Midfoot width changes after first metatarsal osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: A biomechanical effect?

Hallux valgus is a challenging pathology characterized by a valgus deformity in the metatarsophalangeal area of the first ray. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of first metatarsal osteotomy on the relationship between midfoot bones in patients with hallux valgus. The sample consisted of patients from the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinic who underwent surgical treatment for hallux valgus. Preoperative and postoperative X-rays were compared regarding the width of the midfoot and the tarsometatarsal joint. The sample consisted of 17 women, with 22 feet assessed in each group. The distance from the medial cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance from the intermediate cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance between the first and fifth metatarsals, and the distance between the second and fifth metatarsals reduced significantly between pre- and postoperative assessments. Hallux valgus correction through osteotomy of the first metatarsal leads to a structural change in the midfoot. Further studies should determine whether these changes persist over time.

Assessment of the alpha angle and mobility of the hip in patients with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alpha angle of the hip in patients with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and compare it with patients without injury. In addition, external and internal rotation of the hip was assessed and correlated with the alpha angle. METHODS: The alpha angle of the ipsilateral hip was assessed in 41 subjects with non-contact ACL tear and compared with 39 subjects with no tear. The external and internal rotation of the ipsilateral hip was also evaluated. RESULTS: The alpha angle was larger in subjects with noncontact ACL injury. The mean was 70.31° (±13.92°) compared with 58.55° (±13.95°) in the control group (p < 0.001). The groups were similar when considering the external, internal, and sum of rotation of the ipsilateral hip. There was no correlation between the alpha angle and decreased rotational range of motion of the hip in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with noncontact ACL injury presented a greater alpha angle when compared with the group without tear. There was no difference in the rotational mobility of the hip between groups, nor was there a correlation between the increase in the alpha angle and the decrease in the rotational mobility of the hip.

Femoral tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using RigidFix compared with extracortical fixation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare femoral tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using hamstring autograft tendons fixed by bioabsorbable femoral trans-tunnel pins with that in patients in which the graft was fixed with extracortical fixation. METHODS: Forty-three patients were randomly selected from our database and included in the study. Femoral tunnel diameter was measured by computed tomography in 20 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction via anteromedial portal technique using autologous quadruple hamstrings, fixed with two bioabsorbable trans-tunnel pins, RigidFix, on the femoral side and compared with 23 patients in whom extracortical fixation, EndoButton CL, was used. The diameter of the femoral tunnel was measured at a distance of 5 mm from the tunnel entrance and at the largest diameter along the tunnel axis. Data were compared with the diameter of the drill used during surgery. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score and anterior knee laxity measurements. RESULTS: Femoral tunnel enlargement 5 mm from the entrance and at the largest diameter was greater in the RigidFix group than the EndoButton group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, gender, post-operative Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score or knee laxity measurements. CONCLUSION: The present study showed greater enlargement of the femoral bone tunnel when a bioabsorbable trans-tunnel pin system was used with the medial portal technique when compared to extracortical fixation. These findings confirm that femoral tunnel widening should be considered when RigidFix was used in ACL reconstruction by anteromedial portal technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Range of motion and radiographic analysis of the hip in patients with contact and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: To compare the range of motion (ROM) and radiography of the hip joints in male patients with contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and non-contact ACL injury. METHODS: ROM of the ipsilateral hip was evaluated in 35 male patients with contact ACL injury (contact group) and compared to that of 45 male patients with a non-contact ACL injury (non-contact group). Radiographic evaluation of hip joints was also performed to assess the presence of cam and pincer-type deformity . RESULTS: ROM of the hip joint was statistically higher in patients with contact ACL injury. The average sum of hip rotation in the non-contact group was 66.1 ± 8.4° compared to 79.4 ± 10.6° for the contact group (p < 0.001). Seventy-seven per cent of patients in the non-contact group had a sum of hip rotation <70° and 93 % had <80°, compared to17.1 and 42.9 % in the contact group (p < 0.001). Prevalence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in the groups. Cam or pincer deformity was not more frequent in patients with limited ROM of the hip. CONCLUSION: Individuals with contact ACL injury had greater ROM of the hip joints than those with non-contact ACL injury. The presence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in both groups and was not related to decreased ROM of the hip joints. These findings may assist the surgeons to identify new risk factors for non-contact ACL injury and, additionally, develop prevention program of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Numerical analysis of multi-level versus short instrumentation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

PURPOSE: The research analyses the strength of metallic implants in posterior spinal instrumentation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, considering extended and short fixation techniques on the immediate post-surgical load. Considering that short fixation may bring the advantage of a less invasive surgical procedure to the patient and may also result in lower costs, this evaluation becomes necessary. METHODS: Three-dimensional modelling of the thoracolumbar spine was initially performed. CT images were captured and converted for analysis with the ANSYS program. Both treatment techniques were analysed for stresses, and strains generated in the immediate postoperative period, when the fracture is still not healed. RESULTS: The maximum stress obtained for long fixation by the theory of Von Mises was 230 MPa, and it was located in the rod area next to the L2 vertebra. The maximum stress obtained for short fixation was 274.24 MPa, and it was located in the pedicle screw on the T12 vertebra. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between the two techniques, since the observed stresses are well below the flow stress of the material, ensuring good safety factor (ranging from 3.5 to 4.1).

