Cryotherapy With Dynamic Intermittent Compression Improves Recovery From Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy with dynamic intermittent compression (CDIC) in relieving postoperative pain, decreasing blood loss, and improving functional scores after revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study (level of evidence: I) to evaluate the efficacy of CDIC on postoperative bleeding, pain, and functional outcomes after rTKA. Forty-three cases were included at a single institution and divided in 2 groups: a control group without CDIC (n = 19) and an experimental group with CDIC (n = 24). Bleeding was evaluated by calculating total blood loss, pain at rest was evaluated with a visual analog scale on postoperative day 3, and function was assessed using the Oxford score at 6 months postoperatively. The comparative analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The CDIC group had significantly lower total blood loss (260 vs 465 mL; P < .05), significantly less pain on day 3 (1 vs 3; P < .05), and a significantly higher functional score (42 vs 40; P < .05) than the control group. CONCLUSION: This is the first report dealing with the use of CDIC after rTKA. According to our results, it improves the recovery of patients who underwent rTKA; thus, it should be integrated into our daily practice.

Proximal femoral fractures in centenarians. A retrospective analysis of 39 patients.

BACKGROUND: A corollary of the current population ageing in France is an increase in proximal femoral fractures (PFFs), particularly among centenarians. The outcomes of PFFs in centenarians in France are unknown. We therefore conducted a retrospective study of centenarians with PFFs both to assess: (1) assess clinical outcomes according to geriatric and trauma scores, (2) and to determine whether routine surgery is warranted. HYPOTHESIS: Morbidity and mortality in a single-centre cohort of centenarians with surgically treated PFFs are consistent with previous reports. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 women and 6 men aged 100 years or over who were treated surgically for PFFs at a single-centre between 2008 and 2014. Of the 39 patients, 15 were living at home and 24 in an institution at the time of the injury. Mean (range) values were 3.30 (0-7) for the Parker Mobility Score, 5.84 (0-12) for the Katz index, and 7.46 (2-12) for the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Mean time from injury to surgery was 1.7 days (0-12). The 26 extra-capsular fractures were managed by internal fixation and the 13 intra-capsular fractures by hip arthroplasty (n=12) or screw fixation (n=1). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 23±14 months (6-60 months), 29 patients had died, including 3 within 48h, 10 within 3 months, and 15 within 1 year. Sequential mortality rates were 33.3% within the first 3 months, 26.9% from months 4 to 9, and 42.2% within the first year. Early dislocation occurred in 3 patients and surgical-site infection in 2 patients. Other complications were heart failure (n=1), confusional state (n=2), pneumonia (n=2), and pyelonephritis (n=2). DISCUSSION: A PubMed search identified five studies of PFFs in more than 10 centenarians, of which only 2 provided detailed information on postoperative general and local morbidity related to the surgical treatment. Our hypothesis was confirmed for 3-month and 1-year mortality rates, which were at the lower ends of previously reported ranges. Local complications related directly to surgery were considerably more common in our study. PFFs in centenarians carry a high risk of death. Despite the absence of a control group, our data support surgery as the best treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Microbial flora on cell-phones in an orthopedic surgery room before and after decontamination.

INTRODUCTION: Cell-phones are the typical kind of object brought into the operating room from outside by hospital staff. A great effort is made to reduce the level of potentially contaminating bacteria in the operating room, and introducing these devices may run counter to good practice. The study hypothesis was that cell-phones are colonized by several strains of bacteria and may constitute a source of nosocomial contamination. The main study objective was to screen for bacterial colonies on the surfaces of cell-phones introduced in an orthopedic surgery room. The secondary objective was to assess the efficacy of decontamination. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Samples were taken from the cell-phones of hospital staff (surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, radiology operators, and external medical representatives) entering the operating room of the university hospital center orthopedic surgery department, Toulouse (France). Sampling used Count Tact® contact gel, without wiping the phone down in advance. Both sides of the phone were sampled, before and after decontamination with a pad imbibed with 0.25% Surfanios® Premium disinfectant. A nasal sample was also taken to investigate the correlation between Staphylococcus aureus in the nasal cavities and on the cell-phone. RESULTS: Fifty-two cell-phones were sampled. Before decontamination, the mean number of colony-forming units (CFU) was 258 per phone (range, 0-1,664). After decontamination, it was 127 (range, 0-800) (P=0.0001). Forty-nine cell-phones bore CFUs before decontamination (94%), and 39 after (75%) (P=0.02). DISCUSSION: Cell-phones are CFU carriers and may thus lead to contamination. Guidelines should be drawn up to encourage cleaning phones regularly and to reduce levels of use within the operating room.

