Osteoid osteoma of the acetabulum: diagnosis and medical treatment.

We describe the medical management of an acetabular osteoid osteoma in an 11-year-old girl. There was a 2-year delay until proper diagnosis of the patient's pathology was made. Accurate localization of the nidus in the subchondral bone, involving the cartilage, is difficult on the basis of plain radiographs. All imaging methods, including computed tomography, MRI, and bone scintigraphy, were used to confirm the diagnosis. We proposed medical treatment to avoid possible severe complications from surgical intervention. At the patient's latest follow-up visit, after 2 years of medical treatment with NSAIDs, there is complete healing of the osteoid osteoma and there is no sign of recurrence.

The effect of a new oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban) on implants pull-out strength. An experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Thromboprophylaxis reduces the risk of surgery related deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The classical anticoagulants (heparin and LWMH) were associated with systemic osteoporosis, poor bone healing and materials' osseointegration. There is a lack of data concerning the effect of the new orally administered anticoagulants on osseointegration. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effect of rivaroxaban, a direct anti-Xa factor, on osseointegration. METHODS: Twenty eight white, male, Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Group A, study group (n=14) and group B, control group (n=14). In all animals under general anesthesia one screw was inserted on the right tibia. For twenty eight days the animals of group A received intraperitoneal rivaroxaban injections 5mgr/kgr every day. The animals of group B received intraperitoneal equal amount of normal saline injections. At the end of the four weeks all animals were sacrificed and their right tibias were excised and underwent the pull-out test. RESULTS: The mean values of pull-out test were 92,10±19,12N for the control group and 95,46±21,02N for the study group. The statistical analysis using t-test showed no significant difference (p=0,665) for the pull-out test. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that Rivaroxaban hasn't got any deleterious effect on the osseointegration of implants on rats.

Reduction of Acute Anterior Dislocation with the FARES Method.

INTRODUCTION: The FARES (Fast, Reliable, and Safe) method is a new way to reduce acute anterior glenohumeral dislocations that combines the application of gentle longitudinal traction, vertical oscillation movements, and abduction and external rotation of the arm. STEP 1 POSITION THE PATIENT: Place the patient supine on a stretcher, with his/her elbow extended, and advise him/her to hold the stretcher with the opposite hand. STEP 2 BRIEF THE PATIENT: Convince the patient that his/her cooperation is necessary for a better outcome. STEP 3 HOLD THE ARM: Holding the patient's hand with both of your hands, with his/her elbow extended and forearm in neutral rotation, start the procedure at 30° of shoulder abduction. STEP 4 APPLY TRACTION AND ADD OSCILLATIONS: Applying gentle longitudinal traction to keep the arm extended, add gentle vertical oscillating movements. STEP 5 ABDUCT AND EXTERNALLY ROTATE THE ARM: Gradually abduct the arm to 90° and then gradually externally rotate the arm to achieve full external rotation. STEP 6 ACHIEVE REDUCTION: The dislocation is usually reduced once 120° to 150° of shoulder abduction has been achieved. RESULTS: In our previously published prospective randomized study, the FARES method was compared with the Hippocratic and the Kocher methods12. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

The role of pantalar arthrodesis in the treatment of paralytic foot deformities. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Pantalar arthrodesis is considered by many to be the final operative option before amputation for the treatment of paralytic foot deformities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results of pantalar arthrodesis with regard to its impact on the adjacent joints and the walking ability of patients with paralytic foot deformities. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (seventeen men and seven women) who underwent a one-stage pantalar arthrodesis between 1953 and 1973 for the treatment of sequelae of poliomyelitis were reevaluated. All patients underwent a physical and radiographic examination, and all completed the Short Form-36 questionnaire and a pantalar arthrodesis specific questionnaire. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was twenty years at the time of the operation and 57.2 years at the time of the latest evaluation. The average duration of follow-up was 37.2 years. Eleven patients had development of immediate postoperative complications, including wound-healing problems (nine) and infections (two). The long-term results,however, were good (mean Short Form-36 scores, 73 of 100 points [overall], 51.5 points [physical functioning], and >70 points [all other domains]). Sixteen patients experienced repeated episodes of ipsilateral knee pain; most (fifteen) of these patients experienced a gradual onset of this pain, starting at an average of 20.8 years (range, fifteen to thirty years) postoperatively. The position of the fused ankle did not appear to have a significant impact on the development of ipsilateral knee pain or the time interval between the pantalar arthrodesis and the onset of ipsilateral knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pantalar arthrodesis effectively stabilizes the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot in patients with severe paralytic deformities. Even though most patients can be expected to have development of osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral knee, it seems that a successfully performed pantalar arthrodesis in carefully selected cases is a reliable operative option offering a strong and stable foot that will function well for many years.

