[Hip fracture due to osteomalacia secondary to celiac disease] / Fractura de cadera debida a osteomalacia secundaria a enfermedad celíaca

Background: Hip fracture in the young patient is uncommon, but it can have devastating consequences. This pathology in the context of minimal trauma obliges us to carry out a study on calcium metabolism to determine the primary cause. Material and methods: We present a clinical case about an 18-year-old male patient who suffered a subcapital fracture of the left hip due to minimal trauma while playing football. The patient was treated urgently by means of closed reduction and internal fixation with two spongy screws. Subsequently, the metabolism study showed a severe vitamin D deficiency (27.1 nmol/L - normal above 75 nmol/L) and high levels of anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies (2502.40 U/mL). The digestive biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease and was treated with a gluten-free diet and calcium and vitamin D supplements. Results: After two years of follow-up, the patient is pain free, with complete hip mobility. There have been no complications (failure of osteosynthesis, avascular necrosis or pseudoarthrosis) and serum levels of vitamin D as well as IgA antibodies against transglutaminase have normalized. Conclusion: In young patients with low energy trauma fractures, vitamin D deficiency must be considered as a possible etiology and the reason for such osteomalacia, such as celiac disease, must be identified.

Antecedentes: La fractura de cadera en el paciente joven es infrecuente, pero puede tener unas consecuencias devastadoras. Esta patología en el contexto de un traumatismo mínimo nos obliga a realizar un estudio sobre el metabolismo del calcio para filiar la causa primaria. Material y método: Presentamos un caso clínico sobre un paciente varón de 18 años que sufrió una fractura subcapital de cadera izquierda debido a un traumatismo mínimo mientras jugaba al fútbol. El paciente fue tratado quirúrgicamente de urgencia mediante reducción cerrada y fijación interna con dos tornillos de esponjosa. Posteriormente, el estudio del metabolismo mostró una deficiencia grave de vitamina D (27.1 nmol/L ­ normal por encima de 75 nmol/L) y altos niveles de anticuerpos IgA antitransglutaminasa (2502.40 U/mL). La biopsia digestiva confirmó el diagnóstico de enfermedad celíaca por lo que fue tratado con una dieta libre de gluten y suplementos de calcio y vitamina D. Resultados: Tras dos años de seguimiento, el paciente está libre de dolor, con movilidad completa de la cadera. No ha habido complicaciones (fracaso de la osteosíntesis, necrosis avascular o pseudoartrosis) y los niveles séricos de vitamina D así como de los anticuerpos IgA antitransglutaminasa se han normalizado. Conclusión: En pacientes jóvenes que presentan fracturas por traumatismos de baja energía, se ha de tener en cuenta la deficiencia de vitamina D como posible etiología y se debe identificar el motivo de dicha osteomalacia, como es la enfermedad celíaca. Conclusión: En pacientes jóvenes que presentan fracturas por traumatismos de baja energía, se ha de tener en cuenta la deficiencia de vitamina D como posible etiología y se debe identificar el motivo de dicha osteomalacia, como es la enfermedad celíaca.

Acute rupture of distal biceps: Repair using a single anterior approach and cortical anchoring device / [Rotura aguda de bíceps distal: reparación mediante abordaje único anterior y dispositivo de anclaje cortical]

Background: Rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps is a pathology with an increasing incidence, which can cause important functional alterations. When the rupture is complete and the patient is active, surgical treatment is of choice. Material and method: 47-year-old man with sudden and intense pain in the left antecubital fossa while lifting weight. On examination, impotence for flexion and active supination of the left arm with loss of the biceps silhouette. Ultrasonography confirms the diagnosis of complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon. Surgical treatment was decided, performing a single anterior approach and reinserting the tendon in its radial footprint with the help of a cortical anchorage device. Results: At 12 months, the patient presented flexo-extension and complete prone supination, without encountering difficulties in carrying out the activities of his daily and work life, with a score of 100 points in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Conclusion: Rupture of the distal biceps is a typical injury in active patients with an increasing incidence. Although there have been no significant differences between the different repair options, in our experience the use of cortical anchorage devices with a single anterior approach provides very satisfactory results.