Association between trochanteric bursitis, osteoarthrosis and total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: this was an epidemiological study on trochanteric bursitis at the time of performing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: sixty-two sequential patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthrosis, without any previous history of trochanteric bursitis, were evaluated. The bursas were collected and evaluated histologically. RESULTS: there were 35 female patients (56.5%) and 27 male patients (43.5%), with a mean age of 65 years (±11). Trochanteric bursitis was conformed histologically in nine patients (14.5%), of whom six were female (66.7%) and three were male (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: 14.5% of the bursas analyzed presented inflammation at the time that the primary total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthrosis was performed, and the majority of the cases of bursitis were detected in female patients.

OBJETIVO: fazer um estudo epidemiológico da bursite trocantérica no momento da feitura da artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ). MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 62 pacientes, sequenciais, submetidos à ATQ por osteoartrose, sem história prévia de bursite trocantérica. As bursas foram coletadas e avaliadas histologicamente. RESULTADOS: foram observados 35 pacientes do sexo feminino (56,5%) e 27 do masculino (43,5%), com média de 65 anos (+/−11). A bursite trocantérica foi confirmada histologicamente em nove (14,5%), seis do sexo feminino (66,7%) e três (33,3%) do masculino. CONCLUSÕES: das bursas analisadas, 14,5% apresentaram inflamação no momento da feitura da ATQ primária por osteoartrose. A maioria das bursites foi detectada nas pacientes femininas.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by means of an anteromedial portal and femoral fixation using Rigidfix.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a series of patients who underwent surgery for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with flexor tendons, by means of the anteromedial transportal technique using Rigidfix for femoral fixation, and to analyze the positioning of the pins by means of tomography. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The clinical evaluation was done using the Lysholm, subjective IKDC and Rolimeter. All of them underwent computed tomography with 3D reconstruction in order to evaluate the entry point and positioning of the Rigidfix pins in relation to the joint cartilage of the lateral condyle of the femur. RESULTS: The mean Lysholm score obtained was 87.81 and the subjective IKDC was 83.72. Among the 32 patients evaluated, 43% returned to activities that were considered to be very vigorous, 9% vigorous, 37.5% moderate and 12.5% light. In 16 patients (50%), the distal entry point of the Rigidfix pin was located outside of the cartilage (extracartilage); in seven (21.87%), the distal pin injured the joint cartilage (intracartilage); and in nine (28.12%), it was at the border of the lateral condyle of the femur. CONCLUSION: The patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by means of the anteromedial transportal using the Rigidfix system presented satisfactory clinical results over the length of follow-up evaluated. However, the risk of lesions of the joint cartilage from the distal Rigidfix pin needs to be taken into consideration when the technique via an anteromedial portal is used. Further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up times should be conducted for better evaluation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma série de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior com tendões flexores pela técnica transportal anteromedial com o uso de Rigidfix para fixação femoral e analisar o posicionamento dos pinos por meio de tomografia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 32 pacientes. A avaliação clínica foi feita com os escores de Lysholm, IKDC subjetivo e Rolimeter. Todos foram submetidos a tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução em 3D para avaliação do ponto de entrada e do posicionamento dos pinos do Rigidfix em relação à cartilagem articular do côndilo lateral do fêmur. RESULTADOS: A média do escore de Lysholm obtido foi de 87,81 e do IKDC subjetivo, de 83,72. Dos 32 pacientes avaliados, 43% retornaram a atividades consideradas muito vigorosas, 9% a vigorosas, 37,5% a moderadas e 12,5% a leves. Em 16 pacientes (50%), o ponto de entrada do pino distal do Rigidfix foi localizado fora da cartilagem (extracartilagem), em sete (21,87%) o pino distal lesou a cartilagem articular (intracartilagem) e em nove (28,12%) ficou na borda da cartilagem articular do côndilo lateral do fêmur. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do LCA com o sistema Rigidfix pela técnica transportal anteromedial apresentaram um resultado clínico satisfatório no tempo de seguimento avaliado. Entretanto, o risco de lesão da cartilagem articular pelo pino distal do Rigidfix deve ser considerado quando a técnica via portal anteromedial é usada. Outros estudos com maior número de pacientes e com um tempo de seguimento mais longo devem ser feitos para melhor avaliação.

