The anterior limited approach of the elbow for the treatment of capitellum and trochlea fractures: Surgical technique and clinical experience in eight cases.

When a coronal fracture affects the capitellum and the trochlea, the Kocher lateral approach may be inadequate for the correct visualisation, reduction and fixation of the fracture. In such cases an associated medial elbow approach may be required, or a posterior transolecranon approach may be preferred. The anterior limited approach to the elbow (ALAE) could be a valid option when treating these types of fracture, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, thereby facilitating the recovery process. We can also treat associated injuries such as fractures of the radial head or coronoid process with this approach. We describe the surgical technique and the functional outcome of eight patients with a mean of 66 years of age (range, 53-76) who where treated with open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar and trochlear fractures through the ALAE. Patient outcomes were assessed with physical and radiological evaluation, range-of-motion measurements with a follow-up from 24 to 60 months. Two different quality of life questionnaires were carried out: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the patient-answered questionnnaire of the Liverpool Elbow Score patient (PAQ-LES). Four fractures involved the capitellum, one involved the capitellum with the lateral ridge of the trochlea, and three involved the capitellum and trochlea as separate fragments. The patients presented a favorable clinical evolution at a median of 33 months (range, 24-60), with an average of motion of 10-138°. Four patients presented a fracture of the head of the radius (Mason type 2) and 3 fractures of the coronoid (Bryan-Morrey Type 1) associated. All the patients presented radiological consolidation without signs of osteonecrosis, being the average EQ-5D 0.857 (range, 0.36-1.0) and the PAQ-LES of 35 (range 17 to 36). Patients with isolated capitellar fractures had better results than those with trochlear involvement. The presence of associated fractures does not seem to worsen the results. We believe that the ALAE is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellar fracture with or without involvement of the trochlea. LEVEL OF EVIDENCEIS: Therapeutic Level III.

Classification of the transverse pattern of Mason II radial head fractures and its usefulness in arthroscopic osteosynthesis. Anatomo-surgical study. / Clasificación del patrón transversal de las fracturas de la cabeza del radio tipo Mason II y su utilidad en la osteosíntesis mediante técnica artroscópica. Estudio anatomoquirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: The management of MasonII fracture pattern assisted by arthroscopy is a valid technique that provides good results. The objective of this study was to draw attention to the usefulness of the location of the fracture in the head of the radius in defined quadrants with respect to the bicipital tuberosity through CT. This would help to plan the optimal forearm position to access each quadrant and foresee the specific difficulties of each one. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We dissected 4 specimens of cryopreserved cadaver. We divided the radial head into 4 quadrants with regard to the bicipital tuberosity, objectifying the change of position in pronation and maximum supination with respect to the sigmoid cavity and neurovascular structures. RESULTS: The head of the radio moves with pronosupination, so there are areas of convergence between the different quadrants. Quadrant1 is approached in supination via an anteromedial portal. Quadrant2 is approached in maximum pronation through a lateral portal. Quadrant3 can be approached through lateral portals, with the forearm in neutral position and in pronation. Quadrant4 is accessible with the forearm in a neutral position and in supination through a lateral portal. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the location of the fracture in the head of the radius with respect to the bicipital tuberosity, we will need access through a specific arthroscopic portal, with the medial quadrants (anteromedial and posteromedial) being the most technically demanding.

Necrotizing fasciitis attended in the Emergency Department in a tertiary Hospital: Evaluation of the LRINEC scale. / Infecciones necrosantes de partes blandas atendidas en un servicio de urgencias de tercer nivel: evolución y correlación con la escala laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC).

AIM: To describe mortality and complications of patients seen in the emergency room, diagnosed with necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) and the correlation of such complications with the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing fasciitis scale (LRINEC). METHODS: Retrospective observational study including patients with a diagnosis of NSTI in the emergency room of a tertiary hospital over 7 years. The results are shown as median, interquartile range and absolute range for quantitative variables. In the case of qualitative variables, the results are shown as absolute and relative frequency. The comparison between the categories of the LRINEC scale was performed through a post-hoc comparison from a non-parametric ANOVA analysis. Comparisons between LRINEC groups in the qualitative variables were performed using Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: 24 patients with a mean age of 51.9 years were identified. The LRINEC scale was used on 21 patients: in 10, the value indicated low risk (<6), in 4 it indicated intermediate risk (6 or 7) and in 7 it indicated high risk (≥8). The amputation rate in patients with low, intermediate and high risk was 10%, 25% and 66% respectively with a mortality of 4.2%. There was an increase in hospital stay between the low and high level of the scale (p=0,007). CONCLUSIONS: In general, a change in the prognosis between the medium and high levels of the LRINEC scale could not be recorded, but was recorded in hospital stay between the low and the high level, practically tripling the median of days of hospital stay.

The limited anterior approach of the elbow for open reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures. Surgical technique and clinical experience in 2 cases with more than 2 years follow-up. / Abordaje anterior limitado del codo para la reducción abierta y fijación interna de las fracturas del capitellum. Técnica quirúrgica y experiencia clínica en 2casos con más de 2 años de seguimiento.

OBJECTIVE: Fractures involving the capitellum can be treated surgically by excision of the fragment, or by reduction and internal fixation with screws, with or without heads. The lateral Kocher approach is the most common approach for open reduction. We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow, could be a valid technique for treating these fractures, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, facilitating the recovery process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A description is presented of the surgical technique, as well as of 2cases with a Bryan-Morrey type 1 fracture (Dubberley type 1A). Two different final quality of life evaluation questionnaires were completed by telephone: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the patient part of the Liverpool Elbow Score (PAQ-LES) questionnaire. RESULTS: The 2patients showed favourable clinical progress at 36 and 24 months, respectively, with an extension/flexion movement arc of -5°/145° and -10°/145°, as well as a pronosupination of 85°/80° and 90°/90°. The 2patients showed radiological consolidation with no signs of osteonecrosis. The EQ-5D score was 0.857 and 0.910 (range: 0.36-1), and a PAQ-SLE of 35 and 35 (range: 17-36), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellum fracture, although further studies are needed to demonstrate its superiority and clinical safety compared to the classical lateral Kocher approach.

[What do we know about atypical fractures in patients on biphosphonates treatment? A literature review using a case series]. / ¿Qué sabemos de las fracturas atípicas en los pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos? Revisión bibliográfica a raíz de una serie de casos.

AIM: Retrospective review of long term biphosphonates treated patients who sustained a subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fracture with an atypical pattern. A literature review is presented as an update of the topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 13 subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures in female patients treated with biphosphonates at our institution from September 2007 to March 2011. RESULTS: Four cases of subtrochanteric fractures and 13 diaphyseal fractures were detected. Four patients had bilateral fractures. All cases but one (that affected only the lateral cortex) were complete fractures. Surgically, these kinds of fractures are demanding due to the hardness of the bones. DISCUSSION: It is difficult to know if there is any relationship between bisphosphonates treatment and atypical femoral fractures. Nevertheless, current literature supports a greater benefit of their use in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. For this reason, biphosphonates continue being considered as a first choice in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates may present atypical femoral fractures as a complication. It is considered that the maximum period for biphosphonates treatment should not exceed 5 years.