Antecedentes: La rotura del tendón distal del bíceps braquial es una patología con una incidencia creciente, que puede ocasionar importantes alteraciones funcionales. Cuando la rotura es completa y el paciente activo, el tratamiento quirúrgico es de elección. Resultados: A los 12 meses, el paciente presenta flexo-extensión y prono-supinación completa, sin encontrar dificultades para realizar las actividades de su vida diaria y laboral, con puntación de 100 puntos en el Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Material y método: Varón de 47 años con dolor intenso y súbito en la fosa antecubital izquierda mientras levantaba peso. A la exploración, impotencia para la flexión y supinación activa del brazo izquierdo con pérdida de la silueta del bíceps braquial. La ecografía confirma el diagnóstico de rotura completa del tendón distal del bíceps braquial. Se decide tratamiento quirúrgico, realizando un abordaje único anterior  y reinsertando el tendón en su "footprint" radial con ayuda de un dispositivo de anclaje cortical. Conclusión: La rotura del bíceps distal es una lesión típica de pacientes activos con una incidencia creciente. Aunque no se han evidenciado diferencias significativas entre las distintas opciones de reparación, en nuestra experiencia la utilización de dispositivos de anclaje cortical con un abordaje único anterior aporta unos resultados muy satisfactorios.

Inusual evolución de artritis reactiva tras inmunoterapia endovesical con BCG / Unusual evolution of reactive arthritis after endovesical immunotherapy with BCG

La instilación intravesical de BCG (Bacilo de Calmette-Guerin) es una terapia preparada con cepas debilitadas de Mycobacterium bovis y constituye un tratamiento complementario eficaz para el cáncer de vejiga superficial (no musculoinfiltrante o no invasivo) de alto riesgo. Aunque la seguridad para su uso clínico es alta, la inmunoterapia endovesical no está exenta de complicaciones. La artralgia y la artritis son complicaciones infrecuentes, pero potencialmente severas, cuyo diagnóstico temprano puede permitir un tratamiento médico adecuado y evitar la cronificación de la patología. El presente caso muestra el manejo terapéutico de la artrosis coxofemoral en una mujer de 59 años, una complicación grave e infrecuente, secundaria a una patología poco común como la artritis reactiva debida a la instilación de BCG

Intravesical instillation of BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) is a therapy prepared with weakened strains of Mycobacterium bovis and is an effective complementary treatment for high-risk (non-musculoinfiltrating or non-invasive) bladder cancer. Although its safety for clinical use is high, endovesical immunotherapy is not without complications. Arthralgia and arthritis are infrequent, but potentially severe, complications, the early diagnosis of which can allow adequate medical treatment and avoid chronification of the pathology. This case shows the therapeutic management of hip osteoarthritis in a 59-year-old woman, a rare and serious complication, secondary to a rare pathology such as reactive arthritis due to BCG instillation

Surgical clavicle reconstruction after aneurysmal bone cyst resection in a child: A simple method.

The clavicle is an infrequent location for primary tumors in general, and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the clavicle is particularly rare. The challenge of the functional and esthetic result in the treatment of these lesions in the pediatric population is high when considering the reconstruction of critical bone defects. In this article, we present the case of a seven-year-old boy with an ABC in the middle third of the clavicle, treated by resection and reconstruction with free autograft of the fibula stabilized by using an intramedullary titanium nail. We offer a description of the used technique, considerations about treatment options in children, and a follow-up of more than two-and-a-half years.

Effective surgical solution to a complete rupture of the pectoralis major. / [Eficaz solución quirúrgica a una rotura completa del pectoral mayor.]

Background: The rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is rare, occurring typically in young male athletes. When the break is complete and the patient active, surgical treatment is the choice. Clinical case: 48-year-old man with severe pain in left shoulder after lifting weights. He presents impotence to adduction and internal rotation of the shoulder with thinning of the axillary fold. MRI confirms the diagnosis of complete rupture of the pectoralis major. Surgical treatment was decided, performing a deltopectoral approach and reinserting the pectoralis major tendon with three cortical buttons. Conclusion: The rupture of the pectoralis major is a typical lesion of active young patients with an increasing incidence. Although there have been no significant differences between the different repair options, in our experience the use of cortical buttons provides very satisfactory results.