Is the prognosis the same for periprosthetic joint infections due to Staphylococcus aureus versus coagulase-negative staphylococci? A retrospective study of 101 patients with 2-year minimum follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are often responsible for infections of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One of the main differences between these two microorganisms is their virulence, with SA presumed to be more virulent; however, few studies have specifically investigated the impact of this virulence. This inspired us to carry out a retrospective study to evaluate whether the healing rate differed between SA and CoNS infections. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that the healing rate is lower for SA prosthetic joint infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 101 consecutive Staphylococcus infection cases that occurred between 2007 and 2011. There were 56 men and 45 women with an average age of 69 years (range 23-95). The infection was associated with TKA in 38 cases and THA in 63 cases. Thirty-two percent of patients had one or more comorbidities with infectious potential. In our cohort, there were 32 SA infections (31.7 %) and 69 CoNS infections (68.3 %) with 58 of the infections being methicillin-resistant (15 SA and 43 CoNS); there were 27 polymicrobial infections (26.7 %). RESULTS: With a minimum 24-month follow-up after the end of antibiotic treatment, the healing rate was 70.3 % overall (71 patients). The healing rate was 75 % in the SA group (24 patients) versus 68.1 % (47 patients) in the CoNS group (P = 0.42). CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was not confirmed: the healing rate of SA prosthetic joint infections was not lower than that of CoNS infections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective case-control study.

Removal of well-fixed fixed femoral stems.

The removal of a well-fixed prosthetic stem raises technical challenges. The objective is not only to remove the material, but also to prepare the implantation of a new prosthesis. Cemented stems are only very rarely unremovable; extraction of the cement mantle and plug raises the greatest difficulties. The main risk is cortex perforation, and a radiograph should be obtained at the slightest doubt. The removal of cementless stems carries a higher risk of fracture. Difficulties should be anticipated based on thorough familiarity with the implant design and on evaluations of implant fixation and bone stock. The intramedullary approach is usually sufficient to extract a cemented or cementless, well fixed, standard stem. Routine use of a transfemoral approach is warranted only in the following situations: revision surgery for infection, S-shaped stem, long stem, curvature or angulation of the femoral shaft, or unfeasible hip dislocation. However, the possibility that the intramedullary approach may need to be converted to a transfemoral approach should be anticipated. Thus, preoperative planning must include determination of the optimal length of a femoral osteotomy or femoral flap, should one be needed, and the surgeon must have access to all the revision implants and tools that might be needed for re-implantation. Experience with the various techniques is indispensable, as a well-performed extensive approach is associated with less morbidity than a fracture or trajectory error. There are three main techniques, which are described here: intramedullary extraction of a cementless stem, intramedullary extraction of a cemented stem, and transfemoral extraction through an extended trochanterotomy. The patients should receive detailed information on the difficulties of femoral stem removal and on the available solutions.

Avulsion of flexor digitorum profundus secondary to enchondroma of the distal phalanx. Case report and literature review.

We report an unusual case of avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the ring finger at its insertion, in combination with a pathological fracture of the distal phalanx due to enchondroma. The bone lesion was curetted and grafted using autogenous bone. The FDP tendon was reattached to the distal phalanx using the pullout technique. We describe this case in detail and discuss the surgical management through a review of literature.

[Cross-hand replantation in bilateral upper limb amputation: An anatomical emergency]. / Réimplantation croisée de la main: urgence anatomique.

Bilateral amputations of upper limbs are excessively rare clinical situations. We report an exceptional clinical case of bilateral amputation of upper limbs at different levels: destruction of the right hand and left transhumeral amputation in a patient after an attempted suicide on train lines. This special situation led us to perform a cross-hand replantation of the left hand to the right forearm. Only 4 other similar cases have been published in the literature. Once the surgical indication had been formulated collectively, and taking into account all the ethical issues surrounding such a decision, we had to solve the issue of inverting anatomical structures in emergency. We have provided a detailed description of our surgical technique. The aim was to save at least one organ used for grasping. The result obtained is presented and reviewed.

