Functional outcome of patients with unstable pelvic ring fracture.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that correlated with unsatisfactory short- and long-term outcome in patients who sustained unstable pelvic ring fracture. The study subjects of this study were those of type B and C pelvic ring fractures (82 patients; mean age 54 years). Age, gender, associated injuries, fracture type, Injury Severity Score rating and treatment methods were assessed, and Majeed score for functional outcome and radiographic studies at 1 year after injury (short-term) and at final follow-up (long-term), with mean follow-up of 98 months were analyzed. Significant univariate factors ( p < 0.05) were entered in a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the independent predictors of unsatisfactory functional outcome. Univariate analysis showed that fractures of the lower extremity, nerve damage, conservative treatment, and radiological outcome correlated with unsatisfactory short-term functional outcome, while female gender, brain injury, nerve damage, conservative treatment, fracture location at the posterior portion of pelvic ring, radiological outcome, and pure sacroiliac dislocation only for type C fracture correlated with unsatisfactory long-term outcome. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified fractures of the lower extremity (odds ratio (OR): 5.364), conservative treatment (OR: 13.690), and nerve damage (OR: 21.392) as determinants of unsatisfactory short-term functional outcome and nerve damage (OR: 66.926) and poor radiological results (OR: 33.944) as determinant of long-term functional outcome. In patients with unstable pelvic ring injury, fractures of the lower extremity, conservative therapy, and nerve damage influenced short-term functional outcome, while that nerve damage and the pelvic ring displacement over 20 mm negatively affected long-term outcome.

Reconstruction of acetabulum in revision total hip arthroplasty for pelvic discontinuity: report of a difficult case requiring four revision arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Massive bone defects of the acetabulum with pelvic discontinuity are one of the major problems in revision total hip arthroplasty. Several techniques have been described for repair of acetabular defect; however, reconstruction of acetabulum with massive bone defect is still a major problem. We describe a patient who required four revision total hip arthroplasty during a 24-year period. FINDINGS: The acetabulum with pelvic discontinuity was successfully reconstructed by stabilization of the posterior column with a plate commonly used for fracture treatment, and stabilization of the anterior column by reinforcement device commonly used for acetabular reconstruction. Fixation of both acetabular columns provided significant improvement of component stability. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of pelvic discontinuity with massive acetabular bone defect, reconstruction by stabilizing both acetabular columns using reconstruction plate and KT plate is one of the better surgical options.

Long-term clinical outcome of acetabular cup revision surgery: comparison of cemented cups, cementless cups, and cemented cups with reinforcement devices.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes and Kaplan-Meier survivorship of patients who underwent revision surgeries of the acetabular cup that had sustained aseptic loosening. We reviewed 101 consecutive patients (120 hips; 10 men 11 hips; 91 women 109 hips; age at surgery 66 years; range 45-85) who underwent acetabular component revision surgery, at a follow-up period of 15.6 years (range 10-32). To evaluate the state of the acetabulum, acetabular bony defects were classified according to the AAOS classification based on intraoperative findings: type I (segmental deficiencies n = 24 hips), type II (cavity deficiency n = 48), type III (combined deficiency n = 46), and type IV (pelvic discontinuity n = 2). The Harris hip score improved from 42.5 ± 10.8 (mean ± SD) before surgery to 74.9 ± 14.6 points at follow-up. The survival rates of the acetabular revision surgery with cemented, cementless, and cemented cups plus reinforcement devices were 74, 66, and 82 %, respectively. The difference in the survival rate between the cemented and cementless group was marginal (p = 0.048 Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon, p = 0.061 log-rank), probably due to the early-stage failure cases in the cementless group. The cementless and reinforcement groups included nine early-stage failure cases. To prevent early-stage failure, we recommend the cementless cups for types I and II acetabular bone defects with adequate contact between host bone and acetabular component, and the cemented cup with or without reinforcement devices, together with restoration of bone stock by impaction or structured bone grafting, for cases lacking such contact.

Fracture of the acetabulum: a retrospective review of ninety-one patients treated at a single institution.

