Lateral Positioning for Proximal Femoral Nailing of the Intertrochanteric Fracture: Surgical Technique

In the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, most of intramedullary nailings are performed on a fracture table in supine position. In supine position, however, soft tissue mass of the patients and drapes make it difficult to access to the piriformis fossa and to straighten the trajectory of reamer and nail insertion. To resolve these problems, we have treated twenty intertrochanteric fractures in lateral position on the general operation table with IM nail. Adjustment of the position of lag screw in femoral head was done with the technique that overlaps the shadows of the femoral head, nail and targeting guide in the lateral view. Because the entire injured limb can be moved readily, it was easy to reduce fracture and to convert to open procedure. In cases likely that the fracture table is unavailable in which patients are obese, have short stature or are amputated, and that open procedure is strongly likelihood, lateral position will be helpful technique in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with IM nail.

MRI Measurement of the Distal Femur for Determining the Rotational Alignment in TKA

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the angles made by the reference axes on the axial magnetic resonance (MR) images and to provide information for determining the rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 194 magnetic resonance (MR) images to measure the posterior condylar angle, the condylar twist angle and the difference between the posterior condylar angle and the condylar twist angle. We then evaluated the relationship between these angular measurements. RESULTS: The condylar twist angle averaged 6.09degrees, the posterior condylar angle averaged 2.95degrees and the difference between the posterior condylar angle and the condylar twist angle was 3.14degrees. There were no differences in these angles based on gender and age. CONCLUSION: In the cases that the center of the medial epicondyle is difficult to clearly identify during TKA, the femoral rotational resection angle can be determined by subtracting 3degrees from the condylar twist angle.

Rare Normal Variation Between Biceps Anchor and Superior Labrum: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Labral lesions and its anatomic variants have been studied by several authors in the last decade. Buford complex and sublabral recess are most common variants. Their recognition is important in order to distinguish them from superior and anterior labral tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report one case of a 19-year-old female who was mistaken SLAP lesion for normal variant and was treated with arthroscopic surgery. RESULTS: The arthroscopic finding shows rare normal variant of biceps anchor and superior labrum. The biceps long head tendon was inserted at superior labrum and supraspinatus tendon area. This finding was mistaken to SLAP lesion. CONCLUSION: We report rare normal variant of biceps anchor and superior labrum that was observed during arthroscopic surgery for SLAP lesion.

Early Dislocation Rate with Large Femoral Heads in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of early dislocation in a series of a small femoral heads with a series of larger femoral heads. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed 84 primary total hip arthroplasties, which were performed between January 2002 and January 2006 and were followed more than 6 months. The cases were divided into two groups, a smaller head group (28 & 32 mm) and a larger head group (36 mm). The incidence of dislocation was recorded for both groups during the first 3 months after surgery. The probability that the incidence of dislocation between both groups was significantly different from the expected dislocation rate was assessed based on the assumed risk of an early dislocation of 2%. The two groups were compared with regard to the size of the acetabular cup. RESULTS: There were 6 early dislocations in the smaller head group, while no dislocations occurred in the larger head group. The incidence of expected dislocation, assuming a 2% dislocation rate, was similar for the smaller head group but different for the larger head group. The size of the acetabular cup was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the advantage of a larger femoral head in reducing the early dislocation rates.

Inferior Subluxation of Humeral of Head after Surgery for Fracture of Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: To study the development of inferior shoulder subluxation after surgery for proximal humerus fractures. To analyze the mechanism development of such subluxation and the association between different types of proximal humerus fractures, quality of reduction achieved the method of operation performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 45 proximal humerus fractures that were treated by surgery between March 1997 and July 2002 was done. All patients had a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow up. Preoperative radiographs were classified by the Neer's classification. Different operative treatment methods, post reduction alignment and the degree of postoperative subluxation if present, were analysed. In order to evaluate effect of loss of negative intraarticular pressure, we compared this series with 15 cases of recurrent shoulder dislocation treated by open Bankart operation. RESULTS: 13 patients out of 45 (29%) developed immediate postoperative inferior shoulder subluxation. 3-part fractures of the proximal humerus showed a higher incidence of the same than the 2-part types. The better reduced fractures had lesser rates of subluxation. Open reduction (39%, 11 patients) results in an increased incidence of inferior subluxation than closed methods of reduction (13%, 2 patients). CONCLUSION: Inferior subluxation of the humeral head after surgery for the proximal humerus fracture can occur and persist till postoperative period of 2 months. Deltoid muscle tone affected by shortening of humeral neck plays an important role. Early active exercise for restoration deltoid tone may be effective in prevention of inferior subluxation.