Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Using LaPrade and Modified Larson Technique: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries of the knee are often overlooked for its complex anatomy, and frequent association with cruciate ligament injuries. Overlooked injuries lead to reconstruction failure of cruciate ligaments, chronic knee pain and early arthritic changes. Many reconstruction methods are described, but the best treatment still remains elusive. In this study, we have treated grade-III PLC injuries by the 'anatomic LaPrade' technique and the 'fibula-based Modified Larson' technique, and evaluated their outcomes. Our hypothesis was that both the groups will have similar improvements after surgery. METHODS: An open-label prospective comparative study was done with a total of 28 patients from August 2013 to July 2019. Patients were treated alternatively by LaPrade or Modified Larson technique using hamstring autografts. Follow-up visits were done at sixth week and subsequently at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. Outcomes were measured by Dial Test, side-to-side difference in lateral opening on varus stress radiographs, Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score. RESULTS: During analysis, we considered 25 patients only as three patients were lost to follow-up. Both the groups had comparable improvements in rotational stability, lateral opening on varus stress, Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score. CONCLUSION: Both LaPrade and Modified Larson technique showed good clinical results in restoring varus and rotational stability of knee in grade-III posterolateral corner injury of the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (prospective, comparative study).

Ganglion Cyst of Knee from Hoffa's Fat Pad Protruding Anterolaterally Through Retinacular Rent: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee joint are rare occurrences. They are usually encountered as incidental findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or in arthroscopy. They may originate from both the cruciate ligaments and the menisci, from the popliteus tendon and alar folds, infrapatellar fat pad of Hoffa, and subchondral bone cysts. Those arising from the Hoffa's fat pad, usually present as palpable mass at anterior aspect of the knee joint. We report a case of intraarticular ganglion cyst of knee arising from the infrapatellar fat pad and protruding anterolaterally through retinacular rent into the subcutaneous plane. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old young man, presented with a painless gradually increasing swelling at the anterior aspect of left knee of 9 months duration. MRI scan revealed a multilobulated, cyst with septations within the anterior aspect of the knee joint, just inferolateral to the patella, with deep extension into the infrapatellar fat pad, and superficial extension into the subcutaneous space across the retinaculum. After diagnostic arthroscopy, we performed an open excision of the cystic mass and confirmed the retinacular rent pre-operatively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic resection and debridement is the gold standard treatment in ganglion cyst of the knee. However, a subcutaneous extension may lead to incomplete arthroscopic resection: Leaving behind the residual tissue which may cause recurrence. Therefore, proper pre-operative evaluation of MR images of these cases is very important.

Plate versus titanium elastic nail in treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: With changing trends in treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), plating remains the standard procedure for fixation. An attracting alternative method of fixation is the titanium elastic nailing (TEN). However, prospective randomized studies comparing the two methods of fixation are lacking. We assessed the effectiveness of minimally invasive antegrade TEN and plating technique for the treatment of DMCF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 unilateral displaced midclavicular fractures operated between October 2010 and May 2013 were included in study. This prospective comparative study was approved by the local ethical committee. Followups were at 2(nd) and 6(th) weeks and subsequently at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. Primary outcome was measured by the Constant score, union rate and difference in clavicular length after fracture union. Secondary outcome was measured by operative time, intraoperative blood loss, wound size, cosmetic results and complications. RESULTS: During analysis, we had 37 patients in the plate group and 34 patients in the TEN group. There was no significant difference in Constant scores between the two groups. However, faster fracture union, lesser operative time, lesser blood loss, easier implant removal and fewer complications were noted in the TEN group. CONCLUSION: The use of minimally invasive antegrade TEN for fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is recommended in view of faster fracture union, lesser morbidity, better cosmetic results, easier implant removal and fewer complications; although for comminuted fractures plating remains the procedure of choice.

Single long midline incision versus two small incision techniques in treatment of Schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures--a comparative study.

Tibial plateau fractures had been treated with single long midline incision technique traditionally. But recently two-incision technique is becoming popular Tibial plateau fractures are generally classified according to the method developed by Schatzker. Schatzker types V and VI fractures are high-energy fractures often accompanied by other injuries and complications, such as postoperative inflammation, wound problems and infections. It was a prospective randomised study where 56 patients with Schatzker types V and VI were included in the study group. Alternatively all were allocated in the two groups ie, two small incision and one midline incision. Two incision was better than single midline incision in terms of posteromedial collapse, postoperative infection, skin necrosis. Operative fixation of complex fractures of the tibial plateau remains quite difficult and is associated with postoperative functional limitations in a large percentage of patients. Dual plating through an anterolateral and posteromedial approach is recommended in fractures complicated by a significantly displaced posteromedial fragment or depression of the medial articular surface.

A comparative study of non-operative and operative management in fracture clavicle.

