Surgical treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation with autogenous tendon grafts.

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is not always successful. A consequence of persistent AC joint dislocation may be chronic pain and discomfort in the shoulder region as well a sensation of constant AC joint instability and impaired shoulder function. Stabilization of the AC joint may reduce these sequels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Due to chronic AC joint dislocation, 39 patients in our hospital underwent coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction with autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons between May 2005 and April 2011. We examined 25 patients after a mean of 4.2 years. The outcomes were Constant shoulder Score (CS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), cross-arm test, stability of the AC joint, and complications. The follow-up visits included anteroposterior and axillary radiographs. RESULTS: Mean CS was 83 in the injured shoulder and 91 in the uninjured shoulder (p = 0.002). Mean DASH was 14. In 14 patients, the AC joint was clinically stable; pain was minor. In radiographs, osteolysis of the lateral clavicle and tunnel widening were markedly common. Fracture of the coracoid process occurred in 5 patients, and 3 suffered a fracture of the clavicle; 2 had a postoperative infection. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic reconstruction of CC ligaments showed a moderate subjective outcome at the 4-year follow-up. After surgery, almost half the AC joints failed to stabilize. Lateral clavicle osteolysis and tunnel widening were notably common complications.

Fatal surgical or procedure-related complications: a Finnish registry-based study.

INTRODUCTION: In Finland, all healthcare personnel must be insured against causing patient injury. The Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) pays compensation in all cases of malpractice and in some cases of infection or other surgical complications. This study aimed to analyze all complaints relating to fatal surgical or other procedure-related errors in Finland during 2006-2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 126 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Details of patient care and decisions made by the PIC were reviewed, and the total national number of surgical procedures for the study period was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients who underwent surgery, most fatal surgical complications involved orthopedic or gastrointestinal surgery. Non-surgical procedures with fatal complications included deliveries (N = 10), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or nasogastric tube insertion (N = 8), suprapubic catheter insertion (N = 4), lower intestinal endoscopy (N = 5), coronary angiogram (N = 1), pacemaker fitting (N = 1), percutaneous drainage of a hepatic abscess (N = 1), and chest tube insertion (N = 2). In 42 (33.3 %) cases, patient injury resulted from errors made during the procedure, including 24 technical errors and 15 errors of judgment. There were 19 (15.2 %) cases of inappropriate pre-operative assessment, 28 (22.4 %) errors made in postoperative follow-up, 23 (18.4 %) cases of fatal infection, and 11 (8.8 %) fatal complications not linked to treatment errors. CONCLUSION: Fatal surgical and procedure-related complications are rare in Finland. Complications are usually the result of errors of judgment, technical errors, and infections.

[Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint]. / Rintalasta-solisluunivelen posteriorinen sijoiltaanmeno.

Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare injury. It can be associated with life-threatening complications. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice with which possible associated injuries can be detected. Acute injuries are managed with closed reduction under general anaesthesia. A fracture-dislocation is inherently more unstable than an isolated dislocation. Surgical treatment is advocated in cases of delayed diagnosis or failed closed reduction. With early diagnosis and treatment, the long-term outcome of this injury is good.

Surgical treatment of Rockwood grade-V acromioclavicular joint dislocations: 50 patients followed for 15­22 years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Long-term outcome after surgery for grade-V acromioclavicular joint dislocation has not been reported. We performed a retrospective analysis of functional and radiographic outcome 15-22 years after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 50 patients who were treated at our hospital between April 1985 and December 1993. Various methods of stabilization were used: K-wires (n = 36), 4.5-mm screw (n = 12), or biodegradable screw (n = 2). Osteosynthesis material was removed after 6-8 weeks. Mean follow-up time was 18 (15-22) years. Outcomes were assessed with the Constant shoulder (CS) score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the simple shoulder test (SST), the Copeland shoulder impingement test, the cross-arm test, pain, stability of the AC joint, and complications. From radiographs, we evaluated AC and glenohumeral (GH) arthrosis, osteolysis of the lateral clavicle, and alignment of the clavicle with the acromion. RESULTS: Mean values were 90 (75-100) in CS score, 5.1 (0-41) in DASH score, and 11 (2-12) in SST. There was no statistically significant difference in CS score between the injured shoulder and the uninjured shoulder. The AC joint was clinically stable in 42 patients. In 38 patients, the clavicle alignment with the acromion was normal in radiographs. Lateral clavicle osteolysis (10 patients) appeared to be associated with permanent AC joint dislocation. INTERPRETATION: Surgery with a temporary fixation for acute grade-V AC joint dislocation leads to successful long-term functional results. Only minor disability occurred in some patients.

