Defects of the sciatic nerve and its divisions treated by direct suturing in 90 degrees knee flexion: report on the first clinical series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional results after treatment of large defects of the sciatic nerve and its divisions by direct nerve suturing in high knee flexion. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in patients treated for lower extremity nerve defects between 2011 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were a defect > 2 cm with a minimal follow-up period of 2 years for the sciatic nerve and 1 year for its divisions. Nerve defects were bridged by an end-to-end suture with the knee flexed at 90° for 6 weeks. Functional results were assessed based on the Medical Research Council's grading system. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with a mean age of 27.6 years were included. They presented with seven sciatic nerve defects and ten division defects, including eight missile injuries. The mean time to surgery was 12.3 weeks and the mean nerve defect length was 5 cm. Overall, 21 nerve sutures were performed, with eight in the tibial distribution and 13 in the fibular distribution. Post-operatively, there was no significant knee stiffness related to the immobilization. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months. Meaningful motor and sensory recovery were observed after 7 of 8 sutures in the tibial distribution and 11 of 13 sutures in the fibular distribution. A functional sural triceps muscle with protective sensibility of the sole was restored in all patients. There were no differences according to the injury mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Temporary knee flexion at 90° allows for direct coaptation of sciatic nerve defects up to 8 cm, with promising results no matter the level or mechanism of injury.

Ballistic peripheral nerve injuries: basic concepts, controversies, and proposal for a management strategy.

Ballistic injuries to peripheral nerves are devastating injuries frequently encountered in modern conflicts and civilian trauma centers. Such injuries often produce lifelong morbidity, mainly in the form of function loss and chronic pain. However, their surgical management still poses significant challenges concerning indication, timing, and type of repair, particularly when they are part of high-energy multi-tissue injuries. To help trauma surgeons, this article first presents basic ballistic concepts explaining different types of missile nerve lesions, described using the Sunderland classification, as well as their usual associated injuries. Current controversies regarding their surgical management are then described, including nerve exploration timing and neurolysis's relevance as a treatment option. Finally, based on anecdotal evidence and a literature review, a standardized management strategy for ballistic nerve injuries is proposed. This article emphasizes the importance of early nerve exploration and provides a detailed method for making a diagnosis in both acute and sub-acute periods. Direct suturing with joint flexion is strongly recommended for sciatic nerve defects and any nerve defect of limited size. Conversely, large defects require conventional nerve grafting, and proximal injuries may require nerve transfers, especially at the brachial plexus level. Additionally, combined or early secondary tendon transfers are helpful in certain injuries. Finally, ideal timing for nerve repair is proposed, based on the defect length, associated injuries, and risk of infection, which correlate intimately to the projectile velocity.

Open Screw Fixation of Large Anterior Glenoid Rim Fractures Using a Deltopectoral Approach With Subscapularis Splitting.

Anterior glenoid rim fracture is a consequence of the humeral head impacting the glenoid fossa. The management of large glenoid fractures involving more than 20% of the articulating glenoid requires surgical treatment. The 2 main techniques are open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) by screws and arthroscopic treatment using suture anchors or transcutaneous screws. Next to the technical equipment, a surgeon requires extensive experience to achieve good results with the arthroscopic technique. The main disadvantage using the ORIF technique is the detachment of the subscapularis muscle, which is often criticized for causing functional deficits of the subscapularis. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of the ORIF technique through a deltopectoral approach and splitting of the subscapularis. To our knowledge, subscapularis splitting has never been described to treat glenoid fractures.