Dimensional analysis of total hip arthroplasty polyethylenes.

OBJECTIVE: This paper performs a dimensional analysis of different total hip arthroplasty polyethylenes, cemented and non-cemented, Brazilian made and imported. METHODS: It was considered acetabular components with 50 mm for the 28 mm femoral heads. Dimensional analysis was performed on a 3D coordinate Carl-Zeiss robotic device. Polyethylene thickness and its external measurements (maximum diameter and diameter for the femoral head) were measured. RESULTS: The minimum thickness of the polyethylene was guaranteed on all tested components. The thickness of cemented acetabular varied from 19.185 mm to 25.358 mm, while the thickness of the non-cemented acetabular varied from 12.451 mm to 19.232 mm. The thickness was 27.96% lower in non-cemented acetabular components. With respect to the polyethylene acetabular cavity that receives the femoral head, all internal diameters exhibit at least 28 mm. In relation to the maximum outer diameter of the polyethylene, only one cemented acetabular component reached 50 mm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: There are large differences in measurements between brands and models analyzed. Cementless acetabular components have the smaller thickness. The diameters of non-cemented acetabular were also lower than those cemented at the expense of their need to insert into the metal-back.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo faz uma análise dimensional dos diferentes acetábulos cimentados e não cimentados, nacionais e importados, disponíveis no mercado nacional para artroplastia total do quadril. MÉTODOS: Foram considerados os acetábulos de 50 mm, destinados às cabeças femorais de 28 mm. As análises dimensionais foram feitas em um equipamento tridimensional robótico de medição por coordenadas. Avaliou-se a menor espessura do polietileno e suas medidas externas (diâmetro do espaço para a cabeça femoral e diâmetro máximo do acetábulo). RESULTADOS: A espessura mínima do polietileno foi garantida em todos os componentes testados. A espessura dos acetábulos cimentados variou de 19,185 mm a 25,358 mm, enquanto a espessura dos acetábulos não cimentados variou de 12,451 mm a 19,232 mm A espessura foi em média 27,96% menor nos acetábulos não cimentados. Em relação à cavidade acetabular do polietileno que recebe a cabeça femoral, todos os diâmetros internos apresentaram pelo menos 28 mm. Em relação ao diâmetro externo máximo do polietileno, apenas um acetábulo cimentado atingiu os 50 mm de diâmetro. CONCLUSÕES: Observaram-se grandes diferenças nas medidas entre as marcas e os modelos analisados. Os acetábulos não cimentados têm uma espessura menor. Os diâmetros dos acetábulos não cimentados também foram menores do que os cimentados, à custa de sua necessidade de inserção no metal-back.

NEW BEARING SURFACES IN TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT.

Total hip arthroplasty is being increasingly indicated for younger and more active patients, in addition to a naturally growing demand for the procedure because of increasing life expectancy among patients. The high costs of this surgery and the controversies regarding implant performance have made this topic the subject of constant research, seeking new materials with better resistance to wear and better biocompatibility. The present article provides a review of new surfaces in total hip arthroplasty.

RADIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BONE TUNNEL POSITION IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY: COMPARISON BETWEEN THE OPEN TECHNIQUE AND ARTHROSCOPY VIA AN ANTEROMEDIAL PORTAL.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare bone tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using the arthroscopic technique and the open technique consisting of arthrotomy. METHOD: A comparative retrospective study on 70 patients with ACL lesions was conducted. Thirty-five patients underwent ACL reconstruction by means of the open technique and 35 by means of the arthroscopic technique using an anteromedial portal. All the patients underwent ACL reconstruction using an autologous graft from the middle third of the patellar tendon, fixed using interference screws. The postoperative radiographs were reviewed and the positioning of the femoral tunnel was evaluated using the methods proposed by Harner et al. and Aglietti et al., while the tibial tunnel was assessed using the method proposed by Rauschning and Stäubli. RESULTS: Fifty-four of the patients were male and 16 were female. Their mean age at the time of the procedure was 34 years and 3 months, with a range from 17 to 58 years. The arthroscopic technique was shown to be more accurate than the open technique for positioning both the femoral and the tibial bone tunnels. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological analysis on the knees subjected to ACL reconstruction showed that the positioning of both the femoral and the tibial bone tunnels presented less variation when the surgery was performed arthroscopically.