A hand therapy protocol for the treatment of lunate overload or early Kienbock's disease.

We describe a hand therapy protocol aimed at unloading the wrist and increasing blood supply to the wrist, specifically to the lunate. The protocol was used in a series of patients with clinical radial wrist pain, dysfunction and changes on wrist imaging studies. The patients were not candidates for surgical treatment. Application of the therapy protocol improved objective and subjective parameters such as pain and motion, and may provide a viable treatment option for patients with lunate overload or early Kienbock's disease that are not candidates for surgery.

Prosthodontic treatment of a patient with bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw using a removable dental prosthesis with a heat-polymerized resilient liner: a clinical report.

Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws (BONJ) is reported frequently in patients receiving oral or intravenous bisphosphonates. To minimize potential complications, dental treatment must be performed with care. There are invasive and noninvasive treatment options for patients with active BONJ or a history of this complication. This clinical report describes the prosthodontic treatment of a patient who developed BONJ after receiving intravenous bisphosphonates (pamidronate). Because of the recurrent incidence of BONJ, noninvasive prosthetic therapy with telescopic overdentures and a heat-polymerized resilient liner was provided. After 2 years, there were no biological or technical complications.

[Dieterich's Disease--the rare aseptic necrosis of the metacarpal head]. / Morbus Dieterich--die seltene aseptische Knochennekrose der Metakarpaleköpfe.

The rare diagnosis of the Dieterich's disease at the head of the metacarpal III is presented on the case of a 19-year-old female patient. While aseptic bone necroses at the hand skeleton in handsurgical special departments are not rare and diagnostics and choice of the right treatment are not difficult, there are quite rare findings, which are not commonly known. Dieterich's disease finds precipitation in the literature in a handful of articles, mostly case reports. Dieterich saw among 8 patients 7 women, with a distribution of 7 concerned metacarpal bone III and one metacarpal bone IV. A preference of the female sex or the metacarpal bone III cannot be derived from it. Aseptic necroses at the hand are rarer than at the foot skeleton. Clinically, a swelling at the extensor side of the finger basic joint can exist with movement restriction, occasionally is the hand over it slightly turned red. Mechanical load aggravates the complaints. The clinical aspect, X-ray and therapy options are differentially presented and discussed with consideration of the specific literature.

Osteonecrosis bilateral de rodilla tratada con descompresión y concentrado de aspirado de médula ósea / Bilateral knee osteonecrosis with decompression and bone marrow concentrate

Descripta por Ahlbäck en 1968, la osteonecrosis de rodilla es una patología con un gran potencial de morbilidad. Está dividida en tres grandes grupos: primaria/espontánea, postoperatoria y secundaria/atraumática. Esta última podría estar directamente relacionada con el consumo prolongado de corticoides. Su tratamiento constituye un desafío para el cirujano ortopedista. Va a depender del estadio de la enfermedad y del colapso articular, y se intentará siempre preservar la superficie articular nativa. Dentro de las distintas opciones terapéuticas, las terapias biológicas constituyen una herramienta potencialmente valiosa como complemento al tratamiento quirúrgico, y muestran resultados clínicos esperanzadores. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con una osteonecrosis de rodilla bilateral, secundaria al consumo crónico de corticoides, tratada con una artroscopía bilateral asociada a perforaciones subcondrales descompresivas y aplicación subcondral de concentrado de médula ósea (CMO), con evolución satisfactoria de los síntomas a los treinta meses de seguimiento en la rodilla derecha, mientras que en la rodilla izquierda presentó una evolución tórpida de los síntomas a partir de los veinticuatro meses, por lo que está en plan de reemplazo articular.

