked plating for internal fixation of the adult distal femur: influence of the type of construct and hardware on the clinical and radiological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Distal femoral fractures are rare and serious. Along with traditional internal fixation, new, dedicated hardware have appeared (distal nails, locked plating). We report the results of a multicenter prospective study of these fractures treated with locked plating. HYPOTHESIS: The short-term results are satisfactory and related to the type of construct and the hardware used, with better results for elastic assemblies and titanium implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to May 2012, 92 patients, mean age 64 years, were included in 12 centres. The fractures were classified as follows: 44 type A, 7 type B, and 41 type C according to the AO classification. Thirteen fractures were open. The plates were uniaxial. The assemblies were elastic in 52 cases, rigid in 26, and unconventional in 14. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients underwent a radiological follow-up at 6 months and 66 patients had a clinical result evaluated at 1 year. The mean range of motion was 100° and the mean IKS score was 122. The bone union rate was 87% within 12 weeks. Seven valgus, two varus, ten flexion deformities, and three recurvatum greater than 5° were observed (19.5%). Revisions involved two cases with loss of fixation, five cases of infection, and one case of arthrofibrosis (requiring arthroscopic arthrolysis). Secondary bone grafting was carried out in seven cases (four successfully). No influence of the type of assembly or the hardware used was demonstrated. DISCUSSION: The results remain modest, underscoring the severity of these fractures. Neither the type of construct nor the hardware used influenced the radiological and clinical outcomes. The hypothesis was not confirmed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV prospective, non-comparative study.

Usefulness and reliability of two- and three-dimensional computed tomography in patients older than 65 years with distal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus fractures are difficult to characterise and to classify according to the AO system. In this multicentre study, our objectives were to assess the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) and to measure intra-observer and inter-observer reliability according to observer experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey of professional practice was performed using a questionnaire based on a clinical case. Participants were asked to determine the AO classification using radiographs then to reappraise their answers after the addition of CT images. For the reliability study, 16 observers in five centres evaluated radiographs and CT scans of 26 distal humerus fractures. They used the radiographs to determine the AO classification and assess the main fracture characteristics then reappraised their findings after adding the CT images. The radiographs and 2D CT images were read twice at an interval of 2 weeks, and during the second reading, 3D CT images were available also. At least 1 month later, the same observers performed similar readings 2 weeks apart (radiographs and 2D CT images at the first reading and addition of 3D CT images at the second reading). RESULTS: Correct fracture classification was achieved in 95% of cases with the CT images compared to only 73% with the radiographs. CT led to diagnostic and therapeutic changes in 90% and 25% of cases, respectively. Inter-observer reliability was poor for both AO classification and fracture characteristics, not only with the radiographs and 2D CT images, but also with the added 3D CT images. In contrast, intra-observer reliability improved after the addition of 3D CT images. Assessment accuracy was influenced by image quality and geographic origin of the observer but not by observer experience. CONCLUSION: CT improves diagnostic accuracy and, in some cases, changes the surgical strategy. In our study of a large number of observers, CT did not improve inter-observer agreement about the study variables. Intra-observer agreement was improved by 3D CT but not by 2D CT. Accuracy was not influenced by years of observer experience but was dependent on image quality, proficiency with computer-based tools and, above all, image observation and interpretation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Distal humerus fractures in patients over 65: complications.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal humerus in patients over the age of 65 remain a therapeutic challenge. Treatment options include conservative treatment, internal fixation or total elbow arthroplasty. The complications of these different treatment options were evaluated in a multicentre study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-seven medical records were evaluated. A retrospective study was performed in 410 cases: 34 received conservative treatment, 289 internal fixation and 87 underwent total elbow arthroplasty. A prospective study was performed in 87 cases: 22 received conservative treatment, 53 internal fixation, and 12 underwent total elbow arthroplasty. Patients were evaluated after at least 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: The rate of complications was 30% in the retrospective study and 29% in the prospective study. The rate of complications in the conservative treatment group was 60%, and the main complication was essentially malunion. The rate of complications was 44% in the internal fixation group and included neuropathies, mechanical failure or wound dehiscence. Although complications only developed in 23% of total elbow arthroplasties, they were often more severe than those following other treatments. DISCUSSION: Complications develop in one out of three patients over 65 with distal humerus fractures. Three main types of complications were identified. Neuropathies especially of the ulnar nerve, especially during arthroplasty, must always be identified, the nerve requiring isolation and transposition. Bone complications, due principally to mechanical failure, were found following internal fixation. Despite technical progress, care must be taken not to favor excessive utilization of this treatment option in complex fractures on fragile bone. Although there were relatively fewer complications with total elbow arthroplasty they were more difficult to treat. Ossifications were frequent whatever the surgical option and can jeopardize the functional outcome.

