Plate fixation of inferior ramus in pubis-ischium ramus improves mechanical stability in Tile B pelvic injures: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis and early clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: Management of inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus remains controversial, and related research is sparse. The main intention of this study is to describe the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of pubis-ischium ramus fractures in Tile B pelvic injuries and to identify the feasibility and necessity of fixation of the inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus. METHODS: This study comprised two parts: a biomechanical test and a retrospective clinical study. For the biomechanical tests, Tile B-type pelvic injuries were modeled in six cadaver specimens by performing pubis-ischium osteotomies and disruption of the anterior and interosseous sacroiliac ligaments. The superior and/or inferior rami of the pubis-ischium ramus were repaired with reconstruction plates and separated into three groups (A, B, and C). Specimens were placed in the standing position and were loaded axially with two-leg support for three cycles at 500 N. The displacements of sacroiliac joints at osteotomy were measured with Vernier calipers and compared using statistical software. To investigate the clinical outcomes of this technique, 26 patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a superior ramus fixation group (Group D) and a combined superior and inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus fixation group (Group E). The main outcome measures were time of operation, blood loss, postoperative radiographic reduction grading, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: In the vertical loading test, Group E showed better pelvic ring stability than Group D (P < 0.05). However, the shift of the sacroiliac joints was almost identical among the three groups. In our clinical case series, all fractures in Group E achieved bony union. Group E demonstrated earlier weight-bearing functional exercise (2.54 ± 1.45 vs 4.77 ± 2.09; P = 0.004), earlier bony union (13.23 ± 2.89 vs 16.55 ± 3.11; P = 0.013), and better functional outcomes (89.77 ± 7.27 vs 82.38 ± 8.81; P = 0.028) than Group D. The incidence of sexual dysfunction was significantly lower in Group E than that in Group D (2/13 vs 7/13; P = 0.039). Bone nonunion occurred in two patients in Group D, and two patients in Group E had heterotopic ossification. None of the patients exhibited wound complications, infections, implant failures, or bone-implant interface failures. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of the inferior ramus of a pubis-ischium ramus fracture based on conventional fixation of the anterior pelvic ring is mechanically superior in cadaveric Tile B pelvic injury and shows rapid recovery, good functional outcomes, and low incidence of complications.

Functional Evaluation of Endoscopic Treatment of Ischiofemoral Impingement: Case Reports.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), although infrequent, should be thought of as one of the causes of deep gluteal pain syndrome. Difficulty in establishing a diagnosis and inaccurate clinical examination can be associated with the small number of case reports in the literature. The initial IFI treatment uses conservative measures, and surgical treatment is infrequent. The following is a case report of four adult patients, all female, diagnosed with IFI, with unsuccessful conservative treatments, in whom endoscopic resection of the smaller trochanter was performed with good results.

Stability of ischial pressure with 3D thermoplastic elastomer cushion and the characteristics of four types of cushions in pressure redistribution.

Wheelchair cushions are recommended to be used with wheelchair and can protect the buttocks from pain and injury by relieving interface pressure for wheelchair users. However, further investigations are required for proper use in response to the development of new types of wheelchair cushions. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical characteristics of wheelchair cushions by comparing pressure redistributing effects of four types of cushions. The participants were 16 healthy adults who consented to participate in this study. A pressure mapping system (CONFORMat, Nitta Corp.) was used for the measurements. Pressure at ischium was measured immediately after the stabilization of the sitting posture and 10 minutes after. The pressure at ischium significantly decreased with any wheelchair cushions (P < 0.01). A significant negative correlation between body mass index and pressure at ischium was observed without a wheelchair cushion (r = - 0.70), however, the correlation disappeared upon use of a wheelchair cushion. The pressure at ischium increased over time with cushions of urethane, air, and urethane-air hybrid while that with the 3D thermoplastic elastomer cushion did not, and the change in the pressure was statistically less than that in other cushions (P < 0.01). Use of wheelchair cushions was effective in redistribution of the pressure at ischium, and the overtime change in the pressure depends on the type of used cushions.