Sling compared with plate osteosynthesis for treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Few randomized controlled trials have compared operative with nonoperative treatment of clavicular fractures. METHODS: Patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures were randomized either to nonoperative treatment with a sling or to operative treatment with a stainless steel 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Outcome measures were the Constant shoulder score, DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, pain, fracture-healing, and complications. The null hypothesis was that the Constant and DASH scores would not differ between the groups at the one-year follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: In accordance with the power analysis, we included sixty patients in the study; thirty-two were randomized to the nonoperative group and twenty-eight to the operative group. We found no difference in the Constant score (p = 0.75), the DASH score (p = 0.89), or pain (p = 0.98) between the groups at the one-year follow-up evaluation. All fractures in the operative group healed, but six nonunions (24%) occurred in the nonoperative group. CONCLUSIONS: One year after a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture, nonoperative treatment resulted in a higher nonunion rate but similar function and disability compared with operative treatment.

Arthrosis of glenohumeral joint after arthroscopic Bankart repair: a long-term follow-up of 13 years.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the study was to establish radiologic and clinical occurrence of glenohumeral arthrosis after arthroscopic Bankart repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 1998, an arthroscopic Bankart repair was performed in 187 patients at our institution. We were able to assess clinical and radiologic glenohumeral arthrosis in 72 of the 101 patients who met the inclusion criteria (74 shoulders) (71%) after a 13-year follow-up. An additional 9 patients were interviewed by telephone. Radiologic arthrosis was evaluated with the Samilson-Prieto classification and clinical arthrosis with an arthrosis-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder test). In addition, functional impairment was assessed with the Constant score and subjective satisfaction with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Radiologic arthrosis was diagnosed in 50 of 74 shoulders (68%), with 40 (80%) of them classified as mild. The mean score on the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder questionnaire was 280 points (85% of the best possible score), which is considered relatively good. The mean Constant score was 78 points, and 75% of the patients were extremely satisfied or satisfied with the final results of operative treatment. DISCUSSION: The radiologic evaluation and self-assessment of the patients imply that the incidence of glenohumeral arthrosis after arthroscopic Bankart repair is quite common but the symptoms are generally mild and comparable to nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSION: Arthrosis rarely causes more than minor subjective symptoms or a minor objectively perceived disadvantage during 13 years' follow-up.

Hybrid external fixation in treatment of proximal tibial fractures: a good outcome in AO/ASIF type-C fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of proximal tibial fractures is often challenging, and internal fixation is occasionally associated with problems in wound healing due to frequently co-existing soft tissue injuries. External fixation of these fractures have yielded satisfactory results, but some studies have reported problems in the achievement and maintenance of fracture reduction. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a hybrid external fixator in the treatment of different types of proximal tibial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three proximal tibial fractures, of which 20 were high energetic, were treated with a hybrid external fixator (Tenxor Strker-Howmedica) in the acute phase. Fracture categorisation was done according to AO/ASIF, and the reduction was performed most often by closed means or through mini-open reduction (26/78.8%). The patients were followed up to an average of 12.7 months (range 10-22) and were evaluated with radiographs and clinical examinations. RESULTS: Five AO/ASIF type-C intraarticular fractures had a poor postoperative reduction, and were thus treated with internal fixation in a second operation. Of the remaining 28 patients, local and transient pin tract infection was observed in seven patients, and one had septic arthritis of the knee. All 13 C1 and five of six C2/C3 fractures united in mean time of 15.1 weeks, whereas three of nine type-A fractures failed to unite, albeit an adequate reduction, and needed a second operation (odds ratio 11.4, 95% CI 1.0-143, compared with type-C fractures). For the remaining six type-A fractures, the mean healing time was 24 weeks (mean difference 8.9, 95% CI 6-12 weeks compared with type-C fractures). Age over 48 and the presence of an open fracture, but not fracture type, gender, or the level of injury energy, correlated to a poor subjective outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid external fixation method we have used is safe, and type-C1 fractures are particularly suitable to be treated with this method. However, even C2/C3 fractures may be candidates for this method, but a meticulous fracture reduction should be performed. Type-A fractures are liable to healing problems when the fixator is used as a rigid complex.

