Correlation of radiological parameters with functional outcomes post fixation with proximal humerus locking plates.

PURPOSE: Proximal humerus fractures account for 4-5% of all fractures in adults and affect females more than males. With the advent of special locking plates, the treatment trend has shifted more towards a surgical approach. These methods have produced good results but very high complications rates have been reported in the literature. This study was undertaken to analyse the radiological parameters which reflect towards a favourable long term functional outcome in order to advance the surgical fixation skills for managing fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 83 study participants with proximal humerus fracture fixed using proximal humerus locking plates were retrospectively analysed. The radiological parameters studied were neck shaft angle, head shaft angle, head diameter, head height, greater tuberosity to articular surface distance and reduction of the medial hinge with or without placement of calcar screw. The functional parameters assessed were the Constant Murley Score and range of movements of the shoulder joint. The patients were not followed further for the purpose of the study. RESULTS: The mean Constant Murley Score for the participants was 80.75 ± 8.09 (range 60-90). The participants with good to excellent CM Score had a significantly higher neck shaft angle (107.47 ± 9.74 v/s 124.16 ± 10.68) and (-0.28 ± 0.85 v/s 2.37 ± 2.28), head shaft angle (23.09 ± 4.82 v/s 31.76 ± 7.76), head diameter (40.08 ± 8.63 v/s 45.15 ± 4.73), head height (18.77 ± 1.96 v/s 20.69 ± 2.76) and greater tuberosity to articular surface distance (-0.28±0.85 v/s 2.37±2.28) as compared to the patients with satisfactory and worse CM Score. The patients with a higher neck shaft angle and a maintained subacromial space had a better range of shoulder abduction. A higher rate of valgus collapse was seen with an inadequate medial hinge reduction. CONCLUSION: The radiological parameters which can predict towards a good functional outcome are a higher neck shaft angle and head shaft angle, a larger head diameter and head height, a superior position of the greater tuberosity in relation to the articular surface and a good medial hinge reduction.

Fixation Of Tibial Pilon Fractures Based On Column Concept :A Prospective Study.

Distal tibia fractures are complex injuries with high complication rates. Limited soft tissue, poor vascularity and complexity of fracture pattern impose limitations for traditional plating techniques. Better understanding of fracture patterns using 3D-CT reconstruction, optimum pre-op planning and availability of anatomical locking plates have certainly improved the outcome in these fractures. We report the functional and radiological outcome in 12 patients of complex tibial pilon fractures, who were treated on the basis of the novel column concept.

Suture Fixation of Coronoid Fractures - Using an 18 g Needle as Suture Passer - A Novel Technique.

Introduction: Coronoid fractures in complex elbow dislocations and terrible triad injuries are usually tip avulsions. Only suture fixation of tip fragments may be possible. Case Report: We have described a simple and cost-effective technique for suture fixation of the coronoid fracture using an 18 G needle as a suture passer. Conclusion: This novel technique of using an Ethibond 18 gauge needle as a suture passer may obviate the difficulty usually associated with suture fixation of the coronoid.

Preoperative Assessment for Surgical Accuracy in Maxillofacial Surgery Cases Using Stereolithographic Models.

Recent advancements in imaging technologies, particularly stereolithography, have transformed medical and surgical practices, including oral and maxillofacial surgery. Utilizing precise three-dimensional (3D) models crafted from virtual representations, these innovations have revolutionized diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical simulation. In a study conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Dental College, Chennai, five patients with complex maxillofacial deformities underwent surgical interventions guided by stereolithographic models. Despite challenges such as fabrication time and cost constraints, the integration of 3D models significantly streamlined preoperative planning, reduced operative time, and facilitated precise surgical execution. Customized implants and pre-bent plates, based on model simulations, enabled conservative surgical approaches and optimal fit and function. The integration of stereolithography with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software represents a significant advancement in enhancing surgical precision and improving patient outcomes in cranio-maxillofacial surgery.

Delay in Time to Diagnosis of Idiopathic Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip with Radiographs: Diagnostic Insights from a Series of 10 Cases.

Introduction: Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a poorly recognized self-limiting clinical entity. Due to a lack of awareness among the clinicians, the condition is often misdiagnosed leading to inappropriate treatment, thereby lengthening the time to diagnosis (TTD). In this study, we analyze the delay in TTD of TOH using plain radiographs and present the optimal management strategy. Case Report: We retrospectively collected the data of patients who were diagnosed with TOH from March 2017 to March 2022. A total of 10 patients with a mean age of 43.7 years (range 33-56 years) were included in the study. The mean time to presentation from the onset of symptoms was 4 weeks (range 2-8 weeks) Radiologic evaluation with radiographs was sensitive in only 8 patients with osteopenia, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was sensitive in all the patients and aided in early diagnosis of TOH. Radiographic evaluation alone leads to a mean delay in TTD of 1.6 weeks (range 0-8 weeks) in our study. All the patients were treated conservatively without any major complications. Conclusion: Plain radiographs were not sensitive in the early detection of TOH and increased the TTD by 1.6 weeks, however, MRI imaging was found to be highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing TOH.

