Nailing intertrochanteric fractures in geriatric population: Do we know it all?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pertrochanteric fractures constitute an important part of the daily activity of the orthopedic surgeon. The aim of this study was to carry out an analysis of pre-, intra- and post-operative radiographic parameters and to analyze the results of stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with short nails with dynamic distal locking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study in our center, between the years 2017-2021 of patients over 65 years of age with pertrochanteric fracture. We included 272 patients treated with Gamma3 Nail (Stryker®) with dynamic distal locking. As variables, we recorded: age, medical comorbidities, fracture pattern according to AO/OTA, osteopenia according to Singh's classification, pre-operative (such as diaphyseal extension), intra-operative (such as tip-to-the-apex or medial cortical support) and post-operative radiographic parameters (such as time to consolidation or loss of reduction), pre- and post-operative Barthel, quality of life and complications and reinterventions, such as non-union or cut-out. RESULTS: The mean age was 83.28 years (65-102). Two hundred four cases were women (75%). The average follow-up was 18.2 months (12-24). The distribution according to AO/OTA classification was 85.7% 31.A1; 12.5% 31.A2; 1.9% 31.A3. Radiographic consolidation was obtained in 97.4% of cases. Tip to apex distance was less than 25mm in 95.6% of cases. Medial cortical support was positive or neutral in 88.6% of cases. Sixty cases (22.1%) of screw back-out were recorded. Eight reinterventions (2.9%) were performed, corresponding to three cut-outs (1.1%), three non-unions (1.1%), one avascular necrosis (0.4%) and one secondary hip osteoarthritis (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Short nail with dynamic distal locking offers good clinical, radiological and functional results in all types of AO/OTA patterns, without increasing the complication rate, as long as there is an appropriate tip-to-the-apex distance and good medial cortical support.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: Natural history and impact. / Fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas: historia natural e impacto.

Osteoporosis, and the consequences derived from it, such as fragility fractures, constitute a growing public health problem. Suffering from a fracture of this nature is the main risk factor for suffering a new fracture. It is documented that vertebral compression fractures lead to significant morbidity and mortality, in the short and long term, as well as other complications, such as sagittal imbalance and hyperkyphosis of the segment. However, we have not found documentation that analyzes the medium and long-term consequences of these injuries, assessing the type of treatment used, and the economic impact they represent. The purpose of this review is to analyze the main recent literature on the subject and make a breakdown of the consequences of these fractures in various spheres, such as economic, quality of life, sagittal balance and radiographic parameters, pain or mortality; as well as a brief analysis of epidemiology and natural history. CONCLUSION: Osteoporotic fractures constitute an emerging problem, both in the medical and economic fields. The consequences and sequelae on the patient are multiple and although surgical options offer good long-term results, it is necessary to properly select the patient, through multidisciplinary teams, to try to minimize potential complications.

External fixation in intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: Is it a valid option as definitive treatment?

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic management of calcaneal fractures is currently a major source of controversy in the literature. There is no consensus on the need to treat these injuries conservatively or surgically, nor on the criteria for deciding one option or the other. Although the gold standard has classically been the open approach and osteosynthesis, there are currently minimally invasive techniques that also report good results. Our objective is to present our results and experience with the MBA® Orthofix external fixator in a series of cases of calcaneal fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study in our center, between the years 2019 and 2021, of Sanders types II-IV calcaneal fractures operated with MBA® Orthofix external fixator. We recorded a total of 38 patients, 42 fractures. We registered demographic information, intraoperative, postoperative, radiological and functional parameters, using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), EQ-5D and VAS scales. RESULTS: A total of 26 men and 12 women were included, and the median age was 38 years. Mean follow-up was 24,4 months (6, 8-40, 1). The average time to surgery was 7 days and partial loading was started at 2.5 weeks after external fixation, which was removed at 9.2 weeks. The average Böhler angle correction was 7, 4°, Gissane - 12,2°, length 2 mm and calcaneal width was reduced by 5 mm. We recorded two superficial infections, one peroneal entrapment and three subtalar arthrodesis due to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The AOFAS obtained was 79.1 + / - 15.7 points, MOXFQ 20.1 + / - 16.1 points, EQ-5D 0.84 + / - 0.2 and VAS 3.3 + / - 1.9. CONCLUSION: The external fixator is an excellent surgical alternative for complex articular fractures of the calcaneus, obtaining clinical and radiological results comparable to other osteosynthesis techniques and significantly reducing soft tissue complications.

