Treatment of Schatzker Type VI Tibia Fractures Using Circular External Fixation: State of the Art, Surgical Technique and Results.

BACKGROUND: Schatzker type VI tibia fractures are usually associated with infection and surgical wound-related problems. Circular external fixation (CEF) has been shown to minimize such complications. METHODS: We pose a retrospective study of patients with Schatzker type VI fractures treated with CEF. RESULTS: Twenty-two (22) patients were included (11M/11F) with a mean age of 60.1 ± 14.9 years. According to the AO/OTA classification, two fractures (9.1%) were A2, three (13.6%) were A3, and seventeen (77.3%) were C3. Three (13.6%) of them were open. The tissue damage observed in the nineteen (86.4%) closed fractures was classified according to Tscherne (four grade I, twelve grade II, and three grade III). The mean ex-fix time was 24.1 ± 5.1 weeks. None of the patients experienced deep infections, nonunion, or malunion. The mean ROM was 111.4 ± 17.8 degrees. Although stability was achieved in all cases, 50% of them suffered osteoarthritic degeneration. Four knees required TKR at a mean of 8.77 ± 5.58 years from trauma. The mean HHS knee score was 84.2 ± 10.3 points (excellent in fifteen (68.2%) cases, good in four (18.2%), and acceptable in three (13.6%)). The mean Rasmussen radiological score was 13.3 ± 3.5 (excellent in three (13.6%) cases, good in fifteen (68.2%), and acceptable in four (18.2%)). The mean SF-12 score was 35.1 ± 10.4 points on the physical scale and 53.0 ± 10.6 points on the mental scale. CONCLUSIONS: CEF has shown itself to be a valid treatment for patients with Schatzker type VI fractures, particularly for those where the fracture is comminuted, severely displaced, open, or associated with severe soft tissue damage.

Early Identification and Treatment of Trochlear Knee Dysplasia.

A shallow sulcus characterizes trochlear dysplasia (TD) of the femoral trochlea, which can lead to chronic pain or instability of the patellofemoral joint. Breech presentation at birth has been identified as a risk factor for developing this condition, which an ultrasound can identify early. Early treatment could be considered at this stage, given the potential for remodelling in these skeletally immature patients. Newborns with breech presentation at birth who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled and randomised in equal proportions between treatment with the Pavlik harness and observation. The primary objective is to determine the difference in the means of the sulcus angle between the two treatment arms at two months. Ours is the first study protocol to evaluate an early non-invasive treatment for TD in the newborn with breech presentation at birth using a Pavlik harness. We hypothesised that trochlear dysplasia could be reverted when identified and treated early in life with a simple harness, as it is done with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Outcomes of two circular external fixation systems in the definitive treatment of acute tibial fracture related infections.

INTRODUCTION: Acute tibial fracture-related infection (FRI) is one of the most feared and challenging complications after a tibial fracture. The most appropriate treatment in this scenario is far from a resolved topic. Circular external fixators (CEFs) offer multiplanar control and minimize soft tissue injury using temporary implants far from the infected area. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of two different types of CEFs (Ilizarov and hexapod) in the treatment of a series of acute tibial FRIs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study at two specialized limb reconstruction centres identified all patients with an acute tibial FRI (≤4 weeks after index procedure) definitively treated with a CEF from January 2015 to December 2020. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: fracture healing and infection eradication rate with a minimum FU of 12 months after frame removal. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: to investigate the differences between the two types of circular frames regarding final post-treatment deformity magnitude. RESULTS: We included 31 patients with acute tibial FRIs: 18 treated with hexapod-type and 13 with Ilizarov-type CEFs. Average age was 45.5±16.56 years. Fracture healing and infection eradication were achieved in all patients (31/31) after a mean follow-up of 24.7 months (range 12.1-55.3). Patients treated with an Ilizarov-type fixator presented shorter time to fracture union (5.5±2.2 months vs. 9.2±6.0 months; p-value 0.021) and shorter duration of external fixation (p-value 0.001). Regarding residual post-treatment deformity, the hexapod system presented significantly less residual coronal translation deformity (p-value 0.034) and better callus quality. Fixator-related complications were similar when comparing the two groups. No significant differences were seen in pain (p-value 0.25), RTW rate (35% vs. 45%; p-value 0.7) or functionality (p-value 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Definitive circular external fixation is an excellent treatment for acute tibial FRI. Both Ilizarov and hexapod systems offer a very high rate of fracture healing and infection eradication. Although both presented very low radiological post-operative residual deformity, the hexapod system showed less residual coronal translation deformity and better callus quality.

