All-Inside Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnant Preservation: Anteromedial Portal Technique.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is an important restraint to posterior tibial translation. PCL reconstruction is one of the most challenging procedures, with the literature having described many techniques for reconstruction. Protecting the neurovascular structures, overcoming the "killer turn," preserving bone, and reducing morbidity and postoperative pain are a few of the technical challenges that surgeons often encounter during PCL reconstruction. We describe a technique using a graft-link construct through the anteromedial portal for all-inside PCL reconstruction with remnant preservation that protects the graft from the killer turn of the tibia by smooth passage of the graft over the remnant and improves proprioception, thereby reducing postoperative pain and morbidity and achieving excellent functional outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin Prolonged Release-Etoricoxib Combination Compared to Etoricoxib for Chronic Low Back Pain: Phase 3, Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: Currently available treatments for chronic lower back pain (CLBP) do not adequately address both nociceptive and neuropathic components of pain. We evaluated efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination (FDC) of low-dose pregabalin prolonged release 75 mg-etoricoxib 60 mg to address both pain components. METHODS: This randomized phase 3 trial conducted at 12 centres across India evaluated efficacy (based on mean change in numeric rating scale [NRS], Roland-Morris disability questionnaire [RDQ], visual analogue scale [VAS], patient global impression of improvement [PGI-I], clinical global impression of improvement [CGI-I] and rescue medication consumption) and safety of FDC in comparison to etoricoxib alone in adult patients with CLBP. Treatment duration was 8 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 371 patients screened, 319 were randomized and considered for efficacy and safety analysis. Both treatment groups had no significant difference in terms of demography and baseline disease characteristics. Significantly better outcomes with FDC compared to etoricoxib were observed at week 4 onwards. At week 8, both groups showed significant reduction in mean NRS score from baseline (- 4.00 ± 1.65 in FDC; - 2.92 ± 1.59 in etoricoxib) with mean NRS score being significantly less in the FDC group compared to etoricoxib group (3.26 ± 1.56 vs 4.31 ± 1.56; p < 0.0001). The FDC was more effective than etoricoxib in terms of significantly greater reduction in RDQ score (- 9.28 ± 4.48 vs - 6.78 ± 4.34; p < 0.0001) and VAS score (- 37.66 ± 18.7 vs - 28.50 ± 16.31; p < 0.0001) at week 8. The FDC was also better in terms of significantly more patients reporting their condition as 'very much better' (36.9% vs 5.0%; p < 0.0001) and clinicians reporting patient's condition as 'very much improved' (36.3% vs 5.7%; p < 0.0001). Overall, study medications were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: FDC of pregabalin and etoricoxib provided significant benefits in reducing pain and improving functional status compared with etoricoxib alone in patients with CLBP. Pregabalin prolonged release-etoricoxib FDC could be one of the treatment options for early and sustained pain relief and improvement in quality-of-life in treating CLBP as it addresses both neuropathic and nociceptive components of pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2018/10/015886.

Low back pain is one of the most common causes of loss of productivity worldwide. About 60% of Indians suffer from low back pain at some point. Low back pain that persists for more than 3 months is classified as chronic low back pain which mostly includes both nociceptive and neuropathic components. Monotherapies, if prescribed, are not completely effective, as they generally only target either nociceptive or neuropathic components of pain. Multiple drugs are usually needed at multiple times a day, at higher doses for optimal effectiveness, and in most cases they have significant side effects if taken over prolonged periods and also add to the pill burden. To minimize treatment-associated adverse effects, and to increase treatment compliance, while addressing both the components of pain, we developed a fixed-dose combination of low-dose pregabalin prolonged release and etoricoxib. A phase 3 trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination in comparison with etoricoxib alone in treating chronic low back pain. The combination demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes­pain, functionality and quality of life­as early as 4 weeks after starting the medication. No severe or serious adverse effects were reported. Thus, the combination of low-dose pregabalin prolonged release and etoricoxib could provide an option for optimal management of chronic low back pain. This would provide multiple benefits, such as addressing both nociceptive and neuropathic components of chronic low back pain, reducing drug-related adverse effects because of low dose, reducing pill burden and thereby increasing drug compliance.

