Primary seronegative intermuscular hydatidosis in a child, an infection that should be approached like a tumor: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Intermuscular hydatid cyst is one of the rarest types of hydatid cyst, and as far as we know, only nine cases were reported in the literature before this study. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 10-year-old Iranian child with an intermuscular cystic mass in the medial-distal thigh. Despite the typical imaging findings, the patient's serological and hematological tests were negative for hydatid cyst. The cyst underwent wide excision accompanied by neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy with Albendazole. No evidence of recurrence was detected during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue cystic masses in endemic areas, and aspiration or drainage should be avoided as much as possible, even when serological tests are negative and imaging is non-diagnostic. In cases where the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst has been confirmed before the surgery, it is recommended to approach the cyst, like a tumor with chemotherapy using Albendazole both before and after wide cyst excision.

Arthroscopic management of ankle primary synovial chondromatosis (Reichel's syndrome): A case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary Synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease characterized by metaplastic cartilaginous nodules originating from the synovium, which rarely involves the ankle joint. To date, there has been a limited number of reported cases regarding the arthroscopic treatment of this disease, which can be attributed to its rare incidence. This article aims to illuminate the advantages and challenges of this technique by presenting a case study. Furthermore, we delve into the existing literature to assess the different treatments used for this disease and their outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old male patient presented with ankle pain, swelling and limited dorsiflexion. Subsequent imaging findings led to the diagnosis of anterior ankle primary synovial chondromatosis. Following this, the patient underwent arthroscopic assisted loose body removal and partial anterior synovectomy, conducted via anteromedial and anterolateral portals. During the five-year follow-up period, no recurrence was observed, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was assessed as 88. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Given the uncommon occurrence of this disease, no standardized treatment approach has been established in the literature. While many researchers advocate for surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications like osteoarthritis and malignancy, there exists a diversity of perspectives concerning the specific strategies and techniques to employ. CONCLUSION: Partial anterior synovectomy and loose body removal using arthroscopy via anteromedial and anterolateral portals demonstrate a notably efficacious and low-risk technique for addressing primary synovial chondromatosis affecting the anterior chamber of the ankle.

Shortening subtrochanteric osteotomy and cup placement at true acetabulum in total hip arthroplasty of Crowe III-IV developmental dysplasia: results of midterm follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomic abnormalities in developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) often make total hip replacement (THR) inevitable at a younger age. However, there is no universal gold standard technique of THR for high dislocated dysplastic hips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we present the outcomes of midterm follow-up after THR in patients diagnosed with DDH Crowe type III and IV hospitalized in a tertiary center in Iran for whom placement of a cup in true acetabulum and selective transverse subtrochanteric osteotomy was performed. Pre- and postoperative Harris Hip Score, leg length discrepancy and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with DDH Crowe type III and IV (uni- or bilateral which made 52 hips) were studied. Mean age of patients was 41 years with minimum follow-up ranging from 12 months to 3 years. Mean Harris Hip Score significantly improved from 41.70 preoperatively to 88.1 at last follow-up postoperatively. Leg length discrepancy of less than 2 cm was observed which was well tolerated using shoe lifts. Regarding postoperative complications, two patients had transient peroneal nerve palsy in early postoperative period which recovered within 2 months. No other major complication was encountered. CONCLUSION: THR in patients with DDH (Crowe III and IV) with a cup positioned in true acetabulum and transverse subtrochanteric osteotomy is a safe successful procedure.