Morphological features of the acetabulum with coxa profunda in women: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The morphology of coxa profunda remains inadequately understood. However, knowledge about the characteristics of the acetabulum in coxa profunda can help to predict pelvic morphology in three dimensions based on radiographic findings, as well as help to diagnose and predict hip pathologies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the morphological characteristics of the pelvis and coxa profunda. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including women who had undergone unilateral total hip arthroplasty. Only those with normal hip joint morphology on the opposite side, as evidenced by anteroposterior pelvic radiography showing a distance of ≥ 2 mm between the ilioischial line and acetabular floor, were included. Five parameters related to acetabular anteversion, thickness, and the position of the ilioischial line were measured using axial computed tomography at the central hip joint. The coxa profunda group (n = 39) and control group (n = 34) were compared. RESULTS: The mean acetabular anteversion angle was 12.5° ± 4° in the control group and 22.3° ± 5.6° in the coxa profunda group. The mean thickness from the acetabular fossa to the medial wall was 7.5 ± 1.7 mm in the control group and 3.9 ± 1.2 mm in the coxa profunda group. Furthermore, the bony region representing the ilioischial line was positioned more posteriorly in the coxa profunda group than it was in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that coxa profunda in women is associated with anterior acetabular dysplasia and a thin acetabulum, in contrast to previous interpretations of excessive coverage. This insight suggests a conversion of coxa profunda from a finding of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement to a finding of acetabular dysplasia, a revelation that also draws attention to cup positioning for total hip arthroplasty.

The direct muscular origin of the semitendinosus: a pitfall in categorization of proximal hamstring tendon tears.

The ischial origin of the hamstring musculature is complex. While the conjoint tendon and semimembranosus are commonly discussed and understood by radiologists, there is a lesser-known origin of the semitendinosus along the inferior and medial surface of the ischium in the form of a broad direct muscular connection. This secondary origin is infrequently described in the radiology literature and is a potential pitfall during grading of semitendinosus injuries if the interpreting physician is unaware of its presence. In a proximal hamstring tendon tear, the direct muscular origin of the semitendinosus can be spared, torn along with the conjoint tendon, or remain intact and contribute to a vertical shearing injury of the semitendinosus myotendinous junction. Detailed knowledge of this anatomy and its imaging appearance in the setting of injury enables the reader to correctly diagnose these unique hamstring injuries.

Determination of a Safe Zone for Ischial Screw Placement in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of acetabular components with supplemental screw fixation is commonly performed to improve osteointegration and long-term stability in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Placement of ischial screws improves stability in biomechanical studies, but can be technically challenging. The study aimed to provide a safe zone for ischial screw placement with reference to easily identifiable intra-operative landmarks. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients was performed and 27 preoperative pelvis computed tomography scans were collected. After converting these images to 3-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvis, a safe zone for ischial screw placement was established with reference to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the acetabular center and rim. RESULTS: The safe zone of an ischial screw in the en face sagittal plane was a median of 17 degrees (interquartile range [IQR]: 11,23) anterior to 13 degrees (IQR: 10,18) posterior to the reference line from the ASIS through the center of the acetabulum. The safe zone in the coronal plane was 34 degrees (IQR: 18,68) medial to 13 degrees (IQR: 8,19) lateral from a start point 1 centimeter medial to the inferior acetabular rim with a screw length of 25 millimeters. An ischial screw optimized for length directed down the center of the ischium was qualitatively demonstrated to have a start point unobtainable intraoperatively, originating within the cotyloid fossa. CONCLUSION: The ASIS, center of the acetabulum, and acetabular rim provide identifiable intraoperative landmarks for guiding ischial screw placement in hip arthroplasty.

