A Case Report of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Fracture of the Femoral Component.

Introduction: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is performed with yearly rate of 9% in UK, and <8% in USA. It has been shown to be a successful and less invasive alternative to complete knee arthroplasty in certain patients total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fracture of the femoral component after (UKA) has never been reported in the literature. Consequently, to investigate the major causes and mechanisms of (UKA) failure, we present a case of femoral component failure following (UKA). Case Report: A 62-year-old patient with 2 years following an UKA presented with a right pain, stiffness, and gait abnormalities. After taking full history and careful examination and obtaining a new radiograph, a fracture of the femoral component was revealed. A revision surgery with TKA has been done, and the outcome was assessed regularly, and good results were achieved. Conclusion: The exact reason for a femoral component fracture following UKA is yet unknown. To make an early diagnosis and avoid the need for complex knee revision surgeries, long-term follow-up is crucial for early detection of the clinical signs and symptoms of implant failure.

Results of Wedgeless Distal Femoral Osteotomy for the Treatment of Genu Valgus Deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Coronal plane knee deformities are common disorders affecting adolescents. Valgus deformities (tibiofemoral angle (TFA) > 12-15 degrees and intermalleolar distance (IMD) > 10 cm) often require corrective osteotomy and a wedgeless "V" distal femoral osteotomy is a good treatment option for such deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adolescent patients (13-17 years) with valgus deformities were included. Patients with severe collateral ligament instability, subluxation, and sagittal plane deformity > 15 degrees or genu valgum due to tibial deformity were excluded. Preoperative clinical (Bostman's knee score, IMD, and knee-flexion test) and radiological evaluations were done. The surgery (wedgeless distal femoral V osteotomy) was performed and stabilized with two Kirschner wires (K-wires). Postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were recorded including complications. RESULTS: The preoperative TFA was 20.23 ± 3.63 degrees, which reduced to 5.5 ± 0.73 at six months postoperatively. The preoperative IMD was 12.45 ± 2.2 cm, which reduced to 1.63 ± 0.32 cm at six months. The mean mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were recorded as 2.8 ± 0.39 and 87.7 ± 0.83, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant from preoperative values. The Bostman score was 26.2 ± 1.79 at three months and 29.47 ± 0.9 at six months. The complications included infection in two patients, a hypertrophic scar in one patient, and common peroneal neuropraxia in one patient. CONCLUSION: Wedgeless distal femoral osteotomy with K-wire fixation is a viable option for correction of genu valgus deformity with potential advantages of minimal blood loss, no leg length discrepancy, non-rigid fixation, and early union as compared to other treatment options.

Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Delayed Union Jones Fractures: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Different methods have been adopted to treat delayed union and non-union of fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal using screws, plates and tension band wires. There has been increasing use of intramedullary screw fixation to treat these fractures with variable rates of success. The optimum screw diameter and properties have been a subject of debate. To assess the results of using a larger diameter 5.5 mm cannulated, headless variable-pitch screw to fix delayed union of Jones fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal. METHODS AND METHODS: A case series study including 24 patients with delayed union of Jones fifth meta-tar-sal fractures. The fractures were fixed by a 5.5 mm cannulated variable-pitch compression titanium screw (Acumed® Acutrak 2® Screw System). RESULTS: Radiological union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 7.2 weeks. At 12 months' follow up, patients had a mean American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society midfoot score of 95.6. The mean Short Form 12 Physical and mental survey scores improved from 22.71 and 29.31 points preoperatively to 57.88 and 59.54 respectively. CONCLUSION: The headless compression screw achieved a satisfactory union rate for delayed union Lawren-ce zone II fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal with satisfactory functional results.

Locking Plate Fixation System for Intracapsular Fracture Neck of Femur in Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intra-capsular fractures of the femoral neck in young patients are almost always treated with surgical fixation to preserve the native hip anatomy and biomechanics. Multiple Cannulated hip screws and the sliding hip screw have been the hallmark fixation devices for these injuries. The use of locking cannulated hip screws to a side plate was developed to mitigate the biological and mechanical downfalls of these devices. To report the outcome following the use of a locking plate fixation system in the management of intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck in young patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case series study of all the patients treated in our institution between 2014 and 2017. All eligible patients with hip intracapsular fractures aged between 18 and 65 were treated with a proximal locking hip plate system. The main reported outcomes were union rate, failure of fixation, and development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (36 men and 20 women) at a mean age of 39.1 years (range 20-65 years) completed 24 months' follow-up. Mean time to surgery was 16 hours. No intraoperative complications were reported. The mean time to union was 15.9 weeks (range 12-23). Three patients (5.3%, one Garden type III, and two type IV) did not achieve union at 6 months. Two patients had revision surgery with valgus osteotomy and the third patient required total hip replacement because of screw penetration. Five patients (8.9%) developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head (2 patients Garden type III, and 3 patients Garden VI). Only two patients required conversion to total hip replacement. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The results in this study showed lower rates of non-union, AVN and secondary operation as compared to published data on both SCH and DHS. 2. It also compares favorably with results reported for dy-namic locking screw systems. 3. The study had few li-mitations, including lack of comparative groups. Also, when considering fracture classification subgroups, the unstable fracture pattern had higher rates of non-union and AVN. 4. This calls for a further larger number of studies dedicated to these fracture categories to ascertain long-term outcome with this type of fixation.

