Osteomyoplastic Transtibial Amputation: The Ertl Technique.

Amputation may be required for management of lower extremity trauma and medical conditions, such as neoplasm, infection, and vascular compromise. The Ertl technique, an osteomyoplastic procedure for transtibial amputation, can be used to create a highly functional residual limb. Creation of a tibiofibular bone bridge provides a stable, broad tibiofibular articulation that may be capable of some distal weight bearing. Several different modified techniques and fibular bridge fixation methods have been used; however, no current evidence exists regarding comparison of the different techniques. Additional research is needed to elucidate the optimal patient population, technique, and postoperative protocol for the Ertl osteomyoplastic transtibial amputation technique.

Treatment of acetabulum fractures through the modified Stoppa approach: strategies and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Since the original description by Letournel in 1961, the ilioinguinal approach has remained the predominant approach for anterior acetabular fixation. However, modifications of the original abdominal approach described by Stoppa have made another option available for reduction and fixation of pelvic and acetabular fractures. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We evaluated our results in patients with acetabulum fractures with the modified Stoppa approach in terms of (1) hip function as measured by the Merle d'Aubigne hip score; (2) complications; and (3) quality of fracture reduction and percentage of fractures that united. METHODS: Between September 2008 and August 2012, 289 patients with acetabular fractures were treated at our Level I trauma center. Twelve percent (36 of 289) of patients were treated operatively using the modified Stoppa approach. Ninety-seven percent (35 of 36) of our patients had fracture patterns involving displacement of the posterior column. Six (17%) were converted early to a total hip arthroplasty, and 14 (39%) were lost to final followup, leaving 22 of 36 for subjective clinical outcome analysis at a mean of 32 months (range, 9-59 months). Our general indications for this approach during the period in question were fractures of the anterior column and anterior wall, anterior column with posterior hemitransverse fractures, both column fractures, transverse fractures, and T-type fractures. Followup included regularly scheduled office visits with radiographs (AP pelvis, Judet views) that were graded by the treating surgeon and by the authors of this study (MJI, BCT) and patient outcome surveys. RESULTS: Merle d'Aubigne hip scores were very good in 55% (12 of 22), good in 9% (two of 22), medium in 18% (four of 22), fair in 5% (one of 22), and poor in 14% (three of 22), and 70% (23 of 33) of patients were able to ambulate without any assistive devices. Complications included one superficial infection and three deep infections, two patients with temporary lateral thigh numbness, no obturator nerve palsies, and one inguinal hernia. Three deaths in the cohort were seen in followup as a result of unrelated causes. Radiographic grading of fracture reductions after surgery revealed that 27 (75%) were anatomic, six (17%) were satisfactory, and three (8%) were unsatisfactory. A total of 94% of the fractures united. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with prior published data, our results show good functional outcomes with minimal complications using the modified Stoppa approach for a variety of acetabular fractures. Our results highlight the difficulty but feasibility in treating posterior column displacement through an anterior approach. Consideration for dual approaches with posterior column involvement may be warranted to optimize fracture reduction and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prospective, randomized, blinded, comparative study of injectable micronized dehydrated amniotic/chorionic membrane allograft for plantar fasciitis--a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Specialized treatment of plantar fasciitis that can reduce inflammation and promote healing may be a possible alternative prior to surgical intervention. We report the results of a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of micronized dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane (mDHACM) injection as a treatment for chronic refractory plantar fasciitis. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, prospective, randomized, single-center clinical trial was performed. Forty-five patients were randomized to receive injection of 2 cc 0.5% Marcaine plain, then either 1.25 cc saline (controls), 0.5 cc mDHACM, or 1.25 cc mDHACM. Follow-up visits occurred over 8 weeks to measure function, pain, and functional health and well-being. RESULTS: Significant improvement in plantar fasciitis symptoms was observed in patients receiving 0.5 cc or 1.25 cc mDHACM versus controls within 1 week of treatment and throughout the study period. At 1 week, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot scores increased by a mean of 2.2 ± 17.4 points for controls versus 38.7 ± 11.4 points for those receiving 0.5 cc mDHACM (P < .001) and 33.7 ± 14.0 points for those receiving 1.25 cc mDHACM (P < .001). By week 8 AOFAS Hindfoot scores increased by a mean of 12.9 ± 16.9 points for controls versus 51.6 ± 10.1 and 53.3 ± 9.4 for those receiving 0.5 cc and 1.25 cc mDHACM, respectively (both P < .001). No significant difference in treatment response was observed in patients receiving 0.5 cc versus 1.25 cc mDHACM. CONCLUSION: In patients with refractory plantar fasciitis, mDHACM is a viable treatment option. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prospective randomized study.

Gritti-stokes amputations in the trauma patient: clinical comparisons and subjective outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The Gritti-Stokes amputation procedure is a modification of the traditional transfemoral amputation, with resection of the bone at a supracondylar femoral level and fixation of the patella to the distal part of the femur as an end-cap. Although well-established in patients with vascular compromise, no evidence exists on its use in the trauma setting. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent Gritti-Stokes amputation and fifteen consecutive patients who underwent traditional transfemoral amputation by fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists at a level-I trauma center were evaluated at more than fourteen months postoperatively. The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) questionnaire was also administered to both patient groups at more than thirty-six months postoperatively to assess patient-reported functional outcomes. RESULTS: Despite the two groups not having significant differences in preoperative variables or demographics, the Gritti-Stokes group had significantly improved SIP questionnaire overall and domain scores. This procedure also left the patients with a significantly longer residual limb (an average of 46.1 cm of residual femoral length versus 34.6 cm for the transfemoral group). The Gritti-Stokes group also had a significantly increased rate of walking without assistive devices (five patients versus none in the transfemoral amputation group). CONCLUSIONS: The Gritti-Stokes amputation appears to be safe and beneficial when utilized in the trauma population.

