Non-cannulated versus cannulated cancellous screws for the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures in osteoporotic patients: A single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: The incidence of femoral neck fractures in osteoporotic patients is rising worldwide and is associated with significant increases in healthcare and social costs, as well as dependency. Improving minimally invasive treatment strategies, including internal fixation with screws, can result in favorable clinical outcomes and lesser incidence of complications, while preserving the hip. This study compared the outcomes of using non-cannulated cancellous screws (NCS) and cannulated cancellous screws (CS) in the internal fixation of undisplaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures (UIFNF) of osteoporotic patients of Iranian descent. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on the patients referring to an institutional tertiary hospital in northwestern Iran between March 2020 and June 2021. The patients' preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated for at least two years. Primary endpoints were defined as the incidence of hip-related complications, while secondary endpoints were assessed based on the patients' hip function using Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results: Fifty-seven patients with osteoporosis and UIFNF were included in the final analysis, with 27 patients in the NCS group and 30 patients in the CS group. The surgical duration, the amount of intraoperative blood loss, and the frequency of C-arm were considerably lower in the CS group (p < 0.05). The incidence of implant failure was higher in the NCS group (p = 0.04). Screw migration occurred more frequently in the CS group (p = 0.03). The HHS values were significantly higher for the NCS group than those of the CS group at both the 1-year and 2-years of follow-up assessments (1 year, p = 0.007; 2 years, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Fixation using CS was accompanied by enhanced perioperative outcomes and lower implant failure rates compared to the NCS group. However, patients in the NCS group posed a reduced risk of complications, including screw migration, and experienced a long-term improvement in HHS scores.

Urine Dipstick Leukocyte Esterase in the Rapid Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the leukocyte esterase (LE) band in two groups of patients receiving and not receiving antibiotics and compare the results. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 joints with clinical suspicion of infectious arthritis (based on Kocher criteria) admitted in Shohada Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, within 2017-2018. Patients were divided into two groups, including receiving antibiotics (n=29; group 1) and not receiving antibiotics (n=76; group 2). Articular fluid aspiration was performed under sterile conditions with an 18-gauge angiocath with at least 1 ml volume of the hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder joints. Polymorphonuclear cell percentage count, cell count, Gram staining (GS), culture, and leukocyte esterase test were performed immediately after the aspiration of the specimens. Results: Levels of synovial fluid white blood cell count, serum white blood cell count, PMN, serum glucose, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and time of aspiration (TOA) were significantly higher in the group receiving antibiotics (P<0.05). Synovial glucose levels were significantly lower in the group receiving antibiotics. Furthermore, the positive frequency of glucose esterase, blood culture, GS, serum culture, and ultimate diagnosis of septic arthritis tests were significantly lower in the antibiotic receiving group (P<0.05). The sensitivity, and positive predictive value of the leukocyte esterase test were obtained at 100%, and 96.55% in the antibiotic receiving group, respectively. Moreover, in the group not receiving antibiotics, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the leukocyte esterase test were estimated at 72.22%, 92.50%, 89.66%, 78.72%, respectively. Conclusion: Antibiotic use and the prolongation of TOA lead to increased inflammatory products, which is interfering with lab variables. As a result, they increase the sensitivity of the test. The sensitivity and specificity of the leukocyte esterase test in patients who did not receive antibiotics showed that this was a suitable and reliable laboratory method for the rapid detection of infectious arthritis that required an emergency rescue procedure.

Outcome of open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation in pediatric radial neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: Radial neck fracture in children is rare. This study attempted to evaluate the outcome of surgically treated patients and any associated complications. METHODS: This study evaluated 23 children under 15 years of age with radial neck fracture who were treated with open reduction between 2006 and 2016 to determine their range of motion, postoperative complications, and radiographic outcomes. The results were assessed clinically using the Mayo clinic elbow performance score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration for patients was 34.6 months. The average postoperative angulation was 3.6°. Hypoesthesia was reported in only 9% of patients, and none of the patients complained of postoperative pain. The postoperative X-ray results were excellent in 60% and good in 40%. No radiographic complications were identified. The elbow score was excellent in 87% and good in 13% (mean score, 96.74). There was a statistical relationship between range of motion limitations and age, degree of fracture, initial displacement, and surgical pin removal time. CONCLUSIONS: Although most patients accept the closed reduction method as a primary treatment, the present study suggests that an open-reduction approach has been associated with optimal therapeutic outcomes for patients in whom closed reduction was not satisfactory or indicated.

