Total knee arthroplasty for the management of joint destruction in tuberculous arthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience to clarify the suggestion that there should be a significant disease-free interval before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine the correct timing of surgery for reconstruction of the joint destruction in patients suffering from tuberculous arthritis. METHODS: Twelve patients with advanced joint destruction and tuberculous arthritis of the knee with recent onset were reviewed in this study. The time interval from our diagnosis of active infection to arthroplasty averaged 4 ± 1.5 months. Histopathology of the biopsy specimens revealing granulomatous lesions, including epithelioid histiocytes surrounded by lymphocytes, confirmed the diagnosis of each patient. A primary knee prosthesis was performed in seven knees. In five knees, there was severe bone loss after the extensive debridement of the entire joint, and thereafter, revision prosthesis was preferred to preserve the joint line. Patients were given post-operative antituberculous treatment for a total of 1 year, whereas for three patients, whose erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values remained above normal by the sixth month, the chemotherapy was continued for up to 18 months. The Knee Society TKA roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system was used for radiological evaluation of the knees. Clinical evaluation of the knees was done preoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up using the American Knee Society Scoring System. RESULTS: Within the average follow-up period of 6.1 ± 1.8 years, no reactivation of tuberculous infection was found in any of the patients. ESR was normal, less than 20 mm/h, after a mean time of 5.5 ± 2.0 months. The CRP was normal, less than 0.8 mg/dl, after a mean time of 4.6 ± 1.3 months. At the most recent follow-up, the average knee score improved from 32.4 ± 19.4 to 83.4 ± 14.0 points (p < 0.05), and the average function score improved from 33.3 ± 11.9 to 86.6 ± 7.7 points (p < 0.05). Ten knees showed good integrity, and no radiolucent lines were found in the bone-prosthesis interface in relation to any component. Radiolucent lines were apparent on the tibial side in two knees. They were less than 1 mm thick and non-progressive, and clinically, there was no evidence of loosening of the component. Culture specimens were positive for five patients. CONCLUSIONS: TKA is a safe procedure for tuberculous arthritis with recent onset providing symptomatic relief, functional improvement and early return to activity when performed in correct time. A long disease-free interval should not be a prerequisite for arthroplasty. Wide surgical debridement is the mainstay to eradicate the disease, and post-operative antituberculous chemotherapy controls the residual foci. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Ribbing disease: a case report and literature review.

Ribbing disease (RD) is a rare bone dysplasia characterized by benign endosteal and periosteal new bone formation confined to the diaphysis of the long bones of the lower extremities in young adults. The etiology and optimal treatment for the disease are unknown. It is often initially diagnosed as a low-grade osteomyelitis or a bone-forming neoplasia. It may also be confused with other causes of increased bone density. The onset is usually after puberty and the most common presenting symptom is pain that does not resolve with medical treatment and sometimes is intolerable. We report the case of a 22-year old woman with clinical and radiological manifestations of RD. In spite of different medical treatment modalities, pain did not resolve and the patient consulted multiple physicians. Intramedullary reaming of the tibia was performed to relieve the severe pain. To the authors' knowledge, in this report we present a case of RD for the third time in the orthopaedic literature and also she is the second case in the English literature to undergo a definite surgical treatment modality as intramedullary reaming for the solution of her pain. Owing to the rarity of the disease we aimed to report the complete findings of our encounter with the disease and to emphasize the role of an orthopaedic surgeon in consultation and intervention for the treatment of intolerable pain which is the most important symptom of this disease.

The use of a cementless modular stem in the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures in conjunction with ipsilateral coxarthrosis.

Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur below an arthritic hip are uncommon and challenging to orthopedic surgeons. Most of these fractures occur in elderly patients with advanced osteoporosis. The treatment choices consist of treatment of the fracture and the above hip joint versus treatment of the fracture alone. This study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroplasties performed to treat both conditions in a single surgery with the use of a cementless modular revision stem. Twelve subtrochanteric femoral fractures of 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with a mean age of 76.4 years (range, 62-88 years) were treated with cementless modular revision stems. Total hip arthroplasty was performed with cementless femoral and acetabular component fixation. All hips received the same femoral and acetabular implants. All patients had comorbidities and the average American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.3 (range, 1-3). Ten of the 12 hips (83%) required an assistance device for ambulation before the trauma. There were 2 Dorr Type A (17%), 3 Dorr type B (25%), and 7 Dorr type C (58%) femora. The mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 83 (range, 72-92) with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years (range, 2-7 years). At final follow-up, 9 hips (75%) were ambulatory without support (P=.016). Ten hips (83%) were able to both ambulate and walk up and down stairs. Two hips (17%) were able to ambulate but could not climb and descend stairs. Union was achieved in all femora at an average of 22.3 weeks (range, 16-32 weeks). Radiographic findings demonstrated stable ingrowth of the femoral prosthesis with no evidence of subsidence in 11 hips (92%). The average Engh score for all femora was 20.2 (range, 10-26). There was no relationship between the bone morphology (Dorr type) of the femoral medullary canal and the bone ingrowth scores of Engh (P=.639).

