Neglected Dorsal Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation Treated by Volar Plate Arthroplasty: A Case Series.

Chronic unreduced dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are uncommon, and management principles for these injuries have not been defined. The dislocation can be volar or dorsal and closed reduction is rarely successful owing to soft tissue contractures. Treatment options in literature reviews for such rare injuries included open reduction of pip joint with volar plate arthroplasty, extension block pinning, hemi hamate arthroplasty, pip joint arthrodesis, Suzuki dynamic frame fixation, open reduction and repair of capsule and collateral ligaments with suture anchors. Few cases of amputation following treatment were even reported in literature emphasizing the role of meticulous soft tissue handling in such neglected cases of hand. We report six cases of neglected (more than three months old) dorsal dislocation of the PIP joint of the hand, treated with volar plate arthroplasty and extension block pinning. A functional range of motion with a stable joint can be achieved in such injuries with volar plate arthroplasty, as long as the articular cartilage is relatively preserved and bone loss is <30%.

Tubercular osteomyelitis of calcaneum in an immunocompetent adult.

Tuberculosis (TB) affecting calcaneum is relatively rare in immunocompetent adults. Due to its nonspecific presentation and the absence of constitutional symptoms of TB, diagnosis is often delayed. The authors present a case of TB of calcaneum in a young male. A 20-year-old male presented with persistent pain and mild swelling of the right heel for 6 months. Upon evaluation with radiographs, a lytic lesion was noted in the posteromedial aspect of the right calcaneum. Magnetic resonance imaging was done and was reported as subacute osteomyelitis with Brodie's abscess. An open biopsy was performed and the obtained tissue was sent for histopathological examination. Histopathology showed features suggestive of Koch's etiology. All the microbiological investigations, including polymerase chain reaction for TB were negative. The patient was started on antitubercular therapy (ATT) based on weight. After 4 months of ATT, the patient developed multiple discharging sinuses over a previous open biopsy scar for which repeat debridement was done. After 12 months of ATT, the patient was asymptomatic, and radiologically, the lesion was healed. Early diagnosis and treatment with ATT will prevent massive destruction and collapse of the calcaneal body and further spread into the subtalar joint. Repeated debridements may be needed in case of nonhealing discharging sinuses to decrease the local infection load.

Flexor tenosynovitis of the wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tubercular tenosynovitis of the wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a rare occurrence. The authors present a case of tubercular flexor tenosynovitis of the wrist with CTS. A 60-year-old female presented with complaints of swelling in the volar aspect of the right wrist with numbness of the first three fingers for the past 6 months. Clinical and radiological diagnosis of chronic flexor tenosynovitis with median nerve compression neuropathy was made. The patient was operated with carpal tunnel release and total tenosynovectomy. Histopathology showed features suggestive of Koch's etiology. The patient was started with antitubercular therapy (ATT) and followed up regularly. Carpal tunnel symptoms subsided immediately after surgery and there was no recurrence of swelling at the last follow-up. Carpal tunnel release and tenosynovectomy should be performed at the earliest possible and followed up with ATT for better outcomes in tubercular tenosynovitis of the wrist with CTS.

Increased Frequency of Low Back Pain in Recent Times: Does the Answer Lie in COVID-19?

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many people's activities of daily living and health. It has also created economic burdens and caused mental turmoil across the world. Musculoskeletal symptoms, especially low back pain, have been observed in subjects of post-COVID-19 infection and post-vaccination. Aim In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between low back pain and COVID-19 infection and vaccination, as well as associated factors and characteristics. Methods We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional observational study at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Bibinagar between September 2021 and March 2022. We collected data from individuals through physical and Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, California).  Results We included a total of 535 individuals in the study: 274 (51.2%) were previously positive for COVID-19 infection (group A), and 261 (48.8%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 without a history of COVID-19 infection (group B). Each group was divided into two categories based on whether they had low back pain before COVID-19 infection or vaccination. In group A, 90.1% of individuals experienced an aggravation of low back pain after COVID-19 infection, which was found to be significant (p<0.001). In group B, there was an insignificant increase in low back pain following COVID-19 vaccination (p=0.275). The study also revealed a significant association between comorbidities and low back pain in both groups (p<0.001). Additionally, several differences were observed between the two groups, including duration (p<0.001), severity (p=0.012), and intensity (p<0.001) of low back pain, usage of a back support or brace (p=0.043), and intake of vitamin D (p=0.002).  Conclusion Low back pain is an ignored feature of one of the musculoskeletal symptoms of COVID-19 and was aggravated by COVID-19 infection in our patients compared to those who received the vaccination. The findings of this study have implications for raising awareness, improving management and rehabilitation, and guiding future research in this area.

