Posterior spine fusion in a Jehovah's Witness patient with severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis - A case report.

Introduction: Early onset scoliosis (EOS) represent a challenge for spine surgeons. The selection of the best treatment is complex. Some patients, such as Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse blood transfusions, are at high risk of complication when surgical treatment is required because blood loss is a major cause of morbidity and postoperative transfusion rates. Research question: Describe blood-saving techniques that allowed an extensive and invasive surgical procedure in a Jehovah's Witness patient. Material and method: 17-year-old Jehovah's Witness girl with severe 120° Cobb Lenke 1A idiopathic scoliosis started as EOS was prepared with 4 cycles of recombinant human erythropoietin, iron and folic acid supplementation that brought her hemoglobin level from 13.6 g/dl to 16.2 g/dl. In the first surgical time, a temporary rod was implanted. Spine dissection using bipolar sealer and a special electrocautery that operates at lower temperatures than traditional ones was performed. Facetectomies and multilevel Ponte osteotomies was performed using an ultrasonic bone scalpel. The second surgical time, the definitive rods were placed, and the correction of the deformity was achieved using the rod link reducer technique. Results: A good correction of the main curve in the coronal plane is achieve. The Hb nadir was 7.2 g/dl four days after the second operation. The postoperative course was uneventful. Discussion and conclusion: The integration of modern and traditional preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative blood sparing techniques allowed us to perform an extensive and invasive surgical procedure in a Jehovah's Witness girl with a severe idiopathic scoliosis.

Rod Link Reducer system in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective observational trial.

PURPOSE: The Rod Link Reducer (RLR) (Globus Medical, PA, USA) allows direct three-dimensional correction of the spine deformity follows the direct vertebral rotation (DVR) theories. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare RLR with traditional correction technique (TCT) in two cohorts of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Fifty-four patients (M:F = 1:8) between 2018 and 2020 were included. The first group (n = 22) was treated by RLR while the second one (n = 32) by TCT. All spines were classified as per the Lenke system. Length of hospitalization, days in intensive care unit (ICU), operative time, and blood loss were recorded. SRS-30 and SF-36 questionnaires were administered pre-operative and post-operative. We collected radiological data: pre-operative and post-operative Cobb angles, coronal and sagittal balance, trunk and thoracic height. RESULTS: RLR and TCT groups are homogeneous in age (p = 0.317), sex ratio (p = 0.347), and Risser stage (p = 0.222). Between both groups there was no significant statistical difference in haemoglobin value, hospitalization length, days in ICU, operative times, SF-36, SRS-30, NRS, and perceived satisfaction. RLR group shows a better improvement of correction of main thoracic (MT) curve (RLR 54.2% ± 15.9%/TCT 38.1% ± 20.4%, p = 0.031). Nevertheless, RLR group shows a worse thoracic kyphosis correction (RLR 16.82° ± 9.13°/27.12° ± 12.13°, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: RLR system allows a more effective MT curve correction than TCT systems, but it seems to give a hypokyphosis effect.

Direct anterior approach versus direct lateral approach in total hip arthroplasty and bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: In the current literature, there is no consensus on the best surgical approach in hip replacement for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the direct lateral approach (DLA) in patients treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) for FNFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with displaced FNFs (Garden type III and IV) treated operatively using BHA and THA were enrolled. The surgical approach techniques DAA and DLA are compared. The analysed variables are: mean surgery time, number of blood units transfused perioperatively, percentage of patients transfused, perioperative complications, pain and functional outcomes at 1 and 6 months and mortality at 1, 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2017, 37 patients underwent BHA by the DAA and 38 patients underwent BHA by the DLA, 69 patients underwent THA by the DAA and 60 patients underwent THA by the DLA. For THA, the DAA compared to the DLA had a higher mean surgery time (100.8 min vs. 97.7 min), a lower mean number of blood units transfused perioperatively (1.4 U vs. 1.9 U), a significantly lower percentage of patients transfused (53.6% vs. 71.7%), a higher rate of perioperative complications (10.1% vs. 1.6%), a lower pain referred and better functional outcomes in the first 6 postoperative months and a significantly lower mortality rate at 12 months (2.9% vs. 16.7%). For BHA, the advantages of the DAA over DLA are not as significant. CONCLUSIONS: The direct anterior approach in THA for FNFs provides significant benefits in the early post-operative period compared to the direct lateral approach in terms of functional recovery, residual pain, blood loss and mortality rate in the elderly active population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis Treated With Magec Rods: What to Do After the Lengthening Period Is Over?

