Femoral neck pseudoarthrosis in a polio patient treated with closed reduction and cell therapy.

Poliomyelitis disease affects the anterior horns cells of the spinal cord and certain motor nuclei of the brain stem. Paralysis type is flaccid and asymmetrical and result in muscular imbalance. Due to this, in case of having a hip muscles involvement, degenerative or posttraumatic, total hip arthroplasty is normally contraindicated because of the excessive risk of hip dislocation. In cases of subcapital femoral neck fractures the femoral head vascularization is a main concern, and in cases of neglected fracture with pseudoarthrosis the vascular status to the head must be investigated prior to further decisions. We report the case of a femoral neck fracture non-union after a missed femoral neck fracture in a polio affected leg treated with cannulated screws and percutaneous autologous injection of processed total nuclear cells (TNC) mixed with putty demineralized bone matrix.

Outcome of femoral fractures care as a measure of trauma care between level I and level II trauma systems in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Our hypothesis in this study was that the outcome of patients with femur fractures would be favorable in a level I trauma center (LITC). METHODS: A prospective multicenter cohort study. 5 LITC and 6 regional (level II) trauma centers (RTCs) were enrolled to participate in the study. A total of 238 patients suffering from a femoral fracture were recruited to the study. 125 patients were treated in LITCs and 113 in RTCs. Data were extracted from the emergency medical services ambulances, emergency department records, patient hospitalization and discharge records, operating room records, and the national trauma registry (for LITCs). A study questionnaire was administered to all participating patients at discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. The following parameters were studied: mechanism of injury, time from injury to the hospital, Injury Severity Score, classification of femoral fracture, additional injuries, medical history, time to surgery, implant type, skill level of the surgical team, type of anesthesia, length of stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative and intraoperative complications and mortality. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the modality of patient transfer between the 2 study groups-with the LITC receiving more patients transported by helicopters or medical intensive care. Time to surgery from admission was shorter in the LITC. Length of stay, ICU stay, and mortality were similar. In the LITCs, 47% of the procedures were performed by residents without the supervision of an attending surgeon, and in the RTCs 79% of the procedures were performed with an senior orthopaedic surgeon. Intraoperative and immediate complication rates were similar among the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A femoral shaft fracture can be successfully treated in an LITC and RTC in the state of Israel. Both research and policy implementation works are required. Also, a more detailed outcome analysis and triage criteria for emergency are desired. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Haptic computer-assisted patient-specific preoperative planning for orthopedic fractures surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of orthopedic trauma surgery is to restore the anatomy and function of displaced bone fragments to support osteosynthesis. For complex cases, including pelvic bone and multi-fragment femoral neck and distal radius fractures, preoperative planning with a CT scan is indicated. The planning consists of (1) fracture reduction-determining the locations and anatomical sites of origin of the fractured bone fragments and (2) fracture fixation-selecting and placing fixation screws and plates. The current bone fragment manipulation, hardware selection, and positioning processes based on 2D slices and a computer mouse are time-consuming and require a technician. METHODS: We present a novel 3D haptic-based system for patient-specific preoperative planning of orthopedic fracture surgery based on CT scans. The system provides the surgeon with an interactive, intuitive, and comprehensive, planning tool that supports fracture reduction and fixation. Its unique features include: (1) two-hand haptic manipulation of 3D bone fragments and fixation hardware models; (2) 3D stereoscopic visualization and multiple viewing modes; (3) ligaments and pivot motion constraints to facilitate fracture reduction; (4) semiautomatic and automatic fracture reduction modes; and (5) interactive custom fixation plate creation to fit the bone morphology. RESULTS: We evaluate our system with two experimental studies: (1) accuracy and repeatability of manual fracture reduction and (2) accuracy of our automatic virtual bone fracture reduction method. The surgeons achieved a mean accuracy of less than 1 mm for the manual reduction and 1.8 mm (std [Formula: see text] 1.1 mm) for the automatic reduction. CONCLUSION: 3D haptic-based patient-specific preoperative planning of orthopedic fracture surgery from CT scans is useful and accurate and may have significant advantages for evaluating and planning complex fractures surgery.

Intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging of scaphoid fracture reduction and fixation.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the clinical benefit of two intraoperative three-dimensional imaging modalities for reduction and fixation of scaphoid fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that three dimensional imaging will aid in operative care in comparison with standard fluoroscopy. METHODS: In 25 consecutive patients treated for fractures, after satisfactory reduction and fixation was obtained with a single Kirschner wire using fluoroscopy, intraoperative three-dimensional visualization was performed. The quality of fracture reduction, wire position and extrusion of the wire were examined. RESULTS: In two of the 25 cases, after three-dimensional visualization, malreduction of the fracture was seen and the reduction revised. Artifact and the dependency on technologist performance, limited the use of these modalities to locate the wire accurately. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of malreduction of a scaphoid fracture is possible with 3-dimensional modalities. Utilization of these systems is still limited by technical factors.