Infected bone defects in the lower limb. Management by means of a two-stage distraction osteogenesis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Although bone transport is generally accepted as the gold standard for the treatment of segmental septic bone defects, some aspects of its practical application are still open to debate. We present our results in this field and compare them with the series published so far. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all our patients (2010-2018) that underwent a bone transport procedure in the lower limb due to a septic bone defect. We calculated the bone healing index (BHI), the external fixation index (EFI), the rate of complications and the clinical results. We statistically compared our results with 63 publications with a similar scope. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (30 M/5F) with a mean age of 40 years and a mean follow-up of 45 months were included. Bone segment was 24 T/11F and mean defect was 8.4 cm (7.34 T/ 10.73F). Mean global BHI was 45.62 days/cm (48.16 T/40.09F). Mean EFI was 2.37 months/cm. Results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 23 and bad in 3. Bone graft was used in 60% of the cases. DISCUSSION: The size of our series is similar to previously published ones, although the mean age of our patients is higher and they present a larger bone defect. BHI of our series is similar to that of other series, although EFI is significantly higher. The number of complications is also in line with the existing literature. CONCLUSION: The use of a two-stage technique for managing segmental bone defects of septic origin in the lower extremity is a valid alternative. Our series shows results comparable to the current literature.

Lesiones musculoesqueléticas secundarias al ejercicio durante el confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 / Musculoskeletal injuries secondary to exercise during confinement by the pandemic COVID-19

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¿Cuándo pensar en pseudoartrosis congénita de clavícula en pediatría? Presentación de 2 casos / When to think about pediatric congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle? Presentation of 2 cases

La pseudoartrosis congénita de la clavícula es una malformación rara y benigna, caracterizada por la ausencia del tercio medio de la clavícula. Suele ser unilateral y mayoritaria en el lado derecho. La etiología es desconocida y se postulan diversas teorías etiopatogénicas (vascular, embriológica y genética).Puede detectarse en el período neonatal o, más frecuentemente, durante la infancia. En ocasiones, puede ser sintomática. Puede requerir tratamiento mediante reconstrucción quirúrgica por injerto óseo.Se presentan 2 casos, uno de diagnóstico neonatal y otro de 3 años de edad realizados con 24 h de diferencia. Se destaca la consideración de este diagnóstico como diferencial de fractura obstétrica o postraumática, displasia cleidocraneal y neurofibromatosis de tipo 1.

The congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare and benign malformation, characterized by the absence of the middle third of the clavicle. It is usually unilateral and the majority on the right side. The etiology is unknown, postulating diverse etiopathogenic theories (vascular, embryological and genetic).It can be detected in the neonatal period or, more frequently, during childhood. Occasionally it can be symptomatic. It may require treatment by surgical reconstruction by bone graft. Two cases are presented, one of neonatal diagnosis and another one of 3 years of age performed with 24 hours of difference. We emphasize on its consideration as a differential diagnosis of obstetric or post-traumatic fracture, cleidocranial dysplasia and neurofibromatosis type I.

[When to think about pediatric congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle? Presentation of 2 cases]. / ¿Cuándo pensar en pseudoartrosis congénita de clavícula en pediatría? Presentación de 2 casos.

The congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare and benign malformation, characterized by the absence of the middle third of the clavicle. It is usually unilateral and the majority on the right side. The etiology is unknown, postulating diverse etiopathogenic theories (vascular, embryological and genetic). It can be detected in the neonatal period or, more frequently, during childhood. Occasionally it can be symptomatic. It may require treatment by surgical reconstruction by bone graft. Two cases are presented, one of neonatal diagnosis and another one of 3 years of age performed with 24 hours of difference. We emphasize on its consideration as a differential diagnosis of obstetric or post-traumatic fracture, cleidocranial dysplasia and neurofibromatosis type I.

La pseudoartrosis congénita de la clavícula es una malformación rara y benigna, caracterizada por la ausencia del tercio medio de la clavícula. Suele ser unilateral y mayoritaria en el lado derecho. La etiología es desconocida y se postulan diversas teorías etiopatogénicas (vascular, embriológica y genética). Puede detectarse en el período neonatal o, más frecuentemente, durante la infancia. En ocasiones, puede ser sintomática. Puede requerir tratamiento mediante reconstrucción quirúrgica por injerto óseo. Se presentan 2 casos, uno de diagnóstico neonatal y otro de 3 años de edad realizados con 24 h de diferencia. Se destaca la consideración de este diagnóstico como diferencial de fractura obstétrica o postraumática, displasia cleidocraneal y neurofibromatosis de tipo 1.

