Persistence of neuromuscular activation deficit in the lower limb at 3-years of follow-up after ACL reconstruction surgery.

BACKGROUND: Almost all patients experience neuromuscular disorders of the quadriceps after knee trauma or surgery such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This phenomenon is described in literature as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). It can be detrimental to patients and cause complications. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term persistence of deficits arising from this, following ACL reconstruction. PURPOSE: By comparing neuromuscular activation in the lower limb after ACL reconstruction with the unaffected lower limb, after more than 3-years of follow-up, this study aimed to evaluate the possible persistence of long-term deficits after surgery. METHODS: Fifty-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction in 2018 were included in the study, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. The neuromuscular activation deficit was assessed using the Biarritz Activation Score-Knee (BAS-K), whose intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was also evaluated. The ACL-RSI, KOOS, SANE Leg, Tegner and IKDC scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean BAS-K score of the knee that underwent surgery was 21.8/50 versus 37.9/50 in the healthy knee (p < 0.05). The SANE leg score was 76.8/100 versus 97.6/100 (p < 0.05). The mean IKDC was 84.17 (±12.7). The mean KOOS was 86.2 (±9.2). The mean ACL-RSI was 70 (±7.9) and the Tegner score was 6.3 (±1.2). Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was satisfactory for the BAS-K score. CONCLUSION: We found that the neuromuscular activation deficit was high (roughly 42%) at more than 3-years of follow-up after ACL reconstruction. The deficit is not limited to the quadriceps and affects the whole limb. Our findings highlight the need for appropriate rehabilitation after ACL surgery, targeting the corticospinal level in particular. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: prognostic retrospective case-control study.

Anterior tibial laxity using the GNRB® device in healthy knees.

BACKGROUND: GRNB® is a non-radiating power tool that allows the evaluation of the anterior tibial translation. HYPOTHESIS: The pressure exerted by the system against the patella and the body mass index (BMI) could affect the anterior tibial translation when we repeat the measurements in healthy knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the measurements of anterior knee laxity in healthy knees carried out by the GNRB® in 69 consecutive patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair in the contralateral knee. Two measurements were carried out, the initial measurements (M1), and then repeated at a mean of seven months (M2) (4.9 to 13months). RESULTS: There were 38 women and 31 men with an average age of 31years. In healthy knees, the Mean average anterior translation was 5.4±4mm with an average patellar force of 35.8 at time M1. The average anterior translation was 4.9±4mm with an average patellar force of 47 at time M2. There was a significant difference between the measurements M1 and M2 (P<0.03). The tightening force was significantly different between the two sets of measurements (P<10-7). There was a negative correlation between the pressure applied on the patella and anterior knee laxity (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The pressure force exerted on the patella during GNRB® affects the measurement of anterior laxity in healthy knees. This raises the problem of the reproducibility of the measurements during repeated examinations at different times.

Results of non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in over 75-year-olds.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the gold-standard treatment of displaced olecranon fracture, but is associated with numerous complications, especially in the elderly. Functional results of non-operative treatment in this population have never been analyzed in a prospective study. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Non-operative treatment of isolated olecranon fracture with stable elbow-joint in over 75-year-olds gives functional results comparable to those of surgery as reported in the literature, with fewer complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study analyzed functional results of non-operative treatment of isolated closed Mayo I and II olecranon fracture with stable elbow, in patients aged ≥75 years. The principal assessment criterion was functional recovery on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and QuickDASH at 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty-two fractures in 21 patients were included. Mean MEPS was 95.26/100 (range, 85-100), and mean QuickDASH 4.3 (range, 0-29.55). Eighteen fractures showed osteoarthritis of the olecranon. There were no cases of elbow instability. There were no complications. DISCUSSION: Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications. TYPE OF STUDY: Single-center prospective observation cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Radiation dose and magnification in pelvic X-ray: EOS™ imaging system versus plain radiographs.