Recurring intraprosthetic dislocation of rotating-hinge total knee prosthesis. Effect of implant design on intrinsic stability.

During total knee replacement, hinged total knee implants are used in cases where ligament balancing cannot be achieved with less-constrained implants. The case of a patient who experienced two episodes of intraprosthetic dislocation of his rotating-hinge total knee prosthesis is described. There are very few reports of this type of dislocation with these implants. The implant's design, particularly of the hinge, plays an important role in stability. The balance between the flexion and extension spaces is very important even when using a hinged total knee implant. The role of the extensor mechanism in anteroposterior stability is reviewed, along with simple ways to augment it.

Pudendal nerve neuralgia after hip arthroscopy: retrospective study and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Pudendal nerve neurapraxia is a classic complication after traction on the fracture table. Diagnosis, however, is difficult and often overlooked, especially after arthroscopy in traction on fracture table; incidence is therefore not known exactly. HYPOTHESIS: The study hypothesis was that incidence of pudendal nerve neuropathy exceeds 1% after hip arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results for 150 patients (79 female, 71 male) undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. The principal assessment criterion was onset of pudendal neuralgia. Secondary criteria were risk factors (history, surgery time, type of anesthesia), associated complications, onset to diagnosis interval and pattern of evolution. RESULTS: At a mean 93 months' follow-up, there were 3 cases (2 women, 1 man) (2%) of pure sensory pudendal neuralgia; 2 concerned labral lesion resection and 1 osteochondromatosis. Surgery time ranged from 60 to 120min, under general anesthesia with curarization. Time to diagnosis was 3 weeks. No complementary examinations were performed. Spontaneous resolution occurred at 3 weeks to 6 months. No significant risk factors emerged. CONCLUSION: The present study found 2% incidence of pudendal neuralgia, with no risk factors emerging from analysis. Prevention involves limiting traction force and duration by using a large pelvic support (diameter>8-10cm). Patient information and postoperative screening should be systematic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.

Obesity has no adverse effect on the outcome of unicompartmental knee replacement at a minimum follow-up of seven years.

The significance of weight in the indications for unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is unclear. Our hypothesis was that weight does not affect the long-term rate of survival of UKRs. We undertook a retrospective study of 212 UKRs at a mean follow-up of 12 years (7 to 22). The patients were distributed according to body mass index (BMI; < vs ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) and weight (< vs ≥ 82 kg). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed and ten-year survival rates were compared between the sub-groups. Multimodal regression analysis determined the impact of the various theoretical contraindications on the long-term rate of survival of UKR. The ten-year rates of survival were similar in the two weight subgroups (≥ 82 kg: 93.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 66.5 to 96.3); < 82 kg: 92.5% (95% CI 82.5 to 94.1)) and also in the two BMI subgroups (≥ 30 kg/m(2): 92% (95% CI 82.5 to 95.3); < 30 kg/m(2): 94% (95% CI 78.4 to 95.9)). Multimodal regression analysis revealed that weight plays a part in reducing the risk of revision with a relative risk of 0.387, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.662). The results relating weight and BMI to the clinical outcome were not statistically significant. Thus, this study confirms that weight does not influence the long-term rate of survival of UKR.

[Statistical analysis of the factors that increase perioperative bleeding in trochanteric fractures]. / Análisis estadístico de los factores que aumentan el sangrado perioperatorio en las fracturas trocantereas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the major risk factors for bleeding in patients with a pertrochanteric fracture in order to plan the transfusion strategy and to overcome the problem of post-surgical anaemia. Various factors were analysed, including the taking of anticoagulant and/or anti-platelet treatment, the type of fracture, type of anaesthesia, and the type of osteosynthesis used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 307 patients over 75 years old, operated on between the years 2005 and 2009. RESULTS: Bleeding was less in simple, non-comminuted fractures, in patients operated on using a mini-invasive screw-plate, in women, and in patients who did not take any anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment.The only statistically independent factor associated with bleeding was fracture comminution. DISCUSSION: In this study we have seen that patients operated on using a Gamma(®) and DHS(®) nail are transfused more than in those operated on using PPCP(®) and Traumax(®) plate. Evans fractures 1 or 2, A 2.2, or A 2.3, cervical-trochanteric or simple pertrochanteric fractures bled less than Evans 4 or 5, the rest of the type AO fractures, and the complex pertrochanteric fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The precise analysis of the type of fracture is important, particularly in older and fragile patients, to be able to anticipate the need for transfusion. Thus useless and costly, and sometimes dangerous transfusions may be avoided.

