How to determine the bone mineral density of the distal humerus with radiographic tools?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate three methods of prediction of the bone quality of the distal humerus: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Ct-Scan and plain radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density (BMD) of 21 cadaveric distal humerus was determined using DEXA at two levels. Then a CT-scan and anteroposterior radiographs were taken. The cancellous density was estimated with the CT-scan. The cortico-medullar index (CMI) was calculated as cortical thickness divided by total bone thickness on AP views. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the BMD of the epiphysis and the CMI of r = 0.61. The mean BMD of the distal humerus was 0.559 g/cm(2). Male specimens showed a significantly higher BMD than females. The mean CMI of diaphysis was 1.431 and the mean BMD of the metaphysis region was 0.444 g/cm(2). DISCUSSION: More than a direct evaluation of the bone density with a CT-scan, the CMI of the distal humerus diaphysis is a predictor of the bone quality of the distal humerus. This should be of great help for the surgeon's decision making in case of fracture of the distal humerus, as open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of fractures of the distal humerus can lead to failure due to poor bone quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Anatomic Cadaver Study.

Severe adverse events during medical and surgical treatment of hip and knee prosthetic joint infections.

INTRODUCTION: The management of prosthetic joint infection requires a complex treatment procedure and can be associated with complications. However, the occurrence of severe adverse events during this intervention has been poorly evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year multicentric retrospective study including patients from 3 hospitals in the South-Western France referral center for complex bone and joint infections (Crioac GSO) and treated for hip or knee prosthetic joint infection with 1 or 2-stage implant exchanges. The objective was to describe grade≥3 adverse events, according to the CTCAE classification, occurring within 6 weeks after surgery and to identify their associated factors. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients were identified. We observed 71 severe events in 50 patients (42.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 33.8-51.4%). Sixteen severe events were an evolution of the infection. The remaining 55 others (47 grade 3 and 8 grade 4) occurred in 41 patients (34.7%; CI95%: 26.8-43.7%). They were distributed as follows: 27 (49.1%) medical complications, 21 (38.2%) surgical complications and 7 (12.7%) antibiotic-related complications. The main identified risk factor was a two-stage prosthetic exchange with OR=3.6 (CI95% [1.11-11.94], P=0.032). Obesity was limit of significance with OR=3.3 (CI95% [0.9-12.51], P=0.071). Infection with coagulase negative Staphylococcus was a protective factor with OR=0.3 (CI95% [0.12-0.99], P=0.047). CONCLUSION: Severe adverse events are frequent following prosthetic exchange for PJI (34.7%) and are related to the high frequency of comorbidities in this population and to the complex surgical procedures required. The risk factor significantly associated with these events was a two-stage exchange.

One-stage versus two-stage prosthesis replacement for prosthetic knee infections.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic knee infection is a severe complication. Confirmed criteria are lacking to choose between one-stage or two-stage prosthesis replacement to treat the infection. The one-stage replacement could lead to a satisfactory control of the infection and to better functional results. METHOD: Retrospective study conducted between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014. The objectives of this study were to compare the infection outcome and functional results between the one-stage and two-stage replacement procedures. Functional results were evaluated using the IKS score, KOOS score, and SF-12 quality of life score. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent a two-stage replacement procedure and 21 patients a one-stage replacement. The average follow-up was 22 months after surgery. The infection was cured in 78% of patients who underwent a two-stage replacement and 90% of patients who underwent a one-stage replacement (P=0.3). The flexion range of motion was significantly better in the one-stage group than in the two-stage group (P=0.04). Results of the IKS score and of the KOOS score were better in the one-stage group. No difference was observed for the SF-12 score. CONCLUSION: The one-stage replacement procedure for periprosthetic knee infection was associated with a similar healing frequency as the two-stage replacement procedure, and with better knee function.

Treatment of defects in the tip and palmar surface of the fingers.

Defects on the palmar surface of the fingers are an important part of hand emergencies, especially fingertip wounds. Luckily, many coverage methods are available. We will review the anatomy of this area and the thought process for treating these defects. We will also propose an algorithm that can be used to select the best technique based on the type of injury present.