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for the management of tuberculosis coxitis.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis arthritis of the hip is a crippling disease and there is need for an effective and acceptable treatment for the hips with bone destruction. The aim of this report was to evaluate the efficacy of the diagnostic method for hip tuberculosis and clinical results of the patients to clarify the question of whether a total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be attempted on a patient with a current or previous infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with active tuberculosis of the hip, treated by cementless THA, were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 43.4 years (range 22-72 years). Laboratory tests of all the patients revealed high erthrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and C-reactive proteins. Plain radiographs showed bone destruction with joint space narrowing in all patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed fluid within the joint in five patients. Two patients had associated pulmonary tuberculosis. To confirm the clinico-radiological diagnosis, an open biopsy was performed for histopathological examinations of all the hips. Tuberculosis of the hips was treated with primary cementless THA, followed by postoperative antituberculous medication for 1 year. The inflamed soft tissues and the destroyed bones were completely resected and curetted out at the time of operation. RESULTS: At the final evaluation, the mean Harris Hip Score improved to 94.8 (range 90-98; P = 0.003). ESR became normal, less than 15 mm/h, with a mean time of 4 months (range 2-9 months). The C-reactive protein was normal, less than 0.8 mg/dl, after a mean time of 3 months (range 1-7 months). With an average follow-up of 5.6 years (range 2-8 years), no reactivation of tuberculosis infection was found in each patient. All of the femoral stems and acetabular cups were radiologically stable and demonstrated signs of bone ingrowth at the final follow-up. All histopathologic examinations showed granulomatous lesions including epitheloid histiocytes surrounded by lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Cementless THA can be safely performed in advanced tuberculosis of the hip for providing symptomatic relief and functional improvement of the hips. Complete curettage and resection of the infected tissue and postoperative antituberculous chemotherapy with a minimum of 1-year duration are very important in preventing reactivations.

Calcium phosphate cement augmentation in the treatment of depressed tibial plateau fractures with open reduction and internal fixation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation augmented with calcium phosphate cement (CPC) in the treatment of depressed tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Twenty-eight knees of 28 patients [19 males and 9 females; mean age, 41.2 years (range 22-72 years)] who had open reduction and internal fixation combined with CPC augmentation were included in this study. Seventeen fractures were Schatzker type II, 5 were type III, 3 were type IV, 2 were type V, and 1 was type VI. CPC was used to fill the subchondral bone defects in all knees. Fixation of the fragments was done with screws in 3 knees (10%). Standard proximal tibial plates or buttress plates were used in 25 knees (90%) with an additional split fragment extending distally to achieve internal fixation. Full weight-bearing was allowed in 6.4 weeks (range 6-12 weeks) after surgery. Resorption of CPC granules was defined as the decrease in the size and density of grafting material on radiographs. Rasmussen's radiological and clinical scores were determined postoperatively. Functionality was assessed with Lysholm knee scoring system. Activity was graded with Tegner's activity scale. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all patients with a mean follow-up of 22.2 months (range 6-36 months). There were no intraoperative complications. At the latest follow-up radiographs, resorption of the graft was observed in 25 knees (89%). Rasmussen's radiologic score was excellent in 17 patients (61%), good in 9 patients (32%), and fair in 2 patients (7%). Rasmussen's clinical score was excellent in 9 patients (32%), good in 18 patients (64%), and fair in 1 patient (4%). According to the Lysholm knee score, functional results were excellent in 16 patients (57%), good in 8 patients (29%), and fair in 4 patients (14%). Twenty-two patients (78%) achieved the preoperative activity level after surgery, and there was no significant difference between the mean preoperative and postoperative Tegner scores (4.11±0.68 and 4.04±0.64, respectively, p=0.161). CONCLUSION: CPC is a safe biomaterial with many advantages in augmenting the open reduction and internal fixation of depressed tibial plateau fractures, including elimination of morbidity associated with bone graft harvesting, the unlimited supply of bone substitute, the optimum filling of irregular bone defects, and shortening of the postoperative full weight-bearing time.