Fractures in patients with poliomyelitis: Past or current challenge?

Fractures in poliomyelitic limbs are a challenge to surgeons, due to polio's sequelae and morphological disorders, which make conventional osteosynthesis difficult. We present a retrospective study of 62 patients and 73 non-simultaneous fractures in their lower limbs. Average age was 61,7 years and 53,2% were females. We analyzed the preinjury functional level, etiology of the fracture, fracture pattern, treatment used (be conservative or surgical), and implant used in surgical cases. We treated 85,1% of them surgically and 37,9% of them maintained the same functional situation as before the fracture. 55,4% of them experienced the need to add some mechanical aids after the lesion and 6,8% lost the ability to walk. Most of the surgical treatments employed were similar as the ones used in non-poliomyelitic patients, although some cases required atypical implants, such as a Multiloc (® DePuy Synthes) humeral nail for a tibial shaft fracture, due to narrow bone. Mortality along the 1st year was 2.7%. We found similar functional and radiological results as those described in non-poliomyelitic limbs.

Artrodesis metatarsofalángica del hallux: comparación retrospectiva entre placa bloqueada y tornillos canulados / Hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: retrospective comparison between blocked plate and cannulated screws

Resumen: Introducción: Existen múltiples métodos e implantes utilizados para la artrodesis metatarsofalángica del hallux sin evidencia a favor de uno u otro en la bibliografía. El objetivo fue comparar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de dos métodos e implantes utilizados en nuestro centro. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de 37 pies entre 2013 y 2017 (22 pies mediante placa y 15 mediante tornillos canulados). Se recogieron variables clínicas y radiológicas y se aplicaron las escalas AOFAS y Manchester-Oxford. Se estudiaron las variables descriptivas y analíticamente mediante el programa SPSS v15. Resultados: El grupo intervenido mediante placa lo compuso 77% de mujeres, con una edad media de 65 años y una distribución por diagnósticos de hallux valgus (HV) severo (36%), recidiva de hallux valgus (RHV) (36%) y hallux rigidus (HR) (28%), frente a 80% de mujeres, con media de 68 años y HVS (34%), RHV (46%) y HR (20%) en el grupo de tornillos canulados. No se encontró diferencias significativas en la corrección de los ángulos para HVS o RHV. La tasa de seudoartrosis dolorosa fue de 13% en ambos y la reintervención fue de 18% en el grupo de placas y 26% en el grupo de tornillos. Tanto la escala AOFAS como la M-O fueron mejores en el grupo de placa 63.8 versus 52.6 (p = 0.07); 30.1 versus 41.0 (p = 0.10); así como la satisfacción del paciente 86 versus 66% (p > 0.05) y el dolor postoperatorio 3.68 versus 5.58 (p > 0.05). Conclusión: Son grupos pequeños de estudio, sin aleatorización de implantes, ambas opciones son funcionales sin poder encontrar una preferente.

Abstract: Introduction: There are multiple methods and implants used for the metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis of hallux without evidence in favor of one or the other in the bibliography. The goal was to compare the clinical and radiological results of 2 methods and implants used in our center. Material and methods: Retrospective review of 37 feet between 2013 and 2017 (22 feet by plate and 15 by cannulated screws). Clinical and radiological variables were collected and the AOFAS and Manchester-Oxford scales were applied. Variables were studied descriptively and analytically through the SPSSv15 program. Results: The group intervened by plate was composed of 77% of women, with an average age of 65 years and a distribution by diagnosis of severe hallux valgus (HV) (36%), hallux valgus relapse (HVR) (36%) and hallux rigidus (HR) (28%), compared to 80% of women, 68 years old and HV (34%), HVR (46%) HR (20%) in the group of cannulated screws. No significant differences were found in the correction of angles for HV or HVR. The rate of painful pseudoarthrosis was 13% in both and the re-intervention was 18% in the plate group and 26% in the screw group. Both the AOFAS and M-O scales were better in the plate group 63.8 vs 52.6 (p = 0.07); 30.1 vs 41.0 (p = 0.10); as well as patient satisfaction 86% vs 66% (p > 0.05) and postoperative pain 3.68 vs 5.58 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Small study groups, not implant randomization, both options are functional without being able to find a preferred one.

