Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Do Not Affect Healing After Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors affect healing rate, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction after rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Primary outcomes included healing and retear rate, determined by radiological imaging. Secondary outcomes included shoulder-specific outcome measures and the visual analog scale (VAS). Risk of bias was graded using the Cochrane risk-of-bias v2.0 tool. The GRADE framework was used to assess certainty of findings. RESULTS: Seven RCTs with a total of 507 patients were included (298 randomized to NSAID/COX-2 vs 209 randomized to control). NSAIDs use did not yield a difference in retear rate (P = .77). NSAIDs were shown to significantly reduce pain in the perioperative period (P = .01); however, no significant difference was present at a minimum of 6 months (P = .11). COX-2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce pain (P = .15). Quantitative analysis of ASES and UCLA scores showed NSAIDs significantly improved functional outcomes versus control (P = .004). COX-2 inhibitors did not significantly improve functional outcomes (P = .15). Two trials were deemed "low" risk of bias, four trials were graded to have "some concerns", and one trial was graded to have "high" risk of bias. Retear rate and functional PROMs were deemed to have "low" certainty. VAS pain scale was graded to have "moderate" certainty. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that NSAIDs do not affect healing rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but they do significantly improve postoperative pain and functional outcomes. No significant difference was seen in pain or functional outcomes with the use of COX-2 inhibitors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Hybrid-Total Ankle Arthroplasty (H-TAA) for Failed Talar Component in Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) surgery due to TAA aseptic loosening is increasing. It is possible to exchange the talar component and inlay to another system for isolated talar component loosening in a primary mobile-bearing TAA: Hybrid-Total Ankle Arthroplasty (H-TAA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of the revision surgery of an isolated aseptic talar component loosening in a mobile-bearing three-component TAA with a H-TAA solution. METHODS: In this prospective case study, nine patients (six women, three men; mean age 59.8 years; range 41-80 years) with symptomatic isolated aseptic loosening of the talar component of a mobile-bearing TAA were treated with an isolated talar component and inlay substitution. In all nine cases, a hybrid TAA revision surgery was performed by implanting a VANTAGE TAA talar and insert component (Flatcut talar component: six cases, standard talar component: three cases). The patients were reviewed with the pain score (VAS Pain Score 0-10), Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion (DF/PF) Range of Motion (ROM; degrees), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle/Hindfoot Score (0-100 points), Sports Frequency Score (Level 0-4), and subjective Patients' Satisfaction Score (0-10 points). RESULTS: The average Pain score improved significantly from preoperative 6.7 points to postoperative 1.1 points (p < 0.001). Average Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion ROM values increased significantly post-surgery: 21.7° preoperative to 45.6° postoperative (p < 0.001). The postoperative AOFAS scores were significantly greater than the preoperative values: 47.7 points preoperative, 92.3 points postoperative (p < 0.001). The sports activity improved from preoperative to postoperative where, preoperative, none of the patients were able to perform sports. Postoperative, eight patients were able to be sports-active again. The overall average postoperative level of sports activity was 1.4. The postoperative average patient's satisfaction was 9.3 points. CONCLUSIONS: In painful talar component aseptic loosening of a three-component mobile-bearing TAA, H-TAA is a good surgical solution for reducing pain, restoring ankle function, and improving patients' life quality.

Validation of three classification systems for posterior malleolus fractures of the ankle.

PURPOSE: A number of classification systems exist for posterior malleolar ankle fractures. The user reliability of these classification systems remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of three commonly utilised classification systems for fractures of the posterior malleolus. METHODS: Imaging of 60 patients across 2 hospitals with ankle fractures including a posterior malleolar fragment was identified. All patients had undergone plain radiographs and computed tomography of their injured ankle as part of their normal standard of care. 9 surgeons including pre-resident/registrar level, resident/registrar level, and attending/consultant level applied the Haraguchi, Bartonícek, and Mason classifications to these fractures, at two timepoints, at least 4 weeks apart. The order was randomised between assessments. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Fleiss' κ and standard error (SE). Intra-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's κ and standard error (SE). RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability (Fleiss' κ) was calculated for the Haraguchi classification as 0.588 (SE 0.023), for the Bartonícek classification as 0.626 (SE 0.019), and the Mason classification as 0.541 (SE 0.098). Intra-rater reliability (Cohen's κ) was 0.761 (SE 0.098) for the Haraguchi classification, 0.761 (SE 0.091) for the Bartonícek, classification, and 0.724 (SE 0.096) for the Mason classification. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for three classification systems for posterior malleolus fractures. Based on definitions by Landis and Koch (Biometrics 33:159-174, 1977), inter-rater reliability was rated as 'moderate' for the Haraguchi and Mason classifications and 'substantial' for the Bartonícek classification. Similarly, the intra-rater reliability was rated as 'substantial' for all three classifications.

