Botulinum toxin injections as salvage therapy is beneficial for management of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common pathology usually presenting with anterior or retropatellar pain. It is associated with a relative imbalance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the vastus lateralis (VL) muscles. This can lead to considerable morbidity and reduced quality of life (QOL). This study aims to assess the long-term functional outcome of PFPS treated with VL muscle botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 26 consecutive patients (31 knees) with a mean age of 50.1 years (± 19.7 years) who were treated with BoNT-A injections to the VL muscle followed by physiotherapy between 2008 and 2015. Pre- and post-treatment pain levels (numerical rating scale, NRS), QOL (SF-6D), and functional scores (Kujala and Lysholm questionnaires) were measured. Demographics, physical therapy compliance, previous surgeries, perioperative complications, and patient satisfaction levels were collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 58.8 ± 36.4 months. There were significant improvements in all the examined domains. The average pain score (NRS) decreased from 7.6 to 3.2 (P < 0.01), and the Kujala, Lysholm, and SF-6D scores improved from 58.9 to 82.7 (P < 0.001), 56.2 to 83.2 (P < 0.001), and 0.6 to 0.8 (P < 0.001), respectively. Similar delta improvement was achieved irrespective of gender, age, compliance to post-treatment physical therapy, or coexisting osteoarthritis. Patients who presented with a worse pre-treatment clinical status achieved greater improvement. Prior to BoNT-A intervention, 16 patients (18 knees) were scheduled for surgery, of whom 12 (75%, 13 knees) did not require further surgical intervention at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A single intervention of BoNT-A injections to the VL muscle combined with physiotherapy is beneficial for the treatment of patients with persistent PFPS. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement: MRI Signal Intensities of Different Body Tissues and Their Relations to Blood Metal Ion Levels.

BACKGROUND: Metal-on-metal total hip prostheses (MoM-THR) have been shown to produce hypersensitivity reactions and fluid collection (pseudotumor) by the hip as well as high blood metal ions levels (BMILs). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in selected body tissues around the hip of patients who underwent MoM hip replacement and to correlate to BMILs. METHODS: Sixty-one MRI hip examinations in 54 post-MoM-THR patients (18 males, 36 females, mean age 65 years) were retrospectively evaluated independently by two readers. The mean S/N ratio in a region of interest was calculated for periprosthetic pseudotumor collection (PPC), the bladder, fat, and muscle on axial T1w, FSE-T2w, and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences on the same location. BMILs were retrieved from patient files. RESULTS: PPC was detected in 32 patients (52%) with an average volume of 82.48 mm3. BMIL did not correlate with the presence of PPCs but positively correlated with the PPC's volume. A trend for positive correlation was found between BMILs and S/N levels of STIR images for muscle and bladder as well as for PPC and cobalt levels. A trend for correlation was also seen between BMIL with PPC's T1 w S/N. CONCLUSIONS: Alteration of MRI S/N for different hip tissues showed a tendency for correlation with BMILs, possibly suggesting that metal deposition occurs in the PPC as well as in the surrounding tissues and bladder.

Bilateral total hip replacement: periprosthetic pseudotumor collections are more prevalent in metal-on-metal implants compared to non-metal-on-metal ones.

BACKGROUND: Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prostheses were shown to have high failure rates including the formation of periprosthetic cystic masses called periprosthetic pseudotumor collections (PPCs). PURPOSE: To compare MRI prevalence and size of PPCs in patients after bilateral total-hip-replacement (THR) in which at least one hip was replaced by a MoM prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All sequential MRI examinations of patients with bilateral THR in which at least one is MoM (2010-2013) were retrospectively evaluated. MRIs were analyzed separately by two readers for the presence and size of PPCs. These were compared between MoM and non-MoM implants and between patients with unilateral or bilateral-MoM prostheses. Blood metal ion levels were also compared. RESULTS: Seventy hips of 35 patients (male:female ratio, 9:26; mean age, 64 years; age range, 35-82 years) were assessed. Sixteen patients (45%) underwent bilateral MoM-THRs and 19 (55%) had one MoM and the other non-MoM, yielding 51 MoM THRs and 19 non-MoM THRs. Twenty-eight PPCs were detected in 19 patients (54%): 26 in MoM THRs (51%) and two in non-MoM THRs (10.5%, P = 0.00009). The mean PPC volume in the MoM implants (107 mm(3)) was higher than that of the non-MoM implants (18 mm(3), P = 0.49). Cobalt/chromium blood levels were 78 µg/L/25 µg/L for bilateral MoM THRs and 21 µg/L/10 µg/L for unilateral MoM implants (P = 0.1 and 0.16, respectively). CONCLUSION: PPCs are more prevalent in MoM THRs compared to non-MoM THRs. Larger PPC volumes and higher blood metal ion levels were detected in patients with bilateral MoM THRs compared to unilateral MoM THRs (P > 0.05).

