Uncommon type 3 Monteggia equivalent lesion due to an ulnar shaft nonunion in adults: A case report.

It is uncommon to observe a nonunion of an isolated ulnar shaft fracture after surgical treatment; therefore, complications due to this nonunion are very rare. Adults are more likely to develop nonunions compared to children. We report the case of a 34-year-old man, who had a left ulnar shaft fracture, treated with a screwed plate. Four months later, a septic nonunion occurred causing a type 3 Monteggia equivalent lesion with a lateral dislocation of the radial head. We describe the consecutive methods of treatment that resulted in complete bone consolidation. The case report aims to underline the diagnostic particularities and the therapeutic challenges of this rare complication.

Anatomic variations of the extrahepatic biliary tree. A monocentric study and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The study of the anatomy of the extra hepatic bile ducts has demonstrated the existence of a significant number of variants which can be explained by hepato-biliary embryology. A good knowledge of this anatomy is essential for the interpretation of radiological examinations, and for a good practice of hepato-biliary and pancreatic surgery. Several imaging methods are used to study the anatomy of the bile ducts, including classical cholangiography, which is still practiced and very useful. AIM: To study the modal anatomy (the most frequent) and the anatomical variants of the extrahepatic bile ducts through the interpretation of postoperative cholangiograms and to examine their implication on the surgical practice. METHODS: This is a monocentric, retrospective observational study. It concerned any patient who underwent hepato-biliary or pancreatic surgery at the Department of General and Digestive Surgery of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse between 2007 and 2016, and who received postoperative cholangiography. A data form was fulfilled for each patient. RESULTS: Out of a total population of 293 patients, we identified 158 patients (53.9%) with anatomic variants of the extrahepatic bile ducts. The common bile duct was modally implanted in the second duodenum in 96.2% of cholangiographies and in the genu inferius in 3.8% of cases. The main pancreatic duct had a V-shaped implantation in 87.1% of cholangiograms, a U-shaped implantation in 4.2% of cases and a Y-shaped implantation in 7.1% of cases. The common bile duct had a modal aspect in 71.3% of cholangiograms, with 28.7% of anatomic variants, organized in 4 models. The cystic duct had a modal presentation in 80.9% of cases, and we recorded 6 other branching models (19.1% of cases). No significant difference was observed between the presence of anatomic variants on the one hand, and age, sex, conversion rate, intraoperative incidents, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay and overall hospital stay on the other hand. CONCLUSION: Conventional cholangiography constitutes a more or less precise tool for detecting these anatomic variants and is therefore very useful in the practice of hepato-biliary surgery even after the advent of new techniques in this field. However, it also requires a more extensive and in-depth knowledge of these anatomic variants, which nevertheless remain quite frequent, and represent a source of surgical difficulties.

Cervical spine tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis of the cervical spine differs from other vertebral localizations by its extreme rarity, the clinical images are very diversified, the radiological measurements allow a good diagnostic orientation and specifically the MRI which allows a multi-planar study of the various lesions. Only bacteriological evidence can confirm the diagnosis. The treatment is based on a 12-month antituberculosis multidrug therapy and much debate upon the surgical indication. In our case, the patient presented with bilateral cervicobrachialgia with pain on examination at the mobilization of the cervical spine. A standard X-ray, a cervical CT scan, and a cervical MRI were performed, showing a C4 vertebral body compression of a probably infectious origin. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a Cervical Pott's Disease that had been treated with anterior arthrodesis and TB treatment with rehabilitation, the patients' neurological symptoms improved, and he was doing well.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Tunisian Population in Comparison to the World.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometry is the one and only universally applicable, inexpensive and non-invasive method for studying the proportions of the human body. Anthropometric measurements reflect nutritional status and health, but can also be used to predict skills, health status and survival. It is therefore a reliable tool, but currently underused, to guide public health policies. AIM: Therefore, this study investigated anthropometric characters of Tunisian people and compared it with those of other nationalities. METHODS: 429 subjects have participated in this study (322 men and 107 women), aged between 20 and 85. Anthropometric measurements used in this study were body mass, body size, thigh circumference, lower limbs length and body mass index. RESULTS: With an average body size of 171 cm for men and 157 cm for women, Tunisians were close to neighboring countries. Nevertheless, with a body mass of 77.23 kg and 72.66 kg and a BMI of 26.48 and 29.18 respectively for men and women, Tunisia has the highest prevalence of obesity in the region, especially for women. Several anthropometric correlations have also been noticed such as relationships between thigh circumference, BMI, body mass, lower limbs length, and body size. CONCLUSION: Obesity is proving to be a public health problem for which effective strategies and measures are needed.