The treatment of early-onset scoliosis with magnetic growing rods has been established, but the management at the end of the lengthening program is still controversial. The options available are removal of rods and observation, removal of rods and immediate fusion, or replacement/maintenance of rods. We present 2 cases of early-onset scoliosis patients treated with Magec rods, up to skeletal maturity. In the first case of a Lenke 3 scoliosis (14 years and 11 months) with a thoracic curve of 50° and lumbar curve of 40°, we removed the rods and kept the patient under observation. After 5 months, the patient showed curve progression, with a thoracic curve of 61° and a lumbar curve of 57°. Consequently, we performed an instrumented T4 to L4 fusion with a correction of the thoracic curve of 66% and lumbar curve of 60%. In the second case of a Lenke 1 scoliosis (15 years and 10 months) with a thoracic curve of 38°, the rods were removed and the patient was kept under observation. After 10 months, following a curve progression, presenting a thoracic curve of 72°, we performed an instrumented fusion T5 to L2 and right thoracoplasty (6th to 11th ribs) with a 40% curve correction. Observing these 2 cases at the end of the treatment with Magec rods, even in case of a good and satisfying final correction, skeletal maturity, and secondary sexual characteristics, we recommend immediate instrumented spine fusion.

Periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur within first year of the index hip prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures are a serious complication of implants prosthetic. The aim of this review is to analyze incidence and predisposing factors of periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur within first year of the index hip prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1998 and 2017 we have performed 4240 hip replacements (F 2661, M 1579): 2877 total hip arthroplasties (67,9%) and 1363 hemiartrhoplasties (32,1%). Hip replacements with cemented stem were 2173 (51,2%), while cementless ones were 2067 (48,8%). In the same period we admitted 121 hip periprosthetic fractures, 26 of which (0,6%) within the first year of the index surgery. We examined the medical and radiographic records of this last cohort of patients (F 19, M 7) following the Vancouver System, Dorr Classification and Stem Size Index. RESULTS: The cause was a low-energy trauma in 25 cases (96.1%); the primary diagnosis was hip fracture in 20 patients (76.9%); 8 patients were taking chronic osteoporosis medication (30.7%); 14 patients were affected by neuropsychiatric disease (53.8%); cementless stems were found in 18 cases, 12 of which were oversized (SSI < 0,8). According to Vancouver System, fractures were classified as follows: 10 type B1, 14 type B2 and 2 type C. As far as the proximal femoral shape, 2 cases were Dorr type A, 7 Dorr type B and 17 Dorr type C. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures in the aftermath of stem implant is twice as high with uncemented stems. The Vancouver type B1/B2 is the most common. Predisposing factors are: female sex, hip fracture, chronic osteoporosis medication, neuropsychiatric disease and oversized uncemented stem (SSI < 0.8).The evidence level is IV.

Efficacy and safety of minimally invasive axial presacral L5-S1 interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbosacral spine pathology: a retrospective clinical and radiographic analysis.

Background The surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease L5-S1 is considerably controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of patients treated with AxiaLif® Technique (AxiaLif®, AMSGroup, Italy) using a minimally invasive pre-sacral approach. Methods From 2013 to 2018 a total of 52 patients have been treated (12 M, 40 F; mean age 46.3 years). Diagnosis included L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis low-grade dysplasia, primary and secondary degenerative disc disease. 43 patients have been followed for at least 2 years. Fusion assessment was based on plain radiographs and Brantigan fusion criteria at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. All patients completed the VAS and ODI at baseline through last follow-up. Results Clinical results showed good pain resolution. VAS back demonstrated an average reduction over baseline of 50%, 57%, 71%, 77% at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively (p<0.001). ODI demonstrated an average reduction over baseline of 38%, 51%, 67%, and 72% at the same time points (p<0.001). Complete fusion was demonstrated in 65% of cases, 30% partial fusion and 5% in the absence of bony bridges visible radiographically. We had two major complications, as 1 retroperitoneal hematoma and 1 spondylodiscitis, and one minor complication, as a superficial infection of the surgical wound. Conclusions The surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with minimally invasive technique Axialif showed good radiographic and clinical outcomes with an acceptable rate of complications. Moreover, shorter hospitalization and faster functional recovery are adding factors to choice this technique.

Incomplete, stable-like, peri-prosthetic Vancouver B fracture around an ha-coated stem. Is there a case for strategic thoughtful neglect?

