Orthopedic resident's learning curve for arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair: short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic subscapularis (SSC) repair is a technically demanding procedure with a long learning curve. As effective completion of resident's practical experience remains controversial, a prospective clinical study was performed to assess the functional and anatomical outcomes of subscapularis (SSC) arthroscopic repair by orthopedic residents. The pathological anatomy of the tears, the surgical approach and the difficulties encountered at the beginning of the learning curve were reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2009 and June 2010, 30 patients with rotator cuff tear were preoperatively evaluated with clinical exam, Constant and UCLA scores. Surgery was performed under arthroscopy by a team of three orthopedic surgeons in training. A SSC tear, if present, was recorded and treated. The same clinical exam and functional scores were repeated at minimum 6 months of follow-up. Subscapularis strength recovery and tendon healing were investigated with arthromagnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: A SSC tear was observed in 11 cases out of 30 and treated arthroscopically. The clinical scores improved in all patients: the average Constant score increased from 34 ± 14 to 77 ± 11 and the UCLA score from 11 ± 5 to 29 ± 3. The SSC tests were negative in all patients with the exception of one. Tendon healing was observed in 10 out of 11 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic SSC repair performed by educated residents is possible and leads to good clinical and anatomical results. Surgery duration progressively improved as the learning curve advanced. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in type B fibular fractures versus open surgery.

BACKGROUND: In traumatology, the search for better surgical access points has led to the increased use of the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. There are few studies on the treatment of distal fibular fractures with MIPO. Locking compression plates (LCP) for distal fibular fractures is generally applied after open reduction, but may involve complications to the surgical wound. In this study, we compared two groups of patients receiving either ORIF or MIPO, in order to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two homogeneous groups of patients (18 + 18) received LCP for distal fractures of the fibula, type B, according to AO. Group A patients underwent open surgery, whereas Group B patients received plates applied with the MIPO technique. Both groups were examined physically and radiographically 1 and 3 months after the two types of procedure and then 1 year later, with functional assessment according to Olerud and Molander. RESULTS: ROM Group A: 5° reduction in tibiotarsal extension in 8 patients and 5° in supination in 1 patient; Group B: 5° reduction in extension in 7 cases. Mean healing time: 3 months (range 2-4) in Group A and 2.9 (range 2-4) in Group B. Dehiscence of the surgical wound was observed in five Group A patients, but none in Group B. Functional assessment according to Olerud and Molander was 87.4 points in Group A (range 80-100) and 95.6 in Group B (range 82-100). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the MIPO technique for distal fractures of the fibula should be used more often, especially if soft tissue is in a critical condition. Healing times should be reduced in the more complex cases. It is important that the learning curve should be improved, to minimize exposure to radioscopy and possible damage to the superficial fibular nerve.

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures.

This study examines 32 patients operated for radial head fractures, mean age 48.7 years (range 26-76 years), Mason type II in 25 cases and Mason type III with 3 main fragments in 7 cases. Fractures were surgically reduced and fixed with Herbert's (12 cases) or Osteomed (20 cases) cannulated screws. The latter have a head that is <1 mm high and are only threaded distally. Both types of screw provide compression across the fracture. In Mason type II cases, the mean MEPS score was 98.4 and the DASH score 6.8. In Mason type III cases, MEPS was 99.3 and DASH 9.5. We believe that fixation can be carried out with screws alone, which are less invasive, and that the screw heads should preferably be completely buried, to avoid stiffness in prono-supination. In addition, suturing of the annular ligament and the joint capsule is made easier by the reduced invasiveness of screws. Screw treatment is effective in non-comminuted fractures of the radial head.

Locked antegrade intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures.