Post-traumatic bone and/or joint limb infections due to Clostridium spp.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium spp. are saprophytic Gram-positive bacteria found in soil and capable of generating endospores. Spore germination occurs when environmental conditions are favorable. Clostridium spp. can cause infections of compound fractures and deep wounds contaminated from soil micro-organisms. HYPOTHESIS: Clostridium spp. infections of traffic-related injuries are particularly severe events whose outcome is uncertain even with aggressive medical and surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients (median age, 45 years) with Clostridium spp. bone and/or joint infections complicating compound limb fractures with soil contamination and extensive soft-tissue damage. Prophylactic amoxicillin-clavulanic acid therapy was administred, followed by emergency surgical wound debridment and lavage. Fracture fixation was performed immediately in nine patients (external in four and internal in five) or at a later time on three patients. The immediate outcome was unfavourable in all 12 cases, requiring early reoperation after a median of 10 days (range, 5-25 days). RESULTS: Median time to Clostridium strain identification was 14.5 days (range, 5-160). All infections were polymicrobial. Surgical wound excision, hardware removal (in four cases), and antibiotic therapy produced a favourable outcome in one patient, with no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up; the outcome was unfavourable in 11 cases, with delayed fracture union, septic non-union, impaired healing, and/or chronic sinus tract drainage. Several second-line treatments were used in these 11 patients: intramedullary nailing without bone grafting in four patients, with three failures; decortication and grafting in two patients, with failure in both; nailing with decortication in one patient, who had a good outcome; and the induced membrane procedure described by Masquelet in four patients, all of whom had good outcomes. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 18-53 months), the bone infection had subsided in eight patients. The remaining four patients had septic non-union. DISCUSSION: Clostridium spp. infections are particularly severe. The diagnosis is delayed and identification of the organism is challenging. The treatment is difficult and results in unfavorable outcomes in one-third of cases. The identification of Clostridium in specimens from an osteoarticular infection indicates a need for extremely extensive and aggressive surgical resection, as spore resistance may impair the in vivo efficacy of antimicrobial agents. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective cohort study).

Patient information ahead of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Experience in a university hospital center.

INTRODUCTION: Patient information is the requisite first step in securing informed consent ahead of surgery, and is legally mandatory. The study hypothesis was that this information is deficient in a significant proportion of cases. This was tested on a clinical audit. The principal objective was to quantify the rate of correct patient information communication. The secondary objectives were to assess the quality of the information provided by the physician as compared to other sources, and to assess the resultant patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A targeted clinical audit included all patients undergoing isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in 2009 and 2010. The information provided was analyzed from emergency admission through to the specialized orthopedic consultation, where all information should in principle be traceable in the patient's file. Concordance with information gleaned by the patient himself/herself was also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy of the 93 patients recruited responded to the study questionnaire (75%). Forty-two had received primary care in the Emergency Department, where 67% had been informed about the ACL tear. Surgery-related information could be traced in 61% of cases; surgery had been discussed in the Emergency Department itself in half of the cases, but only 16% had been informed of the duration of the interruption of sports activity and 21% of the duration of time off work and the need for early rehabilitation. Following the orthopedic consultation, 100% of patients knew that they had an ACL tear, but surgery had been spelled out in detail for only 80%, complications for 70%, foreseeable outcome for 30%, rehabilitation for 20% and time off work for 60%. Thirty-eight patients had retrieved information from the Internet; concordance with hospital information was rated at 5.6/10 for the Emergency Department and 7.5/10 for the orthopedic consultation. DISCUSSION: The quality of patient information remains deficient. Traceability of information in the patient's file was only 61%. In the Emergency Department, information comprised diagnosis and referral to specialist consultation. In the orthopedic consultation, information focused on surgical procedure more than on postoperative course. Family doctors and physical therapists also have a role to play, but other sources, such as validated brochures including recommended web-sites, could improve patient information. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Primary tumor of the periacetabular region: resection and reconstruction using a segmental ipsilateral femur autograft.

