Two Parallel Headless Compression Screws for Scaphoid Fractures: Radiographic Analysis and Preliminary Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Despite surgical fixation, the scaphoid nonunion rate remains at 3% to 5%. Recent biomechanical studies have demonstrated increased stability with 2-screw constructs. The objective of our study is to determine the preliminary union rate and anatomic feasibility of 2-screw surgical fixation for scaphoid fractures. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series of 25 patients (average age 32 years) with scaphoid fractures treated with 2 parallel headless compression screws (HCS). Postoperative evaluation included Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), range of motion, time to union, and return to activity. Bivariate analysis for gender and Pearson correlation coefficient for body size (height, weight, and body mass index) was conducted against radiographically measured scaphoid width, screw lengths, and the distance between the 2 screws. RESULTS: All fractures healed with an average time to union of 9.9 weeks (median 7.6 weeks; range: 4.1-28.3). The mean MWS was 93.3 (range: 55-100), with 3 complications (12%), one of which affected the outcome of the surgery. The bivariate analysis demonstrated that the female gender was associated with significantly smaller scaphoid width (P = .004) but a similar distance between the 2 screws (P = .281). The distance between the 2 screws and the body size demonstrated a weak-to-no correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-screw construct for scaphoid fracture achieved a favorable union rate and clinical outcome. Gender was the only variable significantly associated with scaphoid width and screw length. The distance between the screws was constant regardless of gender and body size, indicating that the technique for parallel screw placement can remain consistent. TYPE OF STUDY: Therapeutic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes of free vascularized fibular graft for post-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) can occur after traumatic injuries of the hip. Surgical treatment with total hip arthroplasty (THA) may not produce lifelong viability in younger patients. Free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) has become a reliable method to delay or even avoid THA in this patient population by aiming to correct loss of viable bone through vascularized autologous bone transfer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longevity and outcomes of FVFG for traumatic hip injuries resulting in ONFH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database of patients who had undergone FVFG from 1980-2006 for post-traumatic ONFH and had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Data collected included demographics, pre-operative Urbaniak ONFH staging, Harris Hip scores (HHS), SF-12 scores, and conversion to THA. RESULTS: Seventy-two hips in 68 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 11.6 years (range 5.1-33.2 years). Etiology included femoral neck fracture in 36 patients (61%), hip dislocation in 7 (12%), trauma without fracture or dislocation in 11 (19%), and femoral neck nonunion in 5 (8%). The most common stage at presentation was stage IV (48 patients). Graft survival at final follow-up (mean 10.9 years) was 64%, with mean time to conversion to THA of 8.4 years in those that did not survive (36%). There was no difference between THA conversion rates in hips with pre-collapse (Stage I and II) versus impending or post-collapse (Stage III or IV) lesions (p = 0.227). In hips with surviving grafts at final follow-up, mean HHS improved from 56.7 to 77.3 (SD 24.57, range 69-93), a mean improvement of 20.6 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals improvement in HHS in surviving FVFG and an acceptable overall THA conversion rate at mid to long term follow-up in Urbaniak stage I through IV hips. FVFG remains a viable option for treatment in younger patients with pre- and post-collapse (stage IV) ONFH lesions secondary to hip trauma.

Surgical Approach and Internal Fixation Techniques for Intra-Articular Distal Humerus Fracture With Coronal Shear Capitellar Fracture.

Intra-articular distal humerus fractures with an associated coronal shear capitellar fragment present a challenge for stable internal fixation. Adequate visualization and fixation of the capitellar shear fragment are difficult to achieve with conventional exposures, including the olecranon osteotomy. The capitellar fragment often translates anterior and proximally and is challenging to visualize with intact soft tissue attachments from a posterior approach. We describe a surgical exposure that releases the lateral ulnar collateral ligament in addition to an olecranon osteotomy to allow complete visualization of the entire articular surface. In contrast to an isolated capitellar fracture, the column stability and the posterior cortex are frequently disrupted with distal humerus fractures. Depending on the comminution of the posterior cortex, a supplemental posterolateral plate or headless compression screws can provide fixation to the coronal fracture plane. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament is repaired at the conclusion of fracture stabilization through a bone tunnel or to the plate to restore lateral stability. Despite the release of the ligament and additional soft tissue stripping, there were no cases of elbow instability or avascular necrosis in our case series of 9 patients.

Complications following one-bone forearm surgery for posttraumatic forearm and distal radioulnar joint instability.

PURPOSE: To present the outcomes after one-bone forearm (OBF) surgery for chronic posttraumatic forearm and distal radioulnar joint instability. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review to study patients who underwent OBF surgery because of a traumatic etiology. We collected patient demographics, surgical technique, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, final grip strength, and complications from the medical records. Patients were asked to complete the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, a 0- to 10-point pain scale, and a 0- to 10-point treatment satisfaction scale. RESULTS: There were 5 male and 5 female patients, with a mean age of 32 years at the time of OBF surgery (range, 17-44 y). The mean number of procedures before OBF surgery was 3.6 (range, 2-7); 4 patients had undergone a Darrach procedure and 3 patients had undergone a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The median clinical follow-up duration was 6 years (range, 1-17 y). Wrist and elbow range of motion did not change remarkably before and after surgery. Of 8 primary OBF surgeries, 3 resulted in nonunion. Of 10 patients, 4 experienced painful impingement of the remaining proximal radius on adjacent bone and soft tissue and required a total of 7 procedures after OBF surgery. The median follow-up duration for patient-rated outcomes was 10 years (range, 5-21 y; n = 7). The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 77, the median pain score was 7, and the median satisfaction score was 7. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, complications after OBF surgery are common. Although wrist and elbow range of motion were spared, pain persisted and functional outcomes were poor. One-bone forearm surgery is our last resort for a chronically painful and unstable forearm. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Runaway pacemaker: a forgotten phenomenon?