Reproducibility of low-dose stereography measurements of femoral torsion after IM nailing of femoral shaft fractures and in intact femurs.

INTRODUCTION: Rotational malunion is a complication of intramedullary (IM) nailing for femur fractures. Symptoms can appear with 15° or more of axial deformity. None of the currently available measurement methods have a satisfactory reliability/irradiation ratio. The purpose of this study was to study the reproducibility of measuring femoral torsion with an EOS(®) low-dose stereography (LDX) system. HYPOTHESIS: LDX is a reproducible method for measuring post-traumatic femoral torsion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was studied in 45 patients who had a femoral fracture treated by IM nailing. Both the injured and contralateral healthy femurs were modelled. Bland-Altman plots were used to analyze the measurements made by three different observers (two orthopedic surgeons and one radiologist). For a given comparison, the interval between the upper limit of agreement (ULA) and lower limit of agreement (LLA) had to be within [-5°; 5°] for the examination to qualify as reproducible. Measurements were made by three observers (A, B, C) on the injured and healthy femur. RESULTS: With the fractured femurs (n=39), the intra-observer [LLA; ULA] interval was [-16.295; 12.977]; it was [-18.475; 16.744] for the A-B pairing, [-13.316; 13.532] for the B-C pairing and [-17.839; 19.355] for the A-C pairing. With the healthy femurs (n=37), the intra-observer [LLA; ULA] interval was [-7.909; 7.88]; it was [-11.924; 11.639] for the A-B pairing, [-12.654; 11.93] for the B-C pairing and [-11; 12.009] for the A-C pairing. DISCUSSION: The [LLA; ULA] intervals were greater than the [-5; +5] interval in all cases. LDX reproducibility is not sufficient for measuring femoral torsion after fracture or in healthy femurs. Observer experience, cohort size and the perfectible image quality are likely sources of bias. Conversely, the use of Bland-Altman plots and the multidisciplinary training of observers are major strengths of this study. Reproducibility will likely improve as the software is developed further and the image acquisition improves.

EOS-based cup navigation: Randomised controlled trial in 78 total hip arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Minimising the risk of cup implantation outside the safe zone is among the objectives of navigation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, given the technical challenges raised by navigation when the patient is lying on the side, many surgeons still use the freehand technique. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the new navigation system NAVEOS in the iliac plane, which is easily identified in the lateral decubitus position, with the objective of determining whether NAVEOS navigation decreased the frequency of cup implantation outside the safe zone compared to freehand cup positioning, without increasing the operative time or the frequency of complications. HYPOTHESIS: NAVEOS navigation decreases the frequency of cup positioning outside the safe zone compared to freehand positioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomised controlled trial compared cup positioning using NAVEOS navigation versus the freehand technique in patients undergoing primary THA. The safe zone was defined according to Lewinnek as 15±10° of radiological anteversion and 40±10° of radiological inclination. Cup position parameters were measured on computed tomography images obtained 3months after THA. The images were read by two independent observers who were blinded to group assignment. The primary evaluation criterion was cup position within the safe zone. RESULTS: A 1:1 randomisation scheme was used to assign 78 patients (mean age, 68years; age range, 44-91years) to NAVEOS navigation or freehand cup positioning. The two groups were comparable for age, gender distribution, body mass index, and preoperative functional scores. In the NAVEOS group, navigation was discontinued prematurely in 6 patients, because of technical difficulties (n=2) or a marked discrepancy with clinical findings (n=4); however, the intention-to-treat approach was used for the analysis. The proportion of cups in the safe zone was 67% (28/39) in the NAVEOS group and 38% (17/39) in the freehand group (P=0.012). Anteversion was within the 5-25° range for 72% (28/39) cups in the NAVEOS group and 46% (18/39) in the freehand group (P=0.021). Inclination was within the 30-50° range for 95% (37/39) of cups with NAVEOS navigation and 85% (33/39) with freehand positioning (P=0.135). The odds ratio for cup implantation outside the safe zone was significantly lower with NAVEOS compared to freehand positioning (0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.91). Mean operative time was 74 (range, 45-115) minutes with NAVEOS navigation and 70 (range, 40-105) minutes with freehand positioning (P=0.382). Complications consisted of 1 case each of anterior dislocation and infection, both in the freehand group. DISCUSSION: Compared to freehand positioning, NAVEOS navigation significantly lowered the risk of cup positioning outside the safe zone, chiefly via improved achievement of the anteversion target. NAVEOS was not associated with increases in operative time or morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, randomised controlled trial with limited statistical power.