This paper reports the results of treating 35 humeral shaft fractures with antegrade nailing in patients between the ages of 25 and 92 (mean 64.5): 14 patients were aged between 25 and 59, and 21 between 66 and 92. The nail was set in place proximally with a spiral blade and distally with 1 or 2 screws. In the first 14 cases, uncannulated humeral nailing (UHN) was carried out, and in the next 21 cannulated humeral nailing (CHN). The latter technique uses a guide wire which, in cases of an error in the length of the nail, is useful in that it allows another nail to be set in place. Main outcome parameters were fracture healing, shoulder discomfort, and radial nerve recovery. The DASH functional scoring system, modified according to Beaton et al. for subjective assessment was used, and range of motion was checked with the constant score. X-rays were used to assess fracture healing time and cases of malunion. Two patients developed non-union, one caused by a UHN which was too short, and the other by a nail blocked distally by a single screw. In 7 patients, consolidation was achieved, but with varus between 3 and 8 degrees (mean 5 degrees), without aesthetic or functional damage. In 33 out of 35 patients, shoulder functionality had mean DASH score results of 21.9, whereas shoulder range of motion reached a mean constant score (CS) of 26.5 (78.8%) with respect to the opposite shoulder. In 5 cases of stiffness, the UHN turned out to be insufficiently buried. Results improved with the CHN. Much better results were seen in the group of patients aged between 25 and 59 (mean age 43), but worse in older ones (66-92 years, mean age 78). Radial nerve palsy after surgery occurred in 2 cases, and the nerve was immediately examined. It did not appear to be trapped in the fracture in either case, and recovery was complete 6 months later. CHN appears to be a valid solution, both in younger patients, thanks to excellent results, and in older ones, who have fewer functional requirements.

The repair of the Achilles tendon rupture: comparison of two percutaneous techniques.

This study proposes a comparison between two percutaneous techniques of subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture by evaluating the risk of lesion developing, the morbidity of the surgical technique adopted and the effectiveness of each technique. Sixty patients were operated at Padua Orthopaedic Clinic by using the two different procedures: (1) Ma and Griffith in 30 cases and (2) Tenolig in 30 cases. Risk of rupture developing has been evaluated in relation to sex, age, side, kind of trauma, work and presence of preoperative risk factors. The Morbidity of surgical technique has been evaluated in with respect to surgical time, hospital permanence, immobilization, active nonweight-bearing mobilization, assisted weight bearing until the full one, number of early and late complications before and after hospital discharge. Effectiveness has been evaluated in relation to return time to common life, work and sport; anatomical and functional features have been evaluated using McComis score, rating results as: very good (from 80 to 70), good (from 69 to 60), fair (from 59 to 50) and poor (<50). Tenolig group shows shorter average time from hospital admission and operation, hospital permanence and immobilization (P < 0.05), and it results in an easier and quicker execution and functionally stimulates the tendon healing in a short time. Effectiveness was the same for both techniques because average McComis score was good (P = 0.35), and there was no significant differences in common life returning time (P = 0.12). Tenolig technique seems to be preferable to Ma and Griffith.

Percutaneous screw fixation for scaphoid fractures.

Long-term results of percutaneous treatment for 36 scaphoid fractures, types B1 and B2 according to Herbert, are reported. Outcomes were satisfactory in nearly all cases. In three patients, the screw was too long and had to be removed, and pseudoarthrosis developed in one patient. Consolidation was observed after 6-8 weeks, less than literature reports for immobilization with casts. The percutaneous approach is particularly suitable for younger patients who work or play sports.

Plating of proximal fracture of the humerus: a study of 30 cases.

In recent years, plate osteosynthesis with angular stable implants is frequently used for severely displaced three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate early results of these fractures treated with insertion of LCP or Philos plates. We present results in 30 cases of proximal humeral fractures, 17 with 3 parts according to Neer and 13 with 4 parts, treated with Locking Compression Plates (LCP, 14 cases) and Philos plates (16) by the deltopectoral approach. Patients were checked with standard X-rays and clinical evaluation, according to the Constant-Murley shoulder score, Individual Constant score and Relative Constant score. Mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 6-42 months). The mean Constant-Murley shoulder scores were Pain 10.6 (3-15), Activities of Daily Living 15.3 (2-20), Range of Motion 26.8 (12-40) and Power 10.3 (3-25) and Total 63 (25-97). The Individual Constant score was 68.6% (27-98%) and the Relative Constant score 85.4% (36-130%). Fractures in 3 parts (of the surgical or anatomic humeral neck and major tubercle) had a mean Constant score of 69.1 (17 cases), but this fell to 55 (13 cases) in those in 4 parts (neck, major and lesser tubercles). Late necrosis of the humeral head occurred in two cases, both with 4-part breaks. We thus believe that 3-part fractures, in which both reduction and stable osteosynthesis are easier, show favourable prognosis and should be clearly distinguished from 4-part ones during assessments. The deltopectoral approach offers good exposure and is especially recommended in 4-part fractures, also because it provides a good view of the lesser tubercle. The osteosynthesis must be stable if early mobilisation of the shoulder and proper recovery of range of motion are to be achieved. As well as reduction and stabilisation of the tubercles, it is also important to restore the neck/shaft angle and stabilise it with oblique screws fitting the plate to avoid varus malposition.