Orthogonal double plate fixation for long bone fracture nonunion.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The treatment of long bone diaphyseal fracture-nonunion is challenging. While taking into account biological needs, a stable mechanical environment is pertinent for fracture healing. This work aims at evaluating the surgical management of stubborn ununited fractures using orthogonal double plating of diaphyseal fractures with limited periosteal stripping and soft tissue dissection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis in a level I trauma center. Between the years 2007-2009, 22 patients were treated with double plating due to nonunion of long bone fractures. Long bones included three clavicles, six humeri, three femora, seven ulnae, two tibiae and one radius. The mean period between index procedures (if existed) and revision procedures was 53.35 weeks (range 6 months-3 years). The same surgical technique, independent on the anatomical location was utilized. Perioperative intravenous antibiotics were withheld until intraoperative cultures were obtained in all patients. An approach to the fracture site was performed with removal of all previous existing hardware, including aggressive debridement of the nonunion site while keeping stripping to the necessary minimum. After primary plate fixation of the fracture with adequate compression, a second plate, with at least two well spaced screws on each side, was placed at a ninety degree angle to the primary plate. Autologous bone graft or bone graft substitute was placed in most, but not all cases. All procedures and assessment of union were done by fellowship trained trauma surgeons. In the infected cases, culture specific intravenous antibiotics were administered for six weeks. Quality of life measures included DASH score of the upper extremity, lower extremity functional score (LEFS) for the lower extremity and Short From 12 (SF-12) for all patients. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all patients, with an average time to union of 5.8 months (range 2-24 months). One patient healed after a repeat double plating, since the first procedure was unsuccessful. Tissue culture were positive in 11 out of 22 patients. One clavicular plate was removed, due to irritation. No hardware failure was noted in these cases. Mean LEFS was 59%, quick DASH score -18.5 20 and SF-12 MCS and PCS were 50.37 15.22 and 49.96 8.5 receptively. CONCLUSION: Double plating is a biomechanically sound option for treating long bone fracture nonunion with reasonable results, provided adequate biological conditions are met including eradication of infection.

Benefits of a simple glycaemic protocol in an orthopaedic surgery ward: a randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus are common in patients hospitalized in the orthopaedic surgery ward. However, glycaemic control obtained during hospitalization is often suboptimal. No method for achieving adequate glycaemic control in this population has been validated in an in-hospital setting. INTERVENTION: An intervention including an intensive subcutaneous insulin protocol in the orthopaedic department. METHODS: All diabetic patients admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery were prospectively randomized during a 6-month period. One group (n = 30) received standard care with sliding scale insulin and the other group (n = 35) received the intervention protocol. During the intervention period, the staff was briefed on the importance of glucose monitoring and control. An intensive multiple-injection protocol consisting of four daily regular/neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin injections was initiated in diabetic patients. The programme was followed up by a consulting diabetologist. RESULTS: Mean blood glucose levels throughout the hospitalization were 161.48 ± 3.8 mg/dL in the intervention group versus 175.29 ± 2.3 mg/dL in the control group (p < 0.0005). Hospitalization was shorter by 2 days in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The number of severe hyperglycaemic events (blood glucose level above 400 mg%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in the number of hypoglycaemic events. CONCLUSIONS: The suggested four-step intervention regimen improved glycaemic control of hospitalized patients in the orthopaedic department and simplified the 'in-house' treatment of the diabetic patient. Hospital stays were reduced on average by two days (p < 0.05).

A prospective, randomised study comparing the percutaneous compression plate and the compression hip screw for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip.

Limited access surgery is thought to reduce post-operative morbidity and provide faster recovery of function. The percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) is a recently introduced device for the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures with minimal exposure. It has several potential mechanical advantages over the conventional compression hip screw (CHS). Our aim in this prospective, randomised, controlled study was to compare the outcome of patients operated on using these two devices. We randomised 104 patients with intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31.A1-A2) to surgical treatment with either the PCCP or CHS and followed them for one year postoperatively. The mean operating blood loss was 161.0 ml (8 to 450) in the PCCP group and 374.0 ml (11 to 980) in the CHS group (Student's t-test, p < 0.0001). The pain score and ability to bear weight were significantly better in the PCCP group at six weeks post-operatively. Analysis of the radiographs in a proportion of the patients revealed a reduced amount of medial displacement in the PCCP group (two patients, 4%) compared with the CHS group (10 patients, 18.9%); Fisher's exact test, p < 0.02. The PCCP device was associated with reduced intra-operative blood loss, less postoperative pain and a reduced incidence of collapse of the fracture.

