Comparative Analysis of Complication Rates in Tibial Shaft Fractures: Intramedullary Nail vs. Ilizarov External Fixation Method.

Background: The external fixation (EF) Ilizarov method, shown to offer efficacy and relative safety, has unique biomechanical properties. Intramedullary nail fixation (IMN) is an advantageous alternative, offering biomechanical stability and a minimally invasive procedure. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in patients undergoing tibia fracture fixation, comparing the Ilizarov EF and IMN methods in an early phase of IMN implementation in Serbia. Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients with radiologically confirmed closed and open (Gustilo and Anderson type I) tibial diaphysis fractures treated at the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica'' from January 2013 to June 2017. The following demographic and clinical data were retrieved: age, sex, chronic disease diagnoses, length of hospital stay, surgical wait times, surgery length, type of anesthesia used, fracture, prophylaxis, mechanism of injury, postsurgical complications, time to recovery, and pain reduction. Pain intensity was measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Results: A total of 58 IMN patients were compared to 74 patients who underwent Ilizarov EF. Study groups differed in time to recovery (p < 0.001), length of hospitalization (p = 0.007), pain intensity at the fracture site (p < 0.001), and frequency of general anesthesia in favor of intramedullary fixation (p < 0.001). A shorter surgery time (p < 0.001) and less antibiotic use (p < 0.001) were observed when EF was used. Additionally, we identified that the intramedullary fixation was a significant predictor of pain intensity. Conclusions: The IMN method offers faster recovery and reduced pain intensity in comparison to EF, while the length of surgery predicted the occurrence of any complication.

[Chiari pelvic osteotomy in treatment of hip dysplasia].

Chiari pelvic osteotomy is a surgical procedure having been performed for almost sixty years in patients with the insufficient coverage of the femoral head. It is most frequently used in young patients with dysplastic acetabular sockets as a part of developmental hip dysplasia. Even though performance of the Chiari osteotomy is associated with positive therapeutical results, above all, its main goal is to delay inevitable degenerative changes. Original surgical technique has been modified and improved over time. Nevertheless, the basic idea has remained unchanged--increasing of the femoral head coverage by medial displacement of the distal partof the pelvis along with capsular interpositioning. Given the complexity of operation, the complication percentage is rather low. Chiari pelvic osteotomy has lost its actuality and importance during this past six decades. The role of Chiari pelvic osteotomy has been considerably taken over by other more efficient and more lasting surgical procedures. Nonetheless, Chiari pelvic osteotomy is still present in modern orthopedic practice, above all as,salvage" osteotomy.

[Total hip arthroplasty].

Total hip arthroplasty is most common reconstructive hip procedure in adults. In this surgery we replace some parts of the upper femur and acetabulum with biocompatible materials. The main goal of this surgery is to eliminate pain and regain full extent of joint motion, maintaining hip stability. Surgical technique, biomaterials, design of the prosthesis and fixation techniques have evolved with time adjusting to each other. After total hip arthroplasty patients' quality of life should be improved. There are many various postoperative complications. Some of them are fatal, and some are minor, which may become manifested years after surgery. Each next surgical procedure following previous hip surgery is associated with considerably lower chances to be successful. Therefore, in primary total hip arthroplasty, preoperative evaluation and preparation of patients are essential. Every orthopaedic surgeon needs to improve already adopted surgical skills applying them with precision and without compromise, with the main goal to achieve long-term durability of the selected implant. The number of total hip arthroplasties will also increase in future, and newer and higher quality materials will be used.

Acute patellar dislocation in adolescents: operative versus nonoperative treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective non-randomised study was to compare the efficacy of two opposed methods, operative and conservative. Our hypothesis was that if the method was selected correctly, on an individual basis, the results should be approximately equal. METHODS: The study included 37 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years, with a mean follow up of 6.1 years. The presence of a significant loose body, confirmed by precise imaging, was the key for selecting operative or arthroscopic treatment. In both groups of patients, we evaluated functional knee scores and the incidence of residual patellofemoral disorders. RESULTS: We confirmed our hypothesis using the t-test to compare functional results and a test for comparison of proportions for incidence of residual disorders. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.091) between operatively and conservatively treated groups with regard to functional results. The same statistical outcome emerged when comparing incidences of re-dislocation (p=0.854), or other major patellar instabilities (p=0.856), between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained should not promote a non-operative method on the basis of lower risk, but do support an individual approach based on precise diagnosis and defined criteria.

[Treatment of missed Monteggia lesion in children--case report].