Measurement of combined flap thickness for reconstruction of decubitus ulcer using computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Various reconstruction options have been introduced to treat decubitus ulcers. A combined flap that takes advantage of the fasciocutaneous and muscle flaps has been proven to be effective in reconstructing decubitus ulcers in previous studies. However, no studies have measured combined flap thickness. This is the first study to demonstrate the superiority of the combined flap by measuring its thickness using enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography (APCT). AIM: To evaluate combined flap modality as a useful reconstruction option for decubitus ulcers using measurements obtained through APCT. METHODS: Fifteen patients with paraplegia who underwent combined flap surgery for reconstruction of decubitus ulcers between March 2020 and December 2021 were included. The defects in the skin and muscle components were reconstructed separately. The inner gluteus muscle flap was split and manipulated to obliterate dead space. The outer fasciocutaneous flap was transposed to cover the muscle flap and opening of the decubitus ulcer. Subsequently, we performed enhanced APCT at 3 wk and 6 mo postoperatively to measure the flap thickness. RESULTS: The mean flap thickness was 32.85 ± 8.89 mm at 3 wk postoperatively and 29.27 ± 8.22 mm at 6 mo postoperatively. The flap thickness was maintained without any major complications such as contour deformities or recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although there was a significant decrease in flap thickness as measured by APCT, the combined flap provided sufficient padding and maintained its thickness even at 6 mo after reconstruction, suggesting that the combined flap modality may be a useful reconstruction option for patients with paraplegic decubitus ulcers.

Colgajo DIEP pediculado para reconstrucción de úlceras isquiáticas y trocantéricas sin opción a colgajo local / DIEP pedicled flap for reconstruction of ischial and trochanteric ulcers without local flap option

Introducción y objetivo: El colgajo DIEP pediculado ofrece una alternativa reproducible en el manejo de úlceras isquiáticas y trocantéricas en las que no hay tejido sano periférico disponible para la realización de un colgajo local. Describimos la técnica quirúrgica y presentamos 2 casos clínicos en los que empleamos este procedimiento. Material y método: Previo rastreo con ultrasonido doppler de las arterias perforantes periumbilicales, trazamos una isla cutánea vertical de 10 x15 cm, disecamos el pedículo hasta la unión con la arteria epigástrica inferior profunda que disecamos lo más proximal posible. Realizamos un túnel subcutáneo hasta el área a tratar para el paso sin tensión del pedículo vascular y colocamos el colgajo en su área receptora, suturándolo en dos planos. Resultados: Describimos 2 casos en los que obtuvimos excelentes resultados funcionales con baja morbilidad del área donadora. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, el colgajo DIEP pediculado fue una adecuada opción reconstructiva en pacientes con úlceras isquiáticas y trocantéricas en quienes los tejidos periféricos no permitían reconstrucción con colgajos locales, ya que presenta una baja morbilidad en la zona donadora y un pedículo relativamente largo que le permite alcanzar la zona del defecto.(AU)

Background and objective: The pedicled DIEP flap offers a reproducible alternative in the management of ischial and trochanteric ulcers where healthy peripheral tissue is not available for the realization of a local flap. We describe the surgical technique and present 2 clinical cases in which this procedure has been used, offering a reproducible alternative in the treatment of these conditions. Methods: A doppler ultrasound scan of the periumbilical perforating arteries is carried out, tracing a 10 x 15 cm vertical skin island. The pedicle is dissected down to the junction with the deep inferior epigastric artery, which is dissected as proximal as possible. A subcutaneous tunnel is made to the area to be treated for the passage without tension of the vascular pedicle and the flap is placed in its receiving area, suturing it in two planes. Results: We present 2 clinical cases in which we obtained excellent functional results and low morbidity in the donor area. Conclusions: In our experience, the pedicled DIEP flap was an adequate reconstructive option in patients with ischial and trochanteric ulcers in whom peripheral tissues do not allow reconstruction with local flaps, since it has low morbidity in the donor area and a relatively long pedicle that allows it to reach the defect area.(AU)

Ischiopubic Ramus Resection as Treatment for Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone: Surgical Techniques in Two Clinical Cases.

