Bilateral Primary Repair of Simultaneous Bilateral Distal Biceps Rupture.

A case of simultaneous bilateral distal biceps tendon rupture in a recreational gymnast is presented. Achieving bilateral acute primary repair can be challenging as any immobilization will lead to disability and difficulty with self-care and activities of daily living. We have reviewed the evidence of this rare condition and demonstrate that modern rehabilitation techniques, which allow early mobilization, can make simultaneous bilateral primary repair a viable option in such cases.

Lateral Clavicle Fracture Fixation Using a Superiorly Placed Locking Plate.

Clavicle fractures are common injuries that account for 4% of all fractures, and approximately 21% of clavicle fractures are lateral. Studies have demonstrated that displaced lateral clavicle fractures with disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments have nonunion rates as high as 28%. Many surgical techniques for fixation of lateral-end clavicle fractures have been proposed. More recently, locking plate technology has led to the development of superiorly placed locking plates, which are used when the distal fragment is large enough and which offer greater biomechanical stability in osteoporotic or metaphyseal bone. Our surgical technique for use of a compression plate for an unstable and displaced lateral clavicle fracture consists of the following steps. Step 1: identification of the fracture pattern and surgical planning. Step 2: setup of the operating room with the image intensifier in an optimum position for satisfactory intraoperative images. Step 3: approach, through a bra-strap incision centered over the fracture. Step 4: reduction of the fracture and temporary stabilization. Step 5: implant selection based on sizing and patient anatomy. Step 6: application of the plate of choice and fixation with a combination of proximal bicortical screws and distal locking screws. Step 7: closure in layers and application of postoperative slings and dressings. Patients follow a graduated physiotherapy regimen postoperatively. Studies have demonstrated high union rates following lateral clavicle fracture fixation with good-to-excellent functional outcomes and a combined complication rate of approximately 6%.

Surgical waiting times and patient choice: how much delay do patients really want?

BACKGROUND: The 18-week target to treatment government initiative was implemented in 2004. In order for this to work, patients need to accept operative dates provided, otherwise the pathway will fail. AIM: The aim of this prospective study was to identify the earliest time patients would accept surgical intervention following assessment at an outpatient clinic and to identify the reasons why some patients would choose to delay surgery. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at an elective orthopaedic centre over a 5-month period. All new adult referrals to the department were asked to complete a seven-point questionnaire on waiting time preference and possible reasons for delaying surgery. No paediatric or spinal orthopaedics was carried out at the centre. RESULTS: A total of 73 % of the 797 questionnaires were completed. Up to 16 % of patients could not accept day-case/inpatient operation within 6 weeks. Work commitment was the most common reason for choosing to delay surgery, with nearly 50 % of employed patients citing it as a reason. No significant difference was identified between inpatient and day-case procedures. CONCLUSION: There is a risk that operative slots will be unfilled within the 18-week pathway. 18 % of patients will potentially refuse an operative date offered within 6 weeks of their outpatient visit. Work, holidays and care arrangements are important in uptake. A proactive strategy to improve the uptake of offered surgery is required to prevent operating slots being underutilised.

Surgical skills simulation in trauma and orthopaedic training.

Changing patterns of health care delivery and the rapid evolution of orthopaedic surgical techniques have made it increasingly difficult for trainees to develop expertise in their craft. Working hour restrictions and a drive towards senior led care demands that proficiency be gained in a shorter period of time whilst requiring a greater skill set than that in the past. The resulting conflict between service provision and training has necessitated the development of alternative methods in order to compensate for the reduction in 'hands-on' experience. Simulation training provides the opportunity to develop surgical skills in a controlled environment whilst minimising risks to patient safety, operating theatre usage and financial expenditure. Many options for simulation exist within orthopaedics from cadaveric or prosthetic models, to arthroscopic simulators, to advanced virtual reality and three-dimensional software tools. There are limitations to this form of training, but it has significant potential for trainees to achieve competence in procedures prior to real-life practice. The evidence for its direct transferability to operating theatre performance is limited but there are clear benefits such as increasing trainee confidence and familiarity with equipment. With progressively improving methods of simulation available, it is likely to become more important in the ongoing and future training and assessment of orthopaedic surgeons.

Long-term survival of proximal humerus allografts for reconstruction following resection of malignant bone tumours.

