Compound osteosynthesis for osteolyses and pathological fractures of the proximal femur.

Due to improved oncological therapeutic procedures with longer survival times, the stabilization of osteolyses and pathological fractures is gaining importance. The proximal femur is often affected by metastases. As femoral stability can be compromised by such bone lesions, stabilization as a palliative measure is indicated to restore function and relieve pain. Besides intramedullary osteosynthesis and endoprosthetic reconstruction, compound osteosynthesis is an alternative method for stabilization of the proximal femur. Between 1994 and 2004, 34 compound osteosyntheses were performed for a tumor-caused lesion compromising mechanical stability of the proximal femur. Of those cases, 22 double-plate compound osteosyntheses and 12 single-plate compound osteosyntheses were performed for 9 pathological fractures and 25 osteolyses. Both techniques provided good primary stability. The average survival time after compound osteosynthesis was 14.2 months (range, 0-72 months). Double-plate compound osteosyntheses showed a lower mechanical failure rate than single-plate compound osteosyntheses (14.3% vs 33.3%) and a higher survival probability after 5 years (76.4% vs 38.6%). No surgical revision was required due to perioperative complications in any case. We conclude that reliable stabilization of extensive osteolyses and pathological fractures of the proximal femur can be achieved with compound osteosynthesis. Our data suggest that double-plate compound osteosyntheses is a more favorable technique than single-plate compound osteosyntheses based on a lower rate of mechanical failure and higher survival probability.

Operative treatment of distal femoral fractures above total knee arthroplasty with the indirect reduction technique: a long-term follow-up study.

The complication rate of conventional plate osteosynthesis (CPO) of periprosthetic femoral fractures above total knee arthroplasties (TKA) is high. Indirect reduction techniques were introduced to reduce surgical dissection at the fracture site. Twenty-one patients (4 men and 17 women) with femoral fractures above well-fixed total knee arthroplasties were consecutively treated with the indirect reduction technique. AO/ASIF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of the Problems of Internal Fixation) Type 33A fractures were included. The mean age was 78 years (range, 67-94 years). Four fractures were stabilised with bone grafts, three in combination with bone cement. Nineteen of the patients were seen at a 1-year follow-up, 15 were seen after a long-term follow-up of 9 years (range, 7-12 years). There was only one implant failure in a comminuted fracture with severe osteoporosis, no infection, and no non-union. At the 1-year follow-up malalignment of 5 degrees varus occurred in one patient. The mean range of motion of the eighteen patients was 98 degrees (range, 65-110 degrees). The mean knee society score was 74 (range, 62-84), the mean function score was 52 (range, 39-72). At the long-term follow-up, the mean range of motion of the patients was 101 degrees (range, 65-115 degrees). The mean knee society score was 77 (range, 65-88), the mean function score was 55 (range, 40-75). Our results suggest the 95 degrees condylar blade plate in the indirect reduction technique is still a good implant with good long-term results. It works best in proximal fractures when there is minimal comminution of the distal fragment in the hands of an experienced trauma surgeon. Knee function and range of motion increased less over time.

Cervical anterior transpedicular screw fixation. Part I: Study on morphological feasibility, indications, and technical prerequisites.

Multilevel cervical spine procedures can challenge the stability of current anterior cervical screw-and-plate systems, particularly in cases of severe three-column subaxial cervical spine injuries and multilevel plated reconstructions in osteoporotic bone. Supplemental posterior instrumentation is therefore recommended to increase primary construct rigidity and diminish early failure rates. The increasing number of successfully performed posterior cervical pedicle screw fixations have enabled more stable fixations, however most cervical pathologies are located anteriorly and preferably addressed by an anterior approach. To combine the advantages of the anterior approach with the superior biomechanical characteristics of cervical pedicle screw fixation, the authors developed a new concept of a cervical anterior transpedicular screw-and-plate system. An in vivo anatomical study was performed to explore the feasibility of anterior transpedicular screw fixation (ATPS) in the cervical spine. The morphological study was conducted based on 29 cervical spine CT scans from healthy patients and measurements were performed on the pedicle sizes, angulations, vertebral body depth, height and width at C2 to T1. Significant morphologic parameters for the new technique are discussed. These parameters include the sagittal and transverse intersection points of the pedicle axis with the anterior vertebral body wall, as well as the distances between sagittal intersection points from C2 to T1. On the basis of these results, standard spine models were reconstructed and used for the conceptual development of a preclinical release prototype of an anterior transpedicular screw-and-plate system. The morphological feasibility of the new technique is demonstrated, and its indications, biomechanical considerations, as well as surgical prerequisites are thoroughly discussed. In the future, the technique of cervical anterior transpedicular screw fixation might diminish the number of failures in the reconstruction of multilevel and three-column cervical spine instabilities, and avoid the need for supplemental posterior instrumentation.