BACKGROUND: In plain pelvic X-ray, magnification makes measurement unreliable. The EOS™ (EOS Imaging, Paris France) imaging system is reputed to reproduce patient anatomy exactly, with a lower radiation dose. This, however, has not been assessed according to patient weight, although both magnification and irradiation are known to vary with weight. We therefore conducted a prospective comparative study, to compare: (1) image magnification and (2) radiation dose between the EOS imaging system and plain X-ray. HYPOTHESIS: The EOS imaging system reproduces patient anatomy exactly, regardless of weight, unlike plain X-ray. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A single-center comparative study of plain pelvic X-ray and 2D EOS radiography was performed in 183 patients: 186 arthroplasties; 104 male, 81 female; mean age 61.3±13.7years (range, 24-87years). Magnification and radiation dose (dose-area product [DAP]) were compared between the two systems in 186 hips in patients with a mean body-mass index (BMI) of 27.1±5.3kg/m2 (range, 17.6-42.3kg/m2), including 7 with morbid obesity. RESULTS: Mean magnification was zero using the EOS system, regardless of patient weight, compared to 1.15±0.05 (range, 1-1.32) on plain X-ray (P<10-5). In patients with BMI<25, mean magnification on plain X-ray was 1.15±0.05 (range, 1-1.25) and, in patients with morbid obesity, 1.22±0.06 (range, 1.18-1.32). The mean radiation dose was 8.19±2.63dGy/cm2 (range, 1.77-14.24) with the EOS system, versus 19.38±12.37dGy/cm2 (range, 4.77-81.75) with plain X-ray (P<10-4). For BMI >40, mean radiation dose was 9.36±2.57dGy/cm2 (range, 7.4-14.2) with the EOS system, versus 44.76±22.21 (range, 25.2-81.7) with plain X-ray. Radiation dose increased by 0.20dGy with each extra BMI point for the EOS system, versus 0.74dGy for plain X-ray. CONCLUSION: Magnification did not vary with patient weight using the EOS system, unlike plain X-ray, and radiation dose was 2.5-fold lower. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, prospective case-control study.

Anatomical knee postero-lateral corner reconstruction: The "Versailles" technique.

Postero-lateral knee instability raises surgical challenges. Of the many available reconstruction techniques, few ensure anatomical reconstruction of the postero-lateral corner (PLC). The "Versailles" technique ensures the anatomical reconstruction of the three main PLC stabilisers (lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteo-fibular ligament) by using either a hamstring autograft or a tendon allograft.

In situ pinning in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: long-term follow-up studies.

BACKGROUND: Management of moderately displaced slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is debated, mostly because of the risks related to open reduction on one hand, and subsequent evolution toward femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) on the other. METHOD: All SCFE cases treated with in situ fixation (ISF) and a minimum of ten years of follow-up beyond skeletal maturity were analysed in a retrospective multicentre study. Coxometry parameters were measured. Long-term results of ISF were meanwhile analysed at our Institution. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included. Patient reported outcome measurements were related to the severity of the initial slip. It suggested a 35.5° threshold for slip angle beyond which FAI was more frequent. Only slight remodelling at the head-neck junction is to be expected. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it seems reasonable to perform ISF only in SCFE with a slip angle below 35°.

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.

Knee extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction following chronic disruption.

The management of chronic extensor mechanism disruption can be complex. One of the options is allograft reconstruction. The goal of this study was to present the surgical procedure and provide preliminary results with this technique. The allograft uses the whole extensor mechanism (anterior tibial tubercle, patellar ligament, patella, quadriceps tendon). The native patella can be completely removed if the quality of the bone is poor, otherwise a bone groovecan be created to receive the allograft. The allograft is tightly tensioned with the knee in full extension. This surgical technique was performed 5 times with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Active extension was recovered in all cases. The mean postoperative KOOS was 55.5 the IKS function score was 68.5 and the IKS knee score was 83.

