Minimally invasive approach with external fixator for intra-articular calcaneal fractures in children.

ABSTRACT: Calcaneal fractures are rare in pediatric population, with more displaced intra-articular fractures encountered due to the increasing number of high-energy trauma. Operative interventions are gaining popularity because of the unsatisfactory outcomes of traditional conservative methods. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of a minimally invasive technique using the sinus tarsi approach and external fixator in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures in pediatric patients.Patients who underwent open reduction between January 2010 and January 2018 at our institute were included in this study and reviewed retrospectively. Radiological and clinical parameters were all recorded and analyzed.Overall, 29 patients were included in the study, including 23 boys and 6 girls (10.2 ±â€Š2.2 years old). The average follow-up was 29.5 months postoperatively (range, 26-72 months). Bohler angle was 15.2 ±â€Š3.3° preoperatively, and 34.0 ±â€Š3.8° postoperatively (P < .001); Gissane angle was 101.8 ±â€Š6.2 degrees preoperatively, and 129.7 ±â€Š6.2° postoperatively (P < .001). The average length of incision was 3.4 ±â€Š0.7 cm. At the last follow-up, all patients showed satisfactory clinical outcomes and the score was 90.0 ±â€Š2.3 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale.Minimally invasive approach with external fixator is an effective method for treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in pediatric patients, with a lower incidence of wound-related complications and good cosmetic outcomes.

Complications during the treatment of missed Monteggia fractures with unilateral external fixation: a report on 20 patients in a 10-year period in a tertiary referral center.

The treatment of a missed Monteggia (MM) fracture dislocation is still controversial. We describe our initial experience with ulnar osteotomy and progressive correction with unilateral external fixator in MM. We retrospectively evaluated 20 children undergoing ulnar osteotomy and progressive distraction angulation by unilateral external fixator to treat MM. Nine patients had closed reduction, whereas 11 patients had simultaneous open reduction, repair, or reconstruction of the annular ligament and K-wire stabilization of the radiocapitellar joint. Patients were followed for an average of 3 (1-11) years. Three children developed aseptic nonunion and one child had delayed union. A distal level of the osteotomy significantly increased the rate of nonunion or delayed union. At the final follow-up, eight children had complete reduction of the radial head, six children had partial reduction, whereas in six cases, the radial head remained dislocated. The angulation and the level of the osteotomy significantly influenced the relocation, whereas the open reduction had no significant effect on the final position of the radial head. At the final follow-up, the Kim's score averaged 93.25. The flexion-extension arc significantly improved postoperatively, and it was positively correlated with the angulation. The ulnar osteotomy and progressive traction-angulation by unilateral external fixator can achieve satisfactory results in MM, if a meticulous surgical technique is applied; care must be taken regarding the level of osteotomy and the progressive traction-angulation.

Mesenchymal stem cells as adjuvant therapy for limb lengthening in achondroplasia.

Staged leg lengthening allows achondroplastic dwarfs to reach nearly normal height, but it takes long periods of external fixation and it can be burdened by delayed unions. Between 2009 and 2013, eight achondroplastic dwarfs showed delayed unions in the callus formation during femoral lengthening stages in our institute. We performed in-situ injections of bone marrow-derived stem cell concentrates. Patients underwent monthly clinical and radiographic assessment for determination of the healing rate. All eight patients showed an improvement in the regenerated bone, with an average healing index of 23.1 days/cm (range: 18.7-23.8 days/cm). The complete recovery of the delayed consolidation took on an average of 5.2 months (range: 2-10 months). The use of cellular therapy in these patients could represent an innovative application.

Correction of complex lower limb angular deformities with or without length discrepancy in children using the TL-HEX hexapod system: comparison of clinical and radiographical results.

The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographical results for treatment of lower limb multiaxial deformities±limb length discrepancy (LLD) of at least 2 cm with the Truelok hexapod fixator system (TL-HEX). All consecutive cases of lower limb multiaxial deformities were included. Patients were divided in two groups: group 1, lower limb angular deformity+LLD less than 2 cm, and group 2, lower limb angular deformity+LLD of at least 2 cm. Only patients with age younger than or equal to 20 years and follow-up of 6 months after removal of the external fixator were included. A total of 27 (six femur and 39 tibia treated) and 20 patients (12 femur and 19 tibia) were enrolled in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complete correction of the deformity was achieved in 90 and 96% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no differences in terms of external fixator, maturation, and distraction indexes between the two groups and between different anatomical sites. Good to excellent functional results (ASAMI score) were obtained in 93% of patients in group 1 and 75% in group 2 (P=0.01). Complication rate was similar between the two groups (7.4 vs. 10%, respectively). Average follow-up after removal of the external fixator was 25.6 (range: 7.0-54.0) months. The TL-HEX external fixator system allows a predictable correction of complex lower limb deformities regardless of the presence of LLD. Although complication rate is similar between the two groups, lower functional outcomes can be expected in patients with significant preoperative LLD.