INTRODUCTION: Bone reconstruction, after periacetabular tumour removal, is a complex procedure that carries a high morbidity rate and can result in poor clinical outcomes. Among the available options, the Puget pelvic resection-reconstruction procedure uses an autograft from the ipsilateral proximal femur to restore the anatomical and mechanical continuity of the pelvic ring before inserting an acetabular implant. HYPOTHESIS AND GOALS: This reconstruction technique satisfactorily restores the pelvic anatomy such that functional results and morbidity are comparable to alternative reconstruction techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 10 patients with an average age of 38.2 years (range 19 to 75) at the surgical procedure (performed between 1986 and 2007). There were five chondrosarcomas, three Ewing tumours, one plasmacytoma and one giant cell tumour. The position of the hip centre of rotation after reconstruction and autograft integration were evaluated on radiographs. Functional results were evaluated through the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Postel and Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score. RESULTS: At the time of review, one patient was lost to follow-up and four had died. On radiographs, the hip centre of rotation after reconstruction was higher by a median value of 15 mm (range 5 to 35) and more lateral by a median value of 6mm (range -5 to 15). Upon evaluation of radiographs at a median time of 40 months (range 6 to 252 months), the autograft was completely integrated in five patients and partially integrated in three patients (two patients had a local recurrence). There were no cases of autograft fracture or non-union at the junctions of the graft. The median MSTS score was 25 out of 30 (range 20 to 29), or 83% (range 67 to 97%) at the median clinical follow-up of 82 months (range 49 to 264). The median PMA score was 13 out of 18 (range 12 to 18). All living patients were walking without assistance. Five patients required nine surgical revisions. Seven were attributed directly or indirectly to local recurrence; one revision was performed because of instability and one because of early acetabular loosening at 9 months. CONCLUSION: This challenging procedure provides satisfactory mechanical and anatomical results, while restoring hip anatomy and function. The primary cause of failure in this series was local recurrence of the tumour, which highlights the need to carefully select the indications and optimize the surgical tumour resection.

Análisis estadístico de los factores que aumentan el sangrado perioperatorio en las fracturas trocantereas / Statistical analysis of the factors that increase perioperative bleeding in trochanteric fractures

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio era buscar los factores de riesgo de sangrado mayor en pacientes con una fractura pertrocantérica para planificar la estrategia transfusional y luchar contra la anemia posquirúrgica. Se analizaron diferentes factores como: la ingesta de tratamiento anticoagulante y/o antiagregante, el tipo de fractura, el tipo de anestesia y el tipo de osteosíntesis empleada. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo sobre 307 pacientes intervenidos con más de 75 años de edad entre el 2005 y el 2009. Resultados. El sangrado fue menor en las fracturas simples no conminutas, en los pacientes intervenidos mediante un tornillo-placa miniinvasivo, en las mujeres y en los pacientes que no tomaban ningún anticoagulante o antiagregante. El único factor estadísticamente independiente relacionado con el sangrado era la conminución fracturaria. Discusión. En este estudio hemos visto que los pacientes intervenidos con clavo Gamma® y DHS® se transfunden más que en los intervenidos con PPCP® y placa Traumax®. Las fracturas Evans 1 o 2, A 2.2. o A 2.3, las cervicotrocantéricas o pertrocantéricas simples sangraban menos que las Evans 4 o 5, el resto de los tipo AO y las fracturas pertrocantéricas complejas. Conclusiones. El análisis preciso del tipo de fractura es importante, especialmente en los pacientes mayores y frágiles, para poder anticiparse a la necesidad de transfusión. Así se podrían evitar las transfusiones inútiles, costosas y a veces peligrosas (AU)

