Quality of life after traumatic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury: a North Indian perspective.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the Quality of Life (QOL) in individuals with traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) of thoracolumbar region in Indian population, the factors affecting QOL and to compare this to other SCI populations. SETTING: Tertiary level hospital in low-middle income country. METHODS: 93 individuals with SCI of minimum 1 year duration since injury were included in the study. Baseline demographics, socioeconomic parameters, and incidence of complications were ascertained. World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) score was used for measurement of QOL and was then compared to healthy Indian population and other SCI studies. Subgroup analysis was done to find out impact of variables on different domains of WHOQOL-BREF. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of the study participants was 35 (25, 45) with a male predominance. The median (IQR) duration since injury in the study population was 50 (26, 70) months. Lowest mean (SD) score was observed in the psychological domain -50.3 (12.1) and comparison to healthy Indian and high-income SCI populations revealed drastically decreased scores across all domains (p < 0.01). Employed individuals and housewives had significantly higher scores across all domains than unemployed individuals (p < 0.05). American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, socioeconomic status, pain and presence of complications all had significant impact on domain scores (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that mobilisation status and pain had the greatest effect on QOL. CONCLUSION: Individuals with SCI have low QOL scores as compared to general Indian population as well as SCI individuals from a high resource setting. Pain and dependent mobilisation were found to be most significant predictors of poor WHOQOL-BREF domain scores. Housewives were found to have domain scores comparable to employed individuals. Presence of complications negatively impacts QOL.

Short term results with the use of PLA antibiotic coated nail in open tibia fractures: A prospective study.

Background: Antibiotic impregnated cement coated nails have been described in literature with promising success rates. However, they need removal at a later stage. This study focuses on use of a PLA-precoated antibiotic nail that stops eluting antibiotic after a while and can be retained later as it behaves as a standard interlocking nail in the long run. Purpose: To study if PLA (polylactic acid) -antibiotic coated nails reduces infection and non-union rates and improve the functional outcome in open tibial shaft fracture cases. Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, we included 54 patients with open tibia shaft fractures treated with wound debridement and internal fixation using a reamed PLA (polylactic acid)-antibiotic coated nail (CE-certified, OSSIPRO, MatrixTM). Results: Forty patients with a Grade 2 and ten with grade 3A open tibial fracture, according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, completed a minimum of six months of follow-up and were included in the analysis. At the final follow-up, four patients (all with grade 3A fracture) had an active infection, 10 (four of grade 2 and six of grade 3A) had non-union, the mean physical component score (SF-36 score) was 55.2 ± 20.10 (grade 2; 58.95 ± 9.99, grade 3A; 40.19 ± 16.37, P value 0.002), and the mean mental component score (SF-36 score) was 54.96 ± 23.5 (grade 2; 57.96 ± 16.63, grade 3A; 42.94 ± 23.75, P value 0.04). Furthermore, Multivariate analysis showed age and grade of fracture to be independently related to the development of infection and non-union. Conclusion: Although the use PLA-antibiotic coated nail looks promising, short-term results have revealed no additional benefit in terms of reduced infection rates, improved union rates or functional outcomes. Large multicentric randomized controlled trials and a long term follow up are advised to further explore the role of PLA coated antibiotic nails in open tibial fractures.

Gaps in the Care of Open Fractures: An Indian Scenario.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There is a distinct lack of published studies evaluating the reasons for delay in definitive treatment of open fractures. This study aimed to determine the specific factors causing delay in the timely treatment of open fractures from the time of injury and to analyse the quality of treatment performed at the pre-hospital level. METHODS: In total, 250 consecutive patients with open fractures were assessed for time to surgery from injury and admission. The referred patients were analysed for distance of travel, level of referring hospital and appropriateness of care. The reasons for delay in terms of infrastructural- and patient-related factors were analysed individually and in combination. RESULTS: There were 37 direct patients (Group A) and 213 referred patients (Group B). Inappropriate care was present in 172 out of 213 (80.8%) referred patients. In total, 84% patients travelled more than 50 kms. The definitive surgery in referred patients was likely to be significantly delayed with regard to time from injury (29.84 vs 44.84 h, p ≤ 0.02). After admission, the time to surgery was greater than 24 h in 102 patients. Multivariate regression analysis determined that associated injuries and lack of fitness for surgery caused greater delay than non-availability of operation theatre or intensive care unit bed. CONCLUSION: Delayed referral, inadequate pre-hospital care and delay in surgery due to patient- and infrastructural-related issues at tertiary centre were identified as critical gaps in open fracture care in India. The importance of appropriate basic knowledge about management of open fractures should be emphasized at all structural level of care.

