Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Symptomatic Pseudarthrosis After Toe Fracture with Symphalangism: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASE: Distal phalangeal fractures are often treated conservatively. However, some patients experience residual pain. We report 2 cases of patients who underwent low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy for pseudarthrosis after fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe with symphalangism. Both patients (female, 63 and 33-year-old, respectively) underwent conservative treatment with buddy-taping fixation; however, bone union failed, and LIPUS therapy was initiated. In both cases, bone union was achieved and pain resolved after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Bone union occasionally fails after conservative treatment of distal phalangeal fractures. LIPUS is a useful treatment of symptomatic pseudarthrosis after such fractures.

Treatment of Infected Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia Using the Ilizarov Method and the Orr Dressing / Tratamento das pseudoartroses infectadas da tÍbia pelo mÉtodo de Ilizarov associado ao curativo de Orr

Abstract Objective This study aims to analyze outcomes and clinical and epidemiological data of infected tibial pseudarthrosis using the Ilizarov method and the Orr dressing. Methods Data from n = 43 patients diagnosed with infected tibial pseudarthrosis were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. In addition, Paley's assessment criteria evaluated bone and functional outcomes. Qualitative variables were presented as the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. The presentation of quantitative variables followed the D'Agostino-Pearson test. Results Thirty-seven (86.04%) subjects were males, and six (13.95%) were females. The most frequent age group among patients was 50 to 59 years old (25.6%), with a p-value = 0.8610. The treatment time was longer for the trifocal treatment (23.8 months) when compared to the bifocal treatment (15.6 months), with a p-value = 0.0010* (highly significant). Excellent bone outcomes represented 72.09% of the sample; 23.25% of outcomes were good. Functional outcomes were excellent in 55.81%, good in 6.97%, and regular in 27.90% of subjects. The Orr dressing (using Vaseline gauze) proved effective, achieving wound healing with soft tissue coverage in all patients evaluated. Conclusions The Ilizarov method resulted in a substantial change in the treatment of bone infections, especially infected pseudarthrosis. The versatility of this method has turned it into an effective tool, allowing the healing of the infectious process and the correction of potential deformities and shortening.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os resultados e os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos do tratamento das pseudoartroses infectadas da tíbia pelo método de Ilizarov associado ao curativo de Orr. Métodos Para analisar os dados de n = 43 pacientes com diagnóstico de pseudoartrose infectada da tíbia foram aplicados métodos estatísticos descritivos e inferenciais e os resultados ósseos e funcionais foram avaliados de acordo com os critérios de avaliação de Paley. As variáveis qualitativas foram apresentadas por distribuição de frequências absolutas e relativas. As variáveis quantitativas foram apresentadas pelo teste de DAgostino-Pearson. Resultados Foi encontrado que 37 (86,04%) eram do sexo masculino, 6 (13,95%) femininos. A faixa etária mais frequente entre os pacientes foi de 50 a 59 anos (25.6%), p-valor = 0.8610. O tempo de tratamento é maior no tratamento trifocal (23.8 meses) quando comparado com o Bifocal (15.6 meses), p-valor =0.0010* (altamente significante). Os resultados ósseos excelentes representaram 72,09%, 23,25% foram de resultados considerados bons. Os resultados funcionais considerados excelentes foram 55,81%, os resultados bons foram 6,97%, resultados regulares foram 27,90. O curativo com gaze vaselinada (curativo de Orr) mostrou-se eficaz, alcançando assim a cicatrização das feridas com cobertura de partes moles em todos os pacientes avaliados. Conclusões O método de Ilizarov proporcionou uma mudança substancial no tratamentos das infecções ósseas, especialmente das pseudoartroses infectadas. A versatilidade deste método se transformou em uma ferramenta eficaz, permitindo a cura do processo infeccioso, bem como correção das possíveis deformidades e do encurtamento.

Clinical Results of Decortication with Bone Grafting Method versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment in Long-Bone Pseudoarthrosis.