Antimicrobial properties and elution kinetics of linezolid from polymethylmethacrylate.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) impregnated with antibiotics is widely used in the treatment of osteomyelitis and infected arthroplasties. With the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, linezolid, which is active against gram-positive bacteria and toward which resistance has been scarce, has been suggested as an alternative. In the current in vitro study, the authors sought to determine and compare the efficacy and elution kinetics of linezolid from PMMA. Polymethylmethacrylate beads impregnated with linezolid, vancomycin, or gentamicin alone and in combinations were placed in suspensions of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The leaching out concentrations of antibiotics and growth inhibitory time in days were recorded. The mechanical strength of cement beads was evaluated in accordance with International Standard 5833. The growth inhibitory time of linezolid was significantly longer than that of vancomycin and gentamicin for methicillin-resistant S aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and S epidermidis. The combination of linezolid with gentamicin and vancomycin significantly increased the growth inhibitory time compared with either antibiotic used alone. Linezolid alone or in combination with vancomycin and gentamicin showed satisfactory elution kinetics and antimicrobial activity in vitro without compromising the mechanical strength of PMMA. Future research evaluating the in vivo profile of linezolid-loaded PMMA in experimental animals is needed before it can be considered for human use.

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism in elderly patients following major orthopedic surgery of the lower limb is associated with elevated vitamin B12 serum levels.

BACKGROUND: Elevated vitamin B12 serum levels are associated with systemic inflammation and mortality. Since venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with systemic inflammation and mortality as well, we have hypothesized that it is also associated with elevated vitamin B12 serum levels in elderly patients following major orthopedic surgery of the lower limb. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Medical charts of consecutive elderly (≥65 years) patients admitted for rehabilitation following major orthopedic surgery of the lower limb during 2007-2009 were reviewed. The study group included symptomatic VTE patients. The control group included patients in whom VTE was excluded. Demographics, co-morbidities, VTE risk factors, vitamin B12 serum levels, and 1-year mortality were studied. RESULTS: The cohort included 197 elderly patients (median age: 82 years): 140 (71.1%) women and 57 (28.9%) men. Overall, 20 (10.2%) patients had VTE (study group) and in 177 (89.8%) patients VTE was excluded (control group). Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in the study group compared with the control group (median: 634 vs. 409 pg/dL, p=0.024). The incidence of elevated vitamin B12 serum levels (≥500 pg/dL) was higher in the study group compared with the control group (odds ratio 3.1, p=0.031). Elevated vitamin B12 serum levels were associated with VTE (odds ratio 5.3, p=0.011) and with 1-year mortality (odds ratio 6.6, p=0.015) independent of demographics, co-morbidities, and VTE risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic VTE is associated with elevated vitamin B12 serum levels in elderly patients following major orthopedic surgery of the lower limb.

Posterolateral capsular release for correction of valgus deformity.

Achieving coronal balance during arthroplasty of a valgus knee presents a challenge for the surgeon. Various techniques for lateral release had been described with no consensus among surgeons. We retrospectively reviewed 42 consecutive patients (38 women, mean age 72.7 years, follow-up 42 ± 23 months) with a valgus deformity who were operated while using a posterolateral capsular release as the sole method of lateral release. All knees were successfully balanced, without the need for further release of other structures. Valgus angles improved from 17.5 ± 4.6 degrees (range 11 to 31) to 6.3 ± 2.2 degrees (range 2 to 11) (p < 0.0001), and the knee and functional scores improved from 5.4 ± 17.7 and 24.8 ± 24.7 to 88.2 ± 15.8 and 70 ± 30, respectively (p < 0.0001) at last follow-up. One patient developed transient peroneal palsy after correction of severe deformity. The posterolateral capsule release, which is similar to that of the "inside-out" technique, provides a simple and safe solution for balancing a valgus knee.