Role of triangular osteosynthesis in vertically unstable transforaminal sacrum fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes.

PURPOSE: We aim to report clinical and radiological results of triangular osteosynthesis for a homogenous group of vertically unstable transforaminal sacral fractures. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2018, 22 consecutive patients with unstable sacral fractures were treated with triangular osteosynthesis consisting of iliosacral screw augmented by spinopelvic fixation. Patients were followed up prospectively as a single cohort. Bone union, complications, clinical and radiological outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 3.1 years (12-76 months). There was one bilateral fracture. Two patients underwent anterior plating for pubic symphyseal disruption. Based on Majeed and Iowa pelvic scores, 13 patients had excellent, seven had good and two had fair clinical outcome. All the patients could perform squatting, sitting cross-legged and kneeling without any restrictions. There were no additional neurological injuries. One patient had non-union of sacral fracture, one patient had deep infection, one patient had marginal wound necrosis and two patients complained of pain related to implant prominence. Two patients had connecting rod backout. All but one patient attained pre-operative work status. CONCLUSION: Triangular osteosynthesis is a reliable procedure in treating unstable transforaminal sacral fractures. It permits early weight-bearing and facilitates faster functional recovery. Careful attention to details such as sacral dysmorphism, soft tissue injury, implant placement and anterior pelvic injury helps in keeping complications to an acceptable rate.

Epidemiologic characteristics and pre-hospital care of traumatic injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging and developing country: A single tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital care has been shown to reduce the mortality in trauma patients. The present study is an attempt to identify the status of pre-hospital orthopaedic trauma care in developing countries during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care setup from March 25th, 2020 to January 31st, 2021. All the data pertaining to the traumatic injuries including demographic details and epidemiologic characteristics were recorded in an electronic database. RESULTS: A total of 1044 patients were included in the study for evaluation. The mean age was 35.24 ± 19.84 years. There were 873 males and 171 females. A total of 748 presented from nearby states, with 401 being the referrals and 347 cases coming directly to hospital. A total of 141 open fractures presented directly and 269 were referred from nearby states. Out of 269 cases of open fractures, only 67 and 139 were given intravenous antibiotics and had wound dressing done respectively at the periphery site. A total of 125, 112, 92 and 84 patients were received without traction/splintage, intravenous fluids, dose of analgesics and recording of vitals respectively. Delay from injury to presentation in emergency/administration of antibiotic (Hours) was 7.06. Road side accidents were main cause comprising of 52.58% cases. Gustilo Anderson classification grade-2 comprised of majority of the open fractures (51.63%). Lower limb fractures comprised of majority of the injuries (70.59%). Majority were adults and conservative management was the most common mode of treatment. A total of 197 and 265 patients had associated head injuries and blunt trauma chest/blunt trauma abdomen respectively. CONCLUSION: Emphasizing on pre-hospital care measures, with special focus on co-ordination between primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities is the need of the hour and can prevent additional morbidities, avoiding overburden of the already compromised healthcare centres.

Reliability and Validity of Cross Culturally Adapted Punjabi Version of NDI (NDI-P) in Patients with Neck Pain: A Psychometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neck disability index (NDI) is one of the commonest patient-reported outcome measures used to evaluate disability related to neck pain. Its application to non-English-speaking Punjabi population is limited as a validated and cross-culturally adapted Punjabi version of NDI is not available. The purpose of the study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Punjabi version of neck disability index (NDI-P) in patients with neck pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of Punjabi version of NDI was done according to well-recommended guidelines. The pre-final version was tested on a set of 15 patients and suitable modifications were made. The final version was administered to 100 patients with neck pain of more than 2 weeks duration. Psychometric properties comprising internal consistency, test-re-test reliability, construct validity and factorial structure of the questionnaire were determined. RESULTS: The developed NDI-P showed excellent internal consistency (Chronbach alpha of NDI-P is 0.87), test-re-test reliability (ICC 0.840) and construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficient with VAS 0.547). Factor analysis proved the questionnaire to be having a 2-factor structure with a total variance of 56.58%. CONCLUSION: NDI (P) is a reliable and valid instrument for measurement of disability related to neck pain in Punjabi population. It can be used both in research and clinical care settings in future.