Patella osteochondritis dissecans end stage: The osteochondral mosaicplasty option.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar damage during osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is rare. There were two objectives to this study: evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment by mosaicplasty in this disease as well as evaluate articular surface reconstruction and cylindrical bone plugs incorporation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six consecutive cases of patella osteochondritis dissecans in young athletes were treated using mosaicplasty by the same senior surgeon between 2002 and 2007. All these cases presented ICRS stage IV osteochondritis dissecans with an empty defect lesion. The average age at diagnosis was 20.5 ± 9.2 years old. The pre- and post-operative clinical evaluation was based on the IKDC subjective knee evaluation, the Lysholm and Tegner scores, CT arthrography and MRI. RESULTS: Evaluation of the functional results of surgical treatment at a mean follow-up of 26 months showed an average IKDC subjective evaluation score of 66.3, a Lysholm score of 85 and a Tegner score of 5.7 (37.2, 58.3 and 3.5 respectively before surgery). The radiological evaluation showed articular surface reconstruction with satisfying congruency and good incorporation of the graft into the bone at the receptor site, except in one patient in whom a 5mm diameter cartilage defect and a loose body were identified. DISCUSSION: Osteochondral grafting with the mosaicplasty technique has been shown to be effective and give satisfying functional results. The problem of the per-operative cylindrical bone plugs choice requires to be addressed during the procedure course itself, according to the patella lesion location.

Spina bifida occulta. Foot deformities, enuresis and vertebral cleft: clinical picture and neurophysiological assessment.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the clinical evidence of foot deformities in spina bifida occulta and the associated neurophysio-logical damage. METHODS: The authors studied 47 patients with foot deformities (37 flat foot, 10 pes cavus) and vertebral cleft, variably associated with enuresis, midline cutaneous lesions, and further orthopaedic deformities. An electrophysiological evaluation was performed in an attempt to investigate the peripheral nervous system in greater detail, including conventional motor and sensory nerve conduction, F-wave recording and electromyogram (EMG) testing. RESULTS: The peroneal nerve F wave latency was longer in patients with pes cavus than in those with flat foot (P<0.04). Conversely, the posterior tibial nerve F-wave latency was longer in patients with flat foot than in those with pes cavus (P<0.02). Needle EMG showed large amplitude motor unit potentials during voluntary recruitment in all patients, suggesting a neurogenic origin of these EMG changes. Neurophysiological study makes it possible to distinguish between myogenic and lower motor neuron involvement. The existence of some degree of spinal cord dysraphism may be pathophysiologically associated with foot deformities. CONCLUSION: Children with foot deformities and clinical evidence of occult spinal dysraphism should have a neuro-physiological assessment in order to obtain an early diagnosis and avoid ineffective foot surgery.

Influence of glucosamine sulphate on oxidative stress in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes: effects on HO-1, p22(Phox) and iNOS expression.

OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major determinants in the alteration of articular cartilage. Among protective cellular mechanisms, the inducible isoform of haem oxygenase (HO-1) plays a particularly relevant role. On the other hand, the enzymatic activity of the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) system could contribute to the generation of ROS. Glucosamine sulphate (GS) is one of the drugs used in the treatment of osteoarthritis; however, its mechanism of action is still largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of GS on primary human chondrocytes in vitro, in particular with regard to HO-1, p22(Phox) (a subunit of NADPH complex) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. METHODS: Primary human chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of GS; gene expression of HO-1, p22(Phox) and iNOS was assessed by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. In a separate set of experiments, the cells were stimulated with human recombinant interleukin (IL)-1beta and simultaneously treated with GS. Moreover, HO-1 protein and total nitrite production were evaluated. RESULTS: HO-1 gene expression was up-regulated (+40% with respect to the controls, P < 0.001) by 10 mmol/l GS at 24 h, while p22(Phox) gene expression was down-regulated by 10 mmol/l GS with a maximum inhibitory effect observed after 48 h treatment. IL-1beta stimulation induced expression of iNOS reverted by 1 and 10 mmol/l GS. Moreover, HO-1 gene expression was down-regulated by IL-1beta and 10 mmol/l GS restored baseline values. These data were confirmed by evaluating HO-1 protein level and nitrite production. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of GS on oxidative stress observed in this study discloses a possible new mechanism of action and seems to be in keeping with a potential protective effect on chondrocyte population.

