Intermediate clinical follow-up of a dual-radius acetabular component.

In this study, 92 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in 83 patients using a porous-coated, dual-radius, cementless, acetabular component. All hips underwent line-to-line dome reaming with press-fit implantation that was judged to have complete bone contact. This acetabular shell provides a 1-mm oversized peripheral rim, which adds excellent initial stability while allowing complete bone contact in all hips. No fractures occurred. In 83% of hips, adjunctive screw fixation was not necessary. At a minimum of 4 years, follow-up, there were no revisions, no acetabular migration, one case of acetabular erosion consistent with osteolysis, and the average Harris Hip Score was 95. The design features of this new acetabular component have provided excellent fixation with complete initial bone contact, resulting in satisfactory intermediate clinical and radiographic results. The design provides excellent peripheral stability and complete bone contact.

Osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis in athletes: a case report and literature review.

Groin pain is a common problem in athletes. Osteitis pubis, a chronic inflammatory condition involving the pubic symphysis, is a rare cause, and pyogenic osteomyelitis of the pubis is seen even more rarely in healthy athletes. We report one of four cases of pyogenic osteomyelitis of the pubis seen at our institution, review our experience with all four cases, and present a review of the literature (7 cases). The diagnosis is established by the presence of extreme pain, point tenderness at the pubic symphysis, fever, and either a positive culture of blood, needle aspiration, or open biopsy of the pubis. White blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the results of bone scan and computerized tomography may initially be normal and therefore cannot exclude the diagnosis. Prompt treatment with intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus (causative organism in all documented cases-9/11) should initially be administered and then guided by culture and sensitivity information. Oral antibiotics should be given if the infection is responsive to i.v. antibiotic treatment. Prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotics may obviate the need for surgical debridement. All athletes who returned to sports activity did so by 6 months after diagnosis.

Intramedullary nailing of acute femoral shaft fractures using manual traction without a fracture table.

Intramedullary (IM) nails were prospectively placed in 32 consecutive femoral shaft fractures without the use of a fracture table. All fractures were reduced using manual traction. Pathologic and nonacute fractures and those requiring a reconstruction nail were excluded. The results are compared with results of two prior study groups from this institution that underwent IM nailing with or without a fracture table using a femoral distractor. Ten patients had unstable spine or pelvis fractures. Four nailings followed exploratory laparotomy. Twelve patients underwent two or more procedures on the lower extremities under the same preparation and drape. Six fractures were open. Sixty-seven percent of results were anatomic, 27% had < 5 mm lengthening/shortening or < 5 degree varus/valgus, and 7% had > 5 mm lengthening/shortening or > 5 degree varus/valgus. Average operative time was 95 min. No complications occurred that were attributable to the technique. Compared with the prior study groups, no statistical difference in the fracture types or results was found. However, operative time was significantly less in the manual traction group (p < .05). We feel that this technique is a safe, simple, and effective alternative to using a fracture table. The technique is especially useful in the polytrauma patient, significantly decreasing anesthetic time.