BACKGROUND Despite advanced treatment methods, the treatment of pseudoarthrosis still poses a significant challenge for orthopedists. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical results of decortication and bone grafting and extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) in long-bone pseudoarthrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2007 and 2015, 68 fractures of 66 patients treated for long-bone pseudoarthrosis were evaluated retrospectively. ESWT was used in 36 extremities and decortication and iliac bone grafting was used in 32. The treatment results of these patients were evaluated and compared with rates in the literature. RESULTS The mean patient age was 43.9 years (range, 21-69). The mean interval between the occurrence of the fracture and treatment with bone grafting or ESWT was 8.6 months and the mean interval between the procedure and achievement of union was 6.9 months. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 25.2 months. After the mean follow-up period, bone union had occurred in all 32 patients (100%) in the decortication and bone grafting group and in 28 (78%) of the 36 patients in the ESWT group (P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that extracorporeal shock wave treatment should be considered the first option in treatment of pseudoarthrosis as it is a non-invasive method and also provides good rates of union. In patients that do not heal with ESWT, decortication and bone grafting remains the criterion standard therapy.

Displasia Fibrosa tratada com Técnica de Masquelet: relato de caso / Fibrous Dysplasia treated with Masquelet Technique: case report

Introdução: A displasia fibrosa (DF) do osso é uma desordem congênita, rara, que corresponde de 5 a 10% dos tumores ósseos benignos, não hereditária, que cursa com amplo espectro de apresentação, variando do assintomático à dor óssea, fraturas de repetição, deformidades ósseas (fêmur em cajado de pastor e fácies leonina) e compressão de nervos cranianos. Histologicamente é composta de estroma fibroso celular de baixo a moderado grau circundando trabéculas ósseas de formato irregular sem borda osteoblástica. Todos os casos contêm a mutação GNAS1. A DF apresenta duas formas: a monostótica, mais comum (70-80%), e a poliostótica, mais rara (20-30%), que quando acompanhada de manchas café-com-leite e puberdade precoce constitui a síndrome de McCune-Albright ou Síndrome de Mazabraud em casos mais raros. O tratamento pode ser feito com medicamentos como bifosfonato ou de forma cirúrgica, objetivando-se a correção das lesões com curetagem e enxertia óssea ou como iremos mostrar a seguir, pela Técnica de Masquelet. Este trabalho relata o caso de um menino de 20 anos de idade cujos sinais e sintomas conduziam ao diagnóstico de DF sendo realizado tratamento com Técnica de Masquelet e follow up de 18 meses. Além disso, faz revisão de literatura sobre uma doença pouco comum, com variada gama de diagnósticos diferenciais. Objetivo: relatar um caso de displasia fibrosa com tratamento cirúrgico de enxerto autólogo de fíbula pela Técnica de Masquelet. Método: relato de caso de paciente do Ambulatório de Especialidade do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal, de 20 anos de idade, que foi acompanhado por 1 ano e meio apresentando um tumor ósseo na tíbia compatível com diagnóstico de displasia fibrosa, que ao longo desse período foi submetido à Técnica de Masquelet. Conclusão: É pouco descrito na literatura o tratamento de displasia fibrosa pela Técnica de Masquelet, que mostrou ter ótimo resultado funcional para o paciente estudado. Palavras-chave: Displasia Fibrosa Óssea. Displasia Fibrosa. Técnica de Masquelet. Técnica de Membrana Induzida.

Management of Bone Failure in Fracture of the Distal Region of the Femur Using the Masquelet Technique with Fibula Graft Associated with Iliac-Crest Graft: Report of Two Cases / Manejo de falha óssea em fratura da região distal do fêmur pela técnica de Masquelet com enxerto de fíbula associado a enxerto de crista ilíaca: Relato de dois casos

Abstract Two cases of bone failure after fracture of the distal region of the femur treated with the Masquelet technique are presented. The first case involves acute bone loss, and the second, pseudarthrosis. The proper management of these lesions led to consolidation and a good functional result.