Management of traumatic sacral fractures: a retrospective case-series study and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Being the result of high-energy trauma in most cases, traumatic sacral fractures are rare, difficult to recognise and frequently misdiagnosed. Furthermore they may lead to vascular injuries, mechanical instability, neurological impairment and increased morbidity. As a result, patients with traumatic sacral fractures may suffer major socio-economic consequences. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case-series study evaluated the functional, neurological, mental and emotional status of patients who had suffered traumatic sacral fractures and either followed conservative or underwent operative treatment at our department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of all patients who had suffered traumatic sacral fractures between December 2003 and June 2007. The case-notes of all patients were reviewed, all co-existing injuries were registered and an ISS was calculated for each patient. At the latest follow-up visit, all patients completed the Short Form-36 questionnaire as well. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (eleven male, five female) were included in this study. At the time of initial admission, the mean age of the patients was 30 years (range: 14-53) and the mean ISS was 33.2 points (range: 21-59). The mean follow-up period was 24.1 months (range: 13-40). Six patients were treated operatively (four patients diagnosed with some type of neurological impairment at their initial physical examination and two patients due to pelvic instability). The mean ISS of the patients who were treated operatively was 41.1 points (range: 21-59), whereas of those who were treated conservatively was 28.5 points (range: 21-45). No patient had any neurological deficit at his/her latest re-evaluation. Patients who were treated conservatively achieved the best scores in every domain of the SF-36 questionnaire, when compared with those who were treated operatively. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of sacral fractures may pose several dilemmas in everyday's clinical praxis. Patients suffering from traumatic sacral fractures who were treated conservatively seem to have better functional and mental/emotional outcomes, probably because their injuries were less severe than those of the patients who were treated conservatively.

Reduction of acute anterior dislocations: a prospective randomized study comparing a new technique with the Hippocratic and Kocher methods.

BACKGROUND: There are several methods to reduce anterior shoulder dislocations, but few studies have compared the efficacy, safety, and reliability of the different techniques. As a result, deciding which technique to use is seldom based on objective criteria. The aim of the present study was to introduce a new method to reduce an anterior shoulder dislocation, which we have termed "FARES" (Fast, Reliable, and Safe), and to compare it with the Hippocratic and Kocher methods in terms of efficacy, safety, and the intensity of pain felt by the patient during reduction. METHODS: Between September 2006 and June 2008, a total of 173 patients with an acute anterior shoulder dislocation (with or without a fracture of the greater tuberosity) were enrolled in the study. One hundred and fifty-four patients, who met all inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups (FARES, Hippocratic, and Kocher) and underwent reduction of the dislocation by first or second-year orthopaedic surgery residents. A visual analog scale was used to determine the intensity of the pain felt by the patient during reduction. RESULTS: Demographically, the groups were comparable in terms of age, male:female ratio, the mechanism of dislocation, and the mean time between the injury and the first attempt at reduction. Reduction was achieved with the FARES method in 88.7% of the patients, with the Hippocratic method in 72.5%, and with the Kocher method in 68%. This difference was significant, in favor of the FARES method (p = 0.033). The mean duration of the reduction maneuver was significantly shorter for the FARES method (2.36 +/- 1.24 minutes for the FARES method, 5.55 +/- 1.58 minutes for the Hippocratic method, and 4.32 +/- 2.12 minutes for the Kocher method; p < 0.001), and the mean visual analog pain score was significantly lower for the FARES method (1.57 +/- 1.43 for the FARES method, 4.88 +/- 2.17 for the Hippocratic method, and 5.44 +/- 1.92 for the Kocher method; p < 0.001). No complications were noted in any group. CONCLUSIONS: The FARES method is a significantly more effective, faster, and less painful method of reduction of an anterior shoulder dislocation in comparison with the Hippocratic and Kocher methods. It is easily performed by only one physician, it is applicable to anterior shoulder dislocations as well as simple fracture-dislocations, and its use is associated with no more morbidity than that associated with the other two methods.

Postoperative pain management and acupuncture: a case report of meniscal cyst excision.

