Surgical management of tibial eminence avulsion fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The ideal surgical management for tibial eminence avulsion fractures remains controversial with varying approach, methods of fixation and post-operative regimes reported throughout literature. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare between the different approaches, methods of fixation and post-operative regimes for tibial eminence fractures. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases. The keywords used were "anterior cruciate ligament", "tibial spine" or "tibial eminence" and "fracture" or "avulsion". All original human studies that reported the surgical outcomes of tibial eminence fractures were included. Individual patient data meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: 48 studies with 1367 patients were included. Arthroscopic fixation resulted in significantly greater stability in terms of anterior drawer test (p = 0.018) and Lachman's test (p = 0.042), as compared to open fixation, though there was no significant difference for pivot shift test. There was no significant difference identified in functional scores and activity, including Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score, Tegner score and return to sports. Suture fixation had significantly increased stability compared to screw fixation, in terms of anterior drawer test (p = 0.001) and Lachman's test (p = 0.001), though no significant difference was identified for pivot shift test. Significantly better subjective scores and return to activity were also noted for suture fixation, in terms of Lysholm score (p = 0.008), IKDC subjective score (p = 0.001) and Tegner score (p = 0.001), though no significant difference was identified for return to sports. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic and suture fixation had significantly superior outcomes when compared to open and screw fixation. Arthroscopic fixation resulted in significantly improved stability of the knee as compared to open fixation, though no significant difference was identified in terms of functional knee scores and return to activity. Suture fixation resulted in significantly improved stability of the knee and functional knee screws as compared to screw fixation.

Combination of tibial tubercle transfer, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, trochleoplasty and lateral release for patellofemoral instability provides good middle- to long-term outcomes in adolescents.

PURPOSE: There are limited studies that have reported the middle- to long-term outcomes of combined procedures consisting of more than two procedures for patellofemoral instability. The current study aims to investigate and report the middle- to long-term outcomes of a combination procedure of tibial tubercle transfer, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, trochleoplasty and lateral release for patellofemoral instability in patients aged 18 years and below. METHODS: In the cohort study, all patients aged 18 years old or younger who underwent a combination procedure of tibial tubercle transfer, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, trochleoplasty and lateral release for recurrent patellofemoral instability were included. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study. All patients had no further patellofemoral dislocation, pain and apprehension following the 4-in-1 surgery (p < 0.01). There was a significant improvement in the Kujala score from 36.1 (SD 12.9) pre-operatively to 93.1 (SD 3.6) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The patients also had a statistically significant improvement in their radiological factors, including the patellar tilt angle (p < 0.001), sulcus angle (p = 0.001), trochlear groove depth (p = 0.041), tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance (p < 0.001) and Caton-Deschamps index (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A combination procedure of tibial tubercle transfer, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, trochleoplasty and lateral release leads to good middle- to long-term subjective, functional and radiographic outcomes for patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability and underlying predisposing factors of increased TT-TG distance of more than 20 mm, Dejour B or D trochlear dysplasia and medial patellofemoral ligament rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Morbidities and prognostic factors after tibial pilon fracture: impact on patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims primarily to characterize the sequelae and morbidity associated with tibial pilon injuries from the patients' perspectives in terms of multiple surgical interventions, duration of hospital stay, downtime from work, loss of productivity and impact on patients' lives. The secondary aim is to review the associated risk factors for these morbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with surgically treated tibial pilon fractures from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2017 were included. The morbidities reviewed focused on delay to surgery, numbers of surgeries, limb amputation, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, duration of medical leave (ML), follow-up and number of outpatient visits. RESULTS: There were 102 patients included in the review and up to 70% of them had an average 7 days delay to definitive surgery. They also required an average hospital LOS of at least 2 weeks extending up to 3 more weeks if soft tissue reconstruction was necessitated. Up to a third of patients were readmitted with 15% of them needing further treatment. These patients required a notable period of downtime from work as shown in the long ML (mean 152.6 days [S.D. = 110.7]). Multiple conditional regression models showed AO/OTA classification (B and C) and open fracture as independent predictors of delay to surgery. Predictors for increased LOS were high velocity mechanism of injury at 4 days longer and patients who needed soft tissue reconstruction at 21 days longer. In terms of downtime from work, only work injury has been identified as an independent predictor of ML at 88.5 days longer. CONCLUSION: Tibial pilon fractures leads to significant morbidities with profound negative impact on patients' lives in terms of multiple surgical interventions required, prolonged hospital stay, need for readmissions and prolonged downtime from work. These morbidities from patients' perspective should be emphasized to patients and employers to manage their expectations and potential limitations.