Outcome of Simultaneous Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiligamentous injuries of knee are a complex problem in orthopaedics. Combined ACL-PCL injuries are uncommon, usually associated with knee dislocations. Extremity vascular status is essential because of possible arterio-venous compromise. These complex injuries require a systematic evaluation and treatment. Single setting simultaneous arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstruction or a staged approach can be adopted to treat these cases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate functional outcome of simultaneous arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft in multiligamentous knee injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed on 20 patients with combined ACL-PCL injuries who underwent simultaneous arthroscopic ACL-PCL reconstruction with hamstring tendon. Evaluation of functional outcome was by IKDC and Lysholm-Tegner scores. RESULTS: In 20 patients, mean age 34 years, return to full-time work and to full sports was 8 weeks and 6.2 months respectively. All patients had full range of motion except 2 patients with < 5 degrees flexion loss; 90% had negative Lachmann test; 95% had negative pivot shift and 10% patients had mild posterior drawer at 90 degrees (1+) at final follow up. Mean IKDC score was 90 (range 81 - 94); mean Tegner activity score was 7 and mean Lysholm knee score was 89. 85% returned to preinjury activity level and a 90% satisfaction rate. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstructions using hamstring tendon for combined ACL and PCL injuries is a clinically effective, safe, time saving and cost-effective procedure with better patient compliance and reproducible for a timely return of motion, strength, and function with favorable outcome.

Outcome Analysis of Intra-Articular Scapula Fracture Fixation with Distal Radius Plate: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Scapula fractures occur in approximately 1% of all fractures and constitute about 3% - 5% of all injuries of the shoulder joint. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of 20 surgically treated patients with displaced glenoid fractures after stabilization with distal radius plate. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, at 2 centers (HMCH & SHCE) of Bhubaneswar Odisha, we stabilized 20 scapular intra-articular fractures surgically with distal radius locking plate and studied the outcome of the surgeries. The outcome of the 20 fractures was determined using the Constant and Murley score. Both shoulders were assessed and the score on the injured side was given as a percentage of that on the uninjured side. RESULTS: The median score was 88% (mean 65%, range 30 to 100). The median score for strength was 21/25 (mean 19, range 0 to 25) and that for pain 11/15 (mean 11, range 5 to 15). The median functional score was 16/20 (mean 15, range 0 to 20). The mean range of active abduction of the shoulder was 135° (20 to 180), the mean range of flexion 138° (20 to 180) and the mean range of external rotation 38° (0 to 100). Five patients showed excellent result; 11 patients showed good result; three patients showed fair result and one patient had poor outcome according to the Constant-Murley score. A superficial infection settled with antibiotics after operation in one patient whose score at final follow-up was 96%. In one patient, delayed healing was reported because of infection. One patient with stiffness of the shoulder at six weeks underwent manipulation under anesthesia with a follow-up score of 81%. CONCLUSIONS: Various fixation modalities have been described in the literature, however fixation of intra-articular fracture of glenoid with distal radius locking plate for articular reconstruction in the presented series provides good functional outcome with early restoration of the range of motion of the shoulder.

Bilateral ACL Reconstructions with Hamstring Autografts.

Bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are rare with incidence between 2 and 4%, and presently no definitive guidelines for proper management exist. Ideal treatment protocol remains controversial between a single-stage and two-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts in bilateral ACL injuries. A prospective study was undertaken including a total of 14 consecutive patients with bilateral ACL deficient knee who underwent single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft with a mean follow-up duration of 28 months (24-38 months). Functional outcomes were evaluated by range of movements, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity score, and stability tests. The mean age was 30 years (range 18-42 years). Average duration of rehabilitation was 8 weeks. Time to return to full-time work and full sports was 5.6 weeks and 6.2 months, respectively. Clinical examination demonstrated full range of motion; a total of 12 patients (86%) had a negative Lachman test and 13 patients (93%) had a negative pivot shift at the final follow-ups. The mean IKDC evaluation score was 89 points, the mean Tegner activity score was 7 points, and the mean Lysholm knee score was 91 points. A total of 12 patients (86%) returned to their preinjury level of activity and an overall greater than 90% satisfaction rate was achieved. Single-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts is clinically safe, effective, and cost-effective with better patient compliance and with comparable functional outcome as opposed to two-stage ACL reconstructions.

