Comparison of low-profile plate-screw and Kirschner-wire osteosynthesis outcomes in extra-articular unstable proximal phalangeal fractures.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to present the radiological and clinical results of Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation and low-profile plate-screw fixation applied to unstable proximal phalangeal fractures without extension to the joint. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 22 patients who underwent fixation with open reduction and low-profile 1.5-mm titanium mini plate and unlocked screws and 18 patients who underwent fixation with K-wire due to closed, unstable extra-articular proximal phalangeal fractures were retrospectively examined. All evaluation and statistical analyses were based on sixth postoperative month evaluation parameters. Active and passive metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint range of motions, total joint range of motion, measurement of grip strength for fractured and healthy hands, visual analog scoring, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, measurement of distance between the pulpa and palmar curve in the operated finger, Belsky score, reoperation, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Radiological union was achieved in all patients in a mean duration of 4.2 (3-6) weeks. When the functional results of the patients were evaluated, the mean active metacarpophalangeal joint flexion was 87.3° (75°-90°), mean proximal interphalangeal joint flexion was 94.3° (65°-100°), mean distal interphalangeal joint flexion was 77.6° (75°-80°), and mean total range of motion was 259° (210°-270°). The grip strength of the fractured hand was 52.7 (40-58) kgW, whereas that of the healthy hand was 54.4 (42-60) kgW. The mean value of visual analog score was 0.8 (0-2), mean score for disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand was 7 (2-27), and mean distance between the finger pulpa and finger curve was 3 (0-8) mm. CONCLUSION: Plate-screw osteosynthesis in the extra-articular, unstable fractures of the proximal phalanx, which is "small" compared with the body but has a "major function" for the hand and upper extremity, allows for rigid fixation, short immobilization, and early motion in spiral/oblique-fragmented fractures. K-wire fixation, an alternative treatment modality, applied to selected fracture patterns with appropriate indications can achieve good-excellent results radiologically and functionally.

ASSOCIATED POSTERIOR PELVIC INJURY PATTERNS IN TRANSVERSE-ORIENTED ACETABULAR FRACTURE.

OBJECTIVE: Our study analyzed the incidence of posterior pelvic injury patterns and their influence on the surgical treatment of transverse-oriented acetabular fractures . METHODS: Fifty-one transverse-oriented acetabular fracture cases admitted between 1999 and 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Comparative studies were performed for groups organized by acetabular fracture type, degree of sacroiliac separation, and postoperative reduction quality . RESULTS: Associated posterior pelvic injuries were found in 34 (66.7%) of the 51 patients. There were 32 sacroiliac separations in the 34 patients with associated posterior pelvic injury, and ipsilateral sacroiliac separations were more frequent in this subgroup. Measurements guided by computerized tomography showed that 16 sacroiliac separations were ≤0.5 cm (mean=0.43±0.14 cm), 10 were 0.5-1 cm (mean=0.73±0.17 cm), and the remaining 6 were >1 cm (mean=1.55±0.15 cm). In the group of 34 patients with associated posterior pelvic injury, acetabular reduction was anatomic in 19 (55.9%) patients, imperfect in 10 (29.4%) patients, and poor in 5 (14.7%) patients. For isolated acetabular fractures, reduction rates were as follows: 12 (70.6%) anatomic, 3 (17.6%) imperfect, and 2 (11.8%) poor. The rate of anatomic reduction was significantly higher when sacroiliac separation was ≤0.5 cm (p=0.027) . CONCLUSION: Associated posterior pelvic injuries, especially ipsilateral sacroiliac joint separation, accompany most transverse-oriented acetabular fractures and may influence the quality of acetabular reduction. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

OBJETIVO: Nosso estudo analisou a incidência de padrões de lesão pélvica posterior e sua influência no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas do acetábulo com orientação transversal. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e um casos de fratura acetabular com orientação transversal foram avaliados retrospectivamente entre 1999 e 2013. Foram realizados estudos comparativos para grupos formados de acordo com o tipo de fratura acetabular, grau de separação sacroilíaca e qualidade da redução no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Constataram-se lesões pélvicas posteriores associadas em 34 (66,7%) dos 51 pacientes. Havia 32 separações sacroilíacas nos 34 pacientes com lesão pélvica posterior associada, e as separações sacroilíacas ipsilaterais foram mais frequentes nesse subgrupo. De acordo com medições guiadas por tomografia computadorizada, 16 separações sacroilíacas foram ≤ 0,5 cm (média = 0,43 ± 0,14 cm), 10 estavam entre 0,5 e 1 cm (média = 0,73 ± 0,17 cm) e os 6 restantes foram >1 cm (média = 1,55 ± 0,15 cm). No grupo de 34 pacientes com lesão pélvica posterior, a redução acetabular foi anatômica em 19 (55,9%) pacientes, imperfeita em 10 (29,4%) pacientes e deficiente em5 (14,7%) pacientes. Nas fraturas acetabulares, as taxas de redução foram as seguintes: 12 (70,6%) anatômicas, 3 (17,6%) imperfeitas e 2 (11,8%) deficientes. A taxa de redução anatômica foi significativamente maior quando o grau de separação sacroilíaca foi ≤ 0,5 cm (p = 0,027). CONCLUSÃO: As lesões pélvicas posteriores associadas, especialmente a separação da articulação sacroilíaca ipsilateral, acompanham a maioria das fraturas do acetábulo com orientação transversal e podem influenciar a qualidade da redução acetabular. Nivel de Evidência III, Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