Study of Short-Term Outcome of Surgically Managed Displaced Pediatric Radial Neck Fractures: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric radial neck fractures are relatively rare elbow injuries commonly seen in children between eight to 12 years of age. Judet type III and Judet type IV radial neck fractures require surgical intervention for optimal functional outcomes. The present study evaluates the functional results of Judet type III and IV radial neck fractures operated at a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted by using medical records of nine patients who had displaced radial neck fractures (Judet type III and type IV) treated at our institute which is a tertiary trauma care center between January 2012 and December 2021. Patients were assessed for functional outcome by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the Tibone and Stoltz functional criteria, and for complications with the average follow-up of four years (range: six months to seven years).  Results: The mean age of the patients was 9.14 ± 2.2 years (range: four to 11 years). Seven (77.8%) patients were males and two (22.2%) patients were females. The right side was the most commonly injured side (right at 67%, left at 33%). Five (55%) cases were of Judet type III and four (45%) cases were of Judet type IV. Three cases treated with closed reduction and intramedullary nailing by the Metaizeau technique had excellent functional results. Among two patients treated with percutaneous pin leverage and intramedullary nailing by the Metaizeau technique, one patient had an excellent outcome, and the other had a good outcome. Among four cases treated with open reduction and K-wire fixation, two patients had good outcomes, one patient had a fair outcome, and one patient had a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: The majority of moderately to severely displaced pediatric radial neck fractures which need intervention can be managed by the closed reduction technique of Metaizeau with or without pin leverage with excellent to good functional outcomes at short-term follow-up. Some cases need open reduction which also has good to fair outcomes. Initial trauma and associated injuries seem to play a role in the outcome rather than the treatment method per se. However, a larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed for comparisons and for arriving at better and definitive conclusions.

Campanacci Grade III Giant Cell Tumors of Distal End Radius Treated With Wide Excision and Reconstruction: A Retrospective Case Series.

Introduction Campanacci Grade III Giant Cell tumors of the distal radius are difficult to manage as they are associated with a high recurrence rate. Wide excision of the distal radius and reconstruction with an ipsilateral proximal fibula or ulnar translocation reduces the recurrence rate significantly and gives acceptable function to the hand and wrist. Methods and materials This was a retrospective study of eight patients with Campanacci grade III giant cell tumors of distal radius treated with wide excision of distal radius followed by reconstruction at our institute. Four cases were operated on with ulnar translocation and four cases were operated on with ipsilateral proximal fibula grafting after wide excision of the distal radius. Patients were studied for the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at one year, recurrence, and complications. Results The mean MSTS score of the total series was 24.75 ± 1.6. The mean VAS score for the total series was 1.62 ± 0.4. Of the eight cases, two cases had a recurrence, one patient had persistent wrist paint, and two patients had wrist subluxation. Conclusion Wide excision of the distal radius followed by reconstruction with a proximal fibula or ulnar translocation is a good option to avoid repeated surgeries in patients with Campanacci grade III giant cell tumors of the distal radius and achieve acceptable functional results for the wrist and hand.

Comparative Study of the Functional Outcome of Elbow Joint in Supracondylar Fractures of Children Treated With k Wire Fixation Using Lateral and Posterior Approaches.

INTRODUCTION:  Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common elbow fracture reported in children. When closed reduction fails, open reduction and pinning will be used as a definitive procedure. In this study, we compare the functional outcome of lateral and posterior approaches of open reduction and assess the range of elbow movements and carrying angle by using Flynn's criteria. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted on 30 children with supracondylar fracture of the humerus in Adichunchanagiri Hospital from a period of December 2018 to August 2020. A total of 30 children were selected for this study. Fifteen children underwent open reduction and pinning using the lateral approach (group 1) and 15 children underwent open reduction and pinning using the posterior approach (group 2) and all were followed up for six months. Functional outcome was assessed at the end of six months using Flynn's criteria. RESULTS: There were 20 boys and 10 girls in the study group. The mean age was 9.43 ± 1.69 years. The majority of children sustained injury due to falls on an outstretched hand (80%). One case of pin tract infection occurred in both the study groups. One patient had a superficial infection (6.7%) with the lateral approach, whereas two patients had a superficial infection with the posterior approach (13.33%). The lateral group fared better than the posterior group in comparison using Flynn criteria. CONCLUSION: Lateral approach might be better than the posterior approach for unreduced supracondylar fractures necessitating open reduction and k wire fixation.

