Resorbability of rigid beta-tricalcium phosphate wedges in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective radiological study.

The open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a well accepted treatment modality for patients with osteoarthritis of the medial compartment associated with genu varum. To fill in the osteotomy gap 30% macroporosity rigid beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) is frequently used as a stable resorbable bone substitute. However, the resorbability of these beta-TCP wedges is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate this. Twenty-one OWHTO procedures in seventeen patients were performed with the use of 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges. The osteotomies were fixed using an angle-stable locking plate. Conventional AP and lateral radiographs were examined in order to assess the resorbability of the 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges as a function of time. A radiological classification system consisting of five phases was used to monitor the resorption of the 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges. The mean duration of follow-up was 62 months (+/-23 range of 28-99). In all 21 cases, remnants of the 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges were still present at maximum follow-up. Although the boundaries between 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges and bone remained slightly visible, all osteotomies were completely consolidated and full osseointegration took place. In 16 out of 21 knees the fixation system was removed after a mean duration of 32 months (+/-19 range of 6-62). In six out of 21 knees a conversion to a knee arthroplasty was performed after a mean duration of 56 months (+/-18 range of 37-82). The OWHTO did not interfere with the placement of knee prostheses. Complete resorption of 30% macroporosity rigid beta-TCP wedges did not take place up to 8 years after operation.

[Torsion of the gallbladder]. / Torsie van de galblaas.

An 18-year-old male presented at the casualty department with acute right upper abdominal pain. Laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities apart from a mildly elevated leukocyte count. Ultrasound examination revealed hydrops of the gallbladder, with thickening of the wall, with no indication of gallstones. Laparoscopy revealed a necrotic gallbladder due to torsion. The gallbladder was successfully removed. Torsion of the gallbladder is a rare condition, in which the organ twists on its longitudinal axis. It is found primarily in patients under 18 years or over 65 years of age. Laboratory and radiological investigations usually reveal non-specific abnormalities, which means that a correct diagnosis is made preoperatively in < 10% of patients. Treatment of choice is an emergency cholecystectomy. The prognosis is excellent with adequate treatment.