We report a case of pain management after a meniscal cyst excision, with the use of electroacupuncture (EA). There are a few reports which indicate that postoperative pain management is prerequisite for the patient's optimal recovery, but surveys in the UK and the USA have identified an unacceptable prevalence of poor pain control after surgery, which might increase the risk of a chronic pain state. The conventional treatment of postoperative pain includes systemic medications such as opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other non-opioid agents. In our case, the rehabilitation lasted for 6 months without significant benefit. After that period our patient was treated with EA. By the end of the first EA session the relief of pain was notable and after a course of 10 treatments the patient reported complete relief of the symptoms with no recurrence during a 2 year follow up period. In conclusion, this might indicate that EA could be useful for postoperative pain management.

Efficacy of steroid and nonsteroid caudal epidural injections for low back pain and sciatica: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of caudal epidural injections (CEI) containing steroid versus nonsteroid preparations when treating patients suffering from low back pain (LBP) and sciatica. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Literature seems to be deprived of well-designed randomized, controlled studies that evaluate the effectiveness of CEI in the treatment of chronic LBP; hence the value of CEI remains still the subject of controversy. METHODS: Patients suffering from severe chronic LBP and sciatica were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Steroid-group's patients (n = 93) underwent CEI containing 12 mL of xylocaine 2% and 1 mL of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone phosphate (2 + 5) mg/dL. Water for Injection (WFI)-group's patients (n = 90) underwent CEI containing 12 mL of xylocaine 2% and 8 mL of WFI. Both groups were statistically comparable as far as their demographic data and the cause and duration of symptoms were concerned. Patients answered the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire and underwent physical examination, before and at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following the CEI. RESULTS: Symptoms improved in 132 patients (72.1%) following CEI. The mean Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire score of steroid-group's patients was statistically significant lower than that of the WFI-group at all postinjection re-evaluations. Patients receiving steroid CEI experienced faster relief during the first postinjection week. The Straight Leg Rising test improved in both groups following CEI; this improvement was faster among steroid-group's patients. Fifty-one patients (27.8%), noticed no improvement 1 week post-CEI and underwent a second CEI (with the same preparation) 7 to 14 days later. Nineteen of them reported improvement; 32 (steroid-group:13, WFI-group:19) did not respond well and underwent operative decompression (n = 15) or spinal fusion (n = 17). CONCLUSION: CEI containing local anesthetic and steroids or WFI seems to be effective when treating patients with LBP and sciatica. CEI containing steroid preparations demonstrated better and faster efficacy.

[Simultaneous existence of unicameral bone cysts involving the femur and ischium]. / Femur ve iskiyumda eszamanli basit kemik kistleri.

We report a 30-year-old male patient with two unicameral bone cysts (UBC) simultaneously located in the proximal third of the right femur and ipsilateral ischium ramus, respectively. Fine needle biopsies were attempted for both lesions. Biopsy of the femoral lesion under local anesthesia was unsuccessful, so an open biopsy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis of UBC. Biopsy of the ischial lesion was not sufficient for diagnosis. Cytological examination of both specimens showed no other benign or malignant pathology. The femoral lesion was treated with intralesional (due to its large size) excision-curettage, bone grafting, and the introduction of a long gamma locking intramedullary nail to prevent the occurrence of a pathological fracture. The ischial lesion was left untreated and followed conservatively. The patient was free of any symptoms and complications three years postoperatively. This is the first report of an adult patient with UBCs simultaneously located both in a long tubular bone (femur) and a flat bone (ischium ramus).

The role of pantalar arthrodesis in the treatment of paralytic foot deformities. A long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Pantalar arthrodesis is considered by many to be the final operative option before amputation for the treatment of paralytic foot deformities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results of pantalar arthrodesis with regard to its impact on the adjacent joints and the walking ability of patients with paralytic foot deformities. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (seventeen men and seven women) who underwent a one-stage pantalar arthrodesis between 1953 and 1973 for the treatment of sequelae of poliomyelitis were reevaluated. All patients underwent a physical and radiographic examination, and all completed the Short Form-36 questionnaire and a pantalar arthrodesis-specific questionnaire. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was twenty years at the time of the operation and 57.2 years at the time of the latest evaluation. The average duration of follow-up was 37.2 years. Eleven patients had development of immediate postoperative complications, including wound-healing problems (nine) and infections (two). The long-term results, however, were good (mean Short Form-36 scores, 73 of 100 points [overall], 51.5 points [physical functioning], and >70 points [all other domains]). Sixteen patients experienced repeated episodes of ipsilateral knee pain; most (fifteen) of these patients experienced a gradual onset of this pain, starting at an average of 20.8 years (range, fifteen to thirty years) postoperatively. The position of the fused ankle did not appear to have a significant impact on the development of ipsilateral knee pain or the time interval between the pantalar arthrodesis and the onset of ipsilateral knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pantalar arthrodesis effectively stabilizes the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot in patients with severe paralytic deformities. Even though most patients can be expected to have development of osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral knee, it seems that a successfully performed pantalar arthrodesis in carefully selected cases is a reliable operative option offering a strong and stable foot that will function well for many years.