Sub-Axial Cervical Facet Dislocation: A Review of Current Concepts.

Cervical facet dislocation is a serious injury that carries risks of short- and long-term morbidity. The optimal management of these injuries remains controversial with the ongoing debate regarding indications and requirements for closed reduction, timing, type of surgical approach and method of fixation. This review gives an update on the relevant anatomy, classification systems for sub-axial cervical facet dislocation and an overview of the current concepts regarding their management, including surgical approaches and the choice of implants.

Limb Length Inequality in Patients After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Analysis of Radiological Assessment and Influencing Risk Factors Based on a District General Hospital Experience of 338 Cases.

Background and objective Limb length inequality (LLI) is a frequent and recurring issue after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is often a source of patient dissatisfaction and litigation. This study reviewed the incidence of LLI in a UK District General Hospital in light of published evidence and identified the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for LLI. Methods This was a retrospective study involving 380 consecutive unilateral primary total hip replacements over a period of 12 months. Patient demographics, clinical, radiological, and operative details were collected from the National Joint Registry (NJR) database and hospital records. The limb length was measured radiologically [OrthoView WorkstationTM (Materialise UK, Southampton, UK)], pre- and postoperatively, by two authors. They assessed the vertical distance between the intra-acetabular teardrop line and the medial apex of the lesser trochanters. After excluding complex primary, revision cases, tilted X-rays, and hip replacement for trauma patients, 338 cases were included in the final analysis. Results The mean postoperative LLI was 2.7 mm with a standard deviation (SD) of 6.56 mm. Only 5.3% of patients had LLI >15 mm. None of the studied variables showed a statistically significant correlation with LLI. Even with the apparent difference in the mean LLI between templating and not templating before surgery (2.19 vs. 3.53), the p-value was 0.06, which was below the level of statistical significance. There was a weakly positive Pearson correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of lengthening of the limb. Conclusion The cause of LLI after THA is multifactorial. No single factor can be singled out as the most significant contributor to this complication.

Mortality Following Distal Femur Fractures Versus Proximal Femur Fractures in Elderly Population: The Impact of Best Practice Tariff.

Background and objectives The mortality after hip, proximal femur, fractures in elderly patients has steadily declined in the last decade in the United Kingdom as a result of implementing of multiple protocols focusing on prompt multidisciplinary pre- and post-operative optimization and reducing time to surgery. The pinnacle of these protocols is the development of the best practice tariff as an incentive program for hospitals that meet set criteria by the National Health Service (NHS) England in managing these injuries. Until the time of writing this paper, there was no parallel program for the management of fractures involving distal femur in the elderly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of distal femur fractures in elderly patients against proximal femur fractures regarding post-injury mortality, the prevalence of surgical treatment and time delay till surgery. Methods A retrospective study of all patients above the age of 60 admitted to Queens Hospital Burton between 2010 and 2014 with fractures involving distal end of the femur. Patient data were assessed for demographic criteria, co-morbidities as per Charleston Comorbidities Index, type of management, time-lapse before surgery and 30-day, six-month and one-year mortality. Results were compared to an age-matched control group of patients with proximal femur fractures randomly selected during the same time window. Results The main demographic criteria such as age, gender, and Charleston Comorbidities Index were similar in both groups. There were more patients treated non-operatively in the distal femur group than in the proximal femur group (15% vs 4%). Time to surgery was statistically significantly longer in distal femur group compared to the proximal femur (49.130 hours vs 34.075 hours, P = 0.041). The mortality in distal femur group was higher at all times (9.68% at 30 days, 20.32% at six months and 34.41% at one year) when compared to that in the proximal femur group (6.99% at 30 days, 14.52% at six months, 21.51% at one year). Conclusion The distal femoral fractures showed higher mortality at 30 days, six months and one year compared to the proximal femur group. This could be partly influenced by the implementation of best practice tariff in the proximal femur fracture group reflected in less time to surgery, pre- and post-operative multidisciplinary approach and more frequent operative management.

