Efficacy of single-shot adductor canal block before Versus after primary total knee arthroplasty - Does timing make a difference? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe postoperative pain. Multimodal analgesia, including peripheral nerve block, is recommended for post-operative pain relief. Administration of some pain medications prior to surgery has shown to be more effective than after the operation. This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of the adductor canal block (ACB) performed immediately before or immediately after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that ACB before the surgery will reduce postoperative pain and improve knee function. METHODS: A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups, with 26 patients receiving a preoperative ACB and 24 receiving a postoperative ACB. RESULTS: Treatment groups were similar in terms of gender (p = .83), age (p = 0.61) weight (p = .39) and ASA score. Average visual analogue scale (VAS) on arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) were 4.9 ± 3.2 in the preoperative ACB versus 3.4 ± 2.8 for the postoperative ACB (p = .075). VAS scores at different time points as well as the mean, minimal and maximal reported VAS scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The cumulative quantities of Fentanyl administered by the anesthesia team was comparable between the groups. Similarly, the dosage of Morphine, Tramadol, Acetaminophen and Dipyrone showed only small variations. The Quality of Recovery Score, Knee Society Scores and knee range of motion did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate no significant differences in patient total narcotics consumption, pain scores and functional scores, between preoperative and postoperative ACB in patients undergoing TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov and was assigned the registration number NCT02908711. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level I randomized controlled trial.

Antibiotic prophylaxis as a quality of care indicator: does it help in the fight against surgical site infections following fragility hip fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Fragility hip fractures are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. To improve patient care, quality indicator programs were introduced. Yet, the efficacy of these programs and specific quality indicators are questioned. We aimed to determine whether defining prophylactic pre-surgical antibiotic treatment as a quality indicator affected hip fracture outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 65 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 01/01/2011 and 30/06/2016, before and after the prophylactic pre-surgical antibiotic treatment quality indicator, which was introduced in 01/2014. Primary outcomes were 1-year surgical site infections (SSI). Secondary outcomes were meeting the quality index and mortality rates, either within a hospital or during the first post-operative year. RESULTS: 904 patients, ages 82.5 ± 7.2 years were operated for fragility hip fractures. 403 patients presented before the antibiotic prophylaxis quality indicator, and 501 following its administration. Patients demographics were comparable. In the pre-quality indicator period, documentation of prophylactic antibiotic treatment was lacking. Only 19.6% had a record for antibiotic administration in their surgical records and for merely 10.4% the type of antibiotic was stated. However, in the post-quality indicator period, 97.0% of patients had a registered prophylactic antibiotic regimen in the hour preceding the surgical incision (p < 0.001). Post-operative SSI rates were equivalent, and as were in-hospital infections, mortality and recurrent hospitalizations CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of the pre-operative antibiotic treatment quality indicator increased the documentation of antibiotic administration yet failed to influence the incidence of post-operative orthopaedic and medical infections in fragility hip fracture patients.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Hip Fracture Patients Hospitalized in an Orthogeriatric Unit Versus an Orthopedic Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a significant health risk in older adults and a major cause of morbidity, functional decline and mortality. Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes of older patients hospitalized in an ortho-geriatric (OG) unit to those hospitalized in an orthopedic department (OD) for surgical treatment of a hip fracture. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of hip fractured patients hospitalized between 2015-2016 in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center. Included were patients aged 65 and older who had undergone hip fracture surgery and were admitted to either a geriatric or orthopedic ward. RESULTS: 441 patients met the inclusion criteria (195 in the OG unit, 246 in the OD); 257 were transferred to an affiliated geriatric center hospital (107 from the OG unit and 127 from the OD) for rehabilitation. Patients in the OG unit were older, more cognitively and functionally impaired and with more comorbidities. The 1-year mortality rate was significantly lower in the OD group (OR 0.32, CI 95% 0.19-0.53, p < 0.001), however, after propensity matching, the 30-day and 1 year mortality rates were similar in both groups. No difference was found in the rehabilitation length of stay between the groups. The functional independence measure improvement was similar in both groups, with a non-significant trend toward better functional improvement among OG unit patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the higher complexity of patients, worse baseline functional capacity in the OG unit, improvement after rehabilitation was similar in both groups. These results demonstrate the advantages of the OG unit in treating and stabilizing frail older adults, thus maximizing their chances for a successful recovery after hip fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Impact of the Holocaust on the outcomes of elderly patients sustaining a fragility hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Holocaust survivors (HS) were under an immense continues physical and mental stressors in their younger years, putting them at increased risk for both fragility hip fractures and worse medical and functional outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether being a HS could affect the functional outcomes of fragility hip fractures in patients 80 years of age and older following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 80 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016. HS survival status was self-defined by survivors who were born in European and northern African countries that were later occupied by the Nazi regime during World War II and experienced incarceration in concentration camps, forced labor camps and mass transport. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations and orthopedic complications within the post-operative year. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one HS and 339 controls, ages 86.4 ± 4.4 years who were operated for fragility hip fracture between January 2011 to June of 2016 were included in the study. Patients from both groups were of similar age, Carlson's co-morbidity index score, leaving arrangement and pre-fracture mobility. Among HS there were more women (p = 0.029). HS did not have lower survival rates either within hospital or in the post- operative year. Both length of stay and in-hospital complication rates were similar between groups. In the post-operative year, HS were less likely to be hospitalized than controls (p = 0.021). The rate of orthopedic complications was also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Holocaust survivors patients do not achieve worse outcome following fragility hip fracture surgery and present distinctive resilience.