Antecedentes: La rotura del músculo pectoral mayor es una entidad poco frecuente, aconteciendo típicamente en varones jóvenes deportistas. Cuando la rotura es completa y el paciente activo, el tratamiento quirúrgico es de elección. Caso clínico: Varón de 48 años con dolor intenso en hombro izquierdo tras levantamiento de pesas. A la exploración, impotencia a la aducción y rotación interna del hombro con adelgazamiento del pliegue axilar. La RMN confirma el diagnóstico de rotura completa del pectoral mayor. Se decide tratamiento quirúrgico, realizando un abordaje deltopectoral y reinsertando el tendón del pectoral mayor con tres dispositivos de anclaje endocortical. Conclusión: La rotura del pectoral mayor es una lesión típica de pacientes jóvenes activos con una incidencia creciente. Aunque no se han evidenciado diferencias significativas entre las distintas opciones de reparación, en nuestra experiencia la utilización de dispositivos de anclaje endocortical aporta unos resultados muy satisfactorios.

[Quantitative assessment of the loss of functionality associated with the appearance of complications in osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures.] / Valoración cuantitativa de la pérdida de funcionalidad asociada a la aparición de complicaciones en osteosíntesis de fracturas de húmero proximal.

Objetive: To evaluate the relationship between incidence of complications and clinico-functional outcomes, after fractures of the proximal humerus treated with locking plates. Material and Methods: Our study reviewed 47 patients who underwent internal fixation with plate for a period of 5 years. We present the clinico-functional outcomes with Constant-Murley and Quick-Dash scores, and cinematic analysis. Statistical analysis of the relationship complication-functional results and new surgery-functional results. Results: At the end of the follow-up period, a total of 47 patients were recollected and the mean age was 74,85 years. 11 patients (23,4%) had complications, of whom 6 patients (12,7%) needed a new surgery. The complication rate is associated with loss of 65,41º of flexion, 14,49º of extension, 36,71º of abduction, 8,84º of aduction, 5,47º of external rotation and 30,82º of internal rotation. Furthermore, we found statistically significant differences between the incidence of complications and Constant-Murley and Quick Dash scores. Conclusion: There is a high percentage of patients who developes complications after ORIF with and its functionality is significantly reduced. Our study accurately quantifies this loss and, in this way, it predicts the functional situation, according to the possible complicactions that may arise.

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre la incidencia de complicaciones y los resultados clínico-funcionales, tras el tratamiento de las fracturas de húmero proximal mediante osteosíntesis con placa bloqueada. Material y método: Nuestro estudio revisa 47 pacientes intervenidos mediante osteosíntesis con placa en un periodo de 5 años. Presentamos los resultados clínico-funcionales con las escalas de Constant-Murley y Quick Dash, y con un análisis cinemático. Análisis estadístico de las relaciones complicación-resultados funcionales y reintervención-resultados funcionales. Resultados: Al final del seguimiento, fueron recogidos un total de 47 pacientes, con una edad media de 74,85 años. 11 pacientes (23,4%) tuvieron complicaciones, de los cuales 6 pacientes (12,7%) precisaron ser reintervenidos. La aparición de complicaciones se asoció a una pérdida de 65,41º de flexión, 14,49º de extensión, 36,71º de abducción, 8,84º de aducción, 5,47º de rotación externa y 30,82º de rotación interna. Además, se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre el desarrollo de complicaciones y las escalas Constant-Murley y Quick Dash. Conclusiones: Existe un porcentaje elevado de pacientes que desarrollan complicaciones tras RAFI con placa, los cuales ven disminuida su funcionalidad de forma notable. Nuestro estudio cuantifica de forma exacta ésta pérdida y, de esta manera, predice la situación funcional, según las eventuales complicaciones que puedan aparecer.

Effect of bone marrow stromal cells in combination with biomaterials in early phases of distraction osteogenesis: An experimental study in a rabbit femur model.