INTRODUCTION: A Monteggia lesion is a dislocation of the radial head associated with a fracture with the proximal third of the ulna. It is rare in children and the dislocation of the radial head is often missed at the time of injury. There are a lot of described treatment methods: open reduction of the radial head and reconstruction of the annular ligament combined with ulnar osteotomy, the same method without reconstruction of the annular ligament, gradual lengthening and angulation of the ulna by Ilizarov method without the opening of radiocapitelar joint. CASE OUTLINE: A 14-year-old boy had been diagnosed with Monteggia lesion type Bado II three years before the admission to hospital. Previously nonoperatively treated, the missed radial head dislocation Bi-phase treatment had been done. Firstly, the distraction Ilizarov device was placed on the forearm, corticotomy of the ulna was done, distraction lasted fifteen days. Secondly, after achieving 1.5 cm of new bone and good level of the radial head, a reduction mechanism was incorporated into the Ilizarov device. The radiocapitelar joint was not opened, the reconstruction of the annular ligament was not done. After the radial head reduction and new bone maturation (1.5 months), the Ilizarov device was taken off. CONCLUSION: The described method of treatment has several important advantages: radial head reduction may be done without the joint opening, the recovery is very fast and easy after that; the elbow and forearm appear cosmetically very well after the operation; the treatment process is short, the arm is in use all the time, the absence from school is not needed, the achieved result is permanent.

Chiari pelvic osteotomy in the treatment of adolescent hip disorders: possibilities, limitations and complications.

Ninety-nine hips treated by the Chiari pelvic osteotomy were included in this study designed as a retrospective review. The group consisted of 36 male and 50 female patients, with mean age of 15.6 years. Each was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or avascular necrosis of the femoral head--Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCP)--and postreduction avascular necrosis (PAN). Five hip parameters (the acetabular angle of Sharp, the center-edge (CE) angle of Wiberg, the percentage of femoral head uncoverage, the acetabular depth ratio, and the Shenton-Menard arch continuity) were evaluated. Functional outcome was assessed according to Harris hip score (HHS) and McKay criteria for clinical evaluation. The postoperative results showed improvement in all the radiographic parameters. The angle of Sharp showed a decrease of 8.62º (p < 0.01). The CE angle of Wiberg showed an increase of 28.76º (p < 0.01), and the uncoverage of the femoral head showed a decrease of 51.51% (p < 0.01). The improvement of HHS was 11.93 (p < 0.05). The patients' satisfaction was indicated by grade 4.1 ± 0.94 and the doctor's satisfaction by grade 3.7 ± 1.16. The Chiari pelvic osteotomy, in spite of the development of biologically better procedures, has retained its position in the treatment of adolescent hip disorders.

Kinesiological characteristics of ankle joint and rearfoot motion.

Kinesiological analysis of tarsal bones provides better understanding of foot disorders, especially in early childhood, when radiography is hindered by delayed ossification of foot bones. Children begin to walk in the age of 9-15 months, with rearfoot inversion only in initial contact phase, while inversion during terminal stance phase is delayed. Adult walking pattern is usually established at six years of age. Talocrural joint axis medial slope shifts during movements depending on the what part of talus comes in contact with maleolli. As a result, plantar flexion includes valgus, and dorsal flexion includes varus inclination. Subtalar joint axis highly varies among individuals: from 200-680 in sagittal and from 40-470 in frontal plane, with impact on coupled lower leg rotation movements around longitudinal axis. Midtarsal joint has two axes, and their position control the rigidity of forefoot and midfoot kinetic chain. Movement planes of tarsal bones strongly influence walking pattern as well as secure foot development.

Physical treatment of foot deformities in childhood.

During the period of development foot deformities can occur, not only during the growth and development, but also in the later age. The most frequent foot deformity is flatfoot, congenital club foot and hallux valgus. Prior to the decision on surgical treatment of the deformity, whenever possible the patient should be referred for physical therapy that may yield acceptable results in specific treatment phases. The basis of the treatment involves kinesitherapy, application of certain agents (thermotherapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound) and orthosis for maintaining corrections. If such therapy does not yield satisfactory results, the deformity is surgically corrected. After surgical correction, physical procedures can contribute to more rapid recovery and decrease possible complications (pain, edema, complex regional pain syndrome--Mb Sudec), which can follow the surgical correction of the deformity. In addition, the obligatory form of rehabilitation also involves kinesitherapy.