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the major risk factors for bleeding in patients with a pertrochanteric fracture in order to plan the transfusion strategy and to overcome the problem of post-surgical anaemia. Various factors were analysed, including the taking of anticoagulant and/or anti-platelet treatment, the type of fracture, type of anaesthesia, and the type of osteosynthesis used. Material and methods. A retrospective study was performed on 307 patients over 75 years old, operated on between the years 2005 and 2009. Results. Bleeding was less in simple, non-comminuted fractures, in patients operated on using a mini-invasive screw-plate, in women, and in patients who did not take any anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment.The only statistically independent factor associated with bleeding was fracture comminution. Discussion. In this study we have seen that patients operated on using a Gamma® and DHS® nail are transfused more than in those operated on using PPCP® and Traumax® plate. Evans fractures 1 or 2, A 2.2, or A 2.3, cervical-trochanteric or simple pertrochanteric fractures bled less than Evans 4 or 5, the rest of the type AO fractures, and the complex pertrochanteric fractures. Conclusions. The precise analysis of the type of fracture is important, particularly in older and fragile patients, to be able to anticipate the need for transfusion. Thus useless and costly, and sometimes dangerous transfusions may be avoided (AU)

Surgery for femoroacetabular impingement using a minimally invasive anterolateral approach: analysis of 118 cases at 2.2-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has progressed over time from using long incisions and dislocation to using arthroscopic surgery. Minimally invasive treatment has rarely been evaluated and a minimally invasive, anterolateral approach has not been used up to now for this indication. A prospective, on-going study was performed to evaluate surgical treatment of FAI with a minimally invasive, anterolateral approach. HYPOTHESIS: Femoral neck, acetabulum and labrum abnormalities can be corrected without significant morbidity using a minimally invasive, anterolateral approach without dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment of 120 FAI cases (108 patients, 16 women, 92 men, 12 bilateral cases during one surgical session), average age: 34 years (18.9-63.5 years), was done prospectively and in an uninterrupted series. Two cases were lost to follow-up; 106 patients (118 FAI cases) were evaluated with a follow-up of at least 1 year. Assessments consisted of the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), WOMAC, measurement of internal rotation with 90° flexion and the Nötzli alpha angle on an A/P radiograph in 45° of flexion, 45° abduction and 30° external rotation. RESULTS: Blood loss averaged 1.2g/dl (range 0.5 to 2.7g/dl) and the average operative time was 44.9 minutes (range 30 to 65). With an average follow-up of 2.2 years (range 12 to 54 months), the NAHS changed by 32.5 points (P<0.0001), internal rotation by 19.0° (P<0.0001) and the alpha angle by -24.9° (P<0.0001). Eight surgical revisions were required (6.8%) (four haematomas, two capsular debridement, two additional procedures on the acetabulum) and these had a good outcome; there were no nerve-related or infection-related complications. Four failures (3.5%) were revised by arthroplasty (two patients experienced residual pain and two patients rapidly progressed to osteoarthritis). Eighteen cases progressed by only one Tönnis stage. Brooker stage II and III ossification were observed in 12 cases (10.2%) but these did not affect the functional score and range of motion improvement. DISCUSSION: This approach, which can be learned and performed quickly, does not require any specific materials and yields a reliable surgical procedure without major complications. This short-term study, where the central cartilaginous compartment was not explored and the labrum was not sutured, comprised a consecutive, non-selected series of patients (independent of age, weight, osteoarthritis stage) and had encouraging results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective study, no control group.

Influence of fluid-flow direction on effective permeability of the vertebral end plate: an analytical model.

Convective transports in the vertebral end plate (VEP) play a significant role in the homeostasis of the spine. A few studies hypothesised that the hydraulic resistance or effective permeability of the VEP could be dependant upon fluid-flow direction. Results were influenced by species, region of interest within the end plate and pathology. Some results were contradictory. We propose an analytical model based on steady-state Newtonian flows in capillary media to develop a phenomenological analysis of convective transport through the VEP. This dependence was established using a biquadratic analytical function involving porosities of subchondral bone, capillary bed and cartilage end plate. Discussion of results provided a theoretical justification for variable and/or contradictory experimental results concerning the amount of energy lost by fluid during its course through the end plate. Tissue porosities and, especially, those relative to the capillary bed could strongly influence the dependence of fluid energy loss on flow direction and could potentially modify tissue homeostasis related to the day and night cycle.