The use of intraoperative three-dimensional imaging (ISO-C-3D) in fixation of intraarticular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyse the applicability and advantages of the intraoperative use of a mobile isocentric C-arm with three-dimensional imaging (Siremobil ISO-C-3D) in fixation of intraarticular fractures. METHODS: After the fixation was judged to be satisfactory relying on the images provided by routine fluoroscopy, intraoperative CT visualisation with ISO-C-3D was performed to evaluate the fracture reduction and implant position. Intraoperative revision was performed based on the additional information ISO-C-3D provided beyond routine fluoroscopy. ISO-C-3D was used on a series of 72 closed-intraarticular fractures in 70 patients. Fracture distribution was: calcaneus (25), tibial plateau (17), tibial plafond (12), acetabulum (11), distal radius (3), ankle Weber-C (3) and femoral head (l). The primary outcome measure was revision rate after final ISO-C-3D data acquisition and prior to wound closure. Secondary objectives were to measure the additional time required for ISO-C-3D use and to determine the rate of further re-do surgeries. RESULTS: Eight out of 72 (11%) fracture fixations were judged by the surgeon to require intraoperative revision following ISO-C-3D imaging. Prior to leaving the operating room, the surgeon was satisfied with fracture alignment in all the procedures. The mean additional operative time using ISO-C-3D was 7.5 min (8.2% of the mean total operative time). No patient required re-do surgery. CONCLUSION: : Intraoperative three-dimensional visualisation of intraarticular fractures enables the surgeon to identify inadvertent malreductions or implant malpositions which may be overlooked by routine C-arm fluoroscopy and hence may eliminate the need for re-do procedures. ISO-C-3D adds little operative time and may preclude the need for pre-operative and post-operative CT-scans in selected cases.

Osteoid osteoma: CT-guided radiofrequency ablation using a water-cooled probe.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteoma by using the water-cooled probe. METHODS: During the period from July 2002 to February 2006, fifty-one patients with osteoid osteomas localized in femur (29), tibia (10), calcaneus (2), talus (2), metatarsus (2), humerus (1), sacrum (1), scapula (1), olecranon (1), patella (1) and thoracic vertebra (1) were treated with CT-guided RF ablation using the Cooltiptrade mark Tyco Healthcare probe. Mean age was 20 (range, 3.5-57 years) and male to female ratio was 36/15. Mean follow-up period was reported 2 years (range, 9-51 months). The procedures were carried out under general anesthesia and the patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 h. RESULTS: Technical failure was reported in only one procedure. Pain disappeared postoperatively in all the patients within 2-3 days and no patients needed analgesic treatment after a week. All patients were allowed fully weight bear and function without limitation after the procedure. Recurrence of the pain was observed in one patient who was treated successfully with a second ablation. Our primary and secondary clinical success rates were 98 and 100% respectively. In one case, wound infection was observed after the procedure as the only post-operative complication in our series. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of osteoid osteomas using the water-cooled probe is a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure with high success rate and lack of relapses.

Miniature robotic guidance for spine surgery--introduction of a novel system and analysis of challenges encountered during the clinical development phase at two spine centres.

