Liquid Absolute Alcohol Based Sclerotherapy - A Boon in Large Grade 3 Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Proximal Humerus in a Child.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign intraosseous lesion, usually seen before the age of 20 years and is a lesion filled with blood cavities causing a blowout distension of the bone. It constitutes to about 1% of benign bone tumors. Although benign, a large lesion is liable to develop pathological fracture, so needs prompt addressal. Surgical resection or curettage in large lesions can lead to bone defects, deformities, and even functional abnormalities, especially in children. This article describes a large aggressive ABC of proximal metaphyseodiaphyseal region of proximal humerus in a 12-year-old male patient, which we managed effectively with the use of liquid absolute alcohol based sclerotherapy under fluoroscopic control. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old boy presented to the outpatient department of our hospital presenting with complaint of swelling in the right shoulder region which was insidious in onset with gradual increase in size and deep aching pain since past 6 months. Plain radiograph revealed a large expansile osteolytic lesion with characteristic blown out "soap bubble appearance" involving the proximal humerus and abutting the growth plate. Hence, percutaneous needle biopsy of the lesion under fluoroscopic guidance was undertaken. The histology was likened to a "blood-filled sponge" composed of blood-filled anastomosing cystic cavernomatous spaces separated by wall composed of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and osteoclast such as giant cells, osteoid, and woven bone confirmed the diagnosis of ABC. Radiologically, it was classified as Enneking Stage 3 [1] cyst which is locally aggressive and expanding with significant cortical destruction and Capanna type 2 [2] lesion involving the entire bony segment (proximal metaphyseodiaphyseal region) with marked expansion and cortical thinning. Although resection/excision or curettage with bone grafting are commonly undertaken, concerns were for issues of subsequent bony reconstruction given the size of defect with possibility of need of an implant for stabilization, likelihood of damage to growth plate and functional compromise the shoulder. Hence, a decision to treat the patient with liquid absolute alcohol based sclerotherapy was planned. CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy with ethanol 96% is a useful method for the treatment of large aggressive ABC, especially in children. It is a minimally invasive method, with no major complications, which lowers the risks of open surgical intervention and has a good outcome when undertaken with proper precautions.

Comparison of Efficacy of Lateral Branch Pulsed Radiofrequency Denervation and Intraarticular Depot Methylprednisolone Injection for Sacroiliac Joint Pain.

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint dysfunctional pain has always been an enigma to the pain physician, whether it be the diagnosis or the treatment. Diagnostic blocks are the gold standard way to diagnose this condition. Radiofrequency neurotomy of the nerves supplying the sacroiliac joint has shown equivocal results due to anatomical variation. Intraarticular depo-steroid injection is a traditional approach to treating sacroiliac joint pain. For long-term pain relief, however, lesioning the sacral lateral branches may be a better approach. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy of intraarticular depo-methylprednisolone injection to that of pulsed radiofrequency ablation for sacroiliac joint pain. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a randomized, prospective design. SETTING: Thirty patients with diagnostic block-confirmed sacroiliac joint dysfunctional pain were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group received intraarticular methylprednisolone and another group underwent pulsed radiofrequency of the L4 medial branch, the L5 dorsal rami, and the lateral sacral branches. RESULTS: Reduction in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain at 1 month post-procedure remained similar in Group A, while in Group B few patients reported a further decrease in the NRS score (3.333 ± 0.4880 and 2.933 ± 0.5936, respectively). At 3 months post-procedure, the NRS score began to rise in most patients in group A, while in Group B, the NRS score remained the same since the last visit (4.400 ± 0.9856 and 3.067 ± 0.8837, respectively). At 6 months post-procedure, the NRS score began to rise further in most patients in group A. In Group B, the NRS score remained the same in most of the patients since the last visit (5.400 ± 1.549 and 3.200 ± 1.207). There was a marked difference between the 2 groups in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 3 months post-procedure (Group A, 12.133 ± 4.486 vs Group B, 9.133 ± 3.523) and at 6 months post-procedure there was a significant (P = 0.0017) difference in ODI scores between Group A and Group B (13.067 ± 4.284 and 8.000 ± 3.703, respectively). Global Perceived Effect (GPE) was assessed in both groups at 3 months post-procedure Only 33.3% (Confidence Interval (CI) of 11.8- 61.6 ) of patients in Group A had positive GPE responses whereas in Group B, 86.67% (CI of 59.5- 98.3 ) of patients had positive GPE responses. At 6 months post-procedure, the proportion of patients with positive GPE declined further in Group A, while in Group B, positive GPE responses remained the same (20% with a CI of 4.30- 48.10 and 86.67% with a CI of 59.5- 98.3, respectively ). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSION: This comparative study shows that pulsed radiofrequency denervation of the L4 and L5 primary dorsal rami and S1-3 lateral branches provide significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients with sacroiliac joint pain. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunctional pain, radiofrequency, intraarticular injection.

