Arthroscopic treatment of lateral ankle instability. Is there a safe zone? An anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to describe the relative location of superficial anatomic landmarks and likely location of structures at risk in order to predict the proximity of the later and avoid their injury during the arthroscopic treatment of lateral ankle instability. METHODS: Fifteen cadaver ankles were dissected. Based on superficial anatomic landmarks, the location and distances to the structures at risk (extensor tendons, peroneus tertius, peroneal tendons, main branch or intermediate branch of the superficial peroneal nerve, and the sural nerve) were measured. RESULTS: The distance from the lateral malleolus along the peroneus brevis to its intersection by the sural nerve was 38.5±10.5mm and from it to the superficial peroneal nerve was 32.0±7.4mm. Based on the minimum distances, a rectangular area of 25mm×22mm was obtained. The anterior talofibular ligament and the proximal border of the inferior extensor retinaculum were within this area. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that based on superficial anatomic landmarks, it is possible to define an anatomic area in order to avoid structures at risk. In addition to the usual precautions, these anatomical references may contribute to lower the complication rate associated to the arthroscopic treatment of lateral ankle instability.

Large foot schwannoma with bone invasion - a case report.

A rare case of a large foot schwannoma with an intraosseous component is presented. Due to suspicion of malignancy, an amputation had previously been proposed. When the patient presented to us, the prolonged clinical course as well as some elements of the imaging exams suggested benignancy and we decided for complete tumor excision. Intraoperative findings supported the benign character of the neoplasm and pathology would later confirm the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma. The outcome, at 18 months of follow-up was a fully functional limb. Recurrence must still be considered but malignant transformation is very rare in a solitary schwannoma and can be discounted. Solitary benign schwannomas have a negligible malignization potential independently of their size or osseous component. When benignancy is considered, primary total tumor excision, as part of a staged procedure, is a safe approach. It allows for a thorough pathologic examination and eventually for a definitive treatment.

[Atypical femoral fractures associated with long-term treatment with bisphosphonates]. / Fraturas Atípicas do Fémur Associadas a Terapêutica Prolongada com Bisfosfonatos.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term treatment with bisphosphonates has been associated to atypical femoral fractures whose features are now clearly defined. CLINICAL CASES: We present two cases of female patients under bisphosphonate treatment for over 10 years who were admitted to our institution for subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures after low-energy trauma. They presented, respectively, a transverse and a short oblique femoral fracture, with thickening of the lateral cortex. They underwent surgical treatment obtaining good functional and imaging result. DISCUSSION: These cases fulfill the established criteria for atypical femoral fracture, thereby illustrating a serious adverse event of long-term treatment with bisphosphonates. Such relationship has still not been clearly established by scientific evidence. However, its effectiveness in preventing osteoporotic fractures is well proven. CONCLUSION: The atypical femoral fractures are possibly a serious adverse effect of the long-term treatment with bisphosphonates. Scientific evidence still supports its use, however, the physician must be aware of these events and closely follow-up these patients.

Introdução: A terapêutica prolongada com bisfosfonatos tem sido associada a fraturas atípicas do fémur cujas características estão neste momento definidas.Casos Clínicos: Apresentam-se dois casos clínicos de doentes do género feminino sob terapêutica com bisfosfonatos há mais de 10 anos e que foram admitidas na nossa instituição por fraturas dos fémures resultantes de traumatismos de baixa energia. Estas fraturas localizavam-se na região subtrocantérica e mediodiafisária do fémur apresentando, respectivamente, traço simples transversal e oblíquo curto, com espessamento da cortical externa. Ambas foram submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico com bom resultado clínico e radiológico.Discussão: Os casos apresentados cumprem os critérios aceites para o diagnóstico de fratura atípica do fémur, ilustrando um efeito adverso grave da terapêutica prolongada com bisfosfonatos. A evidência científica ainda não estabeleceu esta associação de forma inequívoca. Por outro lado, a eficácia destes fármacos na prevenção de fraturas osteoporóticas está comprovada.Conclusão: A fratura atípica do fémur pode constituir um efeito adverso grave da terapêutica prolongada com bisfosfonatos. A evidência científica continua a suportar a sua utilização, mas o clínico deverá estar alerta e acompanhar atentamente estes doentes.