Establishing a bone bank within a hospital setting in India: early insights from a tertiary care center in Northern India-a review article.

When addressing bone defects resulting from trauma, infection, or tumors, the use of allogenic bone is often necessary. While autografts are considered the standard, they have limitations and can lead to donor site morbidity. Consequently, there has been exploration into the feasibility of utilizing allogenic bone and bone graft replacements. Allogenic bone transplants are acquired from donors following rigorous procurement, sterile processing, and donor screening procedures. To ensure the safe storage and effective utilization of allograft material, a bone banking system is employed. Establishing and managing an orthopedic bone bank, entails navigating complex legal and medical organizational aspects. This paper examines the establishment and operation of bone banks in India, drawing upon our first-hand experience in managing one at a tertiary care center in Northern India.Level of evidence: Level IV.

Does commonly used femoral components of total knee arthroplasty fit well in the Indian population?

Background: 20 % of patients remain dissatisfied post-Total Knee Arthroplasty. We intend to find the correlation between sizes of commonly used femoral components and morphometric data of distal femur in Indian population. Materials and methods: Prospective observational study in 178 knees (178 individuals) was conducted on Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (Axial section). The anteroposterior dimension at intercondylar notch (AP), anteroposterior dimension on the medial (MAP) and lateral (LAP) femoral condyle, total mediolateral width (ML), width of medial condyle (MLM), lateral condyle (MLL) and intercondylar distance (ICD) and aspect ratio (AR) were measured on males and females separately. These measurements were then analyzed keeping in view the available sizes of three latest knee arthroplasty systems (Attune CR, Next Gen II, Genesis II) to look for correlation and best fitting system. Results: On observation between values of male and female femur, a significant difference was seen in all the parameters (p-value<0.0001) except ICD (p-value 0.6591). On scatter plots, Attune was found to be nearer to the line of best fit compared to other two implant companies in both males and females. Outliers were highest in cases of NextGen II (45 % in males and 46 % in females) whereas it was lowest in the case of Attune (12.5 %in males and 41 % in females). Conclusion: Attune CR was seen to fit best in the Indian population followed by Genesis II and NextGen II. These femoral implants are designed as per the sizes of the Western population and the Caucasians are oversized for the Indian subcontinent, especially female patients, thus needing improvement in design/sizes. Level of evidence: III.

Computed tomography-based morphometric analysis of normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in the Indian population.

BACKGROUND: In suspected Ankle Instability, the parameters that can be defined in the X-ray have their limitation owing to their variability in positioning and rotation of the tibiofibular joint. This inaccuracy further increases due to variability in morphometric parameters of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis among different populations based on race and sex. This research aims to study morphometry of normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis based on computed tomography imaging in the Indian population. METHODS: An Prospective observational study was performed from December 2020 to October 2022 on normal ankle CT scans of 100 Indian population using axial, sagittal, and coronal CT images. Anterior and posterior tibiofibular distance, Morphology of the incisura fibularis based on depth, Tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) and tibiofibular overlap (TFO), Transverse and longitudinal length of the fibula, and Relationship between the center of the talus and the center of a line joining the outer aspect of malleoli in the coronal plane were measured and analyzed by two different observers. RESULTS: Out of the 100 participants, 77 (77 %) were male, and 23 (23 %) were female. The overall mean age of participants was 34.69 ± 9.7 years. The incisura fibularis was concave in 54 %, and shallow in 46 %. Anterior tibiofibular distance, Posterior tibiofibular distance, and Tibiofibular overlap were significantly different in comparison to the male with female populations (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study gives the indices that describe normal variations in the anatomical relationship between the fibula and fibular incisure in the Indian population, which will be helpful for improving the diagnostic accuracy of distal tibiofibular syndesmoses and providing optimal treatment in order to improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Arthroscopic release and decortication provide earlier return to work with similar patient satisfaction compared to continued intensive conservative therapy for recalcitrant tennis elbow: a retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Tennis elbow management has primarily been conservative over the years with over 90% of the cases being managed conservatively. Surgical intervention may be necessary only for symptomatic recalcitrant cases of tennis elbow cases. However, there are gaps in the literature when it comes to comparison of the return to pre-operative return to their work and level of activities among patients who undergo arthroscopic management and those who receive conservative management. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to compare 23 patients receiving continued intensive conservative (CIC) management in group 1 with 24 patients undergoing arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and lateral epicondyle decortication (ARD) in group 2. The study had a minimum follow-up period of 3.5 years. The researchers compared the groups in terms of return to work (RTW) at the same intensity or lower level and any changes in their previous work. Objective grip strength and patient-reported outcome measures, such as post-intervention satisfaction level (rated on a scale of 0-100) and visual analog scale (VAS) for residual elbow pain, were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Return to work (RTW) occurred significantly earlier in group 2 (mean 6.13 months) compared to group 1 (mean 4.64 months), and a greater number of patients in group 2 (13/24, 54.2%) were able to return to the same of work. Although not statistically significant, the ARD group exhibited comparable patient satisfaction (p = 0.62) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for residual elbow pain (p = 0.67). Grip strength was comparable (p = 0.084, 0.121) between the affected and unaffected sides of the bilateral upper extremities and among both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: The use of ARD for RTE (recalcitrant tennis elbow) indicates a significantly earlier return to work (RTW) at the same or lower intensity level compared to the standard CIC therapy protocol. Objective grip strength was comparable to the non-affected side and among the two groups of patients receiving two different management modalities. Comparable patient-reported satisfaction and residual lateral elbow pain were also noted among both the groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective, comparative study, level III.