Acute treatment of segmental tibial fractures with the Ilizarov method.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of acute application of the Ilizarov external fixator for segmental tibial fractures and also examined the experience with these special type fractures. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (19 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 37.8 years (range 22-66) with segmental tibial fractures were treated with the use of an Ilizarov type circular fixator. According to the categorisation of Melis et al., the fractures were types I, II, III and IV in seven, nine, five and three patients, respectively. Seven fractures were closed and 17 were open (9 grade IIIa, 5 grade IIIb, 2 grade II, 1 grade I according to the Gustilo classification). The mean time from the injury to surgery was 14 h (range 4-36). Eight patients with partial-thickness soft-tissue defects with no bone exposure were managed by split thickness skin grafting. Flap procedures were performed in four patients. All patients had good lower leg viability with a MESS score 6 and below. No patients had bone defects of 3 cm or more at the fracture level. Functional and bone results were made using the criteria proposed by ASAMI. The mean follow-up 28 months (range 12-70). RESULTS: We obtained excellent results in 20 and good results in 4 patients in terms of bone assessment. Functional results were excellent in 19 and good in 5 patients. All radiological evaluations showed normal alignment except in two patients. Both united with a residual procurvatum deformity. No rotational deformity was seen. Bone grafting was performed in one patient with a distal fracture. Complete union was achieved in all patients. None of the patients required amputation. There were no refractures after frame removal. Pin-tract infection occurred in 13 of the 24 patients. There were no incidents of chronic osteomyelitis secondary to pin-tract infection. The mean time for proximal fracture union was 36.4 weeks (range 10-78) and 39.8 weeks (range 12-80) for the distal fractures (p>0.05). Callus and consolidation occurred earlier posterolaterally. There were no implant failures. CONCLUSION: Ilizarov external fixator is a successful method in the acute management of segmental tibial fractures. This method is particularly effective in the treatment of distal segmental fractures of the tibia when the distal segment is short. This method allows for control of complications by decreasing the need for new operations even in the presence of infection.

Cementless hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES: The use of cement is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rate in elderly patients, hence cementless hemiarthroplasty is suggested. We evaluated the results of cementless hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with high-risk clinical problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (29 females, 19 males) with a mean age of 88 years (range: 78 to 102 years). having femoral neck fractures were treated with the use of cementless hemiarthroplasty. Porous-coated femoral stems were used in 30 patients (62%) and modular type femoral revision stems in 18 patients (38%). Bipolar femoral heads were used in all patients. Radiological follow-up after operation was done at the one, three, six months and annually. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (range: 18 months to eight years). None of the patients died during hospitalization. Medical complications occurred in six patients (12%) within the follow-up period and four patients (8%) died within this period. Only two hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty due to acetabular erosion. Femoral revision was planned for one patient with a subsidence of > 3 mm. None of the patients had acetabular protrusion or heterotopic ossification. The mean Harris-hip score was 84 (range: 52 to 92). Dislocation occurred in one patient (2%). CONCLUSION: Cementless hemiarthroplasty is a suitable method of treatment for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with high-risk clinical problems especially of a cardiopulmonary nature. This method decreases the risk of hypotension and fat embolism associated with cemented hemiarthroplasty.

[Fulkerson osteotomy for the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment]. / Kronik patellofemoral dizilim bozuklugu tedavisinde Fulkerson osteotomisinin yeri.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of Fulkerson osteotomy in patients with chronic patellofemoral malalignment. METHODS: Fulkerson osteotomy (anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer) was performed in 21 knees of 18 patients (10 females, 8 males; mean age 28.6 years; range 21 to 42 years). The patellofemoral congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and patellofemoral index were measured pre- and postoperatively on tangential radiograms obtained at 45 degrees knee flexion. Malalignment patterns were determined by computed tomography as lateral tilt (n=12), lateral patellar subluxation (n=4), and both (n=5). All the patients underwent arthroscopic examination preoperatively and all had severe osteoarthrosis in the patellar articular surfaces (Outerbridge type III-IV). The mean anteriorization was 10.5 mm (range 7 to 15 mm). The vastus medialis oblique muscle was advanced in seven knees. The patients were assessed according to the criteria of Fulkerson et al. pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 20 to 60 months). RESULTS: According to the criteria of Fulkerson et al., the results were excellent, very good, or good in 18 knees (85.7%), fair in two knees (9.5%), and poor in one knee (4.8%). Pain and instability scores showed significant improvement (p<0.05). On final radiographic assessment, the mean patellofemoral congruence angle and patellofemoral index were -6.8 degrees (range -26 degrees to 10 degrees ) and 1.4 (range 0.8 to 1.6), respectively (p<0.05). The lateral patellofemoral angle had a lateral orientation in all the knees. Complications included tibial tubercle avulsion (n=1), deep vein thrombosis (n=1), and slight knee flexion contractures (n=4). Wound-related problems, compartment syndrome, peroneal nerve palsy, or proximal tibial fracture were not encountered. CONCLUSION: Successful results are obtained by Fulkerson osteotomy in the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment with severe articular degeneration (Outerbridge type III-IV) particularly in the lateral and distal regions of the patella.