Hip Fracture in a Patient with Overlap Syndrome - Conundrums Involved in the Management - A Case Report.

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition producing symptoms of varying severity depending on the extent and progression of the disease pathology most importantly respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary complications. Myasthenia gravis (MG) on the other hand is an autoimmune condition due to the pathology involving failure of neuromuscular transmission causing muscle weakness exacerbated by activity and involvement of the respiratory muscles leading to respiratory failure. Overlap syndrome is a condition wherein both motor neuron disease (MND) and MG are present in the same patient. The safety of using muscle-relaxing agents in patients with MG undergoing major surgical procedures has so far been assessed as insufficient. There have been many concerns regarding anesthetic management in relation to complications with respiratory function in patients with ALS, with regional anesthesia being considered slightly safer. Case Report: An 81-year-old female presented with a closed injury to her left hip, and she was diagnosed to have a left neck of femur fracture. She was also a known case of bulbar MND with an overlap syndrome of MG. She was hypertensive and controlled with regular medication. She was planned for a left hip bipolar arthroplasty. Anesthetic requirements and management of these patients require a high degree of expertise and anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery is prone to more complications and mortality. In addition, as the patient had an overlap of both MG and MND, more meticulous assessment and management strategies were necessary. Conclusion: The importance and purpose of this study are to highlight a case of overlap syndrome of MND and MG patients who sustained a left neck femur fracture and underwent bipolar arthroplasty highlighting the anesthetic considerations in the patient for the procedure. We concluded that the choice of mode of anesthesia needs to be individualized based on each patient's requirements after careful analysis of the risk-benefit ratio of general versus regional. Regional anesthesia was successfully administered for this patient.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Geriatric Hip Fractures: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric hip fractures are the new global pandemic. It is predicted to reach 7.3-21.3 million cases worldwide by 2050. Even with optimal care, geriatric patients suffer a higher morbidity and mortality rate when compared with the general population and often demand expensive hospital aftercare. This study aims to assess the implications of the successful adoption of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in the management of geriatric hip fractures in an Indian facility. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India and reported following REporting of studies Conducted using the Observational Routinely collected health Data (RECORD) guidelines. We included all geriatric patients over 60 years of age who were admitted with hip fractures for surgical management between January 2021 and January 2023. The individual perioperative components of the ERAS protocol focus on key areas such as preoperative nutritional support, effective multimodal analgesia with optimal pain control, fluid management, and early postoperative mobilization. RESULTS: Thirty-eight geriatric patients with a mean age of 77.5 (± 9.6) years were included for analysis. Twenty-three patients sustained intertrochanteric fractures and underwent fixation with proximal femur nailing and the remaining had 15 sustained neck or femur fractures of which 11 underwent hemiarthroplasty surgery and the remaining four underwent a total hip replacement. The mean time to surgery was 2 (± 0.2) days. Eighty-two percent (n=31) of the patients were mobilized with a walking frame within a day after surgery and were followed up after discharge with home physiotherapy. The mean time to ambulation was 2 (± 0.62) days. The mean length of stay was 4 (± 1.6) days. We had a 30-day readmission rate of 5.2% (n=2) and a 30-day mortality rate of 5.2% (n=2). The one-year mortality rate was 13% (n=5). CONCLUSION: Management of geriatric hip fractures requires exceptional interdisciplinary coordination and carefully planned strategies to optimize patient care. With the implementation of the ERAS protocol, we could perceive clinical benefits in terms of early recovery and short length of hospital stay in patients with hip fractures. Further comparative studies are required, which can determine the relative importance of individual measures in the ERAS protocol and understand their longer-term outcomes in hip fracture surgeries.

Custom-made endoprosthetic total humerus reconstruction for musculoskeletal tumours.

PURPOSE: We analysed 11 patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumours of the humerus who underwent limb salvage surgery with total humeral custom endoprosthesis from 1990 to 2009. METHODS: There were six male and five female patients, with a mean age of 17 years. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma. The average follow-up period was 66 months, with the maximum being 180 months. Functional and oncological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: The one and five year cumulative survival (Kaplan-Meier method) rates were 90.9% and 77.9 %. The average Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS) was 80%. Two patients died due to metastasis. One patient had a forequarter amputation for local recurrence. The procedure provides fast recovery and relatively good restoration of elbow function, whereas active shoulder movements remain limited CONCLUSION: Total humeral custom endoprosthetic replacement represents a viable treatment option in indicated patients, providing reliable and reasonable function of the upper limb, with a low complication rate.

