Os supratrochleare anterius: a very rare clinical case and review of literature.

PURPOSE: The accessory bones around the elbow are very rare variant structures, present in approximately 0.7% of cases. They can cause diagnostic problems and can be mistaken for pathological structures, especially when pain and limitation of elbow movements are present and a trauma can be traced in the patient's history. They are of different nature, either presenting within muscle tendons as sesamoids (brachialis and triceps brachii muscles) or presenting intra-articularly probably as separated or accessory ossification centres. The least common is the os supratrochleare anterius. METHODS: We present a case of a young male, featuring chronic blocking and 20° limited flexion of his right elbow, which bothered him during his occupation as a locksmith. In history, he suffered minor trauma to the elbow 20 years ago. X-ray and CT showed a large ossicle in the coronoid fossa of the humerus. RESULTS: The ossicle was surgically extracted in small pieces. The patient left satisfied with no mention of complaints. CONCLUSION: The os supratrochleare anterius is a very rare accessory bone of the elbow, located in the coronoid fossa of the humerus which can mimic many pathological states, and limit movements and causing pain around the elbow.

Prevalence of the anterosuperior capsulolabral anatomical variations and their association with pathologies of the glenoid labrum: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Differentiating the anatomical variations of the anterosuperior portion of the glenoid labrum from pathologies is important to avoid unnecessary iatrogenic complications resulting from inaccurate diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of several variations was reported to be conductive to lesions involving the glenoid labrum. Thus, the aim of this study was to state the prevalence rates of the sublabral recess, sublabral foramen, and the Buford complex, and to verify their association with labral lesions. METHODS: Systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to gain potentially eligible literature. Suitable studies were selected in a two-round screening, and relevant data were subsequently extracted. Calculation of the pooled prevalence estimates, including sub-analyses on cohort size, study type, and geographical variance, was conducted. Pooled analysis of risk ratios (RR) was used to assess the conductive nature of the discussed variants to superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions. RESULTS: The screening resulted in selection of 20 studies investigating the morphological features of the glenoid labrum, consisting of 7601 upper limbs. On the bases of random-effects meta-analysis the sublabral recess, sublabral foramen and Buford complex occur with a pooled prevalence of 57.2% (95% CI 30.0-84.4%), 13.5% (95% CI 8.2-18.9%), and 3.0% (95% CI 1.5-4.5), respectively. Moreover, individuals with Buford complex have RR 2.4 (95% CI 1.3-4.7) of developing SLAP lesions, especially type II (95.5%; 95% CI 86.1-100%), whereas such risk for sublabral recess and sublabral foramen was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Morphological variants of the glenoid labrum posing diagnostic confusion are frequently observed. Gradually, the Buford complex may be a predisposing factor for sustaining a SLAP lesion.

Anthropometry of the human calcaneus and orientation of the articular facet for the cuboid bone as a basis for anatomically correct positioning of osteosynthetic screws in fracture treatment.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the calcaneus are reported most commonly in the tarsal region. Their incidence is highest among active people in productive age. As such, optimal treatment can have vast implications for patients. The study aimed to compare calcaneal proportions of the Czech population in the last centuries to present day, for a precise choice and positioning of the osteosynthetic material, and its safe implantation in the anterior part of the calcaneus. Furthermore, we describe the frequency of the calcaneocuboid joint involvement in calcaneal fractures. METHODS: We obtained 69 macerated (dry) human calcanei from anatomical collections along with multiplanar reconstructions obtained from 43 serial CT scans from patients with injuries other than calcaneal fractures. Specimens were measured using a modified set of Bidmos et al. criteria (2006). Two groups (CT scans of macerated specimens and patients' CT scans) were statistically evaluated and compared with the help of an experienced statistician. Furthermore, scans of 80 surgically treated patients were retrospectively assessed for calcaneocuboid joint involvement. RESULTS: The median tilt of the calcaneocuboid joint in the transverse plane was 67° in the anatomical specimens and 72° in the multiplanar reconstructed CT scans taken from patients with intact tarsal regions. These results suggest that the length of screws should be ideally in the range between 21.3 and 25mm. In 47.3% of the patients presenting with a fractured calcaneus, the calcaneocuboid joint was involved. There was a statistically significant difference in most of the variables observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: As the calcaneocuboid joint involvement appears to be present in up to 50% of cases, adequate care should be taken. To maximize the biomechanical properties of the construct and to minimize the risks, our findings suggest the screws should be at an inner tilt of 68-74° from the lateral calcaneal wall and be of 23.5-26.2mm length. However, due to differences between the two groups and the small sample size, further investigation is needed.