Osteitis Condensans Ilii: A Case Series.

Osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) is a rare self-limiting low back pain syndrome. It is an incidental imaging discovery around sacroiliac joints with distinctive sclerotic lesions. We present three case reports as a series. In the first case, a 38-year-old female presented with unresolved chronic low back pain for eight years. She had bilateral triangular sclerosis of the ilium abutting sacroiliac joints and other causes of back pain were ruled out. Non-operative management was successful. In the second case, a 38-year-old female presented with acute exacerbation of low back pain for one year. She suffered low back pain during her pregnancy and postpartum period 16 years ago and intermittently after that. Bilateral radiodensity around sacroiliac joints was noted in the radiograph and she had successful remission with non-operative management. In the third case, a 45-year-old female presented with chronic low back for six years. On radiographs, she had bilateral sclerotic lesions around sacroiliac joints and responded well to non-operative management. OCI is a benign, idiopathic cause of axial low back pain. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and the pelvic radiographs classically show areas of sclerosis in the ilium adjacent to sacroiliac joints bilaterally. Treatment for OCI is essentially non-operative.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following Covishield (AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) Vaccination: A Case Report.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS) is a rare neurological disorder involving brachial plexus and periscapular muscles following viral infection, surgery, and vaccination. We hereby describe the first case of PTS from India following Covishield (AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccination. A 21-year-old healthy male presented to us with complaints of pain and weakness in the right shoulder five weeks after Covishield vaccination on the contralateral deltoid. There was no history of injury or constitutional symptoms. On examination, hyperalgesia over the area innervated by the axillary nerve and wasting of the deltoid, supra, and infraspinatus muscles were noted. An MRI scan of the shoulder, cervical spine, and brachial plexus neurogram were normal. Decreased motor amplitude in right axillary and musculocutaneous nerve was recorded in the nerve conduction study (NCS). High titers of SARS-COV-2 IgG neutralizing antibodies were noted after a single dose of vaccination and SARS CoV-2 IgM antibodies were negative. Having been diagnosed with post-vaccination PTS, the right shoulder was splinted and an intravenous injection of 1g methylprednisolone was administered for three days followed by oral steroids for three weeks. NCS and electromyography at 10 weeks showed insignificant differences between the two sides suggesting early neurological recovery. Currently, the patient is being followed up regularly for complete neurological recovery. PTS is a known side effect of vaccination. We report the index case of PTS following the administration of Covishield vaccination from India to aid in early diagnosis and management, further evaluation, and public health safety.

Daily Saline Nasal Douching for Chronic Allergic Rhinosinusitis: An Autobiographical Case Report.

Chronic allergic rhinosinusitis is a debilitating condition in a group of susceptible individuals with multifactorial etiology. I present my case of suffering from chronic allergic rhinosinusitis for 25 years treated with multiple drugs and surgeries with no relief. Adjunctive daily saline nasal douching has provided significant relief for three years to date. Genetic susceptibility with defective ciliary clearance, mucosal metaplasia with increased goblet cells secreting thick and inspissated mucus blocking the normal drainage, and stasis of secretions with inadequate mucosal immunity predisposes to polymicrobial infections, including fungal infections, antimicrobial resistance, and recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis. Medical and surgical strategies often fail to manage this condition appropriately in a few cases. Adjunctive daily saline nasal douching is a safe and effective alternative to manage the debilitating symptoms of chronic allergic rhinosinusitis.

Impact of daily high dose oral vitamin D therapy on the inflammatory markers in patients with COVID 19 disease.