Surgical Management of Hip Problems in Myelomeningocele: A Review Article.

BACKGROUND: Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) develop a wide variety of hip deformities such as muscle imbalance, contracture, subluxation, and dislocation. Various methods and indications have been introduced for treatment of muscle imbalances and other hip problems in patients with MMC but there is no study or meta-analysis to compare the results and complications. This review aims to find the most acceptable approach to hip problems in patients with MMC. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched up to April 2015. All study designs that reported on the outcomes of hip problems in MMC were included. From 270 screened citations, 55 were strictly focused on hip problem in MMC were selected and reviewed. RESULTS: Complex osseous and soft tissue reconstructive procedures to correct hip dysplasia and muscle balancing around the hip are rarely indicated for MMC patients without good quadriceps power. CONCLUSION: Over the years a consensus on the best algorithm for treatment of hip dislocation in myelomeningocele has been missing, however, muscular balancing with/out osseous procedure seems a reasonable approach especially in unilateral mid-lumbar MMC.

Modified Ponseti method of treatment for correction of neglected clubfoot in older children and adolescents--a preliminary report.

Congenital talipes equinovarus may be the most common congenital orthopedic condition requiring treatment. Nonoperative treatment including different methods is generally accepted as the first step in the deformity correction. Ignacio Ponseti introduced his nonsurgical approach to the treatment of clubfoot in the early 1940s. The method is reportedly successful in treating clubfoot in patients up to 9 years of age. However, whether age at the beginning of treatment affects the rate of effective correction and relapse is unknown. We have applied the Ponseti method successfully with some modifications for 11 patients with a mean age of 11.2 years (range, 6 to 19 years) with neglected and untreated clubbed feet. The mean follow-up was 15 months (12 to 36 months). Correction was achieved with a mean of nine casts (six to 13). Clinically, 17 out of 18 feet (94.4%) were considered to achieve a good result with no need for further surgery. The application of this method of treatment is very simple and also cheap in developing countries with limited financial and social resources for health service. To the best of the authors' knowledge, such a modified method as a correction method for clubfoot in older children and adolescents has not been applied previously for neglected clubfeet in older children in the literature.

Clinical Results of Meniscal Repair Using Submeniscal Horizontal Sutures.

BACKGROUND: Parts of the implants placed over the meniscus during meniscal repair can wear down the cartilage in the contact zones and cause chronic synovitis. Placing horizontal sutures under the meniscus may overcome this potential hazard. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the midterm results of arthroscopic meniscal repair using submeniscally placed out-in horizontal sutures. METHODS: One hundred and three meniscal repairs with submeniscal horizontal out-in technique in 103 patients were performed between 2009 and 2012. Our indications for meniscal repair were all longitudinal tear in red-red and red-white zone with acceptable tissue quality. Clinical evaluation included the Tegner and Lysholm knee scores and clinical success was defined as absence of joint-line tenderness, locking, swelling, and a negative McMurray test. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 19 months (range, 14 to 40 months). The time interval from injury to meniscal repair ranged from 2 days to 390 days (median, 96 days). At the end of follow-up, the clinical success rate was 86.5%. Fourteen of 103 repaired menisci (13.5%) were considered failures according to Barrett's criteria. The mean Lysholm score significantly improved from 39.6 preoperatively to 84.5 postoperatively (P<0.001). Eighty five patients (82.5%) had an excellent or good result according to Lysholm knee score. Tegner activity score improved significantly (P<0.01) from an average of 3.4 (range, 2-6) preoperatively to 5.9 (range, 5-8) postoperatively. Statistical analysis showed that age, simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, chronicity of injury did not affect the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that acceptable midterm results are expected from submeniscal horizontal out-in repair technique. This technique is cheap, safe and has the advantage of avoiding chondral abrasion caused by solid implants and suture materials placed over the meniscus.

The efficacy and complications of 2-hole 3.5 mm reconstruction plates and 4 mm noncanulated cancellous screws for temporary hemiepiphysiodesis around the knee.