Complex regional pain syndrome type I in children. Clinical description and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS I) in children differs from its adult counterpart and relevant literature is scarce. Our aim was to investigate potential risk factors and to assess midterm outcome and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of patients diagnosed with CRPS I between 2004 and 2012 were analyzed. Patients and parents were called for a phone interview including the PEDS Quality of Life 4-0 questionnaire. Results were compared to a control group matched for age, gender and socio-economic status. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included (64 girls, 9 boys). Mean age at diagnosis was 11.5 years and mean time to diagnosis was 14.2 months. The lower limb was affected in 89% of cases. Allodynia, coldness and cyanosis were noted in 95%, 81% and of 74% of cases, respectively. Forty-nine percent of patients reported a physical injury. Multivariate analysis showed a strong association with being anxious (OR = 44.9, 95% CI [7.4-273]), presence of an atopic background (OR = 25.0, 95% CI: [4.6-135]), being good to excellent school performers (OR = 8.4 95% CI [1.3-52.1]), and having trouble falling asleep (OR = 5.3, 95% CI [1.6-17.0]). At a mean 37 months' follow-up (12-102), PEDS QL 4-0 score was significantly lower in CRPS patients compared to controls. Fifty-seven percent of patients acknowledged healing and 55% had presented a relapse. CONCLUSION: Childhood onset CRPS I affects predominantly preadolescent girls at the ankle. The present study highlights the relatively poor outcome, especially its physical and emotional aspects and the large role of psychology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

45°-45°-30°Frog-leg radiograph for diagnosing cam-type anterior femoroacetabular impingement: Reproducibility and thresholds.

BACKGROUND: The many radiographic views suggested for evaluating anterior femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), due to a cam effect, are not specific for this condition and have not been proven of diagnostic value in studies, including control groups. Using a new and specific radiographic view, we evaluated the reproducibility of the main radiographic criteria for FAI, determined normal values for these criteria in a control group, and established diagnostic threshold values. HYPOTHESIS: This specific view offers good reproducibility and effectively detects abnormal values of criteria for FAI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility of specific radiographic criteria (αangle and modified head-neck offset [HNO]) were computed from preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 96 hips (75 patients, 61 males and 14 females) using the specific 45°-45°-30° frog-leg view (F45 view). Values in the group with FAI were compared to those in a control group of asymptomatic volunteers (100 hips, 27 males and 23 females). RESULTS: Inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility was very good, with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.955and 0.987, respectively, for the α angle and of 0.895 and 0.984, respectively, for the HNO. Mean values of both parameters differed significantly between the FAI and control groups: 73.9° (53° to 96°) vs. 49.3° (35° to 69°) for the αangle, respectively; and 2.5mm (-4.6 to 9.4) vs. 7.6mm (1.7 to 11.8) for HNO, respectively. The normal values defined as the boundary of the 95% reference interval in the control group were<60.2° for the α angle, and>4.6mm for the HNO. DISCUSSION: The45°-45°-30° frog-leg view is useful for diagnosing FAI due to a cam effect. This view is easy to perform, and the thresholds determined in our study assist in its interpretation: α angle values>58° in females and>63° in males indicate cam-type femoral geometry. In both genders, HNO values<5mm support a diagnosis of anterior FAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

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.

Minimally invasive medial hip approach.

The medial approach to the hip via the adductors, as described by Ludloff or Ferguson, provides restricted visualization and incurs a risk of neurovascular lesion. We describe a minimally invasive medial hip approach providing broader exposure of extra- and intra-articular elements in a space free of neurovascular structures. With the lower limb in a "frog-leg" position, the skin incision follows the adductor longus for 6cm and then the aponeurosis is incised. A slide plane between all the adductors and the aponeurosis is easily released by blunt dissection, with no interposed neurovascular elements. This gives access to the lesser trochanter, psoas tendon and inferior sides of the femoral neck and head, anterior wall of the acetabulum and labrum. We report a series of 56 cases, with no major complications: this approach allows treatment of iliopsoas muscle lesions and resection or filling of benign tumors of the cervical region and enables intra-articular surgery (arthrolysis, resection of osteophytes or foreign bodies, labral suture).

The frequency of sequelae of slipped upper femoral epiphysis in cam-type femoroacetabular impingement.

