Thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation in a two-year-old female child following child abuse: A case report and literature review.

Child abuse is a matter of serious concern that can often result in devastating injuries. Incidence of spinal injuries from child abuse has been reported in <1-3 % of spinal injury cases. In the present study, a case of thoracolumbar translational injury (AO type C) is presented following an incidence of child abuse in a 2-year-old female. After successful management with operative fixation, the child showed a remarkable recovery in her neurological function with ambulatory power.

Perception of telemedicine among orthopedic surgeons and patients and an analysis of the factors governing its overall efficacy: Results from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Providing health-care services through telemedicine for musculoskeletal ailments after the first wave of COVID-19 may help reduce the burden on the already-strained health-care system. Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the satisfaction levels of orthopedic surgeons and patients with respect to telemedicine and (2) to determine the factors governing the overall efficacy of telemedicine consultations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain the perception of telemedicine (both doctors and patients) under the following domains - (1) information provided and ease of usage; (2) doctor-patient communication; (3) ease of prescribing and understanding treatment; and (4) audio-video quality of the consultation. The influence of these factors on overall satisfaction was determined using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 204 patients and 27 surgeons who completed the questionnaire, 77% (patients) and 89% (surgeons) were satisfied with the overall efficacy of telemedicine. Maximum satisfaction was noted with the ease of obtaining a telemedicine appointment (168/204). 68.6% of patients further stated they would prefer future visits virtually. While all four factors were found to have a significant correlation (P < 0.001) with the overall efficacy of teleconsultation services, the quality of the telephone call (odds ratio [OR] =90.15) and good doctor-patient communication (OR = 15.5) were found to be the most important of the lot. Conclusion: Our study not only demonstrates the high degree of satisfaction with telehealth services but is also able to pinpoint the areas where improvement is needed to enhance the overall experience with this technology.

Evaluation of Web-Based Information on Spine Tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and assess the information about spine tuberculosis available on the internet to the general public for its quality, adequacy, and authenticity. INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is a bacteriological disease that has been associated with humankind since early human civilization. Spinal tuberculosis is an affection of the spine by the tubercle bacilli and can cause major complications, such as neurological dysfunction and spine deformities. Since the revolution in information technology, information about the disease is widely available on the internet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 68 websites were selected on Google, Yahoo, and MSN search engines for the information available about the disease. Scientific journals, books, and any other research materials were excluded from this study. The information was documented and evaluated for its validity, sufficiency, and authorship. RESULTS: The public education websites (PEdWebs: Those websites which did not have direct involvement in patient care) were the major source of the information with 58.82% (40) of it coming from them. In all, there were 69% (47) physicians and 30.9% (21) non-physicians. Among the physicians, 89.4% reviewed the information through commercial websites. "Inadequate" information about spine tuberculosis was provided by 11.8% (8), "Moderate information" by 51.5% (35), and "Sufficient information" by 36.8 % (25) of the websites. Among the websites, 13.2% (9) did not mention any specific presentation of the disease. Sufficient information on that aspect was provided by only 45.58% (31) of the websites. Only 39% emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and subsequent disease management. The majority, i.e., 79.4% (54), did not mention the preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The internet has a lot of information regarding spine tuberculosis. The majority of this information comes from physicians. However, not every website has complete and essential information regarding the disease.

A Rare Presentation of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma as Spinal Cord Compression and Complete Paraplegia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a serious but infrequent cause of profound neurological compromise of acute onset. It is often an atraumatic occurrence, and in around half of the cases, no etiology is identified. However, several causes such as arteriovenous malformation in the spine, use of anticoagulants in various cardiovascular diseases, and spinal trauma have been incriminated for its development. Here we encountered a case of SSEH following unregulated use of anticoagulants after a mitral valve replacement surgery. The patient had complete paraplegia with bowel and bladder involvement. The case was treated with decompressive laminectomy with regularization of her coagulation profile. Although she presented late to the healthcare center for the treatment, she showed a remarkable neurological improvement with gaining power worth near independent ambulation after one year of follow-up.

Delayed Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Following Septic Arthritis of a Hip: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed slip of the capital femoral epiphysis is a rare entity in the setting of a septic hip. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old male presented with an inability to walk and pain around right hip and knee region with fever. On imaging evaluation, a diagnosis of septic hip and knee arthritis was made and both the joints were drained under general anesthesia by anterior approach and an empirical antibiotic therapy was started. On the initial radiograph, there was no sign of slippage of the capital femoral epiphysis. Although the limb was kept in an immobilized position in the 1st week of the surgical debridement, yet it did not prevent the subsequent development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Open reduction and screw fixation was done to stabilize the slippage. Healing took place with reduction of joint space with some restriction of the hip motion. CONCLUSION: SCFE is a disastrous complication in association with septic arthritis of a hip. Routine traction and immobilization may not prevent slippage. Disproportionate amount of pain on weight bearing in a post septic hip should raise the suspicion of SCFE. Prophylactic pinning may be considered in selective cases with antibiotic coverage.