Septic arthritis of the wrist: about six cases.

The wrist is a rare location of septic arthritis. It often involves patients with preexisting joint disease which symptoms could be confused with infection making the diagnosis more difficult and usually delayed. It is often responsible for residual functional impairment and for a high mortality rate among vulnerable patients. We report 6 cases of septic arthritis of the wrist in 3 males and 3 females. The mean age was 32 years in the male patients and 66 in the female patients. All the women were followed for rheumatoid arthritis. Biological results showed elevated rates of white blood cells and c-reactive protein in all the patients. Joint fluid analyses showed elevated white blood cell count. The treatment was medico-surgical consisting in synovectomy, joint debridement and immobilization of the wrist. At the average follow-up of 1 year and 4 months, 3 patients recovered a perfect mobility of the wrist without any limitation of the range of motion nor the strength. Three patients developed stiffness of the wrist.

Outcome of total knee arthroplasty following closing wedge high tibialosteotomy: a review of 40 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy becomes more and more indicated. This intervention needs to identify some pearls and pitfalls. AIM: To evaluate results of total knee arthroplasty after closing wedge high tibial osteotomy. METHOD: Fourty total knee arthroplasty following closing wedge high tibial osteotomy were identified. Demographic features, tibiofemoral alignment and radiolucent lines were documented on postoperatively. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively according IKSS score. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 11,5 years. The mean function score increased from 39 points to 70,4 points postoperatively. The mean knee score increased from 40 points to 84,9 points postoperatively. The mean average tibio-femoral angle was 177,7° in preoperatively and 178° (min 176°, max 185°) at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The closing wedge high tibial osteotomy does not compromise subsequent total knee replacement. Knowing pearls and pitfalls lead to better outcome.

Outcome of intramedullary pinning of isolated radial neck fractures in adulthood.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of radial neck fractures is controversial and typically depends on displacement. Surgical procedures based on open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) may lead to several complications, such as avascular necrosis of the radial head, nonunion, malunion, and elbow stiffness. Closed reduction with intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures, which is commonly used in children, is a viable option for these fractures in adults and may allow for a lower complication rate compared with ORIF. The aim of this study was to report the functional outcome of closed reduction and intramedullary stabilization in isolated radial neck fractures. METHODS: Fourteen cases were retrospectively reviewed between January 2007 and December 2016. The inclusion criteria were isolated radial neck fractures of type I to III according to the Mason classification, absence of previous injuries of the elbow, and a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. The Mason classification was used to classify these injuries. At final follow-up, functional assessment was established based on functional scores: Morrey Elbow Score, Elbow Self-Assessment Score, and QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score. Range of motion was evaluated similarly. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 86 months. The mean age was 44.2 years. Regarding the functional outcome, 78% of patients claimed satisfaction. Concerning the functional scoring, the mean visual analog scale score was 0.2 (range, 0-4) and the mean Morrey Elbow Score was 95.7 (range, 85-100). The mean QuickDASH score was 6.4 (range, 7-22). The complication rate was 35%. Malunion was observed in 7% of patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures represents a viable technique in adults because of its safety and simplicity. The complication rates are lower than those in other reports of ORIF.

