Lumbar lordosis restoration following single-level instrumented fusion comparing 4 commonly used techniques.

A major sequelae of lumbar fusion is acceleration of adjacent-level degeneration due to decreased lumbar lordosis. We evaluated the effectiveness of 4 common fusion techniques in restoring lordosis: instrumented posterolateral fusion, translumbar interbody fusion, anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, and anterior interbody fusion with lordotic threaded (LT) cages (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, Tennessee). Radiographs were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Parameters measured included anterior and posterior disk space height, lumbar lordosis from L3 to S1, and surgical level lordosis.No significant difference in demographics existed among the 4 groups. All preoperative parameters were similar among the 4 groups. Lumbar lordosis at final follow-up showed no difference between the anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, translumbar interbody fusion, and LT cage groups, although the posterolateral fusion group showed a significant loss of lordosis (-10°) (P<.001). Immediately postoperatively and at follow-up, the LT cage group had a significantly greater amount of lordosis and showed maintenance of anterior and posterior disk space height postoperatively compared with the other groups. Instrumented posterolateral fusion produces a greater loss of lordosis compared with anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, translumbar interbody fusion, and LT cages. Maintenance of lordosis and anterior and posterior disk space height is significantly better with anterior interbody fusion with LT cages.

An analysis of an anatomical posterolateral knee reconstruction: an in vitro biomechanical study and development of a surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: To date, no surgical technique to treat posterolateral knee instability anatomically reconstructs the 3 major static stabilizing structures of the posterolateral knee: the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. HYPOTHESIS: Static varus and external rotatory stability would be restored to the reconstructed knee with a posterolateral knee injury. METHODS: The anatomical locations of the original fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament were reconstructed using a 2-graft technique. Ten cadaveric specimens were tested in 3 states: intact knee, knee with the 3 structures cut to simulate a grade III injury, and the reconstructed knee. RESULTS: For the varus loading tests, joint stability was significantly improved by the posterolateral reconstruction compared to the cut state at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion. There were no significant differences between the intact and reconstructed knees at 0 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees for varus translation. For the external rotation torque tests, external rotation was significantly higher for the cut state than for the intact or reconstructed posterolateral knee. There was no significant difference in external rotation between the intact and reconstructed posterolateral knees at any flexion angle. CONCLUSIONS: This 2-graft technique to reconstruct the primary static stabilizers of the posterolateral knee restored static stability, as measured by joint translation in response to varus loading and external rotation torque, to knees with grade III posterolateral injuries.

Hip pain in a case of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia.

Hypophosphatemic rickets, a rare metabolic bone disease, presents mainly in children but has also been reported in several adults. In this report, we describe the case of a man presenting with hip pain and weakness, both of several months' duration, and tested for hypophosphatemic rickets. The patient was eventually referred to a tertiary-care center, where he was diagnosed with bilateral subtrochanteric femoral stress fractures and severe osteopenia secondary to hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. The patient was treated with closed reduction and internal fixation and vitamin D and phosphorus. Outcomes were good at 7-month follow-up.

Thromboembolic complications after total hip arthroplasty.

Thromboembolic disorders are worrisome complications following total hip arthroplasty, and the best way to address such complications is by prevention. Several regimens have been advocated to decrease the risk of thromboembolic disorders. A combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures helps reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and, hence, pulmonary embolization.

Systemic complications following total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has stood the test of time in improving the human quality of life. However, there remain associated complications. Although there is a low incidence of complications, the typical complications following THA have been well described in the literature, including infection, dislocation, wear, thromboembolic disorders, and intraoperative fracture. Knowledge of the systemic complications of THA can dramatically affect patient outcomes.