A rare coronal fracture of the medial carpal column: Case report.

Carpal coronal fractures are rare. We report the case of a 15 year-old male who fell from a balcony and suffered a displaced coronal fracture of the capitate, hamate and triquetrum. The diagnosis, which was initially made based on the X-rays, was confirmed by CT scan. Open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case of a coronal fracture of these three bones. The patient returned to normal activities after six months.

Change in acetabular version after lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy to correct post-operative flat back: EOS® measurements of 38 acetabula.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in acetabular orientation can promote the development of hip osteoarthritis, femoro-acetabular impingement, or even acetabular cup malposition. The objective of the present study was to determine whether pedicle substraction osteotomy (PSO) to correct sagittal spinal imbalance affected acetabular orientation. HYPOTHESIS: PSO performed to correct sagittal spinal imbalance affects acetabular orientation by changing the pelvic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive study in which two observers measured the acetabular parameters on both sides in 19 patients (38 acetabula) before and after PSO for post-operative flat-back syndrome. Mean time from PSO to post-operative measurements was 19months. Measurements were taken twice at a 2-week interval, on standing images obtained using the EOS(®) imaging system and sterEOS(®) software to obtain 3D reconstructions of synchronised 2D images. Acetabular anteversion and inclination were measured relative to the vertical plane. Mean pre-PSO and post-PSO values were compared using the paired t-test, and P values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. To assess inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility, we computed the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: The measurements showed significant acetabular retroversion after PSO, of 7.6° on the right and 6.5° on the left (P<0.001). Acetabular inclination diminished significantly, by 4.5° on the right and 2.5° on the left (P<0.01). Inclination of the anterior pelvic plane decreased by 8.4° (P<0.01). Pelvic incidence was unchanged, whereas sacral slope increased by 10.5° (P<0.001) and pelvic tilt decreased by 10.9° (P<0.001). The ICC was 0.98 for both inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility. CONCLUSION: Changing the sagittal spinal alignment modifies both the pelvic and the acetabular parameters. PSO significantly increases sacral slope, thus inducing anterior pelvic tilt with significant acetabular retroversion. The measurements obtained using sterEOS(®) showed good inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility. To our knowledge, this is the first study of changes in acetabular version after PSO.

Arthroscopic resection of benign tumors of the knee posterior compartment: a report of 15 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The management of tumors located in the posterior compartment of the knee, whatever the nature of the tumor, remains surgical excision and can be done by open surgery or under arthroscopic control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the arthroscopic management of intra-articular tumors of the posterior compartment of the knee. The hypothesis is that tumors or tumor-like lesions confined to the posterior compartment are accessible by arthroscopy with low iatrogenic risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with an intra-articular tumor of the posterior compartment of the knee were enrolled between 2009 and 2013. The surgical management consisted of arthroscopic resection. Patients underwent postoperative MRI, repeated at last follow-up. The outcomes were the occurrence of complications, functional evaluation using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and the recurrence rate. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. All patients had a complete resection. One case of delayed healing of the arthroscopic entry point was observed. At a mean 22months, the mean Lysholm Knee Score increased from 74 (±8.5) preoperatively to 92 (±7.7) postoperatively, a significant increase of 18 points (P=0.001). One patient had a recurrence of osteochondromatosis, requiring removal of a foreign body. DISCUSSION: Resection of posterior intra-articular tumors of the knee using arthroscopy is possible, subject to a learning curve.

The TASERed finger: A new entity. Case report and review of literature.