[Femoral varising osteotomy by external opening for the treatment of lateral femorotibial gonarthroses associated with idiopathic genu valgum: a retrospective a study of 10 cases]. / L'ostéotomie fémorale de varisation par ouverture externe pour les gonarthroses fémoro-tibiales latérales sur genuvalgum idiopathique: étude rétrospective de 10 cas.

Femoral varus osteotomy is a conservative treatment for external single-compartment gonarthrosis. This surgical procedure is little used and outcomes are little studied.This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological results of femoral varising osteotomy in subjects with external femorotibial gonarthrosis associated with idiopathic genu valgum whose data were recorded over a period of 21 years (1992- 2013) in the Department of Orthopedics at Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse. The clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the IKS score (International Knee Society). Radiological assessment was based on pre-operative work-up and final follow-up assessment. We here report a case series of 9 patients (and 10 knees) whose average age was 45.2 years, with a sex ratio of 0.5. Mean follow-up was 99-months. Average knee score ranged from 48.4 points preoperatively to 73.5 points at the final follow-up assessment, with a statistically significant improvement (p<10-3). Medium functional score significantly improved, with a preoperative value of 49.5 points and a value of 72 points at the final follow-up assessment. Final correction helped to reduce valgus condition with an average of 3.7° and a preoperative value of 14°. This study, as well as the analysis of literature, indicates that femoral varising osteotomy is the treatment of choice for invalidating genu valgum of femoral origin, without any rheumatoid arthritis, overweight, internal femorotibial nor severe femoropatellar arthritis.

Treatment of high-energy pilon fractures using the ILIZAROV treatment.

The management of high-energy pilon fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome of the ILIZAROV technique in patients with high-energy pilon fractures. Thirty cases of distal tibia epiphysis fractures (pilon fractures) were managed from 1999 to 2012. The study group included 5 cases of open fractures. The mean age was 47 years. According to Rüedi and Algower classification; 11 fractures were type II, and 19 type III. All fractures were a consequence of high-energy trauma. Fractures of the lower fibula were present in 28 of the patients. An external Fixator was applied for open fractures. Closed injuries were operated on 3 to 13 days after injury, with an average of 8 days. The mean follow-up was 48 months. All fractures united. The external fixator was removed after a mean of 22 weeks (10 - 28 weeks). Two patients with a type III fracture had a delayed union and were treated with corticotomy and dynamisation of the ILIZAROV fixator. Only one secondary displacement of a type III fracture was noted after two months and was treated by adjuction of 2 olive wires. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infections. Pin-tract infections occurred in ten patients. We had not any case of nervous injury due to introduction of the pins. Using radiological criteria for assessement of reduction of the articular fragments, there was excellent and good restoration of articular structure in 24 cases. The average American Orthopeadic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hind foot score was excellent in 16, good in 6, fair in 6 and poor in 2. Soft tissue healing occurred without need for plastic surgery in all cases. The movements of the ankle ranged from 0 to 20° of dorsiflexion and 5° to 40° of plantar flexion. Twenty patients had gone back to their preinjury profession. The ILIZAROV technique is a safe and a very effective treatment for severe pilon fractures with minimum complications and good healing results.

Septic arthritis of the pubis symphysis: clinical and therapeutic features.

Septic arthritis of the pubis symphysis is rare and difficult to diagnose. The objective of our study was to describe the biological, clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of this disease. This is a retrospective study of 4 cases of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis collected in the Department of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics in Sousse in Tunisia over a period of 16 years (2000-2016). Our population consists of 3 women and one men. The mean age was 47 years (18-83). Clinical signs of appeal were inflammatory groin pain, pubic pain and fever. Symptoms appeared after forceps delivery in 2 cases, after surgery on the pelvis in one case and in a context of sepsis in one case. Radiographs showed pubic disjunction with irregular shoreline in all cases. CT performed in all patients and MRI in 2 patients showed erosions of the banks of the pubic symphysis with infiltration of the soft parts in all cases. The causative organisms were isolated in 3 cases by biopsy of soft tissue abscess under CT in 2 cases and vaginal swab in one case. Identified germs were staphylococcus aureus Méti-S (n=1), proteus mirabilis (n=1) and varied flora (n=1). The treatment consisted of appropriate antibiotics in all cases and surgical drainage of soft tissue abscess resistant to medical treatment in 2 cases. The outcome was favorable in all cases. Diagnosis of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is based on clinic supported by microbiologic culture results, image methods, and proteins augment during acute phase.