A Wrong Punch and a Rare Fracture! - A Case Report of Isolated Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Base Fracture.

Introduction: Isolated displaced fourth and fifth metacarpal base fracture without a carpometacarpal joint subluxation or carpal bone fracture by a punch injury is extremely rare. The site of the fracture in the metacarpal is determined by the type and direction of punch. These fractures usually occur as a result of misdirected blow or wrong punch on a hard surface with a clenched fist. To best of our knowledge, there are only few published case reports. The difficulties in management and biomechanics of such fractures with 10 months follow-up are discussed in this case report. Case Report: A 37-year-old male right hand dominant person presented with pain and swelling of the right hand after punching a wall. The difficulties in reduction and fixation of such fracture, the functional and radiological outcome of minimally open Kirschner wires fixation of this type of fracture with 10-month follow-up and the fracture biomechanics has been discussed in this case report. Conclusion: Clenched fist injury not always means a boxer fracture. This kind of rare fracture is also a possibility and should kept as a differential diagnosis. These fractures are easily misinterpreted by a beginner. Meticulous reduction techniques and fixation will yield better results.

Neglected Acromion Fracture Causing Chronic Post-traumatic Shoulder Pain - A Case Report.

Introduction: Patient presented with persistent shoulder pain 8 months following an injury which was diagnosed to be an old non-united missed acromion fracture. The difficulties in diagnosing such fracture, the functional and radiological outcome of surgical fixation of this type of missed acromion fracture with 6-month follow-up has been discussed in this case report. Case Report: We report a case of 48-year-old male who presented to us with chronic shoulder pain following an injury which was later diagnosed to be a missed non-united acromion fracture. Conclusion: Acromion fractures are commonly missed. Non-united acromion fractures can cause significant chronic post-traumatic shoulder pain. Reduction and internal fixation can alleviate the pain with a good functional result.

Orientation of Transverse Acetabular Ligament With Reference to Anterior Pelvic Plane.

BACKGROUND: Transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is a 3-dimensional structure which cannot be defined by a single plane. Therefore, we aimed at describing the orientation of different parts of TAL with respect to anterior pelvic plane (APP) and correlate it with gender, body mass index (BMI), and Lewinnek's safe zone. METHODS: A total of 109 consecutive patients undergoing imageless navigated THA were prospectively studied. Computer navigation was used as the measurement tool. APP was registered for navigation. After excision of osteophytes, a trial component matching the size of unreamed acetabular cavity was aligned with acetabular rim, outer and inner margins, and middle of TAL to record cup orientation with computer tracker. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (41 males and 58 females, mean BMI of 28.8kg/m2) were studied after applying exclusion criteria. Mean acetabular inclination was 55.15°, 53.00°, 47.70°, and 42.60° respectively, for acetabular rim, outer, middle, and inner margins of the TAL. Corresponding mean acetabular anteversion was 6.63°, 7.41°, 11.23° and 14.90°respectively. Overall, 17.17%, 28.28%, 47.47% and 71.71% of cup orientation corresponding to acetabular rim, outer, middle, and inner margin of TAL respectively, were within Lewinnek's safe zone. No association was established between BMI and acetabular orientation. Males had overall lesser anteversion than females. CONCLUSION: We describe orientation of outer, middle, and inner margins of TAL, as reference planes for TAL, in relation to APP. The anteversion differs significantly with gender. A knowledge about these will assist surgeon in component placement during THA, with inner margin of TAL providing the best chance of orientation out of the studied landmarks.

Custom prosthetic replacement for distal radial tumours.

We analysed the results of 24 cases of aggressive benign and malignant tumours of the distal radius treated by resection and prosthetic replacement between 1995 and 2006. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 74 years, averaging 33 years; 18 were males. Recurrent giant cell tumour was the most common tumour. The prosthesis used was a bipolar hinge custom mega prosthesis manufactured locally. Average follow-up was 78 months. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score achieved was 75%. The ten-year prosthesis survival was rate 87.5%. Infection was the most common complication.

Submental intubation with intubating laryngeal mask airway as conduit: An airway option for oral submucous fibrosis release.

The main anesthetic concern with oral submucous fibrosis is progressive restriction of mouth opening due to fibrosis producing difficult airway. Securing airway by nasotracheal intubation and tracheostomy are associated with potential complications. Flexible fiberoscope is not available in all the institutes. Submental intubation using intubating laryngeal mask airway is an acceptable alternative technique in such situations. It also provides an unobstructed surgical field.