Bilateral fracture of the shoulders following epileptic seizures: a case report / Fratura bilateral de ombros após convulsões epilépticas: relato de caso

Convulsive seizures caused by hyponatremia occur when this condition is severe and develops quickly, resulting in a brain's adaptive inability to contain brain swelling. Seizures are rarely the cause of shoulder fractures. This is a case report of bilateral humerus fracture following a single epileptic seizure caused by drug hyponatremia, an unconventional event in medical practice. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room after a single tonic-clonic seizure with spontaneously ceased sphincter relaxation, showing Glasgow 6. No falls or restraint were reported by observers. When alert, the patient reported pain and difficulty moving both arms. During examination, the movement was li- mited to the right and left. Anteroposterior radiographs revealed bilateral fracture at the neck of humerus. To complement inves- tigation for further lesions, a computed tomography confirmed bilateral fracture-dislocation with impaction of the humeral head with the glenoid. Atraumatic bilateral fracture-dislocation of the humerus after epileptic seizure is a very rare event. It is believed that some of these diagnoses have been neglected due to the difficulty of characterizing the patient's pain in a postictal state. The importance of a detailed physical examination shall be emphasized in risk groups such as the polymedicated elderly.

Convulsive seizures caused by hyponatremia occur when this condition is severe and develops quickly, resulting in a brain's adaptive inability to contain brain swelling. Seizures are rarely the cause of shoulder fractures. This is a case report of bilateral humerus fracture following a single epileptic seizure caused by drug hyponatremia, an unconventional event in medical practice. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room after a single tonic-clonic seizure with spontaneously ceased sphincter relaxation, showing Glasgow 6. No falls or restraint were reported by observers. When alert, the patient reported pain and difficulty moving both arms. During examination, the movement was li- mited to the right and left. Anteroposterior radiographs revealed bilateral fracture at the neck of humerus. To complement inves- tigation for further lesions, a computed tomography confirmed bilateral fracture-dislocation with impaction of the humeral head with the glenoid. Atraumatic bilateral fracture-dislocation of the humerus after epileptic seizure is a very rare event. It is believed that some of these diagnoses have been neglected due to the difficulty of characterizing the patient's pain in a postictal state. The importance of a detailed physical examination shall be emphasized in risk groups such as the polymedicated elderly.

Fixation Strategies to Prevent Screw Cut-Out and Malreduction in Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation

Fixation of proximal humerus fractures with precontoured, fixed angle devices has improved operative management of these difficult injuries, particularly in patients with osteoporosis. However, recent data has revealed that fixation with these constructs is not without complications, particularly screw cut-out and loss of reduction. Multiple strategies have been developed to decrease the number of complications. We offer a surgical technique combining suture augmentation of the proximal humerus with locked plate fixation utilizing short screws.

Resultados do tratamento das fraturas do terço proximal do úmero com placas de bloqueio / Results of treatment of proximal humerus fractures using locking plates

OBJETIVO: Avaliação dos resultados do tratamento das fraturas do terço proximal do úmero com placa de bloqueio proximal. MÉTODOS: No período de novembro de 2003 a janeiro de 2008, os autores realizaram 34 osteossínteses em 33 pacientes com fratura do úmero proximal, sendo 17 fraturas tipo II de Neer, 13 do tipo III e quatro do tipo IV. A média de idade foi de 57 anos (33 a 86), sendo 14 pacientes do sexo masculino e 19 do sexo feminino. Todos os pacientes foram operados na fase aguda da fratura, até uma semana após o trauma. Os pacientes foram tratados com redução aberta e fixação interna utilizando placas de bloqueio. A técnica utilizada, o implante, o tempo de imobilização e protocolo de reabilitação foram os mesmos para todos os pacientes. O seguimento médio foi de 24 meses (8 a 60 meses). RESULTADOS: A avaliação funcional foi realizada através do escore da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles (UCLA). Foram obtidos 31 (91,2 por cento) excelentes e bons resultados, e 3(8,8 por cento) maus resultados. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos ser eficaz este método de fixação interna para fraturas do terço proximal do úmero.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical results after proximal humerus fracture fixation using blocked plates and screws. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from November 2003 to January 2008, the authors treated 33 patients with 34 fractures of the proximal humerus. The mean age was 57 years old (33 to 86 years), 14 males and 19 females. All patients were operated in the acute phase, within the first week after the trauma. The patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates. The surgical technique, implants, period of immobilization and rehabilitation protocol were the same for all the patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 24 months (8 to 60 months). The functional evaluation was based in the UCLA score. Good and excellent results were present in 31 (91.2 percent) of the patients and 3 (8.8 percent) of them presented poor results. CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion, the locking plate system of fixation was considered efficient for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

Avaliação funcional retrospectiva de pacientes com fratura proximal de úmero fixada com placa com parafusos de ângulo fixo para região proximal no úmero / Retrospective functional assessment of patients with humerus proximal fractures internally fixed with a fixed-angle plate for proximal humerus area