Prediction of readmissions in the first post-operative year following hip fracture surgery.

PURPOSE: To define risk factors for rehospitalization following fragility hip fractures and to create a predictive model. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients 65 years and older, who were treated operatively following fragility hip fractures between 01.2011 and 06.2016. Patients were allocated into two study groups based on the occurrence of recurrent hospitalizations in the year following surgery. Demographic information, comorbidities, and in-hospital characteristics were collected, as was information regarding 1-year readmissions. Multivariate analysis of factors predictive of rehospitalizations was performed, followed by a logistic regression using all predictors with p < 0.05. A stepwise backwards elimination method was used to create the predictive model. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-one patients were included; 369 (43.4%) had recurrent hospitalizations within the first post-operative year. Patients who were rehospitalized were more likely to be males, to use a walking aid and to live dependently. They had a higher age-adjusted Charlson's comorbidity index (ACCI) score, a higher perveance of atrial fibrillation, lower hemoglobin, worse renal function, less platelets, and longer time to surgery. Prevalence of in-hospital complications was similar. Six variables were found to independently influence the chance for readmissions: male gender, the use of a walking aid, higher ACCI score, lower hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and a longer surgical delay. Only the first four were found to be adequate predictors and were added to the prediction formula. CONCLUSION: High 1-year readmission rates are seen following discharge in patients with fragility hip fractures. Addressing risk factors might aid to better rehabilitate patients and reduce morbidity.

Conservative treatment for pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis: a single institution experience.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) of the hand is a common infection which is clinically diagnosed using Kanavel's signs. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to devastating outcomes, including reduced range of motion (ROM), deformities, tendon impairment or even amputation. While the gold standard for treatment is irrigation and debridement of the flexor sheath, little is known about the outcomes of conservative treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Patients treated conservatively for PFT between 2000 and 2013 were included. Demographic information, co-morbidities and clinical features at presentation such as Kanavel's signs and inflammatory markers levels were gathered. Treatment course, length of stay (LOS), functional outcomes and complications were collected. Fifty-four (54) patients presented with PFT in the study period. Forty-six (46) patients, ages 19-84 years old, who were treated conservatively were included. Average time from symptoms onset to presentation was 4.6 ± 7.1 days. Fourteen (14) patients failed to improve with course of oral antibiotics prior to presentation. The average number of Kanavel's signs was 3 ± 0.7. Inflammatory markers were elevated in 82.2% of patients. The mean LOS was 4.7 ± 2 days. Forty-four (44) patients continued follow-up for 55 ± 45 months. Final flexion ROM was full or minimally limited in 69% of patients. Three patients were eventually operated. Complication rate for the entire cohort was 4.3% and no fingers were lost. This retrospective case series indicate that inpatient empirical IV antibiotic therapy can be considered for patients presenting with uncomplicated PFT, provided it is practiced under a hand specialist's surveillance.