Resumo Dois casos de falha óssea após fratura da região distal do fêmur tratados pela técnica de Masquelet são apresentados. O primeiro caso envolve uma perda óssea aguda, e o segundo, uma pseudoartrose. O manejo adequado dessas lesões levou à consolidação e a um bom resultado funcional.

Does radial shock wave therapy works in pseudarthrosis? Prospective analysis of forty four patients.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we analyze a new treatment option for pseudarthrosis using radial shock waves. The traditional treatment to pseudarthrosis is surgical. As an option to specific cases, focal shock waves seem to present good results with bone union without a subsequent surgical procedure. As radial shock waves reach less energy and less depth penetration than focal shock waves, they usually are not indicated for the treatment of pseudarthrosis of any bone segment. There are publications that show evidences of the action of radial shock waves stimulating bone consolidation in vitro, in animals and in humans. We will present a new option for failure of consolidation in superficial bones submitted to radial shock wave therapy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of radial shock waves in the treatment of superficial bone pseudarthrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2019, we conducted a prospective study with 44 consecutive patients with pseudarthrosis. All patients had prior indication for treatment with surgery and were treated with radial shock waves as a nonsurgical treatment option. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically pre-treatment and 6 months after. Clinically, patients complained of pain and dysfunction, according to the segment affected, and radiographically, evidences of pseudarthrosis in at least two X-ray views. As the outcomes: satisfactory when there was bone union, no pain, and return function; unsatisfactory when there was no bone union and maintain pain and dysfunction. All patients were treated with the same equipment and by the same physician. The treatment consisted in 3 sessions with weekly interval; in each session, 3000 radial shock waves were applied with 4 bar of energy. RESULTS: After 6 months, clinical analysis and X-ray evidence on 77.2% of the patients presented bone union and clinical improvement classified as satisfactory result. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Treatment of pseudarthrosis in superficial bones with radial shock waves is effective and safe.

Safety and Tolerability of Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined with ß-Tricalcium Phosphate in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Phase I Clinical Trial.

The rates of pseudarthrosis remain high despite recent advances in bone graft substitutes for spinal fusion surgery. The aim of this single center, non-randomized, open-label clinical trial was to determine the feasibility of combined use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) for patients who require posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and pedicle screw fixation. Two polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages were inserted into the intervertebral space following complete removal of the intervertebral disc. The PEEK cage (SVF group) on the right side of the patient was filled with ß-TCP in combination with SVF, and the cage on the left side (control group) was filled with ß-TCP alone. Fusion rate and cage subsidence were assessed by lumbar spine X-ray and CT at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. At the 6-month follow-up, 54.5% of the SVF group (right-sided cages) and 18.2% of the control group (left-sided cages) had radiologic evidence of bone fusion (p = 0.151). The 12-month fusion rate of the right-sided cages was 100%, while that of the left-sided cages was 91.6% (p = 0.755). Cage subsidence was not observed. Perioperative combined use of SVF with ß-TCP is feasible and safe in patients who require spinal fusion surgery, and it has the potential to increase the early bone fusion rate following spinal fusion surgery.

[Diaphyseal pseudarthrosis treatment algorithm]. / Algoritmo del tratamiento de la seudoartrosis diafisaria.

We present a therapeutic guide of diaphyseal pseudoarthrosis with the different degrees of difficulty faced by the orthopedic surgeon, mentioning the principles that must be followed to obtain optimal results.

Se presenta una guía terapéutica de la seudoartrosis diafisaria con los diferentes grados de dificultad a que se enfrenta el cirujano ortopédico, mencionando los principios que deben seguirse para obtener óptimos resultados.

[Scaphoid pseudarthrosis : Complex reconstruction using vascularized bone grafts]. / Skaphoidpseudarthrose : Komplexe Rekonstruktionen mithilfe vaskularisierter Knochentransplantate.

