Midterm results of treating femoral head osteonecrosis with autogenous corticocancellous bone grafting.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: Here, we report the results of treating these patients with auto-corticocancellous bone graft from iliac crest to overcome the need for early total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 132 hips (96 patients) with ONFH. Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) type II and III underwent auto-corticocancellous bone grafting from the iliac crest in the current prospective study. Before the operation and in the final postoperative visit, the pain intensity using visual analogue scale (VAS), range of hip motions and Harris hip score (HHS) were determined and compared. Patients were followed for 48.5 ± 17.9 months. RESULTS: The shape of head and the joint space were preserved in 120 hips (90.9%). There were 12 hips in which the disease progressed to grade IV and resulted in THA in 10 of them. The pain intensity significantly decreased (6.3 ± 4.1 vs. 1.4 ± 2) and HHS (35.8 ± 15.3 vs. 79.5 ± 16.2) and range of motion (ROM) significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Necrotic bone removal and filling the femoral head cavity with auto-corticocancellous bone graft from iliac crest is an effective femoral head preserving method in treating patients with precollapse stages of ONFH and preventing the need for early THA, especially in young active populations.

Distraction for proximal interphalangeal joint contractures: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the medium- to long-term outcomes of joint distraction using a unilateral external fixator in the treatment of chronic post-traumatic proximal interphalangaeal (PIP) joint contractures. METHOD: Between September 2001 and October 2011, 94 consecutive patients (98 PIP joints) with a mean age of 43 years (range, 17-69 y) were treated with external fixation for chronic flexion deformity of the PIP joint from trauma. The average time from injury to surgery was 48 months (range, 6-84 mo), and the duration of joint distraction was 10 days (range, 7-22 d). Patients were followed for a mean period of 54 months (range, 12-72 mo). RESULTS: The average gain in joint flexion was 25° and in joint extension was 40°. The mean improvement in the active range of movement was 67° (range. 30°-90°). There was no loss of motion on the latest follow-up. Patients younger than 40 years fared slightly better than those older than 40 years. Two patients developed swelling, pain, and erythema during treatment, which resolved upon temporarily stopping the distraction process. There were 12 cases of superficial pin-site infections, which were managed conservatively without serious complications or adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: External fixation is a simple and effective treatment modality for chronic traumatic PIP joint contractures with good predictable medium- to long-term results. Careful patient selection and monitoring are required.

Management of posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal joint contracture.

Chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint presents a common yet challenging problem to hand surgeons. Over the years, multiple treatment modalities have been described for this problem, producing limited results. Nonoperative treatment using serial casting and splints should be tried before attempting open surgical release, which should be done in selected patients. The use of external fixation for treating PIP contracture has been encouraging and can be a useful alterative. This review provides an update on the current management of PIP joint contractures and presents a flowchart of treatment to aid decision making.

Achilles tendon repair, a modified technique.

BACKGROUND: Wound complications following open repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) remain the subject of significant debate. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of covering repaired AATR using well-nourished connective tissues (paratenon and deep fascia) to avoid complications after open repair. METHODS: In this case series study, open repair was performed for 32 active young patients with AATR. After the tendon was repaired, the deep fascia and paratenon was used to cover the Achilles tendon. Patients were followed for two years and any wound complication was recorded. During the last visit, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score was completed for all patients. Calf circumference and ankle range of motion were measured and compared with the contralateral side. Patients were asked about returning to previous sports activities and limitations with footwear. RESULTS: Only, one patient developed deep wound infection (3%). None of the patients had any discomfort around the operation area, limitation with footwear, sural nerve injury, re-rupture, and skin adhesion. The AOFAS score averaged 92.5±6. Two patients (7%) were unable to return to previous sports activities because of moderate pain in heavy physical exercises. The calf circumference and ankle ROM were similar between healthy and operated sides. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that fascial envelope for full covering of the repaired Achilles tendon may help to prevent the occurrence of wound complications.