Osteosynthesis of traumatic manubriosternal dislocations and sternal fractures with a 3.5/4.0 mm fixed-angle plate (LCP).

INTRODUCTION: We present a case series of three patients with manubriosternal dislocation and/or sternal fractures. METHOD: We describe our experiences of invasive surgical treatment with 3.5/4.0 mm fixed-angle plate (Locking compression plate, LCP) in this group of patients. Recommended nonoperative treatment options, e.g. correction tape or plaster bandage, symptomatic pain treatment, application of ice, and several weeks without sports are associated with a not inconsiderable rate of subluxations or reluxations with an increased risk of pseudarthrosis and chronic pain syndrome. RESULTS: Due to a small number of cases and the lack of controlled studies, a standardized operative procedure could, therefore, so far not been established. CONCLUSION: Our positive experiences with the operative treatment using 3.5/4.0 mm fixed-angle plate (LCP) may help to establish the operative procedure of first choice in this group of patients.

First report of an accessory popliteal muscle: detection with MRI.

During an MRI examination of the knee in a 48-year-old patient suffering from degenerative changes of a partly resected medial meniscus and concomitant osteoarthritis of the knee joint, an unusual variant of an accessory muscle in the popliteal fossa was found. To our best knowledge this muscle has never been described before. Because of the close relationship to the popliteal muscle with regard to course and localisation in the deep popliteal fossa ventral to the popliteal artery, the term "accessory popliteal muscle" is proposed.