Radiographic changes of the femoral neck after total hip resurfacing.

INTRODUCTION: Significant femoral neck narrowing following hip resurfacing arthroplasty has been observed. Several factors contributing to the physiopathology of femoral neck narrowing have been suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the femoral neck radiographic changes observed after hip resurfacing at a minimum follow-up period of 5 years and to determine their causes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 57 hip resurfacing arthroplasties performed in 53 patients (30 men, 23 women) of mean age 49.2 years (32-65) at surgery. These patients were clinically reviewed (inguinal pain during walking, WOMAC and UCLA scores) at 2 years and radiographically examined at 1, 2 and 5 postoperative years. The accuracy of our computer-aided measurement method was 1mm. Measurement of femoral neck to implant ratio was performed to assess the amount of neck thinning at the femoral neck-implant junction (N/H) and midway between the implant and the inter-trochanteric line (N(1/2)H) on an AP radiograph. Neck-thinning greater than 10% was considered as significant. Any other radiographic morphologic change in the femoral neck was investigated. Metallic ion concentration in blood was measured. A uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to determine the correlation with radiographic changes. RESULTS: In one third of the patients, femoral neck narrowing was greater than 1mm at 2 and 5 postoperative years. Such result corresponds to a mean decrease in neck to implant ratio (N/H) of 5.9% (range, 2.3 to 9.4) at 2 years and 8.3% (range, 2.5 to 23.8) at 5 years. At 5 postoperative years, an overall neck thinning greater than 10% was reported in 3 patients (with a 10- to 17-% increase in femoral neck narrowing between the 2nd and the 5th postoperative year). In one case, neck thinning was associated with fracture of the femoral stem managed with revision surgery during which femoral neck necrosis was confirmed. Neck thinning was, in these cases, circumferential to the neck-implant junction. There was no significant negative impact on clinical scores and no relationship could be established between neck thinning and factors such as BMI or patient activity. Moreover, neck thinning greater than 10% was reported in two cases after 2 postoperative years through the appearance of a localized femoral neck notching which was absent in the postoperative period, secondary to a femoroacetabular impingement. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: Femoral neck narrowing used to be a common phenomenon after HR when polyethylene acetabular bearings were implanted thus inducing osteolysis secondary to PE wear debris. The incidence of such phenomenon has decreased but still occurs after HR when using a metal-on-metal bearing surface. It has an early occurence but stabilizes after 2 postoperative years. Changes in mechanical stress distribution in the neck region after hip resurfacing have been hypothesized to be a cause of neck thinning. Other aetiologies may be suggested. An overall evolutive femoral neck narrowing after 2 postoperative years should raise the suspicion of necrosis leading to a risk of loosening, fracture or implant failure. Therefore, radiographic monitoring should be conducted. The presence of femoral neck notching secondary to femoroacetabular impingement represents a differential diagnosis which conservative treatment is advocated in the absence of any associated symptoms.

Variants of the shoulder side impact syndrome: the posterior sternoclavicular dislocation.

Side impact syndrome of the shoulder is rare and usually associated with concomitant mid-shaft clavicle, rib and scapular fractures. Visceral complications involve pleural cavity and/or lung injuries. The authors report two rare instances of posterior sternoclavicular dislocations with this entity. This association is rare and diagnosis can be overlooked in multi-trauma patients especially when blunt thoracic lesions can be life threatening. The absence of a fracture of the clavicle after a high-energy side impact to the shoulder should suggest this diagnosis, which can be facilitated by systematic total body CT scan with 3D reconstruction. Management is surgical.

Tamponade following sternoclavicular dislocation surgical fixation.

The authors report a case of posterior sternoclavicular dislocation surgically reduced and stabilized with tenodesis, according to the Burrows technique completed by temporary wire fixation. The patient presented postoperative pericardiac tamponade appearing progressively from brachiocephalic blood vessels bleeding. Emergency drainage was surgically placed associated with removal of the material, thus curing the patient. This complication, although exceptional, formally contraindicates the use of wire fixation in surgery of the sternoclavicular joint.