YKL-40 in human lumbar herniated disc and its relationships with nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase-2.

UNLABELLED: The basic pathophysiology of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain remains unclear. It has been hypo-thesized a role of biochemical mediators of inflammation and tissue degradation in intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation. Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein mainly secreted by chondrocytes which has been proposed as a possible marker of inflammation and/or cartilage alterations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the YKL-40 presence in human lumbar disc tissue culture and its possible relationships with some substances relevant in inflammation such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide (NO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed lumbar discs from 19 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation at L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels. The specimens were cultured and incubated for 72 hours. At the end of incubation, the supernatants were assayed for presence and concentration of YKL-40, COX-2 and NO. RESULTS: YKL-40 was detectable in all the samples analyzed. Mean (+/-SD) concentration was 1.54+/-1.29 ng/ml/mg compared to dry weight. COX-2 and NO levels were 25.25+/-11.42 pg/ml/mg and 1.3+/-1.8 microM/mgx10(-2), respectively. A correlation was found between YKL-40 and COX-2 (r=0.579, p<0.05) and YKL-40 and NO (r=0.509, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating YKL-40 release by intervertebral disc culture. It may contribute to better clarify the role of this protein in the pathophysiology of discal degeneration and inflammation as confirmed by its relationships with COX-2 and NO in disc tissue culture.

Anatomy of the deep fascia of the upper limb. Second part: study of innervation.

Analysis of specimens taken from different areas of the deep fascia in 20 upper limbs was made in order to establish which kind of nerve fibres and endings are present in the deep muscular fascia. The flexor retinaculum and the lacertus fibrosus were also evaluated because they are anatomically hardly separable from the deep muscular fascia, although they have different functions. In particular, specimens were taken at the level of: (a) the expansion of pectoralis major onto the bicipital fascia, (b) the middle third of the brachial fascia, (c) the lacertus fibrosus, (d) the middle third of the antebrachial fascia, (e) the flexor retinaculum. This study demonstrated an abundant innervation of the fascia consisting in both free nerve endings and encapsulated receptors, in particular, Ruffini and Pacini corpuscles. However, differences in innervation were verified: the flexor retinaculum was resulted the more innervated element whilst lacertus fibrosus and the pectoralis major expansion the less innervated. These results suggest that the retinaculum has more a perceptive function whereas the tendinous expansions onto the fascia have mostly a mechanical role in the transmission of tension. The hypothesis that the fascia plays an important role in proprioception, especially dynamic proprioception, is therefore advanced. In fact, the fascia is a membrane that extends throughout the whole body and numerous muscular expansions maintain it in a basal tension. During a muscular contraction these expansions could also transmit the effect of the stretch to a specific area of the fascia, stimulating the proprioceptors in that area.

Tendinous muscular insertions onto the deep fascia of the upper limb. First part: anatomical study.

We examined 30 upper limbs in order to study the tendinous muscular insertions into the deep fascia and to verify whether they have a specific anatomical arrangement and to measure their resilience to traction. We have found that the fascia receives many tendinous muscular insertions, which are always present and exhibit a constant anatomical structure. In particular, the pectoralis major fascia always continues with the brachial fascia in two distinct ways: the fascia overlying the clavicular part of pectoralis major had an expansion towards the anterior brachial fascia, whereas the fascia covering its costal part extended into the medial brachial fascia and the medial intermuscular septum. The lacertus fibrosus was also composed by two groups of fibres: the main group was oriented downwards and medially, the second group longitudinally. The palmaris longus opened out into a fan-shape in the palm of the hand and sent some tendinous expansions to the flexor retinaculum and fascia overlying the thenar eminence muscles. In the posterior region of the arm, the fascia of the latissimus dorsi sent a fibrous lamina to the triceps brachial fascia. The triceps tendon inserted partially into the antebrachial fascia, while the extensor carpi ulnaris sent a tendinous expansion to the fascia of the hypothenar eminence. It is hypothesized that the tendinous muscular insertions maintain the fascia at a basal tension and create myofascial continuity between the different muscles actuating flexion and extension of the upper limb, stretching the fascia in different ways according to the different motor directions.

The tantalum screw for treating femoral head necrosis: rationale and results.