Clinical effectiveness of tenotomy versus tenodesis for long head of biceps pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The comparative clinical effectiveness of common surgical techniques to address long head of biceps (LHB) pathology is unclear. We synthesised the evidence to compare the clinical effectiveness of tenotomy versus tenodesis. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library of randomised controlled trials were searched through 31 October 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials, reporting patient reported outcome measures, comparing LHB tenotomy with tenodesis for LHB pathology, with or without concomitant rotator cuff pathology. Studies including patients treated for superior labral anterior-posterior tears were excluded. No language limits were employed. All publications from database inception to 31 October 2021 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Screening was performed by two authors independently. A third author reviewed the article, where consensus for inclusion was required. Data were extracted by two authors. Data were synthesised using RevMan. Inverse variance statistics and a random effects model were used. RESULTS: 860 patients from 11 RCTs (426 tenotomy vs 434 tenodesis) were included. Pooled analysis of patient-reported functional outcome measures data demonstrated comparable outcomes (n=10 studies; 403 tenotomy vs 416 tenodesis; standardised mean difference (SMD): 0.14, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.32, p=0.13). There was no significant difference for pain (Visual Analogue Scale) (n=8 studies; 345 tenotomy vs 350 tenodesis; MD: -0.11, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.06, p=0.21). Tenodesis resulted in a lower rate of Popeye deformity (n=10 studies; 401 tenotomy vs 410 tenodesis; OR: 0.29, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.45, p<0.00001). Tenotomy demonstrated shorter operative time (n=4 studies; 204 tenotomy vs 201 tenodesis; MD 15.2, 95% CI 1.06 to 29.36, p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Aside from a lower rate of cosmetic deformity, tenodesis yielded no significant clinical benefit to tenotomy for addressing LHB pathology. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020198658.

Clinical Effectiveness of Various Surgical Reconstruction Modalities for Acute ACJ Separation: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Acute acromioclavicular joint separation is a common injury to the shoulder. Various surgical reconstruction methods exist when operative management is required, but the optimal procedure is not known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to review the literature to assess the clinical effectiveness of various surgical reconstruction modalities used for acute ACJ separation. Methods: The study protocol was designed and registered prospectively on PROSPERO (International prospective register for systematic reviews). Literature search will include MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Library electronic databases. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating surgical procedures for acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation will be included. Our primary outcome is any functional patient-reported outcome measure related to the shoulder. Secondary outcomes may include radiological measurements, objective measurements of strength testing, range of motion, other patient-reported outcome measures not specific to the shoulder such as the Visual-Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, timelines for return to sport or work, and rate of complications. Risk of bias will be assessed within each study using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and the Jadad score. Inconsistency and bias across included studies will be assessed statistically. Comparable outcome data will be pooled and analysed quantitatively or qualitatively as appropriate. Ethics and dissemination: This study did not require ethical clearance. We plan to publish this systematic review and meta-analysis in a peer-reviewed journal and present the results at various national and international conferences. Highlights: There is currently variation in surgical synthetic ligament reconstruction techniques for acute acromioclavicular separation, with no clear consensus established.This systematic review evaluates the clinical effectiveness of various surgical reconstruction modalities used for acute ACJ separation.Our primary outcome is any functional patient-reported outcome measure related to the shoulder.

The ability to wear heeled footwear following first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion.