Post-traumatic L4-L5 spondyloptosis with cauda equina syndrome: A case report.

Spondyloptosis at a lumbar level is usually encountered in an isthmic or a dysplastic types of spondylolisthesis. Post-traumatic lumbar spondyloptosis is comparatively a rare entity. As the injury involves a complete failure of all the osteo-ligamentous structures, it is highly unstable and has a high probability of a complete neurological deficit. On the contrary, the injury also has a lot of chances of meaningful neurological recovery if realignment and stabilization are done on an urgent basis. Here we report a case of L4-L5 post-traumatic spondyloptosis with complete motor weakness below the injury level with sensory and bowel & bladder dysfunction. The neurological injury recovered significantly within four months of operative reduction, decompression, and stabilization.

Atypical Fracture of Femur in Association with Familial Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) is an important and a reversible but rare cause of paralysis. Periodic paralyses are of two types. The first one is primary which is also known as familial type and the second one is secondary periodic paralysis which is due to other underlying pathologies [1]. Important secondary causes can be categorized as metabolic, infectious and losses from the body, etc. [2]. HPP associated with bony abnormalities in form of spontaneous atypical fractures in femoral shaft with coxa vara is an unusual presentation. Case Report: Here is a case report of 26 year old lady who presented with pain in the proximal part of right thigh and weakness in both the upper and the lower limbs. She was diagnosed as familial HPP (FHPP) with atypical fracture of proximal third diaphysis of femur. Confirmation of the expected diagnosis was done with history, laboratory tests, and plain radiographs. Previously also, she had similar episode of weakness and opposite side femur atypical fracture. Conclusion: Association of atypical femur diaphysis fracture and FHPP is a rare presentation of an uncommon disease but should be kept in mind whenever treating any HPP patient. The patient complaining of pain in limbs should be taken seriously as atypical fractures are prone to be missed. In future, further genetic studies are required to establish this rare association.

Does a staged treatment of high energy tibial plateau fractures affect functional results and bony union? A case series.

PURPOSE: Tibial plateau fracture (TPF) is a devastating injury as it shatters lower articular surface of the largest joint. Apart from bony injury, TPF can lead to great soft tissue envelope compromise which affects the treatment plan and outcome. In the present study, clinical results were assessed in cases of high energy TPFs treated in staged manner. METHODS: Twenty-three (20 males and 3 females) patients of high energy communited TPFs (Schatzker type V and VI) were consecutively treated.1 All the patient had compromise of overlying skin conditions. They were all successively scheduled for staged treatment plan which comprised of application of bridging knee external fixator on the first day of admission and definitive internal fixation after skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture were healed. Schatzker type I, II, III and IV were excluded from the study. Primary survey was done and patient who had head injury, chest and abdominal injury, pelvic injury and contralateral limb injury and open fractures were excluded from the study. The patients were also evaluated in terms of wound complications, axial and rotary alignment of limb, fixation failure, articular congruity and range of motion of the knees and post injury employment. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. RESULTS: Maximum follow-up period was 13 months. All the fractures were united at final follow-up. Clinical evaluation was done with the Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scale.2 Excellent results were found in 78% cases and good and fair results in 22% cases. There was significant correlation between range of motion and the Tegner Lysholm knee score (p < 0.001, Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.741). The correlation between the score and the radiographical union duration was significant (p = 0.006, Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.554). CONCLUSION: A staged treatment plan allows healing of soft tissue envelope, with avoidance of dreadful complications such as compartment syndrome and chronic infection. In addition, a staged treatment strategy does not hamper the fracture reduction, bony union and the functional results.

Surface osteosarcomas: Diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

Surface osteosarcomas are a rare form of osteosarcomas accounting for around 3-6% of all osteosarcomas. Three major groups of surface osteosarcomas are parosteal, periosteal and the high grade surface osteosarcomas. Of these, the parosteal osteosarcoma is the most common. Parosteal and periosteal osteosarcomas are distinct clinical entities and it is important to identify the clinicoradiological differences between the two types. Surface osteosarcomas occur at a later age as compared to conventional osteosarcomas. The classical site is the lower end of the femur followed by the upper end of the tibia and upper end of humerus, in that order. The periosteal variant affects the tibia more commonly than the parosteal variety. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care for high grade surface osteosarcomas. Parosteal osteosarcomas, being low grade lesions, can be treated by upfront wide excision without adjuvant systemic therapy. Controversy prevails over the need for chemotherapy in periosteal osteosarcomas, which are intermediate grade lesions.