BACKGROUND: Persistent angular deformities around the knee can lead to growth-plate damage in childhood and osteoarthritis in adulthood. The treatment options include osteotomy and hemiepiphysiodesis. Tension-band plate hemiepiphysiodesis with 8-plate is an effective way to correct these deformities. However, its high cost makes it less available in many countries. In the present series, we have used 3.5 mm reconstruction plates for tension-band temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with bilateral angular deformities of the knee (42 extremities) underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with 3.5 mm reconstruction plates. The diagnosis, BMI, weight, amount of correction of the deformity age, and device failure were analyzed. The mean follow-up period after plate removal was 17 months (ranging from 8 to 24 mo). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 10 years and 3 months (± 2 y and 10 mo). Complete correction of the deformities was achieved in 86% of patients. Of the 58 plate and screw constructs, 10% had screw breakage. Patients with genu valgum had 2 screw failures (6.25%), but in the genu varum group there were 4 screw failures (40%). Of the 3 patients who did not have complete correction of the deformities, 2 had mucopolysaccharidosis and 1 was nearing skeletal maturity (16 y old). The age of the patient, body weight, BMI, and degrees of angulation did not have any statistically significant correlation with the screw failure. Screw failures in female patients were more common than in male patients. All implant failures occurred in idiopathic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of 3.5 mm reconstruction plates for temporary hemiepiphysiodesis around the knee is similar to that of 8-plates. However, the reconstruction plates have a lower cost and are easily available. Noncanulated 3.5 or 4.5 mm cortical screws seem to be superior to 4 mm noncanulated cancellous screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in nonunion of traumatic fractures.

Nonunion is common complication of fracture management. Various factors are involved in its occurring. Metabolic and endocrine factors are often overlooked. So that aim of study was to evaluate the level of vitamin D and PTH in patients with unexplained nonunion and fractures due to low energy trauma. In the case control study, 30 patients with tibial nonunion compared with 32 patients with normal bone healing. There were matched according to, surgical treatment, sex, age and body mass index. In order to measure the serum levels of laboratory parameters, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, blood samples were taken and were sent to a reference laboratory. A high percentage of vitamin D deficiency was observed in tibial unexplained nonunion (60%) versus 30% in normal union. The level of vitamin D in patients with nonunion was significant difference compared with normal union (25.8±20.4 nmol/l versus 49.03±26.9 nmol/l, P=0.002). PTH measurement showed that was not meaningful statistical difference between two groups but prevalence of hyperparathyroidism in nonunion was higher than union (33% versus 9.3%). In other laboratory findings were not statistical difference. According to our results, vitamin D deficiency in unexplained tibial nonunion fractures are common. In areas with high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, that could be one reason of unexplained nonunion.

Treatment of pediatric open femoral fractures with external fixator versus flexible intramedullary nails.

BACKGROUND: In children, inappropriate treatment of open femoral fractures may induce several complications. A few studies have compared the external fixator with flexible intramedullary nails in high-grade open femoral fractures of children. The present study aims at comparing results of these two treatment methods in open femoral fractures. METHODS: In this descriptive analytical study, 27 patients with open femoral fractures, who were treated using either the external fixator (n=14) or TEN nails (n=13) method from 2006-2011, were studied. Some patients were treated with a combination method of TEN and pin. The results were evaluated considering infection, union, malunion, and refracture and the patients were followed up for two years. RESULTSS: Mean time required for fracture union was 3.89 (range: 2-5.8) and 3.61 (range: 2-5.6) months for the external fixator and TEN groups, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant and there was not any significant difference between the two groups considering infection of the fractured area. Osteomyelitis was not observed in any group. There was an infection surrounding the external fixator pin in 4 cases (28.5%) and so this required changing the location of the pin. In the TEN group, one case (7.6%) of painful bursitis was observed at the entry point of TEN and so the pin was removed earlier than usual. There were two cases (14.2%) of femoral refracture in the external fixator group. Malunion requiring correction was not observed in any of the groups. There were no complications observed in five patients treated with a combined method of pin and flexible intramedullary nails. CONCLUSION: Both external fixator and intramedullary nail methods are effective ways in treating high grade open femoral fractures in children and final treatment results are similar. Combining pins and flexible intramedullary nails is effective in developing more stability and is not associated with more complications.