The Masquelet Technique: Can Disposable Polypropylene Syringes be an Alternative to Standard PMMA Spacers? A Rat Bone Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Usually, the two-stage Masquelet induced-membrane technique for extremity reconstruction begins with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement spacer-driven membrane, followed by an autologous cancellous bone graft implanted into the membrane cavity to promote healing of large bone defects. In exceptional cases, spacers made of polypropylene disposable syringes were successfully used instead of the usual PMMA spacers because of a PMMA cement shortage caused by a lack of resources. However, this approach lacks clinical evidence and requires experimental validation before being recommended as an alternative to the conventional technique. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To (1) develop and (2) validate a critical-sized femoral defect model in rats for two stages of the Masquelet technique and to (3) compare the biological and bone healing properties of polypropylene-induced membranes and PMMA-induced membranes in this model. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks old received a 6-mm femur defect, which was stabilized with an external fixator that was converted into an internal device. In the development phase, the defect was filled with PMMA in 16 rats to determine the most favorable timing for bone grafting. Two rats were excluded since they died of anesthetic complications. The other 14 were successively euthanized after 2 weeks (n = 3), 4 weeks (n = 4), 6 weeks (n = 4), and 8 weeks (n = 3) for induced membrane analyses. In the validation phase, 12 rats underwent both stages of the procedure using a PMMA spacer and were randomly assigned to two groups, whether the induced membrane was preserved or removed before grafting. To address our final objective, we implanted either polypropylene or PMMA spacers into the defect (Masquelet technique Stage 1; n = 11 rats per group) for the period established by the development phase. In each group, 6 of 11 rats were euthanized to compare the biological properties of polypropylene-induced membranes and PMMA-induced membranes using histological qualitative analysis, semiquantitative assessment of the bone morphogenic protein-2 content by immunostaining, and qualitative assessment of the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC; CD31-, CD45-, CD90+, and CD73+ phenotypes) content by flow cytometry. Quantitative measurements from serum bone turnover markers were also performed. The five remaining rats of each group were used for Masquelet technique Stage 2, in which rat bone allografts were implanted in the induced membrane cavity after the polypropylene or PMMA spacers were removed. These rats recovered for 10 weeks before being euthanized for microCT quantitative measurements and bone histology qualitative assessment to evaluate and compare the extent of bone regeneration between groups. RESULTS: Induced membrane analyses together with serum bone turnover measurements indicated that a 4-week interval time between stages was the most favorable. Removal of the induced membrane before grafting led to almost constant early implant failures with poor bone formation. Four-week-old rats with polypropylene-triggered induced membranes displayed similar histologic organization as rats with PMMA-driven induced membranes, without any difference in the cell density of the extracellular matrix (4933 ± 916 cells per mm2 for polypropylene versus 4923 ± 1284 cells per mm2 for PMMA; p = 0.98). Induced membrane-derived MSCs were found in both groups with no difference (4 of 5 with polypropylene versus 3 of 3 with PMMA; p > 0.99). Induced membrane bone morphogenic protein-2 immunolabeling and serum bone turnover marker levels were comparable between the polypropylene and PMMA groups. MicroCT analysis found that bone regeneration in the polypropylene group seemed comparable with that in the PMMA group (29 ± 26 mm3 for polypropylene versus 24 ± 18 mm3 for PMMA; p > 0.99). Finally, qualitative histological assessment revealed a satisfactory endochondral ossification maturation in both groups. CONCLUSION: Using a critical-sized femoral defect model in rats, we demonstrated that polypropylene spacers could induce membrane encapsulation with histologic characteristics and bone regenerative capacities that seem like those of PMMA spacers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In a same bone site, polymers with close physical properties seem to lead to similar foreign body reactions and induce encapsulating membranes with comparable bone healing properties. Polypropylene spacers made from disposable syringes could be a valuable alternative to PMMA. These results support the possibility of a cementless Masquelet technique in cases of PMMA shortage caused by a lack of resources.

Extremity soft tissue coverage in the combat zone: use of pedicled flap transfers by the deployed orthopedic surgeon.

BACKGROUND: In theaters of operation, military orthopedic surgeons have to deal with complex open extremity injuries and perform soft-tissue reconstruction on local patients who cannot be evacuated. Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes and discuss practical issues regarding the use of pedicled flap transfers performed in the combat zone on local national patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on data from patients treated by a single orthopedic surgeon during four tours in Chad, Afghanistan and Mali between 2010 and 2017. All pedicled flap transfers performed on extremity soft-tissue defects were included, and two groups were analyzed: combat-related injuries (CRIs) and non-combat related injuries (NCRIs). RESULTS: Forty-one patients with a mean age of 25.6 years were included. In total, 46 open injuries required flap coverage: 19 CRIs and 27 NCRIs. Twenty of these injuries were infected. The mean number of prior debridements was significantly higher in the CRIs group. Overall, 63 pedicled flap transfers were carried out: 15 muscle flaps, 35 local fasciocutaneous flaps and 13 distant fasciocutaneous flaps. The flap types used did not differ for CRIs or NCRIs. Complications included one flap failure, one partial flap necrosis and six deep infections. At the mean follow-up time of 71 days, limb salvage had been successful in 38 of the 41 cases. There were no significant differences between CRIs and NCRIs in terms of endpoint assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfying results can be achieved by simple pedicled flaps performed by orthopedic surgeons deployed in forward surgical units. Most complications were related to failure of bone infection treatment. The teaching of such basic reconstructive procedures should be part of the training for any military orthopedic surgeon. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on January 2019 (n°2019-090 1-001).

Masquelet technique for open tibia fractures in a military setting.