The TASER(®) is a self-defense weapon whose use has now become commonplace among law enforcement agencies. Electronic control weapons were first used in the USA in the 1990s and then adopted in Europe and France. We report a case of an 18-year-old male who presented a penetrating lesion of the middle phalanx of the left index finger. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first complex finger injury due to the TASER(®). It highlights the potential major risks to finger vitality and function with use of this electrical weapon.

Acetabular component navigation in lateral decubitus based on EOS imaging: A preliminary study of 13 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular component navigation classically requires palpation of the bone landmarks defining the anterior pelvic plane (APP) (anterior superior iliac spine [ASIS] and pubis), the recording of which is not very reliable when performed in lateral decubitus. The objectives of the current experimental study were: (1) to assess the clinical feasibility of NAVEOS navigation (based on EOS imaging) in lateral decubitus; and (2) to compare precision versus classical APP-based navigation (NAVAPP). HYPOTHESIS: Iliac plane navigation using EOS is as reliable as APP navigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A continuous prospective series of 13 total hip replacements were implanted in lateral decubitus under APP-guided navigation (NAVAPP). Planning used preoperative EOS measurement. The ASIS, pubis and ipsilateral posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) were located and exported to the navigator. Intra-operatively, NAVEOS landmarks (acetabular center, ASIS and PSIS on the operated side) were palpated. Postoperatively, cup inclination and anteversion with respect to the APP were measured on EOS imaging (SterEOS3D software). The SterEOS3D measurements were compared to those of the performed NAVAPP and simulated NAVEOS navigations. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded for technical reasons. In the remaining 10, inclination on NAVAPP and SterEOS3D differed by a median 4° (range, 0-12°), and on NAVEOS versus SteEOS3D by 5° (range, 2-10°); anteversion on NAVAPP and SterEOS3D differed by a median 4.5° (range, 0-12°), and on NAVEOS versus SteEOS3D by 4° (range, 0-14°). CONCLUSION: Precision was comparable between NAVEOS and classical navigation. NAVEOS simplifies cup navigation in lateral decubitus on initial acquisition. These results require validation on a larger sample.

Reconstruction of femoral bone loss with a monoplane external fixator and bone transport.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of femoral bone loss is difficult. Ilizarov described the bone lengthening technique using a circular external fixator, but this technique is uncomfortable on the femur because of the circular fixator. We have therefore opted for use of a monoplane external fixator to treat femoral bone loss with bone lengthening. The objectives of this study were to determine whether (1) bone union can be obtained with a monoplane external fixator; (2) infections can be treated; (3) the lower limb axes and alignment can be controlled; and (4) patient satisfaction is high. HYPOTHESIS: A monoplane external fixator provides a high rate of bone union during bone transport with no risk of deformity over the long term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2012 seven patients were treated with bone transport using a monoplane external fixator for femoral bone loss measuring a mean 8.1cm (range, 6-10cm). All were infected (osteomyelitis) or contaminated following Gustilo type IIIB fractures. The mean time from initial injury to the beginning of bone loss management was 3.9months (range, 1.5-8 months) for six of them and 108 months for one patient. RESULTS: At the mean follow-up of 4.7 years (range, 2-7 years), all of the patients showed union after a mean 11.1months (range, 8-18 months), i.e., 41.2 days/cm of transport, and all infections were resolved. Only one patient had unequal leg length measuring 2cm and another showed 3° varus. Five patients were satisfied despite disappointing functional results. All could fully extend the knee but the mean flexion was 50° (range, 20-90°). DISCUSSION: This series confirms that use of the monoplane external fixation with descending bone transport to treat infected femoral bone loss is efficient and provides bone union, treatment of the infection, and control of bone axes and lengths. This technique does not allow recuperation of complete knee flexion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Proximal ulnar fractures in adults: a review of 163 cases.