Distal humerus fracture in the elderly: does conservative treatment still have a role?

INTRODUCTION: Conservative treatment is exceptional in fracture of the distal extremity of the humerus in patients over 65 years of age. In a selected population, however, it may be an attractive option. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One prospective and one retrospective study included a total of 56 patients, with a mean age of 84.7 years (range, 68-100 yrs). All were managed by 6 to 8 weeks' brachial-antebrachial-palmar immobilization, without fracture reduction. Fractures were AO type A in 18 cases, type B in 8 cases and type C in 30 cases. RESULTS: At a mean 20.2 months' follow-up in the retrospective and 8.6 months in the prospective series, mean MEPS score was 83 and 86 points with 75% and 83% satisfactory results respectively and mean Quick-DASH 31.3 and 34.4 points respectively. There were 3 non-unions. There was extra-articular malunion in 70% and intra-articular malunion in 65% of cases in the retrospective series, versus 16% intra-articular malunion in the prospective series. The rate of osteoarthritis increased over time, with more than 50% grade 2 or 3 in the retrospective series at end of follow-up. There were 3 complications: 2 hematomas and 1 skin lesion (localized pressure ulcer). There were 3 fracture displacements, not requiring change in management. DISCUSSION: Conservative treatment for fracture of the distal extremity of the humerus in patients over 65 years of age is exceptional, but conserves patient's independence and provides satisfactory clinical results, with no significant joint stiffness or elbow instability. Non-anatomic results on X-ray, however, have to be accepted.

[Dorsal radiocarpal joint dislocation for an 85-years-old woman]. / Luxation dorsale de l'articulation radiocarpienne chez une femme de 85ans.

The authors report the case of a dorsal, closed, radiocarpal dislocation with a small posterior marginal fracture of the radius, in an 85-year-old woman, without violent trauma (fall from her height). The dislocation was reduced by traction and the wrist immobilized in a plaster cast for 6 weeks. Six months after the accident, the patient had resumed her activities without pain with a diminished range of motion. This dislocation is exceptional at this age. In our case, the functional outcome was good after orthopaedic treatment.

Distal leg fractures: How critical is the fibular fracture and its fixation?

INTRODUCTION: Extra-articular distal tibia fractures include a tibial fracture line located partially or totally in the metaphyseal bone and a fibular fracture in variable areas or sometimes absent. There is no consensus in the literature on the conduct to address the fibula fracture. The main objective of this study was to assess its impact on tibial reduction and union. HYPOTHESIS: Fibular fixation plays a positive role in reducing tibial displacement and improving mechanical stability of the entire lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was based on the multicenter observational group of the 2009 SOFCOT symposium, i.e., 142 metaphyseal fractures of the tibia. The fibula was intact in 10 cases and fractured in 132. In the three main categories of surgical treatment for the tibia (nailing, plating, external fixation) (126 fractures), the fibular lesion was not treated in 79 cases (61%) in this series, nine were treated with intramedullary pinning, and 38 with plate and screw fixation. RESULTS: There was no statistical relation between the anatomic situation of the diaphysis and the anatomic type of the fibular fracture or between the anatomic type of the fibular fracture and its situation compared to the tibial fracture line. The intertubercular and neck fractures were type A1 or B1 (P<0.001) and were combined to a tibia fracture with a torsional component; the medial-diaphyseal and subtubercular fractures were associated with tibial fracture lines with a simple transversal or comminution or metaphyseal-diaphyseal component (P<0.032). The rate of pseudarthrosis of the fibular fracture was 4.7% at 1 year; in all these cases, fibular treatment had been conservative. All treatments combined, the tibial axes were statistically better corrected when the fibula was treated with fixation. In four of the 11 cases of axial tibial malunion, the primary fibular fixation caused or worsened them. DISCUSSION: The present clinical series provides results similar to the biomechanical studies. The consequences of fibular fixation perpetuating a tibia reduction abnormality or on the contrary the absence of fibular fixation appeared as probable factors of residual reduction defects, lack of stability of the tibiofibular complex, and tibia non-union. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (prospective cohort study).

