Clinical and radiographic outcomes after femoral varus derotation osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease at 25 years follow-up: what are the determinants of outcome in the long term?

OBJECTIVE: The main purposes of the present study were to analyse the long-term clinical and radiographic results of femoral varus derotation osteotomy performed in a group of patients with the diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) disease and to compare the effects of age, lateral pillar classification, radiographic stage according to Waldenström's classification, and the amount of varisation obtained on long-term results. DESIGN: The study group consisted of 21 hips. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 25.1 years. The effect of age at the time of surgery, preoperative lateral pillar classification, Waldenström's classification, and the amount of varisation on Merle d'Aubigne score, Stulberg class, and presence of degenerative arthritis of the hip joint were assessed at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Better clinical and radiographic outcomes were detected in patients operated younger than 10 years. The hips with lateral pillar group C involvement preoperatively were found to be significantly associated with worse clinical scores, worse radiographic outcome, and higher rate of degenerative arthritis. The overall rate of the hips with good radiologic outcome was 52.4%. 7 hips had degenerative arthritis at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral varus derotation osteotomy revealed a congruent joint in half of the operated hips and arthritis-free hip joint in 2/3 at 25 years follow-up. Age at the time of surgery and preoperative lateral pillar classification were the main determinants of the radiographic outcome whereas the factors significantly correlated with progression to degenerative arthritis were determined preoperative lateral pillar classification and Stulberg group at maturity.

May bone cement be used to treat benign aggressive bone tumors of the feet with confidence?

Using bone cement for the reconstruction of defects created after curettage of benign aggressive bone tumors is among acceptable methods. The study aimed to assess the effect of bone cement used in aggressive bone tumors in the feet on the function of the feet. Five patients were reviewed. They were treated between 2004 and 2010. Three cases were female and two male. Their age ranged from 16 to 55 with an average of 34.8. Follow up period ranged from 14 to 86 months with an average of 34. Two cases were giant cell tumor of bone located in calcaneus and 3 were solid variant aneurysmal bone cyst located in talus, navicular and first proximal phalanx. None had any previous treatment. A biopsy was done in all cases. Treatment was curettage, high speed burring (except phalanx case), and filling the cavity with bone cement. The case located in talus recurred and re-operated 1 year later doing the same procedure. Final evaluation included physical examination, X-ray and Maryland Foot Score. No recurrence was present in the final evaluation. No problems were detected related to bone cement. Maryland Foot Scores ranged 84-100, average of 94. Cement integrity was not disturbed. The procedure is found not to effect foot functions adversely.

Evaluation of anxiety levels in patients with chronic orthopedic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables that affect anxiety levels in patients with chronic orthopedic diseases and develop motivational methods to manage these problems. METHODS: The study included a total of 100 patients (55 males, 45 females; mean age: 46.8 years; range: 18 to 83 years) that either underwent surgical procedures due to orthopedic diseases lasting for a minimum of one year and not responsive to conservative treatment methods, or were hospitalized due to the complications arising after orthopedic surgical procedures. Psychological evaluation was made using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) forms TX 1 and 2. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 11.0 and evaluated with the ANOVA, Tukey, Student's t and post hoc tests. A value of p≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean state anxiety and trait anxiety scores were 43.08 and 42.61, respectively. Depression was diagnosed in 24 of patients and anxiety disorder in 29. Changes in the treatment modality were necessary in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Mental and behavioral disorders are rather common in patients with chronic orthopedic diseases. Treatment modalities used for such patients should be established in a bio-psycho-social manner with regards to the psychological and social aspects of the disease.

Single-stage treatment of complete dislocation of radial head and forearm deformity using distraction osteogenesis in paediatric patients having multiple cartilaginous exostosis.

BACKGROUND: We are reporting the results of single-stage treatment for patients with forearm deformity and radial head luxation due to hereditary multiple exostosis using distraction osteogenesis. METHOD: Six patients with a mean age of 12 years were treated. Morphological evaluation was made according to Masada (3 of the cases were 2a and 3; 2b). Angular deformities of forearm and wrist were evaluated as described by Fogel (distal radial joint angle was 27°, ulnar variance was 12.8 mm and carpal slip was 71.3%). Mean forearm pronation was 48.4° whilst mean supination was 19.2°. Mean elbow range of motion was 26.6°-103.4° and the mean DASH score was 75. Common surgical procedures were deformity correction, ulnar lengthening and gradual radial head reduction using external fixators. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 4.2 years and mean external fixation time was 6 months. Mean amount of ulnar lengthening was 2.9 cm and the distraction index was 14.9 cm/day. Mean radial articular angle was 14.3°, ulnar variance 2.3 mm, carpal slip 55%, forearm pronation 65.9° and supination was 55°. Mean elbow range of motion was 15.8°-119.2°. In the last follow-up, the mean value of DASH score was 8.1. Major and minor complications were seen during the follow ups. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage deformity correction, ulnar lengthening and radial head reduction technique that we have used provide satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Early surgical correction may lead to even better results.

An effective treatment for hip instabilities: pelvic support osteotomy and femoral lengthening.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of pelvic support osteotomy treatment in hip instabilities due to various etiologies. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 21 hips of 20 patients that underwent pelvic support osteotomy between 2005 and 2007. Hip instability was caused by a neglected congenital dislocation of the hip in 12 of the patients (13 hips), by septic arthritis in 7 and by an unsuccessful total hip arthroplasty due to infection in the last patient. The mean age of the patients was 22.6 (range: 12 to 34) years. Osteotomy sites were fixed using monolateral external fixators in 11 patients, Ilizarov circular fixators in 8, and locking plates for both hips of the remaining patient. The mean follow-up period was 33.45 (range: 16 to 45) months. RESULTS: The mean Harris score increased from 48.3 preoperatively to 80.1 postoperatively. Preoperative mean limb length discrepancy was 53.3 mm and mean proximal migration was 42.9 mm. Residual limb length discrepancy was reduced to 16 mm after an average lengthening of 63.3. The preoperative Trendelenburg gait disappeared completely in 13 of 21 hips and was improved in 8 hips. Sixteen of the 20 patients (17 hips) expressed satisfaction with the operation. CONCLUSION: Pelvic support osteotomy is a good treatment option to overcome hip instability as it improves pain and equalizes limb length.