Hamstring graft diameter above 7 mm has a lower risk of failure following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Multi-stranded hamstring-tendon autografts have been widely used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgeries. Recently, smaller diameter hamstring autografts have been linked with the risk of failure or graft rupture. However, there is limited evidence concerning the optimal diameter of the hamstring autografts for ACLR. The current systematic review and meta-analysis analysed the association of ACLR failure with the diameter of hamstring autografts. METHODS: A systematic search of three major scientific databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library) was conducted to identify studies that presented ACLR failure-related outcomes with different diameters of hamstring autografts. The pooled data from the included studies were analysed to investigate the association between ACLR failure and the cut-off diameters of 6, 7, 8, and 9 mm. Subgroup analyses based on the level of evidence and follow-up duration were also performed at each cut-off diameter. RESULTS: Of the 2282 studies screened, 16 reported failure rates with hamstring autografts of different diameters, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis. A graft diameter ≥ 7 mm was associated with significantly lower ACLR failure rates than a graft diameter < 7 mm (p = 0.005), based on pooled data of 19,799 cases. Age < 20 years and higher physical activity were associated with significantly higher ACLR failure rates. CONCLUSION: The current systematic review suggests that the hamstring graft diameter for ACLR should be more than 7 mm considering the significantly higher failure rates with graft diameters less than 7 mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

An unusual pattern of posterior wall fracture of acetabulum.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe an uncommon presentation of posterior wall acetabular fracture-dislocation with displacement of fracture fragment anterior to femoral head with its management and clinico-radiological outcome. METHODS: This retrospective review was performed at a Level I trauma centre over a period of six years. Hospital records, radiological database, operative register and follow-up data identified 7 patients with anteriorly lying posterior wall fragment of acetabulum. Analysis was performed with 6 patients having complete follow-up ranging from 2 to 7 years. The patients were operated with standard Kocher-Langenbeck approach; modification of this approach with trochanteric flip osteotomy and safe surgical dislocation was performed based on the location of the anteriorly lying fragment. Final functional and radiographic outcome was analysed according to modified Merle D'Aubigné and Postel score, and Matta's grade, respectively. RESULTS: This uncommon presentation was observed in 11.11% of patients out of 63 patients with isolated posterior wall acetabular fractures managed during the study period. Anteriorly displaced posterior wall fragment was located in anterosuperior (n, 3), anterocentral (n, 2) and anteroinferior (n, 1) quadrants anterior to the femoral head. Final clinical and radiographic outcome revealed good-to-excellent outcome in 5 (83.33%) patients, and poor in one. One patient developed progressive arthrosis of hip which required total hip arthroplasty within 2 years. CONCLUSION: This unusual pattern of posterior wall fracture requires adequate pre-operative planning, careful handling of the fractured fragments along with its soft tissue attachments during surgery, and preferably a concomitant trochanteric flip osteotomy with/without surgical hip dislocation to achieve good results.

Modified radiographic views to prevent the anterosuperior and posterosuperior bony violation during screw fixation of femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The standard anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic projections used during femoral neck fracture fixation provide a two-dimensional representation of the cephalocaudal and anteroposterior extents of the femoral neck. The radiographic representation differs from the actual extent of the femoral neck. The anterosuperior (AS) and posterosuperior (PS) surfaces of the femoral neck are at risk of bony breach by the fixation screws and that may get easily missed with standard fluoroscopic views. The current study aims at investigating the special fluoroscopy views, based on the orientation of the AS and PS surface of the femoral neck, that can help in the safe placement of screws near these surfaces without bony breach. METHOD: A computed tomography-based analysis of fifty intact proximal femora was performed. The longitudinal axis of the proximal femoral shaft and the center of the femoral head were aligned along a common horizontal plane. The cephalocaudally constricted zone of the femoral neck was identified along its axis. The surface inclinations of the AS surface and the PS surface at the constricted zone of the femoral neck were measured in relation to the horizontal plane. The mean, standard deviation, overall range, interquartile ranges and gender-based variation of each of the two surface inclinations were measured. RESULTS: The mean surface inclinations of the AS surface and the PS surface with reference to the horizontal plane were 55° ± 7.76° and 123.32° ± 7.88°, respectively. There were no significant side to side and male to female differences. CONCLUSIONS: The modified radiographic views based on the surface inclinations of the AS and the PS surfaces can help in the localization of the critical zones of these surfaces which are at risk of bony breach with screw placement close to the surface. A prior fluoroscopic evaluation of these surfaces before guidewire placement can help in preventing the surface violation.

Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss After High Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) entails extensive soft tissue release that may lead to substantial perioperative bleeding. Although tranexamic acid (TXA) is a well-established blood-conserving agent in total joint arthroplasty, its potential to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing HTO has not been studied extensively. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does TXA reduce total estimated blood loss in HTO? (2) Does TXA use in HTO affect in-hospital endpoints as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at rest the day after surgery, wound complications in the immediate postoperative period, blood transfusions, or symptomatic deep vein thrombosis? METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2017, a single surgeon performed 156 HTOs, all of which were done using the medial opening wedge technique. We began using intravenous TXA for all HTOs in June 2016. This left us with 89 patients who were treated during a time when no TXA was used and 67 patients who were treated when all patients received TXA. Two patients in the control group had simultaneous TKA in the contralateral leg and one patient in each group had missing data so these patients were excluded, leaving 86 (97%) patients in the control group and 66 (98.5%) in the TXA group available for analysis in this retrospective study. There were no demographic differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, and baseline hemoglobin values. Total estimated blood loss was the primary outcome variable, which was calculated using total blood volume and decrease in hemoglobin values. Secondary outcome variables included pain VAS at rest the day after surgery, wound complications in the immediate postoperative period, allogeneic blood transfusions, and occurrence of symptomatic thromboembolic manifestations. The decision on when to transfuse was based on predetermined criteria. An orthopaedic surgeon not involved in patient care collected the patient data from electronic medical records and did chart review. RESULTS: The TXA group had less total blood loss (372 ± 36 mL versus 635 ± 53 mL, mean difference 263 mL [95% confidence interval, 248-278]; p < 0.001). Between groups, differences in VAS pain scores at rest the day after surgery favored the TXA group but were small and unlikely to be clinically important. There were two wound complications in the control group (one hematoma and one superficial wound infection) and none in the TXA group. No patients in either group received a blood transfusion, and no symptomatic thromboembolic events were detected in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the systemic administration of TXA reduces postoperative blood loss in medial opening wedge HTO; however, insofar as no transfusions were administered to patients even before the routine use of TXA in this series, and no clinically important differences in pain scores were identified, the clinical benefit of routine use of TXA in patients undergoing HTO is uncertain. Our study was too small to make safety-related claims on rare endpoints such as wound complications or thromboembolic events. Larger, and preferably randomized, trials are needed to help define whether it is important to use TXA in this setting. Our data can help inform sample size calculations for such studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Role of percutaneous cerclage wire in the management of subtrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nails.

PURPOSE: Cerclage wire application has emerged as a potential therapeutic adjunct to intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fractures. But its popularity is plagued by the concern of possible negative effect on fracture zone biology. This study was intended to analyze the clinico-radiological outcome and complications associated with cerclage wire application. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on all the subtrochanteric fractures operated with intramedullary nailing between January 2012 and January 2016. After exclusion, 48 patients were available with an average follow-up of 20.8 months. Long oblique, spiral, spiral wedge or comminuted fracture configurations with butterfly fragments were particularly considered for cerclage wire application, which was employed by percutaneous cerclage passer in 21 patients. Assessment was done in terms of operation time, blood loss, quality of reduction, neck-shaft angle, follow-up redisplacement, union time, complications, and final functional evaluation by Merle d'Aubigne'-Postel score. RESULTS: Average operation time and blood loss were significantly higher in cerclage group (p < 0.05). However, cerclage use substantially improved quality of reduction in terms of maximum cortical displacement (p = 0.003) and fracture angulation (p = 0.045); anatomical reduction was achieved in 95.23% of cases as compared to 74.07% without cerclage. Union time was shorter, although not statistically different (p = 0.208), in cerclage group. Four patients in non-cerclage group developed non-union, 2 of them had nail breakage. No infection or any other implant related complications were reported with cerclage use. CONCLUSION: Minimally-invasive cerclage wire application has proved to be beneficial for anatomical reconstruction in difficult subtrochanteric fractures, whenever applicable, without any harmful effect on fracture biology.

Expanded Age Indication for Ponseti Method for Correction of Congenital Idiopathic Talipes Equinovarus: A Systematic Review.

The deformity known as congenital idiopathic talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is probably the most common (1 to 2 in 1000 live births) congenital orthopedic condition requiring intensive treatment. With the perception that the treatment of idiopathic CTEV by extensive soft tissue release is often complicated by stiffness, recurrence, and the need for additional procedures, the minimally invasive Ponseti method has been accepted as the first line of treatment, which has achieved excellent results globally. The Ponseti method has achieved excellent results in children with idiopathic CTEV aged ≤2 years. However, the upper age limit for the Ponseti treatment has not yet been defined. We reviewed the published data to determine the efficacy of the Ponseti method in older children with neglected CTEV.

Retrospective analysis of proximal humeral fracture-dislocations managed with locked plates.

