Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Immunohistochemical Findings in Radial Longitudinal Deficiency: A Prospective, Observational Study.

PURPOSE: To report the histopathological, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings of tissue samples obtained from patients with radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD) and investigate the contribution of abnormality in soft tissues as a secondary driver of deformity in RLD. METHODS: Specimens from radial-sided muscles and tendons were obtained at the time of surgery (either radialization or centralization) from 14 patients with 16 limbs affected with Bayne type 3 and type 4 RLD. The specimens were evaluated using light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical examination. RESULTS: Among the 16 frozen muscle specimens, 6 (37%) showed normal muscle, while 10 (63%) showed the presence of atrophic fibers. The 6 cases with normal muscle showed no abnormality in fiber type distribution. Six patients showed predominance of type 1 muscle fibers. None of the specimens had myofibroblasts; 4 of 16 specimens had mast cells, and 9 of 16 specimens showed the presence of platelet derived growth factor-positive cells. Features of myofibroblasts (the presence of basal lamina, intercellular junctions, or pinocytic vesicles) were not identified in any specimen on electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The histopathological, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings, in particular the absence of myofibroblasts, in tissue samples obtained from patients with RLD, do not support the assumption of abnormality in soft tissues as a secondary driver of deformity in RLD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides a preliminary insight into a possible role of soft tissues in the development of the deformity in RLD.

Randomized Trial Comparing Preliminary Results of Radialization and Centralization Procedures in Bayne Types 3 and 4 Radial Longitudinal Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The choice of surgical procedure in severe (Bayne and Klug types 3 and 4) radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD) is contentious. Existing studies have reported varying results with both centralization and radialization procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcome of radialization and centralization procedures at a short-to-intermediate-term follow-up for the treatment of types 3 and 4 RLD. METHODS: Fourteen patients with 17 affected limbs having types 3 or 4 RLD were recruited in this prospective, randomized, controlled trial. After initial application of successive casts for soft tissue distraction, patients were randomized to 2 wrist alignment procedures-centralization and radialization. Clinical and radiologic parameters recorded at stipulated intervals until a final follow-up of 24 months included hand-forearm angle, ulnar bow, forearm length, arm length, total angulation, and range of motion at elbow, wrist, and fingers. RESULTS: Centralization was performed in 9 affected limbs, whereas radialization was performed in 8 affected limbs. Nine affected limbs had type 4 RLD, and 8 affected limbs had type 3 RLD. There was no significant difference in the hand-forearm angle in the immediate postoperative period. At 3 months, the radiologic hand-forearm angle increased to 19 degrees in the centralization group, while the radialization group showed an average increase to 4 degrees. This increase in the hand-forearm angle continued at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up assessments. Worsening of the deformity was more in the centralization group, as compared with the radialization group. The forearm length also significantly differed in the 2 groups at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up; however, when adjusted for preoperative lengths, the difference was significant only at 12- and 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: At a short-to-intermediate-term follow-up, radialization fares better than centralization in terms of recurrence of deformity and in terms of affecting the forearm length. Longer follow-up with a larger sample size is needed to draw definitive conclusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

