Outcomes of silastic trapezium replacements.

Trapezio-metacarpal joint arthritis is common, affecting 7% of men and 15% of women. Numerous surgical techniques are described for this condition but it is not clear which is best. Eighty-six silicone trapezium replacements were assessed at an average of 46 months (six to 156 months) postoperatively for patient satisfaction, pain, key and power grip strength, range of motion, complications and disability with DASH score. Patient satisfaction was 92%. There was excellent pain reduction from 4.2 to 0.6 on a scale of 0 to 5. Strength was 72% and 84% of age-sex-matched normal data for key and power grips, respectively. The complication rate was low, with two cases of persistent pain. One resolved spontaneously, the other resolved following revision of the silicone implant. The average DASH score was 30. Silicone trapezium replacement is an effective operation that offers the patient good pain relief, strength and good function with few complications.

Ponseti casting: a new soft option.

We have modified the Ponseti casting technique by using a below-knee Softcast instead of an above-knee plaster of Paris cast. Treatment was initiated as soon as possible after birth and the Pirani score was recorded at each visit. Following the manipulation techniques of Ponseti, a below-knee Softcast was applied directly over a stockinette for a snug fit and particular attention was paid to creating a deep groove above the heel to prevent slippage. If necessary, a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy was performed and casting continued until the child was fitted with Denis Browne abduction boots. Between April 2003 and May 2007 we treated 51 consecutive babies with 80 idiopathic club feet with a mean age at presentation of 4.5 weeks (4 days to 62 weeks). The initial mean Pirani score was 5.5 (3 to 6). It took a mean of 8.5 weeks (4 to 53) of weekly manipulation and casting to reach the stage of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. A total of 20 feet (25%) did not require a tenotomy and for the 60 that did, the mean Pirani score at time of operation was 2.5 (0.5 to 3). Denis Browne boots were applied at a mean of 10 weeks (4 to 56) after presentation. The mean time from tenotomy to boots was 3.3 weeks (2 to 10). We experienced one case of cast-slippage during a period of non-attendance, which prolonged the casting process. One case of prolonged casting required repeated tenotomy, and three feet required repeated tenotomy and casting after relapsing while in Denis Browne boots. We believe the use of a below-knee Softcast in conjunction with Ponseti manipulation techniques shows promising initial results which are comparable to those using above-knee plaster of Paris casts.

Delayed diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the foot.

Soft tissue sarcomas are relatively rare in the population, rarely encountered by the average orthopedic surgeon, and may only be seen once in a lifetime by a general practitioner. Although rare, it is a serious condition that, if diagnosed early, can result in improved prognosis. This article presents a case of a delayed diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma and highlights possible pitfalls and causes for such delays in hope of educating and reducing such incidences in the future.