The Periprosthetic fracture of the proximal femur is usually treated by internal fixation of the fracture or revision of the femoral stem depending on the characteristics of the fracture and stability of the implant. This case report shows an early periprosthetic fracture around an uncemented straight stem which is treated conservatively with an excellent clinical radiographic result and explains the biomechanics related to this non-operative choice. A conservative treatment of periprosthetic fracture is possible but only after a careful analysis of the fracture pattern, the characteristics of the prosthetic stem and the time elapsed from implanting the prosthesis to the fracture.

Triradiate cartilage fracture of the acetabulum treated surgically.

Fractures of the acetabulum are rare in the pediatric age and may be complicated by the premature closure of the triradiate cartilage. We report a case of triradiate cartilage displaced fracture treated surgically. A 14 years old boy, following a high-energy road trauma, presented an hematoma in the right gluteal region with severe pain. According to radiographic Judet's projections was highlighted a diastasis of the right acetabular triradiate cartilage.  CT scan study with 2D-3D reconstructions confirmed as type 1 Salter-Harris epiphyseal fracture. Due to the huge diastasis of the triradiate cartilage, the patient was operated after 72 hours through a plating osteosynthesis. We decided during the preoperative study that the plates should not be removed. Two years after surgery, the patient is clinically asymptomatic; the radiographic evaluation shows a complete cartilage's fusion and the right acetabulum is perfectly symmetrical to the contralateral. For the treatment of acetabular fractures in pediatric age should be carefully evaluated fracture's pattern, patient's age, skeletal maturity's grade, acetabulum's volume and diameter.

Descending genicular artery injury following transient lateral patellar dislocation.

Transient lateral patellar dislocation (TLPD) is a common lesion in young adults. Vascular injury as a complication of TLPD has not been previously described. We report a case of descending genicular artery (DGA) injury after TLPD. Immediate angiography demonstrated rupture of DGA. Embolization was performed with sudden interruption of bleeding. DGA injury should be considered as a complication after TLPD and prompt diagnosis and intervention are required. We propose selective embolization as a safe and effective procedure to stop bleeding.

Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures: a comparative study of stem revision versus internal fixation with plate.

INTRODUCTION: The aim is to compare stem revision versus internal fixation with plate in the treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 34 consecutive patients admitted from June 1998 to May 2017. One patient was treated conservatively, 11 with stem revision (group 1), 20 with plate, screws and cerclage (group 2), one patient with cerclage alone and another by Girdlestone procedure. We assessed surgical complications, mortality within 1 year, functional outcome with Harris Hip Score and radiographic outcome with Beals and Tower's criteria. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 30.1 months in group 1, we had 36.4% of patients with complications, HHS of 66.8, radiographic outcome "excellent-good" in 91% of cases. In group 2 we had 25% of patients with complications, HHS of 71.8, radiographic outcome "excellent-good" in 80% of cases. There were no significant differences in 1-year mortality between the two groups. In group 2, the best outcomes were obtained in uncemented straight stems with Johansson type 1 fracture and in cemented polished stems with stem detachment from the cement-bone complex. Whatever treatment was adopted, there was an overall worsening in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Stem revision remains the treatment of choice in Vancouver B2 fractures, but, in selected cases, internal fixation with plate, screws and cerclage can be a viable alternative option.

Correction of multiple complex lower limb deformities by intramedullary nailing.

A female patient presented to our institution suffering from long bone post-traumatic multiple deformities. Her walking was limited, painful and teetering. It had worsened over the past months. The right leg was shortened by 6 cm compared to the contralateral. The right femur was 18° varus, the right tibia was 16° valgus, the left tibia was 12° varus. Both knee joints showed marked radiographic signs of osteosclerosis. After a thorough study with simulations using paper models, we carried out three osteotomies, two open wedge and one cuneiform, stabilizing them with intramedullary nails. We conducted the operation in two stages, in order to avoid an excessive surgical stress that could give rise to complications such as DVT, fat embolism, and respiratory insufficiency. This allowed a rapid recovery of her weight bearing and walking capacity, reducing significantly also the leg length discrepancy. She progressed uneventfully to healing of the osteotomy sites and she returned to her previous occupation.