Alumina-on-alumina ceramic versus metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings in total hip arthroplasty: a comparative study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and durability of alumina-on-alumina ceramic in comparison to metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CoCr/HXLPE) bearing couples. This prospective randomised study involved 150 patients (157 hips). All patients (mean age: 54.7 years) obtained an identical fibre metal midcoat femoral stem and fibre metal-coated acetabular shell. In 78 patients (82 hips) we used alumina, while in 72 patients (75 hips) metal-polyethylene bearing couples were used. During a mean 50.4-month follow-up period (51 ± 8 alumina and 50 ± 8.9 metal-polyethylene) no statistically significant changes in clinical and radiographic parameters were noted between the two groups. There was no ceramic breakage and no need for revision surgery due to the ceramic liner. The alumina bearing couples proved to be as reliable as CoCr/HXLPE.

[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a modern treatment protocol].

The treatment of a patient with slipped capital femoral epiphysis begins with an early diagnosis and accurate classification. On the basis of symptom duration, clinical findings and radiographs, slipped capital femoral epiphysis is classified as pre-slip, acute, acute-on-chronic and chronic. The long-term outcome of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is directly related to severity and the presence or absence of avascular necrosis and/or chondrolysis. Therefore, the first priority in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is to avoid complications while securing the epiphysis from further slippage. Medical treatment of patients with acute and acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis, as well as those presented in pre-slip stage, is the safest, although time-consuming. Manipulations, especially forced and repeated, are not recommended due to higher avascular necrosis risk. The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy to assist in the placement of internal fixation devices has markedly increased the success of surgical treatment. Controversy remains as to whether the proximal femoral epiphysis in severe, chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis should be realigned by extracapsular osteotomies or just fixed in situ. The management protocol for slipped capital femoral epiphysis depends on the experience of the surgeon, motivation of the patient and technical facilities.

Triple pelvic osteotomy in the treatment of hip dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Insufficient femoral head coverage is found in a variety of diseases, with acetabular dysplasia as the most frequent disorder and triple pelvic osteotomy as the most recently introduced surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study analyses pre- and postoperative pathoanatomic characteristics of triple in comparison to Salter and Chiari osteotomies, with a logistic regression analysis of outcome predictor and effect explanator factors in relation to the chosen type of operation. METHODS: The study involved 136 adolescents treated with Salter and Chiari osteotomies or a triple pelvic osteotomy at the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery "Banjica" in Belgrade. The patients were between 10-20 years old at the time of operation. We collected and analyzed data from all the patients: illness history, operative parameters, preoperative and postoperative pathoanatomic data. The data was statistically processed using the statistical software SPSS, defining standard descriptive values, and by using the appropriate tests of analytic statistics: t-test for dependent and independent variables, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon's test, parameter correlation, one-way ANOVA, multi-factorial ANOVA and logistic regression, according to the type of the analyzed data and the conditions under which the statistical methods were applied. RESULTS: The average CE angle after triple pelvic osteotomy was 43.5 degrees, more improved than after the Salter osteotomy (33.0 degrees) and Chiari osteotomy (31.4 degrees) (F = 16.822; p < 0.01). Postoperative spherical congruence was also more frequent after the triple osteotomy than after the other two types of operations, and with a high significance. Preoperative painful discomfort was found to be a valid predictor of indications for the triple osteotomy over both Chiari and Salter osteotomies. The valid explanators of effect for the triple osteotomy are: postoperative joint congruence (compared to the Chiari osteotomy) and increase in joint coverage (compared to Salter osteotomy). CONCLUSION: Triple pelvic osteotomy is the method of choice in the management of acetabular dysplasia and other disturbances of hip joint containment in adolescent age.

[Spinal localization of Paget disease--case report].

INTRODUCTION: Paget disease, localized on thoracal vertebrae, presents a significant challenge in diagnostics and treatment. Presenting with progressive neurological symptoms, it has a broad differential diagnostic spectrum and requires additio-nal radiological, neurological and endocrinological evaluation. Besides drug therapy, an operative decompression of nerve elements is performed when indicated. CASE OUTLINE: We present a case of an older male patient complaining of chronic progressive pain localized at fourth and fifth thoracal vertebrae, with slight but progressive hypertonus and hyperreflection of leg muscles, including no plantar response. Vertebral biopsy indicated parathyreoid disturbance, excluded by further endocrinological analyses. At that point a corporectomy of fourth and fifth vertebrae and titanium cage spondylodesis of adjacent levels was performed, with pathological findings suggesting Paget disease. Postoperatively, there was initial significant neurological improvement; unfortunately, 2.5 years after the operation a relapse of the disease developed with gibbus deformity. Further treatment was surgical in two stages (first by decompression, and later by broad laminectomy), resulting in partial neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Spinal localization of Paget disease as a monoostotic form must be considered in all cases of progressive neurological impairment accompanied by biochemical disturbances in blood and urine, and with radiologically evident deformity, pathological fracture or neoplastic destruction of vertebra. A combination of medicamentous and surgical treatment should significantly improve neurological condition.