Delayed Effect of Acupuncture Treatment in OA of the Knee: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

To assess the efficacy in providing improved function and pain relief by administering 8 weeks of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to standard care in elderly patients with OA of the knee. This randomized, controlled, blinded trial was conducted on 55 patients with OA of the knee. Forty-one patients completed the study (26 females, 15 males, mean age ± SD 71.7 ± 8.6 years). Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group that received biweekly acupuncture treatment (n = 28) and a control group that received sham acupuncture (n = 27), both in addition to standard therapy, for example, NSAIDS, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen, intra-articular hyaluronic acid and steroid injections. Primary outcomes measures were changes in the Knee Society Score (KSS) knee score and in KSS function and pain ratings at therapy onset, at 8 weeks (closure of study) and at 12 weeks (1 month after last treatment). Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and validity of sham acupuncture. There was significant improvement in all three scores in both groups after 8 and 12 weeks compared with baseline (P < .05). Significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the KSS knee score (P = .036) was apparent only after 12 weeks. Patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group. Adjunctive acupuncture treatment seems to provide added improvement to standard care in elderly patients with OA of the knee. Future research should determine the optimal duration of acupuncture treatment in the context of OA.

Preoperative planning of total hip replacement using the TraumaCad™ system.

INTRODUCTION: Templating is now the standard approach for preoperative planning of total joint replacement and fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of new software, TraumaCad™, for preoperative planning for total hip replacement. METHODS: This software enables the import and export of all picture archiving communication system (PACS) files from local working stations. It can integrate with all PACS systems. We retrospectively reviewed TraumaCad™-generated templates of digitalized preoperative radiographs of 73 consecutive patients. RESULTS: The acetabular component, measured within ± 1 size, was accurate in 65 patients (89%), and the femoral stem design component was accurate in 70 patients (97%). The accuracy of the femoral size was predicted in 57 patients within 1 size (87%) and in 65 patients within 2 sizes (96%) out of 68 patients in the Corail femoral component group. TraumaCad™ successfully predicts the sizes of femoral and acetabular component and easily integrates with all PACS files.

Hip-spine syndrome: the effect of total hip replacement surgery on low back pain in severe osteoarthritis of the hip.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study on the effect of total hip replacement surgery (THR) on low back pain (LBP) in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the affect of THR on LBP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hip osteoarthritis causes abnormal gait and spinal sagittal alignment and is associated with LBP. METHODS: All consecutive adults scheduled for THR in our department due to severe hip osteoarthritis were assessed by an independent investigator before surgery and 3 months and 2 years post-THR. The Harris Hip Score and the Oswestry scores were used to evaluate hip- and spine-related symptoms, respectively, as were visual analogue scales (VAS) and sagittal spinal radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (10 males; age range, 32-84 years) were evaluated. Both spinal and hip pain and function were significantly better following THR. The mean preoperative LBP VAS score of 5.04 was 3.68 after THR (P = 0.006). The mean preoperative Oswestry score of 36.72 was 24.08 after THR (P = 0.0011). Clinical improvement was maintained and enhanced at the 2-year follow-up. The mean hip pain VAS score was 7.08 before THR and 2.52 after THR (P < 0.01). The mean Harris Hip Score was 45.74 before and 81.8 after surgery (P < 0.01). There were no changes in the radiographic measurements. CONCLUSION: Both LBP and spinal function were improved following THR. This study demonstrates the clinical benefits of THR on back pain and is the first to clinically validate hip-spine syndrome as hypothesized by Offierski and MacNab in 1983.

Intramedullary fixation of tibial shaft fractures using an expandable nail.

Interlocking intramedullary nails are the gold standard for treating tibial fractures. We compared the clinical and economic factors associated with tibial fracture fixation using either interlocking intramedullary or expandable nails. From 2000 to 2002, 53 patients with 53 diaphyseal tibial fractures of similar characteristics (AO/OTA 42A1-B3) were randomly and prospectively treated with either interlocking (n = 26) or expandable nails (n = 27). Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The mean surgical duration was 104 minutes with interlocking nails and 52.9 minutes with expandable nails. Rehospitalizations were required in 12 patients (46%) and reoperations were required in nine patients (35%) with interlocking nails. Only one patient (3%) with an expandable nail required rehospitalization and reoperation. Union was achieved after 17 weeks (mean) with interlocking nails and 11.5 weeks with expandable nails. The beneficial economic ramifications of using expandable nails were a 39% reduction in overall surgical and hospital expenses. Expandable nails showed important clinical advantages for tibial fracture fixation, and complications related to lengthy operations, reoperations, and rehospitalizations were substantially reduced. Overall treatment cost was substantially lower with expandable nails. Based on these advantages, simplicity in use, and short surgical time, we recommend an expandable nail for treating tibial (AO Type A, B) shaft fractures.

Association between sciatica and microbial infection: true infection or culture contamination?