Causes of failure in periprosthetic fractures of the hip at 1- to 14-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The results and causes of failure for 61 patients undergoing surgery for femoral hip periprosthetic fracture are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fractures were classified according to the Vancouver System. Osteosynthesis was performed in 88% of cases and prosthetic revision in 12% of cases. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed according to the Harris Hip Score and radiological results were evaluated using Beals and Tower's criteria. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 32 months, the Harris Hip Score was 73.1 and the radiological results were excellent-to-good in 72.2% of patients after the first surgery. At the end of treatment, complete healing of the fracture and stability of the prosthesis was found in 87.3% of patients. The most relevant result was the recovery of walking in 73.8% of patients. Mortality after surgery was 1.6% at 3 months and 3.3% at 12 months. A higher mortality rate occurred when surgery was delayed more than 5 days after trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of our cases shows that in Vancouver type B1 fractures treated with plating osteosynthesis, there were worse outcomes in total hip arthroplasty with cemented stems compared with uncemented stems. In Vancouver type B2 fractures with cementless straight stems, osteosynthesis with a plate can be a valid option. In Vancouver type C fractures, the stability of the stem must be carefully assessed.

Medial meniscal cyst: a case report.

Meniscal cysts are a rare disease constantly combined with a horizontal meniscal lesion. Currently, nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) is the main diagnostic tool, because of its high sensitivity and specificity, and decompression arthroscopy combined with selective meniscectomy is the treatment of choice. The Authors report a case of a voluminous medial meniscal cyst where instrumental examination, MRI, was fundamental for the preoperative diagnosis of the horizontal meniscal lesion causing the cystic degeneration of the meniscus. The treatment performed was selective meniscectomy of the body and posterior horn of the medial meniscus and decompression of the voluminous cyst by arthroscopy. Physical examination after six months showed the complete resolution of swelling at the medial hemirima, no walking pain and normal range of motion.

Fractures of the proximal humerus in children.

Ninety-one children who had been treated for fractures of the proximal humerus (59 metaphyseal fractures; 32 epiphyseal fractures) from 1980 to 1992 at an average age of 10.7 years (range 3 to 14 years) were reviewed. In 82 cases a nonsurgical treatment (Desault bandage in 11 cases, hanging cast in nine cases, closed reduction and shoulder spica cast in 62 cases) was performed. At a mean time of 7.2 months (range 1 to 156 months), 96% of patients showed good/excellent clinical results. In 15 cases, radiographs were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8 years (range 1 to 23.5 years): just a slight metaphyseal or meta-diaphyseal varus deformity was found in three cases. In nine cases surgery was required. Patients were reviewed by clinical examination at a mean time of 34.8 months (1-150 months), and in six cases radiographs were reviewed at a mean time of 5 years and 5 months (range 1 to 12.5 years) after surgery. In one case, a septic process occurred, that caused a severe deformity of the epiphysis and a noticeable functional deficit. Good/excellent clinical and radiographic results were achieved in the other patients. Conservative treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus in children is recommended. Surgery should be reserved for specific cases.

Serum levels of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand as markers of periprosthetic osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that the balance between receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and its decoy-receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) in local tissue seems to play a crucial role in the loosening of the total hip replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the circulating levels of OPG and RANKL, as well as their ratio, could be different in patients with aseptic loosening compared with patients with stable implants. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight subjects were recruited. They included thirty-nine patients with osteoarthritis who had not yet undergone total hip arthroplasty, thirty-three patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty and had clinically and radiographically stable implants, thirty-six patients with aseptic loosening of total hip arthroplasty components, and twenty healthy volunteers. Serum levels of OPG and RANKL were measured with use of an immunoenzymatic method, and in each individual the OPG-to-RANKL ratio was calculated. RESULTS: In every group, a significant correlation was detected between OPG concentration and age (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001), especially in individuals older than fifty years, while gender and underlying disease were not found to influence serum levels of the tested parameters. In comparison with the levels in healthy donors and patients with a stable total hip replacement, the serum levels of OPG were increased in the patients who had not yet had an arthroplasty, those with aseptic loosening of a total hip replacement, and those with a cemented total hip replacement. Moreover, the OPG serum level provided good diagnostic accuracy in detecting the implant failure. A correlation was found between the sum of the osteolytic areas seen radiographically around the femoral stem and the RANKL level (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) and the OPG-to-RANKL ratio (r = -0.29, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in OPG levels may reflect a protective mechanism of the skeleton to compensate for the osteolytic activity that occurs in severe osteoarthritis and in aseptic loosening. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether serum OPG levels could be used as markers for monitoring the stability of the implant, as well as for predicting aseptic loosening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.