Outcomes of distal biceps tendon repair using a dual incision, cortical button technique: a single surgeon study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes, function, complication rates, and radiographs in a series of patients with distal biceps tendon repair using the dual incision cortical button technique by a single surgeon. By having a single surgeon perform the surgery, the technique is standardized to all patients. Twenty-two patients consented to participate in the study. The average time from surgery to review was 2.2 years. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the DASH, Oxford, and Mayo Elbow Performance Scores. METHODS: Range of movement was assessed and compared to the unaffected limb using a goniometer. Isometric flexion and supination strength was tested using a standardized dynamometer-both measurements taken by a single physiotherapist. Radiographs were discussed at the time of the review by 2 orthopedic surgeons to check for heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: The mean DASH score was 6.3 postsurgery at the time of follow-up. There was no significant difference in active range of movement between the repaired and nonrepaired arm in flexion, extension, supination, or pronation. Four radiographs showed evidence of heterotopic ossification (HTO)-none showed synostosis. For patients with HTO, there was evidence that supination was inhibited compared to those patients who did not have HTO. CONCLUSION: Our study found that at an average of 2 years of follow-up these patients had good outcomes clinically with no major complications. HTO was present in only 4 patients, and there was a significant difference in supination compared to those who did not have HTO. These patients had an average DASH of 14 compared to a score of 4.5 in those who did not have an HTO. The study showed that the dual incision cortical button repair remains a procedure with excellent patient outcomes at the risk of HTO.

How not to miss infective causes of hip pain in children.

A referral from accident and emergency for a child with hip pain is a scenario commonly faced by orthopaedic juniors on call. The list of differentials is vast and can make assessment and diagnosis challenging, with severe consequences if diagnosis is delayed or missed. Three common causes of paediatric hip pain are septic arthritis, transient synovitis and osteomyelitis. These can all present as a child with atraumatic hip pain, irritability, fever and refusal to weight bear. Differentiating between them can be challenging. A thorough history and examination, combined with appropriate investigations and imaging, is essential. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to reducing irreversible secondary sequelae of joint destruction and long-term functional impairment.

Treatment strategies for osteochondral lesions of the talus: A review of the recent evidence.

BACKGROUND: There has been no consensus regarding the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus, there has been many attempts to formulate a treatment pathway, with multiple proposed modalities and adjuncts used. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to investigate the evidence published in the recent history, identify the relevant papers, review and summarize the findings, to help clarify the available operative treatment options and their respective efficacies based on the level of evidence provided. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: A literature search through electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE was done, these databases were screened for publications and papers form June 2004 to June 2019. Key words were utilised in the search 'talus, talar, tibia, cartilage, osteochondral, ankle, osteochondritis dissecans, articular cartilage'. Studies on adults aged 18-60 years were included. Exclusion criteria were studies with less than 10 patients, or no clear outcome was recorded. Papers were reviewed by the authors and data extracted as per a pre-defined proforma. RESULTS: Following screening, 28 published articles were included and reviewed. Of these publications 5 were level I, 7 level II, 4 level III and 12 level IV. The total number of patients was 1061 patients. Treatment modalities included arthroscopic microfracture, drilling, hyaluronic acid injection, platelet rich plasma, osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT), vascularised free bone graft among others. The most common functional measures used to assess efficacy were the Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) score. Follow up ranged from 26 weeks upto 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the abundance of treatment options, high level evidence (level I) remains limited and does not conclude a definitive treatment modality as superior to others. Further research, in the form highly organised randomised clinical trials, is needed to help improve the efficacy and develop new treatment modalities in the future.

A Retrospective Study Comparing Crossed and Lateral Wire Configurations in Paediatric Supracondylar Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar fractures are common in children and are associated with significant morbidity. The purpose of our study was to assess and compare the clinical and radiological outcome of management of supracondylar fractures by both wire configurations, along with identifying factors that predispose to complications. MATERIALS & METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all paediatric cases admitted with a supracondylar fracture over a five year period. We reviewed case notes, theatre records and radiographs to determine the age of the patient, classification of fracture, treatment method, delay to theatre, duration of surgery, wire configuration, Baumann´s angle, radiocapitellar alignment, anterior humeral alignment and complications. RESULTS: During the five year period we admitted 132 patients and complete notes were available for 123 patients for analyses. For all the patients managed with wire stabilisation 23% developed complications, including 13% with significant complications including nerve injuries and fracture displacements. All five nerve injuries had crossed wires, whereas all for fracture displacements had lateral wires. Baumann´s angle was 76.7 degrees in the group with no complication and 72.2 degrees in the significant complication group (p=0.02). Radiocapitellar line and anterior humeral line were not satisfactory in 5% and 15% of the group with no complications, and 17% and 33% of the group with significant complications. CONCLUSION: We found more complications in lateral pinning configurations, although all nerve injuries were in patients with crossed wire configurations. The factors we believe are associated with a higher likelihood of complications are inadequate post-operative radiological appearance.