[Treatment of shoulder dislocation]. / Olkanivelen sijoiltaanmenon hoito.

Dislocation of the shoulder joint occurs usually for a young man during a sports or leisure accident. The diagnosis should be confirmed by radiography, and reposition of an acute dislocation should be commenced without unnecessary delay. The starting point for a successful procedure is good muscle relaxation and pain management either with systemic or topical medication. Use of excessive power should be avoided during reposition and success of the procedure must always be verified by radiography. Excessive immobilization should be avoided after the reposition, and rehabilitation should be carried out in a controlled manner.

The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on bone healing in SR-PLLA rod fixed experimental distal femur osteotomy in rat.

The effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (30 mW/cm2) were investigated in experimental cancellous bone fracture healing in bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) rod fixed distal femur osteotomy in rats. A transverse transcondylar osteotomy was fixed with one SR-PLLA rod in 32 male Wistar rats of the age of 20 weeks. Half of the rats had a daily 20-min ultrasound exposure for three weeks. The follow-up times were three, six, and 12 weeks. Radiographical, histological, microradiographical, oxytetracycline labeling, and histomorphometrical analyses were performed. No foreign-body reactions were noted. The biocompatibility of SR-PLLA and ultrasound was found to be good. In the radiological and histological assessments there was a slight tendency for enhanced healing in the ultrasound group at three weeks, but at six and 12 weeks no differences were observed. The histomorphometrical and oxytetracycline labeling analyses showed that ultrasound exposure had no significant effects on bone healing. The present study shows that there were no obvious findings to support the hypothesis that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances bone healing in self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) rod fixed experimental metaphyseal distal femur osteotomy in rats. The observed good biocompatibility provides a safe starting-point for clinical trials on bioabsorbable fixation combined with low-intensity ultrasound.

Effect of ultrasound therapy on bone healing of lateral malleolar fractures of the ankle joint fixed with bioabsorbable screws.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of low-intensity ultrasound on bone healing in bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L: -lactic acid (SR-PLLA) screw-fixed lateral malleolar fractures. The study design was prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. METHODS: A total of 22 fractures were fixed with one SR-PLLA screw. All the patients were instructed to use an ultrasound device 20 min daily for 42 days without knowing whether it was active or inactive. Eleven patients had active and eleven sham ultrasound devices. The causes of error during treatment with head module placement and attachment to the convex surface of the lateral distal fibula were minimized by careful targeting and using coupling gel. Radiological fracture healing was assessed by radiographs and multidetector computed tomography (CT) scans in a blinded manner by a radiologist and orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: The overall compliance to the daily ultrasound treatments was good. All wounds healed uneventfully, and no foreign body reactions were observed. No difference was observed between the groups regarding either fracture line visualization or callus formation assessed by plain radiographs. In the CT images at 9 weeks, the share of the endosteal united fracture line compared to the non-united fracture line was slightly higher in the active ultrasound device group than in the sham ultrasound device group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the biocompatibility of ultrasound therapy and bioabsorbable SR-PLLA screw fixation is good. There was no obvious effect of low-intensity ultrasound on lateral malleolar fracture healing. However, the relatively small number of patients must be kept in mind when interpreting our results. It is also important to limit any conclusions based on the present study to malleolar fractures fixed with the SR-PLLA screw.

