Late diagnosis of a McFarland fracture: imaging and treatment.

McFarland fractures represent a type of oblique medial malleolar fracture in children that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. A 14-year-old junior league soccer player with a Salter Harris type IV McFarland fracture presented late, as the initial routine two views radiological assessment failed to reveal a clear fracture line. The addition of a mortise ankle view led to the correct diagnosis and subsequent MRI findings guided nonsurgical treatment with an excellent outcome. The debate between obtaining two or three views in closed pediatric ankle injuries according to the so-called Ottawa rules and the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the decision making for the choice of treatment of McFarland fractures are discussed in this case report.

Trapeziometacarpal External Fixation under Local Anesthesia for the Treatment of Comminuted Intra-Articular Thumb Metacarpal Fractures: Evaluation of Clinical Results and Long-Term Patient Satisfaction.

Background A variety of internal and external fixation techniques have been described for the treatment of Rolando fractures, but the optimal fixation method has not been clearly defined. Purpose The aim of the study was to describe the results and the long-term functional outcome of the application, under local anesthesia, of an external fixation system for the treatment of Rolando fractures. Patients and Methods In total, 22 consecutive patients (16 men) underwent surgical treatment for Rolando fractures by using two pairs of pins external fixator. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia (Xylocaine 2%) and an image intensifier. Patients were evaluated at regular intervals postoperatively and contacted by phone for long-term follow-up. Functional outcome was assessed using the validated Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) tool. Results The mean age was 39.8 ± 14.2 years. The mean time from injury to surgery was 4.1 ± 2 days. The mean operative time was 16.3 ± 2.6 minutes. All fractures were healed and no loss of fracture reduction was observed postoperatively. One patient developed wound erythema at the proximal pins, without requiring early removal of the implant, and another one experienced temporary numbness at the distribution of the superficial radial nerve. In total, 20 out of the 22 patients who were available for long-term follow-up did not report any complaints and could perform the daily activities without restriction. The average follow-up was 6.5 ± 1.2 years, and the mean Quick DASH score was 1.8 ± 3. Conclusion The two pairs of pins external fixator is a valuable option for the treatment of Rolando fractures and can be easily, quickly, and effectively applied under local anesthesia.

Tricortical Bone Grafting with Limited Midcarpal and Carpometacarpal Fusion for the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of the Capitate.

Background Giant cell tumor (GCT) of capitate is a rare lesion that is challenging to treat. Case Description We present a case of a 12-year-old girl suffering from a GCT of the capitate. Wide excision combined with adjuvant treatment including hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, tricortical bone grafting, and limited midcarpal and carpometacarpal fusion achieved good functional result without evidence of tumor recurrence or radiocarpal degeneration at 8 years postoperatively. Clinical Relevance In this case with long-term follow-up, surgical treatment of capitate GCT with limited midcarpal and carpometacarpal fusion led to a satisfactory outcome despite the alteration of wrist kinematics.

Delayed foreign-body reaction to absorbable implants in metacarpal fracture treatment.

BACKGROUND: First-generation bioabsorbable implants have been associated with a high complication rate attributable to weak mechanical properties and rapid degradation. This has led to the development of stronger devices with improved durability. However, the modern implants have raised concerns about potential late-occurring adverse reactions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: This retrospective study addressed the following questions: Can absorbable implants consisting of trimethylene carbonate, L-lactide, and D,L-lactide provide adequate fixation for healing of a metacarpal fracture? Will these implants obviate a second removal operation? What complications can occur in the reaction to implant breakdown? PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve unstable, displaced, metacarpal fractures were studied in 10 consecutive patients (seven men, three women; mean age, 36.4 years; range, 18-75 years). The fractures were treated with absorbable plates and screws consisting of the aforementioned copolymers and designed to resorb in 2 to 4 years. Nine patients (10 fractures) were available for clinical and radiographic followups (mean, 45.7 months; range, 34-61 months). RESULTS: Fracture healing was uneventful in all cases. Four patients experienced a foreign-body reaction during the second postoperative year and required surgical débridement to remove implant remnants. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a foreign-body reaction. Two other patients reported a transient local swelling that subsided without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate these absorbable implants for metacarpal fractures achieved adequate bone healing but simply postponed the problem of foreign-body reactions. Patients treated with bioabsorbable implants should be advised of potential late complications and should be followed for at least 2 years, possibly longer.