The clavicle fractures managed non-operatively have shown a high prevalence of symptomatic malunion and non-union. We sought to compare patient-oriented outcome and complication rates following non-operative treatment and those after operative treatment of clavicular fractures. In a prospective randomised study, 30 patients with 30 clavicle fractures were randomised by systemic allocation to either operative treatment or non-operative treatment. Fifteen patients were in each group. Outcome analysis included standard clinical follow-up and the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and plain radiographs. The mean follow-up of both groups were 12.56 months. DASH scores were significantly improved in the operative fixation group at all time-points. The mean time to radiographic union was 27.46 weeks in the non-operative group compared with 15.73 weeks in the operative group (p = 0.000). There were no non-unions in both groups. Symptomatic malunion developed in seven patients (46.66%) in the non-operative group and in none in the operative group. The complications in the operative group were hardware-irritation (one case) and incisional numbness (one case). At final follow-up, the patients in the operative group were more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder (p = 0.039) and with the shoulder in general than were those in the non-operative group. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to patient age, sex, side of injury or associated injuries. Operative fixation of AO type B2 clavicular fracture results in improved functional outcome and early union compared with non-operative treatment at one year of follow-up. This study supports primary operative fixation of completely displaced mid shaft clavicular fractures in active adult patients.

Management of pathological fracture in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma is sporadic in nature and seldom symptomatic. Patients usually present with pathological fractures. The objective of this study was to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism in patients presenting with pathological neck of femur fractures, detection of the adenoma or ectopic tissue, removal of the tissue, and treatment of the fracture. All patients presenting with pathological fracture neck of femur, with clinical features suggestive of hyperparathyroidism were investigated for blood calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone. If found to be raised patients underwent nuclear scan for detection of primary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism (usually parathyroid adenoma) when found was excised. After 2 weeks fixation of fracture was done. Follow-up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year were done. Time to radiological union, functional assessment and other systemic complaints were noted. Nine patients were included in the study as they presented with pathological fracture due to hyperparathyroidism. All except 1 were due to parathyroid adenoma. Excision of the tumour with early fracture fixation lead to quick rehabilitation of the patient. All fractures united. Hyperparathyroidism is asymptomatic in many patients, and may present only with a fracture. Orthopaedicians should keep this possibility in mind while diagnosing these cases, failure to which may result in disastrous complications.

Antibiotic-impregnated articulating cement spacer for infected total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of chronic infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a two-stage revision, the first step being placement of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer. Here we describe the results of a new technique (modification of the Goldstien's technique) for intraoperative manufacture of a customized articulating spacer at minimal cost and with relatively good conformity and longevity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six infected knees underwent this procedure from June 2002 to May 2007. The technique consists of using the freshened femur and tibia interface as molds wrapped in a tin foil for manufacturing the two components of the spacer with antibiotic-impregnated methyl methycrylate cement. We used the spacer and the femoral component of the trial set of a TKA system to mold them to perfect articulation. We also reinforced the spacer with a K-wire scaffold to prevent fracture of the cement mantle in the last 21 cases. RESULTS: All 36 knees showed excellent results in terms of infection control, mobility, and stability. There was significant improvement in the WOMAC and Knee Society Scores (20 and 39 points respectively). There were two fractures of the spacers in the initial 15 cases that did not have K-wire scaffolding but none in the last 21 that had reinforcement. CONCLUSION: This technique provides a more conforming spacer, with good range of motion and stability. The reinforcement helps in preventing the fracture of the cement mantle and is cost effective.

Outcome of radial head preserving operations in missed Monteggia fracture in children.

BACKGROUND: The dislocated radial head in missed Monteggia fracture loses its concave articular surface and displays hypertrophic changes and flattened humeral capitellum configuration, thereby limiting the range of motion. We evaluated the results of open reduction in missed Monteggia fractures by various techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three missed Monteggia fractures were included in the analysis. We performed four combinations of operation: Group I: 22 patients treated with modified Hirayama ulnar osteotomy plus annular ligament reconstruction with free Palmaris longus grafting; Group II:18 patients treated with modified Hirayama ulnar osteotomy plus annular ligament reconstruction by the Bell Tawse's procedure; Group III-9: patients treated with only modified Hirayama's osteotomy; and Group IV: 14 patients treated with transverse osteotomy of ulna and annular ligament reconstruction by the Bell Tawse's procedure. During followup these cases were assessed for the following parameters: 1) range of motion and 2) mayo elbow performance index (MEPI). Results were noted on follow ups at 3, 6, 12 months and then on yearly basis. Sixty-three patients were followed up for an average duration of 5.6 years (range 3-8 years). RESULTS: The mean range of motion was increased by 45°, 30°, 45°, 20° for Group I, II, III and IV respectively. The average increase in MEPI scores was also almost on the same lines. There was one case of frank dislocation in group III and six cases of subluxation, two each in Groups II, III, and IV. For Annular ligament reconstruction, amongst two procedures, Groups II and IV (Bell Tawse group), had a significant extension lag contributing to the lower increase in the range of motion as compared to the Palmaris longus reconstruction group (group I). CONCLUSION: Hirayama's osteotomy is inherently more stable than the simple transverse osteotomy and it should be combined with annular ligament reconstruction. Palmaris longus graft for ligament reconstruction provides more stability as compare to Bell Towse's procedure.