Acetabular fracture result in fairly good outcome after the anatomic reduction in the displaced fracture fragments and damaged joint structure, but some patients will inevitably suffer from hip joint problems during their courses after the insult. We retrospectively reviewed 91 patients with acetabular fractures to investigate the causes of clinical failure and relationship among the fracture types, selected treatment options and their courses. Ninety-one patients (73 men and 18 women) with an average age of 49 years (range 18-80) at the time of injury were followed up for an average of 8.6 years (range 2-18). Judet-Letournel classification of fracture type and Matta's rating regimen of functional and radiographic patient' assessment were conducted. Conservative treatment was provided in 20 patients, in which 19 attained excellent/good, and one fair clinical results. All achieved excellent/good radiographic outcome. Surgically treated patients (n = 71) with critical dislodgement of the fracture fragment showed that 64 (90%) attained excellent/good and 7 (10%) fair/poor clinical outcomes. Sixty-three (89%) attained excellent/good and 8 (11%) fair/poor postoperative radiographic outcome. Five patients with poor radiographic outcome after surgery subsequently required total hip arthroplasty, due to the development of hip joint osteoarthritis in 3 and femoral head avascular necrosis in 2. We conclude that displacement of the joint surface should be reduced to less than 3 mm in accordance with the selection of the most appropriate surgical approach for open reduction/fixation in each fracture type; however, comminuted fracture and avascular necrosis of the femoral head may be the cause of poor clinical results.

Dislocated intra-articular femoral head fracture associated with fracture-dislocation of the hip and acetabulum: report of 12 cases and technical notes on surgical intervention.

This report describes case series of the femoral head fractures associated with fracture-dislocation of the hip joint to evaluate the mid- and long-term outcomes and to highlight the surgical technique of fixation of the femoral head from the posterior trochanteric flip osteotomy approach. Twelve patients (6 men and 6 women) with dislocated femoral head fractures (mean age at the time of injury, 56 years; range, 23-80) were followed up for mean period of 9.7 years (range, 5-20). All dislocations were reduced within less than 6 h after the injury. The type of femoral head fracture was classified according to the Pipkin classification on radiographs and CT. Five patients were classified as type I, 2 as type II, 2 as type III, and 3 as type IV. The clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed by Thompson and Epstein's regimen. Excluding 2 patients with Pipkin type III, the outcome of 9 patients was excellent/good, and poor in 1. The latter patient sustained Pipkin type IV and developed osteoarthritis 1 year after surgery and consequently required total hip arthroplasty. We conclude that small fragment of the femoral head less than 1 cm can be removed, while larger fragments should be fixed by bioabsorbable screws or pins in all types of femoral head fractures. In Pipkin type IV fractures, surgeons should always take anatomical reduction in the acetabulum into consideration during surgery.

Modified metaphyseal-loading anterolaterally flared anatomic femoral stem: five- to nine-year prospective follow-up evaluation and results of three-dimensional finite element analysis.

We have designed a proximal-fitting, anterolaterally flared, arc-deposit hydroxyapatite-coated anatomical femoral stem (FMS-anatomic stem; KYOCERA Medical, Osaka, Japan) for cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Japanese patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis, using a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis simulating loading conditions. The Anatomic Fit stem was modified in the region of the arc-sprayed surface, to allow more proximal appearance of spot welds. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent THA using this stem. We reviewed 73 consecutive patients (79 hips; 13 men 16 hips; 60 women 63 hips; age at surgery, 57.6 years, range, 35-78) who underwent cementless THA using the Anatomic Fit stem, at a follow-up period of 7.1 years (range, 5.1-9.4). Harris Hip score improved from 40.7 ± 17.1 before surgery to 91.0 ± 5.2 points at follow-up. The 7.1-year stem survival rate was 100%. Radiographs at follow-up confirmed the stability of the femoral stems within the femoral canal in all cases, with sufficient bone ingrowth. None of the patients had subsidence of the stem exceeding 2.0 mm within the femoral canal or changes in varus or valgus position of more than 2.0°. The Anatomic Fit stem provided excellent results. The nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis demonstrated that the stem-bone relative motion was 10 µm at the proximal end of the stem and proximal load transfer. Our analysis confirmed reduced radiolucency around the stem, minimal subsidence, appropriate stress shielding, and promising medium-term stability within the femoral canal.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in stump of amputated finger in a patient with resected glossal SCC.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hands and fingers are sometimes locally aggressive; with higher rates of regional metastasis than other cutaneous SCC, although distant metastasis is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 62-year-old Japanese man with double cancers: a tongue SCC and a cutaneous SCC. Swelling of the finger lesion developed gradually around the entire remaining middle finger after accidental amputation at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Histopathological examination of the tumor on the stump of the amputated finger indicated a well-differentiated SCC. The past history indicated surgery for SCC of the tongue 3 years earlier; with histopathology of moderately-differentiated SCC. CONCLUSION: Since dedifferentiation is unlikely in metastatic tumors, the cutaneous SCC of the finger is unlikely to have originated from the tongue SCC. Alternatively, the double cancer may be two unrelated lesions or the tongue tumor could have originated from the cutaneous SCC.