Intra-articular Adjuvant Analgesics following Knee Arthroscopy: Comparison between Single and Double Dose Dexmedetomidine and Ropivacaine A Multicenter Prospective Double-blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Knee arthroscopy is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure. Post-operatively, adequate pain relief reduces the surgical stress response and patient's morbidity and facilitates rehabilitation. The analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg body weight) as an adjunct to ropivacaine in knee arthroscopic knee procedures was studied to determine whether this would achieve longer post-operative analgesia and whether the study dosage of dexmedetomidine was safe and free of adverse effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a multicenter prospective double blind trial of sixty patients undergoing knee arthroscopic procedures, patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group R, receiving intra-articular ropivacaine (20 mL); Group D1 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg body weight); and Group D2 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg). RESULTS: Group D2 had significantly lower pain scores for the first 12 postoperative hours than Group D1 and Group R. Time to first analgesic requirement was longest in Group D2 (757.30 ± 207.68 min), followed by Group D1 (433.2 ± 54.3 min) and Group R (311.80 ± 61.56 min); these differences were significant (P < 0.05). Total analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group D2 (82.50 ± 48.05 mg; P < 0.05). Intensity of pain was significantly less in Group D2 in the third (P < 0.01) and sixth hours (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) has superior analgesic efficacy, delayed the first postoperative requirement for analgesia and decreasing the need for postoperative analgesics with no major adverse effects.

Fragility Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients in Bhubaneswar, India (2012-2014): A Prospective Multicenter Study of 1031 Elderly Patients.

Elderly patients with hip fracture constitute Single Largest Group of Emergency Orthopaedics Admissions. In 2050, 6.26 million hip fractures worldwide, approximately 50%, will occur in Asia. Only small number of reports on incidence of hip fractures in the Asian population exist. India lacks data registry for fragility hip fractures, therefore, the magnitude and standard of patient care are not known. A prospective multicenter study was conducted from January 2012 to April 2014 to describe population-based longitudinal trends, namely, age-specific incidence, fracture type, timing of presentation, kilometers traveled, timing of surgery, hospital stay, man hours lost, pressure ulcers, weight bearing, 30-day return, 3-month mortality, and so on, of fragility hip fractures. A total of 1031 patients were included with 59.7% females and 40.3% of male patients, with a female-male ratio of 1.5:1. Commonest mode: Falls 45%. 56.4% IT fractures. 66.2%patients operated, Operative/Conservative Ratio of 2.8:1. Patients travel a mean distance of 86.4 kilometers for quality treatment. Of the patients, 85.9 % presented late due to ignorance and misguiding quack practice. Incidence of delayed surgery was 69.3%. Persistent electrolytes imbalance and hyperglycemia normalized in 81.2% by second or third postoperative day. The man hours lost was 157.85 hours/person. Medical complications was more (90%) in patients who had delays in surgeries and presentation. Mortality rate was 6.2 %. Patients travel long for quality treatment, most of them are misguided, present late with significant complications and sufferings, and their pockets half drained depriving them off best treatment. Early presentation and operation have better prognosis and rehabilitation, facilitates early return to work, and independence. Increased pressure sores, infections, hospital stay, treatment cost, depression, and mortality are directly related to delays in surgeries and presentation. Estimated losses according to lost man hours may go up to 10 million dollars.

Thrombotic popliteal block following simultaneous bi-cruciate single-stage arthroscopic reconstruction in a neglected multiligamentous knee injury in a smoker.

We report a case of neglected multiligamentous injury that developed a complete thrombotic popliteal artery block following arthroscopic surgery. A 56-year-old man, a farmer, presented with an 8-month history of instability of the right knee. Examination revealed ipsilateral anterior (ACL)/posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed complete ACL/PCL tear. Single-stage arthroscopic ACL/PCL reconstruction was performed. Postsurgery, the operated limb appeared swollen, firm and cold, without sensation or toe movement. Angiogram revealed complete thrombotic block of left popliteal artery. Fogarty's catheterism was performed and distal vascularity re-established. At 28 months, the patient was back at work with good functional outcome. We failed to examine the patient preoperatively in spite of his advanced age, history of beedi smoking and tobacco use, and presence of feeble vascular pulsations with thickened skin over leg and foot. Thus, in multiligamentous injuries, patient selection and thorough detailed clinical examination are the keys to successful arthroscopic procedures.