Outcome of non-surgical treatment of proximal femur fractures in the fragile elderly population.

INTRODUCTION: With the aging of the population the rate of fragility hip fractures increases. While medical recommendations are for hasten surgical treatment, for some older patients burdened with severe comorbidities, this might be risky. AIMS: To compare the outcomes of patients treated non-surgically to those of the most fragile patients treated surgically. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, of individuals aged ≥65 years who presented with fragility hip fractures between 01.01.2011-30.06.2016, to a primary trauma center. Patients treated surgically were stratified according to their age-adjusted Charlsons' comorbidity index (ACCI) score. Patients in the upper third of ACCI score, representing the more fragile population, were compared to patients treated non-surgically. RESULTS: 847 patients presented with fragility fractures. 94 (11%) were treated non-surgically and 753 (89%) underwent surgery. Medical reasons were the leading cause for non-surgical treatment (61.7%). Surgically-treated patients were stratified according to their ACCI and 114 patients with ACCI > 9 were chosen for comparison. While both groups were comparable in terms of age, the non-surgical treatment group had more female patients (p. = 0.026) and a smaller proportion of independent walkers (p < 0.001). The ACCI was higher for the surgical treatment group (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was similar (14.9% and 18.1% for the operative and non-surgical groups respectively, P. = 0.575). However, one-year mortality was significantly higher for the non-surgical group (48.2% vs. 67.0%, P. = 0.005). The rates of in-hospital complications and 1-year readmissions were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Operative treatment for fragility hip fracture reduces long-term mortality rates even in the more fragile patients, compared to non-surgical treatment.

Surgical Site Infections in Elderly Fragility Hip Fractures Patients Undergoing Warfarin Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a devastating complication of proximal femoral fracture surgery, related with an increased morbidity and mortality. As warfarin treatment has been described as a risk factor for SSI, we aimed to compare patient and SSI characteristics in warfarin and nonanticoagulated patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Individuals 65 years of age and older with fragility hip fractures. INTERVENTION: Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: warfarin treated (n = 85) or nonanticoagulated (n = 771). Demographics, in-hospital characteristics, laboratory data, prior hospitalizations, recent antibiotic use, and 1-year incidence of SSIs and their characteristics were gathered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative SSIs. RESULTS: Twelve patients (14.1%) from the warfarin group and 21 patients (2.7%) from the noncoagulated group had SSI (P < 0.001). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics and Charlson comorbidity score. Warfarin-treated patients had reduced white blood and neutrophils counts (10.1 ± 3.2 vs. 11.6 ± 4.0 cells/mm and 8.1 ± 3.2 vs. 9.6 ± 3.9 cells/mm for both comparisons respectively; P < 0.001 for both). They were more likely to be admitted to a geriatric ward than to orthopedics ward and were delayed to theater (58.5 ± 44.5 vs. 30.6 ± 27.4 hours; P < 0.001). Following surgery, there was no difference in blood transfusions required, in-hospital complications, or time to infection. Rates of prior hospitalizations, antibiotic use, or type of bacteria did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Warfarin treatment in fragility hip fracture surgery is correlated with an increased risk for SSI, regardless of in-hospital complications, and hospitalizations before surgery or to the infection itself. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rate and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury Following Hip Fracture Surgery in Diabetic Older Patients Treated with Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Antagonists.

BACKGROUND: The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors has increased over the past few years. There are conflicting data as to their relationship with acute kidney injury following surgery. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the article was to evaluate the risk of acute kidney injury in diabetic older patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and their medical outcomes following fragility hip fracture surgery. METHODS: Consecutive diabetic patients presenting with fragility hip fractures to our primary trauma center between January 2012 and June 2016 were included. Demographic and clinical data, including co-morbidities, medication use, and laboratory results, were collected from the electronic medical records. The primary outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury; the secondary outcome was 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventeen patients were included; 125 were receiving treatment with medications targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. No association was found between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and the risk of acute kidney injury, which occurred in 25% of the cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that diuretic use, particularly furosemide, increased the risk of acute kidney injury during hospitalization (p = 0.003). However, in a multivariate analysis, only age and estimated glomerular filtration rates were associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury. Patients with acute kidney injury were found to have increased mortality during the first post-operative year (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication after hip fracture surgery in elderly diabetic patients and is associated with increased 1-year mortality; however, it was not found to be associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker pre-fracture treatment.