Achilles Tendon Rupture: Can the Tendon Gap on Ultrasound Scan Predict the Outcome of Functional Rehabilitation Program?

Background and objectives  There is a growing use of functional rehabilitation programs for the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. Factors such as patient age and level of activity have been used to guide the decision. One of the debated indications is the gap size between the ruptured ends of the tendon. This study aims to define any correlation between the amount of the initial gap between tendon ends and patients outcome treated with the functional rehabilitation program. Method  A prospective case series study of all patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated non-surgically with the functional rehabilitation program between 2016 and 2018. The tendon gap was measured with an ultrasound scan on the initial presentation. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months and assessed for Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS), plantarflexion strength, and re-rupture rate.  Results  A total of 56 patients completed one-year follow-up, and 2 patients had re-ruptures. The mean plantar flexion gap was 13.7 mm. The mean ATRS at 12 months was 85.12. There was no statistically significant correlation between the final ATRS and the mean rupture gap. Conclusion  The outcome following non-operative functional rehabilitation treatment of rupture Achilles tendon did not correlate with the size of the tendon gap, and authors recommend that decision on functional rehabilitation should not be based on these criteria.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Unstable Complex Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture Management Using the Ligamentotaxor® Device: A Case Series of 33 Cases.

Background and objective Fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the hand have always been difficult to treat, often leading to less than satisfactory outcomes. The use of dynamic external fixator devices to treat these fractures is well established and it is based on the philosophy of minimal soft tissue injury and early joint mobilization. There has been a wide variety in their designs, surgical technique, and reported outcomes. This study aimed to report the long-term outcome following the use of the Ligamentotaxor® device (Ligamentotaxor1, ArexTM, Palaiseau, France) in treating fractures of the PIPJ of the hand. Methods Between 2009 and 2018, 33 patients treated in our institution with Ligamentotaxor® for fractures of the PIPJ were followed up for a minimum period of 12 months. Radiographs and clinical records were reviewed for clinical and functional outcomes including finger range of motion (ROM), union, Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and any complications. Results A total of 33 patients completed a minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean: 27.5 months). All fractures showed radiological union at a mean of 33 days. Surgery was performed within a mean of 8.9 days and surgical operating time averaged 23.7 minutes. Devices were removed at a mean of 33 days. At the end of the follow-up, the mean range of flexion was 66 degrees and the mean extension lag was six degrees. The mean QuickDASH score was 8.72. Of note, 85% of the patients experienced no limitations in their daily activities, while 35% reported pain on exertion. One patient had a pin tract infection. Four patients had cold intolerance and persistent swelling. Conclusion The results of the use of Ligamentotaxor® in this series are comparable to those of other dynamic external fixator devices reported in the literature. Thanks to its quick and easy surgical technique, the device provides an appealing option for the management of PIPJ fractures.

Short-term Clinical Outcome of Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Trans-Deltoid Approach.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the clinical outcomes of fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus using a trans-deltoid approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients (13 male and 7 female) were treated with this technique, with a mean age of the patients of 38.85 years (range, 19 to 64 years). All patients were followed up for at least twelve months and were evaluated according to the Constant shoulder score. RESULTS: The mean Constant Shoulder score was 87.45, ranging from 63 to 100. Ten patients (50%) had excellent results, four patients (20%) had good results, three patients (15%) had satisfactory results, and three had adequate results (15%). There was a statistically significant difference between the type of the fracture and the final score (p=0.013), where 3-part fractures with impaction (11-B1), either valgus or varus impaction, showed higher scores than those without impaction. Four patients presented with post-operative complications varying from superficial infection to radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The trans-deltoid approach was a safe and reliable alternative to the delta-pectoral approach for the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures. 2. The impacted (11-B1) fracture type was a signifi-cant contributing factor in terms of good functional outcomes.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Results of Anatomic Repair with Polyester Tape Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in both athletes and the general population. A major problem accompanying ankle injury is the high rate of recurrence, with about 20% of acute ankle sprain patients developing chronic ankle instability. Unlike acute ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability usually needs surgical intervention. Various anatomic reconstruction techniques using the ruptured ends of the ligaments to restore stability have gained popularity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional results of the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability with anatomic repair of the injured ligaments and reinforcement with polyester tape. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using transosseous suturing and augmentation using a polyester tape done at a single centre by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2017. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and Free Online Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) were recorded and used for results analysis. RESULTS: At 12 months' follow-up, the AOFAS had improved from mean 52.47 ± 2.06 to 91.0 ± 6.03 (p< 0.001) .The FAAM mean score had improved from mean 55.21± 1.9 to 90.43 ± 4.02 Conclusion. The ankle ligament reconstruction with additional polyester tape augmentation is an effective technique in treating chronic ankle instability with a satisfactory surgical outcome.

