Locking versus nonlocking plates for the treatment of posterior malleolar ankle fractures: A retrospective cohort study and cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that, as posterior malleolar ankle fractures usually present one or two main fragments, the buttress plating principle can be successfully achieved either with conventional nonlocking or anatomic locking posterior tibia plates, and no clinical differences should be found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of posterior malleolar ankle (PM) fractures treated with conventional nonlocking (CNP) or anatomic locking plates (ALP), and also to compare both constructs in terms of crude costs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed. CNP was used in 22 patients and ALP was used in 11 patients. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was registered at four weeks, 3-6 months, 12 and 24 months to assess all patients' functional status. The primary outcome was ankle and hindfoot AOFAS score at 12 months follow-up visit. All complications, radiographic evaluation and implant construct costs were also registered and compared. The average follow-up was 25.4 (range, 12-42) months. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between both cohorts, in terms of AOFAS score and complication rate (P > .05). We found that ALP construct is 17 times more expensive than CNP construct in our institution (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Anatomic locking posterior tibial plates may be an interesting device when poor bone quality is present or when a true multifragmentary pilon fracture is faced. Anatomic locking posterior tibia plate should not become a regular implant for any PM fracture since equivalent clinical and radiological results were obtained in our study using CNP with a significant reduced cost.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients of Post Polio Residual Paralysis: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Poliomyelitis is a viral, nervous system disease that affects both the upper and the lower extremities. The treatment of severe coxarthrosis in these patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely questioned because of the high risk of subsequent complications. The aim of the present study was to describe both radiological and medium term clinical results in a series of patients with post polio residual paralysis that underwent THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a retrospective review of a series of 5 five patients diagnosed with severe coxarthrosis secondary to post polio residual paralysis who were operated between 2008 and 2012. Uncemented THA was performed in all cases by the same surgeon. Clinical evaluation was carried out using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) at the preoperative visit, at 6 months, and annually after surgery. RESULTS: The median age was 47 years, and the median followup was 55 months (interquartile range P25-P75: range 31-72 months). According to the HHS, a significant clinical improvement was observed in all patients with a median score of 81 points (interquartile range P25-P75: range 74-89) at 1 year of followup. A case of relapsing dislocation that required revision surgery of the implant was recorded. No cases of component loosening were found. CONCLUSION: THA surgery in patients with post polio residual paralysis is a complex procedure with a significant complication rate, but a predictable clinical improvement may encourage surgeons to perform in patients with severe coxarthrosis and moderate functional expectations.

Conversion of arthrodesis to total hip arthroplasty: clinical outcome, complications, and prognostic factors of 21 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Although the results of hip arthrodesis compare favorably with those of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients, long-term consequences such as osteoarthritis of the neighboring joints may necessitate conversion of the arthrodesis to THA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of the present study is to assess mid-term clinical outcome and self-perceived improvement in patients who underwent conversion at our department. Secondary aims were incidence of complications and association between patient characteristics and characteristics of the fusions with the outcome of the procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 21 cases in 20 patients. Minimum follow-up was 3 years (mean, 8 ± 6.5 years) in 20 cases. Thirteen patients had surgical hip fusions and 7 (8 hips) had nonsurgical fusions. Mean age at the time of conversion was 58.5 years. RESULTS: Nineteen out of 21 cases had functioning implants at the latest follow-up visit. According to the Merle d'Aubigné scale, outcome was considered excellent, very good, or good in 15 cases. Lower back pain was reduced in all patients. All but two patients were satisfied after the conversion. The main complications observed included incomplete removal of bone block, intra-operative fractures, dislocation and damage to the femoral artery. Time to conversion and type of fusion had no significant correlation with the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion THA is a challenging but successful procedure according to the mid-term clinical outcome observed. Our study suggests that, prognostic factors should be used with caution when establishing indications and post-surgical expectations.