Outcome of total knee arthroplasty following closing wedge high tibialosteotomy: a review of 40 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy becomes more and more indicated. This intervention needs to identify some pearls and pitfalls. AIM: To evaluate results of total knee arthroplasty after closing wedge high tibial osteotomy. METHOD: Fourty total knee arthroplasty following closing wedge high tibial osteotomy were identified. Demographic features, tibiofemoral alignment and radiolucent lines were documented on postoperatively. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively according IKSS score. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 11,5 years. The mean function score increased from 39 points to 70,4 points postoperatively. The mean knee score increased from 40 points to 84,9 points postoperatively. The mean average tibio-femoral angle was 177,7° in preoperatively and 178° (min 176°, max 185°) at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The closing wedge high tibial osteotomy does not compromise subsequent total knee replacement. Knowing pearls and pitfalls lead to better outcome.

Outcome of intramedullary pinning of isolated radial neck fractures in adulthood.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of radial neck fractures is controversial and typically depends on displacement. Surgical procedures based on open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) may lead to several complications, such as avascular necrosis of the radial head, nonunion, malunion, and elbow stiffness. Closed reduction with intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures, which is commonly used in children, is a viable option for these fractures in adults and may allow for a lower complication rate compared with ORIF. The aim of this study was to report the functional outcome of closed reduction and intramedullary stabilization in isolated radial neck fractures. METHODS: Fourteen cases were retrospectively reviewed between January 2007 and December 2016. The inclusion criteria were isolated radial neck fractures of type I to III according to the Mason classification, absence of previous injuries of the elbow, and a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. The Mason classification was used to classify these injuries. At final follow-up, functional assessment was established based on functional scores: Morrey Elbow Score, Elbow Self-Assessment Score, and QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score. Range of motion was evaluated similarly. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 86 months. The mean age was 44.2 years. Regarding the functional outcome, 78% of patients claimed satisfaction. Concerning the functional scoring, the mean visual analog scale score was 0.2 (range, 0-4) and the mean Morrey Elbow Score was 95.7 (range, 85-100). The mean QuickDASH score was 6.4 (range, 7-22). The complication rate was 35%. Malunion was observed in 7% of patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures represents a viable technique in adults because of its safety and simplicity. The complication rates are lower than those in other reports of ORIF.

[Femoral varising osteotomy by external opening for the treatment of lateral femorotibial gonarthroses associated with idiopathic genu valgum: a retrospective a study of 10 cases]. / L'ostéotomie fémorale de varisation par ouverture externe pour les gonarthroses fémoro-tibiales latérales sur genuvalgum idiopathique: étude rétrospective de 10 cas.

Femoral varus osteotomy is a conservative treatment for external single-compartment gonarthrosis. This surgical procedure is little used and outcomes are little studied.This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological results of femoral varising osteotomy in subjects with external femorotibial gonarthrosis associated with idiopathic genu valgum whose data were recorded over a period of 21 years (1992- 2013) in the Department of Orthopedics at Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse. The clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the IKS score (International Knee Society). Radiological assessment was based on pre-operative work-up and final follow-up assessment. We here report a case series of 9 patients (and 10 knees) whose average age was 45.2 years, with a sex ratio of 0.5. Mean follow-up was 99-months. Average knee score ranged from 48.4 points preoperatively to 73.5 points at the final follow-up assessment, with a statistically significant improvement (p<10-3). Medium functional score significantly improved, with a preoperative value of 49.5 points and a value of 72 points at the final follow-up assessment. Final correction helped to reduce valgus condition with an average of 3.7° and a preoperative value of 14°. This study, as well as the analysis of literature, indicates that femoral varising osteotomy is the treatment of choice for invalidating genu valgum of femoral origin, without any rheumatoid arthritis, overweight, internal femorotibial nor severe femoropatellar arthritis.

Treatment of high-energy pilon fractures using the ILIZAROV treatment.