NON-UNIONS AFTER FIXATION OF HUMERAL FRACTURES USING HACKETHAL'S BUNDLE NAILING TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to the development of non-union after fixation of diaphyseal humeral fractures using Hackethal's intramedullary nailing technique. Methods: In the time period from 2001 to 2010 156 patients with diaphyseal humeral fractures were treated surgically using Hackethal's technique. Six of them (3.8%) developed non-union. This group included three women and two men aged 63-69 years and one woman aged 37 years. The following parameters of the patients were recorded: age, gender, comorbidities, substance abuse, mechanism of injury, fracture type and location according to the AO/ASIF classification, and the operative technique. Results: A non-union developed in six patients treated with Hackethal´s method (3.8%). Five of six non-unions (83%) were observed in patients in their sixties. In the subgroup of sexagenarians, non-union developed in 20.8% of surgically treated patients, as compared to 3.8 % in entire group. In the union group, fractures have been caused by high energy trauma in 52% of patients. In patients who developed non-union, high energy trauma caused 67% of fractures. With correct surgical technique the development of a non-union was observed in 0.7% of patients, with incorrect technique in 35.7% (p<0.001). Conclusion: Treatment of diaphyseal humeral fractures with Hackethal's intramedullary elastic bundle nailing resulted in an overall high union rate. Factors contributing to the development of non-union were extension of this method to AO type B3 and C fractures and technical imperfection during implantation. Level of Evidence III, Prospective, Case-Control Study.

Computed modeling of humeral mid-shaft fracture treated by bundle nailing.

Elastic bundle nailing is a method for simple humeral mid-shaft fracture osteosynthesis. The aim of our subsequent numerical simulations was to find out torsional and bending stiffness of an elastic bundle nailed humerus. Parametrical 3D numerical model was developed. The diameter of nails was the varying parameter of 1.8, 2.5, 3 and 4 mm. From our results can be seen that the bending stiffness in bundle nailing technique does not depend on nail diameter. On the contrary the torsional stiffness does highly depend on nail diameter. The dependency of the maximal stress on a nail diameter during bending and torsion of the humerus is non-linear. It can be seen that the higher diameter is used the higher stress occurs. Achieved results allow us for the recommendation of optimal nail diameter for this method, which lies between 2 and 3 mm.

NON-UNIONS AFTER FIXATION OF HUMERAL FRACTURES USING HACKETHAL'S BUNDLE NAILING TECHNIQUE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to the development of non-union after fixation of diaphyseal humeral fractures using Hackethal's intramedullary nailing technique. METHODS: In the time period from 2001 to 2010 156 patients with diaphyseal humeral fractures were treated surgically using Hackethal's technique. Six of them (3.8%) developed non-union. This group included three women and two men aged 63-69 years and one woman aged 37 years. The following parameters of the patients were recorded: age, gender, comorbidities, substance abuse, mechanism of injury, fracture type and location according to the AO/ASIF classification, and the operative technique. RESULTS: A non-union developed in six patients treated with Hackethal´s method (3.8%). Five of six non-unions (83%) were observed in patients in their sixties. In the subgroup of sexagenarians, non-union developed in 20.8% of surgically treated patients, as compared to 3.8 % in entire group. In the union group, fractures have been caused by high energy trauma in 52% of patients. In patients who developed non-union, high energy trauma caused 67% of fractures. With correct surgical technique the development of a non-union was observed in 0.7% of patients, with incorrect technique in 35.7% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of diaphyseal humeral fractures with Hackethal's intramedullary elastic bundle nailing resulted in an overall high union rate. Factors contributing to the development of non-union were extension of this method to AO type B3 and C fractures and technical imperfection during implantation. Level of Evidence III, Prospective, Case-Control Study.