Articulated lengthening fixation apparatus (ALFA) for the management of gap non-union of distal femur: Initial experience on a new technique.

Purpose: Distal femur non-union is difficult to deal with because of limited or no bone stock left for holding pins. Also, knee range of motion is a major concern in case of distal femur non-union to deal with. ALFA is a new modality of definitive external fixator with limited literatures. This paper aims to present the series of cases of gap non-union of the distal femur managed with an ALFA fixator and their outcome as an initial experience on a new device. Methods: Eight patients of gap non-union distal femurs where the ALFA fixator application was done between January 2022 to June 2022 were evaluated. Patients with intra-operative bone gap <5 cm were acutely docked and >5 cm were left as it is as a bon gap and gradual distraction was done to achieve bone gap length and limb length discrepancy. Patients were assessed for functional, radiological, and clinical outcomes, at the time of surgery, completion of distraction, and completion of consolidation. The scores from our study were compared with the Ilizarov and mono-lateral fixator with the available data. Results: Eight patients managed with ALFA fixator had mean age of 32.12 ± 6.82 years. The mean limb length discrepancy at the time of operation was 5.25 ± 3.11 cm, with Intra-operative bone gap of 4.68 ± 3.47 cm where 5 patients managed with acute docking and 3 patient managed with leaving the bone-gap. The mean regenerate gained after distraction was 9 ± 4.63 cm at the mean distraction duration of 113.37 ± 67.34 days. The mean time of removal of the fixator (n = 5), was 203 ± 111 days, and the mean external fixator index, days/cm (n = 5) was 34 days/cm. The number of complications per patient was 0.25 per patient. The Mean residual LLD was, 0.43 ± 0.58, with significant improvement of Limb Length compared to pre-operative LLD with a p-value of 0.0014. Conclusion: ALFA fixator for gap non-union as an alternative to Ilizarov, and LRS provides adequate distraction osteogenesis, less neurovascular complication due to pins, better patient tolerability, and user-friendly distraction of the distal femur with preserved knee range of motion. Level of evidence: III.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Tear Associated with an Intra-articular Axial Spilt Osteochondral Fracture of the Lateral Femoral Condyle: a "Knee Trap-door" Fracture.

Introduction: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) prevents lateral dislocation of the patella and acts as a major stabilizer. The tear could be associated with osteochondral avulsion fractures; however, intra-articular split fractures are not seen. Here, we present one unusual case of such a presentation. Case Report: A 16-year-old male presented with a history of recurrent patellar dislocation and inability to bear weight following the last episode. The patient was diagnosed with an MPFL tear with an unusual intra-articular femoral condyle split fracture. The case had significant improvement in functional scores post-surgery. Conclusion: In physically active populations, twisting of the knee could result in an MPFL tear, leading to recurrent patellar dislocation. The treatment remains ligament reconstruction, open, or arthroscopic. Associated intra-articular fractures are very rare with such injuries and need to be addressed due to the high rate of non-union.