[Osteopecilia associated with psoriatic arthritis]. / Ostéopoécilie associée à un rhumatisme psoriasique.

Osteopecilia is a benign and rare condensing osteopathy. Its association with inflammatory rheumatism is very rare. We here report the case of a 25-year old patient with skin psoriasis, presenting with groin pain of inflammatory origin. Physical examination showed limitation of hip motions, lower limb-length inequality and pain on right sacroiliac mobilization. Laboratory tests showed inflammatory syndrome and negative immunological assessment. The radiograph of the pelvis revealed osteopecilia associated with destructive coxitis. CT scan of the pelvis showed coxitis and osteopecilia associated with bilateral sacroiliitis. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis associated with osteopecilia was retained. The patient was treated with methotrexate and NSAIDS. Osteopecilia usually is unexpectedly detected. Diagnostic radiology is essential to avoid unnecessary explorations and treatments.

[Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths of the hand: about 50 cases]. / Les tumeurs à cellules géantes des gaines synoviales de la main: à propos de 50 cas.

Giant cell tumors of the synovial tendon sheaths (GCTSTS) are a localized form of hemopigmented villonodular synovitis. They mainly affect the hands. This study aims to analyse the epidemiology, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of GCTSTS, to assess the results of surgical treatment and to identify risk factors for recurrences. We conducted a retrospective data collection from medical records of 50 patients with GCTSTS of the hand between 1992 and 2016 in the Department of Orthopaedics at the Hospital of Sahloul (Sousse-Tunisia). The clinical and epidemiological features of GCTSTS have been specified. The average age of patients was 33 years (9-69 years), the sex ratio was 0,6. Constant swelling (100%), joints inter-phalangeal mobilization trouble (6%) and digital pain (18%) were the most frequent reason for consultation. All tumors were located at the level of the digital region, especially at the level of the index (42%). It occurred on the palm of the hand in 66% of cases. All patients underwent surgery; macroscopically GCTTS appeared as an encapsulated polylobed and yellowish brown tumor, extending into the flexor tendons sheath(4 cases) and under the extensor tendon (2 cases). We noted a single case of recurrent cancer (2%) which was treated surgically. The functional results were good in all cases. The diagnosis of GCTTS should be evoked when there is evidence of digital swelling. Their management is based on surgery which is difficult and should be performed correctly to avoid recurrences.

Evaluation at long term follow up of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in young patients.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of isolated internal tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis on young and active patients is controversial. This treatment can be a high tibial osteotomy or a joint replacement that can be a partial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or total knee replacement (TKR). The aim of our study is the long-term evaluation of functional outcome of partial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in elderly patients under than 60 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 25 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties in 22 patients, collected between1993 and 2003 whose age was less than 60 years. The minimum follow-up was 10 years. At last follow, an analysis of IKS score (International Knee Score) with assessment of both articular and functional components have been established. The Radiological score of Knee Society (KS) was used. RESULTS: At mean 14.2 years (min: 10, max: 20), the mean of knee flexion was 110 °. The IKS function score going 47 points preoperatively to 77 points postoperatively and IKS score 40 points knee preoperatively to 94 points postoperative. The radiological assessment found a postoperative mean tibiofemoral mechanical axis of 174.8 ° (172 ° min, max 182 °). The survival of implants at 12 years postoperatively was 84%. The survival of the prostheses was de84 to 12%, with a revision for polyethylene wear, a second for conflict of the femoral component with tibia thorns responsible of chronic pain, a third revision for infection and two for osteoarthritis evolution. CONCLUSION: The long-term evaluation of patients with a unicompartmental does not objective an obvious deterioration of outcome with a normal rate of revision comparatively to other series without particular difficulties during revision.