STUDY DESIGN: Discs were cultured during discectomy from patients with back pain, sciatica, and radiologic evidence of disc herniation causing nerve root compression. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the claim of culpability of bacteria in causing the local inflammatory process seen in patients with disc herniation and radiculopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Bacteria have been cultured from intervertebral discs of patients with sciatica. An infectious etiology for sciatica could have a dramatic effect on treatment options for this common problem. METHODS: To minimize the risk of contamination, the surgeon performed processing and culturing procedures intraoperatively under stringent sterile conditions. Immediately following disc excision, the specimens were divided into 4 pieces, and cultured in various aerobic and anaerobic culture mediums that were incubated for 2 weeks. RESULTS: The 120 specimens from 30 patients underwent bacterial culture growth: 116 were sterile, an 4 aerobic cultures (2 patients) grew coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggestive of contamination. CONCLUSIONS: These results refute the hypothesis that microbial infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of sciatica. It is possible that bacterial growth from discs reported in previous studies was at least partly related to contamination, which we painstakingly avoided by application of rigorous aseptic techniques.

The femoral head expandable peg: improved periimplant bone properties following expansion in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: The femoral head expandable peg offers a new concept of bone-device purchase treating proximal femur fractures. We describe the expansion influence on both the periimplant bone properties and the intraosseous pressure. METHODS: A 10 x 8 mm cannulated peg consisting of a stainless steel oval-shaped transversely sectioned rod was tested on 13 femoral heads retrieved from patients with subcapital fracture treated by hemiarthroplasty. Normal saline solution was used to expand the diameter of its membrane from 7.8 to 10.5 mm, resulting in abutment of the distal peg to the compacted cancellous bone of the femoral head. The intraosseous pressure was monitored using a 1.4 mm drill-hole. RESULTS: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and microradiography demonstrated increased periimplant bone density following peg expansion, without significant increase in the intraosseous pressure. CONCLUSION: The new implant afforded improved periimplant bone density, less trabecular damage and preservation of bone stock, all contributing to reliable biomechanical support and potentially decreasing the high complication rate following screw fixation in osteoporotic femora. Further studies are needed in order to establish clinical safety and efficacy.

Intramedullary fixation of tibial shaft fractures using an expandable nail: early results of 54 acute tibial shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and present our experience using the expandable nail system for the treatment of acute tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Two level-1 trauma centers-University teaching hospitals. METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive patients were treated by this nail system for acute tibial shaft fracture. Two nail diameters were used, 8.5 mm and 10 mm. Operation, hospitalization and healing times, reaming versus nonreaming, isolated versus multiple injuries, and reoperations were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Follow-up was obtained either until fracture healing or for a minimum of 1 year with an average of 14 months (12 to 24). All fractures healed in an average time of 72 days (21 to 204). The average healing times for patients treated with 8.5-mm and 10-mm nails were 77.2 days (27 to 204) and 63.4 days (21 to 121), respectively. Average operative time was 103 minutes (40 to 185) if reamed and 56 minutes (30 to 80) if unreamed. Average healing times were 65.4 days (21 to 190) if reamed and 79.5 days (42 to 204) if unreamed. There were 11 complications (20.4%) related to the nailing: 3 deep infections, 2 superficial infections, 2 bone shortenings of 1 cm secondary to nail protrusion in the knee, 1 compartment syndrome, 1 fracture propagation, 1 distal malalignment, and 1 delayed union. Hardware was removed in 6 patients (3 infections, 2 patients' request and 1 protrusion into the knee), and 1 additional patient underwent exchange nailing due to a delayed union. CONCLUSIONS: The expandable nail offers the theoretical advantages of improved load sharing and rotational control without the need for interlocking screws. This study demonstrates satisfactory healing and alignment for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures using this device. However, caution must be exercised when using this nail in cases of significant comminution and in cases where the fracture pattern involves the more proximal or distal aspect of the tibial shaft.