Metacarpal Lengthening in Adults With Brachymetacarpia.

BACKGROUND: Metacarpal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis has been well documented in pediatric patients but limited in older patients. Fewer studies have assessed the success of the procedure through outcome measure scores. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of distraction osteogenesis in skeletally mature adults with brachymetacarpia and patients' perspectives on their satisfaction through outcome measure scores. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of metacarpal lengthenings for the treatment of brachymetacarpia was performed. Key parameters collected include starting metacarpal length, amount lengthened, range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint, type of fixator used, distraction time, and total time in fixator. Relevant comorbidities and complications encountered were recorded as well. The Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) and Limb Deformity Modified Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) score were given to evaluate patients' perspectives on their satisfaction of surgery. RESULTS: Seven metacarpal lengthenings were performed in 4 adult females (average age: 22.8 years) between 2005 and 2016. The average amount lengthened was 1.5 cm (range, 1.2-2.1 cm), corresponding to a mean percent lengthening of 44.4% (range, 33.3%-57.1%). The mean distraction rate was 0.432 mm/day (range, 0.286-0.724 mm/day). The mean distraction time was 38 days (range, 28-55 days). External fixation index was 71.8 days/cm (range, 53.5-99.2 days/cm). No functional loss was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive distraction osteogenesis can obtain functionally successful results and improvement in aesthetics and body image without severe complications in skeletally mature adults with brachymetacarpia.

New Trends in Ring Fixators.

Multiple versions of ring fixators are currently available to orthopaedic surgeons. Although the traditional Ilizarov-type ring fixator is still available, many surgeons are now using computer-assisted hexapod frames. There has been a recent surge in the number of different hexapod ring fixators on the market. This article will review some of the new trends in ring fixator hardware and software as well as discuss possible future directions of ring fixator development.

The Effect of Insertion Technique on Temperatures for Standard and Self-Drilling External Fixation Pins.

OBJECTIVES: No studies have assessed the effects of parameters associated with insertion temperature in modern self-drilling external fixation pins. The current study assessed how varying the presence of irrigation, insertion speed, and force impacted the insertion temperatures of 2 types of standard and self-drilling external fixation half pins. METHODS: Seventy tests were conducted with 10 trials for 4 conditions on self-drilling pins, and 3 conditions for standard pins. Each test used a thermocouple inside the pin to measure temperature rise during insertion. RESULTS: Adding irrigation to the standard pin insertion significantly lowered the maximum temperature (P <0.001). Lowering the applied force for the standard pin did not have a significant change in temperature rise. Applying irrigation during the self-drilling pin tests dropped average rise in temperature from 151.3 ± 21.6°C to 124.1 ± 15.3°C (P = 0.005). When the self-drilling pin insertion was decreased considerably from 360 to 60 rpm, the temperature decreased significantly from 151.3 ± 21.6°C to 109.6 ± 14.0°C (P <0.001). When the force applied increased significantly, the corresponding self-drilling pin temperature increase was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The standard pin had lower peak temperatures than the self-drilling pin for all conditions. Moreover, slowing down the insertion speed and adding irrigation helped mitigate the temperature increase of both pin types during insertion.

A Surgeon's Guide to Obtaining Hemorrhage Control in Combat-Related Dismounted Lower Extremity Blast Injuries.

The application of lessons learned on the battlefield for timely surgical control of lower extremity hemorrhage secondary to blast injuries to the civilian practice for similar wounding patterns from industrial accidents or terrorist activities is imperative. Although simple cut-down procedures are commonly sufficient for the control of blood vessels for distal extremity traumatic amputations, high-thigh or disarticulation wounding patterns often require more complex surgical methods. The following details both the decision-making process and operative techniques for controlling hemorrhage from lower extremity blast injuries.