CT analysis after navigated versus conventional implantation of TKA.

INTRODUCTION: Within a 15-month period, 64 patients underwent 71 primary total knee arthroplasties in a randomized trial comparing the navigated versus the conventional implantation technique. CT scans were chosen for use as imaging procedures pre- and post-operatively to collect data concerning alignment and rotation of the leg as well as the prosthesis. RESULTS: There was no difference between pre- and post-operative data in rotation of the femoral component for navigated versus conventional implantation. The average deviation from the correct long-leg axis was found to be 1.8 +/- 1.3 degrees in the navigated group and 2.5 +/- 1.6 degrees in the conventional group (P < 0.05).

The fate of elbow arthrodesis: indications, techniques, and outcome in fourteen patients.

Arthrodesis of the elbow remains a salvage procedure. In elbow surgery, it is indicated in cases of painful loss of motion, instability, and infection due to various causes. The literature lacks comprehensive clinical series concerning indications, techniques, and, particularly, outcome in elbow arthrodesis. We retrospectively reviewed our results of elbow arthrodesis in 14 patients. At final follow-up, the chart data of all patients showed favorable results with solid union of the fused elbows, no pain in 8 patients, and moderate pain in 4. In those patients in whom clinical follow-up was possible, after an average 62 months (4-132), noteworthy functional results were observed because of compensatory motion of adjacent joints. The authors outline decisive factors in the decision making process for patients with salvage elbows, as well as the techniques for elbow arthrodesis. Our indications, favorable results, and complications are discussed. A comprehensive review of literature highlights the technical steps necessary for successful elbow arthrodesis.

Reconstructive surgery for complete talus extrusion using the sandwich block arthrodesis: a report of 2 cases.

Total extrusion of the talus is a rare and severe injury of the foot. If the talus is viable and can be repositioned, the outcome is unpredictable and mainly depends on whether infection and/or avascular necrosis ensues. If the talus is actually missing, the surgeon is faced with extensive bone loss and destruction of the ankle. In this report, we present 2 cases of total talus extrusion treated with the sandwich block tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with structural autografts harvested from iliac crest. The surgical technique is reviewed in detail, and its application in 2 male patients who had a complete talus fracture-dislocation and a dislocation, respectively, is described. Follow-up after 18 years and 1 year, respectively, showed favorable clinical outcomes and only minor restrictions in daily activities. In light of these case reports, we believe that the sandwich block arthrodesis offers a useful alternative for the treatment of these serious lower extremity injuries.

[Open posterior-inferior capsule shift for the treatment of atraumatic posterior shoulder instability]. / Offener posterior-inferiorer Kapselshift zur Behandlung der atraumatischen hinteren Schulterinstabilität.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of functional stability and full range of shoulder mobility. INDICATIONS: Atraumatic, recurrent posterior dislocation or subluxation in cases of excessive posterior joint capsular volume without clinically relevant destruction of the glenoid or dysplasia. Additional procedure for traumatic posterior instability after reattachment of the labrum or screw fixation of the posterior glenoid fragment. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Capsular shift should not be an isolated procedure in glenoid hypoplasia and/or glenoid retroversion > 15 degrees (relative). Multidirectional instability (relative). Deliberate (psychogenic) posterior instability (relative). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral decubitus position, Rockwood approach. Dissection of the posterior joint capsule after split of the external rotator muscles between the infraspinatus and teres minor. T-shaped incision of the posterior capsule with a medial base of about 0.5-1 cm lateral to the posterior glenoid rim. Retraction of the caudal and cranial capsular flaps. Inspection of the posterior labrum. If the labrum is detached, anatomic refixation of the labrum with suture anchors. The caudal flap is shifted cranially and medially in adduction and about 20 degrees external rotation. The cranial flap is then shifted caudally and medially. Suture with close-meshed Vicryl sutures. This creates double-contouring centrally and plication of the posterior capsule with reduction of the pathologically increased capsule volume. After wound closure and sterile dressing, the preoperatively prepared antirotation cast is applied and should be worn for 6 weeks. RESULTS: From 10/2002 to 09/2004, eight patients with atraumatic, isolated posterior shoulder instability were treated using the technique described above. All patients were available to follow-up 2 years after the operation. There were no perioperative complications and no neurologic deficits related to surgery. All patients achieved freedom of movement at the shoulder joint. In two patients, recurrent posterior dislocation occurred after the 7th and 23rd postoperative month.