Associated posterior pelvic injury patterns in transverse-oriented acetabular fracture / Padrões de lesão pélvica posterior associada em fratura acetabular com orientação transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: Our study analyzed the incidence of posterior pelvic injury patterns and their influence on the surgical treatment of transverse-oriented acetabular fractures . Methods: Fifty-one transverse-oriented acetabular fracture cases admitted between 1999 and 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Comparative studies were performed for groups organized by acetabular fracture type, degree of sacroiliac separation, and postoperative reduction quality . Results: Associated posterior pelvic injuries were found in 34 (66.7%) of the 51 patients. There were 32 sacroiliac separations in the 34 patients with associated posterior pelvic injury, and ipsilateral sacroiliac separations were more frequent in this subgroup. Measurements guided by computerized tomography showed that 16 sacroiliac separations were ≤0.5 cm (mean=0.43±0.14 cm), 10 were 0.5-1 cm (mean=0.73±0.17 cm), and the remaining 6 were >1 cm (mean=1.55±0.15 cm). In the group of 34 patients with associated posterior pelvic injury, acetabular reduction was anatomic in 19 (55.9%) patients, imperfect in 10 (29.4%) patients, and poor in 5 (14.7%) patients. For isolated acetabular fractures, reduction rates were as follows: 12 (70.6%) anatomic, 3 (17.6%) imperfect, and 2 (11.8%) poor. The rate of anatomic reduction was significantly higher when sacroiliac separation was ≤0.5 cm (p=0.027) . Conclusion: Associated posterior pelvic injuries, especially ipsilateral sacroiliac joint separation, accompany most transverse-oriented acetabular fractures and may influence the quality of acetabular reduction. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Nosso estudo analisou a incidência de padrões de lesão pélvica posterior e sua influência no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas do acetábulo com orientação transversal. Métodos: Cinquenta e um casos de fratura acetabular com orientação transversal foram avaliados retrospectivamente entre 1999 e 2013. Foram realizados estudos comparativos para grupos formados de acordo com o tipo de fratura acetabular, grau de separação sacroilíaca e qualidade da redução no pós-operatório. Resultados: Constataram-se lesões pélvicas posteriores associadas em 34 (66,7%) dos 51 pacientes. Havia 32 separações sacroilíacas nos 34 pacientes com lesão pélvica posterior associada, e as separações sacroilíacas ipsilaterais foram mais frequentes nesse subgrupo. De acordo com medições guiadas por tomografia computadorizada, 16 separações sacroilíacas foram ≤ 0,5 cm (média = 0,43 ± 0,14 cm), 10 estavam entre 0,5 e 1 cm (média = 0,73 ± 0,17 cm) e os 6 restantes foram >1 cm (média = 1,55 ± 0,15 cm). No grupo de 34 pacientes com lesão pélvica posterior, a redução acetabular foi anatômica em 19 (55,9%) pacientes, imperfeita em 10 (29,4%) pacientes e deficiente em5 (14,7%) pacientes. Nas fraturas acetabulares, as taxas de redução foram as seguintes: 12 (70,6%) anatômicas, 3 (17,6%) imperfeitas e 2 (11,8%) deficientes. A taxa de redução anatômica foi significativamente maior quando o grau de separação sacroilíaca foi ≤ 0,5 cm (p = 0,027). Conclusão: As lesões pélvicas posteriores associadas, especialmente a separação da articulação sacroilíaca ipsilateral, acompanham a maioria das fraturas do acetábulo com orientação transversal e podem influenciar a qualidade da redução acetabular. Nivel de Evidência III, Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

Os subtibiale: Mimicking medial malleolar fracture.