Described by Ahlbäck in 1968, osteonecrosis of the knee is a pathology with great potential for morbidity. It is divided into three large groups: primary/spontaneous, postoperative, and secondary/atraumatic. The latter might be directly related to prolonged consumption of steroids. Its treatment is a challenge for the orthopedist. It will depend on the disease stage and articular collapse, always trying to preserve the native articular surface. Within the different therapeutic options, biological therapies are a potentially valuable tool as a complement to surgical treatment, showing encouraging clinical results. We present the case of a female patient with bilateral osteonecrosis of the knee, secondary to chronic consumption of steroids, treated with bilateral arthroscopy associated with decompressive subchondral perforations and subchondral application of bone marrow concentrate (BMC), with a satisfactory evolution of symptoms after thirty months of follow-up in the right knee. However, the left knee showed a torpid evolution of symptoms after twenty-four months of follow-up, so she is on a joint replacement plan

Robotic device-assisted knee extension training during the early postoperative period after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance or restoration of a good range of motion of the knee is one of the most important outcomes following knee surgery. According to previous studies, opening wedge high tibial osteotomy enables better recovery of range of motion in knee flexion than that achievable after total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. However, few reports provide a detailed description of the postoperative recovery of knee extension range of motion after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. We describe our experience with a knee extension training program using a single-joint hybrid assistive limb device (HAL-SJ; Cyberdyne Inc., Tsukuba, Japan) during the acute recovery phase after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. The HAL-SJ is a wearable robotic device that facilitates voluntary control of knee joint motion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old Japanese woman who underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the left medial femoral condyle received HAL-SJ-based knee extension training postoperatively. Our experience with this patient revealed that knee extension training with the HAL-SJ during the acute phase following opening wedge high tibial osteotomy is feasible. Furthermore, the patient's knee extension range of motion improved to values similar to those seen during the preoperative stage, and her flexion range of motion was improved at 3 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: HAL-SJ-based knee extension training could be used as a novel post-opening wedge high tibial osteotomy rehabilitation modality. Further exploration of individualized optimal settings of the HAL-SJ is required to improve its safety and efficacy.

Conservative treatment versus scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for Kienbock's disease. A retrospective study.

Efficiency of surgical treatment in Kienböck's disease has never been proven in the long term. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of the 104 patients treated by various techniques for Kienböck's disease from 1981 to 1999 in our unit. A comparison was made between 19 cases treated conservatively (amongst 59) and 11 cases (amongst 25) treated by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis with a mean follow-up of 13 years. The two groups were statistically comparable in stage, age, sex ratio, number of manual workers. STT arthrodesis was responsible for an increased loss of mobility, an increase of barometric pain, a longer rehabilitation time and more fractures of lunatum than conservative treatment. Those results question about indications for STT in Kienböck's disease.

A non-invasive, home-based biomechanical therapy for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of a non-invasive, home-based biomechanical treatment program for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK). METHODS: Seventeen patients with SONK, confirmed by MRI, participated in this retrospective analysis. Patients underwent a spatiotemporal gait analysis and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Following an initial assessment, patients commenced the biomechanical treatment (AposTherapy). All patients were reassessed after 3 and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: A significant reduction in pain and improvement in function was seen after 3 months of therapy with additional improvement after 6 months of therapy. Pain was reduced by 53% and functional limitation reduced by 43%. Furthermore, a significant improvement was also found in the SF-36 subscales, including the summary of physical and mental scores. Significant improvements were found in most of the gait parameters including a 41% increase in gait velocity and a 22% increase in step length. Patients also demonstrated improvement in limb symmetry, especially by increasing the single limb support of the involved limb. CONCLUSIONS: Applying this therapy allowed patients to be active, while walking more symmetrically and with less pain. With time, the natural course of the disease alongside the activity of the patients with the unique biomechanical device led to a significant reduction in pain and improved gait patterns. Therefore, we believe AposTherapy should be considered as a treatment option for patients with SONK. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Institutional Helsinki Committee Registry, 141/08; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00767780 .

Multiple avascular necrosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus/systemic sclerosis overlap syndrome.

A white female patient developed overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) with severe pulmonary compromise. She was treated with steroids and azathioprine, which improved her clinical condition and spirometric status. In May 2002 she presented with continuous pain in her left ankle that continued even during rest and under treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple avascular necrosis (AVN). Rest and kinesitherapy were indicated for 1 year, and gradually an orthosis was introduced allowing the patient to walk normally.