INTRODUCTION: Fusion remains the gold standard treatment for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthritis. Surgeons have traditionally advised female patients during the consenting process that they would have limitations or be unable to wear heeled footwear following first MTPJ fusion due to the loss of dorsiflexion at the first MTPJ. Anecdotally, surgeons have found that some patients were still able to continue wearing heeled footwear post fusion surgery. Heeled footwear has long been a trendy fashion accessory dating back from ancient Egyptian times and are regularly worn by a significant proportion of women today. Given the lack of literature in this matter, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of first MTPJ fusion surgery on the ability to wear heeled footwear, to aid in the consenting process. METHODS: A retrospective review of 50 female patients who have had an isolated first MTPJ fusion between 2004 and 2015 at the authors' institution was undertaken with a follow-up telephone survey which included questions on ability to wear heeled footwear pre and post-operatively, duration, and the height of heels they could wear. RESULTS: This study included 50 patients (62 feet) with a mean age of 63 years (range 43-78 years) at the time of surgery, with a mean follow-up of eight years (range 5-16years) from surgery. Of the 42 patients who wore heeled footwear pre-surgery, 26 (62%) continued wearing them. The majority of them (n = 23, 88%) were able to wear the same height heels. Patients could use heeled footwear from 30 min to eight hours continuously (mean=3 h) and, 88% were able to wear heel heights of 1.5 in. or higher. None of the patients wearing heeled footwear returned to the clinic with midfoot/hindfoot symptoms, one returned for worsening of pre-existing first IPJ (interphalangeal joint) symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study has important implications for information given to patients during the consent process for this operation. The results have shown that many patients continue to wear heeled footwear following first MTPJ fusion with minimal or no symptoms in neighbouring joints.

Fibula pro-tibia vs standard locking plate fixation in an ankle fracture saw bone model.

BACKGROUND: Locking plate fixation in osteoporotic ankle fractures may fail due to cut-out or metalwork failure. Fibula pro-tibia fixation was a technique prior to the advent of locking plates that was used to enhance stability in ankle fractures by achieving tri or tetra-cortical fixation. With locking plates, the strength of this fixation construct can be further enhanced. There is lack of evidence currently on the merits of tibia-pro-fibula augmented locking plate fixation of unstable ankle fractures. AIM: To assess if there is increased strength to failure, in an ankle fracture saw bone model, with a fibula pro-tibia construct when compared with standard locking plate fixation. METHODS: Ten osteoporotic saw bones with simulated supination external rotation injuries were used. Five saw bones were fixed with standard locking plates whilst the other 5 saw bones were fixed with locking plates in a fibula pro-tibia construct. The fibula pro-tibia construct involved fixation with 3 consecutive locking screws applied across 3 cortices proximally from the level of the syndesmosis. All fixations were tested in axial external rotation to failure on an electromagnetic test frame (MTS 858 Mini-Bionix test machine, MTS Corp, Eden Praire, MN, United States). Torque at 30 degrees external rotation, failure torque, and external rotation angle at failure were compared between both groups and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The fibula pro-tibia construct demonstrated a statistically higher torque at 30 degrees external rotation (4.421 ± 0.796 N/m vs 1.451 ± 0.467 N/m; t-test P = 0.000), as well as maximum torque at failure (5.079 ± 0.694N/m vs 2.299 ± 0.931 N/m; t-test P = 0.001) compared to the standard locking plate construct. The fibula pro-tibia construct also had a lower external rotation angle at failure (54.7 ± 14.5 vs 67.7 ± 22.9). CONCLUSION: The fibula pro-tibia locking plate construct demonstrates biomechanical superiority to standard locking plates in fixation of unstable ankle fractures in this saw bone model. There is merit in the use of this construct in patients with unstable osteoporotic ankle fractures as it may aid improved clinical outcomes.

Does the external remote controller's reading correspond to the actual lengthening in magnetic-controlled growing rods?