Injuries associated with cycle rickshaws accidents.

CONTEXT: Cycle rickshaw is an important means of transportation in Urban India. Pedestrians, rickshaw users, rickshaw pullers, two wheeled vehicle users and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road user groups in terms of injuries and fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents in India. Our objectives were to study characteristics of crashes and nature of injuries associated with cycle rickshaw. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2008 to July 2009, a hospital based observational study was done of patients who presented to King George medical college trauma center with injury sustained due to cycle rickshaw in emergency department. Age, time of trauma, mode of trauma, contributing factors and type of injury were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient was 32.1. Seventeen patients were rickshaw pullers and the rest were occupants of the rickshaw. Overloading with more than two passengers was found in 24 cases (28.5%). Most common cause of injury was collision with a moving vehicle (56 patients, %) followed by fall from rickshaw. The most common contributing factor was the overloading of rickshaw. On arrival to the hospital, the mean Injury severity score (ISS) was 3.5 ± 2.2 and the mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was 13.4 ± 4.3. Nine patients were admitted to ICU (Intensive care unit). The median ICU stay was 4 (1-24 days). Six of the ICU admitted patients had head injury. CONCLUSION: Rickshaw pullers and occupants are vulnerable to road traffic accidents. Urgent preventive measures targeted towards this group are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from injuries involving rickshaws. The need for improved understanding of the risk characteristics of cycle rickshaw is emphasized.

Dynamic hip screw with locking side plate: a viable treatment option for intertrochanteric fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Dynamic hip screw (DHS) is recommended for the fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures. Its postoperative cut-out rate ranges from 1% to 6%. In osteoporotic bone, normal screws in DHS blade provide less anchorage compared to locking screws. This study aims to compare DHS with locking side plate and conventional side plate. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fractures were randomly allocated for fixation with a standard DHS (group A) and locking DHS (Combi plate, group B). We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes for the conventional DHS and locking DHS in intertrochanteric fractures. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Parker mobility score. RESULTS: Coxa valga was found more frequently in group A than in group B (12% vs. 0%, P=0.42). Coxa vara showed the same trend (12% vs. 8%, P=0.81). Rate of restoration of postoperative neck-shaft angle within 20° of sound side was higher in group B (8% cases) than in group A (4% cases, P=0.98). The rate of anteversion angle restoration within 10° of sound side was also higher in group B (100% vs. 88%, P=0.85). The average lag screw slippage in group A and group B was 3.2 mm and 4.2 mm, the average fracture union duration was 17.1 weeks and 16.4 weeks, and the mean Parker score was 5.6 and 5.8 respectively. Screw cut-out was seen in one patient in group A. No cut-out was seen in any of the patient in group B. No patient developed deep infection, avascular necrosis, deep vein thrombosis or any other significant complications. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that treating intertrochanteric fracture with a locking DHS allows sound bone healing and is not associated with any major complications. Although this report is promising, it should be interpreted with caution because only a prospective study with a large sample size would allow definitive conclusion.

Spinal Tuberculosis Presenting as Abdominal Pain: Rare Presentation of a Common Disease.

A 25-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain for the past two months. He was prescribed Buscopan and omeprazole by a general surgeon. It was only when patient started complaining of backache that he was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. On examination of spine, there was tenderness at the upper dorsal spine. A diagnosis of Pott's disease affecting the upper dorsal spine was made. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the vertebral changes and showed subligamentous spread of paravertebral masses from D2 to D7. This case illustrates the unusual form in which spine tuberculosis can present. High index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and prompt management. General surgeons should be aware of this atypical presentation of Pott's disease.

Delayed migration of K-wire into popliteal fossa used for tension band wiring of patellar fracture.

Breakage of K-wires and stainless steel wires which are used for fracture fixation is not uncommon, but migration is rare. We report a case of migration of broken K-wire used for patella tension band wiring to the popliteal fossa. The broken hardware was removed surgically. We would like to suggest that K-wire and wire fixation used for treatment of patellar fractures can migrate into the posterior compartment of the knee and cause clinical symptoms. Close clinical and radiological follow-up after internal fixation to identify the presence of hardware breakage or movement and removal of wires once fracture has united can avert such complications.

Skeletal tuberculosis following proximal tibia fracture.

Over the past several years, there has been a rise in incidence of tuberculosis in both developing and developed countries. Tuberculosis complicating a fracture is uncommon. In this article, we report the case of a 10-year-old patient with a proximal tibia fracture who developed discharging wound over the fracture site after 2 weeks of initial trauma. The fracture was showing no signs of healing. A diagnosis of tuberculosis of proximal tibia was made on the basis of polymerase chain reaction and histology. After antituberculous treatment was started, the sinus healed and the fracture united. To the best of our knowledge, such a presentation has not been documented.