Artrodiastasis de cadera en la enfermedad de Legg-Calvé-Perthes / Hip arthrodiastasis in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Introducción y objetivo. La artrodiastasis consiste en la movilización de la cadera mediante la distracción por medio de un fijador externo articulado. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es mostrar los resultados obtenidos en nuestro centro en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Perthes de inicio tardío o de mal pronóstico con esta técnica quirúrgica. Material y métodos. Revisión ambispectiva de todos los casos intervenidos en nuestro servicio de ortopedia infantil entre los años 2010 y 2014 con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 8 años, con mínima deformidad y pronóstico desfavorable. Se evalúan movilidad, dolor, Trendelenburg, esfericidad radiológica y complicaciones. Resultados. Se incluyeron 13 pacientes, 9 de ellos varones, con una edad media de 11,93 años. Siete casos presentaron signos radiológicos de riesgo. La disminución del dolor mediante EVA tras la cirugía fue cuantificada en 3,83 puntos (p < 0,05). Once casos mantuvieron la esfericidad cefálica durante el seguimiento (1,75 años). Las complicaciones observadas ascendieron al 84,6% de los casos, siendo la más frecuente la infección del trayecto de los tornillos, si bien fueron todas de sencillo manejo. Conclusiones. La artrodiastasis constituye una técnica mínimamente invasiva y útil en el tratamiento de Perthes de inicio tardío o de mal pronóstico, mejorando la clínica y manteniendo la esfericidad cefálica, siendo recomendable el tratamiento de estos pacientes al inicio de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, no está exenta de complicaciones, que pueden afectar a 8 de cada 10 pacientes tratados (AU)

Introduction and objective. Arthrodiastasis consists of the mobilisation of the hip while distracted by a hinged distractor. The aim of our study is to show the results of the treatment of late-onset Perthes disease with this technique in our institution. Material and methods. Ambispective review of all the cases that underwent this surgery in our Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics between 2010 and 2014 with the following inclusion criteria: patients over 8 years old, with minimal deformity, and poor prognosis. Mobility, pain, Trendelenburg sign, radiographic sphericity, and complications were assessed. Results. A total of 13 patients (9 male, 4 female) were included. The mean age was 11.93 years. Radiographic risk signs were present in 7 cases. The mean decrease in pain measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS) after the surgery was 3.83 points (P < .05). Cephalic sphericity was maintained in 11 cases during follow up (1.75 years). Complications were observed complications in 84.6% of the patients, with infection of the screw tract being the most frequent. All of them were easy to treat. Conclusions. Arthrodiastasis is a minimally invasive technique, useful in the treatment of late onset Perthes disease. It improves clinical results and maintains cephalic shape when applied in early stages. However, it is not free of complications, which can involve as many as 8 out of 10 patients treated with the technique (AU)

Surgical treatment of the Charcot foot.

With the increased number of diabetics worldwide and the increased incidence of morbid obesity in more prosperous cultures, there has become an increased awareness of Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle. Outcome studies would suggest that patients with deformity associated with Charcot Foot arthropathy have impaired health related quality of life. This awareness has led reconstructive-minded foot and ankle surgeons to develop surgical strategies to treat these acquired deformities. This article outlines the current clinical approach to this disabling medical condition.

Surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the ankle and hindfoot (Sanders/Frykberg Type IV) is challenging to treat surgically or nonsurgically. The deformities associated with ankle/hindfoot CN are often multiplanar, resulting in sagittal, frontal and rotational malalignment. In addition, shortening of the limb often occurs from collapse of the distal tibia, talus and calcaneus. These deformities also result in significant alterations in the biomechanics of the foot. For example, a varus ankle/hindfoot results in increased lateral column plantar pressure of the foot, predisposing the patient to lateral foot ulceration. Collapse of the talus, secondary to avascular necrosis or neuropathic fracture, further accentuates these deformities and contributes to a limb-length inequality. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: The primary indication for surgical reconstruction is a nonbraceable deformity associated with instability. Other indications include impending ulceration, inability to heal an ulcer, recurrent ulcers, presence of osteomyelitis and/or significant pain. Arthrodesis of the ankle and/or hindfoot is the method of choice when surgically correcting CN deformities in this region. The choice of fixation (i.e. internal or external fixation) depends on largely on the presence or absence of active infection and bone quality. CONCLUSION: Surgical reconstruction of ankle and hindfoot CN is associated with a high rate of infectious and noninfectious complications. Despite this high complication rate, surgeons embarking on surgical reconstruction of ankle and hindfoot CN should strive for limb salvage rates approximating 90%. Preoperative measures that can improve outcomes include assessment of vascular status, optimization of glycemic control, correction of vitamin D deficiency and cessation of tobacco use.

Evolution of the Hoffmann Fixators.