There are numerous sesamoids and accessory ossicles around the foot which can easily be misdiagnosed as fractures. Os subtibiale is a very rare normal variant of the medial malleolus which is usually diagnosed incidentally in routine ankle radiographs. In this report, we present a case series of 3 patients with os subtibiale who were admitted to the emergency department with ankle sprains and misdiagnosed as medial malleolar fractures. We would like to raise awareness to the very rare and usually asymptomatic os subtibiale as a diagnostic pitfall.

Comparison of Semi-Invasive "Internal Splinting" and Open Suturing Techniques in Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the semi-invasive "internal splinting" (SIIS) method for repair of Achilles tendon rupture relative to open repair with Krakow sutures. Efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical and functional outcomes, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurements, isokinetic results, and surgical complication rates. Functional measurements included the Thermann and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scores, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare the bilateral length and thickness of each Achilles tendon. The isokinetic outcomes were evaluated using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Of the 45 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 24 were treated by SIIS and 21 by the open Krackow suture technique. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 43.7 (range 6 to 116) months. In the SIIS group, patients returned to normal daily activities after 7.2 (range 6 to 8) weeks compared with 14.3 (range 12 to 15) weeks in the open surgery group. The AOFAS ankle scores were 93.5 (range 82 to 100) points in the open repair group and 96.2 (range 86 to 100) points in the SIIS group. The Thermann scores were 80.4 (range 53 to 91) points for the open repair group and 87.9 (range 81 to 100) points for the SIIS method. The mean Achilles length on the operated side measured using magnetic resonance imaging was 175.06 (range 110 to 224) mm and 177.76 (range 149 to 214) mm for the open surgery and SIIS groups, respectively. Sensory impairment in the territory of the sural nerve was identified in 1 patient immediately after SIIS surgery, although this defect had completely resolved within 12 months. SIIS yielded better outcomes relative to the open surgery group according to the isokinetic measurements. Taken together, these data indicate the SIIS method for Achilles tendon ruptures performed better in terms of both functional and objective outcomes compared with open surgery.

Vacuum-assisted closure for skin necrosis after revision total knee arthroplasty.

Although skin necrosis following total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty is rare, it may cause severe complications. Skin changes begin with superficial infections and may result in removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of skin necrosis is an important factor, which determines the prognosis of the prosthesis. Several techniques have been defined for sufficient closure. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was treated for skin necrosis that developed after knee revision arthroplasty, using serial debridement, convergence sutures and an intermittent vacuum-assisted closure device (KCI Inc., San Antonio, TX).

Proximal row carpectomy for Lichtman stage III Kienböck's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the objective and subjective outcomes of proximal row carpectomy (PRC) for stage III Kienböck's disease and determine if the physician's objective measurements correlate with the patients' subjective outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent PRC for stage III Kienböck's disease with a follow-up period of more than 18 months were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation included preoperative and postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) questionnaire, postoperative Mayo wrist score, postoperative total joint range of motion (ROM), as well as grip and pinch strength measurements of the operated and normal side. Radiographic criteria such as carpal height ratio, subchondral cyst, and osteophyte formation were assessed during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up period was 41.7 months (range: 18-106 months). RESULTS: No wrists underwent total arthrodesis. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy was observed in 2 patients (8.3%). Postoperative ROM measurements, power grip, and pinch strength values significantly decreased in both stages (IIIA and IIIB) on the operated side compared to the normal side. In contrast, Q-DASH scores significantly increased in both stages compared to preoperative values. Average Mayo wrist score was 67.3 (range: 10-90). CONCLUSION: PRC is a well-tolerated procedure for stage III Kienböck's disease with certain complications. While subjective values improved significantly, there was no correlation between this improvement in subjective values and objective measurements. PRC was not able to restore motion postoperatively to that of the normal side, even though this feature did not affect postoperative subjective patient satisfaction.

Assessment of Postoperative Tendon Quality in Patients With Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tendon Fiber Tracking.

Although pre- and postoperative imaging of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) has been well documented, radiographic evaluations of postoperative intratendinous healing and microstructure are still lacking. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an innovative technique that offers a noninvasive method for describing the microstructure characteristics and organization of tissues. DTI was used in the present study for quantitative assessment of fiber continuity postoperatively in patients with acute ATR. The data from 16 patients with ATR from 2005 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The microstructure of ART was evaluated using tendon fiber tracking, tendon continuity, fractional anisotropy, and apparent diffusion coefficient values by way of DTI. The distal and proximal portions were measured separately in both the ruptured and the healthy extremities of each patient. The mean patient age was 41.56 ± 8.49 (range 26 to 56) years. The median duration of follow-up was 21 (range 6 to 80) months. The tendon fractional anisotropy values of the ruptured Achilles tendon were significantly lower statistically than those of the normal side (p = .001). However, none of the differences between the 2 groups with respect to the distal and proximal apparent diffusion coefficient were statistically significant (p = .358 and p = .899, respectively). In addition, the fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were not significantly different in the proximal and distal regions of the ruptured tendons compared with the healthy tendons. The present study used DTI and fiber tracking to demonstrate the radiologic properties of postoperative Achilles tendons with respect to trajectory and tendinous fiber continuity. Quantifying DTI and fiber tractography offers an innovative and effective tool that might be able to detect microstructural abnormalities not appreciable using conventional radiologic techniques.