Combined Isolated Laugier's Fracture and Distal Radial Fracture: Management and Literature Review on the Mechanism of Injury.

Introduction. Isolated fracture of the trochlea is an uncommon condition requiring a particular mechanism of injury. Its association with a distal radial fracture is rare. We aimed through this case report to identify the injury mechanism and to assess surgical outcomes. Case Presentation. We report a 26-year-old female who was admitted to our department for elbow trauma following an accidental fall on her outstretched right hand with her elbow extended and supinated. On examination, the right elbow was swollen with tenderness over the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus. The elbow range was restricted. Standard radiographs showed an intra-articular half-moon-shaped fragment lying proximal and anterior to the distal humerus. There was a comminuted articular fracture of the distal radius with an anterior displacement. A computed tomography revealed an isolated shear fracture of the trochlea without any associated lesion of the elbow. The patient was surgically managed. Anatomical reduction was achieved and the fracture was fixed with 2 Kirschner wires. The distal radial fracture was treated by open reduction and plate fixation. The postoperative course was uneventful with a good recovery. Conclusion. Knowledge of such entity would be useful to indicate the suitable surgical management and eventually to obtain good functional outcomes.

[Silica-associated systemic sclerosis occurring after an occupational exposure to arc welding]. / Sclérodermie systémique associée à l'exposition à la silice survenant après une exposition professionnelle à la soudure à l'arc.

Crystalline silica-associated systemic sclerosis can occur in people operating arc welding. Diffuse scleroderma was diagnosed in a 57-year old plumber-welder suffering from inflammatory polyarthralgias, Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, diffuse cutaneous scleroderma, telangiectasias, esophageal damage, pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis associated with the presence of anti-nucleosome antibodies. During his professional activity the patient was frequently exposed to high atmospheric concentrations of crystalline silica generated by arc-welding. The diagnosis of Erasmus syndrome associated with systemic sclerosis and pulmonary silicosis was retained. A report of work-related illness (table 17 in Tunisia) was made.

[A rare cause of febrile cervical pain]. / Une cause rare de cervicalgie febrile.

Febrile cervical pain is often secondary to meningitis or spondylodiscitis and, exceptionally, to microcrystalline arthropathy. We here report a case. A 81-year old man with no particular personal history was hospitalized with febrile cervical pain. Initial diagnoses were meningitis and spondylodiscitis. Clinical examination showed overall stiffness of cervical rachis. Spinal MRI showed abnormality of the atlanto-axial articulation signal, enhanced after gadolinium injection with synovial hypertrophy associated with irregular and heterogeneous aspect of the dens of the axis. Serial atlanto-axial Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed peri-odontoid calcifications, confirming the diagnosis of crowned dens syndrome (CDS). Patient evolution was favorable under nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CDS deserves to be better known; it can mimic many disorders and be responsible for long term fever.

[Socio-medical profile of post-polio syndrome patients in center east of Tunisia]. / Profil socio-médical des patients atteints de syndrome post poliomyélite au centre est tunisien.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of the post polio syndrome is purely clinic. It occurs few decade after poliomyelitis. It associates recent appearance or progressive worsening of muscular weakness, pain, muscular fatigue or atrophy. It remains not recognized in Tunisia. AIM: of our study is to identify the socio-medical profile of the postpolio population in the Tunisian east central region through a check of the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of these patients. METHODS: Descriptive study analyzing 32 files (medical expertise) of post polio syndrome patients RESULTS: The risk factors of post polio syndrome such us female gender, obesity, low educational level, early age of poliomyelitis appearance and the importance of physical effort at work, were observed in our study and are in agreement with the literature data. Average delay of post polio syndrome occurrence was 40 years. Most Disturbing symptom was the muscular pain. All our patients indicated negative impact on their everyday life and their work. They all asked for their right for incapacity or long-term disease beside the National health insurance fund (CNAM). CONCLUSION: Recognition of patients affected by the Post polio syndrome and their social and medical needs are necessary.