Retroperitoneal hematoma with bone resorption around the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular complications related to cup-fixating screws penetrating the medial acetabular wall during total hip arthroplasty are not uncommon but rarely are associated with serious adverse events in the late post-operative period. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 77-year-old Japanese woman who developed progressive extensive bone resorption and large hematoma in the acetabulum 13 years after total hip arthroplasty. On admission to our hospital, she was on oral warfarin (1.5mg/day) for atrial fibrillation. About 5 months after the initiation of anticoagulant therapy, she suffered a major fall followed by massive subcutaneous and pelvic girdle bleeding, predominantly on the medial side of the right thigh, but a fracture or damage of total hip arthroplasty was not evident on an emergency orthopedic evaluation. One year after the accident, a routine follow-up examination showed an asymptomatic osteolytic lesion in the acetabulum on the right pelvis, and 2 years later our patient noticed progressive pain in her right hip during walking. A large osteolytic lesion was noted in the right acetabulum on a plain radiograph. On high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a huge granulomatous lesion in the acetabulum was suggestive of chronic hematoma in intrapelvic and extrapelvic gluteal regions. A closer computed tomography examination showed that one of the screws used for fixation of the acetabular component in the total hip arthroplasty had penetrated the acetabular bone and had reached the pelvic cavity. Surgery was performed in a single session by means of two approaches: anterior midline transperitoneal address to resect the low-density mass lesion followed by posterolateral acetabular implant re-settlement. CONCLUSIONS: Though rare, total hip arthroplasty-related late vascular complications could be serious and potentially affect the limb and quality of life.

Chronic expanding hematoma of the thigh.

Hematomas following surgery or trauma usually resolve without complications. In some instances, for reasons that are not completely understood, hematoma formation is followed by slow expansion of the mass. The large fluid collection is surrounded by a pseudocapsule and fibrous tissue, and present months or years after the original insult, as chronic expanding hematoma. In this case study, we present a rare case of chronic expanding hematoma in an 84-year-old woman. The patient noted a painful swelling in the posteromedial aspect of the lower thigh, and recalled a bump to the left knee 64 years earlier. The lesion was successfully resected, with a preoperative presumptive diagnosis of organized hematoma, although the clinical findings were suggestive of malignancy. We describe the radiological findings, discuss the differential diagnosis.

Metaphyseal-loading anterolaterally-flared femoral stem in cementless total hip arthroplasty: five- to eleven-year follow-up evaluation.

Using a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis simulating loading conditions, we designed a new type of proximal-fitting, anterolaterally-flared, arc-deposit hydroxyapatite-coated anatomical femoral stem (FMS-anatomic stem; Japan Medical Materials, Osaka, Japan) for cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Japanese patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the new stem. We reviewed 143 consecutive patients (164 hips; 13 men, 14 hips; 130 women, 150 hips; age at surgery, 56.6 +/- 7.6 years, mean +/- SD, range, 30-74) who underwent cementless THA using the FMS-anatomic stem at a single institution, with a follow-up period of 7.6 +/- 1.6 years (range, 5.3-11.0). Harris Hip score improved from 46.1 +/- 12.6 before surgery to 90.0 +/- 8.9 points post-THA. The 7.6-year survival rate of the stem was 99.0% after revision for aseptic loosening. Radiographs at follow-up confirmed the stability of the femoral stems within the femoral canal in all cases, with sufficient bone ingrowth. None of the patients had subsidence of the stem exceeding 2.0 mm within the femoral canal or changes in varus or valgus position of more than 2.0 degrees . The FMS-anatomic stem provided excellent results in patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis. Our analysis confirmed reduced radiolucency around the stem in Gruen zones, minimal subsidence, appropriate stress shielding, and promising medium-term stability within the femoral canal in our patients.