As fraturas do úmero proximal são lesões comuns, levando seus pacientes a importantes limitações funcionais além de algumas complicações. Atualmente existem algumas opções de tratamentos cirúrgicos visando à melhor estabilização da lesão através de técnicas de ostessíntese, dependendo do grau de gravidade da lesão. Dentre eles, tem-se utilizado a placa com parafusos de ângulo fixo para região proximal do úmero, a qual possui o intuito de preservar a integridade biológica da cabeça umeral associada à redução anatômica segura utilizando múltiplos parafusos de fixação com estabilidade angular, permitindo assim a mobilização precoce do membro fraturado. Foram estudados retrospectivamente 11 pacientes com fratura proximal do úmero, tratados com esse modelo de placa entre os anos de 2004 e 2005. Na avaliação funcional foram utilizados o questionário de Constant e o índice DASH. Os resultados sugerem o aparecimento de perda funcional residual no membro superior após esse tipo de trauma, apesar da fixação estável e o tratamento fisioterapêutico.

Proximal humeral fractures are common injuries leading to severe functional restrictions and complications for patients. Today, there are several surgical alternatives aimed at achieving better injury stabilization by means of osteosynthesis techniques, depending on injury severity. One of these is the fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus. This bone fixation system is intended to preserve the biologic integrity of the humeral head associated with a safe anatomical reduction, employing several fixating screws with angle stability, thereby allowing an early mobilization of the fractured limb. Eleven patients with proximal humeral fractures treated with the method of fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus in the period of 2004 to 2005 were retrospectively studied. The patients were subjected to the Constant questionnaire and the DASH index for functional assessment. The results showed some residual dysfunction at the upper end after this type of trauma, even using a fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus, which notably provides a safe fixation, associated to physical therapy.

Fijación de tuberosidades en hemiartroplastía de hombro: descripción y comparación de dos técnicas / Tuberosity fixation in shoulder hemiartroplasty: technique comparison

Introduction: The results in shoulder fracture hemiartroplasty´s, or fracture dislocation, have been traditionally no predictable. These have been related to difficulty in obtaining a suitable consolidation of the tuberosities. On the other hand, reconstruction with more anatomical fixation have improved the functional results. The purpose of our study is to describe, and analyze, the functional and radiological results of two different techniques of tuberosities fixation in shoulder hemiartroplasty. Material and Methods: Between March of 1996 and December 2005, 47 patients (47 shoulders) underwent hemiarthroplasty by 3- and 4- part displaced proximal humerus fracture, or fracture dislocation. We performed in 29cases (61.7 percent) trans tuberosities sutures technique (group I), and in 18 (38.3 percent) independents sutures technique (group II). The average age and sex distribution, was similar between both groups. Constant score and radiological parameters, as head tuberosity distance (HTD) and consolidation of the tuberosities, were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA and Fischer exact test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistical significant. Results: Constant Score revealed a difference in favor to group II (66.2 versus 72.8 points; p = 0,1).Radiographic parameters, showed significant differences in favor of the group II (HTD 16.5 vs 8 mm; and 68 percent versus 100 percent consolidation respectively; p < 0,05). Conclusion: According to our results, and in concordance with international literature, tuberosities fixation with independent sutures allow better consolidation, with smaller superior migration, improving the final functional results.

Los resultados de la hemiartroplastía en fracturas o luxo fracturas de hombro, tradicionalmente han sido poco predecibles. Estos se han relacionado a la dificultad en conseguir una adecuada consolidación de las tuberosidades. Por otra parte, la reconstrucción y fijación más anatómica de éstas, ha permitido mejorar sus resultados funcionales. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir, y analizar, los resultados funcionales y radiológicos, de dos técnicas de fijación de las tuberosidades en la hemiartroplastía de hombro. Material y Métodos: Entre marzo de 1996 y diciembre de 2005, 47 pacientes (47 hombros) con diagnóstico de fractura de húmero proximal, o luxo fracturas, en 3 ó 4 partes, fueron tratados con prótesis parcial. Se realizó en 29 casos (61,7 por ciento), la técnica de amarras trans tuberositaria (grupo I), y en 18 (38,3 por ciento) la de amarras independientes a modo de cerclaje (grupo II). La edad promedio y sexo, fueron similares entre ambos grupos. Se analizaron variables como score de Constant, y parámetros radiológicos, como la distancia tuberosidad cabeza humeral (HTD), y la presencia de consolidación de las tuberosidades. El análisis estadístico fue hecho con los tests de ANOVA y exacto de Fisher. Los valores p < 0,05 fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos. Resultados: El score de Constant, presentó una diferencia en favor del grupo II, la que no fue significativa (66,2 vs 72,8 puntos; p = 0,1). Los parámetros radiográficos sí mostraron diferencias significativas, a favor del grupo II (HTD 16,5 vs 8 mm; y 68 por ciento vs 100 por ciento consolidación respectivamente; p < 0,05). Conclusión: De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, y en concordancia con la literatura internacional, la fijación de tuberosidades con amarras independientes permite una mejor consolidación, y menor migración superior, lo que permite mejorar los resultados funcionales.

