Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Simple Distal Femoral Fractures in Elderly Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be an alternative method for treating distal femoral fractures in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results in patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA with the Medial Pivot prosthesis for distal femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight displaced distal femoral fractures in 8 patients were treated with TKA using the Medial Pivot prosthesis and internal fixation. The radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed using simple radiographs and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scores during a mean follow-up period of 49 months. RESULTS: All fractures united and the mean time to radiographic union was 15 weeks. The mean range of motion of the knee joint was 114.3degrees and the mean HSS knee score was 85.1 at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the radiographic and clinical results, TKA with internal fixation can be considered as an option for the treatment of simple distal femoral fractures in elderly patients who have advanced osteoarthritis of the knee with appropriate bone stock.

Modified Spring Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures

PURPOSE: Unstable distal clavicle fractures should be treated surgically but may be difficult in firm fixation because of small distal fragment. Although a variety of fixation methods have been currently used, none of the methods seem to be firm fixation and little pain. We present a new technique using a spring plate which was modified from one third tubular plate and report the early results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified spring plate was made from one third tubular plate and the distal hole of the plate was cutting and sharpened by rasp. The sharp edge was bent just like an animal claw (C shape). Between May 2007 and June 2009, a total of six patients with distal clavicle fracture were treated using modified spring plate. A sling was applied in the immediate post operative period for six weeks and exercises were started immediately. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases with excellent results without complication (mean Constant score, 96). All patients had returned to ordinary daily activities but mild limitation of abduction (150 degrees ) by seven weeks after surgery. After six months, the plate was removed. CONCLUSION: The modified spring plate has provided stable fixation for unstable distal clavicle fixation without disturbance to the acromioclavicular joint, subacromial space, or rotator cuff.

Scaphoid-capitate-hamate-triquetrum Fusion in the Advanced Kienbock's Disease

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiological results of SCHT(scapho-capito-hamato-triquetral) fusion in Lichtman stage IIIB or IV Kienbock's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The result of eight cases, operated and followed since December 2002, were analyzed retrospectively. The indication of SCHT fusion was the advanced Kienbock's disease, in Lichtman stage IIIB or IV, with severe fragmentation of lunate. The fragmented lunate was excised and the intercarpal joint between scaphoid and capitate, capitate and hamate, hamate and triquetrum were fused with joint resection, bone graft and multiple K-wires, to make an horse-shoeshaped carpal bone block. The clinical results were evaluated by wrist pain, ROM, any radiologic changes of wrist at last follow-up and Kuschner's method. RESULTS: There were 3 cases of Stage IIIB and 5 cases of stage IV. Mean follow-up period was 28.9 (range 15-53) months, and mean age at the time of operation was 49.4 (range 33~66) years. Two cases were minus ulnar variance, 4 cases were positive and 2 cases were neutral. The wrist range of motion was decreased from 121.8degreesto 90.6degrees(25%). Carpal height ratio was decreased in 1 case. The last follow-up results according to Kuschner's method revealed 4 excellent, 3 good and 1 fair. CONCLUSIONS: SCHT fustion was considered as one of the favorable salvage procedure for the advanced Kienbock's disease. However, biomechanical study using cadaver, long-term follow-up & accumulation of more cases would be needed to confirm its definitive usefulness in the future.