Intraneural blood flow analysis during an intraoperative Phalen's test in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Phalen's test has been one of the most significant of clinical signs when making a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, it is unknown whether intraneural blood flow changes during Phalen's test in patients with CTS. In this study, an intraoperative Phalen's test was conducted in patients with CTS to observe the changes in intraneural blood flow using a laser Doppler flow meter. During Phalen's test, intraneural blood flow showed a sharp decrease, which lasted for 1 min. Intraneural blood flow decreased by 56.7%-100% (average, 78.0%) in the median nerve relative to the blood flow before the test. At 1 min after completing the test, intraneural blood flow returned to the baseline value. After carpal tunnel release, there was no marked decrease in intraneural blood flow. This study demonstrated that the blood flow in the median nerve is reduced when Phalen's test is performed in vivo.

Direct detection of pathogens in osteoarticular infections by polymerase chain reaction amplification and microarray hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Molecular biological techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA microarray are used for the detection/identification of microorganisms; however, few reports have discussed the clinical utility of microarray analysis for identification of causative organisms of osteoarticular infections. It is important to examine the utility of PCR amplification followed by analysis of DNA microarray carrying specific oligonucleotides. METHODS: This study included 101 biological samples obtained from 96 patients who underwent conservative and/or surgical treatment for osteoarticular infections. In this double-blind comparative study, routine conventional testing and the research groups were unaware of each other's interpretation until identical specimens were identified by culture and microarray analysis. RESULTS: Results of PCR microarray analysis were positive for 25 samples and negative for the remaining 76 samples within 24 h, and the results of the cultures (available after a mean of 3.54 days) were positive in 26 samples and negative for the remaining 75 samples. The sensitivity of microarray analysis was 84.6% (22/26) and specificity was 88.0% (22/25). Discrepant results were identified in seven samples, including a negative culture and a positive microarray in three cases and a positive culture and a negative microarray in four other cases. CONCLUSIONS: The PCR microarray analysis is complementary to routine cultures in identifying causative microorganisms and should be used in patients with highly suspected infections and negative bacterial culture and in patients who require prompt diagnosis and early initiation of antibiotic therapy.

Physical limitations to tissue engineering of intervertebral disc cells: effect of extracellular osmotic change on glycosaminoglycan production and cell metabolism. Laboratory investigation.

OBJECT: In this study, the authors examined how physiological levels of extracellular osmolality influence proteoglycan accumulation in nucleus pulposus cells in a 3D culture system. METHODS: Cells were isolated from the nucleus pulposus of caudal discs obtained from 18- to 24-month-old bovines. They were cultured for 6 days in alginate beads at 4 million cells/ml in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium containing 6% fetal bovine serum under 21% O2. Medium osmolality was altered by NaCl addition between 270 and 570 mOsm and monitored using a freezing point osmometer. The cell viability profile was determined by manual counting after trypan blue staining. Profiles across intact beads were determined by manual counting by using fluorescent probes and a transmission electron microscope. Lactate production was measured enzymatically, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation was measured using a dimethylmethylene blue assay. Rate of sulfate GAG synthesis was measured using a standard [35S]sulfate radioactive method. RESULTS: The cell viability was similar for the high- and low-osmolality cultures. However, confocal microscopy showed that the cells were the largest at 270 mOsm and became smaller with increasing osmotic pressure. The GAG production was largest at 370 mOsm, the capacity for GAG production and cell metabolism (lactate production) was low under hypoosmolality and hyperosmolality, and cell death was observed on electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' model, the prevailing osmolality was a powerful regulator of GAG accumulation by cultured nucleus cells. Thus, these results indicate that GAG synthesis rates are regulated by GAG concentration, with implications both for the cause of degeneration and for tissue engineering.