The aim of this study was to report the epidemiological characteristics and the experience of 5 departments of trauma, in France, in the management of fractures of the proximal ulna. 163 patients with fractures of the proximal ulna with a mean age of 49.9 years (range 16-97) were managed. The most common mode of injury was a motor vehicle collision (48%). 18% sustained associated injuries to the ipsilateral limb. Open fractures were present in 42 patients (25%). A total of 109 patients had a fracture of the olecranon, with the Mayo 2A and B types most frequently seen (66%). The patients were invited for clinical examination at a mean duration of 16 months, retrospectively. Validated patient-oriented assessment scores involving the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and the Broberg and Morrey score were evaluated. All patients had follow-up radiographs. The mean arc of elbow motion was 130° (70-150°). The mean MEPI was 91 (20-100) with good results in 23% and excellent results in 52% of the patients. The mean Broberg and Morrey score was 90 after isolated olecranon fracture, and decreased with the complexity of the lesion. 117 fractures (72%) healed with ulnohumeral congruity. 9 fracture non-unions occurred (6%). Although the fracture of the proximal ulna can be described in several classifications, none of them accommodate it satisfactorily, because of the complexity of the lesion. The coronoid process is the keystone for the stability of the elbow. It forms the anterior buttress with the radial head. Tension band wire fixation is by far the commonest technique of internal fixation used for the treatment of non-comminuted olecranon fractures. Dorsal plate fixation is a useful option by providing improved fixation of complex comminuted fractures and fracture-dislocations. The radiocapitellar joint has to be restored appropriately, preserving the radial head when possible and replacing it with a prosthesis otherwise. The lateral collateral ligament complex is commonly disrupted and usually can be reattached to its origin from the lateral epicondyle. In addition, a brief period of hinged external fixation should be considered.

Study of a (trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) polymer part 1: preparation of a new nerve guide through controlled random copolymerization using rare earth catalysts.

Random copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and epsilon-caprolactone have been synthesized through ring-opening polymerization using rare earth alkoxides as initiator. The structure of the copolymers has been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Their thermal behaviour, their permeability to liquid and their mechanical properties have also been evaluated. These copolymers have been used to process a new nerve guide.

Study of a (trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) polymer--part 2: in vitro cytocompatibility analysis and in vivo ED1 cell response of a new nerve guide.

Future surgical strategies to restore neurological function in peripheral nerve loss may involve replacement of nerve tissue with cultured Schwann cells using biodegradable guiding implants. Random copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and epsilon caprolactone (P(epsilonCL-TMC), 50: 50) have been synthesized by ring opening polymerization using rare earth alkoxides as initiator. Their potential use as nerve guide repairs has been assessed through indirect and direct in vitro biocompatibility tests and in vivo soft tissue response to EDI subclass macrophages. In vitro, we exposed monolayers of human skin fibroblasts and an established continuous cell line (Hela) to liquid extracts (either pure or diluted in the culture medium) of epsilonCL-TMC copolymer including positive (phenol) and negative controls. Then, colorimetric assays (Neutral red and MTT) were performed. The extracts of epsilonCL-TMC induced no significant cytotoxic effect. We also exposed in vitro Schwann cells to pieces of P(epsilonCL-TMC) and P(LA-GA) copolymers. We evaluated cell attachment at 1 and 3 h by measuring the activity of the lysosomal enzyme (N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase) and cell proliferation at 1, 3, 6 and 9 days by measuring the cell metabolic activity (MTT assay). Values for attachment slightly decreased between 1 and 3 h but were significantly higher than on agars (negative control). Cells plated on epsilonCL-TMC showed a rate of proliferation comparable with that of normalized controls and higher than on PGA-PLA at day 9. Finally, we evaluated in vivo the soft tissue response after implantation of cylindrical tubes of P(epsilonCL-TMC) and P(LA-GA) copolymers with an immunohistochemistry staining procedure for the newly recruited ED1 macrophages. An image analysis system automatically measured the optical density of labelled positive ED1 cells at 9, 21 and 60 days after implantation. epsilonCL-TMC copolymer showed a mild soft tissue reaction with no adverse chronic inflammatory reaction. These data allowed us to consider this conduit as a potential effective substitute in nerve repair. El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Peroneal nerve entrapment.