Dr. Raoul Hoffmann of Geneva, Switzerland with the collaboration of Henri Jaquet developed the original Hoffmann external fixateur as a system for treating broken bones without necessarily opening a fracture site to reposition the bone ends. This system has evolved to a more flexible, modular concept with input from surgeons and engineers. In this chapter the modifications of the Hoffmann family of fixators are traced and the important steps in the development of the concept and the instrumentation emphasized.

Clinical study of a new design multifunction dynamic external fixator system for bone reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Fractures with related problems including intercalary bone defect, shortening, and malunion are still major problems in orthopedic practice. The Ilizalov's circular external fixator device has several advantages for bone reconstruction but also has certain drawbacks such as its bulkiness and complicated mounting. To maintain the advantages of Ilizalov's original concept and combine with the simplicity of monolateral frame, a new design multifunction dynamic external fixator system was developed to overcome the drawbacks. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results and complications of a new design multifunction dynamic external fixator system for bone reconstructions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty patients requiring reconstructions between 2006 and 2009 participated in this study. The new design multifunction dynamic external fixators were used in 11 tibial and two femoral intercalary defects for bone transportation, three tibial and one femoral lengthening, and three tibial malunion correction (45, 60 and 75 degrees). RESULTS: In bone transportation, new bone formation and union at the docking site were achieved in all patients. The mean new bone formation was 5.8 cm (range 3.5-14) in tibia and 4.3 cm (range 3.5-5) in femur. The mean healing index was 46.3 days/cm (range 42-60) in tibia and 93.9 days/cm (range 85.7-102) in femur. In bone lengthening, new bone formation and union were achieved in all patients. The mean amount of elongation was 3.5 cm (range 3-4) in tibia and 5 cm in femur. The mean healing index was 71.1 days/cm (range 68.6-76) in tibia and 73 days/cm in femur. In malunion correction, the mean correction time was 65 days (range 35-84) and the mean healing time was 187.3 days (range 154-212). CONCLUSION: The new design multifunction dynamic external fixator system was successfully used for bone transportation, bone lengthening, and malunion correction with good results and low complications. It is simple, safe, and easy to use.

[The transosseous osteosynthesis by intra- and periarticular fractures of the knee joint].

105 patients with intra- and periarticular fractures of the knee joint were operated on with the use of nail and spin-nail apparatus constructed by A.I. Gorodnichenko. The possibility of atraumatic closed bone fragments fixation allowed quick patients' activization, and, as follows, improved their life quality, decreased the hospital stay and minimized complication rate. Fracture consolidation was achieved in all cases, the only complication registered was skin inflammation around the nail in 5 patients.

Deformidad en varo del tobillo del niño: corrección mediante fijación externa / Varus deformity of the ankle in a child: correction using external fixation

Introducción y objetivo. La deformidad en varo del tobillo durante la infancia es una secuela no infrecuente tras una epifisiolisis de tibia distal o una infección de esta zona durante la infancia. Los autores revisan los casos tratados mediante fijación externa. Material y métodos. Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva 14 casos de tobillo varo estudiados clínica y radiológicamente mediante telerradiografía anteroposterior de EEII en bipedestación y tratados mediante fijación externa monolateral. Se analizó la causa de la deformidad, su magnitud, procedimiento empleado, complicaciones y cierre precoz de fisis tras el tratamiento. Resultados. Se revisaron retrospectivamente todos los casos de tobillo varo, siendo las causas más frecuentes de deformidad en varo del tobillo durante la infancia: las epifisiolisis de la porción medial de la tibia distal (lesiones SH II, III o IV), infección de tibia distal y sepsis. Hubo dos casos de epifisiolisis tipo II, tres de tipo III y tres de tipo IV. Los métodos de corrección empleados fueron en cuatro casos la distracción fisaria cuando había fisis abierta o la osteotomía metafisaria distal y callotasis posterior en ocho casos. En dos se realizó la corrección de forma aguda asociando otro método de tratamiento para corregir una discrepancia concomitante. En todas las callotasis se realizó osteotomía del peroné, fijándolo con aguja de Kirschner excepto en tres casos. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron infecciones alrededor de los tornillos y desplazamiento ad-latum. Discusión y conclusiones. En esta serie se han obtenido buenos resultados en el tratamiento de la deformidad en varo del tobillo del niño mediante la condrodiastasis, la osteotomía y la callotasis. La distracción fisaria antes de alcanzar la madurez esquelética puede ser el método de elección. Si se realiza precozmente es presumible el cierre precoz del resto de fisis fértil. Si el tratamiento es hemicallotasis es recomendable además de la osteotomía del peroné su fijación intramedular con aguja de Kirschner (AU)