A management strategy for giant cell tumor of the metacarpal: A single-center series of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND: Primary giant cell tumor (GCT) arising from bones of hand are rare to occur. Metacarpals are often the most common site of involvement among hand bones. There are no uniform guidelines for treatment of GCT involving metacarpals due to lack of relevant literature. OBJECTIVE: To suggest a management strategy for GCT involving metacarpals. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of GCT involving metacarpals over a period of 15 years from 2005 to 2019 managed at department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. RESULTS: A total of 12 cases of GCT involving metacarpal were included, out of which one was lost to follow-up. Four cases were recurrent, and seven were primary at the time of surgery. All the patients were operated with wide excision of the tumor. In seven patients reconstruction of the metacarpal and MCPJ was done using fibular strut graft and silastic artificial joint, while in two patients, MCPJ arthrodesis was performed using fibula and/or iliac crest bone graft. In another two patients, the MCPJ was reconstructed using reversed vascularised toe transfer. Mean follow up of the patients was 3.22 ± 2.07 years. Mean Quick DASH score at latest follow-up of patients operated with silastic joint reconstruction, reversed vascularised toe transfer and arthrodesis of MCP joints were 30.5 ± 9.5, 25 ± 2.3 and 39.8 ± 3.4 respectively. Local recurrence occurred only in one patient at one year after surgery. All the patients were pain free at latest follow-up with quite functional and cosmetically acceptable hand. CONCLUSION: Reversed vascularised metatarsal transfer has obtained better functional results compared to reconstruction with fibular grafting and silicone joint replacement but due to technical difficulties, vascularised joint transfer may not be performed in every setting and there is risk of donor site morbidities with this technique. Our strategy for the treatment of GCT involving metacarpal was to do vascularised joint transfer or arthrodesis for border digits and reconstruction with silicone joint for central digits.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Arthrography and Wrist Arthroscopy in the Evaluation of Chronic Wrist Pain in Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to compare magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) as a diagnostic modality against the gold standard of wrist arthroscopy in the evaluation of chronic wrist pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients with chronic wrist pain suspected to have ligament injuries of the wrist were prospectively recruited. They underwent MRA examinations followed by wrist arthroscopy. Arthroscopic findings were compared with radiological findings focusing on three important structures - triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), scapholunate ligament (SLL), and lunotriquetral ligament (LTL). RESULTS: For the 17 patients with TFCC tears/perforations on arthroscopy, MRA gave a sensitivity (SEN) = 88%, specificity (SPE) = 87.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 88%, and negative predictive value (NPV) = 87.5%. For the 13 patients with SLL tears on arthroscopy, MRA gave SEN = 77%, SPE = 100%, PPV = 100%, and NPV = 87%. For the 7 patients with LTL tears on arthroscopy, MRA gave SEN = 29%, SPE = 100%, PPV = 100%, and NPV = 84%. A composite correlation between findings on MRA and wrist arthroscopy revealed an overall SEN = 73%, SPE = 96%, PPV = 93%, and NPV = 85% for MRA, with overall accuracy = 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The presented diagnostic results of MRA are superior to those of magnetic resonance imaging quoted in literature. MRA is a potent tool for evaluating chronic wrist pain but tends to miss lesions of intrinsic carpal ligaments (SLL and LTL) more than TFCC. Wrist arthroscopy may be recommended when the clinical suspicion is strong.

Thumb Opposition Recovery Following Surgery for Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Clinical, Radiological, and Electrophysiological Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To objectively assess recovery of thumb opposition in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after open carpal tunnel release and to evaluate electrophysiological and magnetic resonance (MR) neurography findings as predictors of thumb opposition recovery. METHODS: A total of 22 patients with severe CTS and thenar atrophy were included in this study. A detailed clinical, electrophysiological, and MR neurography evaluation was done both before and after surgery at 6 months to assess thumb opposition recovery. RESULTS: The median duration of symptoms was 12 months (interquartile range, 12-20 months). The compound muscle action potential of the abductor pollisis brevis (CMAP-APB) also showed statistically significant improvement of 0.5 + 0.2 mV after surgery. Tip-tip pulp pinch strength increased from 1.2 ± 0.4 to 2.0 ± 0.4 kg at 6-month follow-up, lateral pulp pinch strength increased from 1.9 ± 0.6 to 2.8 ± 0.9 kg at 6-month follow-up, and 3-point pulp pinch also improved from 1.9 ± 0.5 to 2.8 ± 0.9 at final follow-up. On MR neurogram, the proportion of patients with abnormal median nerve morphology decreased from 81.8% to 68.2%, abnormal thenar branch morphology decreased from 63.6% to 36.4% and denervation edema deceased from 59.1% to 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from severe CTS with thenar atrophy and detectable CMAP-APB showed promising improvement following open carpal tunnel release. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Management of older adults with hip fractures in India: a mixed methods study of current practice, barriers and facilitators, with recommendations to improve care pathways.