BACKGROUND: Instrumented spinal fusion surgery is increasingly performed. Breaching of the pedicle occurs in 3-55% of screws; clinically significant screw misplacements occur in 0-7% of all transpedicular screw placements. Several techniques have reduced this incidence but none gained popularity due to cost as well as staff issues. Surgical robots offer distinct added value in accuracy and minimal invasiveness. The aim of this study is to introduce the SpineAssist--a novel spine surgery miniature robot, to discuss the various reasons that had prevented full success with its use, to identify patients related, technical related, and surgeon related issues, and to offer ways to avoid them. METHODS: The SpineAssist miniature robotic system is presented, including a short description of the system, its mode of action and a short summary of the surgical procedure.15 patients had undergone lumbar fusion procedures using the robotic system as part of clinical trials in two Israeli spine centres. A group of 9 procedures was identified within this prospective cohort. This group represents a wide array of technical challenges and human errors which were encountered during the clinical development phase of the SpineAssist. These 9 cases were conducted in two different sites by different surgical teams, over a period of 9 months, with an average interval of 7 weeks between consecutive cases. The cases were analysed for patient, system, surgeon and technical issues causing the difficulty. Conclusions were drawn as to how to avoid these hurdles in the future. RESULTS: In six cases the system operated smoothly, resulting in accurate screws placement according to the pre-operative plan, this was confirmed by a post-operative CT scan. Technical and surgical challenges which are associated with the system early development stage were encountered during 9 procedures. On the technical side, the following phenomena were evident: 1) failure of the software to automatically achieve satisfying CT-to-fluoro image registration and 2) failure of the hospital's peripheral equipment/logistics preventing registration. On the clinical side of things, the following issues were encountered: 1) failure to avoid excessive pressure on the guiding arm caused by surrounding soft tissues, leading to a shift in the entry point and trajectory of the tool guide. 2) a surgeon applying too much force on the tool guide at the tip of the robotic arm, causing deviation from plan. 3) pre-operative plan out of the reach of the robot arm and 4) attachment of the clamp to the spinous process in a suboptimal orientation. CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that following a steep learning curve in the range of 5-10 cases, recommended to take place within 2-3 weeks time, the surgical team will gain sufficient experience in operating the SpineAssist miniature robotic device in order to achieve excellent surgical results. The system may be used for wide range of applications including but not limited to pedicle screws, trans-facet and trans-laminar screws, biopsy needles, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty tools and more. The preoperative plan has to be logical, intraoperative fluoro images taken with care, gentle surgical technique must be kept - maintaining the integrity of the posterior elements, and avoiding pressure between the robot arms and the soft tissues. During the clinical development phase discussed in this study, both teams used an early version of the system. Based on the results of this study several significant software and hardware improvements have already been implemented. It is our hope that describing and analysing our findings will help in planning and preparing for the clinical utilization of the SpineAssist system in future sites and will shorten their learning curve. By the time this article is published wider clinical experience will have been gathered and we expect to soon follow up with an analysis of clinical utilization of this system in a larger study group.

Early diagnosis of occult hip fractures MRI versus CT scan.

OBJECTIVE: We compared Computerised Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of a painful hip in elderly patients after trauma. We report on accuracy, efficiency and benefits. DESIGN: We assessed 13 patients, average age 73 years, after fall with plain X-rays showing no evidence of fracture. There were two groups: Group A (six patients) underwent CT and MRI; Group B underwent MRI only. RESULTS: In Group A where all of the six patients underwent CT and MRI, four of the CT images resulted in misdiagnosis due to inaccuracy. In Group B where all the seven patients underwent only MRI, all the results were accurate and enabled a precise and fast diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: MRI was found to be a more accurate modality than CT scan for obtaining early diagnosis of occult hip fractures. These results point out the advantage of immediate MRI imaging in patients with occult hip fracture enabling a more effective treatment, a shorter hospitalisation period entailing decreased medical costs.

Delayed reaction to shrapnel retained in soft tissue.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of penetrating injuries to soft tissues does not require surgical excision of shrapnel. Metals usually remain inert and do not cause damage and are therefore left in soft tissue. OBJECTIVE: Characterization of delayed reaction to shrapnel retained for many years in soft tissue. PATIENTS: Four patients sustained penetrating injuries to the limbs with embedded shrapnel. Many years later, they experienced delayed reaction to the metals that required surgery, with very unusual findings. CONCLUSIONS: Although nonsurgical treatment of shrapnel in soft tissues is the treatment of choice in most cases, we need to be aware of the possibility of late complications requiring surgical treatment.

Brucella prosthetic joint infection: a report of 3 cases and a review of the literature.

We report 3 cases of Brucella melitensis infection of prosthetic hips and knees, and we summarize data about 4 cases reported in the literature. Six of the 7 affected patients were men. The median duration from prosthesis implantation to the onset of symptoms was 38.7 months. Five patients had only local symptoms. Preoperative joint aspirates yielded negative culture results for 3 patients, and blood culture results were negative for 6 patients. Excisional arthroplasty was the initial intervention for 3 patients. Three others responded well to medical therapy alone. One patient had relapse while receiving tetracycline and underwent total hip replacement. All patients were treated with combined antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks to 19 months. All had favorable long-term responses. The 3 patients we treated underwent a 2-staged resection arthroplasty. Antibiotics alone can be used to treat Brucella prosthetic joint infection, but loosening of the joint and clinical or microbiological failure must be treated with a 2-staged excisional arthroplasty and 3 months of treatment with doxycycline and rifampicin.