Management of Unstable Phalangeal Shaft Fractures Using External Minifixator.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the hand are the most common fractures in the skeletal system and phalangeal fractures constitute about 46% of all hand fractures. Operative treatment of unstable phalangeal fractures should aim at anatomic fracture reduction and stable fixation that allows early mobilization of the affected finger's joints . This study evaluates the results of fixation of unstable shaft fractures of finger proximal or middle phalanges using a non-spanning external minifixator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 men and 8 women aged 17 to 60 (median, 31.25) years suffering from fractures of 44 phalanges in 40 hands were included in the study. Four of the fractured phalanges were middle phalanges and 40 were proximal phalanges .All fractures were fixed using a mini external fixator. All procedures were done under regional anaesthetic block. The fixator was applied after closed reduction of fractures. Additional procedures included wound debridement in open fractures, and tendon repair was needed in 4 cases. We excluded fractures where intraarticular fracture extension mandates open reduction and internal fixation. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up 11.5 months), patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. 26 fingers (59.1 %) had "excellent" results , 14 fingers (31.8 %) had "good" results and 4 fingers (9.1%) had "poor" results as their P.I.P. flexion ranges were < 80˚. CONCLUSION: External fixation of displaced phalangeal shaft fractures is an effective method of treatment in terms of a minimally invasive technique with rigid fracture fixation allowing early mobilization after surgery.

Closed posterior ankle dislocation without associated fractures: a case report.

Ankle dislocation without associated fractures, also known as pure ankle dislocation is a rare injury. It is usually the result of high energy trauma. It could be a combination of predisposing anatomical factors plus certain ankle position at time of injury that produce this peculiar injury. In most cases it is managed conservatively with urgent reduction, 6-9 weeks of immobilization followed with intense physiotherapy. The outcome after these injuries is generally good where most of the patients in reported cases managed to return to the preinjury level of activity.

Evaluation of the results of management of frozen shoulder using the arthroscopic capsular release.

BACKGROUND: The aim of treatment of frozen shoulder is to regain a painless and functional shoulder range of shoulder motion. In this study we evaluated the results of using the arthroscopic technique for the release of the shoulder joint capsule in patients with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients with frozen shoulder. They were operated upon with the use of electrocautery for the release of the shoulder joint capsule. The group consisted of 29 women and 11 men with a mean age of 48.2 years (range 38-62). RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean Constant and Murly shoulder score was 36.35 (range 21-51). At the end of the follow up period, the mean score was 85.8 (range 62 to 98). The difference between the means of pre- and postoperative total score was statistically significant (t =10.85 and p=0.0001). 22 patients (55%) had excellent results, 14 patients (35%) had good results, 4 patients (10%) had fair results and none had poor results. The 4 cases with fair results were all female, all had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and were > 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Arthroscopic capsular release is an effective and safe method for the treatment of refractory frozen shoulder. 2. It achieves dramatic pain and motion improvement post-operatively, allowing very early postoperative rehabilitation.

Treatment of subtalar calcanean fractures using trans-osseous limited lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are the most common fractures of the tarsal bones. The majority of these fractures are produced by axial force like a fall from a height. Controversy still exists on the best line of treatment. This study is to evaluate the results of trans-osseous limited lateral approach as a minimally invasive surgical treatment of the displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included forty two patients (46 feet) with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures admitted to El-Hadra University Hospital. They were treated by trans-osseous open reduction of subtalar joint and internal fixation by k-wires consuming the trans-osseous limited lateral approach. Out of 42 patients, 36 pateints (85.7%) were males. RESULTS: Using calcaneal fracture scoring system, the mean score was 67.55+17.35. Satisfactory results were found in 26 patients (61.9%), while 16 patients (38.1%) had unsatisfactory results. There was significant relationship between classification of the fracture and the final results (the more the grade of the fracture, the worse the final score) (x 2 =5.914, p=0.05). The value of calcaneal angles were significantly improved after surgery including bohler angle (p=0.0001), gissane angle (p=0.0001), calcaneal pitch angle (p=0.001) and calcaneofibular space (p=0.0021). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Trans-osseous limited lateral approach is an effective method for management of intra articular calcaneal fractures. 2. Anatomical reduction for intra articular calcaneal fractures is essential. 3. Functional outcome of intra articular calcaneal fractures depends upon the initial damage of the articular cartilage. 4. There is a need for multi-center prospective randomized study for accurate assessment of the results of operative management of intra articular calcaneal fractures involving pre and post-operative CT for assessment of reduction and using a rational scoring system and a long period of follow up.