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is one of the known causes of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of FAI cases considered to be secondary to SUFE-like deformities. We performed a case-control study on 96 hips (75 patients: mean age 38 years (15.4 to 63.5)) that had been surgically treated for FAI between July 2005 and May 2011. Three independent observers measured the lateral view head-neck index (LVHNI) to detect any SUFE-like deformity on lateral hip radiographs taken in 45° flexion, 45° abduction and 30° external rotation. A control group of 108 healthy hips in 54 patients was included for comparison (mean age 36.5 years (24.3 to 53.9). The impingement group had a mean LVHNI of 7.6% (16.7% to -2%) versus 3.2% in the control group (10.8% to -3%) (p < 0.001). A total of 42 hips (43.7%) had an index value > 9% in the impingement group versus only six hips (5.5%) in the control group (p < 0.001). The impingement group had a mean α angle of 73.9° (96.2° to 53.4°) versus 48.2° (65° to 37°) in the control group (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that SUFE is one of the primary aetiological factors for cam-type FAI.

Cryotherapy with dynamic intermittent compression for analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy is a useful adjunctive analgesic measure in patients with postoperative pain following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Either static permanent compression or dynamic intermittent compression can be added to increase the analgesic effect of cryotherapy. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of these two compression modalities combined with cryotherapy in relieving postoperative pain and restoring range of knee motion after ligament reconstruction surgery. HYPOTHESIS: When combined with cryotherapy, a dynamic and intermittent compression is associated with decreased analgesic drug requirements, less postoperative pain, and better range of knee motion compared to static compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of consecutive patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at a single institution over a 3-month period. Both groups received the same analgesic drug protocol. One group was managed with cryotherapy and dynamic intermittent compression (Game Ready(®)) and the other with cryotherapy and static compression (IceBand(®)). RESULTS: Of 39 patients, 20 received dynamic and 19 static compression. In the post-anaesthesia recovery unit, the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score was 2.4 (range, 0-6) with dynamic compression and 2.7 (0-7) with static compression (P=0.3); corresponding values were 1.85 (0-9) vs. 3 (0-8) (P=0.16) after 6 hours and 0.6 (0-3) vs. 1.14 (0-3) (P=0.12) at discharge. The cumulative mean tramadol dose per patient was 57.5mg (0-200mg) with dynamic compression and 128.6 mg (0-250 mg) with static compression (P=0.023); corresponding values for morphine were 0mg vs. 1.14 mg (0-8 mg) (P<0.05). Mean range of knee flexion at discharge was 90.5° (80°-100°) with dynamic compression and 84.5° (75°-90°) with static compression (P=0.0015). CONCLUSION: Dynamic intermittent compression combined with cryotherapy decreases analgesic drug requirements after ACL reconstruction and improves the postoperative recovery of range of knee motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Reduced blood loss with ligation of medial circumflex pedicle during total hip arthroplasty with minimally invasive posterior approach.

A total hip arthroplasty procedure can lead to significant perioperative blood loss due to bleeding from the medial circumflex pedicle. When either the anterior or posterior approach is used, haemostasis of this pedicle, which is typically performed with electrocautery without dissection, can be inadequate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical technique in which the pedicleis is directly ligated. A single-centre, single-surgeon prospective study was performed to compare pedicle ligation to electrocautery (control group). In the ligation group, the pedicle was identified in front of the upper-third of the quadratus femoris and ligated. The mean postoperative blood loss in the ligation group (293.4±34.8 mL) was significantly less than in the control group (419.0±36.8 mL) (P<0.05). Pedicle ligation is a simple procedure that reduces blood loss during total hip arthroplasty.

Percutaneous correction of congenital overlapping fifth toe in paediatric patients.

The various available surgical methods for correcting congenital overlapping fifth toe deformity consistently require a skin plasty step, which can result in complications (necrosis, tight scar, unbecoming appearance). Here, we describe a percutaneous technique involving extensor tenotomy combined with release of the dorso-medial capsule and ligaments. No skin plasty is required. Percutaneous osteotomy of the first phalanx can be performed if needed. From 2006 to 2010, we used this technique in 16 patients (27 toes) with a mean age of 12.6years (range, 6-17years). Mean follow-up at last evaluation was 2.1 years. Osteotomy of the first phalanx was performed for 13 toes. The outcome was very good for 21 toes and good for six toes. No relapses or complications were recorded. This simple and safe technique deserves consideration in children with congenital overlapping fifth toe.