We previously reported early favourable results concerning allograft use in proximal humerus reconstruction following malignancy. We now present the long-term follow-up of patients who underwent tumour resection with massive humeral allograft reconstruction. This is a retrospective review of 8 consecutive patients who underwent massive proximal humeral allograft for primary or secondary bone tumours. The median age at first surgery was 41 years; the median followup is 11.1 years. The overall revision rate of the allografts was 75%. A total of 10 revision procedures were required in this cohort. Five-year survival for implants was 44%; at ten years no implants were intact. Five-year survival for patients was 88%; it was 60% at ten years. In our experience, proximal humerus allograft reconstruction was associated with a high complication rate and resulted in multiple revision procedures in the long-term. We no longer perform or recommend this procedure.

Vertical or horizontal orientation of foot radiographs does not affect image interpretation.

This study determined whether the orientation of dorsoplantar and oblique foot radiographs has an effect on radiograph interpretation. A test set of 50 consecutive foot radiographs were selected (25 with fractures, and 25 normal), and duplicated in the horizontal orientation. The images were randomly arranged, numbered 1 through 100, and analysed by six image interpreters. Vertical and horizontal area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each image interpreter. There was no significant difference in the area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation between images viewed in the vertical or horizontal orientation. While conventions for display of radiographs may help to improve the development of an efficient visual search strategy in trainees, and allow for standardisation of publication of radiographic images, variation from the convention in clinical practice does not appear to affect the sensitivity or specificity of image interpretation.

Distal clavicle osteolysis following fixation with a synthetic ligament.

We present a case of distal clavicle osteolysis following treatment of a chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation with a synthetic ligament. The relevant literature is reviewed and discussed.

Locked intramedullary fixation vs plating for displaced and shortened mid-shaft clavicle fractures: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature supports surgical intervention for shortened, displaced, mid-shaft clavicle fractures. We present the results of a randomized clinical trial comparing locked intramedullary fixation and plate fixation for short, displaced, mid-shaft clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Local ethical approval was obtained and power analysis and sample size calculations were performed prior to commencement. Patients randomized to 2 groups to be treated with either locked intramedullary fixation or plating. Patients regularly followed up to clinical and radiographic union. The primary outcome measure was the Constant score, secondary outcome measures included the Oxford shoulder score, union rate, and complication rates. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were randomized to locked intramedullary fixation and 15 randomized to plating. Mean age was 29.3 years. Mean follow-up was 12.4 months. There was no significant difference in either Constant scores (P = .365) or Oxford scores (P = .773). There was 100% union in both groups. In the intramedullary group, 1 case of soft tissue irritation settled after the pin removal; 1 pin backed out and was revised. Three superficial wound infections resulted in plate removal and 8 plates (53%) were removed. DISCUSSION: Intramedullary fixation has the theoretical advantage of preserving the periosteal blood supply, but carries the morbidity of pin removal. Clavicle plates are not routinely removed but require greater exposure and may compromise periosteal blood supply. CONCLUSION: Both locked intramedullary fixation and plating produce good functional results; however, metalwork may need to be removed as a second procedure.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of infection around the shoulder joint--report of three cases.

Infection around the shoulder joint is rare. Clinical suspicion and diagnostic imaging are required for accurate diagnosis. We present three cases that emphasise particular diagnostic challenges when dealing with infection around the shoulder joint. Discussion includes the role of ultrasound as a screening tool and the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the accurate diagnosis and localisation of infections around the shoulder.

A modified Weaver-Dunn procedure without need for internal fixation.

The shoulder as the most mobile joint in the body has a complex anatomy providing it with an increased range of motion, at the expense of its stability. The complex of ligaments and tendons around the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is prone to injury especially during sporting activity or following falls onto the apex of the shoulder. The original classification of ACJ dislocations having been modified by Rockwood suggests that types III to VI injuries may benefit from surgical intervention. Many procedures have been described to correct the deformity in the ACJ and to reestablish its ligamentous support. We describe a modification to the Weaver-Dunn procedure, which aims to establish a stable reduction with bone-to-bone healing, provided by bone plug fixation with Ethibond suture.

Bilateral glenohumeral septic arthritis secondary to retroperitoneal abscess.

Glenohumeral septic arthritis is rare and usually a result of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Gram-negative septic arthritis is on the increase and is usually associated with intraabdominal pathology. We present a case of bilateral E. Coli glenohumeral septic arthritis associated with retroperitoneal abscess and discuss pitfalls in diagnosis and management.

