Thoracolumbar Sacral Orthosis for Spinal Fractures: What's the Evidence and Do Patients Use Them?

Introduction The general consensus regarding the non-operative management of thoracolumbar (TL) spine fractures revolves around the use of thoracolumbar spine orthosis (TLSO). The efficacy of TLSO bracing remains controversial within the current literature, with several studies showing that prolonged brace use is associated with diminished lung capacity, skin breakdown, and paraspinal muscular atrophy, with no significant difference in pain and functional outcomes between patients treated with or without TLSO. Aims The aim of this study was to identify the number of braces issued over the duration of the study and understand the cost implication, added length of stay, and patient satisfaction based on a questionnaire and reflect on whether we need to change our practice on the use of TLSO. Methods Data was collected retrospectively over an 18-month period with 75 patients being initially identified for the study. A total of 42 records were included in the final study after the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patient-related outcomes were recorded through a questionnaire. Results Of the patients, 60% report not receiving adequate advice regarding the duration of treatment, 43% reported that the brace interfered with their activities of daily living (ADLs), and 73% came off the brace earlier than advised, with 60% of patients reporting that they would rather be without the brace if given the option. The average increase in length of stay waiting for bracing was three days, with the estimated cost incurred being approximately £114,000. Conclusion With equivalence between treatment with or without a brace, there is a need to rethink current practice and move toward a case-by-case, patient-centered approach to minimize costs and improve patient satisfaction.

Antibiotic Cement Spacer and Induced Membrane Bone Grafting in Open Fractures with Bone Loss: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures are a difficult entity, often complicated by infection and nonunion. Bone loss in such fractures adds to the complexity. Conventional techniques of bone defect management are mainly directed toward fracture union but not against preventing infection or joint stiffness. In this case series, we evaluated Masquelet's technique for management of open fractures with bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty seven open fractures with bone defect, which presented within 3 days of trauma were planned for treatment by Masquelet's technique. Followup ranged from 21 to 60 months. RESULTS: Average length of bone defect was 6 cm. Radiological union was obtained at a mean of 280 days since first stage of surgery. Time for union was not related to the size of defect. Union was faster in metaphyseal region (265.6 ± 38.8 days) as compared to diaphysis (300.9 ± 58.6 days). No patient had residual infection after stage 1. All the patients were able to mobilize with full weight bearing after radiological union with a satisfactory range of motion of adjacent joints. CONCLUSION: This technique can be routinely applied in compound fractures with bone loss with good results. Chances of infection are reduced using antibiotic cement spacer as an adjunct to thorough debridement. Induced biomembrane revascularizes the graft. Union can be expected in most of the cases, however, long time to union is a limitation. Technique is cost-effective and does not require special training or instrumentation. Although it is a two-stage surgery, requirement of multiple surgeries, as may be needed in conventional methods, is avoided.

Fracture Dislocation of Shoulder with Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Case Report and Review of Management Options.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries causing fracture dislocation of shoulder and brachial plexus palsy are extremely rare. As per authors' knowledge, three part fracture of proximal humerus with shoulder dislocation and brachial plexus palsy has not been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53 year old female sustained a three part fracture of right proximal humerus along with dislocation of shoulder joint and brachial plexus palsy following a fall from a flight of stairs. Fracture was managed by plating of proximal humerus and brachial palsy was followed up with electrodiagnostic studies and regular physiotherapy. Fracture united by three months and patient had near complete recovery of brachial palsy. Authors have discussed diagnostic modalities and management options in the article. CONCLUSION: Clinician should always look for clinical evidence of brachial plexus injury in patients with anterior shoulder dislocation. Signs of nerve injury with shoulder fracture dislocation are easily overlooked or incorrectly attributed to pain due to bony injury. Subsequent loss of shoulder function in elderly is often thought to be due to immobilization and stiffness. Clinical suspicion can help in diagnosing the often missed neurological injuries and can help in improving outcomes.

Intra-articular Fibroma of Tendon Sheath in Knee Joint Associated with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome: Rare Occurrence in a Teenage Girl.

INTRODUCTION: Iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome is a common overuse injury typically seen in active athlete population. A nodular lesion on the inner side of the ITB as an etiology or an accompanying lesion with friction syndrome has rarely been reported. Among such nodular lesions around knee, fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS) is a rare occurrence. All the more intra-articular occurrence is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old female presented with recurrent pain and movable nodule at the lateral joint area, diagnosed as ITB friction syndrome. The nodule was confirmed as rare intra-articular FTS on the basis of histopathology findings. CONCLUSION: When nodular lesions around knee are detected on magnetic resonance imaging, a FTS could be included in the differential diagnosis. Etiology and pathogenesis of ITB friction syndrome should be revised in view of such rare presentations.

A novel technique for reimplanting extruded bone fragments in open fractures.

Extruded bone fragments are a rare complication of high-energy open fractures. Generally, management is thorough debridement and managing the bone defect. In the literature, there are only a few case reports where successful retention of the free bone fragment has been done. Disinfection of bone fragment is done by autoclaving or use of antiseptic/antibiotic solution. Autoclaving leads to complete loss of viable cells and antiseptic/antibiotic solutions do not disinfect completely. In this case report, authors present an innovative technique of disinfecting the bone fragment effectively with minimum compromise on biology. A 38-year-old male with compound grade III B comminuted fracture of distal femur with 2 extruding bone pieces was managed by thorough debridement, external fixator and antibiotic cement spacer. The extruded bone fragments were rinsed in saline and diluted betadine and implanted in subfascial plane in healthy soft tissues in the thigh along with a few antibiotic beads for assuring disinfection. After 1 week, when no clinical signs of infection were found, the site was opened, cement spacer removed, free fragments positioned anatomically and rigid internal fixation was done. Fracture united at 6 months with good functional outcome. At last follow-up at 1 year, the patient was mobilising freely and there were no signs of low grade infection. The key points of this procedure are:1)Viability of bone fragment maintained while achieving disinfection.2)Traumatised soft tissues healed and prepared for accepting the free bone fragment.3)Use of antibiotic cement counters any remaining chances of infection after thorough debridement.4)Faster union with maintenance of bone length and alignment with use of anatomic fragments. Extensive search of literature was done and this procedure was found to be novel. A larger case series can help in determining the utility of this technique in compound fractures.