Timing of physiotherapy following fragility hip fracture: delays cost lives.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative physiotherapy (PT) following fragility hip fractures is intended to improve balance, gait, and muscle strength for enhanced functional outcomes. This study aims to assess whether postponing initiation of PT effects patients' outcomes during hospitalization and in the first 3 months following discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 65 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016, within 48 h from admission, and started PT treatment either in the first post-operative day (POD1) or later (POD2-5). Patients were operated upon as soon as medically possible and in accordance with theater availability. All surgeries were performed outside of workday hours (either in the afternoon or during the weekend). Group allocation was established corresponding with the surgical day, as PT services are unavailable during weekends and holidays, and surgeries were performed daily. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations, and orthopedic complications within 3 months. RESULTS: 747 patients were included in the study; 525 patients started PT at POD1 and 222 had delayed PT. Patients' demographics, living arrangements, age-adjusted Charlsons' co-morbidity index, mobility, hemoglobin levels, and implant type were comparable. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for the delayed PT group, 6.8 vs. 3.2% (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.06-4.42, p value 0.034). One-year mortality, in-hospital complications, and the average number of 3 months' recurrent hospitalizations did not differ between groups. A trend for more orthopedic complications was noted in the delayed PT group (p = 0.099), and patients from this group were readmitted more often due to orthopedic surgery-related reasons (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative delay in PT following fragility hip fracture surgery was related to increased risk for in-hospital mortality.

Morbidity and mortality after fragility hip fracture surgery in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants.

INTRODUCTION: Early surgical treatment is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with fragility hip fractures. Anticoagulation treatment poses a surgical challenge. While the action of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) can be reversed, for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) antidote is only available for dabigatran. We aimed to assess the outcomes of patients treated with VKAs or DOACs undergoing surgical treatment for fragility hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients presenting with proximal femoral fractures between January 2012 and June 2016. Patients with VKAs received vitamin-K. Primary outcomes were 1-year and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were time to surgery, in-hospital complications, need for blood transfusions and 1-year readmissions. RESULTS: Seven-hundred seventy-nine patients (796 hips) were included; 103 received VKAs, 47 DOACs and 646 no-anticoagulation. No difference between the 3 groups was noted with respect to patients' demographics or surgery type. Charlson's comorbidity index was higher for the DOACs group. Patients under anticoagulation were delayed to theater (Surgery < 48 h in 51% DOACs and 59% VKAs patients vs. 92% of no-anticoagulation, p < 0.001). Neither in-hospital nor 1-year mortality differed between groups. No other outcome measures differed, except for more wound infections in VKAs patients. CONCLUSIONS: While preoperative anticoagulation delays surgery following fragility hip fractures, this delay was not found to be related to increased morbidity or mortality. DOACs-treated patients did not have adverse outcomes compared to VKAs-treated patients despite the irreversibility of their treatment.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased elastin fiber loss in ligamentum flavum of patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis: results of a pilot histological study.

PURPOSE: Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is associated with fibrosis, decreased elastin-to-collagen ratio, and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause metabolic disturbances within the extracellular matrix in multiple tissues. These alterations may play a major role in the severity of clinical symptoms of LSCS affecting diabetic patients. We aimed to examine the hypothesis that DM may contribute to the LF changes seen in patients with LSCS. METHODS: The study cohort included 29 patients: 23 with LSCS (10 with DM vs. 13 without DM) as well as six patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Surgical LF specimens were retrieved for histological assessment. Morphologic quantification of confocal microscopy images using fast Fourier transform analysis allowed us to compare anisotropy and elastin fiber orientation between groups. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between fasting plasma glucose values and degree of elastin degradation (r = 0.36, p = 0.043). The diabetic patients with LSCS showed a significantly greater loss of elastic fibers (2.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 0.55, p = 0.009), although fibrosis was shown to be similar (1.44 ± 0.7 vs. 1.43 ± 0.88, p = 0.98). There was no significant difference in the degree of calcification in the LSCS group between patients with and without diabetes (1.71 vs. 2.05%, p = 0.653). Fiber orientation was found to be less homogenous in the LSCS compared with the LDH group, although not significantly affected by DM. CONCLUSIONS: The present study points to a significant contribution of DM to the loss of elastin fibers that occurs in the LF of patients with LSCS.