PURPOSE: Magnetic-controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are now routinely used in many centres to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MCGR lengthening is done non-invasively by the external remote controller (ERC). Our experience suggests that there may be a discrepancy between the reported rod lengthening on the ERC and the actual rod lengthening. The aim of this study was to investigate this discrepancy. METHODS: This was a prospective series. Eleven patients who were already undergoing treatment for EOS using MCGRs were included in this study. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two sets of ultrasound readings were obtained (96 episodes of rod lengthening on dual-rod constructs) and compared to their ERC readings. Only 15/192 (7.8%) readings were accurate; 27 readings (14.9%) were false positive; and 8 readings (4.2%) were an underestimation while 142 readings (74.0%) were an overestimation by the ERC. Average over-reporting by the ERC was 5.31 times of the actual/ultrasound reading. When comparing interval radiographs with lengthening obtained on ultrasound, there was a discrepancy with an average overestimation of 1.35 times with ultrasound in our series. There was a significant difference between ERC and USS (p = 0.01) and ERC and XR (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between USS and XR (p > 0.99). CONCLUSION: The reading on the ERC does not equate to the actual rod lengthening. The authors would recommend that clinicians using the MCGR for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis include pre- and post-extension imaging (radiographs or ultrasound) to confirm extension lengths at each outpatient extension. In centres with ultrasound facilities, we would suggest that patients should have ultrasound to monitor each lengthening after distraction but also 6-month radiographs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Clinical Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Dorsal Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND:: Following failure of conservative treatment, a dorsal cheilectomy can be performed for patients in early stages of hallux rigidus by a traditional open approach or by a minimally invasive technique. We report our clinical outcomes following minimally invasive dorsal cheilectomy (MIDC). METHODS:: Eighty-nine patients (98 feet) with symptomatic hallux rigidus treated between 2011 and 2016 were included in this study. The average age was 54 years. Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected. The mean follow-up was 50 months. RESULTS:: The average VAS score improved from 8.0 preoperatively to 3 postoperatively. The mean MOxFQ summary index score decreased from 58.6 preoperatively to 30.5 postoperatively. All 3 MOxFQ domains also improved. Swelling took an average of 5.3 weeks to settle. There were 2 wound infections and 2 delayed wound healings. Two patients had transient nerve paraesthesia, while 2 patients had permanent numbness in the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve distribution. Twelve patients (12%) underwent reoperation, of which 7 had a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis for ongoing pain, 4 had repeat cheilectomy for residual impingement, and 1 had an open removal of loose bone. CONCLUSION:: Our results suggest that MIDC resulted in improvement in patient-reported outcome measures and was a safe technique with minimal complications. The complications were similar to open cheilectomy. There was an associated learning curve as 5 of our reoperations were due to incomplete cheilectomy. Coughlin grade 1 did well with MIDC as with open cheilectomy as none went onto an arthrodesis. However, 10% (7/65) of our grade 2 and 3 cases went on to an arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Is there a role for low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in delayed or nonunion following arthrodesis in foot and ankle surgery?

BACKGROUND: Delayed union and nonunion following foot and ankle arthrodesis is a disabling complication for patients. There are no clinical studies looking at whether there is a role for use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) following this. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of LIPUS in this cohort of patients in our centre. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study reviewing the use of LIPUS in patients who had arthrodesis of a number of different foot and ankle joints diagnosed with delayed or non-union. RESULTS: Over a 5year period, 18 patients (71st MTPJ fusion, 2 subtalar joints, 2 triple fusion, 4 ankle fusions and 3 isolated midfoot joint) with radiologically confirmed delayed union, were treated with a standardised LIPUS therapy. Twelve patients (67%) were treated successfully with full radiological union confirmed. 4 patients required further surgical revision surgery while 2 were treated conservatively. Isolated small foot joints demonstrated a higher incidence of fusion (9/10; 90%) after LIPUS in comparison to larger or multiple joint arthrodesis (3/8; 38%). CONCLUSIONS: There may be a role for the use of LIPUS as a treatment option in delayed union of isolated, small foot joint arthrodesis. However, we would not recommend its use in large or multiple F&A joint arthrodesis. Large multicentre series are required to confirm our findings.