Acceleration of the consolidation of the distracted bone is a relevant medical need. As a platform to improve in vivo bone engineering, we developed a novel distraction osteogenesis (DO) model in a rabbit large bone (femur) and tested if the application of cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) immediately after the osteotomy promotes the formation of bone. This report consists of two components, an animal study to evaluate the quality of the regenerate following different treatments and an in vitro study to evaluate osteogenic potential of BMSC cultures. To illuminate the mechanism of action of injected cells, we tested stem cell cultures enriched in osteogenic-BMSCs (O-BMSCs) as compared with cultures enriched in non-osteogenic BMSCs (NO-BMSCs). Finally, we included a group of animals treated with biomaterials (fibrin and ground cortical bone) in addition to cells. Injection of O-BMSCs promoted the maturity of distracted callus and decreased fibrosis. When combined with biomaterials, O-BMSCs modified the ossification pattern from endochondral to intramembranous type. The use of NO-BMSCs not only did not increase the maturity but also increased porosity of the bone. These preclinical results indicate that the BMSC cultures must be tested in vitro prior to clinical use, since a number of factors may influence their outcome in bone formation. We hypothesize that the use of osteogenic BMSCs and biomaterials could be clinically beneficial to shorten the consolidation period of the distraction and the total period of bone lengthening.

Metaphyseal sleeves as the primary implant for the management of bone defects in total knee arthroplasty after post-traumatic knee arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of a prosthesis after post-traumatic knee arthritis poses challenges derived from the bone defects and soft tissue damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the use of metaphyseal sleeves in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery after post-traumatic arthritis. METHODS: Clinical and radiological results of 25 patients undergoing surgery for post-traumatic knee arthritis were prospectively evaluated. A semi-constrained, mobile platform prosthesis with metaphyseal sleeves was implanted. American Knee Society scales, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short Form 12 Health Survey were used. Patients were evaluated at the baseline and at postoperative months three, 12, and annually until final follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 79 months with a maximum of 10 years. Mean Knee Society Score (KSS) increased from 29 to 78, and functional KSS from 42 to 81. The average WOMAC pain index changed from 12 to three; average WOMAC stiffness improved from four to one, and WOMAC function score improved from 44 to 16. The mean physical SF12 varied from 30 to 46, while mental SF-12 varied from 45 to 55. Radiological osseointegration of the implants was considered optimal in all cases, with a survival of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Metaphyseal sleeves in combination with varus-valgus constrained (VVC) components and a rotating platform, have shown good clinical and radiological results in patients with post-traumatic knee arthritis and constitute a reliable alternative for treatment of this disease when the epiphyseal zone is deteriorated and has bone defects.

Viability and long-term survival of short-segment posterior fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation constructs for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures gained popularity in the 1980s. The load-sharing classification (LSC) is a straightforward way to describe the extent of bony comminution, amount of fracture displacement, and amount of correction of kyphotic deformity in a spinal fracture. There are no studies evaluating the relevance of fracture comminution/traumatic kyphosis on the long-term radiologic outcome of burst fractures treated by short-segment instrumentation with screw insertion in the fractured level. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the six-screw construct in the treatment of thoracolumbar junction burst fractures and the influence of the LSC score on the 2-year radiologic outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Case series of consecutive patients of a single university hospital. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive patients from one university hospital with nonosteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures. OUTCOME MEASURES: Being a radiology-based study, the outcome measures are radiologic parameters (regional kyphosis [RK], local kyphosis, and thoracolumbar kyphosis [TLK]) that evaluate the degree and loss of correction. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with nonosteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures managed with a six-screw construct in a single university hospital, with more than 2 years' postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria, and 72 (83.7%) with available data were ultimately included in the study. The sample included 53 men and 19 women, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 35.6 years (14.4 years) at the time of surgery. Mean LSC score was 6.3 (SD 1.6, range 3-9). Forty-four of 62 (70.9) fractures had a score greater than 6. Mean (SD) RK and TLK deteriorated significantly during the first 6 months of follow-up: 2.90° (4.54°) p=.005 and 2.78° (6.45°) p=.069, respectively. Surgical correction correlated significantly (r=0.521, p<.0001) with the time elapsed until surgery. Loss of surgical correction (postoperative to 6-month RK and TLK increase) correlated significantly with the LSC score (r=0.57, p=.004; r=0.51, p=.022, respectively). Further surgery because of correction loss was not required in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The six-screw construct is effective for treating thoracolumbar junction burst fractures. The medium-to-long-term loss of correction is affected by the amount of bony comminution of the fracture, objectified through the LSC score.