The most important goals of scaphoid reconstruction in pseudarthrosis are correction of the humpback deformity, the realignment of the proximal carpal row and the bony union of the scaphoid. Therefore, in most cases bone grafting is required. To increase the healing rate and to improve vascularization, several kinds of vascularized bone grafts have been developed. Pedicled grafts are preferably harvested from the dorsal or palmar side of the distal radius with fusion rates between 27% and 100%. Free microvascular grafts can be obtained from the iliac crest and the medial or lateral femoral condyle with fusion rates between 60% and 100%. For their application microsurgical equipment and skills are required. Up to now osteochondral grafts from the femoral condyle offer the only chance for joint surface replacement by transferring part of the surface of the femoropatellar joint. The use of vascularized grafts is still a matter of controversy, since their superiority is still unproven compared to nonvascularized grafts, which also achieved 100% fusion rates in several series. They are indicated in secondary procedures after failed reconstruction and nonunion with small avascular proximal pole fragments. Since no evidence-based guidelines exist, this article provides an experience-based treatment algorithm for scaphoid nonunion with special consideration to vascularized bone grafts.

Algoritmo del tratamiento de la seudoartrosis diafisaria / Diaphyseal pseudarthrosis treatment algorithm

Resumen: Se presenta una guía terapéutica de la seudoartrosis diafisaria con los diferentes grados de dificultad a que se enfrenta el cirujano ortopédico, mencionando los principios que deben seguirse para obtener óptimos resultados.

Abstract: We present a therapeutic guide of diaphyseal pseudoarthrosis with the different degrees of difficulty faced by the orthopedic surgeon, mentioning the principles that must be followed to obtain optimal results.

[Scaphoid pseudarthrosis without circulatory disorder : Management and standard procedure for primary treatment]. / Skaphoidpseudarthrose ohne Durchblutungsstörung : Management und Standardverfahren der primären Behandlung.

Nonunion of the scaphoid is a severe complication of often insufficiently treated scaphoid fractures or those which have been diagnosed too late. The treatment of scaphoid nonunion is challenging und should be performed by experienced hand surgeons. The anatomical shape, the retrograde blood supply and the biomechanics of the scaphoid complicate the healing process. A delayed union or nonunion of the fractured scaphoid leads to persistent pain, restricted mobility and degenerative changes of carpal bones and wrist. The goal of treatment is bony healing of the pseudarthrosis with reconstruction of the anatomical shape and restoration of the axial alignment of the scaphoid. A prerequisite is the right choice of the different treatment options available. Fundamental to this is a careful pretherapeutic assessment as well as an individual classification of the pathological alterations and the morphological features of the nonunion. For this purpose, radiological cross-sectional imaging by means of computed tomography is essential. There is no consensus in the literature about the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. The available data do not enable the establishment of a superior treatment procedure. The most common surgical procedure used to treat scaphoid nonunion is autologous bone grafting combined with screw fixation. This article provides an up to date overview of the management and standard procedures for the primary treatment of scaphoid nonunion without a circulatory disorder.

Epidemiological Analysis of Major Complications Requiring Medical Intervention in Patients with Neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibromatosis 1 has various complications. To elucidate the frequency of neurofibromatosis 1-related major complications requiring medical intervention, a nationwide retrospective study was conducted of 3,530 patients with neurofibromatosis 1 registered from 2001 to 2014 in Japan. The ratio of certified patients requiring medical intervention (>stage 3) was 82%. Patients classified in the most severe grade experienced dermatological complications (71.8% of patients), neurological complications (38.1%) and bone complications (33.3%). In patients with dermatological manifestations, medical treatment was needed for cutaneous neurofibromas (58%), diffuse plexiform neurofibromas (31%) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (10%). Patients with neurological manifestations needed medical treatment mainly for brain tumours (53%) and intellectual disability (26%). Patients with bone manifestations needed medical treatment for pseudoarthrosis (9%), scoliosis (55%) and bone defects (16%). It is necessary for physicians to be aware of neurofibromatosis 1-related complications requiring medical intervention in order to provide appropriate care for patients with neurofibromatosis 1.