COVID 19 is known to cause immune dysregulation and vitamin D is a known immunomodulator. This study aims to objectively investigate the impact of Pulse D therapy in reducing the inflammatory markers of COVID-19. Consented COVID-19 patients with hypovitaminosis D were evaluated for inflammatory markers (N/L ratio, CRP, LDH, IL6, Ferritin) along with vitamin D on 0th day and 9th/11th day as per their respective BMI category. Subjects were randomised into VD and NVD groups. VD group received Pulse D therapy (targeted daily supplementation of 60,000 IUs of vitamin D for 8 or 10 days depending upon their BMI) in addition to the standard treatment. NVD group received standard treatment alone. Differences in the variables between the two groups were analysed for statistical significance. Eighty seven out of one hundred and thirty subjects have completed the study (VD:44, NVD:43). Vitamin D level has increased from 16 ± 6 ng/ml to 89 ± 32 ng/ml after Pulse D therapy in VD group and highly significant (p < 0.01) reduction of all the measured inflammatory markers was noted. Reduction of markers in NVD group was insignificant (p > 0.05). The difference in the reduction of markers between the groups (NVD vs VD) was highly significant (p < 0.01). Therapeutic improvement in vitamin D to 80-100 ng/ml has significantly reduced the inflammatory markers associated with COVID-19 without any side effects. Hence, adjunctive Pulse D therapy can be added safely to the existing treatment protocols of COVID-19 for improved outcomes.

Efficiency of vitamin D supplementation in patients with mechanical low back ache.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests an association of hypovitaminosis D (hypo.D) with mechanical Low back ache (mLBA). AIM: This study was designed to 1. Explore the relationship of hypovitaminosis D with mLBA in the absence of other confounding factors 2. Formulate and validate an appropriate treatment protocol and 3. Explore the differences in outcomes with various oral formulations of vitamin D available in Indian market. MATERIALS & METHODS: Three randomised groups of patients with mLBA and hypo.D between 18 and 45 years of age without any co morbid conditions were studied for the effectiveness of adjunctive vit.D supplementation of 6,00,000 IUs (60,000 IUs/day for ten consecutive days) in the form of granule or nano syrup or soft gel capsule for the treatment of mLBA. Review evaluation of pain, functional disability and vit.D was done at three weeks and an additional evaluation of vit.D was done at nine months. Evaluation with 3,00,000 IUs of vit.D (60,000 IUs/day for five consecutive days) was done with nano syrup in a different cohort. RESULTS: High prevalence of hypo.D (96%) was noted in patients with mLBA. Significant improvement was noted after supplementation of vit.D. The subjects of nano syrup group have shown significantly better improvement compared to others (P < 0.000). Non obese and chronic patients have shown significantly better results than their peers. Though there was significant difference in vit.D before treatment, the difference of improvement between the genders, deficiency and insufficiency, in-door and out-door, smokers and non smoker subgroups was not significant. Seasonal variation in vit.D before and after the treatment was significant. CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D can be a potential causative factor for mLBA in addition to the other known causes. Proper evaluation and adjunctive vit.D supplementation can effectively break the vicious cycle of low back ache with significant improvement in serum vit.D level, effective relief of pain and significant functional improvement without any adverse effects. Improvement in vit.D was not significantly related to its initial status and obese individuals have shown significantly lesser improvement. The results with nano syrup formulation were significantly better compared to others. Formulation based dosage adjustments assume significance in view of these results.

Hypovitaminosis D in patients with osteoporotic hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate serum vitamin D levels are associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, bone loss and increased fracture risk. Vitamin D is well recognized to be suboptimal in older patients when compared to age-matched controls. There are no published studies on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Indian population with fragility fractures around the hip associated with osteoporosis and comminution at the fracture site. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients admitted with osteoporotic hip fractures and associated fracture site comminution in a South Indian Institute. MATERIAL & METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted on 100 patients admitted with osteoporotic hip fracture. Measurement of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was done and the same was correlated with the degree of osteoporosis using Singh's index and fracture site comminution. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients studied, 92% had hypovitaminosis D with mean vitamin D level of 16.08 ±â€¯5.95 ng/dl (65% vitamin D deficiency with mean 13.16 ±â€¯4.24 ng/dl and 27% vitamin D insufficiency with mean 23.11 ±â€¯2.62 ng/dl) and 94% had osteoporosis with Singh's index grade 3 or less. Out of the 36 patients with fracture site comminution 34 patients (94%) had hypovitaminosis D and 33 patients (91.6%) had osteoporosis. Statistical significance was established for all the variables. CONCLUSION: Significant association was found between hypovitaminosis D, osteoporosis and fracture site comminution. High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients presenting with hip fractures and fracture site comminution implicates the necessity for proper evaluation and effective supplementation of vitamin D in elderly patients along with anti-osteoporotic regimens for effective prevention and appropriate management of osteoporotic hip fractures.