Effect of administration of platelet-rich plasma in early phases of distraction osteogenesis: an experimental study in an ovine femur model.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might enhance bone formation. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of PRP administered in the early phases of distraction osteogenesis in an ovine femur model. METHODS: Twenty sheep aged 4 months underwent osteotomy of the femoral diaphysis followed by distraction osteogenesis. The sheep were divided into two groups of 10. One group received three injections of PRP on days 0, 10, and 20 of the procedure (PRP group) and the other received no additional treatment (control group). The results were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and histology on completion of distraction osteogenesis (day 40). CT evaluation included measurement of the callus and bone density. Femur size was also measured proximally and distally. Histological evaluation was used to quantify osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular lumens, and trabecular maturity by zones and to calculate trabecular bone, fibrous tissue, and cartilage ratios. RESULTS: Radiological and histological evaluation of the regenerate bone showed no significant differences between the PRP group and the control group for any of the variables analysed. The only significant difference detected was a wider femur (increased diaphyseal thickness) at the proximal and distal levels in the PRP group. CONCLUSION: We found no radiological or histological evidence that the administration of PRP in the early phases of distraction osteogenesis enhances bone formation.

Treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis with advanced cell therapy in sheep.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of core decompression associated with advanced cell therapy for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis in an established sheep model. METHODS: Early stage osteonecrosis of the right hip was induced cryogenically in 15 mature sheep. At 6 weeks, the sheep were divided into three groups, Group A: core decompression only; Group B: core decompression followed by implantation of an acellular bone matrix scaffold; Group C: core decompression followed by implantation of a cultured BMSC loaded bone matrix scaffold. At 12 weeks, MRI hip studies were performed and then the proximal femur was harvested for histological analysis. RESULTS: In the group of advanced cell therapy, Group C, there was a tendency to higher values of the relative surface of newly formed bone with a mean of 20.3 versus 11.27 % in Group A and 13.04 % in Group B but it was not statistically significant. However, the mean relative volume of immature osteoid was 8.6 % in Group A, 14.97 in Group B, and 53.49 % in Group C (p < 0.05), revealing a greater capacity of osteoid production in the sheep treated with BMSCs. MRI findings were not conclusive due to constant bone edema artifact in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that a BMCSs loaded bone matrix scaffold is capable of stimulating bone regeneration more effectively than isolated core decompression or in association with an acellular scaffold in a preclinical femoral head osteonecrosis model in sheep.

External validity of the Tokuhashi score in patients with vertebral metastasis.

PURPOSE: To calculate the accuracy of the Tokuhashi score (TS) in recent patients with vertebral metastasis (VM), candidates or not to surgical treatment, and thus to assess the external validity of TS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 90 patients (55 men, 35 women) with VM between 2004 and 2006. For each patient, data on the primary tumor (PT), date of diagnosis, TS at the time of VM diagnosis and date of death were retrieved from the electronic medical records and civil registry. True survival time and TS survival time were estimated to calculate the accuracy rate of the TS. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to study the survival function by prognostic groups. A correlation study between survival time and other variables was performed. RESULTS: PT distribution was as follows: breast (22.2 %), lung (20 %), prostate (17.8 %), rectum (10 %), unknown (11 %), and others (18 %). Average overall survival after the VM diagnosis was 11.8 months (SD, 11 m): breast, 20 months (SD, 20 m); lung, 5.8 months (SD, 5.9 m); prostate, 14.5 months (SD, 13.4 m); rectum, 9.4 months (SD, 9.3); and unknown tumors, 2.7 months (SD, 5 m). Survival time was accurately predicted with the TS in 63 % of patients with a short life expectancy (survival, <6 months; TS, 0-8), 16 % of patients in the intermediate group (survival, 6-12 months; TS, 9-11), and 77 % of patients with a good prognosis (survival >12 months; TS, 12-15). By specific PT, the accuracy rate of the TS was low for breast cancer metastasis (35 %). The Kaplan-Meier curves show a significant separation among the prognostic groups (p < 0.05), but the log-rank test showed a statistically significant difference in survival only between short expectancy group and good prognostic group. Age at PT diagnosis and at VM diagnosis negatively correlated with survival (r = 0.22; p = 0.032 and r = 0.3, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The TS was not highly accurate for predicting survival in patients with VM, treated or not surgically, and it was particularly imprecise in patients with an intermediate score (9-11 points) and those with breast cancer, so it is possible that the TS currently has a poor external validity.