Introduction and objective. Varus deformity of the ankle during infancy is a not uncommon after effect after epiphysiolysis of the distal tibial or an infection in this area during childhood. The authors review the cases treated using external fixation. Material and methods. A retrospective review was made of 14 cases of varus ankle clinically and radiologically studied using lower limb antero-posterior teleradiography in the standing position and treated using monolateral external fixation. The cause of the deformity, its magnitude, procedure employed, complications, and premature physeal closure after treatment. Results. All cases of varus ankle were retrospectively reviewed, with the most frequent cause of the deformity in ankle varus during infancy being epiphysiolysis of the middle portion of the distal tibia (SH II, III or IV lesions), distal tibia infection or sepsis. There were two cases of epiphysiolysis type II, three of type III, and three of type IV. The methods of correction employed were, physeal distraction when the physis was open in four cases, and distal metaphyseal osteotomy and subsequent callus distraction in eight cases. In two cases correction was performed acutely combining another treatment method to correct a concomitant discrepancy. The callotasis was performed on all of them using fibular osteotomy, fixing it with a Kirschner wire, except in three cases. The most frequent complications were infections around the screws and ad-latum displacement. Discussion and conclusions. Good results have been obtained in this series of varus deformity of the ankle in the child by means of physeal distraction, osteotomy and callotasis. Physeal distraction before reaching skeletal maturity may be the method of choice. If it is performed earlier the premature closure of the rest of the fertile physis is likely. If the treatment is hemicallotasis, besides the fibular osteotomy, intramedullary fixation with a Kirschner wire is also recommended (AU)

[Osteosynthesis in distal intra-articular humeral fractures. External fixation with motion capacity]. / Bewegungsfixateur. Augmentierte (Re-)Osteosynthese bei distal intraartikulärer Humerusfraktur.

The rising incidence of distal intra-articular humeral fracture in elderly patients associated with osteoporosis frequently leads to difficulties in acute reconstruction and may result in early failure of internal fixation. The biomechanics of the elbow joint and especially the flexor group as well as the brachioradialis muscle as part of the extensor group is analyzed. The complex motion pattern of the transarticular muscle groups increases the load on internal fixation and may affect the interface between implant and osteoporotic bone. An external fixator with motion capacity serves to protect the internal osteosynthesis and secures the fixation in osteoporotic bone.

[External fixation with motion capacity in complex dislocation of the knee joint and associated injuries]. / Der Bewegungsfixateur bei komplexer Kniegelenkluxation mit Begleitverletzung.

Closed and open dislocations of the knee joint with vascular and nerve injuries are treated immediately and may present an indication for external fixation. In acute trauma definitive treatment and reconstruction of the complex capsule and ligamentous injuries are often impossible. The application of a medial transarticular external fixator with motion capacity combines the treatment of remaining joint instability with the benefit of early joint movement. Disadvantages of prolonged joint immobilisation until definitive stabilisation of the knee are reduced.

[Use of upper limb external fixation with motion capacity. Anatomical considerations]. / Anwendung von Bewegungsfixateuren an der oberen Extremität. Anatomische Grundlagen.

The use of external fixation in the upper limb requires detailed anatomical knowledge. The centre of rotation in the elbow joint has to be understood and the bony landmarks have to be identified. The joint mechanics and the mechanics of the external fixation device have to be collinear in a wide range of the natural motion capacity. Insertion of humeral and ulnar pins considering the specific anatomy is described and post-operative diagnostic aspects are illustrated.

[Fixator with motion capacity and distraction arthrodiatasis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness]. / Bewegungsfixateur und Distraktionsarthroplastik zur Behandlung der posttraumatischen Ellenbogensteife.

Elbow stiffness may result from trauma, burns and head injuries. It is defined as a total range of motion of <100° with no relevant loss of forearm rotation. Of particular relevance is the flexion deficit. A detailed analysis regarding the development of the elbow stiffness is required together with an exact diagnosis in order to plan the surgical intervention. Closed distraction of the elbow joint as arthrodiatasis with an external fixator is described and evaluated. Adequate long-term results can be achieved with this technique, which reflects proper selection of patients as well as coordination between surgeon, aftercare and physiotherapist. Contraindications are poor compliance, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, active hepatitis B and C infection, HIV infection and acute articular infection.