Management of pediatric tibial tubercle fractures: Is surgical treatment really necessary?

Fractures of the anterior tibial tubercle are infrequent lesions. They often occur in male adolescent athletes, usually in relation with sports involving powerful jumps. We present a retrospective study of 10 patients, with an average age of 15.1 years, all of them males, and a total of 11 acute avulsions of the anterior tibial tubercle. We analyzed the etiology of the lesion, the type of treatment used as well as non-weight bearing period, protected immobilization period, and time until sports reincorporation. We obtained 11 acute avulsions: one case of type I; three cases of type II; four cases of type III; and three cases of type IV. Five cases were treated conservatively, including the three cases of type IV, and surgery was only performed in six cases since an anatomical reduction was not obtained with closed reduction. The results were satisfactory in all cases, with 100% percentage of sport reincorporation in less de 25 weeks. We registered only one complication, intolerance of material, which did not require additional surgeries. These fractures, although rare, have an excellent prognosis. Even if they are often treated surgically, we have obtained good results with the conservative treatment in patterns previously reported as surgical.

[Hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: retrospective comparison between blocked plate and cannulated screws]. / Artrodesis metatarsofalángica del hallux: comparación retrospectiva entre placa bloqueada y tornillos canulados.

INTRODUCTION: There are multiple methods and implants used for the metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis of hallux without evidence in favor of one or the other in the bibliography. The goal was to compare the clinical and radiological results of 2 methods and implants used in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 37 feet between 2013 and 2017 (22 feet by plate and 15 by cannulated screws). Clinical and radiological variables were collected and the AOFAS and Manchester-Oxford scales were applied. Variables were studied descriptively and analytically through the SPSSv15 program. RESULTS: The group intervened by plate was composed of 77% of women, with an average age of 65 years and a distribution by diagnosis of severe hallux valgus (HV) (36%), hallux valgus relapse (HVR) (36%) and hallux rigidus (HR) (28%), compared to 80% of women, 68 years old and HV (34%), HVR (46%) HR (20%) in the group of cannulated screws. No significant differences were found in the correction of angles for HV or HVR. The rate of painful pseudoarthrosis was 13% in both and the re-intervention was 18% in the plate group and 26% in the screw group. Both the AOFAS and M-O scales were better in the plate group 63.8 vs 52.6 (p = 0.07); 30.1 vs 41.0 (p = 0.10); as well as patient satisfaction 86% vs 66% (p 0.05) and postoperative pain 3.68 vs 5.58 (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Small study groups, not implant randomization, both options are functional without being able to find a preferred one.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existen múltiples métodos e implantes utilizados para la artrodesis metatarsofalángica del hallux sin evidencia a favor de uno u otro en la bibliografía. El objetivo fue comparar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de dos métodos e implantes utilizados en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de 37 pies entre 2013 y 2017 (22 pies mediante placa y 15 mediante tornillos canulados). Se recogieron variables clínicas y radiológicas y se aplicaron las escalas AOFAS y Manchester-Oxford. Se estudiaron las variables descriptivas y analíticamente mediante el programa SPSS v15. RESULTADOS: El grupo intervenido mediante placa lo compuso 77% de mujeres, con una edad media de 65 años y una distribución por diagnósticos de hallux valgus (HV) severo (36%), recidiva de hallux valgus (RHV) (36%) y hallux rigidus (HR) (28%), frente a 80% de mujeres, con media de 68 años y HVS (34%), RHV (46%) y HR (20%) en el grupo de tornillos canulados. No se encontró diferencias significativas en la corrección de los ángulos para HVS o RHV. La tasa de seudoartrosis dolorosa fue de 13% en ambos y la reintervención fue de 18% en el grupo de placas y 26% en el grupo de tornillos. Tanto la escala AOFAS como la M-O fueron mejores en el grupo de placa 63.8 versus 52.6 (p = 0.07); 30.1 versus 41.0 (p = 0.10); así como la satisfacción del paciente 86 versus 66% (p 0.05) y el dolor postoperatorio 3.68 versus 5.58 (p 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: Son grupos pequeños de estudio, sin aleatorización de implantes, ambas opciones son funcionales sin poder encontrar una preferente.