Evidence-based management can reduce deaths and suffering of older adults with hip fractures. This study investigates the evidence-practice gaps in hip fracture care in three major hospitals in Delhi, potential barriers and facilitators to improving care, and consequently, identifies contextually appropriate interventions for implementing best practice for management of older adults with hip fractures in India. PURPOSE: Hip fracture in older adults is a significant public health issue in India. The current study sought to document current practices, identify barriers and facilitators to adopting best practice guidelines and recommend improvements in the management of older adults with hip fractures in Delhi, India. METHODS: This mixed methods observational study collected data from healthcare providers, patients, carers and medical records from three major public tertiary care hospitals in Delhi, India. All patients aged ≥50 years with an X-ray confirmed hip fracture that were admitted to these hospitals over a 10-week period were recruited. Patients' data were collected at admission, discharge and 30 days post-injury. Eleven key informant interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare providers. Descriptive data for key quantitative variables were computed. The qualitative data were analysed and interpreted using a behaviour change wheel framework. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients, 74 (54%) men and 62 women, with hip fracture were identified in the three participating hospitals during the recruitment period and only 85 (63%) were admitted for treatment with a mean age of 66.5 years (SD 11.9). Of these, 30% received surgery within 48 h of hospital admission, 95% received surgery within 39 days of hospital admission and two (3%) had died by 30 days of injury. According to the healthcare providers, inadequate resources and overcrowding prevent adequate caring of the hip fracture patients. They unanimously felt the need for protocol-based management of hip fracture in India. CONCLUSION: The development and implementation of national guidelines and standardized protocols of care for older people with hip fractures in India has the potential to improve both care and patient-related outcomes.

Protocol-based management of older adults with hip fractures in Delhi, India: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide hip fractures are projected to increase from 1.7 million in 1990 to 6.3 million in 2050. In India, conservative estimates suggest an annual incidence of 600,000 osteoporotic hip fractures and this is expected to increase significantly due to ageing and increase life expectancy. Protocol-based 'care pathways' for the management of adults, over 60 years of age, with hip fractures in high-income countries has resulted in decreased mortality rates, early hospital discharge, improved quality of life and reduction in healthcare costs. The study objectives are to determine appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility of adopting best-practice guideline or protocol-based care for the management of hip fractures among older adults in India. The study will also identify barriers and facilitators in recruiting patients and retention till the agreed follow-up period. METHODS: This will be a mixed-methods prospective cohort study. The quantitative data collection will involve recruitment of consecutive patients aged >50 years with an X-ray-confirmed hip fracture admitted in four tertiary care hospitals in Delhi, India, over a 2-month period. The quantitative data will be collected at three points: from patients at admission to hospital, from medical records at discharge and by telephone interviews with patients at 30 days post hip fracture. Qualitative data collection will involve key informant interviews, conducted with clinical leads and focus group discussions, conducted with groups of healthcare providers and patients and/or their carers. COM-B theoretical framework (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) will be used to explore healthcare providers' behaviour in order to facilitate development and implementation of appropriate integrated care pathway for management of older adults with hip fractures in India. DISCUSSION: The proposed study will identify gaps in best practice in the management of older people with hip fractures in tertiary care hospitals in Delhi and document barriers and facilitators to the implementation of protocol-based care through recording the contextual realities of the health systems and care-seeking behaviours. Insights into these factors will be used to facilitate the development of protocol-based management of older people with hip fractures that is appropriate, context specific and acceptable by stakeholders in a low- and middle-income country setting, such as India.

Glomus tumours of the hand: Review of literature.