Medial forefoot fillet flap for primary closure of transmetatarsal amputation: A series of four cases.

Amputation of the forefoot is a salvage procedure for several forefoot acute or chronic infection. A good, sensate and durable skin cover is important for quicker and better rehabilitation. The use of filleted flaps (or "spare parts technique") has been published in the past as a creative technique. The purpose of this article is to introduce a reproducible, pre-planned, technique that requires less creativity for the use of the "spare parts". The authors describe a case series of 4 patients with deep infection and osteomyelitis of the forefoot, without involvement of the medial skin that underwent two staged procedure for transmetatarsal amputation with medial forefoot fillet flap. The first procedure was amputation of the 4 lesser metatarsal and the wound was left open. After a few days the second operation was done with amputation of the first metatarsal bone and using the filleted medial skin and subcutaneous tissue for closure of the wound. In conclusion the medial fillet flap is an effective method of covering large wounds after partial, lateral forefoot amputation. This method shortens the healing time of the patient, and in hospital stay. The authors recommend using the staged method when dealing with diabetic patients with partial, central and lateral forefoot deep infection and/or necrosis.

[BISPHOSPHONATES AS A PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOPOROTIC HIP FRACTURES: A MIXED BLESSING].

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of bisphosphonates for treating osteoporosis in the last two decades has raised concern about the complication of atypical hip fractures secondary to bisphosphonate treatment. These fractures may be the result of a minor trauma to the hip or without any trauma at all. It may be heralded by prodromal groin or hip pain. Prolonged bisphosphonate treatment and atypical fractures may exist, but the nature and the extent of this linkage are still unknown. Currently, there is a lack of adequate evidence-based methods or a consensus about the treatment of this unique phenomenon. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of all subtrochanteric hip fracture cases admitted to our department in the years 2010-2014. During that period, we treated a total of 1315 patients:726 patients with pertrochanteric fractures, 514 patients with subcapital fractures and 75 patients with distal subtrochanteric fractures. Among those, 16 patients (1.2%) qualified as atypical hip fractures. The location of the fracture, period of bisphosphonates use, fixation type, complications and recovery were recorded. RESULTS: The average age of the patients in our study was 76.9 years. All patients were treated with bisphosphonates and over 80% of the patients were treated specifically with Alendronate prior to the fracture. Mean treatment time was 7.8 years. Most of the fractures (75%) were subtrochanteric, and the others were at the femur midshaft. All patients received surgical fixation and all accomplished union of the fractures. CONCLUSIONS: It seems reasonable to assume a causative relationship between a long term use of bisphosphonates and the occurrence of atypical hip fractures. It is a relatively rare complication; nevertheless, it should be kept in mind during a long term use of bisphosphonates. According to our department's clinical experience we found no delay in bone union with these atypical hip fractures. It seems reasonable to prophylactically fixate atypical stress fractures before they become a full fracture.

A comparison of treatment setting for elderly patients with hip fracture, is the geriatric ward superior to conventional orthopedic hospitalization?

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures in the elderly are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The treatment settings of these patients may change their outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients with displaced femoral neck fractures who were admitted to the orthopedic vs. geriatric wards. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 217 consecutive older patients with 219 displaced femoral neck fractures admitted either to the orthopedic or the geriatric ward between Jan. 2013 and Jun. 2015. Information regarding demographic, medical history, surgical management, hospitalization, and one year readmissions and mortality data was retrieved from electronic charts. RESULTS: 102 hemiarthroplasty patients were admitted to the orthopedic ward and 117 to the geriatric ward. Patients' characteristics, including age, living arrangements, mobility status and the Charlson Comorbidity Index were similar between groups. Patients from the orthopedic ward had shorter hospitalization time (9±5.1 vs. 10.8±6.7days, p=0.022) and presented a lower in-hospital complication rates (0.6±0.96 vs. 1±1.9, p=0.022), namely fewer events of urinary retentions, urinary tract infections and pneumonias (8.8% vs. 23.9%, p=0.004, 3.9% vs. 14.5%, p=0.010 and 2.9% vs. 12.2%, p=0.034, respectfully). Readmission rates were similar. Neither in hospital nor one year mortality rates differed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that geriatric care was not superior to orthopedic directed management in the treatment of elderly patients with hip fractures in terms of in-hospital complications, and hospitalization times.