Predictive Scoring for Recurrent Patellar Instability After a First-time Patellar Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral instability is a common acute knee injury seen in the pediatric population. First-time patellar dislocations usually undergo conservative management, but ~15% to 80% of patients experience recurrent instability. This study aims to develop a prediction model using radiographic parameters of the patellofemoral joint seen on computed tomography scans in different degrees of knee flexion, to determine the risk of recurrence after the first episode of patellofemoral instability. METHODS: A 12-year retrospective case-control study was performed. All patients in a single institution aged 18 years or younger who had a computed tomography patellar tracking scan performed for patellar instability were included. Predictors included in the score were determined through backward logistic regression and compared using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: This study revealed that recurrent dislocation in first-time patellofemoral dislocation could be accurately predicted using the prediction score that consisted of age, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance and congruence angle at 10- and 20-degree flexion. The sensitivity of the score was 100% and specificity was 73.3%. Three diagnostic zones were identified and used to categorize patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-probability groups. CONCLUSION: This study presented a scoring system that incorporated radiographic knee kinematics in the risk assessment for recurrent patellofemoral instability for patient stratification. The scoring system could guide the decision for early surgical intervention after the first-episode patellofemoral dislocation for patients at high risk of recurrent patellofemoral dislocation.

Accuracy of biplanar linear radiography versus conventional radiographs when used for lower limb and implant measurements.

INTRODUCTION: The current standard of care for measuring lower extremity length and angular discrepancies is using a full-length standing anteroposterior radiograph. However, there has been increasing interest to use biplanar linear EOS imaging as an alternative. This study aims to compare lower extremity length and implant measurements between biplanar linear and conventional radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this 5-year retrospective study, all patients who had a standing full-length anteroposterior and biplanar linear radiographs (EOS®) that include the lower extremities done within one year of each other were included. Patients who underwent surgery in between the imaging, underwent surgeries that could result in graduated length or angulated corrections and inadequate exposure of the lower extremity were excluded. Four radiographic segments were measured to assess lower limb alignment and length measurements. Height and width measurements of implants were performed for patients who had implants in both imaging. RESULTS: When comparing imaging and actual implant dimensions, biplanar linear radiographs were accurate in measuring actual implant height (median difference = - 0.14 cm, p = 0.66), and width (median difference = - 0.13 cm, p = 0.71). However, conventional radiographs were inaccurate in measuring actual implant height (median difference = 0.19 cm, p = 0.01) and width (median difference = 0.61 cm, p < 0.01). When comparing conventional and biplanar linear radiographs, there was statistically significant difference in all measurements. This includes anatomical femoral length (median difference = 3.53 cm, p < 0.01), mechanical femoral length (median difference = 3.89 cm, p < 0.01), anatomical tibial length (median difference = 2.34 cm, p < 0.01) and mechanical tibial length (median difference = 2.20 cm, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: First, there is a significant difference in the lower extremity length when comparing conventional and biplanar linear radiographs. Second, biplanar linear radiographs are found to be accurate while conventional radiographs are not as accurate in implant measurements of length and width in the lower extremity.

Should the location of distal tibial plating be influenced by the varus or valgus fracture pattern of tibial pilon fracture?

INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment of tibial pilon fracture is challenging. There is a lack of consensus and only one clinical study on the optimal location of distal tibial plating for fixation of pilon fractures based on varus or valgus fracture patterns. We hypothesize that complications rates, specifically mechanical complications, are not influenced by the location of the tibial plating in the fixation of pilon fractures with respect to varus or valgus fracture patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who had single plating for tibial pilon from 2007 to 2017 were recruited. They were divided into two groups, transverse fibular fracture (varus fracture pattern) and comminuted fibular fracture (valgus fracture pattern). Our primary outcome measure was any mechanical complications as a result of the location of plating (medial vs lateral) on varus or valgus fracture patterns. RESULTS: There were 38 (55.1%) patients with varus fracture pattern and 31 (44.9%) patients with valgus fracture pattern tibial pilon fractures. In the varus fracture pattern group, mechanical complications were not significantly different between the two plating locations (27.3 vs 33.3%, p > 0.05). Notably, there were more fibula fixations performed in patients with medial plating (74.1 vs 45.5%, p = 0.092) when compared those with lateral plating in the varus fracture pattern group. There were also no statistically significant differences found although 10 (40%) out of 25 patients had mechanical complications in the medial plating group compared to 1 (16.7%) out of 6 patients with lateral plating (p = 0.383) in the valgus fracture pattern group. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in mechanical complications for medial vs lateral plating in tibial pilon fracture based on varus or valgus deforming forces. As much as we should consider the fracture patterns and deforming forces when deciding on plating location, other factors such as careful soft tissue management and fragment-specific fixation should be prioritized.

Fibula fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures - Is it really necessary?

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus about the role of fibula fixation in these complex fractures, with only two clinical studies in the literature. We hypothesize that the fibula fracture need not be fixed in the tibial pilon fractures if primary stability can be achieved with tibial fixation alone. METHODS: We reviewed 79 patients with operatively treated tibial pilon with associated fibula fractures from 2007 to 2017 and divided them into two groups; patients with fibula fracture fixation and those without fixation. The primary outcome measure was any mechanical complications. Secondary outcomes were wound complications and other morbidities. RESULTS: There were 54 (68.4%) patients with fibula fixation and 25 (31.6%) patients without fixation. There were no statistically significant differences in mechanical complications between the two groups. However, patients without fibula fixation were noted to have more wound complications (44% vs 25.9%, p = 0.108) although this was not statistically significant. In terms of removal of implant (ROI), there were no differences noted in patients with or without fibula fixation (33.3% vs 28%, p = 0.796). There were also no significant differences in ROI for those fixed with plate and screws when compared to those fixed with Rush rod and K wire within the group with fibula fixation. CONCLUSION: Fibula fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures is not routinely necessary and does not result in decreased mechanical complications such as malunion, delayed union, nonunion and implant failure. Fibula fracture fixation should be reserved for cases where it may aid reduction or provide additional stability.

Meniscoplasty leads to good mid-term to long-term outcomes for children and adolescents with discoid lateral meniscus.