Alargamiento óseo tibial mediante fijación externa. Estudio comparativo entre la técnica tradicional y la asistida por clavo intramedular / Tibial bone lengthening via external fixation: Comparative study of the traditional technique and a technique with intramedullary nail assistance

Objetivo. Comparar resultados y complicaciones al realizar elongaciones óseas con dos métodos diferentes: fijación externa aislada versus fijación externa sobre clavo intramedular. Material y método. Estudio comparativo retrospectivo de 30 casos de elongación tibial divididos en dos grupos simétricos. Los casos se emparejaron en función de una serie de variables para maximizar la homogeneidad entre los grupos. Las variables utilizadas para la comparación fueron el tiempo de fijación externa, el índice de fijación externa, el índice de consolidación, los resultados clínicos, las dificultades y el rango de movilidad articular. Resultados. El tiempo medio de fijación externa fue de 2,08 meses en el grupo alargado sobre clavo, frente a los 5,85 del grupo estándar (p<0,0001). La media del índice de fijación externa fue de 0,42 meses por centímetro en el grupo de clavo frente a los 1,15 del grupo sin clavo (p<0,0001). No hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de consolidación (1,23 meses por centímetro frente a 1,15) ni en cuanto a los resultados clínicos. Se aprecian diferencias en la tasa de complicaciones (1,2 por paciente frente a 2,6) en favor de la técnica con clavo. No hay diferencias en el rango de movilidad articular del tobillo. Discusión y conclusiones. La elongación sobre clavo intramedular es más efectiva que la fijación externa aislada para alargamientos tibiales en cuanto al tiempo de fijación externa, índice de fijación externa y tasa de complicaciones. No se han demostrado sus ventajas en cuanto a índice de consolidación y movilidad articular (AU)

Objective. To compare outcomes and complications when performing bone lengthening with two different techniques: isolated external fixation versus external fixation combined with intramedullary nail. Material and method. Comparative retrospective study of thirty cases of tibial lengthening divided in two symmetrical groups. Cases were matched based on several variables to maximise homogeneity between the groups. Variables used for comparison were external fixation time, external fixation index, rate of consolidation, clinical outcomes, complications and range of joint motion. Results. Mean external fixation time was 2.08 months in the group lengthened with nail while the standard group showed 5.85 months (P<.0001). Mean external fixation index was 0.42 months per centimetre in the nail group compared with 1.15 in the group without nail (P<.0001). There were no significant differences in the rate of consolidation (1.23 months per centimetre against 1.15) or in terms of clinical outcomes. We found differences in the rate of complications (1.2 per patient to 2.6) in favour of the technique with nail. There were no differences in the range of motion of ankle joint. Discussion and conclusions. Lengthening over an intramedullary nail is more effective than using external fixation alone for tibial lengthening with regard to time of external fixation, index of external fixation and complication rate. We found no advantages in terms of consolidation and joint mobility (AU)

Tibial bone lengthening via external fixation: Comparative study of the traditional technique and a technique with intramedullary nail assistance. / Alargamiento óseo tibial mediante fijación externa. Estudio comparativo entre la técnica tradicional y la asistida por clavo intramedular.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes and complications when performing bone lengthening with two different techniques: isolated external fixation versus external fixation combined with intramedullary nail. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Comparative retrospective study of thirty cases of tibial lengthening divided in two symmetrical groups. Cases were matched based on several variables to maximise homogeneity between the groups. Variables used for comparison were external fixation time, external fixation index, rate of consolidation, clinical outcomes, complications and range of joint motion. RESULTS: Mean external fixation time was 2.08 months in the group lengthened with nail while the standard group showed 5.85 months (P<.0001). Mean external fixation index was 0.42 months per centimetre in the nail group compared with 1.15 in the group without nail (P<.0001). There were no significant differences in the rate of consolidation (1.23 months per centimetre against 1.15) or in terms of clinical outcomes. We found differences in the rate of complications (1.2 per patient to 2.6) in favour of the technique with nail. There were no differences in the range of motion of ankle joint. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Lengthening over an intramedullary nail is more effective than using external fixation alone for tibial lengthening with regard to time of external fixation, index of external fixation and complication rate. We found no advantages in terms of consolidation and joint mobility.

Bone elongation using monolateral external fixation: a practical guide.

In the literature, we can find many articles that describe in detail specific complex procedures related to the limb reconstruction. However, the general information on the biological and mechanical bases of callotasis is out of date, and the surgeons must relate to works dating from the early 1980s. These articles also come from a period in which the callotasis technique was being developed and, therefore, incur in discrepancies depending on the year they were written or the school of the author. This paper provides a general and summarised overview of the theoretical and practical aspects interesting to a surgeon that needs clear information on the bone elongations performed with the help of a monolateral external fixator.