Reliability and validity of Punjabi version of Oswestry Disability Index in patients with mechanical low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: Oswestry disability Index(ODI) is the commonest patient reported outcome for assessment of disability due to low back pain. Its application to non-English speaking Punjabi population is limited as a validated and cross culturally adapted Punjabi version of ODI is not available. The purpose of the study was to analyse the psychometric properties of Punjabi version of Oswestry disability index (ODI-P) in patients with mechanical low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of Punjabi version of ODI was done according to well recommended guidelines. The prefinal version was tested on a set of 15 patients and suitable modifications were made. The final version was administered to 113 patients with mechanical low back pain of more than two weeks duration. Psychometric properties comprising of internal consistency, test retest reliability, floor and ceiling effect, construct validity and factorial structure of the questionnaire were determined. RESULTS: ODI-P showed excellent internal consistency (Chronbach alpha of ODI-P is 0.72), test retest reliability (ICC 0.891) and construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficient with VAS 0.424). Factor analysis proved the questionnaire to be having a 1-factor structure with a total variance of 48.61%. CONCLUSIONS: ODI (P) is a reliable and valid instrument for measurement of disability related to mechanical low back pain in Punjabi population. It can be used both in research and clinical care settings in future.

Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica (Trevor Disease) of the Patella: A Case Report.

CASE: We report a rare case of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica in an 11-year-old male child involving the patella. The patient noticed swelling in the right knee 6 months before presentation. On evaluation, there was a mass lesion originating from superior pole of the patella extending into the suprapatellar pouch. On opening the knee joint, it was found to be mainly cartilaginous in nature. Surgical excision of the mass was carried out. CONCLUSION: Trevor disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass originating from the patella in children. The recommended treatment is complete excision of the mass.

Current status of short segment fixation in thoracolumbar spine injuries.

Short segment fixation aims to restore spinal stability and alignment in thoracolumbar spine injuries while preserving spinal motion by decreasing the levels of spine involved in fixation. In its simplest form it applies to fixation one level above and one level below the fractured vertebra. It has proven effective with good clinical, functional and radiological results in well selected cases. However not insignificant rates of sagittal collapse and recurrence of kyphosis with or without clinical implications have also been reported. Most of the failures were attributed to lack of anterior column integrity and relatively inferior robustness of earlier posterior short segment constructs. With better understanding of fracture biomechanics, better implant designs and evolution of strategies to increase the biomechanical strengths of posterior constructs, the rates of kyphosis recurrence and implant failure have been significantly reduced. Although there is lack of robust evidence to guide a surgeon to the best approach for a particular fracture, adhering to basic biomechanical principals increases the efficacy and reliability of short segment fixation. This narrative review highlights the status of short segment fixation in dorsolumbar spine injuries with emphasis on patient selection and strategies to increase effectiveness and reduce failures of short segment fixation.

Primary tuberculosis of the fibular diaphysis: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary diaphyseal tuberculosis has very low occurrence. With no systemic signs and specific radiographic features, there exists low index of suspicion, which may delay the diagnosis of tuberculosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A female aged 15 years presented with chronic leg pain and swelling for past 7 months. There was no significant history of tuberculosis present. On investigations ESR was 44 mm and positive mantoux test. Chest radiograph was normal. On x-ray (R) fibula intramedullary eccentric lytic lesion and on MRI (R) leg intramedullary lytic lesion was present suggestive of ewing's sarcoma. On histopathology epitheloid granulomas with langhans giant cells were present. Category 1 antitubercular drug regimen was started and lesion healed with alleviations of signs & symptoms. DISCUSSION: Tuberculosis presents with typical signs and symptoms in adults compared with children in whom cystic tubercular lesions in shaft of long bones presents mostly as a single solitary intramedullary lytic lesion on MRI, which corresponds with other more common differentials. This clinical and radiological heterogeneity warrants lesional biopsy and culture to determine the right diagnosis to aid in early starting of correct treatment and recovery of the patient. CONCLUSION: With atypical presentation of diaphyseal tuberculosis in children, a high index of suspicion with unexplained pain and swelling of the bone could help to establish the diagnosis.