Acute elbow dislocation with arterial rupture. Analysis of nine cases.

UNLABELLED: Elbow dislocations are the most frequently encountered dislocations after shoulder dislocations. In their vast majority these injuries involve only the joint and carry a good prognosis. Close anatomic proximity to the joint of neurovascular structures put them at risk of concomitant injury but this occurrence remains, actually very rare. The objective of this study is to retrospectively analyze the results of nine cases of elbow dislocations with brachial artery complications and to propose coherent therapeutic guidelines derived from this experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2004, 357 elbow dislocations were treated by the traumatology team at the Purpan University Hospital and 340 at the Rangueil University Hospital in Toulouse, France. These two teaching institutions combined their series, contributing to seven dislocations associated with a brachial artery partial rupture, resulting in ischemia. Between 2001 and 2006 at the Le Mans Regional Hospital Center, 138 dislocations of the elbow were treated, and included two cases involving rupture of the brachial artery. In all these institutions' emergency departments, elbow dislocations were mainly treated on an outpatient basis: closed reduction under ultra short-acting products general anesthesia, with stability evaluation followed by cast immobilization. In the rare instances of ischemia, the artery was repaired in concert with the vascular surgery team. All the nine cases had a similar treatment protocol and were submitted to an identical outcome evaluation method. The patients were all males with a mean age of 37.3 years (range, 18-58 years). The combined injury occurred at sports in two cases, because of a fall in three cases and as a result of a traffic accident in four cases. Ischemia was complete in three cases (no radial or ulnar pulse and devascularized hand). In the six other cases, the clinical presentation was subacute. An arteriogram was obtained in five cases after reduction of the dislocation, confirming the brachial axis disruption. Median and/or ulnar nerve injury was suspected in six patients. Only five elbows remained stable after reduction allowing plaster cast immobilization. In the other cases, dislocation recurrence or consequential residual varus/valgus laxity required external fixation or a cross-pinning fixation. An autologous vein, brachial artery bypass was performed in eight cases and an end-to-end anastomosis was carried out in one case. Revascularization was reestablished between 4 and 19 h after injury (mean 10.5 h). RESULTS: All the patients were seen at a minimum of 2 years' follow-up (mean of 4.3 years). On the basis of Mayo Clinic score, the results were considered excellent in three cases, good in four cases, and poor in two cases. No patients complained of elbow instability. The X-rays showed a reduced elbow in all cases and heterotopic ossifications in three cases. No degenerative lesion was observed at the longest follow-up. DISCUSSION: The incidence of a combined vascular injury with dislocation remains difficult to establish because the literature reports sporadic short series of clinical cases. The prevalence of this association is estimated to be between 0.3 and 1.7% in hospitals. The vascular lesion risk is probably related to the displacement extent and this later as a consequence of the injury intensity. This context calls for a diagnostic warning signal of possibly associated vascular involvement. Assessment of arterial vascularization should be systematic and mandatory with any osteoarticular injury. The slightest vascular status clinical doubt after reducing any dislocation presses for vascular patency work-up: echo-Doppler, angio-scan, arteriography. The multi-parametric nature of these combined injuries explain why their sometimes disappointing outcome remains dependent on the ability to deal with contradictory healing concerns: skin condition, capsular, and ligaments damages, type of revascularization procedure used, joint stability after closed reduction. This last parameter, being a substantial determinant for the period of immobilization, appears crucial to the final functional outcome, particularly in terms of range of motion loss or residual flexion contracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Therapeutic retrospective study.