[Factors influencing the development of avascular necrosis in non-operative treatment of the acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis].

INTRODUCTION: The acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis can result in development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head which is very difficult condition to treat. Orthopedic surgeon can influence the development of avascular necrosis. OBJECTIVE: The main objective in our study was to identify factors influencing the development of avascular necrosis in nonoperative treated patients for the acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis. METHOD: A total of 53 patients and 59 hips treated for the acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis at the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery,Banjica" between 1968-2004 were studied. Necessary data were obtained from the accurate medical records. RESULTS: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was diagnosed in 8 patients (13.56%). Six of them (75%) were treated by manipulative reduction in general anesthesia and spica cast immobilization. Fischer test, used for statistical data processing, found significant difference between two non-operative methods of treatment (p = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: Higher-degree epihyseal displacement as well as complete separation of the physis and metaphysis were found to be the risk factors of avascular necrosis. Every manipulation with the affected hip was also associated with higher percentage of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

[Complications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis].

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is well known disorder of the hip in adolescents, which is characterized by displacement of the capital femoral epiphysis from the metaphysis through the physeal plate. The incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is about 5-8 cases per 100,000 adolescents. Etiology of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is still unknown, but this disorder is probably combination of genetic, hormonal and mechanical factors. On the basis of patient's history, physical examination, and radiographs, slipped capital femoral epiphysis can be classified as acute or chronic. Two most severe complications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis are avascular necrosis and chondrolysis. Avascular necrosis is more commonly associated with the acute slips when the lateral epiphyseal vessels are disrupted. In chronic slips, avascular necrosis can occur as a result of treatment. Chondrolysis or cartilage necrosis can occur in untreated slips, but is often associated with spica cast imobilization or penetratation of the internal fixation screws into the joint space. The final outcome of avascular necrosis and chondrolysis is extremly poor for a patient. Therefore, the baseline of management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is treatment by adequate techniques that have high rate of success with minimal risk of complications.

[Postoperative cognitive deficits].

Cognitive dysfunctions are relatively common in postoperative and critically ill patients. This complication not only compromises recovery after surgery, but, if persistent, it minimizes and compromises surgery itself. Risk factors of postoperative cognitive disorders can be divided into age and comorbidity dependent, and those related to anesthesia and surgery. Cardiovascular, orthopedic and urologic surgery carries high risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. It can also occur in other types of surgical treatment, especially in elderly. Among risk factors of cognitive disorders, associated with comorbidity, underlying psychiatric and neurological disorders, substance abuse and conditions with elevation of intracranial pressure are in the first place in postoperative patients. Preoperative and perioperative predisposing conditions for cognitive dysfunction and their incidence were described in our paper. These are: geriatric patients, patients with substance abuse, preexisting psychiatric or cognitive disorders, neurologic disease with high intracranial pressure, cerebrovascular insufficiency, epilepsia, preeclampsia, acute intermittent porphyria, operation type, brain hypoxia, changes in blood glucose level, electrolyte imbalance, anesthetic agents, adjuvant medication and intraoperative awareness. For each of these factors, evaluation, prevention and treatment strategies were suggested, with special regard on anesthetic technique.

[Diagnosis and treatment of chondroblastoma--our experience].

The paper presented the results of diagnostics and treatment of patients with diagnosis of chondroblastoma, treated at the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica", Belgrade. A total of 30 patients were analyzed, involving the period from 1975-2004. All important data were obtained using the complete medical documentation, physical examination, radiographic findings and available additional diagnostic procedures. The proximal part of tibia, the proximal part of humerus and the distal part of femur were the most common sites of tumor, accounting for 63% of cases. Higher incidence of chondroblastoma was found in male patients, especially in the second decade of life. Pathohistological tumor verification was done in all patients. The patients were then treated by different surgical procedures, both on account of primary lesion and recurrence. Curettage and osteoplasty using the auto- and homograft were carried out in 21 patients, wide resection in nine cases, and amputation was performed in three cases. One patient had radiotherapy due to recurrence of lesion, nevertheless malignant transformation of chondroblastoma occurred in time. Seven patients manifested local recurrence, and one of them even had relapse on two occasions and malignant transformation of chondroblastoma. Malignant lesions were found in three cases (10% of patients); one lesion was diagnosed as primary while other two malignancies were detected only after recurrence, and the treatment was completed by lower leg amputation.