Limb Salvage Using Liquid Nitrogen-Treated Tumour-Bearing Autograft: A Single Institutional Experience of 10 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Many reconstruction methods have evolved to offer limb salvage surgery (LSS) to patients with musculoskeletal sarcomas. It can be achieved using endoprosthesis or biological reconstruction methods like allograft or autograft or a combination of both. In carefully selected patients, resected bone can be recycled and reimplanted after sterilisation using methods like irradiation, autoclaving, pasteurisation or liquid nitrogen. METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, 10 patients with primary musculoskeletal sarcoma underwent limb salvage surgery (LSS) by wide resection of the tumour and reconstruction using recycled autograft treated with liquid nitrogen. Intercalary resection was carried out in six patients and intra-articular in four. The resected bone was dipped in liquid nitrogen for 25 min, thawed at room temperature for 15 min followed by dipping in vancomycin-mixed saline for 10 min. The recycled bone was re-implanted into its original site and stabilised with internal fixation. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up period of 39.6 months (range 6-97 months), all patients had a good function (mean functional score of 80%) with no evidence of local recurrence in the re-implanted bone or otherwise. Union was achieved at 15 of the 16 osteotomy sites with a mean union time of 5.2 months (range 4-7 months) without any additional surgical interventions. In none of the patient, augmentation with vascularised/non-vascularised fibula was done. No complication like fracture of the autograft, implant failure or deep/superficial infection was reported in any patient. CONCLUSION: Recycled tumour-bearing autograft after treatment with liquid nitrogen is an anatomical, cost-effective, relatively simpler and reliable technique for reconstruction of bone defect after resection in selective primary musculoskeletal sarcoma patients.

Isolated Anterior Dislocation of the Radial Head with Atypical Presentation in an Adult: A Case Report.

Isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head is rarely reported. To date, only five cases have been reported in the world literature. In all of these cases, the patients presented with restricted supination-pronation movements of the forearm with maintained elbow flexion-extension. We report an unusual case of isolated anterior radial head dislocation in an 18-year-old male, who presented with maintained supination-pronation movements of the forearm but restricted elbow flexion-extension. Closed reduction was attempted, but it failed. Hence, an open reduction was performed. However, the reduction was unstable due to rupture of the annular ligament. Hence, the repair of the annular ligament was performed, and a radio-ulnar Kirschner wire was passed to maintain the reduction of the proximal radio-ulnar joint, thus keeping the annular ligament stress-free, facilitating its healing. At 12 months of follow-up, the patient had normal elbow function and complete range of motion.

Isolated Anterior Dislocation of the Radial Head with Atypical Presentation in an Adult: A Case Report / Luxação anterior isolada da cabeça radial com apresentação atípica em um adulto: Relato de caso

Abstract Isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head is rarely reported. To date, only five cases have been reported in the world literature. In all of these cases, the patients presented with restricted supination-pronation movements of the forearm with maintained elbow flexion-extension. We report an unusual case of isolated anterior radial head dislocation in an 18-year-old male, who presented with maintained supination-pronation movements of the forearm but restricted elbow flexion-extension. Closed reduction was attempted, but it failed. Hence, an open reduction was performed. However, the reduction was unstable due to rupture of the annular ligament. Hence, the repair of the annular ligament was performed, and a radio-ulnar Kirschner wire was passed to maintain the reduction of the proximal radio-ulnar joint, thus keeping the annular ligament stress-free, facilitating its healing. At 12 months of follow-up, the patient had normal elbow function and complete range of motion.

Resumo A literatura sobre a luxação anterior isolada da cabeça do rádio é escassa, com apenas cinco casos relatados no mundo inteiro até hoje. Em todos esses casos, os pacientes apresentaram movimentos de supinação-pronação restritos do antebraço, e manutenção da flexão-extensão do cotovelo. Os autores apresentam um caso incomum de luxação de cabeça radial anterior isolada em um paciente do sexo masculino de 18 anos, que apresentou movimentos de supinação-pronação no antebraço e restrição na flexão-extensão do cotovelo. A redução fechada foi tentada, mas sem sucesso. Assim, foi feita a redução aberta. No entanto, a redução foi instável devido à ruptura do ligamento anular. Por isso, o reparo do ligamento anular foi realizado, e um fio de Kirschner rádio-ulnar foi inserido para manter a redução da articulação rádio-ulnar proximal, evitando estresse sobre o ligamento anular, facilitando sua cicatrização. Aos 12 meses de acompanhamento, o paciente apresentava função normal do cotovelo e amplitude de movimento completa.