Lesao da pequena liga / Small ligament injury

Apresentamos o relato de um caso de lesao da pequena liga no ombro num jovem atleta de 14 anos e do sexo masculino, jogador da selecao Brasileira de Beisebol. Esta lesao é incomum e pouco descrita na literatura. O tratamento realizado foi a suspensao das atividades esportivas por três meses, seguida do retorno gradual aos arremessos. O paciente evoluiu com a resolucao do quadro clínico.

[Kapandji pinning in palm tree for fractures of the upper extremity of the humerus]

The fractures of the surgical collum of the humerus are frequent. We report a series of 12 cases performed at the department of orthopedic and traumatology surgery of the University Hospital Hassan II of Fes, during the period between 2003 and 2004. The average age of the patients was 44 years old, and most of them were females. The right side is the most affected [71% of the total studied cases]. All the fractures were under displaced tubersoity and closed except one that was opened, consisting of stage [I] of Cauchoix and Duparc. The installation is particular in dorsal decubitus, and the arm was suspended on a gynecological support. The osteosynthesis was unique by pinning in plam tree technique according to the description of Kapandji. The functional results were excellent after an average time of 13 months. Through this work, we point on a technique that is easy and reproducible for the treating fractures of the superior extremity of the humerus, and we describe a particular installation allowing simplification and the obtaining scoped controls of face and profile

Fracturas luxaciones glenohumerales: tratamiento con hemiartroplastía del hombro / Gleno-humeral fracture-dislocation: treatment by hemi-arthroplasty of the shoulder

Se presenta una serie de 22 pacientes con márgenes de edad de 31 a 89 años con promedio de 58, con luxación y fractura conminuta del extremo proximal del húmero, en cuando menos 4 fragmentos. Todos fueron tratados con prótesis parcial del hombro para substituir la cabeza humeral. Se obtuvieron buenos resultados en 3 casos, buenos en 13, regulares en 4 y malos en 2,000

Tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas desviadas da tuberosidade maior do úmero / Surgical treatment of the dislocated fractures of the great tuberosity of the humerus

Säo avaliados 14 pacientes com idade variando de 38 a 77 anos e seguimento médio de 21 meses de pós-operatório. O acesso cirúrgico usado foi o ântero-superior em 13 pacientes e o deltopeitoral em um. A fixaçäo da tuberosidade maior (parafusos ou fio inabsorvível) e cuidadosa sutura do manguito rotador permitem mobilizaçäo precoce. A média da elevaçäo ativa foi de 165º, da rotaçäo externa foi 35º e da rotaçäo interna alcançou T9. Todas as fraturas consolidaram; como complicaçäo, houve um parafuso longo que limitou a rotaçäo externa e, em outro paciente, a tuberosidade ficou ascendida, causando síndrome do impacto. A fisioterapia precoce foi fator essencial na recuperaçäo destes pacientes; observamos que a rotaçäo externa é o movimento que se obtém mais tardiamente e com maior dificuldade

Tratamiento de la pseudoartrosis post-traumática de la clavícula mediante enclavamiento intramedular bloqueado o fijación a compresión con placa AO y tornillos / Treatment of the post-traumatic non-union of the clavicle by intramedullary interloked-pinning or compression AO-plating

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo y transversal, sin beneficio económico. La serie se constituyó con 22 pacientes: 19 del sexo masculino y tres del femenino, con pseudoartrosis de clavícula, atendidos entre los meses de enero de 89 y septiembre de 93, en el Módulo de Extremidad Torácica del Servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Regional Gral. Ignacio Zaragoza del ISSSTE. Todos los pacientes tenían el antecedente de haber sufrido fractura de la clavícula, tratada de forma incruenta. Doce de las fracturas iniciales presentaban desplazamiento grave de los fragmentos, nueve de los pacientes se retiraron la inmovilización en forma temprana sin autorización médica. El motivo de consulta inicial fue: dolor en 18 pacientes, limitación funcional en dos pacientes y cosmético en dos más. El diagnóstico se estableció entre tres y 12 meses después de la lesión. Se emplearon dos técnicas: la primera la del enclavado intramedular con bloqueo (cinco pacientes), y la segunda la osteosíntesis a compresión bajo los principios A-O (17 pacientes). Se obtuvo la consolidación en todos. En el grupo tratado bajo osteosíntesis a complicaciones. En el caso de la fijación intramedular tres pacientes presentaron complicaciones: uno migración de los clavillos y en dos pacientes fracaso que motivó colocación de placa A-O, obteniéndose la consolidación de las fracturas

Princípios e procedimentos utilizados na reabilitaçäo das doenças do ombro / Principles and procedures used in the rehabilitation of shoulder diseases

O tratamento conservador e a reabilitaçäo pós-operatória das diversas doenças que acometem o ombro baseiam-se na cinesioterapia. Neste artigo, sao ressaltados alguns aspectos da biomecânica relacionados com o problema. O programa de reabilitaçäo é organizado em etapas de aplicaçäo genérica e consideradas algumas particularidades nas doenças mais comuns.