Induced membrane technique for reconstruction to manage bone loss.

Multiple surgeries are often required to manage segmental bone loss because of the complex mechanics and biology involved in reconstruction. These procedures can lead to prolonged recovery times, poor patient outcomes, and even delayed amputation. A two-stage technique uses induced biologic membranes with delayed placement of bone graft to manage this clinical challenge. In the first stage, a polymethyl methacrylate spacer is placed in the defect to produce a bioactive membrane, which appears to mature biochemically and physically 4 to 8 weeks after spacer placement. In the second, cancellous autograft is placed within this membrane and, via elution of several growth factors, the membrane appears to prevent graft resorption and promote revascularization and consolidation of new bone. Excellent clinical results have been reported, with successful reconstruction of segmental bone defects >20 cm.

Definitive treatment of bilateral acetabular and pelvic ring injuries using external fixation.

Bilateral pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are rare injuries. The optimal treatment of these patients and their outcomes remain largely unknown. We present a three year follow up of a case of bilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries and acetabular fractures treated successfully with limited internal fixation and external fixation.

Gritti-Stokes Amputation in the Trauma Patient: Tips and Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The Gritti-Stokes amputation establishes osseous continuity between the patella and the distal part of the femur with maintenance of the intact prepatellar soft tissues. STEP 1 PREOPERATIVE PLANNING: As with all orthopaedic surgery, preoperative planning is essential to obtaining an optimal outcome with this procedure. STEP 2 FLAP DESIGN: Use an asymmetric flap consisting of the undisturbed prepatellar soft tissues and rotate it posteriorly to achieve closure. STEP 3 SOFT-TISSUE DISSECTION: Keep soft-tissue dissection subperiosteal or intratendinous to minimize blood loss and postoperative pain. STEP 4 DISTAL FEMORAL AND PATELLAR CUTS: Use a high-speed saw to transect the femur and patella. STEP 5 POSTERIOR DISSECTION: Carry out posterior dissection in a methodical manner, with individual identification and ligation of all neurovascular structures. STEP 6 PATELLOFEMORAL ARTHRODESIS: Suture the patella to the distal part of the femur using six drill holes and nonabsorbable suture. STEP 7 SOFT-TISSUE CLOSURE: Close the remaining soft tissue, including the posterior musculature, subcutaneous layer, and skin, in a layered fashion. STEP 8 POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative care should be done in conjunction with a prosthetist to obtain optimal outcomes. RESULTS: The Gritti-Stokes amputation technique appears to be a potentially valuable addition to the amputation surgeon's armamentarium. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Osteomyoplastic transtibial amputation: technique and tips.

Treatment of severe lower extremity trauma, diabetic complications, infections, dysvascular limbs, neoplasia, developmental pathology, or other conditions often involves amputation of the involved extremity. However, techniques of lower extremity amputation have largely remained stagnant over decades. This article reports a reproducible technique for transtibial osteomyoplastic amputation.

Osteomyoplastic and traditional transtibial amputations in the trauma patient: perioperative comparisons and outcomes.

We hypothesized that patients undergoing transtibial amputation osteomyoplasty would have better functional outcomes than patients undergoing traditional transtibial amputation. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical and radiographic records to evaluate and compare 26 patients who underwent transtibial amputation osteomyoplasty and 10 patients who underwent traditional transtibial amputation, with specific attention to perioperative complications and functional outcomes. At >1 year follow-up, patients who underwent amputation osteomyoplasty had significantly improved rates of return to work and decreased rates of revision than patients who underwent traditional transtibial amputation. Sickness Impact Profile questionnaire results completed at a mean of 28 months postoperatively showed significantly better overall scores and physical and psychosocial dimension scores for amputation osteomyoplasty patients. Based on the results of this study, the outcomes of amputation osteomyoplasty appear to be safe and may be more beneficial than traditional amputation, in terms of improved functional outcomes for patients after severe lower-extremity trauma.

Traumatic abdominal hernia and lateral compression type 1 pelvic fracture: a case report.

Pelvic fractures often are associated with concomitant injuries. In general, the more severe the pelvic fracture, the more likely other, potentially life-threatening injuries exist. We present a case of a typical type 1 lateral compression pelvic fracture with the less common associated injury of abdominal wall muscle disruption and large-bowel herniation.

Perioperative management of foot and ankle trauma.

This review covers the perioperative management of trauma to the foot and ankle. The goal when treating these injuries is to return the patient to a sensate, plantigrade, painless, and functioning foot and ankle. Depending on the nature of the trauma, realistic outcomes should be established for the patient, family, and surgeon. The importance of early recognition and treatment of foot and ankle injuries has been established and is paramount for the overall recovery of traumatized patient.