PURPOSE: The induced membrane technique (IMT) is a two-stage procedure dedicated to reconstruction of bone defects of the limbs. The objective of this report was to evaluate employment of the IMT for the treatment of open tibia fractures managed in a military trauma center treating both wartime and peacetime injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed among the patients treated via IMT for tibial bone defects related to open fractures between 2009 and 2018. The outcomes recorded included bone union, residual infection, amputation and lower limb function. RESULTS: During this period, 15 patients with a mean age of 39 years were included for the treatment of Gustilo II (2 cases) or Gustilo IIIB (13 cases) injuries. A mean number of 2.9 debridements were required before stage 1. Flap coverage was associated in 14 cases. The mean interval between stages was 22 weeks. Five patients were re-operated on after stage 1 due to persistent infection. The mean follow-up was 33 months. Bone union was achieved in 13 of the 15 cases (87%) at a mean time of 10.1 months. However, seven additional bone healing procedures were required, including six inter-tibiofibular grafting. Only one late septic recurrence was found. Most patients returned to work in sedentary jobs. CONCLUSIONS: This series is the first to report IMT use in a military setting. The prior eradication of infection constitutes a major challenge in tibial bone defects, especially in high-energy, multi-tissue injuries. An inter-tibiofibular bone reconstruction approach is required when external fixation is chosen.

Risk factors and failures in the management of limb injuries in combat casualties.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of war wounds is based on a sequential surgical strategy, which frequently faces therapeutic failures, which then burden the final functional result. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of failure of the different treatments to prevent the therapeutic failure. METHODS: A monocentric case-control study was done on French war-wounded soldiers treated for an open fracture caused by an invasive war weapon. The primary end point was the treatment failure three months after the injury. The risk factors of failure studied were the traumatic mechanism, the general and local lesional assessment, and the surgery performed. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2016, 57 soldiers were included, with an average follow-up of 3.42 years. On 81 limb segments studied, the most injured segment was the leg (37.0%). A vital or urgent surgery requirement (OR = 1.56; p = 0.02) and bone loss substance (OR = 5.45; CI95% = 1.54-20.09) were risk factors of failure for limb salvage treatment. Improvised explosive device traumatic mechanism (OR = 1.56; p = 0.02) and the persistence of surgical site contamination after two debridement procedures (OR = 1.20; p = 0.04) were risk factors of failure for amputation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Two main risk factors of treatment failure are highlighted: those in relation to traumatic mechanisms and general lesional assessment and those in relation to surgical site conditions. There is no over risk of failure in relation to surgical procedure and treatment.

Missile Injury of the Sciatic Nerve: Observational Study Supporting Early Exploration and Direct Suture With Flexed Knee.

Missile injuries of the sciatic nerve are frequently encountered in modern violent conflicts. Gunshot and fragment wounds may cause large nerve defects, for which management is challenging. The great size of the sciatic nerve, in both diameter and length, explains the poor results of nerve repair using autografts or allografts. To address this issue, we used a simple technique consisting of a direct suture of the sciatic nerve combined with knee flexion for 6 weeks. Despite a published series showing that this procedure gives better results than sciatic nerve grafting, it remains unknown or underutilized. The purpose of this cases study is to highlight the efficiency of direct sciatic nerve coaptation with knee flexed through three cases with missile injuries at various levels. At the follow-up of two years, all patients were pain free with a protective sensory in the sole and M3+ or M4 gastrocnemius muscles, regardless of the injury level. Recovery was also satisfying in the fibular portion, except for the very proximal lesion. No significant knee stiffness was noticed, including in a case suffering from an associated distal femur fracture. Key points to enhance functional recovery are early nerve repair (as soon as definitive bone fixation and stable soft-tissue coverage are achieved) and careful patient selection.

Initial management of complex hand injuries in military or austere environments: how to defer and prepare for definitive repair?

INTRODUCTION: The damage control orthopedics (DCO) concept is a sequential surgical management strategy indicated when ideal primary treatment is not possible or suitable. DCO principles are routinely applied to hand traumas in wartime practice, but could also be useful in a civilian setting when immediate specialized management cannot be carried out. METHODS: The authors report three typical observations of soldiers treated for a complex hand trauma on the field by orthopedic surgeons from the French Military Health Service (FMHS). Application of the hand DCO concept is analyzed and discussed considering the literature and the FMHS experience. RESULTS: With regards to treating the hand, DCO necessitates a meticulous debridement with precise wound assessment, the frequent use of a primary definitive internal fixation by K-wires, and the possibility of a temporary coverage. These simple and fast procedures help avoid infection and prepare the hand for secondary repair. CONCLUSION: Hand DCO can be applied by any surgeon in various situations: in association with polytrauma, complex injuries requiring multiple reconstructions, or delayed transfer to a specialized center.