Osteosynthesis in Distal Radius Fractures with Conventional Bridging External Fixator; Tips and Tricks for Getting Them Right.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are the commonest fractures occurring in the upper extremity, accounting for 15-20% of patients treated in emergency department. Although distal radial fractures were described 200 years ago, they still remain as unsolved fractures with no clear guidelines. It is often reported that anatomical reduction has a bearing on the functional outcome. AIM: To study the management of distal end radius fracture by utilizing the principle of ligamentotaxis where in the reduction obtained by closed means is maintained by external fixator till solid bony union occurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 cases were selected for study by scrutiny of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most of our cases were treated with external fixator within 8 hrs of injury. Small A.O external fixator (bridging ex-fix) with 2 pins each in radius and 2(nd) metacarpal percutaneously was used for all the cases. Selective k wire fixation was done in cases of instability. Fixator was removed after 6 weeks. Guided physiotherapy was ensured in all the cases. Patients were followed up for an average of 9 months. RESULTS: Modified Gartland and Werley scoring system was used to evaluate the overall functional results. Excellent to good results were achieved in 88.45% of our cases while fair result was in 11.54 %. One case had pin loosening and two other cases had malunion. CONCLUSION: External fixator used for ligamentotaxis is an effective method of treating unstable extraarticular and complex intraarticular fractures of distal radius. Improved anatomical restoration with early rehabilitation has produced favourable functional outcome in our series. The complications like pin tract infection is rare due to the availability of superior antibiotics and sterile surgical technique. complications like wrist and finger stiffness has improved with physiotherapy.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes and disabling heterotopic ossification in specific anatomic locations with a world wide prevalence of 1 in 2 million population. Nearly 90% of patients with FOP are misdiagnosed and mismanaged. We present a case of a four-year-old boy brought by his parents with the complaints of stiffness of right shoulder, neck and multiple swellings over the upper back noted over the past 4 months. On examination bilateral symmetrical hallux valgus with microdactyly of great toes and multiple bony hard swellings on both the scapulae were noted. Skeletal survey revealed all the classical features of FOP. Mutation of the ACVR1gene on genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of FOP. Invasive surgical procedures including biopsy and manipulations for stiff joints were avoided as they strikingly end up in rapid progression of FOP. Congenital hallux valgus with short great toe in a child should be considered as an early diagnostic tool for FOP even before the onset of mass lesions. Genetic analysis for mutation of ACVR1gene is confirmatory. Prevention of injury, medical management of acute painful flare-ups and rehabilitation are the mainstay of treatment.

Correlation among Radiographic, Arthroscopic and Pain Criteria for the Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder leading to functional impairment and dependency in older adults. Early detection and intervention is of paramount importance in decreasing the morbidity. Radiography is the first investigation of choice for OA patients presenting with knee pain. But, there is a high degree of discordance between clinical and radiographic findings. Arthroscopy aids in accurate diagnosis of OA knee. AIM: In view of the conflicting reports in the literature the present study was undertaken to report the correlation among radiographic, arthroscopic and pain findings in knee OA patients to facilitate early and precise diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty eight cases (14 males and 14 females) of primary OA knee (7 each from radiographic grade 1 to 4) were screened and selected for the study. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (Rho/r estimate) were calculated to determine the relationship between pain, radiographic and arthroscopic grades in patients with knee OA. RESULTS: Among 28 patients, 10.71% had grade 1, 14.28% had grade 2, 25% had grade 3 and 50% had grade 4 arthroscopic findings. Overall Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) for radiographic and arthroscopic grades was 0.8077, 0.8212 for radiographic and pain grades and 0.7634 for arthroscopic and pain grades. Correlation coefficient could not be calculated for individual grades in isolation which would otherwise represent the factual correlation. The Mean arthroscopic grade for radiographic grades 1 to 4 were 1.57, 3.42, 3.57,4.0 respectively and the Mean pain grades for radiographic grades 1 to 4 were1.57, 2.57,3.28, 3.57 respectively. Radiological findings were found to lag behind the arthroscopic findings significantly. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic findings represent the exact extent and degree of the pathology of OA knee. Kellgren-Lawrence grading read with conventional Antero-posterior standing radiographs of knee underscores the arthroscopic findings significantly in grades 1, 2 and 3. Radiological and clinical findings (Apley's pain grading) in combination should be considered in concluding the final diagnosis and treatment of OA knee. Improvised criteria for precise diagnosis have to be evolved.