Simultaneous anterior arthrodesis C2-3 and anterior odontoid screw fixation for stabilization of a 4-part fracture of the axis--a technical description.

Multiple fractures of the axis are rare and present challenging patterns of instability in cervical spine surgery. Once a surgeon is faced with a combination of fractures in the axis vertebra, including stable and unstable components, a sound treatment concept must be worked out to achieve primary stability, early mobilization, and superior outcome. We demonstrate an operative technique for the stabilization of a 4-part fracture of the axis. Utilizing anterior odontoid screw fixation and C2-3 arthrodesis, an unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis with fracture of the odontoid type IIA, and lateral mass of C2 was successfully stabilized at once. The technique enabled early postoperative mobilization of our patient, who, after 1 year, showed a favorable outcome with a pain-free range of motion. The basic thoughts guiding to treatment options in multiple fractures of the axis are discussed and our therapy concept is presented.

Intramedullary fracture reduction of long bone under visual control: experimental results of an endoscopic technique.

In controlling the closed reduction of a shaft fracture of long bone during an operation, intraoperative radiography is essential. The amount of imaging needed depends on the patient, the fracture, and the surgeon. This article documents our first experimental results of closed fracture reduction performed under direct visual control with the endoscopic technique of intramedullary bone endoscopy (IBE), which eliminates the need for fluoroscopy. On 3 human tibial cadaveric bones, an artificial shaft fracture was set. The lower leg was fixed on a brace, and the endoscope was inserted at the standard entry point for intramedullary nailing. The endoscope was gently pushed distally to prepare the medullary canal under visual control with the use of endoscopic instruments. At the level of fracture, surgeons achieved a closed reduction by "looking around" for the distal part of the fracture by using the stiff endoscope similarly to a "joystick." Thus, the proximal fragment was automatically guided into the correct position, and the fracture was reduced. The endoscopic tool was pushed down the medullary canal into the distal fragment in the way that a guidewire would be placed. Through this technique, it has been possible in all patients to reduce fractures under visual control. Fluoroscopy can be eliminated in these cases.

Anterior retropharyngeal fixation C1-2 for stabilization of atlantoaxial instabilities: study of feasibility, technical description and preliminary results.

Posterior transarticular screw fixation C1-2 with the Magerl technique is a challenging procedure for stabilization of atlantoaxial instabilities. Although its high primary stability favoured it to sublaminar wire-based techniques, the close merging of the vertebral artery (VA) and its violation during screw passage inside the axis emphasizes its potential risk. Also, posterior approach to the upper cervical spine produces extensive, as well as traumatic soft-tissue stripping. In comparison, anterior transarticular screw fixation C1-2 is an atraumatic technique, but has been neglected in the literature, even though promising results are published and lectured to date. In 2004, anterior screw fixation C1-2 was introduced in our department for the treatment of atlantoaxial instabilities. As it showed convincing results, its general anatomic feasibility was worked up. The distance between mid-sagittal line of C2 and medial border of the VA groove resembles the most important anatomic landmark in anterior transarticular screw fixation C1-2. Therefore, CT based measurements on 42 healthy specimens without pathology of the cervical spine were performed. Our data are compiled in an extended collection of anatomic landmarks relevant for anterior transarticular screw fixation C1-2. Based on anatomic findings, the technique and its feasibility in daily clinical work is depicted and discussed on our preliminary results in seven patients.

Intramedullary pressure during endoscopy of the long bone: experimental results of a new endoscopic technique.

This study shows the local changes in intramedullary pressure during a new endoscopic technique for the medullary canal of the long bone. The procedure of intramedullary bone endoscopy (IBE) was performed on 4 tibial amputations. By slowly pushing the endoscope distally under visual control and endoscopic preparation of the medullary canal, a "neocavum" for endoscopy was created. During the procedure, the intramedullary pressure was continuously measured: Highest peak pressure was 125 mm Hg. We therefore conclude that the procedure of IBE is a safe intervention within the medullary canal of the long bone. Local or systemic side effects, common to intramedullary reaming in fracture treatment (fat-embolism, local bone necrosis, reduction in cortical blood flow) should not be expected.