PURPOSE: To date, there have been limited studies reporting the mid- to long-term outcomes of meniscoplasties for discoid lateral meniscus. The current study aims to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of arthroscopic meniscoplasty for discoid lateral meniscus in children and adolescents. METHODS: In the study, all patients under the age of 21 years who had undergone arthroscopic meniscoplasty with or without meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy for symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus were included. All patients were then followed up for a minimum of 5 years (median 84 months; range 68-110 months). The Lysholm scores and Ikeuchi scores were collected pre-operatively and at final follow-up and were compared. RESULTS: A total of 24 knees were included in the study. The median duration of follow-up was 84.0 months (range 68-110 months). The Lysholm score improved from 53 (range 11-95) pre-operatively to 100.0 (range 60-100) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Based on the Ikeuchi score pre-operatively, 15 knees were rated as poor (62.5%), 7 knees were rated as fair (29.2%), and 2 knees were rated as good (8.4%). The Ikeuchi score improved significantly at the final follow-up, such that 1 knee was rated as good (4.2%) and 23 knees were rated as excellent (95.8%) (p < 0.001). When analysing the effect of concomitant meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy on the outcomes at final follow-up, there was no apparent difference in the improvement in Lysholm score or Ikeuchi score when comparing between patients who had meniscoplasty alone and patients who had concomitant meniscal repair, as well as when comparing between patients who had meniscoplasty alone and patients who had concomitant partial meniscectomy. CONCLUSION: Meniscoplasty leads to good mid-term to long-term outcomes for children and adolescents with discoid lateral meniscus. Concomitant procedures such as meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy do not improve or worsen the mid- to long-term outcomes in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The incidence and risk factors of osteoarthritis following osteochondritis dissecans of the knees: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to pool together the incidence and risk factors of osteoarthritis following osteochondritis dissecans of the knee. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library with the keywords being "knee" and "osteochondritis dissecans" or "osteochondral lesion". All original human studies that reported the incidence or risk factors of osteoarthritis following osteochondritis dissecans of the knee were included. RESULTS: Nine studies with 496 patients were included. The incidence of osteoarthritis following osteochondritis dissecans is 0.39 (95% CI 0.19-0.59). Patients with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 had a significantly increased risk of osteoarthritis. Fragment excision had an increased relative risk of 1.89 (95% CI 1.19-3.01) of osteoarthritis as compared to fragment preservation. Significant heterogeneity was identified when comparing between juvenile and adult osteochondritis dissecans. The size of the lesions moderated the between-study heterogeneity with regards to the incidence of osteoarthritis, with the relative risk of osteoarthritis in lesions bigger than 4 cm2 being 2.29 (95% CI 1.24-4.23). No other risk factors, including gender of the patient, location of osteochondritis dissecans, stability of osteochondritis dissecans, and surgical versus non-surgical management were significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Significant risk factors for osteoarthritis were increased body mass index and fragment excision. Probable but inconclusive risk factors were the age of the patients and the size of the osteochondritis dissecans. The gender of the patient, location of osteochondritis dissecans, the stability of osteochondritis dissecans, and surgical versus non-surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans when appropriate were not significant risk factors.

The outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis in pes planus: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Subtalar arthroereisis has been increasingly accepted as a solution to manage symptomatic pes planus. However, despite the recent developments related to arthroereisis, no other published literature has aimed to review the outcomes in paediatric patients since 2010. This systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, aims to evaluate the current outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis in the treatment of symptomatic pes planus among the paediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All studies reported on the clinical outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis in children aged 21 or younger were included. RESULTS: A total of 17 publications were included, with 1536 feet. The average duration of follow-up of the studies included in the review is 43.52 months. The studies consistently reported improvement in the radiological outcomes, approximating that of a normal population. Subtalar arthroereisis has shown to restore the collapsed medial longitudinal arch, supported by the decrease in Meary's angle to 5.267° (95% CI: 4.695°-5.839°, normal: 0°-10.0°) post-operatively and an increased calcaneal pitch of 15.70° (95% CI: 15.41°-15.99°, normal 18.0°-20.0°). Deformities associated with pes planus such as heel valgus was also significantly reduced, evident by the post-operative lateral talocalcaneal angle of 27.19° (95% CI: 26.44°-27.93°, normal: 25.0°-45.0°) and a post-operative Kite's angle of 18.13° (95% CI: 17.73°-18.52°, normal: 15.0°-30.0°). Subjectively, subtalar arthroereisis has generally resulted in an improvement in the grading of outcomes postoperatively from the patient's point of view. CONCLUSIONS: Subtalar arthroereisis could serve as a procedure to correct radiological abnormalities, as well as relieve pain in selected patients with symptomatic pes planus.

Medications in COVID-19 patients: summarizing the current literature from an orthopaedic perspective.