Acute Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Proximal Tibial Fractures in Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Proximal tibial fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis or knee osteoarthritis (OA) are challenging cases. In the current study, we present our experience with uncommon acute primary total knee arthroplasty (PTKA) in this patient population. METHODS: PTKAs were performed following proximal tibial fractures in 30 consecutive patients over 60 years of age with osteoporosis or knee OA between 2005 and 2009. Three constrained condylar knees (CCK) and no hinged knee prosthesis were used. Patients were followed up for 4.5±1.1 years. RESULTS: Patients were discharged after 4.6±1.2 days. The postoperative Tegner activity scale (3.5±1.3) was improved significantly compared to the preoperative scale (2.5±1.2) (P<0.001). The knee flexion range was significantly greater in the operated side (106±13 degrees) compared to the uninjured knee (120±8 degrees) (P<0.001). The two sections of knee society knee score (knee and function section) averaged 90.7±6.5 and 69.6±8.8, respectively. All patients returned to their previous activities. Based on the visual analogue scale, the patients' satisfaction and pain at final visit were scored 8.1±1 and 1.5±1.2, respectively. No infection, thromboembolic events and loosening were observed. CONCLUSION: PTKA following a proximal tibial fracture in elderly patients with osteoporosis or knee degeneration can be considered as a safe alternative for open reduction and internal fixation. PTKA resulted in immediate weight-bearing, improved functional status and patients' satisfaction. However, functional outcomes were dependent on the general condition of 24 the patient. Also, constrained knee prostheses were not necessary for a vast majority of the patients.

Deep vein thrombosis following below knee immobilization: the need for chemoprophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding routine prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients treated via a short leg cast or splint following lower extremity trauma. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of DVT and need for chemoprophylaxis in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ankle sprains or stable foot/ankle fractures were entered in this cross-sectional study. Serum D-dimer levels were measured 2 weeks following fixation. If the D-dimer levels were above 0.2 micrograms/ml the test was considered positive and the patient was referred for Doppler ultrasound examination (DUE) to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of DVT. Finally, the incidence of DVT was calculated and the role of predisposing factors was investigated. RESULTS: There were 95 patients with an average age of 38 ± 13.7 (77.9% males); 46 patients had at least one risk factor for DVT. The D-dimer test was positive in 21(22.1%) patients. DVT was confirmed by DUE in 3 patients (3.1%). The incidence of DVT significantly increased in the presence of 3 or more risk factors (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that DVT is not a common complication of below knee fixation and chemoprophylaxis is not necessary when the patient has less than 3 predisposing factors. With 3 or more risk factors chemoprophylaxis and periodic follow-ups must be considered.

Local erythropoietin injection in tibiofibular fracture healing.

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (EPO), in addition to its function as an erythropoiesis regulator has a regenerative activity on some nonhematopoietic tissues. Animal studies have suggested a role for erythropoietin in bone healing. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of local EPO injection in healing of tibiofibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective double blind study, 60 patients with tibiofibular fracture were divided to equal EPO or placebo groups, randomly. Patients received local injection of either EPO or a placebo to the site of fracture two weeks after surgical fixation. Patients were followed by clinical and radiographic examination to determine the union rate. The period of fracture union and incidence of nonunion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The demographic data and types of fractures were similar in the both groups. The mean duration of the fracture union was 2.1 weeks shorter in those treated with EPO (P = 0.01). Nonunion was observed in 6 patients of the control group and 2 receiving EPO (P = 0.02). No patient experienced any adverse effect from local EPO injections. CONCLUSIONS: EPO injection into the site of tibiofibular fractures may possibly accelerate healing.

Syndesmotic Malreduction after Ankle ORIF; Is Radiography Sufficient?

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures, especially those resulting from external rotation mechanisms are associated with injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Some authors have recommended performing CT scanning after open ankle surgery to evaluate the reduction of syndesmosis. In this current study, we aimed to investigate the sensitivity of plain radiography in diagnosing syndesmosis malreduction after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with ankle fractures. METHODS: Thirty patients with ankle fractures participated in this prospective study. ORIFs were performed with respect to all of the technical guidelines shown in orthopedic literature for exact syndesmosis reduction, such as fibular length and proper settings. In the operating room, plain radiography was performed in anteroposterior, mortise and lateral views to assess whether syndesmosis was malreduced. If malreduction was detected, the patient was revised. As the gold standard, patients underwent postoperative bilateral CT scanning to investigate the syndesmosis reduction which was then compared to the healthy side. Finally, the sensitivity of plain radiography in the diagnosis of syndesmosis malreduction was determined by comparing this method to CT scanning. RESULTS: In both of the methods we did not find any patient with syndesmosis malreduction. Hence, the sensitivity of plain radiography was determined 100%. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, there is no need to perform CT scanning to evaluate syndesmosis reduction after ankle ORIF in patients with ankle fractures. Plain radiography is sufficient and has satisfactory sensitivity in these patients.