Histomorphologic study of discoid meniscus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the matrix collagen network of the discoid lateral meniscus in comparison with normal lateral meniscus. METHODS: Discoid meniscus samples obtained arthroscopically from 10 patients with a diagnosis of intact complete-type discoid lateral meniscus by a technique of excision in 1 piece were examined histomorphologically regarding the integrity of both main collagen fiber systems, radial and circular, because they have been described in the structure of normal knee meniscus. As a control group, intact lateral menisci excised during knee arthroplasty procedures were used. RESULTS: Histomorphologic scoring showed statistically significant disorganization of the circular collagen network in the discoid meniscus group compared with the normal meniscus group, especially along the posterior third of the specimen (P < .001). In addition, a heterogeneous course of the circumferentially arranged collagen fibers was shown in the discoid meniscus structure. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of discontinuity and inhomogeneity of the circumferential collagen network in the discoid meniscus in comparison with normal meniscus indicate that the discoid lesion represents a structural lesion rather than a morphologic variant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Disorganization of the circular collagen fiber system in the discoid meniscus matrix may contribute to the pathogenesis of the high tear and degenerative lesion rate observed among menisci with discoid configuration.

Epidemiologic, clinical and arthroscopic study of the discoid meniscus variant in Greek population.

This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the epidemiologic, clinical and arthroscopic features of discoid meniscus variant in Greek population. We reviewed the cases of 2,132 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy between 1986 and 2004 and diagnosis of discoid lateral meniscus was established in 39 patients with mean age of 31.7 +/- 9.4 years old. Incidence of the discoid lateral meniscus variant was recorded at rate of 1.8% presenting no significant differences according to patient gender or lesion body side. Regarding the type of discoid dysmorphy, 23 cases attributed to complete type, 15 were incomplete and in one case, Wrisberg type was observed. Predictive values of the most commonly recorded physical signs in the clinical diagnosis of the discoid meniscus were analysed. Comparative evaluation of the long-term results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy performed in patients with intact or torn discoid lateral meniscus and torn normally shaped lateral meniscus was carried out using Lysholm and IKDC scoring systems. Also, we investigated any correlation between dysmorphy type and tear pattern analysing the arthroscopic findings. Results demonstrated that the discoid meniscus lesion represents an atypical clinical entity in adults and no significant predictive value of the signs encountered in the clinical examination of the patients with discoid meniscus was observed. Clinical outcome after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy regarding the intact discoid meniscus group was superior in comparison with that of torn discoid meniscus cases. On other hand, no difference in the result of partial meniscectomy between discoid and normal lateral meniscus tear groups was found. No statistically significant relationship between the type of discoid menisci and tear pattern or incidence rate of concomitant intraarticular lesions was confirmed.

Incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism among postmenopausal women with end-stage knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH) among postmenopausal women with end-stage knee osteoarthritis scheduled for total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: 283 Caucasian postmenopausal women aged 49 to 81 (mean, 70) years with end-stage idiopathic knee osteoarthritis were scheduled to undergo primary TKR. They had been menopausal for 7 to 31 (mean, 19) years. Their preoperative serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH), calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and the clearance of creatinine were evaluated. RESULTS: 100 patients had abnormally elevated serum I-PTH. The overall incidence of SH was 35%. Serum levels of calcium and phosphorus were elevated in 33 and 12 patients, respectively. The serum level of I-PTH correlated positively with patient age (r=0.158, p=0.008) and serum creatinine level (r=0.138, p=0.021) and negatively with clearance of creatinine (r= -0.169, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: SH is common among elderly postmenopausal women and may affect bone healing and implant fixation. Preoperative screening/evaluation of the serum PTH level in postmenopausal women scheduled for TKR is recommended.