Fixation of syndesmotic ruptures in 38 patients with a malleolar fracture: a randomized study comparing a metallic and a bioabsorbable screw.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of a metallic and a biodegradable screw in the fixation of tibia-fibula syndesmotic ruptures. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective, and blinded study. SETTING: Central hospital, Department of Surgery. PATIENTS: Forty consecutive patients with a clinically verified syndesmotic rupture in association with a malleolar fracture, of whom 38 completed the study. INTERVENTION: After syndesmosis rupture was diagnosed, implant selection was performed intraoperatively by a strict randomization with sealed envelopes. Eighteen patients were treated with a metallic screw, and 20 with a bioabsorbable polylevolactic acid screw. The metallic screws were removed in a second operation at 8 weeks postoperatively. All patients had a treatment-blinded clinical and radiographic control after a mean follow-up of 35 (range 17-51) months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return to previous physical activity level, evaluation of ankle stability, range of motion, circumference of the ankle, and a radiographic evaluation of both ankles including a measure of the talocrural, medial joint, and syndesmotic space widths. RESULTS: More patients with a polylevolactic acid screw returned to their previous activity level, and there was less swelling in the ankles of these patients, but joint motion was similar between the groups. The mean values of syndesmotic and medial joint spaces were significantly higher in the radiographs of the operated ankles when compared to the uninjured ankle, but there was not a correlation to the type of screw used. CONCLUSIONS: Polylevolactic acid screws worked as well, or slightly better than, metallic ones in syndesmosis fixation in patients with an ankle fracture.

The effect of low intensity ultrasound and bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide screw fixation on bone in lateral malleolar fractures.

INTRODUCTION: There are no previous reports of low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy in connection with bioabsorbable fracture fixation. In this randomised, prospective, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, the effects of ultrasound on bone mineral density and bone healing were examined in lateral malleolar fractures fixed with a bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide screw (SR-PLLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult patients with SR-PLLA screw-fixed lateral malleolar fracture underwent ultrasound therapy 20 min daily for 6 weeks. Half of the patients were provided randomly with a sham ultrasound device. Bone mineral density and bone healing were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and by radiographs. RESULTS: Bone mineral density of the fractured lateral malleolus tended to increase slightly during 12 weeks of follow-up. The increase was symmetrical and statistically non-significant between the ultrasound and non-ultrasound group. All the fractures healed uneventfully. The biocompatibility of the bioabsorbable SR-PLLA fixation device and low intensity pulsed ultrasound was good. Despite the slight tendency for more frequent callus formation in the ultrasound group, no statistically significant effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on lateral malleolar fracture healing could be observed. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to observe any statistically significant effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on lateral malleolar fracture healing in this study. Further studies are needed to examine the role of ultrasound therapy in the healing of fractures treated with bioabsorbable fixation devices.

Early intramedullary nailing of lower extremity fracture and respiratory function in polytraumatized patients with a chest injury: a retrospective study of 61 patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremities in patients who also have serious chest injuries is not known. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the effect of an early intramedullary nailing (IMN) of femur or tibia fractures on respiratory function in 61 consecutive polytraumatized patients with unilateral or bilateral pulmonary contusion (thoracic AIS=3) admitted to our trauma intensive care unit between January 2000 and June 2001. 27 patients had a diaphyseal fracture of at least one long bone of the lower extremity, which was treated with IMN within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: We found no difference between patients with or without a lower extremity fracture regarding the length of ventilator treatment, oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2) or in the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, multi-organ failure or mortality. INTERPRETATION: In this retrospective study, IMN of a long bone fracture in a patient with multiple injuries and with a coexisting pulmonary contusion did not impair pulmonary function or outcome.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing in distal femoral fractures--results in a series of 46 consecutive operations.