Clinico-radiological Approach to a Rare Case of Early Clavicle Tuberculosis: A Case Discussion Based Review of Differential Diagnosis.

A patient of 41 years of age presented with insidious onset atraumatic swelling arising from medial end of right clavicle with apparently normal radiograph. Initial computed tomography ascribed it to benign bony pathology requiring no specific treatment but patient did not respond to symptomatic management. FNAC done elsewhere was inconclusive, with no bacteria on Gram's staining and negative bacterial culture and AFB smear examinations. Patient had possible exposure to tuberculosis and Mantoux skin test done which showed significant induration. Possible differential diagnoses related to clavicle including infective, neoplastic, rheumatological, degenerative and idiopathic conditions considered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal periosteal reaction with marrow signal changes with sparing of sternoclavicular joint. Correlation between patient's history, clinical findings and investigations done and diagnosis of isolated clavicle tuberculosis was made. Patient showed good response to anti-tubercular chemotherapy. Repeat MRI showed resolution of initial imaging findings. At the end of 2 years patient was completely symptom free.

A prospective hospital based study of childhood orthopaedic problems - a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Children may present to an orthopaedic surgeon with congenital bone diseases, nutritional disorders like rickets, infective or traumatic due to fall etc of bones and joints. AIM: To know the percentage, common orthopaedic problems and demographic profile of paediatric orthopaedic problem in patients attending the orthopaedic OPD of NEIGRIHMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study was conducted for the duration of one year from May'2012-May'2013 in the Department of Orthopaedics in North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, India. RESULTS: In our study majority of the patients were in the age group of 11-15 y (37.4%), followed by the group of 0-5 y (25.6%). Majority of the paediatric orthopaedic patients came from the group of Rs.10,000/- to 30,000/- monthly income families (56.2%). The study showed that in majority (51.6%) of the cases trauma was the major cause for bringing the child to the medical center. Male children were most commonly affected, with playing as the most common mode of injury especially outdoor (60.3%) and fractures especially of upper limb were the most common form of presentation. CONCLUSION: Our study here has given the bird's eye view of various pediatric orthopedic disorders as may be found in a tertiary health care setting. This may help in formulating training modules for the medical students in the subspecialty of pediatric orthopedics. However, more community based cross-sectional studies may be required to be undertaken to determine the prevalence & incidence of the various disorders found in our patients.

Management of Mallet Fracture by Closed Extension-Block Pinning - A case based review of a novel technique.

Close reduction by extension-block K-wire fixation for acute mallet fracture is a relatively novel mode of treatment which is based on two sound orthopedic principles - stable arc splinting and early protected motion. Distal interphalangeal joint splinting is still the technique commonly used for mallet fractures with significant morbidity and only moderate functional outcome. We have demonstrated here Ishiguro's technique in a partially treated 2 weeks old mallet fracture with the flexion deformity at distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint after proper preoperative assessment. Peroperatively, proper anatomical localization of mallet fragment was done under fluoroscopy. Reduction of the avulsion fracture was done by extension block K-wire and intra-articular K-wire was inserted subsequently to hold the reduction in place and DIP joint in extension. Later on K-wires were removed at the end of 6 weeks follow up. Patient was subjected to the physiotherapy during the course of the treatment. Excellent functional outcome was noted at the end of three months.

Modified Aglietti procedure (supracondylar femoral osteotomy) for correction of the post-rachitic valgus deformity of the knee in adolescents - A short case series.

INTRODUCTION: Supracondylar femoral osteotomy is the time tested method, used for correcting the angular (varus & valgus) deformities at the knee. Traditionally, Coventry type of femoral osteotomy is performed. Here, a medial or lateral based wedge of bone is removed or an open wedge osteotomy is made & subsequently the space is filled with the bone graft to achieve the desired correction. This osteotomy is subsequently stabilized with Kirschner wires or plate & screws. Later the limb is externally supported in brace or plaster cast till osteotomy unites. Here we present a case series of 10 cases, where we have analyzed the efficacy of Aglietti procedure for achieving normal limb alignment with good patient satisfaction and subsequent knee function as a method of femoral supracondylar osteotomy for correcting the valgus deformity at the knee. Short series results are also encouraging with regard to the operating time, per-operative blood loss, postoperative stability of osteotomy, early starting of postoperative rehabilitation due to good stability at osteotomy & subsequent functional outcome in relation to final range of motion (ROM) - flexion after 6 months of surgery. CASE SERIES PRESENTATION: Ten valgus adolescent knees were operated in 7 patients by the Aglietti procedure for correcting the angular deformity at the knee. The results were analyzed taking into consideration the desired correction to achieve normal limb alignment, operating time, blood loss during surgery estimated by the number of surgical mops used, stability of the osteotomy in the postoperative period & ultimate range of motion (ROM) obtained at the end of 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The age of the patients taken up in the study were in the range of 12-16 years. Females predominated (n = 5) against 2 males. The time taken for the procedure ranged from 40 to 50 min. The size of the surgical mops used was 15 × 20 cm. 1-2 surgical mops used per patient. The range of flexion achieved at the end of 6 months after surgery was from 125 to 135°. CONCLUSION: In our case series we found Aglietti procedure as an effective and easy method to correct the valgus deformity in post-rachitic adolescent knees with good patient satisfaction and no complications. However, more number of cases or a randomized control study with comparison between various techniques including Coventry method and a long term follow may be needed to make a final conclusion of establishing the superiority of this procedure over other methods.