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the ischium are rare and often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In fact, there is no defined treatment algorithm to treat this lesion. We present two case reports of Campanacci's stage three ischiopubic GCT confirmed with biopsy. They were effectively treated with excision of the ischiopubic ramus, aggressive curettage, drilling, and phenolization at the margins. The surgery was performed in a gynecological position with an approach over the ischiopubic ramus. Both cases present no recurrence (two and 10-year follow-up), and neither has a significant impact on the quality of life. A thorough plan and surgical technique were essential for the success of this intervention.

Imaging changes following surgery for ischiofemoral impingement.

Partial resection of the lesser trochanter (LT plasty) has been increasingly recommended to treat ischiofemoral impingement. However, there is a lack of studies on the imaging findings following LT plasty. The purpose of this study was to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes on the lesser trochanter and surrounding musculotendinous structures following LT plasty to treat ischiofemoral impingement. Twenty-one patients (21 hips) were studied. The LT length and cross-sectional area of the iliopsoas muscle were measured on MRI before and after surgery. The MRIs were performed on average 11 months (range, 3 to 25 months) after surgery. The mean ± standard deviation amount of LT resected (difference between pre- and postoperative LT length) was 7.3 mm ± 2.5 mm. The iliopsoas cross-sectional area decreased after the LT plasty in 95% of the hips (20/21) by an average of 35% ± 16%. The reduction in iliopsoas size had no significant correlation with improvement on the modified Harris Hip Score at a mean follow-up of 17 months after surgery (r = -0.13, P = 0.58). The iliopsoas muscle size decreased on average 35% following endoscopic LT plasty. The decrease was not correlated with midterm functional outcomes.

New screw technique for posterior column and ischial fixation from the anterior approach for acetabular fractures.

Management of the ischial fragment in acetabular fractures is a considerable problem. In this report, we presented how to drill or screw around the posterior column and ischium from the anterior approach using a novel 'sleeve guide technique' and the difficulty of plating. A sleeve, drill, depth gauge and driver from DepuySynthes were prepared. The portal was about 2-3 cm inside the anterior superior iliac spine opposite to the side of the fracture. The sleeve was inserted to the screw point around quadrilateral area through the retroperitoneal space. Drilling, measuring screw length by a depth gauge and the screwing were performed through the sleeve. Case 1 used a one-third plate and case 2 used a reconstruction plate. With this technique, the approach angles to the posterior column and ischium were inclined, and plating and screw insertion could be performed with a low risk of organ injury.

Tuberculosis of ischial tuberosity as a rare cause of gluteal pain: A case series of 9 patients with review of literature.

Background: Osteo-articular Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the ischial tuberosity is a rare cause of gluteal pain. Methods: A retrospective clinico-radiological review of nine patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the ischial tuberosity was undertaken. The spectrum of presenting features, diagnostic challenges, radiological findings with particular emphasis on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical course was reviewed. Results: All the 9 patients (5 male: 4 female) aged between 8 and 50 years of age (mean 15.3 years) developed insidious onset of buttock pain over a period of weeks to months with difficulty in walking. Microbiological and/or histopathological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was undertaken in all cases. Complementary MRI revealed diffuse bone marrow signal hypointense or isointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted and STIR images. MRI was able to provide anatomic details of soft tissue lesions and extensions. MRI illustrated the sinus tract in one patient. Ultrasound imaging allowed diagnostic and therapeutic management of in 3 patients. Conclusion: Tuberculosis of ischial tuberosity can be a rare cause of gluteal pain. Delay in diagnosis could be due to an indolent natural history, unusual presentation and clinical features. A high index of suspicion especially in endemic areas with complementary imaging and microbiological or histopathological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Targeted treatment under the umbrella of Anti-Tubercular Therapy is crucial in achieving successful clinical outcome.

Parasacral ischial plane block for lower limb wound debridement surgeries - A case series.