Neglected Pipkin's fracture dislocation with bilateral femoral shaft fractures: an unusual combination.

A hip fracture dislocation with contralateral femur fracture is a rare combination. We report a case of neglected posterior dislocation of hip with Pipkins-II femoral head and medial condylar fractures associated with a contralateral femoral shaft fracture. Right hip joint was approached via the Kocher-Langenbeck, following reduction, femoral head fragments were fixed with two 4-mm cannulated cancellous screws with open reduction internal fixation plating of ipsilateral femoral condylar fracture and closed reduction internal fixation nailing of left femur in the same sitting. Immediate postoperative X-rays were satisfactory. Postoperative period was uneventful. Over 7-year follow-up, patient is successfully performing his duties with X-rays bearing no signs of avascular necrosis (AVN) or hip arthritis. Thus, complex femoral fractures require a multidisciplinary approach for successful treatment. Early congruous reduction, anatomical fixation and early rehabilitation help in reducing the incidence of AVN and postoperative arthritis. Successful diagnosis of Pipkin's fracture dislocations requires use of CT, MRI and ultrasound in adjunct to X-rays.

Treatment analysis of paediatric femoral neck fractures: a prospective multicenter theraupetic study in Indian scenario.

PURPOSE: Paediatric femur neck fractures are exceedingly rare owing to dense bone surrounded by a strong periosteum; they account for 1 % of paediatric fractures and are usually associated with high energy trauma. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter therapeutic study on pediatric femoral neck fractures from June 2004 to September 2013 at three centres in Odisha, India. Children with femoral neck fractures (Delbet type 2 and 3) who were operated and completed a minimum one-year follow-up were included. We divided the neck of femur (100 %) into four zones (25 % each), with zone I being highly unstable and zone IV being most stable. Implants for fixation, as suggested by pre-operative zone distribution, were used. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were studied with mean two- to seven-year follow-up. In 23 children cancellous screws were used. In zone I Smooth Moore's pins that crossed the epiphysis were the implant of choice. Causes were avascular necrosis (14.2 %), nonunion (7.14 %) and one case of implant failure, while coxa vara was encountered in two instances. Functional results (Ratliff's criteria) were good in 82.1 %, fair in 7.1 % and poor in 10.7 % of patients; the mean IOWA hip scores were 96, 94 and 98, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early surgical intervention hastens recovery, rehabilitation and return to school and decreases the risk of developing avascular necrosis. We suggest Smooth Pins fixation in zones I and II (nearer to zone I) and cancellous screw fixation in zones II, III and IV. Decompression of hip joint by capsulotomy releases the tamponade effect and should be performed in all cases of paediatric femoral neck fractures.

Isolated Coronal Fracture of Trapezium- A Case Report with Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated trapezium fractures accounts for 3-5% of all carpal fractures, are often missed on initial presentation. Trapezial fractures should be treated early given its importance in grip and pinch. We report a rare isolated coronal fracture of trapezium, following fall on an outstretched hand. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old right lady presented with pain in right hand due to fall on out stretched hand. The radial half of wrist and lower forearm were swollen. Tenderness over trapezium and 1st metacarpal base with terminal thumb movements restricted. X-Ray revealed undisplaced incomplete coronal fracture of the trapezium. CT scan confirmed coronal split fracture of the trapezium with a major volar fragment and a dorsal fragment without articular involvement. The patient refused operative intervention. Fracture was treated conservatively. The follow-up radiographs showed normal articular relationship of the trapezium with the base of first metacarpal and scaphoid. The fracture healed with no complications. CONCLUSION: Carpal fracture diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion. X-Rays and CT scans define pattern orientation and understanding.

Forearm gangrene following distraction injury at elbow in a neonate.

Gangrene of limbs in newborn is extremely rare. A number of aetiological factors may account for such type of situation. We describe herewith a case of gangrene of forearm in newborn following distraction injury to the physis of elbow and vessels of forearm by excessive pull on upper limb during difficult delivery.