PURPOSE: The review aims to provide a summary of the current literature regarding common medications prescribed in orthopaedic surgery and their potential implications in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. All clinical studies, reviews, consensus and guidelines related to the above medications and COVID-19 were included. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles were included. The use of analgesia, anti-inflammatories, steroids, anticoagulants, antibiotics, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin D and their potential impact on COVID-19 patients were reported. CONCLUSION: Eight main recommendations were derived from the review. Firstly, paracetamol remains the first line of analgesia and antipyretic. Secondly, there is no need to avoid NSAIDs for COVID-19 patients. Thirdly, opioids have the potential for immunosuppression in addition to respiratory depression and, therefore, should be prescribed with care in COVID-19 patients. Fourthly, patients with conditions where steroids are proven to be efficacious can continue to receive their steroids; otherwise, systemic steroids are not recommended for COVID-19 patients. Fifthly, orthopaedic surgeons following up on COVID-19 patients who are using steroids should continue to follow them up for possible avascular necrosis. Sixthly, whenever possible, oral anticoagulation should be converted to parental heparin. Seventhly, common orthopaedic antibiotics including penicillin and clindamycin are safe to continue for COVID-19 patients. However, for COVID-19 patients, the antibiotics can potentially be switched to macrolides and tetracyclines if the organisms are sensitive. Lastly, prescription for vitamins B, C and D should continue as per usual clinical practice.

Hemiepiphysiodesis is a potentially effective surgical management for skeletally immature patients with patellofemoral instability associated with isolated genu valgum.

PURPOSE: Genu valgum is one of the well-known predisposing factors for patellofemoral instability. The study aims to investigate the outcomes of isolated hemiepiphysiodesis in the correction of genu valgum and in the management of recurrent patellofemoral instability. The hypothesis was that hemiepiphysiodesis alone would result in significant correction of genu valgum, thereby preventing recurrent patellofemoral instability. METHODS: In the cohort study, all skeletally immature patients who underwent isolated hemiepiphysiodesis for recurrent patellofemoral instability were included. All patients included in the study had a minimum of 1-year follow-up duration prior to the conclusion of the study. RESULTS: Sixteen of twenty knees had no further patellofemoral instability post-operatively. The change in the status of patellofemoral instability was statistically significant (p = 0.001), similar to the change in the tibiofemoral angle (p = 0.015) and patellar tilt angle (p = 0.002). Comparison between patients with and without patellofemoral instability post-operatively revealed that the pre-operative patellar tilt angle (p = 0.005) and tibiofemoral angle (p = 0.001), post-operative patellar tilt angle (p = 0.004) and tibiofemoral angle (p = 0.027) as well as the change in patellar tilt angle (p = 0.001) and tibiofemoral angle (p = 0.001) were all significant predictors of the outcomes of genu valgum. CONCLUSION: Hemiepiphysiodesis is a potentially effective surgical management for skeletally immature patients with patellofemoral instability associated with isolated genu valgum. This is especially for patients who are skeletally immature and have sufficient remaining years for their genu valgum to be corrected using hemiepiphysiodesis. These patients also tended to have less severe genu valgum and patellar tilt angle, which could be corrected using hemiepiphysiodesis with the remaining years of growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A retrospective audit on usage of Diatrizoate Meglumine (Gastrografin®) for intestinal obstruction or constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction and constipation are common conditions in patients with advanced neoplasms. Diatrizoate Meglumine has been used in the management of both these conditions without good quality evidence of its effectiveness and safety. AIM: This audit aimed to assess the usage, effectiveness and adverse effects of Diatrizoate Meglumine for intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was undertaken. Descriptive statistics were utilised. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All patients with known advanced neoplasms admitted to Mater Health Services and St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane between January 2013 and October 2015; who were administered Diatrizoate Meglumine were included. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients received Diatrizoate Meglumine. The most common diagnoses were ovarian or primary peritoneal neoplasms (33.8%). Diatrizoate Meglumine was most commonly used for intestinal obstruction (59.2%). The median dose used per patient episode was 50 mL (range: 15-500 mL). Thirty-two patients (45%) had imaging 4-24 h post-dose with Diatrizoate Meglumine being present in the large intestine in 75% of these images. Intestinal obstruction or constipation resolved in 90% of patients post-dose. CONCLUSION: Most clinicians used 50 mL of Diatrizoate Meglumine as a single dose and repeated imaging after 4-24 h. Diatrizoate Meglumine was well tolerated and may be effective in resolving intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms. Quality controlled studies are needed to further guide the use of Diatrizoate Meglumine in intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms.