Parasacral ischial plane block is a novel fascial plane approach to sacral plexus. Parasacral ischial plane block is technically less challenging and obviates the need for direct visualisation of sacral plexus. It can reliably be performed in limb-amputated patients where neuromuscular stimulation is less useful. Ten patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II-IV, aged between 18 and 70 years, posted for elective lower limb debridement surgeries were enroled in this prospective case series. The time taken to perform the block was ≤4 minutes in all cases. Time taken for full sensory loss was 9 minutes to 15 minutes. None of the patients developed a complete motor blockade till 30 minutes after our observation. None of the patients required intraoperative supplemental analgesia. This block is technically easy, less time-consuming, and provided adequate sensory analgesia in below-knee surgeries.

Anatomic and clinical application of lateral-perineal approach for inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the anatomical and clinical effects of lateral-perineal approach in treating the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus.Methods:The lateral approach of the perineum was simulated on 10 side of 5 intact wet adult cadavers to determine the surface symbols of incision design and to expose the operative field of the approach and to observe the anatomical characteristics of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the incision of the surgical approach. Five points were selected at the incision of the approach. The distance (L 1-L 5) between each point and the body surface projection of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve was measured. A total of 11 patients, including 5 males and 6 females with an average age of 41.55±14.32 years, ranging from 18 to 62 years, were treated by this approach in clinical practice. All patients had a reduction and fixation to the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus. The operation duration, incision length, intraoperative blood loss and surgical complications were recorded. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta radiographic criteria. The strength of the adductor was measured. The pelvic function was evaluated according to Majeed Pelvic Score at the last follow-up. Results:Anatomical studies shown that the line between the two points. One point was 4 cm lateral to the level of the apex of the pubic arch. Another point was 4 cm from the ischial tubercle on the line from the ischial tuberosity to the point that 4 cm lateral to the level of the apex of the pubic arch was the axis of the approach lateral of the perineum. Anatomical studies showed that the lateral-perineal approach could expose the range from pubic symphysis to sciatic tuberculum. The distance between the points selected at the incision of the approach and the body surface projection of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve: L 1 was 19.40±1.17 mm, ranging from 18 to 21 mm; L 2 was 16.60±2.76 mm, ranging from 10 to 20 mm; L 3 was 18.30±1.89 mm, ranging from 16 to 21 mm; L 4 was 19.20±1.93 mm, ranging from 16 to 22 mm; L 5 was 14.70±1.83 mm, ranging from 13 to 18 mm. All patients were followed up for 17.91±4.09 months, ranging from 13 to 26 months. The incision length was 8.18±0.98 cm, ranging from 7 to 10 cm. The operation duration was 59.64±12.17 min, ranging from 43 to 85 min. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 ml, ranging from 50 to 130 ml. All incisions were healed in all patients. The fractures were healed in 13.36±2.06 weeks, ranging from 10 to 16 weeks. According to Matta radiographic criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was excellent in 6 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 1 case. At the last follow-up, the adductor muscle strength reached grade 4 in 4 patients and grade 5 in 7 patients. Furthermore, according to the Majeed Pelvic Score, the score of every patient was 86.55±9.59, ranging from 66 to 100, and 8 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good at the last follow-up. The heterotopic ossification occurred in 2 patients, the pain during intercourse occurred in 2 patients. No patient had sensory disturbance or pain in the perineal area. Conclusion:A certain safe distance is between the lateral to the perineum and the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve with limited risk of injuring posterior femoral cutaneous nerve via the lateral approach of the perineum. The advantages in treating the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus by this approach have concealed incision, short operation duration and less bleeding with satisfied short-term clinical effects.

Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose greater trochanteric-ischial impingement.

Extra-articular impingement between the femur and ischium is increasingly recognized as a cause of hip pain. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic parameters for greater trochanteric-ischial impingement (GTI) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Seven patients (seven hips) diagnosed with GTI were retrospectively identified. For each of these seven patients, three controls were matched by gender, height, and weight to create a control group of 21 asymptomatic hips. The same technique and positioning were utilized to acquire the MRIs in the GTI and control groups. The MRI was performed with the lower limbs in a functional position reproducing the midstance phase of the gait cycle. The greater trochanteric-ischial distance was measured in the axial cut showing the shortest distance between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity. The mean greater trochanteric-ischial distance was 26.2 mm in the GTI group and 33.8 mm in the control group (P < 0.01). Greater trochanteric-ischial distance ≤28 mm had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 86% in identifying GTI. In conclusion, utilizing MRI with functional positioning of the lower limbs, greater trochanter-ischial distance ≤28 mm is helpful to diagnose GTI in women.