Fragment-specific fixation of trimalleolar fractures utilizing the posterolateral approach: A preliminary experience.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures involving posterior malleolus are disabling injuries if not managed properly. Clinical and functional outcome of ankle fractures involving posterior tibial plafond is significantly worse. Although the surgical approach and techniques to reduce and fix this fracture are well described in the literature, there still seems to be divided consensus among orthopedic surgeons regarding the same. METHODS: In this case series of eight patients with trimalleolar fractures, a posterolateral approach was used for fixation of posterior malleolus in all the cases. A preoperative computed tomography scan formed an integral part of management of such injuries. The Olerud and Molendar scoring system was employed at 12 months of follow-up to assess the functional outcome. Weight-bearing X-rays were taken to assess for any ankle arthritis. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 48.8 years. The most common mode of sustaining injury was twisting of the ankle joint ( n = 5). The average time to union and full weight-bearing was 12.8 weeks (range 10-16 weeks). An excellent functional outcome in four patients and a good outcome in the rest of the four patients were obtained at the end of 12 months of follow-up. No significant ankle arthritis or complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Appropriate preoperative imaging evaluation is an integral part of planning for these complex injuries. The posterolateral approach provides good exposure for appropriate visualization. Stable fixation of posterior malleolus in trimalleolar fractures plays a vital role in obtaining a positive clinical and functional outcome.

Role of Arthroscopic Surgery in Degenerative Knees with Mechanical Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate functional outcome in patients undergoing/underwent arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knees with mechanical symptoms or acute exacerbation of symptoms, not amenable to conservative measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a longitudinal type of study (prospective and retrospective). For the prospective cohort, followup was done at an interval of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year to record visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and short form-8 (SF-8) scores. For the retrospective cohort, hospital records were studied to record the preoperative VAS score. Preoperative IKDC and SF-8 scores were recorded at final followup based on recall method (patient's memory). Furthermore, postoperative VAS, IKDC, and SF-8 scores at final followup were recorded. RESULTS: There were a total of 46 knees (28 retrospective and 18 prospective) in 44 patients. The mean age was 52.34 ± 11.73 years. There were 28 female knees and 18 male knees. The mean followup of patients in the retrospective cohort was 55 months (range: 13-126 months), whereas all patients in prospective cohort completed the minimum followup of 1 year. The improvements in VAS, IKDC, and SF-8 were statistically significant. Forty-one cases were successful and five cases were failure. All successful patients (41 cases) said "yes" and all failure cases (05) said "no" to the question-"If given a choice, would you still like to get the same surgery done for the same problem??". There was one complication deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: We recommend arthroscopic surgery in patients with degenerative knees, with mechanical symptoms and acute exacerbation of symptoms, not amenable to conservative measures.

Role of Beta Tri-calcium Phosphate-based Composite Ceramic as Bone-Graft Expander in Masquelet's-Induced Membrane Technique.

BACKGROUND: Filling bone defect after debridement of infected nonunion is an orthopedic challenge. Since the volume of autologous bone graft available is limited, allograft, demineralized bone matrix, and calcium phosphate ceramic-based bone graft substitutes have come up as potential autograft expanders. This study was conducted to analyze the use of beta tri-calcium phosphate (B-TCP)-based composite ceramic as autologous bone-graft expander in the management of postinfective segmental gap nonunion of long bones managed with two-stage Masquelet's technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 consecutive patients with postinfective segmental long bone defects of 4-12 cm managed with Masquelet's-induced membrane technique, operated between February 2012 and June 2015, were included in this prospective case series. During the second stage bone-grafting procedure, iliac crest autograft alone or mixed with B-TCP granules (ratio not exceeding >1:1) was used along with appropriate internal-fixation. Bony union (defined clinicoradiologically as ability to painlessly bear weight on affected limb without support along with bridging of 3 cortices on X-rays) was evaluated. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 80.9% patients (34/42) with index bone grafting. 100% union rate was achieved in patients where only autograft was used (15/15) and in nonsmoker femoral nonunion patients with the use of B-TCP (13/13). The use of B-TCP was associated with higher rate of nonunion in smokers (6/8, 75%) and in tibial nonunions (4/9, 55.5%). All, but one, of 8 patients with nonunion, united after the second-bone grafting procedure. CONCLUSION: B-TCP is an efficacious and safe autologous bone graft expander in Masquelet's two-stage management of post infective segmental gap nonunion of long bones. Patients should be counseled regarding increased risk of nonunion and need for repeat grafting with its use, especially if they are smokers or site of involvement is tibia.