Extended Paratricipital Approach for Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Humerus.

This article describes an extensile surgical exposure to the distal humerus that is suitable for complex fractures involving the articular surface and extending into the humeral diaphysis proximal to the radial nerve. This method combines 2 approaches: olecranon osteotomy and the lateral paratricipital approach. This combination allows an appropriate exposure of both the articular surface and the humeral diaphysis up to the level of the deltoid tuberosity, while maintaining the extensor mechanism unharmed.

A Novel Non-Invasive Adjuvant Biomechanical Treatment for Patients with Altered Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Results of a Pilot Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Many factors contribute to suboptimal results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but little is known regarding the value of postsurgical rehabilitation after TKA. We examined the effects of an enhanced closed kinematic chain exercises program (AposTherapy) on gait patterns and clinical outcomes among patients with a lack of progress in their postsurgical rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were prospectively followed during the study. Gait spatiotemporal parameters were measured at the initial evaluation, after 15 minutes of therapy, and after 3 months of therapy. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the short form (SF) 36 health survey were completed by patients before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: The WOMAC and SF-36 scores improved significantly after 3 months of treatment. Gait velocity, single limb support, and step length of the operated leg improved significantly even after a single 15 minutes treatment. Normal gait velocity was observed in 36% of patients after 3 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A physiotherapy program that included enhanced closed kinematic chain biomechanical therapy was beneficial for patients who experienced a suboptimal rehabilitation course after TKA.

New approach for the rehabilitation of patients following total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a biomechanical therapy on gait, function and clinical condition in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Seventeen TKA patients participated in the study. Patients received a biomechanical therapy AposTherapy). Patients underwent a gait test, clinical examination and an assessment of pain, function and quality of life (QOL). Patients were examined again at one, three and six month follow-ups. RESULTS: A significant improvement over time was found in most gait measurements. Significant improvements were also found in pain, function and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The examined biomechanical therapy may help in the rehabilitation process following TKA.

[Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow].

The term posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) was coined in 1991 by O'Driscoll to describe the instability of the elbow caused by injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). This condition, which is usually preceded by a traumatic dislocation of the elbow, is the most common type of chronic instability of the elbow. In this type of instability, the radius and ulna rotate externally in relation to the distal humerus, leading to posterior displacement of the radial head relative to the capitellum. lateral elbow pain, clicking, popping and snapping are possible symptoms. The diagnosis of PLRI relies on a high index of suspicion and on a detailed physical examination. Several tests have been described including apprehension tests and examination under anesthesia. Surgical treatment with reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex yields successful results. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of the pathoanatomy, presentation, physical examination, diagnostic tests and management of chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

Intramedullary nailing without curettage and cement augmentation for the treatment of impending and complete pathological fractures of the proximal or midshaft femur.

Metastases in the proximal femur and in the femoral diaphysis are usually treated with either cephalomedullary or intramedullary nailing. The benefit of curettage and augmentation of the nail with methyl methacrylate remains controversial. The authors retrospectively studied the outcomes with cephalomedullary and intramedullary nailing without curettage and methyl-methacrylate augmentation for lytic metastases of the proximal/diaphyseal femur. Twenty-one complete (11) or impending (10) pathological fractures in 19 consecutive patients were treated between January 2006 and August 2013. There were 11 women and 8 men. Their mean age was 62 years (range, 38 to 87). All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy.The average postsurgical survival was 9.7 months (range 1-36 months). A single deep infection was debrided. Seventeen out of 19 patients were ambulatory, with or without a walking aid. No implant failure was noted. In other words, patients succumbed to the disease prior to hardware failure. Femoral nail insertion without curettage and cement augmentation provided satisfactory stabilization of proximal and diaphyseal femur fractures, impending or complete, even when there was massive bone destruction.