[Femoral neck fractures in patients over 50 years old]. / Les fractures du col du fémur après 50 ans.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many papers and instructional course lectures, therapeutic guidelines are not clearly defined about treatment of femoral neck fractures. The aim of this multicentric French symposium was to prospectively study the results of current therapeutic options in order to propose scientifically proven options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three prospective studies were carried out in order to answer to these questions: (1) is it possible with anatomical reduction and stable fixation to lower the non union and osteonecrosis rate? (2) is functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures successful in more than 65 years patients? (3) what criteria are useful to choose the kind of arthroplasty for more than 65 years patients? RESULTS: For the 64 patients between 50 and 65 years old included in the first study, 44 ORIF and 17 prostheses were performed. No open reduction was performed in this series despite a 34% malreduction rate. The risk for displacement after functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures is 31%. For patients over 65 years old, almost fractures are treated in this series by an arthroplasty. The one-year mortality rate after displaced femoral neck fracture was 17%. Functional results were better in total hip prosthesis group than in bipolar or unipolar group. Non cemented stems were not safer than cemented ones in frail patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: For young patients, ORIF should be the treatment of choice: the initial displacement and its effects on the femoral head vascularisation, the quality of reduction and fixation are the two most significant factors for good outcome. For Garden 1, fractures in patients 65 years old or more, it is proposed to performed an internal fixation despite in two thirds of the cases, it should be unnecessary because non identification of predictive factors of failure. For patients over 65 years old, the type of arthroplasty to perform in displaced fractures is to be chosen according to the preoperative mobility and comorbidities. Because of acetabular erosion with long-term follow-up, it is clearly indicated to perform total hip replacement for patients with life expectancy of 10 years or more. For frail patients, unipolar arthroplasty is the best option. The place for bipolar or uncemented implants is not yet well-defined and more prospective trials are needed. In this multicentric study, results appear quite different in terms of mortality, or functional status. These differences seem to be related to technical choice, geriatric care, nutritional consideration or surgical organisation, all factors that may be of major importance for prognostic.

[Tibial valgus osteotomy]. / Ostéotomie tibiale de valgisation.

The tibial valgus osteotomy whatever its technique has a survival rate of about 85 % to 10 years, if we consider the reoperation as a criterion of failure, with a confidence index at 78%. The age, weight, sex and functional signs have no impact on the outcome. We have found no evidence in the preoperative radiographic assessment, neither the medial pinch, or varus epiphyseal neither varisant gap, which could be a failure and a reoperation before the tenth year. Good results were observed significantly when there is an over-valgus at least 3 degrees of global axis of the lower limb. This corresponds to a valgus epiphyseal by more than 2 degrees . The substantial reduction in the gap varisant that lowers the overall time varisant below 200 kg cm provides the same positive results. The outcome will depend directly on the accuracy of the calculation of the preoperative correction performed and the quality of surgical achievement. Because of the need for precision, navigation technique appears as reliable, simple which makes it also possible to monitor the front slope and tibial rotation induced. The osteosynthesis must be stable and rigid to avoid postoperative loss of correction.

[Dislocation and fractures around the knee with popliteal artery injury: A retrospective analysis of 54 cases]. / Traumatismes des genoux associés à une rupture de l'artère poplitée: étude rétrospective d'une série de 54 cas.

A retrospective multicentric series of 54 cases of knee trauma with acute ischemia by popliteal artery injury were analyzed. These high-energy traumas involved 25 dislocations and 29 fractures, 11 involving distal femur, 15 the proximal tibia and 3 a floating knee. There were 45 men and 7 women, mean age 42 years. Thirty-three patients suffered multiple injuries. The knee injury was open in 25 cases and associated with sciatic paralysis in 32. Vascular repair was almost always achieved with bypass surgery. An external fixator was used in 39 patients. Vascular repair was unsuccessful in three cases requiring amputation, all three cases involving fractures. There were also six secondary amputations due to muscle necrosis or septic nonunion. The rate of complete recovery of the sciatic was 25%. The rate of nonunion was 37%, half due to infection. Outcome assessed at at least one year follow-up was moderate with frequent functional sequelae. The analysis of these results and data reported in the literature provided indications for diagnostic and therapeutic propositions.