Disseminated cysticercosis incidentally diagnosed in a patient of low backache: a case report and concise review of literature.

Disseminated cysticercosis is an uncommon presentation of a common disease. Asymptomatic disseminated cysticercosis is rarely reported in literature. Here, we are reporting a case of asymptomatic disseminated cysticercosis incidentally diagnosed in a patient of low backache. Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral spine and neuroimaging done subsequently during the course of evaluation revealed diffuse cysticercosis involving abdominal, paraspinal, pelvic and gluteal muscles along with neurocysticercosis. Such a disseminated cysticercosis was diagnosed incidentally in this patient of low backache with right sciatica and radiculopathy at L5-S1 prolapsed intervertebral disc and was subsequently managed by L5-S1 interlaminar fenestration and discectomy.

Closed Extension-Block Pinning for Management of Mallet Fracture - A Case Report Based Description.

INTRODUCTION: Close reduction by extension-block K-wire fixation for acute mallet fracture is based on two sound orthopedic principles - stable arc splinting and early protected motion. Distal interphalangeal joint splinting is still the technique commonly used for mallet fractures with significant morbidity and only moderate functional outcome. CASE REPORT: We have demonstrated here Ishiguro's technique in a partially treated 2 weeks old mallet fracture with the flexion deformity at distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint after proper preoperative assessment. Peroperatively, proper anatomical localization of mallet fragment was done under fluoroscopy. Reduction of the avulsion fracture was done by extension block K-wire and intra-articular K-wire was inserted subsequently to hold the reduction in place and DIP joint in extension. Later on K-wires were removed at the end of 6 weeks follow up. Patient was subjected to the physiotherapy during the course of the treatment. Excellent functional outcome was noted at the end of three months. CONCLUSION: Closed Extension block pinning can give acceptable functional outcome even in delayed mallet finger injuries. Full range of movement at the affected joint is an important pre-requisite for the same.

Brodie's abscess of the cuboid in a pediatric male.

Brodie's abscess of the tarsal cuboid is a rare presentation of a common disease. In the present report, we describe the case of Brodie's abscess of the tarsal cuboid after a thorn prick in the foot of a 10-year-old boy. The patient was asymptomatic in the acute phase of the injury, and on presentation, no evidence was found of an open cutaneous wound. The foot radiographs showed a cavitary osteolytic lesion in the cuboid bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a classic penumbra sign and an abscess in the plantar intrinsic musculature. The patient was treated with curettage and debridement combined with broad-spectrum antibiotics, which resulted in complete resolution of the symptoms by 6 weeks postoperatively. Although microbiologic analysis of the surgical specimen failed to reveal a causative microorganism, histopathologic inspection showed chronic inflammation, consistent with Brodie's abscess.

Cysticercosis of Externsor Carpi Ulnaris - A differential diagnosis for painful swelling at elbow.

INTRODUCTION: Cysticercosis is an infection by the larval stage (cystcercus cellulosae) of the cestode, Taenia Solium (pork tape worm). It occurs especially in those individuals who live in the endemic areas. After gaining entry into the body, the larva become encysted and may lie in subcutaneous tissue, striated muscle, vitreous humor, or other tissues. CASE REPORT: We report an unusual case of cysticercosis of the Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscle, which presented as localized swelling at the lateral aspect of elbow. The diagnosis was confirmed on the musculoskeletal ultrasonographic examination of the elbow. It revealed the Cysticercus cellulosae as hyperechoic lesion surrounded by fluid. MRI was done later which localized the larval stage in the Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle at elbow. CONCLUSION: For swelling in the region of elbow in endemic areas of tapeworm infestations, the differential diagnosis of muscle cysticercosis should be kept in mind.