The importance of the valgus stress test in the diagnosis of posterolateral instability of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of posterolateral instability of the knee is often based on a typical indirect mechanism of injury, a history of "giving way" and a positive dial test. Our search of the English literature revealed no mention of including the valgus stress test in the diagnostic protocol for posterolateral instability. HYPOTHESIS: Based on our experience, we hypothesised that a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear will also produce a positive dial test and that a valgus stress test would provide differential diagnostic information. METHODS: The MCL's of 14 fresh cadaveric knees (7 cadavers) were cut to simulate a grade 3 tear, taking care not to damage the medial retinaculum or the posteromedial stabilisers of the knee. The amount of tibial external rotation (the dial test) was measured for each knee before and after transection of the MCL. RESULTS: The results of the dial test after transection of the MCL were similar to those stemming from a solitary injury to the posterolateral corner. There was a significant increase in external rotation of the knee in 30 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion. More over, external rotation in 30 degrees was significantly greater than external rotation in 90 degrees of knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever suspecting a posterolateral complex injury, one has to carefully perform a valgus stress test in 0 degrees and 30 degrees. Although the support of a clinical study is needed in order to make a definite conclusion, the dial test is probably not reliable in the presence of medial instability, and alternative diagnostic measures should be used.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of the knee and unjustified surgery.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee is greater than 90% accurate in detecting intraarticular disease when performed and interpreted by musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging specialists in specialized medical centers. However, independent imaging institutions often offer less expensive services to health insurers. We wondered if the magnetic resonance imaging performed in our community is of equivalent quality and accuracy. We studied a homogenous group of healthy, young, and fit military recruits to represent a cross section of our country's population. We analyzed all knee magnetic resonance images of soldiers who subsequently had primary arthroscopic knee surgery within a 3-month period from 1997-1998. The results were compared with surgical findings of four structures: medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, and articular cartilage. Of the 1185 arthroscopies and 633 magnetic resonance images of the knee performed in 14 institutions, 139 paired magnetic resonance imaging arthroscopic reports met our inclusion criteria. The results showed a false positive rate of 65% for the medial meniscus, 43% for the lateral meniscus, 47.2% for the anterior cruciate ligament, and 41.7% for articular cartilage disease when compared with surgical findings. Accuracy rates were 52%, 82%, 80%, and 77%, respectively. Thirty-seven percent of the operations supported by a significant disorder on magnetic resonance imaging were unjustified. Our findings highlight the consequences that may occur when basing medical care on cost rather than quality of care.

The fixion proximal femur nailing system: biomechanical properties of the nail and a cadaveric study.

The treatment of choice for early mobilization of hip fracture is surgery, which traditionally employs side plates and screws or intramedullary nails. We examined the biomechanical properties of a new proximal femoral nail system. The new expandable Fixion proximal femur nailing (PFN) system, made of stainless-steel alloy, consists of a nail, a peg and an anti-rotation pin. Upon positioning, the nail and peg are expanded to their maximal diameter. The current biomechanical study investigated: nail bending strength and stiffness, fatigue properties and hip peg strength. A cadaveric study that determined the effect of the expandable peg on the femoral head included subsidence testing, pull and torsion testing and intra-osseous pressure (IOP) measurements before and after expansion. Biomechanical properties of the new nail met ASTM F384 guideline requirements. The cadaver study yielded equivalent results for the pullout test between the peg and the hip screw, but found the peg superior in the torsion strength test. IOP during peg insertion and expansion was substantially lower than the threshold pressure that causes avascular necrosis. The biomechanical tests found the new system to be safe and able to provide good abutment of the nail to the bone. We conclude that the Fixion PFN system proved to be an effective proximal femur fracture fixation device.

Tuberculosis infection complicating total knee arthroplasty: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.

The incidence of osteoarticular tuberculosis in the knee and other joints is increasing. Three cases of active tuberculous infection in the presence of a total knee prosthesis are presented. The pathology was not diagnosed until the prosthesis had been removed in 2 patients. They underwent antituberculous therapy and revision arthroplasty. In the third patient, the diagnosis was made early. Antituberculous therapy was begun immediately, and the original prosthesis was retained. Good long-term results were achieved in all 3 cases.

Comparative analysis of the benefits of autotransfusion of blood by a shed blood collector after total knee replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Joint replacement is associated with massive blood loss. Various techniques have been used to avoid the use of allogeneic blood. One of the techniques used is postoperative salvage and reinfusion of shed blood that was found to reduce the use of banked blood with its potential risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 365 patients who underwent knee joint replacement (TKR) and were divided in two groups. Group A's shed blood (SureTrans System) was collected ( n=194) and reinfused and group B's was not ( n=171, "controls"). Hemoglobin levels before and after the operation were recorded. RESULTS: Allogeneic blood requirement for TKR decreased by 65% in group A compared to group B. The packed cell/patient index dropped from 0.91 to 0.29 in group 2A. Statistical analysis yielded the odds ratio for blood replacement, a "predicting formula" for blood replacement depending on hemoglobin levels, and a cutoff point for a patient's receiving blood replacement. CONCLUSION: We recommend using this system in TKR for decreasing allogeneic blood replacement and potential associated risks. The predicting formula for blood replacement may be a helpful tool when making a decision of whether or not to use the collector system and for whom.

[Galeazzi lesion in children and adults: the undiagnosed lesion].

Unrecognized Galeazzi fracture dislocation of the wrist (distal radius fracture with radioulnar joint disruption) may lead to a high incidence of permanent functional disability and chronic pain. A high index of suspicion, early recognition, and acute treatment of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability will avoid chronic problems. This review examines the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, management and prognosis in children and in adults for this type of lesion.