Femoral head necrosis (FHN) is a progressive pathology due to the failure of blood supply to the proximal femoral epiphysis, with consequent necrosis of the sub-chondral bone and collapse of the articular cartilage and loss of congruity between the head and the acetabulum. Borrowing the biological and mechanical principles from the vascularized fibular graft technique for the femoral neck, the tantalum screws have been introduced. They show an extraordinary porosity, osteoconductivity, biocompatibility and very good osteoinductivity. Vitreous tantalum can be processed to take the form of a screw, with a round medial extremity and a 25 mm threaded lateral extremity that can be inserted into the neck of the femur, thereby supporting the articular cartilage, stimulating the repair process, interrupting the interface between necrotic and healthy tissue and favoring local vascularization. We have drawn up a treatment protocol for early-stage FHN, based on the insertion of a tantalum screw into the femoral neck. The implant has a cylindrical shape, with a 10 mm diameter in the smooth part and 15 mm in the threaded part. It is available in different sizes from 70 to 130 mm, with 5 mm increments. The aim of the study is to describe the clinical and instrumental results of the tantalum screw for FHN. From June 2004 to June 2006 we performed 15 implants. The tantalum screw was inserted with an incision on the trochanteric region with traction and under X-ray control. For the clinical evaluation of the hip, we used the Harris hip score (HHS). For diagnosis and staging we used standard X-rays in two views and/or MRI, using the Steinberg classification (J Bone Joint Surg Br 77:34-41, 1995) and CT. In all cases, the osteonecrosis extended to not more than 30% of the joint surface and the cartilage was intact with no collapse. To assess the results, we compared the pre-operative and the post-operative HHS, calculated the percentage differences between the two. We then compared X-rays, CT scans and MRI before and some time after the operation to assess whether the problem had been addressed, taking into account the intracancellous edema and the possible extension of necrosis. After an average follow-up period of 15.43 +/- 5.41 months, ten implants (seven patients out of ten) were examined and all but one patient showed a marked improvement in HHS (the average increase was 127.9%), with no further progression of the disease. We believe that this procedure can be suitable for young patients with limited first or second stage osteonecrosis. The objective for the foreseeable future is to resolve the pain, improve the quality of life and prevent or at least postpone arthroplasty.

Limb lengthening in short stature patients.

A series of 140 patients with short stature operated on for limb lengthening (80 had achondroplasia, 20 had hypochondroplasia, 20 had Turner syndrome, 10 had idiopathic short stature due to an undemonstrated cause, 5 regarded their stature as too short, and 5 had a psychopathic personality due to dysmorphophobia that had developed because of their short stature) was reviewed. All patients underwent symmetric lengthening of both femora and tibiae; 10 of these achondroplastic patients underwent lengthening of the humeri. We carried out the 580 lengthening procedures by means of three different surgical techniques: 440 callotasis, 120 chondrodiatasis and 20 mid-shaft osteotomy. In the 130 patients with a disproportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 18.2 +/- 3.93 cm: 43.8% had complications and 3.8% had sequelae; the average treatment time was 31 months. In the 10 patients with proportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 10.8 +/- 1.00 cm: 4 experienced complications and none had sequelae; the average treatment time was 21 months. Patients who underwent lengthening of the upper limbs experienced an average gain in length of 10.2 +/- 1.25 cm: the average treatment time was 9 months and none of them experienced any complications or sequelae. The authors discuss how difficult it is to achieve the benefits of this surgery: they underline the strong commitment on the part of the patients and their families, the time in the hospital, the number of operations and, above all, the severity of those permanent sequelae that occurred.

Painless fractures and thermoregulation disturbances in sensory-autonomic neuropathy: electrophysiological abnormalities and sural nerve biopsy.

We describe the case of a young girl suffering from thermoregulation disturbances, painless fractures and arthropathy since early childhood. The patient was diagnosed as having a hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy. Although needle EMG, conventional nerve conduction studies and somatosensory evoked potentials gave normal results, sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) were absent. Sural nerve biopsy showed a substantial reduction in the number of small myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. We emphasize the importance of SSR testing in revealing a condition which is otherwise difficult to identify by electrophysiological techniques. The combined evidence of functional and morphological findings is strongly suggestive of selective peripheral nerve involvement.