Runaway is an uncommon pacemaker dysfunction, characterized by fast and erratic spikes at non-physiological rates. This infrequent but potentially lethal failure mode may be related to low battery voltage. Four single chamber pacemaker patients were analyzed (Medtronic Minix ST 8330, Minneapolis, MN, had been implanted in two patients and two CPI Triumph VR 1124, St Paul, MN, in the other two). They had been admitted because of presyncopal episodes. Typical high rate stimuli at 2000 ppm alternating with pacing at 60-65 ppm were recorded in all ECGs. Lead system tests were normal. The pulse generators had to be replaced.

Runaway: ¿fenómeno obsoleto, arritmia o descuido? / Runaway: arrhythmia, carelessness or an obsolete phenomenon?

La falla repentina e imprevista de marcapasos, con frecuencias de espigas inusualmente rápidas, no fisiológicas y erráticas se conoce como runaway o "marcapaso corredor". Esta disfunción, afortunadamente infrecuente pero potencialmente letal, relacionada con la depleción de voltaje de la batería, se evitaría si se efectuara el control períodico adecuado. Se describen pacientes con bloqueo auriculoventricular completo (BAVC), portadores de marcapasos monocameral (Medtronic Minix ST 8330 y CPI Triumph VR modelo 1124), que luego de ocho años del implante presentaron el fenómeno conocido como runaway. Los pacientes fueron internados por episodios presincopales y se constataron electrocardiogramas típicos de latidos capturados que alternaban con espigas de alta frecuencia sin captura y ritmo propio, lo cual evitó la asistolia. Durante el reemplazo de ambos generadores se constataron umbrales y resistencias adecuadas en ambos catéteres crónicamente implantados.

Runaway: ¿fenómeno obsoleto, arritmia o descuido? / Runaway: arrhythmia, carelessness or an obsolete phenomenon?

La falla repentina e imprevista de marcapasos, con frecuencias de espigas inusualmente rápidas, no fisiológicas y erráticas se conoce como runaway o "marcapaso corredor". Esta disfunción, afortunadamente infrecuente pero potencialmente letal, relacionada con la depleción de voltaje de la batería, se evitaría si se efectuara el control períodico adecuado. Se describen pacientes con bloqueo auriculoventricular completo (BAVC), portadores de marcapasos monocameral (Medtronic Minix ST 8330 y CPI Triumph VR modelo 1124), que luego de ocho años del implante presentaron el fenómeno conocido como runaway. Los pacientes fueron internados por episodios presincopales y se constataron electrocardiogramas típicos de latidos capturados que alternaban con espigas de alta frecuencia sin captura y ritmo propio, lo cual evitó la asistolia. Durante el reemplazo de ambos generadores se constataron umbrales y resistencias adecuadas en ambos catéteres crónicamente implantados.(AU)

[Polycardiography in the diagnosis of latent cardiac insufficiency]. / La policardiografia nella diagnostica della insufficienza cardiaca latente.

A group of heart patients and another group of healthy subjects have been studied and their systolic intervals (PEP-LVET - PEP/LVET ratio and the telediastolic index) evaluated using the mechanocardiographic system. In both long-standing and recent heart patients, the parameters studied showed significant deviations from the norm. These were even more marked after exercise on the ergonometer bicycle. Acute doses of digitalis reduced deviations from the norm observed under basal conditions and after exercise. Polycardiography, it is concluded, assists in the gathering of extremely valuable information about cardiac performance in relation to latent cardiac insufficiency. Especially useful information can be deduced from PEP indications and from the PEP/LVET ratio. The use of digitalis is suggested for physically active post-infarction subjects in order to give greater tolerance of physical exercise. The concept of long-term polygraphic studies as part of out-patient follow-ups on such patients is outlined.

[A fourth tone and latent cardiac insufficiency in ischemic heart disease]. / Quarto tono ed insufficienza cardiaca latente nella caradiopatia ischemica.

An assessment was made of the fourth heart sound as a non-invasive clinical and instrumental aid in the diagnosis of latent cardiac insufficiency. The sound was recorded in various decubitus positions in a series of healthy subjects and patients with recent and past infarction, under basal conditions, after exercise on the cycle ergometer, and after digitalis i.v. Persistence of the fourth sound in the standing position was noted in nearly all infarct patients, while its incidence decreased significantly after digitalis. It is felt that this finding can be interpreted as evidence of the non-existence of latent heart failure. Its further investigation and correlation with other invasive and non-invasive instrumental examinations is proposed.

[The vectorcardiogram of patients with artificial pacemakers]. / Il vettorcardiogramma nei portatori di pace-maker artificiale.

Frank's technique has been used to study the behaviour of the vectorial loop in 20 subjects wearing fixed frequency pacemakers. A broad study has been carried out non characteristics and modalities of transmission of the artificial stimulus. The morphological features of the vectorcardiogram differ in accordance with the location of the stimulated point. Special attention is paid to the possibility of the catheter-electrode penetrating the coronary sinus during right intracavitary pacing and the consequent vectorial and radiological characteristics such an eventuality involves. Some remarks are offered on the orientation of the extrastimulus, depending on its point of origin. It is concluded that knowledge of the course of the vectorial curve may be extremely useful for establishing the site of the extrastimulus in pacemaker wearers.