[Traumatic knee dislocation with popliteal vascular disruption: retrospective study of 14 cases]. / Luxations traumatiques du genou associées à une interruption de l'artère poplitée: étude critique rétrospective d'une série de 14 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Complex femorotibial dislocation of the knee joint generally results from high-energy trauma caused by a traffic or a contact sport accident. Besides disruption of the cruciate ligaments, in 10-25% of patients present concomitant palsy of the common peroneal nerve and more rarely disruption of the popliteal artery. The purpose of this work was to assess outcome in a monocentric consecutive series of knee dislocations with ischemia due to disruption of the popliteal artery and to focus on specific aspects of management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective series included eleven men and three women, aged 18 to 74 years (mean 47 years). The right knee was injured in five and the left knee in six. Trauma resulted from a farm accident in six patients, fall from a high level in two, a traffic accident in three and a skiing accident (fall) in one. Two other patients with morbid obesity were fall victims. Nine patients had a single injury, two presented an associated serious head injury, one a severe chest injury, and one multiple trauma with coma, chest contusion, and abdominal lesions. One patient had a fracture of the distal femur with associated ischemia. Five knee dislocations were open with a popliteal wound for three and a posteromedial wound for two. Four patients presented total sciatic nerve palsy and nine palsy of the common peroneal nerve. The dislocation was documented in ten cases: lateral (n=1), anterior (n=4), posterior (n=5). For four patients, the dislocation had been reduced during pre-hospital care. Preoperative arteriography was available for eight patients and confirmed the disruption of the popliteal artery; the diagnosis was obvious in six other patients who were directed immediately to the operative theatre without pre-operative imaging. Revascularization was achieved with a upper popliteal-lower popliteal bypass using an inverted saphenous graft. The graft was harvested from the homolateral greater saphenous vein in eight patients and the contralateral vein in six. On average, limb revascularization was achieved after 10.07 hours ischemia. Intravenous heparin was instituted for 810 days followed by low-molecular-weight heparin. The dislocation was stabilized by a femorotibial fixator in nine patients and a cruropedious cast in five. An incision was made in the anterolateral and posterior leg compartments in twelve patients. A revision procedure was necessary on day one in one patient because of recurrent ischemia; a second bypass using an autologous venous graft was successful. One other 75-year-old patient also presented recurrent ischemia on day five; the bypass was reconstructed but the patient died from multiple injuries. Seven thin skin grafts were used to cover the aponeurotomy surfaces. Mean duration of the external fixator was 3.4 months. The five patients treated with a plaster case were immobilized for 2.7 months on average. Ligament repair was performed in three patients (one lateral reconstruction and one double reconstruction of the central pivot for the two others). A total prosthesis with a rotating hinge was implanted in two patients aged 67 and 74 years after removal of the external fixator at six and seven months. Failure of the ligament repair also led to arthroplasty in a third patient. RESULTS: Blood supply to the lower limb was successfully restored as proven by the renewed coloration of the teguments and-or presence of distal pulses in 13 patients. Transient acute renal failure required dialysis in one patient. Four patients developed pin track discharges and there was one case of septic arthritis of the knee joint which was cured after arthrotomy for wash-out and adapted antibiotics. Outcome was assessed a minimum 18 months follow-up (average 22 months) for the 13 survivors. The three sciatic palsies recovered partially at five and six months in the tibial territory but with persistent paralysis in the territory of the common peroneal nerve. The nine cases of common peroneal nerve palsy noted initially regressed completely or nearly completely in three patients, partially in three and remained unchanged in three. The results were assessed as a function of the final knee procedure: outcome was satisfactory for the patients with a total knee arthroplasty. Outcome of the three ligamentoplasties was good in one, fair in one, and a failure in one (revision arthroplasty). Patients treated by immobilization without a second surgical procedure complained of joint instability with a variable clinical impact; their knee retained active flexion greater than 90 degrees and complete extension. DISCUSSION: An analysis of the literature and the critical review of our clinical experience was conducted to propose a coherent therapeutic attitude for patients presenting this type of trauma. The prevalence of disruption of the popliteal vascular supply in patients with knee dislocation is between 4 and 20%. The rate is closely related to that of injury to nerves and soft tissue. Ischemia should be immediately suspected in all cases of knee dislocation. The pedious and tibial pulses must be carefully noted before and after reduction of the dislocation to determine whether or not there is an organic arterial lesion. If the pulses are absent initially, they should be expected to reappear strong, rapidly and permanently after reduction. Otherwise, arteriography should be performed. Dislocation stretches the artery between two points of relative anchorage in the adductor ring and the soleus arcade to the point of rupture. Repair requires a bypass between the upper popliteal artery and the tibioperoneal trunk using an inverted saphenous graft because the walls are torn over several centimeters. The traumatology and vascular surgical teams must work in concert from the beginning of the surgical work-up in order to establish a coherent operative strategy founded on primary reduction of the dislocation, installation of a fixator and then vascular repair and aponeurotomy incisions. It would be preferable to wait until the bypass is proven patent and wound healing is complete before proposing ligament repair. This should be done after a precise anatomic work-up to assess each ligament lesion. Bony avulsion or simple disinsertion can however be repaired in the emergency setting at the time of the bypass as well as any ligament rupture which is obvious and-or situated on the medial collateral approach. Secondarily, elements of the central pivot can be repaired in young patients with an important functional demand. Arthroplasty is not warranted except in the elderly patient. Dissection of the popliteal fossa or debridement of the wound enables a careful anatomic assessment of the nerve trunks. In the event of a peroneal nerve disruption, it is advisable to fix the nerve ends to avoid retraction. Beyond three months without clinical or electromyography recovery, surgical exploration is indicated. In the event more than 15 cm is lost, there is no hope for a successful graft. Complete knee dislocation is extremely rare. It can be caused by high-energy trauma associated with several ligament ruptures, particularly rupture of the central pivot observed in 10-25% of cases with common peroneal nerve palsy. Compression, contusion or disruption of the popliteal artery is very rarely caused by the displacement of the femur or the tibia. Limb survival may be compromised. Mandatory emergency restoration of blood supply will modify immediate and subsequent surgical strategies. There has not however been any study exclusively devoted to double joint and vascular involvement. Our objective was to present a critical retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of knee dislocations with ischemia due to disruption of the common popliteal artery treated in a single center and to describe the specific features of management strategies for a coherent diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