Pelvic region bone density, soft tissue mass, and injury frequency in female professional ballet dancers and soccer athletes.

We recently observed a high prevalence of low pelvic bone mineral density (BMD) in female professional ballet performers. Because this population is susceptible to musculoskeletal overuse injuries, we aimed to determine which regions of the pelvis may be at greatest risk compared to general population females (GENPOP) as well as professional female soccer players (SOCCER, a comparison to other elite athletes regularly subjected to high degrees of loading). Three groups of age-matched females [(GENPOP; n = 38, 27±1yrs), (BALLET; single company, n = 36, 26±3yrs), (SOCCER; single NWSL® club, n = 34, 25±1yrs)] consented to have their BMD and body composition assessed (DEXA, GE®). In addition to soft tissue and total and regional BMD analyses, a segmental analysis of the pelvis was performed to determine site-specific BMD for the iliac fossa, iliac fossa/iliac crest/ilium combined, pubic bone, ischium, and sacrum. A mixed-model ANOVA followed by a Tukey's post-hoc test was used to compare the groups (Type-I error; α = 0.05). The BALLET group had lower pelvic BMD for all measures (Avg.%Diff. = 15%-27%, p<0.001) compared to the SOCCER group and for the ischium (Avg.%Diff.= 8%; p=0.007) and sacrum (Avg.%Diff. â€‹= â€‹7%; p = 0.028) compared to the GENPOP group. The BALLET group had lower lean mass for all measures compared to the other groups (Avg.%Diff. = 12%-18%; p < 0.01). Professional ballet performers exhibit reduced pelvic region soft tissue and site-specific BMD not previously detected using standard DEXA analyses. These findings highlight which pelvic regions may benefit from preventative strength training and/or nutritional interventions.

Two-Dash Line: A New Approach for Prenatal Ultrasound Measurement of Iliac and Ischial Bones to Estimate Gestational Age.

OBJECTIVES: There has been a dearth of an accurate and reliable method for the measurement of fetal pelvic bones. In this study, we describe a novel, easy-to-use method for ischial and iliac bone measurement in fetal ultrasound scanning. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed on 1179 pregnant women at 12 to 40 weeks of an uneventful gestation. Pelvic biometric indices, including the length of the ilium and ischium, were measured by a novel and easy method. Then data were analyzed by regression models to develop a formula for gestational age (GA) estimation based on pelvic bones. RESULTS: The approximate ossification time of the ischium was determined to range between the 13th and 20th gestational weeks. We calculated 3 formulas using linear regression models: formula 1, GA (days) = 92.563 + (11.604 × ischial length); formula 2, GA (days) = 57.006 + (7.819 × iliac length); and formula 3, GA (days) = 65.809 + (5.610 × iliac length) + (3.431 × ischial length). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-dash line method can contribute to efficient and precise ultrasound measurement of the ilium and ischium in pelvic biometry of the fetus.