The management of high-energy pilon fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome of the ILIZAROV technique in patients with high-energy pilon fractures. Thirty cases of distal tibia epiphysis fractures (pilon fractures) were managed from 1999 to 2012. The study group included 5 cases of open fractures. The mean age was 47 years. According to Rüedi and Algower classification; 11 fractures were type II, and 19 type III. All fractures were a consequence of high-energy trauma. Fractures of the lower fibula were present in 28 of the patients. An external Fixator was applied for open fractures. Closed injuries were operated on 3 to 13 days after injury, with an average of 8 days. The mean follow-up was 48 months. All fractures united. The external fixator was removed after a mean of 22 weeks (10 - 28 weeks). Two patients with a type III fracture had a delayed union and were treated with corticotomy and dynamisation of the ILIZAROV fixator. Only one secondary displacement of a type III fracture was noted after two months and was treated by adjuction of 2 olive wires. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infections. Pin-tract infections occurred in ten patients. We had not any case of nervous injury due to introduction of the pins. Using radiological criteria for assessement of reduction of the articular fragments, there was excellent and good restoration of articular structure in 24 cases. The average American Orthopeadic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hind foot score was excellent in 16, good in 6, fair in 6 and poor in 2. Soft tissue healing occurred without need for plastic surgery in all cases. The movements of the ankle ranged from 0 to 20° of dorsiflexion and 5° to 40° of plantar flexion. Twenty patients had gone back to their preinjury profession. The ILIZAROV technique is a safe and a very effective treatment for severe pilon fractures with minimum complications and good healing results.

Septic arthritis of the pubis symphysis: clinical and therapeutic features.

Septic arthritis of the pubis symphysis is rare and difficult to diagnose. The objective of our study was to describe the biological, clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of this disease. This is a retrospective study of 4 cases of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis collected in the Department of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics in Sousse in Tunisia over a period of 16 years (2000-2016). Our population consists of 3 women and one men. The mean age was 47 years (18-83). Clinical signs of appeal were inflammatory groin pain, pubic pain and fever. Symptoms appeared after forceps delivery in 2 cases, after surgery on the pelvis in one case and in a context of sepsis in one case. Radiographs showed pubic disjunction with irregular shoreline in all cases. CT performed in all patients and MRI in 2 patients showed erosions of the banks of the pubic symphysis with infiltration of the soft parts in all cases. The causative organisms were isolated in 3 cases by biopsy of soft tissue abscess under CT in 2 cases and vaginal swab in one case. Identified germs were staphylococcus aureus Méti-S (n=1), proteus mirabilis (n=1) and varied flora (n=1). The treatment consisted of appropriate antibiotics in all cases and surgical drainage of soft tissue abscess resistant to medical treatment in 2 cases. The outcome was favorable in all cases. Diagnosis of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is based on clinic supported by microbiologic culture results, image methods, and proteins augment during acute phase.

Ulnar paddlefish carpometacarpal dislocation of the three lesser fingers: a case report.

The long fingers' paddlefish carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation is exceptional. Most dislocations occur after high energy trauma. Untreated, these lesions can result in chronic instability of the CMC joints and early osteoarthritis. We report the case of a 20-year-old patient presenting with an ulnar paddlefish CMC fracture-dislocation of the three lesser fingers resulting from a hand trauma in the context of an occupational accident. Treatment is usually surgical though no strict consensus can be found upon literature review. If diagnosed early and no associated fractures are found, CMC dislocation could benefit from conservative treatment.

A Rare Case of Tuberculosis with Sacrococcygeal Involvement Miming a Neoplasm.

Infection of the lumbosacral junction by tuberculosis is quite rare and occurs in only 1 to 2% of all cases of spinal tuberculosis; moreover, isolated sacrococcygeal or coccygeal tuberculosis is much rarer. Failure to identify and treat these areas of involvement at an early stage may lead to serious complications such as vertebral collapse, spinal compression, and spinal deformity. In the present paper, we report an uncommon case of spinal tuberculosis with sacrococcygeal location revealed by a chronic low back pain that was successfully managed. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed a lytic lesion affecting both of sacrum and coccyx causing osseous destruction and suggesting a malignant process. A surgical biopsy was performed to establish the tissue diagnosis. Histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis. The patient was treated with antibacillary chemotherapy for a period of 9 months. The follow-up period was of 36 months. There was a full recovery and the patient was asymptomatic.

Evaluation at long term follow up of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in young patients.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of isolated internal tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis on young and active patients is controversial. This treatment can be a high tibial osteotomy or a joint replacement that can be a partial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or total knee replacement (TKR). The aim of our study is the long-term evaluation of functional outcome of partial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in elderly patients under than 60 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 25 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties in 22 patients, collected between1993 and 2003 whose age was less than 60 years. The minimum follow-up was 10 years. At last follow, an analysis of IKS score (International Knee Score) with assessment of both articular and functional components have been established. The Radiological score of Knee Society (KS) was used. RESULTS: At mean 14.2 years (min: 10, max: 20), the mean of knee flexion was 110 °. The IKS function score going 47 points preoperatively to 77 points postoperatively and IKS score 40 points knee preoperatively to 94 points postoperative. The radiological assessment found a postoperative mean tibiofemoral mechanical axis of 174.8 ° (172 ° min, max 182 °). The survival of implants at 12 years postoperatively was 84%. The survival of the prostheses was de84 to 12%, with a revision for polyethylene wear, a second for conflict of the femoral component with tibia thorns responsible of chronic pain, a third revision for infection and two for osteoarthritis evolution. CONCLUSION: The long-term evaluation of patients with a unicompartmental does not objective an obvious deterioration of outcome with a normal rate of revision comparatively to other series without particular difficulties during revision.