[Mid-term results of Wallaby I posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study of the first 425 cases]. / Résultats à moyen terme de la prothèse totale du genou Wallaby I conservant le ligament croisé postérieur: à propos des 425 premiers cas suivis prospectivement.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Posterior Wallaby I is a fixed polyethylene tibial plateau prosthesis enabling preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Its asymmetrical and divergent femoral condyles articulate with also asymmetrical tibial plateaus. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze outcome of the first 425 Wallaby I prosthesis of the Guepar group implanted for first-intention treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These 425 prostheses were implanted from December 1992 to February 1995 by senior and junior surgeons. Mean patient age at implantation was 70.5 years. 91% had primary or secondary osteoarthritis and only 8.9% had inflammatory rheumatoid disease. The mean preoperative IKS score was 25.34 points and the IKS function score was 29.04. 10.35% of knees were aligned normally (mechanical axis between 2 degrees varus and 3 degrees valgus) according to the IKS criteria (Ewald), 24% presented valgus > or = 4 degrees and 65.6% varus > or = 3 degrees. All tibial and patellar components (except one) were cemented, 5.8% of the femoral pieces were inserted without cement. All but 11 patellae were resurfaced. Clinical outcome was assessed with the IKS score and radiological outcome with the IKS criteria. The patella was considered to be tilted when the alpha angle was > 5 degrees and dislocated when the AA' distance was > 5 mm. The chi-square test was used for comparison of quantitative variables (significance set at 0.05). RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were rare: two infections cured with debridement-lavage and antibiotics without removal of the prosthesis, one peronal nerve palsy which regressed partially, ten late unions without clinical consequence (particularly in the inflammatory rheumatoid patients). Twenty-six prostheses were followed less than one year (eight patients died and eighteen were lost to follow-up) and 84 less than five years (27 patients died and 57 lost to follow-up before five years). 315 prostheses were followed for more than five years (5-9 years) with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. Among the 399 prostheses followed for one year or more, we noted: four infections including three requiring change of the prosthesis (one cured by arthroscopic lavage), two aseptic loosenings which were revised (one global one tibial), one tibial loosening and three patellar loosenings which were not revised, and two femoral ossifications limiting joint motion but improved by arthrolysis and resection of the ossifications. Three patients experienced anterior pain requiring secondary patellar resurfacing in two and section of the lateral patellar wing in one. Ninteen patellar fractures (4.7%) were noted, including 17 with no significant functional impact which were not revised. The mean IKS knee score among prostheses followed for five years was 90.5 points, with mean motion 110.5 degrees. Mean IKS function score was 61.63 points. 72.9% of the knees were aligned, 22.2% in varus and 4.9% in valgus. The mechanical axis of 94.3% of the knees was between 5 degrees varus and 5 degrees valgus. Prosthesis survival at eight years (Kaplan-Meier method) was 97.7% considering all reasons for prosthesis removal and 98.5% for removal for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicentric study demonstrated that the results obtained with the Wallaby I prosthesis are as good as those obtained with other prostheses sparing the PCL and published in the literature. Preservation of the PCL enables better knee stability, correct motion (110.5 degrees in our series) with almost no radiological wear of the tibial polyethylene at eight years. The only worrisome complication is patellar fracture.