Satisfactory clinical outcome of operative and non-operative treatment of avulsion fracture of the hamstring origin with treatment selection based on extent of displacement: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To compare outcome of operative and non-operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the hamstring origin, with minor (< 1.5 cm) and major (≥ 1.5 cm) displacement, and early (≤ 4 weeks) and delayed (> 4 weeks) surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. A quality assessment was performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Eight studies with 90 patients (mean age: 16 years) were included. All studies had low methodological quality (PEDro score ≤ 5). Operative treatment yielded a return to preinjury activity rate (RTPA) of 87% (95% CI: 68-95), return to sports (RTS) rate of 100% (95% CI: 82-100), Harris hip score (HHS) of 99 (range 96-100) and a University of California Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA) score of 100%. Non-operative treatment yielded a RTPA rate of 100% (95% CI:68-100), RTS rate of 86% (95% CI: 69-94), HHS score of 99 (range 96-100), and non-union rate of 18% (95% CI: 9-34). All patients with minor displacement were treated non-operatively (RTPA: 100% [95% CI: 21-100], RTS: 100% [95% CI: 51-100]). For major displacement, operative treatment led to RTPA and RTS rates of 86% (95% CI: 65-95) and 100% (95% CI: 84-100), and 0% (0/1, 95% CI: 0-79) and 100% (95% CI: 51-100) for non-operative treatment. Early surgery yielded RTPA and RTS rates of 100% (95% CI: 34-100 & 57-100) compared to 100 (95% CI: 72-100) and 90% (95% CI: 60-98) for delayed repair. CONCLUSION: All included studies have high risk of bias. There is only low level of evidence with a limited number of included patients to compare outcome of operative and non-operative treatment. Overall outcome was satisfactory. There is a treatment selection phenomenon based on displacement, with acceptable outcome in both groups. There is insufficient data to draw conclusions regarding timing of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Radiographic study of the development of the pelvis and hip and the femorotibial joints in domestic cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to monitor, by radiographic examination, the skeletal development of the pelvis and the femorotibial joints of the domestic cat from the first week of life until the closing of the growth plates. METHODS: Radiographic examinations were collected from 15 domestic cats at weekly intervals during the first month and every 2 weeks from the second to the fourth month of age. After that, examinations were performed monthly until the age of 18 months. RESULTS: The ischiopubic growth plate closed at 2 months of age, followed by the fusion of the iliopubic, ilioischial, proximal femoral, greater trochanter and proximal fibular growth plates. The distal femur and proximal tibial growth plates were the last to close, with fusion occurring at 18 months. The mean time to closure of the iliopubic, ilioischial and distal femoral growth plates was shorter in females. The ossification centers first appeared, in ascending order, beginning with the lesser trochanter, followed by the greater trochanter, proximal fibular epiphysis, tibial tuberosity, patella, ischial tuberosity and lateral sesamoid of the popliteus muscle. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The complete closure of the growth plates of domestic cats occurs at approximately 18 months of age. Skeletal maturation at approximately 18 months of age is an important parameter to be considered in radiographic evaluation of certain skeletal changes, evolution of fractures and nutritional imbalance.

A dual padding method for ischial pressure sore reconstruction with an inferior gluteal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap and a split inferior gluteus maximus muscle flap.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical management methods have been proposed for ischial sore reconstruction, yet it has the highest recurrence rate of all pressure ulcer types. A novel approach combining the advantages of a perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap and a muscle flap is expected to resolve the disadvantages of previously introduced surgical methods. METHODS: Fifteen patients with ischial pressure ulcers with chronic osteomyelitis or bursitis, who underwent reconstructive procedures with an inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) fasciocutaneous flap and a split inferior gluteus maximus muscle flap from January 2011 to June 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. The split muscle flap was rotated to obliterate the deep ischial defect, managing the osteomyelitis or bursitis, and the IGAP fasciocutaneous flap was rotated or advanced to cover the superficial layer. The patients' age, sex, presence of bursitis or osteomyelitis, surgical details, complications, follow-up period, and ischial sore recurrence were reviewed. RESULTS: All ischial pressure ulcers were successfully reconstructed without any flap loss. The mean duration of follow-up was 12.9 months (range, 3-35 months). Of 15 patients, one had a recurrent ulcer 10 months postoperatively, which was repaired by re-advancing the previously elevated fasciocutaneous flap. CONCLUSIONS: The dual-flap procedure with an IGAP fasciocutaneous flap and split inferior gluteus maximus muscle flap for ischial pressure ulcer reconstruction is a useful method that combines the useful characteristics of perforator and muscle flaps, providing thick dual padding with sufficient vascularization while minimizing donor morbidity and vascular pedicle injury.