ANABOLIC BONE WINDOW WITH WEEKLY TERIPARATIDE THERAPY IN POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS: A PILOT STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem that reduces bone strength and increases fracture risk. Teriparatide is an established and the only currently available anabolic therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) with a recommended daily dose of 20 µg given subcutaneously. However, there are limited data regarding the long-term effect of once-weekly teriparatide therapy on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and anabolic bone window. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 26 patients with PMO were treated with weekly teriparatide therapy (60 µg) for 2 years. BMD was measured at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. The bone formation marker type 1 collagen C-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and the bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx) were measured at baseline; 6 weeks; and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: BMDs at the lumbar spine increased by 3.1% and 10.8% after 1 and 2 years of weekly teriparatide therapy, respectively. The T-score increased significantly at the lumbar spine compared to baseline after 2 years of therapy (P = .015). Serum P1NP levels increased significantly at 6 months (P = .024), peaked at 1 year, and remained above the baseline even after 2 years. Serum CTx levels decreased significantly at 6 months (P = .025) and remained below baseline after 2 years of teriparatide therapy. CONCLUSION: Weekly teriparatide therapy (60 µg) appears to be as effective as daily teriparatide for the treatment of PMO by extending the anabolic bone window. ABBREVIATIONS: AE = adverse event; BMD = bone mineral density; BTM = bone turnover marker; CTx = C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone; P1NP = type 1 collagen C-terminal propeptide; PMO = postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Distal Femur Locking Plate: The Answer to All Distal Femoral Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Good results have been published by researchers with distal femur nail, dynamic condylar screw and even addition of a medial plate to a distal femur locking plate for treating distal femur fractures. By this study, we explore the capability of a distal femur locking plate to counter distal femur fractures of extra- articular, partial or intra- articular nature. Positive results have been published by various groups from all over the world. AIM: To study the functional and radiological outcome of distal femoral fractures in skeletally mature patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation with distal femur locking plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2012 to March 2014 at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) with a 2 year follow-up. Twenty five skeletally mature patients with post-traumatic distal femur fractures were included. Patients with open grade 3B and 3C distal femur fractures, according to the Gustilo- Anderson classification and pathological distal femur fractures were excluded from the study. Patients with any fracture other than the distal femur in the ipsilateral limb were excluded from the study. Follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years was carried out and evaluation was done according to the Neer scoring system. The statistical data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 (IBM, Chicago, USA). The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Following all principles of fracture reduction, union was achieved in all patients with mean time to radiological union being 19 weeks. The mean Range of Motion (ROM) was 109 degrees with 20 patients having a Neer score graded as excellent to satisfactory. Our study had nine cases which required additional surgeries. Out of these, all nine cases required bone grafting, three also required antibiotic cement bead insertion initially. Three patients developed complications in the form of infection (two cases) and mal-union (one case) during the course of our study, but were completely treated by the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Positive results can be obtained by distal femur locking plate alone as it is the main implant of choice for distal femur fractures of all varieties. Best outcome is expected if fracture fixation is done following all the basic principles of fracture fixation and taking benefit of the mechanical properties of a locking plate.

Role of fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy in diagnosing musculoskeletal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: The management of musculoskeletal neoplasms requires an accurate diagnosis, histologic type, and degree of tumor differentiation. AIM: The present study was undertaken to compare the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors and further to compare the results with histopathological examination of surgical specimens. Grading of malignant tumors was also compared on these techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 50 patients with musculoskeletal neoplasms. Detailed history, clinical examination, and radiological investigations were undertaken. FNAC followed by CNB were performed in each case. The tumors were categorized as benign and malignant with a definitive histotype diagnosis. For malignant neoplasms, cytologic and histologic gradings were done into three grades. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAC and CNB were compared. RESULTS: Of the 50 cases with musculoskeletal neoplasms, 32 (64%) were bone tumors and 18 (36%) were soft tissue tumors. The sensitivity of FNAC and CNB for categorizing bone tumors into benign and malignant was 94.7%. For soft tissue tumors, FNAC had a sensitivity of 90.9% and CNB had a sensitivity of 100%. The specificity of both the techniques, FNA and CNB for bone and soft tissue tumors was 100%. For malignant bone tumors, cytologic grade was concordant with CNB grade in 72.2% of the cases. Cytologic grade was concordant with the grade on CNB in 81.8% cases for malignant soft tissue neoplasms. CONCLUSION: FNAC and CNB alleviate the need for an open biopsy in diagnosing and grading musculoskeletal neoplasms, thus facilitating appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Cytological diagnosis of small cell osteosarcoma of the bone.

Small cell osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare histological variant of OS that poses unique diagnostic difficulties. We present a case of a 10-year-old child who underwent fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from a mass in the right thigh. The cytological findings were those of a malignant small round cell tumor, closest to small cell OS. The FNAC findings were confirmed on histopathology.