Microvascular system of anterior cruciate ligament in dogs.

This study was done to investigate the microvascular system of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using dogs. The objective was to study the microvascular architecture and the status of the barrier function of the capillary wall in the ACL by using microangiogram, scanning (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The vascular system in the ACL has been intensively studied by a number of researchers, using several microangiographic techniques in dogs, rabbits, and humans. However, most of these microangiographic studies had significant shortcomings, including the lack of three-dimensional observations and function of the blood-joint barrier in the ACL. In this study, the microstructure of the ACL was examined using microangiogram, SEM, and TEM. We investigated the vasculature of the ACL with SEM of vascular corrosion casts. In addition, we examined the status of the barrier function of the capillary wall in the ACL using the protein tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Feeding vessels of the ligament were predominantly coming from the synovial-derived vessels originating from the synovium attached to the ligament near the tibial and femoral bone insertions of the ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament was surrounded by synovium, which had abundant vessels. The branches of these synovial vessels were penetrating into the ligament and making the intrinsic vascular network. It was also ascertained under SEM that the perivascular space around the intrinsic vessels were communicating through the intrinsic ligament fiber bundles and the mesh-like synovial membrane. The capillaries in the ACL were all of the continuous type under TEM. The protein tracer that was injected into the joint space passed through the synovial membrane and entered into the capillary lumen in the ACL, but the tracer that was injected intravenously did not appear in the perivascular space. The existence of a blood-ACL barrier does not necessarily imply the existence of an ACL-blood barrier. We think that the blood flow in the ACL is definitely affected by the status of joint fluid and these barriers of endothelium. The clinical relevance of the fine vascular anatomy of the ACL in trauma surgery is considered. This deserves further consideration.

Dynamic analysis of the resultant force acting on the hip joint during level walking.

The present study was designed to determine the resultant force acting on the hip joint during walking using a new dynamic analysis method. Our model utilized joint motion, ground reaction force, and muscle strength data from 18 women (6 normal women aged 20-24 years, 6 normal women aged 50-57 years, and 6 female patients with osteoarthritis, aged 50-66 years). We analyzed the resultant force using the multibody dynamic analysis system. To determine the factors that influence the force acting on the hip, we examined the effect of age and total hip arthroplasty. The maximum resultant force acting on the femoral head was dependent on the subject body weight and correlated with muscle strength and walking speed. The results of this study highlight the agreement between computer simulation analysis and actual measurement of the resultant force acting on the hip. Our results suggest that muscle strength and walking speed are significant determinants of the resultant force acting on the hip.

[Blood circulation of cauda equina and nerve root].

It is generally considered that the genesis of radiculopathy associated with pathologic conditions of the spine, such as lumbar disc herniaton and lumbarl canal stenosis, may result from both mechanical compression and vascular problems. In this article, we have reviewed about the blood circulation of cauda equina and nerve root under normal and pathologic conditions.

Relation between vertical orientation and stability of acetabular component in the dysplastic hip simulated by nonlinear three-dimensional finite element method.

In acetabular dysplasia, more vertical orientation of the acetabular component is often used to minimize the superolateral bone grafting. This study was designed to determine the effects of vertical orientation of the cup on the stability and polyethylene wear of the acetabular component in uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). Three-dimensional finite element models of the hemipelvis with dysplastic acetabulum were developed. Metal-backed hemispherical cups were placed in the true acetabulum with abduction angles of 35, 45, 55, and 65 degrees. It was found that more vertical orientation of the cup was associated with larger relative motion of the metal shell between the acetabulum and metal shell. Furthermore, tilting and torsional shear stresses in the model of the cup abduction angle of 65 degrees were found to be 1.7 times larger than that in the model with 35 degrees at the bone-metal shell interface. More vertically oriented cups caused larger contact stresses at the articulating surfaces of the polyethylene liners. The results suggest that the abduction angle of the acetabular component significantly influences cup loosening and polyethylene wear in THA.