Sixty patients (sixty-two limbs) who had entrapment of the peroneal nerve were managed with operative decompression, and the results were evaluated after an average duration of follow-up of forty-two months (range, twenty-five to 162 months). The entrapment was postural in five patients, dynamic in two (one of whom had bilateral entrapment), and idiopathic in fifty-three (one of whom had bilateral entrapment). Fifty-eight patients (including the two who had bilateral entrapment) had a positive Tinel sign. Twenty-two patients (including the two who had bilateral entrapment) had sensory symptoms only, and thirty-eight had both sensory and motor symptoms. Electrophysiological studies were performed for all patients in order to confirm the diagnosis. Sensory deficits were confirmed on the basis of a marked decrease in the amplitude of sensory potentials, and motor deficits were confirmed on the basis of decreased nerve-conduction velocities. The common peroneal nerve was decompressed by division of both edges of the fibular fibrous arch. The average time from the onset of symptoms to the operation was fourteen months (range, one to 120 months), primarily because of delayed referrals. Twelve of the twenty-two patients who had had only sensory symptoms preoperatively had complete recovery by the time of the latest follow-up. The average delay from the onset of symptoms to the operation was thirty months (range, six to eighty-six months) for the ten patients (eleven limbs) who did not have full recovery compared with nine months (range, four to thirty-six months) for the twelve patients (thirteen limbs) who did. The postoperative recovery of motor function, as determined with use of the grading system of the Medical Research Council, was good for thirty-three (87 per cent) of the thirty-eight patients who had had both sensory and motor symptoms preoperatively. All seven patients who had peroneal nerve entrapment of known etiology had improvement postoperatively. We recommend operative decompression when symptoms persist or recovery remains incomplete for three to four months, provided that the diagnosis has been confirmed with electrophysiological studies.

Chronic calf pain in athletes due to sural nerve entrapment. A report of 18 cases.

We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 13 athletes (18 limbs) who had sural nerve entrapment localized in the passage of the nerve through the superficial sural aponeurosis. There were 11 men and 2 women (average age, 43 years; range, 31 to 59). All patients reported chronic calf pain that was exacerbated during physical exertion. Delay to diagnosis averaged 9 months (range, 5 to 24). Tenderness in the calf was identified along the course of the sural nerve in all cases. In 10 patients (15 limbs) electrodiagnostic testing before surgery was positive. After failure of nonoperative treatment, surgery was conducted under local anesthesia. Neurolysis was performed by incising the superficial sural aponeurosis and the fibrous band in it through which the nerve passes. The results of the operation were evaluated in terms of residual symptoms, ability to return to the former sport, and degree of patient satisfaction. A final follow-up examination was performed an average of 14 months (range, 6 to 30) after the operation. The final result was excellent in 9 limbs (2 bilateral), good in 8 limbs (2 bilateral), and fair in 1 case. The differential diagnosis of sural nerve entrapment in athletes is discussed. Increase in sural muscle mass or development of local fibrous scar tissue compromised the sural nerve in its course through the unyielding and inextensible superficial sural aponeurosis.

In vitro distribution of ketoprofen enantiomers in articular tissues of osteoarthritic patients.

The distribution of ketoprofen enantiomers in joint tissues was studied as a function of their relative tissular affinities using the multi-chamber distribution dialysis system described by Bickel et al. Selected off-cuts of synovial membrane, joint capsule, cartilage and ligament were obtained from ten patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee (n=3) or hip (n=7). Sörensen solution (4 ml) spiked with racemic ketoprofen (2 microg ml(-1)) was dialysed against 1 ml of the four solutions of tissue homogenates (0.4 g ml(-1)). Ketoprofen enantiomers were quantified in buffer and tissue solutions by high-performance liquid chromatography. The distribution of ketoprofen enantiomers in the Bickel's multi-compartment model indicated that there was a non-stereoselective affinity of ketoprofen enantiomers for their potential target tissues. Despite the interindividual variability in articular tissues, the concentrations (+/-S.D.) of R- and S-ketoprofen were significantly higher in synovial membrane (8.69 (4.76) microg g(-1) for S, 9.14 (5.57) microg g(-1) for R), joint capsule (5.71 (2.49) microg g(-1) for S, 5.49 (2.62) microg g(-1) for R) and ligament (6.28 (3.61) microg g(-1) for S, 6.40 (3.64) microg g(-1) for R) than in articular cartilage (3.67 (1.75) microg g(-1) for S, 3.70 (1.67) microg g(-1) for R). There were no significant differences in the distribution of R- and S-ketoprofen between the solutions of joint capsule, synovium and ligament tissues. These data may be related to differences in ketoprofen affinity for the different constituents of joints. This in vitro distribution profile is similar to that reported in vivo for other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve.