Conventional rehabilitation post-TKA achieves better knee flexion with higher resource utilization compared to application-based rehabilitation - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Post-operative physiotherapy is a major component of the effectiveness of knee replacement. Adequate rehabilitation protocols are required for better functional outcomes. With the advent of smartphones and smartwatches, the use of telerehabilitation has increased recently. This study aims to compare tele rehabilitation using various mobile-based applications to conventional rehabilitation protocols. Methods: From Jan 2000 to Jun 2022, all the RCTs from SCOPUS, EMBASE and PUBMED comparing patient-related outcome measures between the smartphone-based app and conventional rehabilitation protocols were scanned and seven studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis compared outcomes using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the knee society function score (KSFS), the active range of motion (AROM), Euro-Qol-5D-5L, and MUA. The qualitative analysis compared VAS, NRS, and Time up and go (TUG). Results: The study shows statistically significant improvement in traditional rehabilitation over app based on KSFS score (M.D.: 6.05, p = 0.05) and AROM on long-term follow-up (12 months) (M.D.: 2.46, p = 0.02). AROM was insignificant on 3 months or less follow-up. NRS and VAS were found to be statistically better in app-based groups. No statistically significant results were seen on KOOS, Euro-Qol-5D-5L, MUA and TUG. 90 days of readmission and a number of physiotherapy visits were more in conventional groups. No difference was seen in single-leg stance and satisfaction rates. Conclusions: The present review highlights improved early pain scores and comparable patient-reported outcome analysis at a short-term follow-up period among patients receiving mobile app-based rehabilitation. However, knee range of motion and KSFS score achieved after surgery is analysed to be better with traditional rehabilitation at the one-year end follow-up period.

Hydatid Disease of Tibia Reconstructed with Allograft: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Hydatid disease of bone shows a well-defined, multiloculated lytic lesion with the appearance of a bunch of grapes. The presenting symptoms are pain and swelling with or without pathological fracture. The treatment options include surgery followed by a long duration of albendazole. Removal of the involved bone is required to decrease the chances of recurrences. Case Report: In our study, we have included a case of 28-year-old woman presented with complaints of pain and difficulty in weight bearing over her right lower limb for 2.5 months. Radiograph suggested an eccentric lytic lesion in midshaft of tibia and biopsy revealed granulosus cyst wall, nucleate germinal layer, the brood capsule, and protoscolices with visible hooklets. Patient was subjected to surgery with the excision of cyst along with extended curettage of bone creating a bone defect around the lesion and with anterolateral platting with coverage of bone defect by allogenic bone grafting. Patient was kept on above knee slab with non-weight-bearing mobilization for 6 weeks. Postoperative chemotherapy with Albendazole was given for 3 months. Patient was followed up every 6 weeks for 3 months and every month thereafter on outpatient basis. Return to work and patient satisfaction were excellent. Conclusion: Definitive Surgical management with Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy seems to be effective to avoid recurrence. The bone defect caused by the disease or surgery can be managed with a bone graft either of autograft or allograft.

Glomus Tumour of Hand--A Commonly Misdiagnosed Pathology: A Case Series.

Introduction: Glomus tumours are benign neoplasms arising from the glomus body, a network of specialized neuromyoarterial structures containing arteriovenous anastomosis and regulating temperature. It is often misdiagnosed as paronychia, arthritis, traumatic sequelae, and many other conditions including psychiatric misdiagnosis. A typical triad of paroxysmal pain, point tenderness, and cold intolerance characterize it. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, either by transungual or lateral approaches. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of cases operated in our department in the last 4 years. Patients are evaluated based on either clinical parameters (Love test, Hildreth test, and cold insensitivity) or radiological parameters (X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging). Parameters such as age, gender, tumour side, presenting complaints, duration of symptoms, diagnostic modality, follow-up duration, recurrence, and postoperative nail deformity were analysed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was the primary statistical parameter, and the change in VAS score following surgery was analysed with paired t test. Result: Mean preoperative VAS was 7.75 ± 0.5; in a total of four patients, and following surgery, VAS was reduced to a mean of 1 ± 1.5. Paired t test on the change of VAS score following surgery showed a significant difference in the VAS score (P = 0.002838). The average age was 39.25. The male-to-female ratio was 1:3, and the mean follow-up was 16 months (range 2-48 months). The mean duration of symptoms was 5.75 years (range 2-10 years). Two cases were in the right-hand side, and two cases were on the left-hand side; the thumb was most commonly involved with 50% (n = 2) incidence. Conclusion: Glomus tumours are often misdiagnosed and are intervened with different treatment options before being surgically intervened. With complete surgical excision, recurrence is nil but postoperative nail growth requires nearly 10 months. Level of Evidence: Level IV.