Arthroscopic microfracture treatment for osteonecrosis of the knee.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the results of arthroscopic subchondral microfracture performed on patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis (ON) (group 1) or secondary ON (group 2) of the knee joint. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Group 1 included 26 patients (mean age, 48 years) who had spontaneous ON. Group 2 included 15 patients (mean age, 32 years) with ON secondary to inflammatory disease or steroid therapy. Seventy-six percent of the chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle. The average defect sizes in group 1 was 162 mm2 and in group 2 was 362 mm2. After debridement of the necrotic tissues, multiple perforations were placed into the subchondral bone to obtain revascularization. RESULTS: There was an increase in the average Lysholm scores from 57 to 90 in group 1 after 27 months of mean follow-up (P < .05); 71% of patients could participate in strenuous sports with no or minimal limitation. The mean activity level in group 1 according to Cincinnati Knee Rating System was 6 preoperatively and 13.54 postoperatively. For group 2, the average scores showed significant improvement and patient satisfaction after surgery (preoperative and postoperative average Lysholm scores were 41 and 75, respectively, with mean follow-up of 37 months). Average activity level in group 2 increased from 2.67 to 11.73. Control magnetic resonance imaging scans of the cases revealed the continuity of normal cartilage with cartilage-like tissue in the treated areas. However, an increase of the size of ON in the subchondral bone was detected in 27% of the knees. CONCLUSIONS: The microfracture technique is safe, simple, and cost-effective, and may be an alternative procedure for treatment of ON of the knee, especially in young patients, before possible subsequent replacement surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Indications, technique, and results of shoulder arthroplasty in osteonecrosis.

The most common causes of osteonecrosis of the humeral head are steroid use and trauma. Corticosteroids produce osteonecrosis by alterations in fat metabolism, and trauma, by injury to the anterolateral ascending artery. The need for replacement surgery is influenced by stage and extent of the disease, as well as a history of trauma. Results of replacements are superior in steroid-induced osteonecrosis compared to posttraumatic osteonecrosis.

Postsurgical rehabilitative management of avascular necrosis in the capitate.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss a case of avascular necrosis of the capitate and the follow-up postsurgical rehabilitation. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 41-year-old woman had severe left wrist pain. A short course of passive therapy was administered with no significant change. She was referred for additional diagnostic testing, including magnetic resonance imaging, which assisted in diagnosing the patient with avascular necrosis of the capitate. After undergoing surgical intervention, she was cleared to start an active rehabilitation program. She had significant loss of muscle strength and muscle atrophy and diminished active range of motion in the wrist and forearm. INTERACTION AND OUTCOME: The patient underwent surgical intervention consisting of an arthroplasty to the capitate. The follow-up rehabilitation techniques included the use of active and passive stretching, therapeutic putty, and light dumbbells. The patient was seen a total of 21 times during a 9-week time period. Outcome assessments were given intermittently during care to monitor progress. At the end of the program, she reported full function of the wrist with minimal to no pain. A 6-month follow-up showed improvements that were maintained with little pain. CONCLUSION: Avascular necrosis of the capitate is relatively rare. Advanced imaging should be used for diagnostic purposes. Surgical intervention may be warranted; however, it is recommended a postsurgical rehabilitative procedure be implemented.

A 26-year-old man with shoulder pain.

This case report included roentgenographic and clinical findings of a condition of interest to the orthopedic surgeon. The medical history, physical findings, and results of roentgenographic examinations precede clinical and roentgenographic differential diagnoses.

Bilateral pediatric Kienböck's disease: a case report.

Bilateral Kienböck's disease in pediatrics is extremely rare. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy with bilateral pediatric Kienböck's disease who was treated by temporary scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint fixation, with a good clinical result and radiographic results.

Bilateral idiopathic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid: a rare case of Preiser's disease.

Whereas avascular necrosis of the scaphoid after a fracture is well-documented, idiopathic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease) is rare. Little is known of the aetiology of the condition and even less about the best course of management. We describe a rare case of bilateral Preiser's disease. Possible aetiological factors and a summary of the current concepts of management are discussed.