We present a series of 44 consecutive patients with 46 distal femoral fractures, who were treated with a retrograde intramedullary nail (Distal Femoral Nail (DFN)). Operational data, per- and post-operative complications and the outcome were studied retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 9 months. The final union rate was 95%, with a mean union time of 17.5 (8-68) weeks. Restoration of the limb axial alignment and length was inadequate in two cases, whereas three losses of reduction and one non-union were observed. Two cases of distal locking screw breakage were also observed. Moreover, one patient suffered from an iatrogenic lesion of the branch of the deep femoral artery. No deep, but three superficial infections were observed. In conclusion, our results suggest that DFN is a reliable alternative in distal femoral fracture treatment with a low complication rate.

Internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with a locking compression plate: a retrospective evaluation of 72 patients followed for a minimum of 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures, particularly in osteoporotic patients, remain an unsolved problem as regards the durability of the osteosynthesis. The AO/ASIF group has developed a new technique which aims to preserve the biological integrity of the humeral head and secures the reduction using multiple locking screws with angular stability (Philos), thus allowing an early mobilization. PATIENTS AND OUTCOME: We retrospectively reviewed the complications and functional outcome after a minimum follow-up of 1 year in 72 patients treated with this new method. 2 fractures failed to unite, and 3 patients developed an avascular necrosis of the humeral head. In addition, 2 implant failures were observed due to a technical error. According to the Constant score, the functional outcome was acceptable even in elderly patients. INTERPRETATION: The Philos method appears to be safe and can be recommended for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in patients with poor bone quality.

Two-incision technique for rotational acetabular osteotomy: good outcome in 35 hips.

We have developed a 2-incision technique for rotational acetabular osteotomy. This includes both an extraperitoneal and an anterolateral exposure of the pelvic bones allowing an unconstrained approach without dissection of the muscle insertion. 2 plates are used to stabilize the osteotomy and full range motion of the hip is permitted within 2 days of surgery, while weight bearing is restricted for 6 weeks after the operation. We reviewed the complications and technical results in 27 patients (28 hips) after a minimum follow-up of mean 3 (1-5) years. No major surgical complications occurred, but dysfunction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred frequently (14 patients). The radiographical correction of the femoral head covering was similar to those in previous reports of rotational osteotomy. The range of hip motion was not affected by the operation. A significant increase in the mean Merle D'Aubigné and Harris Hip scores was observed in a subgroup of 20 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. In conclusion, the method we have used is safe and the early results are satisfactory.

Factors predisposing to dislocation of the Thompson hemiarthroplasty: 22 dislocations in 338 patients.

In a series of 338 patients, we have retrospectively analyzed technical and anatomical factors, which may predispose to a dislocation of the Thompson hemiprosthesis. 22 patients (7%) had at least 1 dislocation during the 6-month follow-up. The most significant independent factor predisposing to dislocation was the use of a posterior approach (dislocation rate 16%). We examined the radiographs and data on operations in the 22 patients, using 79 random patients without dislocation as controls. Factors correlating with an increase in the incidence of dislocation were the length of the residual femoral neck > 0.5 cm in short patients (< 165 cm), and considerable change in the postoperative offset of the hip. Acetabular measurements showed no correlation to the dislocation. Our findings suggest that the main factors predicting dislocation are technical and not related to anatomical measurements.

Operative treatment of type C intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus: results after a mean follow-up of 2 years in a series of 18 patients.

We reviewed the results of internal fixation in a series of 18 patients (mean age, 44.4 years; SD, 19.1 years; range, 16-81 years) with type C intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus after a mean follow-up of 24.7 months (range, 10-41 months; SD, 9.3 months). An excellent or good result was observed in 10 patients (56%), according to the rating system of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. All patients younger than 40 years (n = 8) had an excellent or good result, whereas those rates were found in only 2 of 10 patients older than 50 years. Low range of elbow motion (extension-flexion) and, consequently, inferior postoperative score were also correlated to male sex, the triceps-splitting approach, and immobilization exceeding 3 weeks. When stability of the humeral columns is achieved and the articular platform is reconstructed, satisfactory results can be obtained, even in comminuted supracondylar fractures. However, age over 50 years, poor bone quality, and open fracture are correlated with increased risk for an inferior postoperative result. Early mobilization, when possible, and the use of an olecranon osteotomy are recommended.