Glomus tumours are rare benign vascular neoplasms commonly found in the hand particularly in subungual region. Though, its aetiology remains largely unknown, several hypotheses have been made to explain the etiopathogenesis and cause of pain. These tumours usually present as a bluish or pinkish red discolouration of the nail plate with classical triad of localised tenderness, severe pain, and cold sensitivity. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis of other painful tumours, such as leiomyoma, eccrine spiradenoma, haemangioma, neuroma, osteochondroma, or mucous cyst should always be kept in mind while evaluating a patient with severe pain in the tip of the finger. In addition to the different clinical tests including Love's pin test, Hildreth's test, and trans-illumination test, imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and radiography are often helpful in the diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is a must to get complete relief from the symptoms and to avoid recurrence. Several approaches have been described in the literature. Different surgeons may have different choices and may prefer one approach over the other depending on the anatomical location of the tumours. The purpose of this article is to review the important aspects of glomus tumours in hand concerning their aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and recurrence.

Mother's fibula in son's forearm: use of maternal bone grafting for aneurysmal bone cyst not amenable to curettage - a case report with review of literature.

It has always been a challenge to reconstruct large bone gaps. The aim of this case report is to highlight the success of homologous maternal bone grafting in a large cystic lesion. A six and half years old boy presented to us with an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the right radius, not amenable to curettage. We excised the lesion in toto, which created an 11 cm bone loss. Considering the age of the patient, we reconstructed the bone gap with maternal fibular graft. Accordingly, 12 cm of fibular graft was harvested and fashioned to fit into the bone gap. It was fixed with an intramedullary K-wire. No cancellous graft was used in the procedure. The limb was kept in the above elbow cast till incorporation of the fibula was noted on the radiographs. Six months following surgery the skiagram showed that the fibula was incorporated. Mobilization of the elbow and wrist was started along with strengthening of the forearm muscles. K-wire was removed at nine months. At the latest follow up of 24 months, the fibula is fully incorporated, the child regained full range of motion and strength of elbow. We discuss the techniques adopted in this particular case along with the review of literature.

Comparison of dexamethasone and clonidine as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline in infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of clonidine as an adjuvant to regional blocks to hasten the onset of the local anesthetics or prolong their duration of action is proven. The efficacy of dexamethasone compared to clonidine as an adjuvant is not known. We aimed to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone versus clonidine as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline in infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three American Society of Anaesthesiologists-I and II patients aged 18-60 years scheduled for upper limb surgery were randomized to three groups to receive 1.5% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline and the study drugs. Group S (n = 13) received normal saline, group D (n = 20) received dexamethasone and group C (n = 20) received clonidine. The time to onset and peak effect, duration of the block (sensory and motor) and postoperative analgesia requirement were recorded. Chi-square and ANOVA test were used for categorical and continuous variables respectively and Bonferroni or post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The three groups were comparable in terms of time to onset and peak action of motor and sensory block, postoperative analgesic requirements and pain scores. 90% of the blocks were successful in group C compared to only 60% in group D (P = 0.028). The duration of sensory and motor block in group S, D and C were 217.73 ± 61.41 min, 335.83 ± 97.18 min and 304.72 ± 139.79 min and 205.91 ± 70.1 min, 289.58 ± 78.37 min and 232.5 ± 74.2 min respectively. There was significant prolongation of sensory and motor block in group D as compared to group S (P < 0.5). Time to first analgesic requirement was significantly more in groups C and D as compared with group S (P < 0.5). Clinically significant complications were absent. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that clonidine is more efficacious than dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine in brachial plexus blocks.