Minimal resection interposition arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: Interposition arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is a viable alternative to fusion in patients with advanced hallux rigidus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the midterm results of a modification of the technique. METHODS: Case series of 18 interposition arthroplasties were performed on 13 female patients with Grade III-IV hallux rigidus. The technique included cheilectomy, bunionectomy when needed, minimal resection of the base of the proximal phalanx and interposition of a fascia lata allograft in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Mean follow up was nine years (range 75-136 months). Patients were evaluated according to the AOFAS score, the ability to tip toe and their subjective satisfaction. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between preoperative (mean 43.2, range 15-83) and postoperative (mean 77.3, range 40-100) AOFAS scores (p<0.001). The patients were able to tip toe on 12 of the 18 operated feet and 9 of the 13 patients were satisfied from the operation. All dissatisfied patients had a coexistent hallux valgus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The technique had satisfactory midterm outcomes in older patients with advanced hallux rigidus without hallux valgus. Advantages of the method are the preservation of tip toe function in most patients and a technically easy conversion to fusion when needed.

Management of posttraumatic arthritis of the wrist with radiolunate fusion enhanced with a sliding autograft: a case report and description of a novel technique.

Although in rheumatoid cases radiolunate fusion presents with satisfying results, in cases with posttraumatic carpal distortion, the variability of injury pattern can influence the type of fixation and the rate of bony union. In this case report, we present an alternative technique of radiolunate fusion for the management of posttraumatic arthritis, which combines the traditional procedure with a corticocancellous autograft, created from the dorsal side of the radius that slides over the bones to be fused. That procedure provides the best environment for the bones to heal and an additional stabilizing effect on the radiolunate construct, thus better preserving the normal intercarpal relationships and wrist height. Patient's clinical and radiological outcome was very satisfactory until the last follow-up.

Mid-term results of hydroxyapatite-coated threaded cup implanted without supplementary supporting screws.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiographic, and survivorship outcomes in a series of 180 patients that underwent 204 primary Total Hip Arthroplasties with the use of a second generation threaded hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular cup that was implanted without any supplementary supporting screws. At an average follow-up period of 10.2 (range: 8-14) years, one hundred and seventy-four patients (198 cups) were available for assessment. All patients underwent detailed physical and radiographic examination; their functional status was evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Following their digitization, all radiographs were further reviewed in order to determine the existence of any migration of the acetabular cup. Osteolytic lesions, radiolucent lines or zones of increased bone density were also recorded and classified according to the system of DeLee & Charnley. The modified Engh's criteria were used in order to evaluate the stability of the prosthesis. The patients' mean HHS at their latest follow-up visit (97.24 points) was statistically significantly better than the preoperative mean score of 40.31 points (p<0.001). Radiographic analysis showed "stable with bone ingrowth" fixation (modified Engh's criteria) of all implants with no significant migration of the cup (mean cranial migration: 0.597 mm, mean horizontal migration: 0.607 mm, mean observed difference of the cup's inclination angle: 0.26 degrees). No areas of significant osteolysis were found. The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 97.05%. Our results suggest that second generation hydroxyapatite-coated threaded acetabular cups can be successfully implanted (and achieve excellent results) without the use of any supplementary supporting screws.

Late results of absorbable pin fixation in the treatment of radial head fractures.

The use of bioabsorbable pins with prolonged degradation periods for fracture fixation has raised concerns about adverse soft tissue reactions, including seromas, discharging sinuses, or osteolytic changes. We asked whether bioabsorbable pins of self-reinforced polylactic acid polymer used in radial head fractures resulted in such reactions. We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients followed a minimum of 36 months (mean, 81 months; range, 36-136 months). There were nine Mason II, 10 Mason III, and two Mason IV fractures, which were evaluated clinically and radiographically. All fractures healed well with no radiographic signs of osteolysis. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 93.8 (range, 20-100), which is comparable to the outcome of historical groups with radial head arthroplasty. The mean range of flexion of the elbow was 9 degrees to 132 degrees , with 79 degrees pronation and 77 degrees supination. The grip strength of the operated arm was not affected in comparison to the contralateral arm (mean range, 38.6 versus 40.9 kg). No material-related adverse effects were observed during and beyond the degradation period. Our data suggest concerns about soft tissue or bony reactions from these materials in radial head fractures are not justified.