Minimally Invasive Dorsal Cheilectomy of the First Metatarsal: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND:: Minimally invasive dorsal cheilectomy (MIDC) for hallus rigidus is gaining in popularity. The optimal position for the stab incision for MIDC is dorsomedial to allow an ergonomic sweeping movement of the burr, potentially putting the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve (DMCN) to the hallux at risk. We aimed to quantify the risk of using this minimally invasive technique with a cadaveric study. METHODS:: A total of 13 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens amputated below the knee were obtained for this study. After the procedure, the specimens were dissected, and structures were inspected for damage. RESULTS:: The DMCN to the hallux was cut completely in 2 specimens (15%). All the extensor hallucis longus tendons were intact, although in 1 specimen, the tendon showed some fraying on the underside of the tendon. The average distance of the stab incision from the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint was 17.7 (range, 10-23) mm. The relationship of the DMCN to the stab incision was variable. The average distance of the DMCN to the incision was 3.8 (range, 0-7) mm. The danger zone for damaging the DMCN was at one-third the length of the first metatarsal proximal to the first MTP joint. CONCLUSION:: The DMCN has been well studied by several authors and has a variable course. This nerve was damaged in 15% of our specimens following MIDC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:: We believe patients should be made aware of this risk when considering surgery. A carefully made working capsular pocket for the burr and marking this nerve before making the incision if palpable could mitigate this risk.

The use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in treating delayed union of fifth metatarsal fractures.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies looking at the success rate of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in fifth metatarsal fracture delayed unions to our knowledge. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of LIPUS treatment for delayed union of fifth metatarsal fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who were treated with LIPUS following a delayed union of fifth metatarsal fracture was conducted over a three-year period. RESULTS: There were thirty patients (9 males, 21 females) in this cohort. The average age was 39.3 years. Type 2 fractures made up 43% of our cohort. Twenty-seven (90%) patients went on to progress to union clinically and radiologically following LIPUS treatment. Smoking (p=0.014) was predictive of non-union. Assuming that there were 10 delayed unions a year and 6 went on to non-union as previously suggested by a systematic review, the cost savings of using LIPUS (90% success rate; 10 LIPUS machine and surgery for 1 non-union) vs operative intervention (surgery for 6 non-union) equates to a cost saving of £7765 a year. CONCLUSION: There is a role for the use of LIPUS in delayed union of fifth metatarsal fractures and can serve as an adjunct prior to consideration of surgery. The findings of this study also suggest the use of LIPUS to be a cost effective treatment modality compared to surgical management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy (DMMO) of the Fifth Metatarsal for Bunionette Correction.

BACKGROUND: Different osteotomies have been proposed for the treatment of bunionette deformity. Minimally invasive surgery is now increasingly popular for a variety of forefoot conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome following fifth minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) for bunionette deformity. METHODS: Nineteen patients (21 feet) who had symptomatic bunionette deformity and failed conservative treatment between 2014 and 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical data were recorded, and pre- and postoperative Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were collected. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range, 12-47). RESULTS: The mean MOXFQ summary index score decreased from 71 (range, 59-81) preoperatively to 10 (range, 0-30) postoperatively. All 3 MOXFQ domains also improved. The average improvement in VAS score was 7. Forefoot swelling and some painful symptoms took an average of 3 months to settle. There were no wound or nerve complications. One patient required a dorsal cheilectomy for a symptomatic prominent dorsolateral callus formation. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive fifth DMMO for bunionette deformity was a safe and effective technique. It had relatively few complications and led to good clinical results. We believe it is important to warn patients that the forefoot swelling will take months to settle compared to an osteotomy with fixation, and there is a 10% chance of a prominent callus over the osteotomy site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Magnetic controlled growing rods for early-onset scoliosis: a 4-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There have been no studies with medium-term follow-up of magnetic controlled growing rods (MCGRs). PURPOSE: This study aimed to report our single center experience of a magnetic growing rod system with an average of 4 years' follow-up. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective case series was carried out. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample comprised patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with magnetic controlled growth rods who were operated in 2011. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cobb angle, spinal growth rate, complications, and revision were the outcome measures. METHODS: Clinical case notes and radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 8 patients (5 dual-rod construct, 3 single-rod construct) who had a minimum of 44 months' follow-up and average of 48 months (44-55 months). Mean age at surgery was 8.2 years (range 3-10). Mean preoperative Cobb angle was 60° (34-94), whereas mean postoperative Cobb angle was 42° (32-63). The average number of extensions was 13.8 (range: 12-20). There were 6 patients (75%) who required 8 revision surgeries: rod problems (N=4), proximal screw pull-out (N=3), and development of proximal junction kyphosis (N=1). All three patients who had single-rod construct underwent revision procedure. Currently, four patients (50%) still have the magnetic rods in situ. The mean duration of MCGR in the patient in the removed group was 39 months (range: 34-46). CONCLUSIONS: Medium-term results of MCGR are not as promising as previously reported early results. Hence, MCGRs should be used with caution. Single-rod constructs should definitely be avoided. The role of MCGRs in revision cases still remains unknown.

