[Extensor mechanism allograft and radiotherapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas around the knee: Presentation of two clinical cases]. / Homoinjerto de aparato extensor y radioterapia en el tratamiento de sarcomas de partes blandas del entorno de la rodilla. A propósito de 2 casos clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: Knee involvement of soft tissue sarcomas is rare and very difficult to treat. Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee is essential to restore the functionality. Functional outcome is compromised by poor soft tissue coverage, adjuvant local radiotherapy, and resection of the extensor apparatus. No results were found in the literature as regards treatment by resection and reconstruction of the extensor mechanism in combination with adjuvant radiotherapy. The effects of radiotherapy are also unknown in the allografts. MATERIAL AND METHOD: . Two cases are presented of soft tissue sarcoma around de knee treated by resection, reconstruction of the extensor mechanism with cryopreserved cadaver allograft, and local radiotherapy. RESULTS: After more than 3 years of follow up, both patients are free of disease and have a good joint balance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Resection of the tumor with adequate safety margins and reconstruction using cadaveric allograft preserves the extensor mechanism and function of the limb. The soft tissue coverage is an added problem that can be solved by propeller fasciocutaneous flap coverage. After surgery, the limb must be immobilized with a knee brace locked in extension. Local radiotherapy contributes to local control of the disease. The reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee with allograft is a functional alternative to amputation, and it does not contraindicate adjuvant radiotherapy to improve local control of the disease.

Tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias de fémur mediante clavo intramedular cerrojado / Femoral shaft fractures treated by intramedullary interlocked nailing

Objetivo. Analizar el tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias de fémur mediante enclavado intramedular encerrojado y los resultados obtenidos clínica y radiológicamente. Material y método. Estudio retrospectivo de fracturas diafisarias de fémur tratadas mediante enclavado intramedular encerrojado: en 150 pacientes consecutivos (156 fracturas), intervenidos en el Hospital Universitario de Tarragona Joan XXIII durante un período de 15 años (1987-2002). Las fracturas han sido clasificadas y se han analizado el momento y el tipo de intervención quirúrgica y las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 35,7 meses (18-174). La valoración clínica final incluye el dolor y la función junto a un análisis radiológico multiobservador del tiempo de consolidación, posible consolidación en mala posición y dismetría. Resultados. La mayoría de las fracturas se produjeron en accidentes de tráfico (86,6%), afectando con mayor frecuencia a varones (71%) y a jóvenes (edad media de 26,9 años [14-85]). Un 17% de las fracturas fueron abiertas y en el 67% de los casos presentaron lesiones asociadas. La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente fue el dolor en la zona de introducción del clavo (5,8%). En 12 casos (7,7%) fue necesaria la reintervención quirúrgica para obtener la consolidación definitiva, pero finalmente se obtuvo la consolidación clínica y radiológica en todos los pacientes. Conclusiones. La intervención quirúrgica precoz, en pacientes estables, ha disminuido el índice de complicaciones inmediatas en nuestra serie. Con el tratamiento de las fracturas de fémur mediante enclavado intramedular encerrojado hemos obtenido buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos con un reducido índice de complicaciones

Purpose. To evaluate the results of femoral shaft fractures treated by closed interlocked nailing, throughout an analysis of clinical and radiological findings. Materials and methods. Retrospective study of 150 consecutive patients (156 femoral fractures) treated by closed interlocked nailing, over a period of 15 years (1987-2002). Fractures were classified and studied, analyzing the timing and type of surgical intervention, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications. We performed a clinical evaluation concerning pain and function, as well as a radiological multiobserver analysis regarding the time of healing, rotational malalignment and malunion. Results. Most fractures occurred after motor vehicle accidents (86.6%), with a predominance of males (71%) and with a mean age of 26.9 years (range 14-85); 17% were open fractures. The average follow-up was 35.7 months (range 18-174). 67% of the cases presented with associated fractures. The most frequent complication was pain in the area where the nail was introduced (5.8%). Radiological consolidation was achieved in all cases. In 12 cases (7.7%) an additional surgical procedure was necessary for final consolidation. Conclusions. We can conclude that closed intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures permits excellent fracture healing, early patient recovery and few complications (AU)

Early intrathoracic migration of Kirschner wires used for percutaneous osteosynthesis of a two-part humeral neck fracture: a case report.

We present an unusual case of early migration of three Kirschner wires used for percutaneous osteosynthesis of a two-part humeral neck fracture, causing hemothorax. An 85-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room after casual accident. She was found to have suffered a two-part fracture of the surgical neck of the right humerus. The humeral fracture was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis with three threaded Kirschner wires, which were bent subcutaneously. Ten days after the accident the patient presented with dyspnea and laterocervical pain. Plain X-rays and complementary CT demonstrated intrathoracic migration of the three Kirschner wires with hemothorax. Two of the wires were seen under the right clavicle and adjacent to the C7 vertebra. The third wire reached the lateral chest wall. Immediate surgery was performed, with withdrawal of the wires and placement of a drainage tube. The patient had an uneventful recovery after surgery. The humeral fracture resulted in a nonunion, which was well tolerated by the patient and was left untreated. The use of Kirschner wires for osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures may cause significant thoracic morbidity, even if various prophylactic measures, including the use of threaded wires, subcutaneous bending, and close radiographic follow-up, are adopted. The use of Kirschner wires should anyway be restricted to carefully selected cases, in order to avoid major complications.

Open bicondylar Hoffa fracture associated with extensor mechanism injury.

Two cases of open bicondylar Hoffa fracture of the knee associated with extensor mechanism injury are described in two active young patients with multiple fractures. The level of the fracture was determined by the proximal insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament and anterior cruciate ligament in the medial and lateral condyle. The level of the extensor mechanism injury was determined by the degree of flexion of the knee at the moment of impact. No ligament or meniscal tears were found. Open reduction and internal fixation with four lag screws and bone-to-tendon repair of the patellar and quadriceps tendon gave excellent results after more than 2 years of follow-up. The mechanism of injury and the therapeutic implications are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.