Multiple recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the hand.

We present a rare case of a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans arising on the dorsum of the hand in a 51-year-old woman, who had experienced four recurrences of the tumour following local excisions. We performed a radical surgical excision of the lesion and covered the defect with a distal ulnar artery skin island flap. Adjuvant radiation therapy followed the surgical treatment. Forty months postoperatively, the patient has a functional hand without signs of recurrence and no evidence of disease. Wide surgical excision with margins of 2.5-3 cm is the optimal treatment for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. For selected patients, like those presenting large tumours involving the hand, adequate removal is not easily obtainable, or may result in major functional deficits. An alternative strategy may be the combination of less extensive surgery and radiotherapy, in order to prevent mutilation, decrease the local recurrence rates, and minimize the risk of metastases.

Recurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty successfully treated with synoviorthesis.

A case of spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis--due to developed hypertrophied synovium--after total knee arthroplasty is reported. The patient was successfully treated with radiosynovectomy. The first hemorrhage occurred 18 months after the total knee arthroplasty. Several similar episodes followed over a period of 4 years. Because conservative treatment failed to control the bleeding, an arthroscopic lavage was performed, which revealed the existence of proliferative synovium. A significant part of the hypertrophic tissue was excised with the use of a thermocoagulator. However, 1 month later, another episode of hemarthrosis occurred. As a final step before reoperation, the patient was treated with intra-articular injection of ytrium 90. Eighteen months later, she remains symptom-free, is very satisfied with the result, and reports no new episode of hemarthrosis.

The long-term effects of hip fusion on the adjacent joints.

Hip fusion has served well for many years as the surgical procedure of choice to treat painful joints with severe osteoarthritis or tuberculous arthritis. This retrospective study evaluates the long-term results of hip fusion, as far as its impact on the adjacent joints is concerned. Thirty-three patients that underwent hip arthrodesis 26-52 years previously were evaluated. All patients reported being satisfied with the fusion and being able to adequately work and perform everyday activities. Twenty-five reported episodes of low back-pain, 18 reported pain in the ipsilateral knee, four in the contralateral knee and five in the contralateral hip. Back pain started after an average time interval of 24 years, and pain in the ipsilateral knee appeared 24.6 years after the fusion. Hip fusion, a procedure which is now hardly ever performed, appears to offer a painless, strong and stable hip. However, the adjacent joints, mainly the lumbosacral spine and the ipsilateral knee, will probably develop secondary degenerative arthritis.

Bursal osteochondromatosis overlaying an osteochondroma in the immature skeleton.

A rare case of bursal osteochondromatosis overlying an osteochondroma located at the proximal third of the left tibia in a 10-year-old boy is described. The treatment was operative by marginal resection of the affected bursa and marginal en bloc resection of the osteochondroma. The patient remains symptom and complication free 8 years postoperatively with no sign of recurrence of both lesions. This is the first reported case of a bursal osteochondromatosis overlying an osteochondroma in a developing skeleton, thus rendering this type of lesion one among the possible differential diagnoses that should be considered when dealing with relative diagnostic dilemmas in immature patients.

Potential influence of hormones in the development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a preliminary study.

The potential influence of hormonal imbalance on the development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis was assessed through a prospective clinical study. The serum levels of T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, human growth hormone, adrenal cortex hormone and cortisol were evaluated in seven boys and seven girls. Forty-three out of 154 hormonal determinations (27.9%) were abnormal. The results showed increased incidence of pathological values mainly in the levels of follicle-stimulating-hormone, luteinizing-hormone and testosterone. No patient had clinical findings of endocrinopathy. A (possibly) temporary hormonal disorder may play a potentially significant role in the development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Postoperative re-perfusion of drained blood in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: is it effective and cost-efficient?

The value of postoperative salvage and re-infusion of drained blood was assessed in 155 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for primary knee osteoarthritis. In group A (n = 77), standard vacuum drains were used. In group B (n = 78), an auto-transfusion system was used and the blood drained within 6 hours postoperatively was re-infused. Group B patients were further distributed into 2 subgroups, in one of which methylprednisolone was administered before blood re-perfusion. Patients who received autologous blood had higher levels of haemoglobin at 8 hours (p < 0.05) and 24 hours postoperatively (p < 0.01) and needed less allogeneic blood transfusion (p < 0.01). Methylprednisolone administration was found to attenuate the postoperative febrile reaction (p = 0.01).