Long-stem revision prosthesis for salvage of failed fixation of extracapsular proximal femoral fractures.

A retrospective review was made of radiographs and case notes of patients with failed fixation of extracapsular proximal femoral fractures subsequently managed with long-stem revision arthroplasty. Follow-up radiographs, objective scoring, mobility, and complications were assessed. Twenty five hips were managed with long-stem hip arthroplasty in 24 patients with a mean age of 73 years. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Patients received uncemented acetabular components and long-stem uncemented femoral implants. Complications included two intraoperative femoral fractures which were strut-grafted, three wound infections (one required washout), and one recurrent dislocation managed conservatively. Average postoperative Oxford Hip score was 29. We report a low complication rate and no specific implant related problems, with good functional outcome as evidenced by the outcome scores and mobility status following salvage arthroplasty.

Peroneal tendons subluxation.

Subluxation of the peroneal tendons is uncommon. It occurs especially in skiing, soccer, basketball, rugby, ice skating, judo, sprint, water-skiing, mountaineering, and gymnastics. We present an overview of the injury, with the classification commonly used. Many surgical techniques have been described to manage recurrent subluxation of the peroneal tendons, but only Level IV/Grade C evidence has been produced. Thus, randomized controlled trials are necessary to determinate the best surgical management method. It appears that high-demand individuals should be primarily managed surgically, and retinaculoplasty seems to be, when indicated, the best surgical option: it affords less complications and a high rate of return to sports without reducing their activity levels.

Ankle instability.

Acute ankle sprains are common, and if inadequately treated may result in chronic instability. Lateral ankle injuries are most common, with deltoid injuries rare and associated with ankle fractures/dislocation. Medial ankle instability is rare. Functional management of acute lateral ankle sprains is the treatment of choice, with acute ligament repair reserved for athletes. Chronic lateral ankle instability is initially managed conservatively, however, failure of rehabilitation is an indication for surgical management. Nonanatomic tenodesis reconstructions have poor long-term results, sacrifice peroneal tendons, and disrupt normal ankle and hindfoot biomechanics. Anatomic repair of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is recommended when the quality of the ruptured ligaments permits. Anatomic reconstruction with autograft or allograft should be performed when ligaments are attenuated. The role of arthroscopic reconstruction is evolving. Ankle arthroscopy should be performed at the time of repair or reconstruction and should address any other intra-articular causes of pain.

Mastectomy scars following breast reconstruction: should routine histologic analysis be performed?

BACKGROUND: There is some debate in the recent literature regarding the routine submission of mastectomy scars for histologic analysis when performing delayed breast reconstructions. The aim of this study was to review the relevant publications and evaluate the practice of routine histologic examination of mastectomy scars. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review, across three regional plastic and reconstructive surgery units, of 433 patients who had 455 scars routinely sent for histologic examination following delayed breast reconstruction between January of 2000 and December of 2006. Patients with clinical evidence of recurrent carcinoma were excluded. RESULTS: Data from 433 patients revealed an average age at reconstruction of 49.9 years (range, 25 to 77 years). The mean interval from primary breast surgery to reconstruction was 3.9 years (range, 2 months to 32 years), and the average length of patient follow-up, from primary surgery, was 6.4 years (range, 1 to 40 years). The majority of the initial operations were carried out for invasive carcinoma (89 percent). Four mastectomy scars in three patients were positive for carcinoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The publications related to the practice of routine histologic analysis of mastectomy scars provide conflicting conclusions. As a proportion of patients may benefit from the early detection and treatment of locoregional recurrence, the authors suggest that the routine submission of mastectomy scars will allow for the earlier detection of soft-tissue recurrences that may affect long-term outcome. In keeping with cancer surgery principles, the authors recommend routine histologic examination of mastectomy scars following delayed breast reconstruction.

Management of acute and chronic ankle instability.

Acute lateral ankle ligament injuries are common. If left untreated, they can result in chronic instability. Nonsurgical measures, including functional rehabilitation, are the management methods of choice for acute injuries, with surgical intervention reserved for high-demand athletes. Chronic lateral ankle instability is multifactorial. Failed nonsurgical management after appropriate rehabilitation is an indication for surgery. Of the many surgical options available, anatomic repair of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is recommended when the quality of the ruptured ligaments permits. Anatomic reconstruction with autograft or allograft should be performed when the ruptured ligaments are attenuated. Ankle arthroscopy is an important adjunct to ligamentous repair and should be performed at the time of repair to identify and address intra-articular conditions associated with chronic ankle instability. Tenodesis procedures are not recommended because they may disturb ankle and hindfoot biomechanics.