Patellar tracking should be taken into account when measuring radiographic parameters for recurrent patellar instability.

PURPOSE: To date, many radiographic parameters on patellar instability have their measurements taken statically, and have not been studied in various degrees of flexion according to the patellar tracking. There are also limited data regarding the use of these parameters in predicting recurrent patellar dislocation. The current study aims to review the radiographic parameters of the patellofemoral joint in different degrees of knee flexion and to correlate them with the presence of recurrent instability. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective study was conducted on all patients who had computed tomography patellar-tracking scan done for patellar instability when aged 18 years or younger. The computed tomography patellar-tracking scans were performed with the knee in extension, 10° flexion, and 20° flexion. The axial radiographic parameters were evaluated at the patellar equator, roman arch, and distal patellar pole. Sagittal and coronal parameters were noted. Radiographic parameters were then correlated with recurrent patellar instability. RESULTS: The femoral sulcus angle and trochlear groove depth at the distal patellar pole in 10° knee flexion (p value 0.04 and 0.03, respectively) and patellar equator in 20° knee flexion (p value 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) had the most significant clinical correlations with recurrent instability on multivariate analysis. Other radiographic parameters found to have significant clinical correlation on univariate analysis include the patellar tilt angle, congruence angle, femoral sulcus angle, trochlear groove depth, and Wiberg's classification. CONCLUSIONS: As per the knee dynamics, axial radiographic parameters had the most significant correlation with recurrent patellar instability when measured at the distal patellar pole in 10° knee flexion and at the patellar equator in 20° knee flexion. Future axial radiographic evaluation of patellofemoral instability should then be performed at these degrees of knee flexion and axial cuts. Trochlear dysplasia, as measured by the femoral sulcus angle and trochlear groove depth, was the most significant predictor of recurrent patellar instability in the skeletally immature. Wiberg's classification was also a novel factor found to have clinical correlation with patellofemoral instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Paediatric lateral condyle fractures: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral condyle fractures of the humerus are common paediatric fractures. However, no conclusive statement has been made about their risk of complications, the management and epidemiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies with paediatric lateral condyle fracture were included, with 2440 children. RESULTS: Most fractures had union, with 0.9% delayed union, 1.6% non-union and 1.5% malunion. Complications included valgus deformities (6.1%), varus deformities (7.8%), flexion loss (9.7%), extension loss (11.5%), prominent lateral condyle (27.3%), fishtail deformity (14.3%), avascular necrosis (1.7%), premature epiphyseal closure (5.4%) and neurological deficits (10.6%). Risk factors of complications include concomitant ipsilateral upper limb fractures, classification by Milch or Jakob, fracture displacement, fixation device, and inappropriate diagnosis and management. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended for fractures that are non-displaced on all radiographic views to be managed conservatively, while displaced fractures of > 2 mm requires surgical intervention. Minimally displaced fractures could be treated conservatively, though follow-up is recommended to detect displacement. Radiographs are also recommended at 1-week follow-up, with serial radiographs having no clinical significance. Kirschner wires or lag screws could be employed, and it is recommended that the Kirschner wires be left exposed and removed when there is clinical and radiographic evidence of fracture consolidation, typically at the 6-week interval. These fractures need close follow-up.

Extensive subcutaneous emphysema complicating a percutaneous Mumford procedure.