Treatment of open pediatric tibial fractures by external fixation versus flexible intramedullary nailing: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Tibial fractures are the third most common pediatric long-bone fracture after forearm and femoral fractures. Approximately 50% of pediatric tibial fractures occur in the distal third of the tibia. This is followed by midshaft tibial fractures (39%), and least commonly, the proximal third of the tibia is involved. Tibial fractures in the skeletally immature patient can usually be treated without surgery but tibial fractures resulting from high energy traumas are of special importance considering type of the selected treatment method affecting the children future. Manipulation and casting are regarded as definite treatments for children tibial fractures. They are used following compartment syndrome in poly-trauma, neurovascular damages, open fractures, and fasciotomy cases. OBJECTIVES: In children, most open fractures occur due to high energy traumas and inappropriate treatment of the fractures may result in several complications. Flexible intramedullary nailing is one of the popular options as an effective method of treating long-bone fractures in children. The external fixator is used in cases with severe injuries and open fractures. The present study aims at comparing results of these two treatment methods in the open pediatric tibial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive analytical study, 32 patients with open tibial fractures were treated with either fixator (n = 18) or TEN nails (n=14) during 2006-2011. Some patients were treated with a combination method of TEN and pin. The results were evaluated considering infection, union, mal-union, and re-fracture and the patients were followed up for two years. RESULTS: Mean time required for fracture union was 12.5 (11-14) and 11.8 (10-12) weeks for the external fixator and TEN groups, respectively. There was no statistical difference in time of union between the two methods. The main complications in external fixation were infection around the pin 4 (22.2%), leg-length discrepancy 2 (11.1%) and re-fracture 4 (22.2%). In the TEN group, 2 cases (14.2%) of painful bursitis were observed at the entry point of TEN and the pin was removed earlier. There was not any report of mal-union requiring correction in the groups. No complication was seen in 6 patients treated with a combined method of pin and flexible intramedullary nails. CONCLUSIONS: Although external fixation in open pediatric fractures and severe injuries is recommended, intramedullary nailing is also an effective method with low complications. Combining pins and flexible intramedullary nails is effective in developing more stability and is not associated with more complications.

Primary outcomes of the congenital vertical talus correction using the Dobbs method of serial casting and limited surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The traditional treatment for congenital vertical talus, which involves serial casting and extensive soft-tissue releases, has been associated with severe stiffness and other complications in adolescents and adults. Our hypothesis is that favorable results will be obtained using the Dobbs method of serial manipulation, casting, and limited surgery for vertical talus correction, even in older children and syndromic cases. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the Dobbs method in such cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 15 feet of 10 patients (aged from 1 month to 9 years) using manipulation and serial casting or the reverse Ponseti method followed by percutaneous Achilles tenotomy and limited open reduction of the talonavicular joint. All patients were evaluated both clinically and radiologically in a mean follow-up period of 2 years. RESULTS: After 2 years, all patients had plantigrade and flexible feet with good radiographic correction. The mean talocalcaneal angle before (70.5° ± 10.5) and after (31° ± 5.2) treatment and the talar axis metatarsal base angle before (60° ± 11.4) and after (15° ± 6.7) treatment were significantly improved (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Recent research has shown that manipulation and serial casting followed by limited surgery (Dobbs method) was successful in treating idiopathic congenital vertical talus. Our results also showed that this method resulted in an excellent outcome in both idiopathic and syndromic congenital vertical talus, even in older children.

Manipulation with Schanz screws for closed reduction of femoral shaft fractures during intramedullary nailing.

OBJECTIVE: To use Schanz screws as a simple and effective method for closed reduction of femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: In the present cohort study, which was carried out in Shohada Orthopedic Center, Tabriz, Iran between January 2004 and February 2005, 30 adult patients, with a mean age of 29 (18-65 years) with femoral shaft fractures underwent closed reduction with Schanz pins. The patients were followed up for 12 months. RESULTS: Reduction was satisfactory in 93.3% of patients. The average time for reduction was significantly shorter if treated in the first 48 hours, and if the amount of pre-operative traction approached 15% of the body weight. Reduction time was also shorter in Winquist-Hansen type III and IV fractures than in type I and II fractures (5.9 +/- 0.2 minutes versus 15.7 +/- 0.4 minutes). There was 13% valgus deformity (5-10 degrees), 33% external mal-rotation (5-15 degrees) and 37% shortening (up to 1-3 cm). We encountered no need for blood transfusion or bone grafting. CONCLUSION: Schanz screws provide a very effective method for closed reduction of femoral shaft fractures, and complications are similar to or less than other methods, especially if carried out in the first 48 hours after the trauma and if the weight for pre-operative traction approaches 15% of body weight.