[Chondroblastoma--current opinion].

Chondroblastoma of bone is rare bone tumor, representing around 1% of benign bone lesions. It is considered a benign lesion, although primary malignant form as well as malignant alteration in the form of chondrosarcoma has been documented. It occurs predominantly in the second decade, more commonly in males. Predilection sites include proximal humeral epiphysis, femoral and tibial condyles, but it can be found in other bones, too (skull, pelvis, posterior vertebral structures, tarsal bones). Radiographically, it appears as an ovoid lesion with thin sclerotic margin, located centrally in the epiphysis. Pathohistologically, it is described as highly cellular tissue, variably differentiated and with discrete granulated to meshy calcification of the matrix and large multinuclear cells present in 20% of cases. Secondary formation of aneurysmal bone cyst has been documented. Tumor is presented with a few nonspecific local symptoms, which makes diagnostic procedure more difficult. Definitive diagnosis is made only by pathohistological verification. A pathological fracture of weakened epiphysis is possible. The treatment of chondroblastoma is strictly surgical, with a view to counteract the propagation into the joint or adjacent soft tissue, and diminish the recurrence rate. Chemotherapy is not indicated for treatment of this tumor, and radiotherapy is contraindicated as it stimulates malignant alteration. If malignant chondroblastoma of bone is verified pathohistologically, radical treatment by surgical resection is indicated, also avoiding any adjuvant therapy.

[Reconstruction of the infected war defects of the tibia: a fragment elongation according to the Ilizarov technique].

INTRODUCTION/AIM: The treatment of tibia defects complicated with chronic osteomyelitis is difficult, often requiring one or more surgical interventions with prolonged periods of functional incapacity. METHODS: We treated 20 patients with tibia defects, who had been wounded during the war operations in the former Yugoslavia, complicated with chronic osteomyelitis by applying the Ilizarov apparatus. In 10 patients with the average defect of 4.7 cm, interfragmentary diastasis of 1.5 cm, and 3.1 cm of shortening we applied the bilocal synchronous compressive - distractive method (BSCD). In the remaining 10 patients with average defect of 6.4 cm, interfragmentary diastasis of 5.5 cm, and 1.6 cm of shortening we applied bilocal alternating distractive - compressive osteosynthesis (BADC). RESULTS: The average followup was 93 months. In the group A, the average distraction index was 10.6, maturation index 39.8, and external fixation index 52.5. In the group B, the average distraction index was 11.7, maturation index 47.1, and external fixation index 60.1. The average time from the application to the apparatus removing was in the group A 6.5 months, and in the group B 11.9 months. There were 27 complications: 11 problems, 8 disturbs, and 8 true complications. Pin-track inflammation of the soft tissue was noted most frequently (6 patients). CONCLUSIONS: One stage of repairing inflamation and the restitution of defect in lower leg tissue was the advantage of this type of treatment. All of the patients recovered. There was not any bad result, either in osteal or in functional outcome.

[Review of thirty patients with bone chondroblastoma].

BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyse the results of the treatment of the patients with the diagnosis of chondroblastoma, to confirm the possible malignancy and to recommend the best and the safest method of the treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 30 patients with chondroblastoma who were treated between 1975 and 2004. Data were obtained using complete medical documentation, physical examinations, radiographic findings, and the available additional diagnostic procedures. RESULTS: We found that the proximal part of the tibia, proximal part of the humerus, and distal part of the femur were the most common sites of the tumor in 63% of the cases. The higher prevalence of chondroblastoma in male patients was found, especially in the second decade of life. The patients were treated with different surgical procedures after histologically confirmed chondroblastoma. In 1 of the patients, radiation therapy was performed because the lesion recurred, after which the malignant transformation of chondroblastoma occured. We found two more malignant chondroblastomas, one of which had been diagnosed as a primary tumor. Seven patients had a local recurrence, one of them had a second recurrence and the malignant transformation of chondroblastoma. The only solution was a below-knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Chondroblastoma of bone is a rare lesion with the high local recurrence rate. We emphasized the need for an adequate and rapid diagnosis, including histological verification. The treatment was strictly surgical. The basic goal of the treatment was to avoid tumor penetration into articular cavity and/or local soft tissues. Malignant chondroblastoma of bone should be treated with radical surgical resection, avoiding any adjuvant therapy.