Subcutaneous emphysema may be a part of a life-threatening pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax and usually does not occur alone. A case of a 75-year-old lady who underwent a percutaneous Mumford procedure for acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis has been reported. She developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, chest, bilateral shoulders, and upper arms, in the absence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax, during the procedure. Isolated subcutaneous emphysema as a complication of a percutaneous Mumford procedure has not been reported so far in the English literature. The possible mechanism of this complication is discussed. Understanding the mechanism is essential in avoiding this preventable complication.

Patellar tilt, congruence angle, and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance are correlated with positive J-sign in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The J-sign is a clinical evaluation tool that assesses for patellar maltracking and is considered positive if lateral translation of the patella in extension, in the pattern of an inverted J is observed. This study aims to determine the association of clinical J-sign with imaging features noted on dynamic kinematic computed tomography (DKCT). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted by reviewing the clinical records of all patients aged 18 years or younger who had a CT patellar tracking scan done between 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2016 in a single institution. Patients who had the presence or absence of a 'J-sign' evaluated clinically were included. Radiographic parameters evaluated using the axial cuts include the patellar tilt angle, congruence angle, Dejour's classification, femoral sulcus angle, trochlear groove depth, and Wiberg's classification. Patients were then divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of J-sign on clinical examination. The radiographic measurements were then analyzed for association with the presence or absence of J-sign on clinical examination. RESULTS: Patients with a positive J-sign had an increased patellar tilt of 23.3° ± 14.2° and an increased congruence angle of 47.1° ± 28.5° when measured in extension as compared to a patellar tilt of 18.3° ± 10.8° and a congruence angle of 32.1° ± 20.8° in patients with a negative J-sign (p = 0.024 and 0.004, respectively). Comparisons of the change in congruence angles with the knee in full extension and at 20° flexion also yielded significantly higher change of 28.0° ± 20.4° in patients with a positive J-sign as compared to 11.9° ± 17.5° in patients with a negative J-sign. Patients with a positive J-sign also had an increased TT-TG distance of 17.6 ± 5.6 mm as compared to a TT-TG distance of 14.7 ± 6.9 mm in patients with a negative J-sign (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with a positive J-sign had an increased patellar tilt and an increased congruence angle when measured in extension. Increased TT-TG distance was also significantly associated with positive J-sign. Patients with a positive J-sign also had a greater change in their congruence angle when measured with the knee in full extension and at 20° of flexion.

Histology of the volar plate of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe the histology of the thumb MCPJ volar plate. METHODS: Five fresh-frozen thumbs were dissected. The volar plates were harvested from the thumb MCPJ. Histological analyses were performed using 0.04% Toluidine blue and counterstained with 0.005% Fast green. RESULTS: The thumb MCPJ volar plate comprised two sesamoids, dense fibrous tissue and loose connective tissue. The two sesamoids were connected by dense fibrous tissue, with collagen fibers oriented transversely (perpendicular to the long axis of the thumb). In contrast, the collagen fibers within the dense fibrous tissue on the lateral sides of the sesamoid were oriented longitudinally in line with long axis of the thumb. These fibers blended with the fibers of the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments. The collagen fibers in the dense fibrous tissue distal to the sesamoids ran transversely, perpendicular to the long axis of the thumb. The proximal aspect of the volar plate showed only loose connective tissue. The volar plate of the thumb MCPJ was largely uniform with no division of layers from the dorsum to the palmar surface. There was no fibrocartilaginous component in the thumb MCPJ volar plate. CONCLUSIONS: The histology of the volar plate of the thumb MCPJ differs significantly from the conventional understanding of the volar plate, based on the volar plate of finger proximal interphalangeal joints. The difference is likely due to the presence of the sesamoids, which confer additional stability, reducing the need for a specialized trilaminar fibrocartilaginous structure with the lateral check-rein ligaments found in the volar plate of finger proximal interphalangeal joints to confer additional stability.