Distraction osteogenesis for lengthening of the tibia in patients who have limb-length discrepancy or short stature.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of lengthening of the tibia, in patients who have a limb-length discrepancy or a short stature, with use of distraction osteogenesis, a technique based on the principle of distracting the callus that is formed after a subperiosteal osteotomy of the proximal portion of the diaphysis of a long bone. METHODS: A total of 230 tibial lengthening procedures were done in 150 patients. Seventy procedures were performed because of a limb-length discrepancy, which was secondary to trauma (thirty limbs), congenital fibular hemimelia (twenty-six), poliomyelitis (ten), or infection (four). The remaining 160 procedures were performed because of a short stature, which was secondary to achondroplasia (fifty-eight limbs), Turner syndrome (thirty-four), an idiopathic etiology (twenty-two), hypochondroplasia (twenty), achondroplasia (ten), Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (six), rickets (four), or adrenogenital syndrome, Laron syndrome, or pseudoachondroplasia (two limbs each). The age of the patients at the time of the operation was 18.4+/-6.2 years (average and standard deviation), with a range of six to forty-one years. The procedures were performed according to one of three protocols. In Group A (ninety procedures), an Orthofix telescopic fixator and a variable number of screws were used and the tibiofibular syndesmosis was not stabilized; in Group B (ninety-six procedures), an Orthofix reconstruction system was used, the syndesmosis was stabilized, and a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed; and in Group C (forty-four procedures), an Orthofix Garches lengthening device was used, the syndesmosis was stabilized, and a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed. RESULTS: At the time of the latest follow-up (average, five years; range, two to seven years), the average gain in length after the seventy procedures performed because of a limb-length discrepancy was 4.0+/-1.98 centimeters (range, 2.5 to 9.5 centimeters), or 14 percent (range, 7 to 45 percent). The average gain in length after the 160 procedures that were performed because of a short stature was 7.8+/-2.28 centimeters (range, 2.5 to fifteen centimeters), or 33 percent (range, 10 to 78 percent). Ten (14 percent) of the seventy procedures performed because of a limb-length discrepancy and forty-six (29 percent) of the 160 performed because of a short stature were associated with a complication. There was only one permanent sequela in the entire series. CONCLUSIONS: Although the three operative protocols resulted in similar healing indices, the rates of complications differed significantly among the groups (p<0.0001). Group C (the Garches device) had the lowest rate of complications (7 percent). It is important to be aware of potential complications as well as the need for additional procedures in order to avoid predictable problems. These procedures include percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and fixation of the distal segment of the fibula to the tibia to maintain the integrity of the tibiotalar articulation and the alignment of the foot.

Nerve conduction changes during lower limb lengthening. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and F-wave results.

The effect of lower limb lengthening on nerve conduction was investigated in 5 achondroplastic subjects who underwent callotasis on a "cross-over" basis. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and F waves from the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) were studied preoperatively and then after removal of the axial fixators. SEPs at the end of lengthening showed that both the latency of the plexus potential (P9) and, albeit to a lesser extent, the interpeak time between the plexus and the spinal cord (N15) potentials were significantly increased. The central conduction time (N15-P33) and the amplitude of the scalp responses were not modified. The latencies of the F waves were much longer at the end of bone distraction than in basal conditions. The increases in both PTN SEPs and F-wave latencies are consistent with a slowing of conduction The extent of these latency shifts correlated closely with the degree of limb lengthening. We calculated that, on average, each cm of lengthening could produce 0.21 msec and 0.22 msec delays respectively, suggesting a similar effect of the stretching on both sensory and motor fibers. Our findings indicated that the damage could be widely distributed along the whole length of the nerve, affecting both the peripheral (trunk) and proximal (plexus and root) segments. The electrophysiological changes were not associated with any persistent clinical complaint.

Lower-limb lengthening in short stature. An electrophysiological and clinical assessment of peripheral nerve function.

We assessed peripheral nerve function during and after lower-limb lengthening by callotasis in 14 patients with short stature, using motor conduction studies. Four patients with short stature of varying aetiology showed unilateral and one showed bilateral weakness of foot dorsiflexion. Both clinical and electrophysiological abnormalities consistent with involvement of the peroneal nerve were observed early after starting tibial callotasis. There was some progressive electrophysiological improvement despite continued bone distraction, but two patients with Turner's syndrome had incomplete recovery. A greater percentage increase in tibial length did not correspond to a higher rate of peroneal nerve palsy. The function of the posterior leg muscles and the conduction velocity of the posterior tibial nerve were normal throughout the monitoring period. The F-wave response showed a longer latency at the end of the bone distraction than in basal conditions; this is probably related to the slowing of conduction throughout the entire length of the nerve.