Fixation of femoral shaft fractures with a flexible bundle-type nail.

In a prospective study, 31 consecutive patients with a femoral shaft fracture were treated with the Marchetti-Vicenzi intramedullary flexible bundle-type nail. Open reduction of the fracture was necessary in 25 of the 31 patients (81%). Twenty-five of the 31 fractures (81%) united within 2.5 to 6 months after the operation (mean, 4.2 months). Nonunion occurred in one patient (3.2%). Other complications included delayed union in five patients (16%), femoral shortening in five (16%), breakage of the distal pins in two (6.5%), and severe varus malunion in two patients (6.5%). Because of the high complication rate in this series, the authors no longer use the Marchetti-Vicenzi flexible nail for treatment of femoral shaft fractures.

Operative treatment for Maisonneuve fracture of the proximal fibula.

This study reviewed operative treatment of Maisonneuve fracture of the fibula in 26 patients. Operative treatment consisted of restoration of the fibular length, repair of the lateral and medial ankle ligamentous structures, and placement of one or two suprasyndesmotic screws. After average follow-up of 6.4 years, the clinical results were satisfactory in 23 (88.4%) patients. Operative treatment is the treatment of choice for Maisonneuve fractures, and a satisfactory outcome may be anticipated after appropriate management of any associated bony and syndesmotic injuries.

The clinical performance of a small diameter tibial nailing system with a mechanical distal aiming device.

We present the clinical and radiographic results of a prospective study with the Orthofix tibial nailing system. The ease and safety of distal locking with the use of an improved targeting system was also evaluated. Sixty fresh tibial fractures in 60 patients with a mean age of 37.3 years (range 17-73 years) were treated. Eighteen of the fractures were grade I open fractures. All operations were performed in a conventional operating theatre on a simple transparent operating table, with reduction of the fracture performed under manual traction and manipulation of the fracture site. Hand reaming was then performed to ensure, where possible, the insertion of a nail of at least 9 mm in diameter. Fracture healing was observed at a mean of 17 weeks (12-28 weeks). No tibial non-unions occurred in our series, and only three fractures, two segmental and one severely comminuted, showed delayed union. No infection, either superficial or deep, was found and no cardio-pulmonary complications were recorded. Following surgery, all patients gained a full range of pain-free movement of the ankle and knee joints and only six patients (10%) complained of mild anterior knee pain. All patients returned to their previous jobs one month after fracture healing had been confirmed clinically and radiographically. Following nailing, no deviation from normal tibial alignment was detected. No mechanical failure of either the nails or the locking screws was recorded. The mean duration of operation (skin to skin) was 30 min (range 20-45 min) and the mean total theatre time was 55 min (range 40-75 min). The mean total intensification time was 5 s. In total, 120 distal locking screws were inserted using the external targeting device. All attempts at distal locking except five (4.2%) were successful with two failures in the same patient being a result of inappropriate use of the system. We conclude that this nailing system is clinically effective and that distal locking can be performed easily, without exposure to radiation.

Spontaneous interbody fusion after controlled injuries to the spine: an experimental study in rabbits.

To evaluate the rationale of spontaneous spine fusion after a spinal injury, the authors conducted an experimental study that consisted of three types of controlled injuries to a rabbit spine model. The first was injury to the intervertebral disk (type I injury). The second was injury of the intervertebral disk along with injury to one of the adjacent vertebral end plates (type II). In type III injury, both the opposing end plates were injured along with the intervertebral disk. In 38 rabbits, a total of 82 injuries of these three types were inflicted. Twenty-six injuries were of type I (n = 22 rabbits), 26 were type II (n = 24 rabbits), and 30 were type III (n = 26 rabbits). Spontaneous fusion occurred only in type III injuries. From the 30 type III injuries, fusion occurred in 20 (66.6%). For an autofusion to occur, both epiphyseal plates may be injured. In the clinical situation, this observation suggests that a radiographically obscure lesion of both neighboring vertebrae may proceed to autofusion of that spinal segment observed later.

Surgical management for instability and paraplegia caused by spinal sarcoidosis. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Report of a patient with paraplegia caused by vertebral sarcoidosis. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of vertebral sarcoidosis accompanied by progressive neurologic symptoms from the lower extremities, and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to its management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebral sarcoidosis is a rare condition, and only a few case reports exist in the literature. A needle or open biopsy is required to establish the diagnosis. In most cases, treatment with steroids improves associated neurologic symptoms. Operative intervention is necessary in cases with progressive vertebral destruction, spinal instability, and impending or progressive neurologic deterioration. METHODS: Operative treatment by a two-stage anterior vertebrectomy and fusion followed by posterior stabilization was given to a patient with vertebral sarcoidosis and progressive neurologic deterioration of the lower extremities. RESULTS: After surgery, the patient had a complete neurologic recovery and satisfactory spinal fusion. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of any spinal instability, neurologic symptoms associated with vertebral sarcoidosis respond satisfactorily to nonoperative treatment with steroids. Progressive neurologic deterioration or spinal instability caused by bone destruction requires operative intervention. Anterior vertebrectomy and fusion combined with posterior stabilization provided a satisfactory result for the patient in this report.

Hydatid disease of bones and joints. 8 cases followed for 4-16 years.

Hydatid disease is a rare parasitic disease that seldom involves the skeleton. Treatment is difficult because of problems with the preoperative diagnosis, the invasive nature of the bony involvement and the variable anaphylactic reaction to the cyst fluid antigen. We present 8 cases with osseous hydatidosis who were treated over a period of 11 years. The spine was involved in 2 cases, the ilium in 2, the hip in 2, the tibia in 1 and the humerus in 1. We point out that diagnosis is difficult and the prognosis is often poor.