The benefit of modified rehabilitation and minimally invasive techniques in total hip replacement.

INTRODUCTION: We wished to assess if an intensive rehabilitation regimen alone, or one combined with modified anaesthetic and surgical techniques, can change the speed of rehabilitation or the length of hospital stay after total hip replacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared 44 patients who had followed a traditional care pathway, with 38 patients who had rehabilitated under a new rehabilitation protocol, with 40 patients who had also received modified, minimally invasive techniques. The speed of rehabilitation was measured in terms of three specific milestones accomplished on the day after surgery. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant improvement in the day after surgery each activity was possible. The length of hospital stay was reduced from 6.5 days to 5.4 days to 4.1 days, a difference which was also statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The data support the view that a new rehabilitation protocol alone can reduce the length of hospital stay and hasten rehabilitation. The combination of modified anaesthetic and minimally invasive surgical techniques with the new rehabilitation regimen can further improve short-term outcome after total hip replacement.

Case reports: osteonecrosis of the capitate: a pediatric case report.

We present what we think is the first documented occurrence of osteonecrosis of the capitate in a skeletally immature patient. Atraumatic osteonecrosis of the capitate is rare, and all reported cases have occurred in adults. Our pediatric patient was treated with observation and limited immobilization. He achieved a full recovery clinically and radiographically after 1 year. A review of the literature pertaining to osteonecrosis of the capitate also is provided.

Kienböck's disease in a 14-year-old gymnast: a case report.

Kienböck's disease is rare in children and there are few reports and therapeutic recommendations in the literature about this condition. We report a case of a 14-year-old female gymnast for whom nonsurgical treatment was followed by complete healing within 12 months. Repeated computed tomography scans provided a sequential coronal, sagittal, and transverse illustration of the progressive healing of the lunate.

Avascular necrosis of the radial head in children.

Avascular necrosis of the radial head is uncommon. A 20-year review of records at a Pediatric Trauma Center revealed eight cases of avascular necrosis of the radial head in children with an average of 10 years (range, 7-16 years). Symptoms of pain or restriction of elbow motion began at an average of 23 months after trauma in seven cases, and in one case, there was no history of trauma. Of the seven secondary to trauma, six resulted from a fall, and one from a torsional injury. The types of injuries associated with avascular necrosis of the radial head were two supracondylar fractures, a fracture of the lateral condyle, two fractures of the radius, a radial head dislocation that underwent a proximal radial osteotomy, and one with only an elbow contusion. The long-term results of radial head necrosis were poor, with three ultimately requiring radial head resection, and the remainder having considerable limitation of elbow motion. Loss of vascularity to the radial head is very analogous to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, with the late onset of incongruity, osteoarthritis, and hypertrophy of the head. It should be considered in any child with late-onset loss of elbow motion after trauma.

Current status of noncemented hip implants.

Recently the operative techniques, instrumentation, design, and material properties of bony ingrowth total hip replacement have been greatly improved. I prefer a hemispherical acetabular component fixed with screws going through the metal shell. The titanium mesh allows microinterlock with new bone, and macrointerlock is obtained by adding bone graft into the unused screw holes. The femoral component, made of Tivanium with titanium mesh attached to it by a new process called diffusion bonding, retains superalloy fatigue strength characteristics. An intimate press fit is assured by the specific operative technique, and both the fiber mesh and the collar provide proximal stress transfer. The design affords a nondestructive method for removal if necessary. The short-term clinical results are promising; most patients function as well as with cemented total hip replacement. The incidence of thigh pain has been significantly reduced since prior reports of cementless total hip replacement; however, a few patients still have thigh pain. The results in revision surgery are also promising, but as in cemented total hip replacement, the functional capacity of revision cases is usually lower than primary cases. There is an increased capacity to correct complex and difficult acetabular problems with this acetabular component. Obviously, long-term data are needed to establish the behavior of these implants over the immediate and long term.