[Comparison of primary arthroplasty with early salvage arthroplasty after failed internal fixation for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients]. / Ileri yastaki olgularda ayrilmis femur boynu kiriklarinda primer artroplastinin, basarisiz internal tespit sonrasi erken kurtarici artroplasti ile karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with those of early salvage THA following failure of internal fixation for acute displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: Patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden type III, IV) were treated with either early salvage arthroplasty following failure of internal fixation (n=34; mean age 68 years) or THA (n=34; mean age 67.5 years). Both groups consisted of 8 men and 26 women with the same age range (60 to 75 years). Uncemented THA was performed in both groups. All patients were physiologically and socially active before the initial trauma. The hips were evaluated with the use of the Merle D'Aubigne scoring system. Prognostic risk factors were determined on radiographs obtained before or shortly after internal fixation. The mean follow-up was 5.2 years in the secondary and 5 years in the primary THA groups. RESULTS: During the first year of THA, there were 21 complications in 16 patients and nine complications in six patients in the secondary and primary THA groups, respectively (p<0.05). The results with respect to pain were worse and reoperation rate was higher in the revision group (p<0.05). The mean Merle D'Aubigne hip scores for pain, mobility, and walking were higher in the primary THA group. Radiographs taken before or after internal fixation showed prognostic risk factors in 32 patients (94.1%). CONCLUSION: Primary THA is a good choice of treatment for femoral neck fractures in physiologically and socially active elderly patients with a high life expectancy and cognition level.

[Closed reduction and percutaneous lateral pin fixation in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children]. / Cocuklarda ayrilmis suprakondiler humerus kiriklarinin tedavisinde kapali redüksiyon ve lateralden perkütan çivileme.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of closed reduction and percutaneous lateral-pin fixation in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. METHODS: Thirty-four children (25 boys, 9 girls; mean age 7.2 years; range 3 to 13 years) were treated for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Five patients had Gartland type 2, and 29 patients had type 3 fractures. After closed reduction, lateral-pin fixation was performed with two parallel (n=11) or crossed (n=23) K-wires. Three K-wires were used in five patients. The mean duration of fixation was 3.8 weeks (range 3 to 6 weeks). For comparison with the normal side, the Baumann and carrying angles were measured on anteroposterior, and the humerocapitellar angle on lateral radiographs. The range of motion of the elbow was assessed clinically. The results were evaluated according to the criteria of Flynn et al. after a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range 10 to 48 months). RESULTS: Union was achieved in all the patients. Complications such as pin-tract infections, myositis ossificans, compartment syndrome, or nerve injuries did not occur. According to the criteria of Flynn et al., functional and radiographic results were satisfactory in all the patients (100%) and in 33 patients (97.1%), respectively. One patient developed cubitus varus of 14 degrees. No significant differences were found between the mean Baumann, humerocapitellar, and carrying angles of the normal and affected sides (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and percutaneous lateral pinning proved an efficient, reliable, and safe method in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

[Treatment results of pseudarthrosis of the humeral shaft by open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plating]. / Humerus diyafiz psödoartrozlu olgularda dinamik kompresyon plagi ile açik redüksiyon ve internal fiksasyon uygulamasinin sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of open reduction and internal fixation with the use of dynamic compression plating in patients with pseudarthrosis of the humeral shaft. METHODS: Eighteen patients (12 males, 6 females; mean age 41 years; range 22 to 68 years) with aseptic pseudarthrosis of the humeral shaft were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the use of a dynamic compression plate following unsuccessful treatment with conservative (n=7) or surgical (n=11) methods. The mean interval between the initial and final treatments was 12.2 months (range 5 t 46 months). Exploration of the radial nerve and autogenous corticocancellous grafting were simultaneously performed in all the cases. Functional results were evaluated according to the Stewart-Hundley's criteria. The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range 12 to 78 months). RESULTS: Union was achieved in all (94.4%) but one patient within a mean duration of 5.5 months (range 3 to 8 months). Functional results were good in fourteen patients (77.8%), fair in three patients (16.7%), and poor in one patient (5.6%). Radial nerve palsy that occurred in two patients during the early postoperative period underwent spontaneous recovery within three and five months, respectively. Mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy developed in two patients. CONCLUSION: In selected patients with pseudarthrosis of the humeral shaft, the results of open reduction and internal fixation with the use of dynamic compression plating are excellent, provided that an appropriate surgical technique is employed.