A Cohort Study of the Natural History of Odontoid Pseudoarthrosis Managed Nonoperatively in Elderly Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Although the primary goal of treatment of type II odontoid fracture is bony union, some advocate continued nonsurgical management of minimally symptomatic older patients who have fibrous union or minimal fracture motion. The risk of this strategy is unknown. We reviewed our long-term outcomes after dens nonunion to define the natural history of Type II odontoid fractures in elderly patients managed nonoperatively. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive adults aged 65 or older with Type II odontoid fracture initially managed nonsurgically from 1998 to 2012 at a single tertiary care institution was conducted. Particular attention was paid to patients who had orthosis removal despite absent bony fusion. Patients were contacted prospectively by telephone and followed until death, surgical intervention, or last known contact. RESULTS: Fifty patients initially were managed nonsurgically; of these, 21 (42.0%) proceeded to bony fusion, 3 (6%) underwent delayed surgery for persistent instability, and 26 (52%) had orthosis removal despite the lack of solid arthrodesis on imaging. The last group had a median follow-up of 25 months (range 4-158 months), with 20 of 26 (76.9%) followed until death. Of these patients, 1 patient developed progressive quadriplegia and dysphagia 11 months after initial injury. Compared with patients with spontaneous union, patients with nonunion had shorter life expectancy, despite no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, sex, injury mechanism, radiographic variables, or follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: Orthosis removal despite fracture nonunion may be reasonable in elderly patients with Type II dens fractures.

Clinical translation of a mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy developed in a large animal model and two case studies of the treatment of atrophic pseudoarthrosis.

Pseudoarthrosis is a relatively frequent complication of fractures, in which the lack of mechanical stability and biological stimuli results in the failure of bone union, most frequently in humerus and tibia. Treatment of recalcitrant pseudoarthrosis relies on the achievement of satisfactory mechanical stability combined with adequate local biology. Herein we present two cases of atrophic pseudoarthrosis that received a tissue-engineering product (TEP) composed of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) combined with deantigenized trabecular bone particles from a tissue bank. The feasibility of the treatment and osteogenic potential of the cell-based medicine was first demonstrated in an ovine model of critical size segmental tibial defect. Clinical-grade autologous BM-MSC were produced following a good manufacturing practice-compliant bioprocess. Results were successful in one case, with pseudoarthrosis resolution, and inconclusive in the other one. The first patient presented atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the humeral diaphysis and was treated with osteosynthesis and TEP resulting in satisfactory consolidation at month 6. The second case presented a recalcitrant pseudoarthrosis of the proximal tibia and the Masquelet technique was followed before filling the defect with the TEP. This patient presented a neuropathic pain syndrome unrelated to the treatment that forced the amputation of the extremity 3 months later. In this case, the histological analysis of the tissue formed at the defect site provided evidence of neovascularization but no overt bone remodelling activity. It is concluded that the use of expanded autologous BM-MSC to treat pseudoarthrosis was demonstrated to be feasible and safe, provided that no clinical complications were reported, and early signs of effectiveness were observed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seudoartrosis atrófica: Efecto de la aplicación de ondas de choque extracorpóreas en un modelo experimental en tibia de conejos / Atrophic pseudoartrosis. Effect of extracorporeal shock waves application in an experimental model in tibia of rabbits