Operative release for entrapment of the suprascapular nerve was carried out in 35 patients. They were assessed at an average of 30 months (12 to 98) after operation using the functional shoulder score devised by Constant and Murley. The average age at the time of surgery was 40 years (17 to 67). Entrapment was due to injury in ten patients and no cause was found in three; 34 had diffuse posterolateral shoulder pain. The strength of abduction was reduced in all the patients. The average Constant score, unadjusted for age or gender, before operative release was 47% (28 to 53). In 25 of the patients both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were atrophied and seven had isolated atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle. The average conduction time from Erb's point to the supraspinatus muscle and to the infraspinatus muscle was 5.7 ms (2.8 to 12.8) and 7.4 ms (3.4 to 13.4), respectively. In two patients MRI revealed a ganglion in the infraspinatus fossa and, in another, a complete rupture of the rotator cuff. The average time from the onset of symptoms to operation was ten months (3 to 36). A posterior approach was advocated. The average Constant score, after operative release, unadjusted for age or gender was 77% (35 to 91). The overall result was excellent in ten of the patients, very good in seven, good in 14, fair in two, and poor in two. The symptomatic and functional outcome in our series confirmed the usefulness and safety of operative decompression for entrapment of the suprascapular nerve.

[Persistent radial palsy after humeral diaphyseal fracture: cause, treatment, and results. 30 operated cases]. / Paralysies radiales persistantes après fracture de la diaphyse humérale: origine, traitement et résultats. A propos de 30 cas opérés.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Radial palsy is a serious complication of humeral shaft fractures. The risk results from the anatomic position of the radial nerve which turns around the distal portion of the humeral shaft, in contact with the bone. As a rule, radial palsy regresses spontaneously, but in a few cases surgery may be required to achieve neurological recovery. We conducted a retrospective study of thirty cases of radial palsy after humeral fracture treated surgically. Our objective was to define causes of non-recovery and assess therapeutic efficacy, searching for the characteristic features of the fractures involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We limited our analysis to post-humeral fracture radial palsies, which were operated due to the absence of neurological recovery. We recorded the type of fracture, treatment used to achieve bone healing, surgical approach, and type of radial nerve surgery. The series included 30 patients, predominantly male, mean age 38.4 years. The fractures were situated in the middle or lower third of the humeral shaft. Most were spiral fractures. Plate fixation (30%) or nailing (33%) were generally used for fixation. There were six cases of iatrogenic palsy, all after plate fixation. A revision procedure was required in one-third of the cases due to nonunion. Exploration of the radial nerve demonstrated compression at the intermuscular septum in one-third of the cases and a direct conflict with the fixation plate in one-fifth of the cases. Neurolysis was required in 23 cases, nerve grafts in five and first-intention tendon transfer in two. RESULTS: Results of nerve surgery were assessed with the Alnot classification at a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. Outcome was rated good or very good in 22 patients, fair in one and poor (failure) in three. First-intention tendon transfers were performed in two patients and two patients were lost to follow-up. Mean delay to recovery was seven months after neurolysis and fifteen months after nerve grafts. DISCUSSION: Our experience and data in the literature suggest that several factors could be involved in persistent radial palsy after humeral shaft fracture. The greatest risk of radial nerve injury or absence of recovery after the primary lesion is encountered after fracture of the lower third of the humerus, spiral fracture, and plate fixation. Particular features observed in our series were nonunion and compression in the intermuscular septum.