Treatment of calcaneal fractures with closed reduction and the Endobutton-assisted technique: short-term analysis.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis are procedures used in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. This study presents short-term clinical and radiologic results of patients with calcaneal fractures treated by closed indirect reduction with Endobutton-assisted minimally invasive osteosynthesis. METHODS: Twenty-one feet of 18 patients (four women and 14 men) with calcaneal fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Böhler and Gissane angles were measured from the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up lateral radiographs of the feet. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were used for the 6-month and latest follow-up clinical assessments. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Böhler angle of 17.1° was corrected to a mean of 20.4° postoperatively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 21.3°. The mean preoperative and postoperative Gissane angles were 116° and 117.8°, respectively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 117.4°. The mean 6-month postoperative AOFAS score was 59.8 points. The mean AOFAS score at the time of latest follow-up (79.1 points) was significantly higher than the mean score 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Regarding the latest follow-up AOFAS scores, four were poor, four were moderate, ten were good, and three were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: With a low learning curve and satisfactory clinical outcomes, this technique can be used in acute, edematous cases with soft-tissue injuries to avoid calcaneal enlargement, infection, and soft-tissue problems.

A new isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise using EMG-biofeedback.

A new isometric contraction quadriceps-strengthening exercise was developed to restore the quadriceps strength lost after knee surgery more rapidly. This study evaluated the results of this new method. Patients were taught to perform the isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise in the unaffected knee in the supine position, and then they performed it in the affected knee. First, patients were taught the classical isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise, and then they were taught our new alternative method: "pull the patella superiorly tightly and hold the leg in the same position for 10 seconds". Afterward, the quadriceps contraction was evaluated using a non-invasive Myomed 932 EMG-biofeedback device (Enraf-Nonius, The Netherlands) with gel-containing 48 mm electrodes (Türklab, The Turkey) placed on both knees. The isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise performed using our new method had stronger contraction than the classical method (P < 0.01). The new method involving pulling the patella superiorly appears to be a better choice, which can be applied easily, leading to better patient compliance and greater quadriceps force after arthroscopic and other knee surgeries.

Management of acetabular fractures with modified posterior approach to spare external hip rotators.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study the quality of reduction and incidence of complications in hip external rotator sparing modified posterior approach was assessed in both simple and complex acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes 37 patients (38 hips) with a mean age of 42.1 years (range 21-60), that had been treated for displaced acetabular fractures from June 2007 through May 2011. They were reviewed at a mean of 3 years (20-67 months). RESULTS: The fractures were classified according to the Letournel-Judet classification. Anatomic reduction and stable fixation of the fracture with less than 2mm residual displacement was achieved in 28 of 38 hips. At the final follow up the patients were evaluated clinically according to Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scoring system which had been modified by Matta and radiologically based on the criteria described by Matta. The clinical results were excellent in 20, good in 8, fair in 8, and poor 2 hips. Complications included two superficial local wound infection and 10 heterotopic ossification with 7 of the cases having grade I heterotopic ossification. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was not seen in any of the 38 hips. One patient with preoperative sciatic nerve palsy had complete recovery of neurologic function. There were no cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The functional outcome was satisfactory in most of the cases and comparable with other larger series. Using the limited part of Henry's sciatic nerve exposure skin incision - working in the plane between gluteus maximus and the tensor fascia lata as in the classical Gibson approach and two portal external rotator hip sparing approach resulted in good fracture reduction without approach related complications.

Neglected femoral neck fracture in patient with seizure: a case of a delayed fixation of type 1A fracture in 11-month-old infant.

Fractures of the hip are rare injuries in children, accounting for less than 1 % of all pediatric fractures. Compared with other pediatric skeletal injuries, hip fractures are associated with high complication rates and poor outcomes, most commonly osteonecrosis, as well as non-union and malunion. Although significant trauma is the most common reason of the separation of upper femoral epiphysis, furthermore some cases were reported after seizures. To our knowledge, there is no previous publication in the literature that reports the results of delayed reduction and fixation of transepiphyseal separation of the proximal femoral epiphysis. We report a case of delayed open reduction and internal fixation of Delbet type 1A femoral neck fracture following seizures in an 11-month-old male child.