Quiste óseo aneurismático localizado en el techo acetabular en un varón de 11 años / Aneurysmal bone cyst located on the acetabular roof in an 11-year-old male

Resumen: El quiste óseo aneurismático es una tumoración benigna poco común, de aparición en la infancia generalmente y a nivel de extremidades. El tratamiento más habitual consiste en el curetaje y relleno con injerto. No obstante, localizaciones poco accesibles a la cirugía suponen un reto terapéutico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 11 años con cojera y dolor en cadera derecha sin antecedente traumático ni infeccioso. En los estudios de imagen con TAC y RM se evidencia una lesión lítica expansiva que ocupa todo el techo del acetábulo y pala ilíaca derecha, sugestiva de un quiste óseo aneurismático presentando fractura acetabular asociada. Se realizó una biopsia que confirmó el diagnóstico. Se trató mediante embolización guiada por angiografía debido al gran volumen y alto riesgo de fractura, después del curetaje y relleno con aloinjerto evolucionó satisfactoriamente y el paciente se encuentra asintomático al año de la intervención.

Abstract: The aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign rare tumor, which usually develops during childhood and it's more often found in limbs. The most accepted treatment consists in curetagge and filling with graft. However, certain locations may be inaccesible for surgery and represent therapeutical challenges. We present the case of an 11 year-old male patient with limping and right hip pain without any traumatic nor infectious record. In the image studies with CT and MRI a lytic and expansive lession was found in the upper part of the right acetabulum and right iliac wing, all of which suggested an aneurysmal bone cyst with an associated acetabular fracture. A biopsy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis. He was treated with a CT-guided embolization and, due to its size, curetagge and allograft filling afterwards. He was asymptomatic after1 year of follow-up.

[Aneurysmal bone cyst located on the acetabular roof in an 11-year-old male]. / Quiste óseo aneurismático localizado en el techo acetabular en un varón de 11 años.

The aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign rare tumor, which usually develops during childhood and its more often found in limbs. The most accepted treatment consists in curetagge and filling with graft. However, certain locations may be inaccesible for surgery and represent therapeutical challenges. We present the case of an 11 year-old male patient with limping and right hip pain without any traumatic nor infectious record. In the image studies with CT and MRI a lytic and expansive lession was found in the upper part of the right acetabulum and right iliac wing, all of which suggested an aneurysmal bone cyst with an associated acetabular fracture. A biopsy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis. He was treated with a CT-guided embolization and, due to its size, curetagge and allograft filling afterwards. He was asymptomatic after1 year of follow-up.

El quiste óseo aneurismático es una tumoración benigna poco común, de aparición en la infancia generalmente y a nivel de extremidades. El tratamiento más habitual consiste en el curetaje y relleno con injerto. No obstante, localizaciones poco accesibles a la cirugía suponen un reto terapéutico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 11 años con cojera y dolor en cadera derecha sin antecedente traumático ni infeccioso. En los estudios de imagen con TAC y RM se evidencia una lesión lítica expansiva que ocupa todo el techo del acetábulo y pala ilíaca derecha, sugestiva de un quiste óseo aneurismático presentando fractura acetabular asociada. Se realizó una biopsia que confirmó el diagnóstico. Se trató mediante embolización guiada por angiografía debido al gran volumen y alto riesgo de fractura, después del curetaje y relleno con aloinjerto evolucionó satisfactoriamente y el paciente se encuentra asintomático al año de la intervención.