Predictive factors for recurrence of simple bone cyst of the proximal humerus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors predictive of recurrence following curettage of simple bone cysts (SBCs) in the proximal humerus. METHODS: Records of 29 male and 3 female patients aged 3 to 22 (mean, 11) years who underwent curettage with or without bone grafting for a solitary SBC in the proximal humerus were reviewed. The appearance, size, location, activity level, and fracture pattern of each cyst were recorded. The cyst index indicated the risk of refracture. Recurrence was defined as a refracture or enlargement of the cyst. RESULTS: 31 patients presented with a pathological fracture. The main symptoms were pain (n=30), loss of function (n=22), and mass/swelling (n=15). 25 patients gave a history of trauma. The duration of symptoms was less than one month. 10 patients had recurrence after a mean of 10 (range, 4-27) months; 5 were refractures and another 5 were enlargement of the cysts. Six were treated conservatively and eventually healed, whereas 4 underwent further curettage. Factors predictive of recurrence were patient age 5 years or younger (p=0.014), right-sided cyst (p=0.01), larger cyst (p=0.039), multilocular cyst (p=0.004) and unimpacted fracture (p=0.04). Recurrence was not related to gender, cyst location, or cyst activity level. CONCLUSION: Most SBCs heal even if the fracture is treated expectantly. SBCs should be left alone unless symptomatic. If curettage is performed, grafts or bone substitutes should be used. More aggressive treatment might be necessary for unimpacted fractures to minimise the risk of recurrence.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation of the metatarsal: a pediatric case report and archival review.

UNLABELLED: Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferations (BPOP), also known as Nora's lesions, are rare tumors occurring most commonly in the hands and feet. They are benign and rarely exhibit radiological evidence of cortical invasion. We report a case of BPOP showing atypical magnetic resonance imaging features that are inconsistent with BPOP and having a novel chromosomal aberration. We also review the BPOP cases in our regional benign bone tumor database. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

An age- and sex-matched comparative study on both-bone diaphyseal paediatric forearm fracture.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary (IM) nailing and plating are recognised fixation methods for both-bone midshaft forearm fractures. Although both methods are effective, IM nailing has recently been the accepted operative treatment for the paediatric population. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in the radiographic and functional outcomes of an age- and sex-matched cohort of children following treatment by IM fixation or plate fixation with screws for an unstable both-bone diaphyseal fracture. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted and 17 age- and sex-matched pairs of patients returned for a research review clinic. The average age of our patients was 11.6 years at follow up, with 11 boys and six girls in each group. The mean follow up was similar in both groups (IM 31.5 months, plating 31.8 months). RESULTS: Plating and IM nailing result in good or excellent functional and radiological outcomes. Radiographs at the review clinic showed complete healing in the plating group, with reconstitution of the radial bow. Three patients in the IM group did not regain the natural radial bow radiographically. There were no significant differences between both groups for maximum radial bow and its location (P > 0.05). However, the maximum radial bow was significantly different from normative values in both groups (P = 0.003 plate, P = 0.005 IM). No non-union or malunion was observed. There were no significant differences in the loss of forearm motion and grip strength between both groups. There was no difference in the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) scores between both groups. The plating group had a significantly worse Manchester scar score than the IM group (P = 0.012). One major complication was observed in each group: osteomyelitis for IM fixation and ulnar never palsy for plating. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that functional outcome is likely to be equivalent, regardless of which method of internal fixation is used.