BACKGROUND: Fracture-dislocation is the extreme variant of injury to the proximal humerus that occurs more commonly in young adults as a result of high-velocity trauma. We evaluated the functional and radiologic outcome of fixation of proximal humeral fracture-dislocations with locked plates. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 33 proximal humeral fracture-dislocations in 29 patients with a mean age of 35 years (range, 19-60 years) treated by open reduction and internal fixation with locked plates between January 2009 and December 2013. The fracture-dislocation in 85% was the result of high-energy trauma resulting in 3- or 4-part fracture-dislocation. The fracture-dislocation was anterior in 27 and posterior in 6. RESULTS: The average delay from injury to surgery was 7 days (range, 1-35 days), with a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24-66 months). All of the fractures united at an average of 15 weeks after surgery. At the final follow-up, the mean forward flexion was 129° (range, 100°-160°), and mean abduction was 128° (range, 100°-150°). The mean Constant score at the final follow-up was 78 points (range, 68-88 points). One case of complete osteonecrosis of the humeral head and 1 case of partial osteonecrosis of the humeral head were noted. Two cases of screw perforation of the humeral head were seen, with subsequent restricted range of motion improving after removal of the offending screws. CONCLUSIONS: Most young patients with 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fracture-dislocations can achieve good functional outcome after fixation with locked plates.

Pulsed lavage is associated with better quality of bone-cement-implant interface in knee arthroplasties (TKA/UKA) compared to syringe lavage in vitro; however, clinical data are missing: A systematic review.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse the available literature to ascertain the optimal method of bone preparation to improve the quality of bone-cement-implant interface with either pulsed lavage or syringe lavage in both total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase databases until July 2023. Both inclusion and exclusion criteria were clearly stated and used to identify all the published studies. Subsequent screening throughout the title, abstract and full text was made, followed by complete critical appraisal and data extraction. This sequential process was performed by two reviewers independently and summarised following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines). A quality assessment of the systematic review was performed according to the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies scale (QUACS), reaching a quality level ranging from 69% to 85%. Results: A total of 10 articles, out of 47, nine biomechanical cadaveric studies and one human clinical study were analysed. A total of 196 UKA tibial components, 74 patellar components, 36 TKA tibial components and 24 UKA femoral components were retrieved, and a high level of heterogeneity resulted overall. The pulsed lavage group showed better cement penetration and higher pull-out force than the syringe lavage group; a higher interface temperature was also found in the pulsed lavage group. No differences were found regarding tension ligament forces between the groups. Conclusion: Our systematic review suggests that pulsed lavage is superior to syringe lavage in terms of the quality of bone-cement-implant interface in knee arthroplasties (TKA/UKA). However, translation of these results from cadaveric studies to individual clinical settings may be hazardous; therefore, clinical in vivo prospective studies are highly needed. PROSPERO CRD: PROSPERO CRD number CRD42023432399. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Revision ACL reconstruction in female athletes: current concepts.

The challenge of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction lies in its complexity, varied presentation, and technical intricacies. A successful ACL reconstruction should allow patients to safely return to preinjury activities. However, it is only sometimes simple, and many risk factors and concurrent pathologies come into play. Evaluating and analysing the cause of failure and associated conditions is paramount to addressing them effectively. Despite a plethora of research and improvements in knowledge and technology, e gaps exist in issues such as optimal techniques of revision surgery, graft options, fixation, concurrent procedures, rehabilitation and protocol for return to sports of high-level athletes. Female athletes need additional focus since they are at higher risk of re-injury, suboptimal clinical outcomes, and lower rates of return to sport following revision reconstruction. Our understanding about injury prevention and the protection of ACL grafts in female athletes needs to be improved. This review focuses on the current state of revision ACL surgery in female athletes and provides recommendations and future directions for optimising outcomes in this high-risk group.

An Unexpected Intra-operative Encounter of Anterior Tibial Vessels Entrapment in the Fracture of Tibial Pilon: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a rare case of a comminuted tibial pilon fracture with entrapment of anterior tibial vessels in fracture site, which was unexpectedly discovered intra-operatively. Following safe extrication of vessels and fracture fixation through minimally invasive approach, the patient recovered uneventfully. Phenomenon of anterior neurovascular entrapment should be kept in mind while dealing with high-energy tibial pilon fractures. Astute clinical examination, judicious use of imaging modality, and strict intra-operative vigilance are key to successful outcome.

Is mini-open intramedullary nailing an effective intervention for adult femoral diaphyseal fractures in odd hours? A prospective case-control functional outcome and radiation safety study.