Standardised proformas improve patient handover: Audit of trauma handover practice.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of the European Working Time Directive has meant the introduction of shift patterns of working for junior doctors. Patient handover between shifts has become a necessary part of practice in order to reduce the risk of medical errors. Data handed over between shifts are used to prioritise clinical jobs outstanding, and to create theatre lists. We present a closed-loop audit of handover practice to assess whether standardised proformas improve clinical data transfer between shifts during handover in our Orthopaedic Unit. METHODS: We collected data handed over between shifts for a period of one week at our department. The data were in the form of hand written data on plain paper used to assist verbal handover. Data were analysed and a standardised handover sheet was trialled. After feedback from juniors the sheet was revised and implemented. A re-audit, of handover data, was then undertaken using the revised standardised proforma during a period of 1 week. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were handed over in week 1 while 55 patients were handed over during re-audit. The standardised proformas encouraged use of pre-printed patient labels which contained legible patient identifiers, use of labels increased from 72.9% to 93.4%. Handover of outstanding jobs increased from 31.25% to 100%. Overall data handed over increased from 72.6% to 93.2%. Handover of relevant blood results showed little improvement from 18.8% to 20.7% CONCLUSION: This audit highlights the issue of data transfer between shifts. Standardised proformas encourage filling of relevant fields and increases the data transferred between shifts thereby reducing the potential for clinical error cause by shift patterns.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy for access during revision knee arthroplasty: Ethibond suture repair technique.

BACKGROUND: Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy has shown much promise in revision total knee replacement. Methods of repair previously described include screw and wire fixation. Both methods have significant complications. METHODS: This article describes suture fixation of the osteotomy using Ethibond sutures placed medially with a lateral periosteal hinge. RESULTS: This method of fixation relies upon an adequate osteotomy segment including the entire insertion of the patella tendon. The lateral periosteal hinge is maintained and adds to the stability of the construct. A minimum of two number 5 Ethibond sutures are passed medially through drill holes to secure the osteotomy segment. No post-operative immobilisation is required. CONCLUSION: Ethibond sutures provide adequate fixation of the tibial tubercle osteotomy segment in revision knee arthroplasty with reduced risk of complication as compared to conventional fixation methods.

Recurrent subluxation of the peroneal tendons.

Recurrent peroneal tendon subluxation is an uncommon sports-related injury. The retrofibular groove is formed not by the concavity of the fibula itself, but by a relatively pronounced ridge of collagenous soft tissue blended with the periosteum that extends along the posterolateral lip of the distal fibula. The shape of the groove is primarily determined by this thick fibrocartilagenous periosteal cushion, and not by the bone itself. The superior peroneal retinaculum is extremely variable in width, thickness and insertional patterns. Peroneal tendon subluxation is commonly associated with longitudinal splits in the peroneus brevis tendon and lateral ankle instability. Disruption of the lateral collateral ankle ligaments places considerable strain on the superior peroneal retinaculum. This explains why the two conditions commonly coexist. In recurrent subluxation, patients usually give a history of previous ankle injury, which may have been misdiagnosed as a sprain. An unstable ankle that gives way or is associated with a popping or snapping sensation is another common complaint. The peroneal tendons may actually be seen subluxing anteriorly on the distal fibula during ambulation. The role of imaging has been debated, and the diagnosis and management plan are based on clinical evidence. Conservative management may be attempted in acute dislocations, and can be successful in up to 50% of patients, although there is a trend for operative management in athletes. Recurrent dislocations should be managed surgically. Five basic categories of repair have been described: (i) anatomical reattachment of the retinaculum; (ii) bone-block procedures; (iii) reinforcement of the superior peroneal retinaculum with local tissue transfers; (iv) rerouting the tendons behind the calcaneofibular ligament; and (v) groove deepening procedures. However, it is impossible to determine from the relatively small series which procedure is superior. If an anatomical approach to treating the pathology is utilised, reattachment of the superior retinaculum seems a most appropriate technique. Randomised controlled trials may be the way forward in determining the best surgical management method. However, the relative rarity of the condition and the large number of techniques described make such study difficult.