Fibular nails for open and closed ankle fractures: Results from a non-designer level I major trauma centre.

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of a fibular nail in the treatment of open and closed unstable ankle fractures in a non-designer centre. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, a total of 39 ankle fractures (14 open and 25 closed) treated with a locking fibular nail were evaluated between 2012 and 2015 in a non-designer level I major trauma centre. Post-operative radiographs were analysed to assess the quality of reduction (McLennan and Ungersma marking system), fracture union and complications. Three patient reported outcome scores (Olerud and Molander score (OMAS), American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) foot and ankle score and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12)) were collected to obtain an overall measure of the patient's physical and mental outcome. RESULTS: The adequacy of reduction data was available for 38 of 39 cases; 33 (87%) achieved good, 3 (8%) fair and 2 (5%) poor ratings, based on the McLennan and Ungersma marking system. Thirty-five (12 open and 23 closed) patients were available for initial follow-up. Five (14.3%) of 35 had documented complications (2 of 12 in the open cohort and 3 of 23 in the closed cohort). All fibular fractures treated with the fibular nail went on to unite. Twenty-three (66%) of 35 patients were available at 1-year follow-up for measurement of objective outcome. The combined mean OMAS for both groups was 53.7 (0-85) with statistically better results (59.5 (25-85) vs. 37.3 (0-75)) in favour of the closed versus open injuries, respectively. The mean AAOS score was also statistically better for the closed group than the open, 70.3 (30-95) versus 46.6 (20-77), respectively. The mean SF-12 score (physical component) was 40 (21.6-52.4) in the closed group versus 36.1 (19.4-51.5) in the open group; the mean mental component was 42.5 (26.6-54.3) in the closed group versus 38.8 (28.4-60.5) in the open group, these however were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Fibular nails are an effective alternative for the treatment for both closed and open unstable ankle fractures with soft tissue compromise.

Patient-Reported Outcomes following Single- and Multiple-Radius Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Although single-radius (SR) designs of total knee replacement (TKR) have theoretical benefits, the clinical advantage conferred by such designs is unknown. The aim of this randomized, controlled study was to compare the short-term clinical outcomes of the two design rationales. A total of 105 knees were randomized to receive either a single radius (Scorpio, Stryker; SR Group) or multiple radius (AGC, Zimmer Biomet; MR group) TKR. Patient-reported outcomes (Oxford Knee Score [OKS] and Knee Society Score [KSS]) were collected at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery. No knees were revised. There was no difference in primary outcomes: OKS was 39.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.9-42.1) in the SR group and 38.1 (95% CI: 36.0-40.3) in the MR group (p = 0.40). KSS was 168.4 (95% CI: 159.8-177.0) in the SR group; 159.5 (95% CI 150.5-168.5) in the MR group (p = 0.16). There was a small but statistically significant difference in the degree of change of the objective subscale of the KSS, favoring the SR design (p = 0.04), but this is of uncertain clinical relevance. The reported benefits of SR designs do not provide demonstrable functional advantages in the short term.

Correlation and comparison of syndesmosis dimension on CT and MRI.

INTRODUCTION: Various methods using CT scan have been described to diagnose distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries. However, CT scan does not take into account the amount of cartilage within the distal tibiofibular joint and could therefore lead to false positive results. We present the first study correlating the findings of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on CT and MRI scans. METHODS: CT and MRI scan of consecutive patients over a period of 18 months, and of a time lapsed less than 12 months between the two imaging modalities, were reviewed. Measurements of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis were taken according to a previously published study at the level of the distal tibial physeal scar. RESULTS: Twenty-six ankles from 25 patients were included in this study for analysis. Significant difference between CT and MRI assessments in the overall distal tibiofibular dimensions and in the posterior distal tibiofibular distance for those ankles with evidence of osteoarthritis was found. Interclass correlation coefficients suggest that such methodology was reproducible and reliable. CONCLUSION: When the widening found on a CT scan is minor or the diagnosis is equivocal, a contralateral comparative CT or an ipsilateral MRI scan is recommended to prevent misdiagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

MRI of the tibioastragalus anticus of Gruber muscle: a rare accessory muscle and normal anatomical variant.

We present the case of a 31-year-old man who sustained a hyperplantar flexion injury of his right ankle, and was evaluated using computed tomography and MRI to assess for osseous and ligamentous injury. The MRI and CT studies demonstrated a tibioastragalus anticus of Gruber (TAAG) muscle in the lower limb's anterior compartment. To our knowledge, the imaging of this muscle has not been previously described. The TAAG muscle arises from the lower third of the anterolateral tibia and the interosseous membrane. Its tendon passes laterally, deep to the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus tendons, and inserts onto the anterior superolateral neck of the talus in a fan-like manner. Knowledge and recognition of this tendon are important for both diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning, and could potentially be used as a tendon transfer or graft in the appropriate clinical setting. The presence of this accessory muscle should not be confused with a pathological condition.

Gas in Hepatic Portal Veins with Gastric Massive Dilatation and Pneumatosis in Acute Pancreatitis.

Gas in portal veins is a rare phenomenon observed secondary to bowel ischaemia and necrosis. A young girl with history of pica ingestion presented with acute abdomen with huge distension. Investigation revealed air in hepatic portal veins, air within stomach wall, and massive distension of stomach secondary to acute pancreatitis. Successful conservative treatment confirmed the current concept that all cases of hepatic portal venous gas do not warrant immediate surgical intervention.