The floating hip injury: patterns of injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between mechanism of injury, type of femoral fracture and type of acetabular fracture in floating hip injury. DESIGN: Historical retrospective. PATIENTS: Twenty consecutive patients who sustained a floating hip injury, i.e. simultaneous ipsilateral fracture of the acetabulum and the femur. INTERVENTION: Statistical analysis of the correlation between the mechanism of injury and fracture type. RESULTS: Two main patterns of floating hip injury were observed. The first is the posterior type, which occurs due to a longitudinal force along the femur that causes first, a posterior type fracture of the acetabulum and thereafter, a midshaft femoral fracture. The second pattern is the central type, caused by a lateral blow to the greater trochanter, which then causes a central fracture-dislocation of the acetabulum and a proximal fracture of the femur. CONCLUSIONS: This observation explains the biomechanical nature of this injury and has treatment related implications.

Proximal tibial fractures--should we nail them?

Intramedullary nails (IMNs) are the treatment of choice for diaphyseal tibial fractures. Its use has been expanded both distally and proximally to cover metaphyseal fractures at both ends of the tibia. Several authors have stated that IMN use in proximal tibial fractures (extra-articular) can become problematic, leading to a significantly increased rate of malunion. Different strategies for solving this problem have been reported in recent years, but no strategy is fault-free. We review the causes of and solutions for increased malunion following use of IMNs for proximal tibial fractures.

Optical processing of radiographic trabecular pattern versus bone mineral density of proximal femur as measures of bone strength.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a noninvasive method that utilizes optical processing to analyze the trabecular pattern on bone radiographs. The trabecular network on proximal femur radiographs of 17 intact cadaveric femora was analyzed by optical Fourier transform, yielding a trabecular bone index (TBI) at several locations. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Dimensions of the proximal femur were obtained from the radiograph. The bones were fractured in a "fall configuration" to yield the fracture load. A multiple regression model, combining only radiograph- derived parameters-bone dimensions and the TBI at the intertrochanteric region and at the greater trochanter-yielded a correlation of 0.938 with the fracture load. A model combining the BMD at the greater trochanter and at the neck yielded a correlation of 0.928 with the fracture load. When all the variables were introduced into a combined analysis, the correlation with the fracture load was 0.973. The TBI obtained by optical processing of the trabecular bone pattern on femoral radiographs together with bone dimensions derived from these radiographs may serve as an effective estimate for hip fracture risk.

Retrograde nailing of femoral fractures distal to previous osteosynthesis.

As the proportion of elderly in the population grows, the incidence of femoral fractures distal to previous proximal osteosynthesis is increasing. When the gap between two rigid load-bearing fixations consists of osteopenic bone, the risk of further fractures increases. Herein the authors describe a load-sharing device that stabilizes the fracture and eliminates the osteopenic gap, allowing early mobilization and rapid return to the preinjury level of activity.

Gerdy's tubercle osteotomy for the treatment of coronal fractures of the lateral femoral condyle.

Coronal fractures of the femoral condyle (Hoffa fractures) are intraarticular fractures that are commonly treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation. Surgical fixation is demanding because anatomic reduction is mandatory and adequate exposure is often difficult. Herein we describe a new technique that permits excellent visualization and fixation of lateral Hoffa fractures based on osteotomy of Gerdy's tubercle and reflection of the attached iliotibial band.

Effect of microwave oven induced mild hyperthermia on bone viability and strength.

Extracorporeal hyperthermia treatment of bone followed by reimplantation may be an option for treating bone tumors. However, intensive heat treatment, such as autoclaving, causes a decline of mechanical and biologic functions of bone tissue. In the current study, a microwave oven was used for minimal hyperthermic treatment, and it was found that complete eradication of all viable cells in rat bone could be achieved with minimal reduction in mechanical function. When the cells were evaluated histologically by special lactate dehydrogenase activity staining, complete bone cell death occurred after 60 seconds of heating in an empty Petri dish and after 30 seconds when heated in a Petri dish containing normal saline. Mechanical stiffness and strength of the bones, tested in three-point bending, showed no decrease after this heating. Microwave oven induced hyperthermia eradication of viable cells without significant damage to the mechanical properties may have clinical relevance in limb salvage tumor surgery.

Surgical treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus in adults.

The rarity, complexity, and intra-articular involvement of intercondylar fractures, along with the osteopenic nature of the elbow joint, make surgical repair of these fractures a difficult and challenging task. When the procedure is properly executed, open reduction and internal fixation can promote proper reduction of the articular fragments and allow early range-of-motion exercises, which are so important for good functional results. We report the results of 30 such fractures treated surgically with good or excellent results. The pros and cons of the transolecranon approach are discussed, along with the options of fracture fixation and importance of early postoperative mobilization.