Combined Isolated Laugier's Fracture and Distal Radial Fracture: Management and Literature Review on the Mechanism of Injury.

Introduction. Isolated fracture of the trochlea is an uncommon condition requiring a particular mechanism of injury. Its association with a distal radial fracture is rare. We aimed through this case report to identify the injury mechanism and to assess surgical outcomes. Case Presentation. We report a 26-year-old female who was admitted to our department for elbow trauma following an accidental fall on her outstretched right hand with her elbow extended and supinated. On examination, the right elbow was swollen with tenderness over the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus. The elbow range was restricted. Standard radiographs showed an intra-articular half-moon-shaped fragment lying proximal and anterior to the distal humerus. There was a comminuted articular fracture of the distal radius with an anterior displacement. A computed tomography revealed an isolated shear fracture of the trochlea without any associated lesion of the elbow. The patient was surgically managed. Anatomical reduction was achieved and the fracture was fixed with 2 Kirschner wires. The distal radial fracture was treated by open reduction and plate fixation. The postoperative course was uneventful with a good recovery. Conclusion. Knowledge of such entity would be useful to indicate the suitable surgical management and eventually to obtain good functional outcomes.

Giant cell tumor of the lower end of tibia. Curettage and cement reconstruction.

Bone giant cell tumor (GCT) is a rare, generally benign and locally aggressive tumor. It accounts for about 5% of all primary bone tumors and is located preferentially on the epiphyseal long bone. Ankle localization is rare. We present two cases of GCT of the lower end of tibia, presenting as gradually increasing pain and swelling in the tibial pilon over the course of 3 months. Standard radiology and MRI showed large eccentric, expansile lesion in the distal tibia with rupture of the cortex suggestive of a malignant tumor of the bone. A biopsy was performed which confirmed a GCT of bone. Curettage of the lesion and packing the cavity with bone cement resulted in disappearance of the tumor with good functional recovery. We conclude that intralesional curettage and cement packing is a good treatment option for Campanacci grade 2 and 3 GCT lesions of lower tibia.

[Chondroblastoma of bone ]. / Chondroblastomes osseux.

BACKGROUND: Chondroblastoma is a rare and benign cartilaginous tumor of bone often localized in the epiphysis of long bones and affecting young persons between 10 and 20 years. AIM: To study the epidemiological, clinical and radiological aspects of bone chondroblastoma, to assess the outcome of chirurgical treatment and factors associated with recurrence. METHODS: It's a retrospective study, concerning 13 patients with chondroblastoma of bone, attending the orthopedic department of Sahloul hospital between 1991 and 2007. The patients' age, sex, clinical features, radiological aspects, treatment and evolution were recorded. After initial clinical examination, all patients have had plane radiographs. Twelve patients were explored by Computed tomography. The treatment was surgical in every case: curettage of the lesion in 11 cases associated with bone grafting in 5 cases and cementation in one case, one in-bloc resection and one simple biopsy. Histology confirmed the diagnostic in all cases. RÉSULTS: The average age of patients was 18, 2 years and sex ratio was 2, 3. the long bones are the most commonly involved. The main presenting symptoms were pain in all cases and local swelling in 8 cases. Radiographs showed a lytic geographic well-defined lesion in 7 cases. Computed tomography showed better calcifications and soft tissue extension. The mean follow-up of our patients was 8 years (6 mois-18 ans). Two recurrences were noted. Functional results were good in 11 cases. CONCLUSION: Chondroblastoma is a rare and benign cartilaginous tumor of bone which usually involves the epiphysis of long bones. Plane radiographs are sufficient for diagnostic in typical cases. MRI is interesting in unusual presentations and localizations. Curettage and grafting constitute the treatment of choice. Prognosis depends basically on a relatively high rate of recurrence. Aggressive feature of the lesion and incomplete curettage are the most important predictive factors of recurrence.