BACKGROUND: Closed intramedullary (IM) nailing among various modalities is one of the commonest sought out procedure in current practice for management of femoral-diaphyseal fractures (FDF) following trauma. However, it has some limitations like prolonged procedural duration, high radiation exposure and a steep learning curve. Therefore, with limited resources in odd hours and at a high patient turnover center where closed reduction can be a challenge, we adopted a modified mini-open technique which can overcome the limitations of closed reduction technique. PURPOSE: To compare the closed IM nailing and mini-open technique in FDF in terms of radiation exposure, surgical duration, radiological and functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients (118 femurs) with FDF (AO 32A1-B2) operated in odd-hours (20:00-06:00 hrs. GMT +5.30) with closed (Group I, n=62) or mini-open (Group II, n=56) IM nailing technique between September 2018 to December 2019 with a minimum follow up of 12 months were included in this study. The functional outcomes were measured using Thoresen scoring system and statistical analysis were performed using paired t-test and χ2 -test. RESULTS: The overall mean patient age was 33.5 years (18-74 years). The mean surgical duration, c-arm shoots for reduction and radiological union time were 71.5 minutes, 21 shoots and 16 weeks, respectively for group I and 47.5 minutes, 9.4 shoots and 18 weeks for group II. There was significant difference between the two groups in mean surgical duration (p<0.05) and c-arm shoots (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significant difference between time for union, rate of union, functional results and incidence of superficial or deep infection between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mini-open technique is a safer alternative in patients with FDF at high-volume centers and in odd-hours when the available resources are limited.

Radiographic Quantification of Safe Zones for Screw Placement in the Femoral Neck: A Computed Tomography-Based Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to design a radiographic map of the femoral neck showing proportion-based locations of the safe zones for screw placement with widest bony extents in anteroposterior and lateral radiographs using normal computed tomography-based data. METHODS: We analyzed computed tomography-based studies of 50 intact normal proximal femora equally from male and female subjects. Using software-developed radiographs, the proportionate locations of the maximal anteroposterior and cephalocaudal extents in both constricted zones were measured. The width of the femoral neck in the measurement zone was taken as the reference for calculation of proportions. RESULTS: For anteroposterior radiographs, the anteroposterior safe zones in the femoral neck are located at the gradients of 34.21% and 34.33% from the superior border in midcervical and basicervical regions, respectively. In lateral radiographs, they correlate with the visible anterior extent of femoral neck and lie at a gradient of 7.16% and 11.79% from the visible posterior border in midcervical and basicervical regions, respectively. In lateral radiographs, the calcar-based cephalocaudal safe zone was located at the gradients of 43.49% and 39.53% from the visible posterior border in midcervical and basicervical regions, respectively. In anteroposterior radiographs, cephalic limit of the calcar-based safe zone is located at the gradients of 9.63% and 17.82% from the superior border in midcervical and basicervical regions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic margins cannot be reliably trusted for screw fixation of femoral neck fractures. The proportionate locations of the anteroposterior and calcar-based cephalocaudal safe zones with widest bone stock in anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic projections can help in the safe placement of screws for fixation of femoral neck fractures.

Misery of Orthopaedic Surgeon: Delayed Diagnosis of Pseudoaneurysm of Profunda Femoris Artery Following Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudoaneurysm of profunda femoris artery is an uncommonly reported vascular mishap after orthopedic procedures around proximal femur. Diagnostic dilemma and resulting delay are quite common due to varied clinical presentations. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a case of a 65-year-old lady who was diagnosed in our institution with pseudoaneurysm of profunda femoris artery 3 months after getting operated for intertrochanteric fracture of right femur in a private hospital. She started having gradually enlarging painful thigh swelling of the involved limb 1 month after operation. She also developed concurrent weakness, anemia, and received multiple blood transfusions before being referred to our institution. Diagnosis was clinched with duplex ultrasound imaging and subsequent digital subtraction angiography with coil embolization was performed. She made an uneventful and speedy recovery, and doing well till the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis is paramount to avoid limb- and life-threatening sequelae; surgeons should keep strong vigil to administer the timely intervention. Various preventive strategies during fixation of intertrochanteric fracture should be deployed to keep this untoward entity in abeyance.

Prospective Evaluation of Outcome of Acetabular Fractures Managed by Anterior Intrapelvic Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Intrapelvic (AIP) approach has emerged, in the last two decades, as a promising approach for fixation of anterior acetabular fractures. This prospective study was conducted to analyze our results with this approach and suggest the indications for its rationale usages in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with acetabular fractures, which required anterior fixation, were operated by AIP approach and prospectively evaluated between October 2013 and January 2018. Mechanism of injury, fracture type, operative time, blood loss, complications, radiographic, and functional outcomes were analyzed in all patients. Modified Merle D'Aubigne system was used for clinical grading, while Matta's grading was utilized for radiographic outcome. RESULTS: Fifty eight [90.62%] patients out of the total 64 patients had good to excellent outcome on functional and radiographic results. About 93.75% patients were able to resume pre-injury activities including socially demanding tasks like ability to sit cross legged and squat. Patients operated early had better articular reductions as compared to those operated late. CONCLUSIONS: This approach can be considered as a safe, effective and feasible alternative to traditional ilioinguinal approach for acetabulum fractures which require anterior approach. Cases which present late may have difficulty through this approach as scarring or granulation tissue may lead to inadequate visualization.