Introducción: Los efectos de las ondas de choque extracorpóreas se han investigado en osteoblastos humanos, focos fracturarios, seudoartrosis y células periósticas. Los mejores resultados del tratamiento de la seudoartrosis con ondas de choque extracorpóreas se han documentado para seudoartrosis hipertróficas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de la terapia con ondas de choque extracorpóreas sobre un foco de seudoartrosis "atrófica" generado en tibia de conejo. Métodos: Se establecieron tres grupos: A, fracturados sometidos a ondas de choque extracorpóreas; B ("control"), fracturados no sometidos a ondas de choque y C, no fracturados (pierna derecha). Se trataron 37 conejos (cuniculus NV) blancos y esqueléticamente maduros de Nueva Zelanda. Se practicó la cauterización del periostio con electrobisturí bipolar en una extensión de 20 mm, en ambos muñones óseos (proximal y distal). Luego se aplicaron ondas de choque extracorpóreas en una sola sesión. Se realizaron tinciones con hematoxilina-eosina. Se efectuó el análisis biomecánico con un método de carga a "3 puntos". Se estudiaron la carga máxima aplicada y el módulo de elasticidad para cada grupo. Resultados: El estudio histológico permitió registrar signos de consolidación -callo fracturario perióstico y endostal- considerablemente mayores en las tibias de los animales del grupo A (tratado con ondas de choque extracorpóreas) que en las del grupo B "control". Conclusión: En un modelo experimental original de seudoartrosis atrófica generada por electrocauterización en tibia de conejos, se registraron cambios significativos radiográficos e histológicos luego de la intervención del foco mediante ondas de choque extracorpóreas. Nivel de Evidencia: II

Introduction: The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have been investigated in human osteoblasts, fracture foci, nonunion and periosteum cells. The best results of nonunion treatment with ESWT have been documented for hypertrophic type. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ESWT in an atrophic nonunion focus generated in a rabbit tibia model. Methods: Three groups were included: A, fractures receiving ESWT; B ("control"), fractures not receiving ESWT, and C, no fractures (right leg). A total of 37 New Zealand white and skeletally mature rabbits (cuniculus NV) were treated. Periosteum was cauterized using bipolar electrocautery at 20 mm in both bone stumps (proximal and distal). Then ESWT was applied in one session. Staining with hematoxylin-eosin was used. A biomechanical analysis with a 3-point loading system was performed. Maximum load and elastic modulus were evaluated in each group. Results: Histological study evidenced signs of union (periosteal and endosteal fracture callus) which were considerably larger in tibias of Group A (treated with ESWT) as compared to the control group (Group B). Conclusion: In an experimental model of atrophic pseudarthrosis caused by electrocautery in tibias of rabbits, significant radiographic and histological changes were observed after focus intervention with the application of ESWT. Level of Evidence: II

Osteogénesis por distracción en seudoartrosis infectada de fémur: Caso clínico / Distraction osteogenesis in femoral infected nonunion. Case report

Comunicamos un caso de seudoartrosis infectada de fémur secundaria a una fractura expuesta de tipo IIIC, tratada con osteogénesis por distracción. Hombre de 32 años con una fractura expuesta de fémur derecho con lesión arterial por disparo de escopeta. Es operado de urgencia y se le efectúa limpieza quirúrgica, fijación externa y reparación arterial. Evoluciona con una seudoartrosis infectada femoral distal, por lo que, a los 24 meses de evolución, es sometido a una resección amplia y queda un defecto óseo de 12 cm, que se resuelve mediante distracción osteogénica. La osteogénesis por distracción es útil para obtener la reparación y la consolidación de variados defectos óseos. Requiere de un paciente comprometido con un proceso terapéutico demandante. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

We report a case of infected nonunion secondary to a type IIIC open femoral fracture, treated by distraction osteogenesis. A 32-year-old man with a gunshot open fracture of the distal right femur with arterial injury. Surgical debridement, external fixation and arterial repair are performed as emergency procedure. The patient develops a femoral infected nonunion, so 24 months later a wide resection is performed leaving a 12 cm bone defect that is regenerated by distraction osteogenesis. Distraction osteogenesis is a useful procedure for the repair and consolidation of several bone defects. It requires patient´s commitment to a demanding therapeutic process. Level of Evidence: IV