[Factors affecting quality of care for elderly subjects undergoing surgery for hip fracture: review of the literature]. / Facteurs de qualité de la prise en charge des sujets âgés opérés d'une fracture de l'extrémité supérieure du fémur: revue de la littérature.

Hip fractures are one of the leading causes for admission of elderly subjects to healthcare facilities. Because of population aging, the incidence of hip fractures has increased considerably over the last years and will continue to increase in industrialized countries. Hip fracture in an elderly subject may be life threatening and has a significant functional and social impact not only because of the fracture itself, but also because of the risk of complications related to the patient's health status and the long hospital stay. The purpose of this work was to identify in the published literature professional practices, excepting the surgical procedure, associated with better early and long-term outcome in elderly patients with hip fracture. Questions raised concerning the patient's hospital stay include factors related to the preoperative phase (time to surgery, usefulness of traction), the operation itself (antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthesia technique), and the postoperative phase (prevention of venous thrombosis, malnutrition, episodes of confusion, duration of indwelling bladder catheter, correction of anemia, geriatric care during the stay in the orthopedic ward, early and intense rehabilitation, prevention of recurrence). Among these factors, several appear to be associated with better outcome, including long-term outcome--surgery as early as possible in light of the patient's general status, antibiotic prophylaxis in accordance with standard recommendations (SFAR), prevention of venous thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin initiated at admission and associated with elastic contention. Oral nutritional support is probably beneficial and should be proposed for all patients. Particular attention must be given to prevention of confusion in order to reduce the rate of institutionalization. The rythm of rehabilitation exercises should be at least five sessions per week. Finally, there are several methods, which are effective in preventing recurrence, taking into account osteoporosis, risk of falls. Preventive measures should be instituted for all patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

Does venous microemboli detection add to the interpretation of D-dimer values following orthopedic surgery?

The identification of risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following orthopedic surgery remains unclear. We have investigated the relationship between plasma levels of D-dimer (DD), the presence or absence of microemboli 1 day after surgery, and the occurrence of DVT 7 days after total hip or knee replacement. The prevalence of DVT was 25 (13.3%) among 188 patients and was lower in 112 patients with DD < 2808 ng mL(-1) than in the 56 patients with higher DD levels: respectively, 8.0% vs. 21.4% (p < 0.05). D-dimer is not suitable for individual estimation of DVT risk. Microemboli were found in 112 (60%) of 186 subjects. The presence/absence or the frequency of the microemboli showed no relationship with the occurrence of DVT. Last, when evaluating the risk of DVT in orthopedic surgery, microemboli detection does not add to the interpretation of DD concentration.

Prolonged asymptomatic micro-embolism after hip or knee arthroplasty.

We studied the time course of micro-embolism by recording high intensity transient signals (HITS) on Doppler venous blood flow studies during a 7-day period in 57 of 63 consecutive patients after hip or knee replacement. No HITS were found before surgery, or in the non-operated leg after surgery. In the operated leg, the median number of HITS per minute showed an exponential decrease with time; a 50% reduction in the number of HITS took 72 minutes. Regardless of the duration and severity of HITS, we found no clinically apparent embolic event. Colour Doppler imaging at days 8 to 10 after operation showed a deep venous thrombosis in 17% of our patients with one thrombosis of the long saphenous vein. The presence or severity of HITS did not predict the venous thrombi. Although we found no pulmonary complications, we detected micro-emboli over a longer period after surgery than is usually reported. Spectral analysis of the Doppler venous signal is a repeatable and non-invasive monitoring technique in the post-surgical period. We failed to prove a correlation between deep venous thrombi and micro-emboli detected by this method.