Musculoskeletal trauma and all-cause mortality in India: a multicentre prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is little data in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) quantifying the burden of fractures and describing current practices. The aim of the study was describe the severity of musculoskeletal injuries in LMICS and identify modifiable factors that predict subsequent early all-cause mortality. METHODS: We did a multicentre, prospective, observational study of patients who presented to 14 hospitals across India for musculoskeletal trauma (fractures or dislocations). Patients were recruited during an 8-week period, between November, 2011, and June, 2012, and were followed for 30-days or hospital discharge, whichever occurred first. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality with secondary outcomes of reoperation and infection. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality. FINDINGS: We enrolled 4822 patients, but restricted analyses to 4612 (96%) patients who had complete follow-up. The majority (56·2% younger than 40 years old) of trauma patients were young (mean age 40·9 years [SD 16·9]) and 3148 (68%) were men. 2344 (518%) patients sustained trauma as a result of a road traffic accident. The most common musculoskeletal injury was a fracture (4514 [98%]) and 707 patients (15%) incurred an open fracture. Less than a third of musculoskeletal trauma patients (1374 [29%]) were transported to hospital by ambulance, and one in six patients (18%) arrived at the hospital later than 24 h after sustaining their injury. Over a third (239 [35%] of 707) of open fractures were definitively stabilised later than 24 h. 30-day mortality was 1·7% (95% CI 1·4-2·2) for all patients and 2·1% (95% CI 1·5-2·7) among road traffic victims (p=0·005). Musculoskeletal trauma severity including the number of fractures (3·1 [95% CI 2·4-3·9]) and presence of an open fracture (2·1 [95% CI 1·2-3·4]) significantly increased the odds of all-cause mortality. INTERPRETATION: Musculoskeletal trauma severity, particularly road related, is a key predictor of subsequent mortality. Improvement in road safety policies, and improvements in access to emergency medical services and timely orthopaedic care are critical to mitigate the burden of injury worldwide. FUNDING: Regional Medical Associates, AO International, Hamilton Health Sciences Trauma Fund.

Comparison of conventional MRI and MR arthrography in the evaluation wrist ligament tears: A preliminary experience.

AIMS: To compare conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the evaluation of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and intrinsic wrist ligament tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T1-weighted, fat suppressed (FS) proton density plus T2-weighted (FS PD/T2), 3D multiple-echo data image combination (MEDIC) sequences and direct MR arthrography were performed in 53 patients with wrist pain. Images were evaluated for the presence and location of TFCC, scapholunate ligament (SLL) and lunatotriquetral ligament (LTL) tears, and imaging findings were compared with operative findings in 16 patients who underwent arthroscopy or open surgery (gold standard). RESULTS: SIXTEEN PATIENTS UNDERWENT ARTHROSCOPY/OPEN SURGERY: 12 TFCC tears were detected arthroscopically out of which 9 were detected on FS PD/T2 sequence, 10 on MEDIC sequence, and all 12 were detected on MR arthrography. The sensitivities of FS PD/T2, MEDIC sequences, and MR arthrography in the detection of TFCC tears were 75%, 83.3%, and 100%, respectively. Out of the eight arthroscopically confirmed SLL tears, three tears were detected on FS PD/T2 sequence, five on MEDIC sequence, and all eight were visualized on MR arthrography. The sensitivities of FS PD/T2, MEDIC sequences, and MR arthrography in detecting SLL tears were 37.5%, 62.5%, and 100%, respectively. One arthroscopically confirmed LTL tear was diagnosed on FS PD/T2 sequence, three on MEDIC sequence, and all five arthroscopically confirmed LTL tears were detected with MR arthrography. The sensitivities of PD, MEDIC sequences, and MR arthrography in detecting LTL tears were 20%, 40%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MR arthrography is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for the evaluation of wrist ligament tears.

Prospective randomized trial comparing open reduction and internal fixation with minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous fixation in managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

PURPOSE: Managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains controversial. A prospective randomised trial was undertaken to compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous fixation (MIRPF). METHODS: Forty-five displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were randomised to undergo either ORIF (n = 23) or MIRPF (n = 22). Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of one year postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was wound-healing complication. Functional outcome was assessed using Creighton Nebraska Health Foundation (CNF) scale, and radiological outcome was assessed using plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: Of the 23 heels in the ORIF group, seven (30%) had wound-healing problems, compared with none in the MIRPF group (p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in radiological outcomes between groups, as measured by Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle and Score Analysis of Verona (SAVE). Median time to return to work was two weeks earlier (p = 0.004), and the functional outcome score (CNF scale) at one year of follow-up was better (p = 0.013) following MIRPF compared with ORIF. CONCLUSION: MIRPF is associated with fewer wound-healing problems, better functional outcome and earlier return to work compared with ORIF.

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Sacroiliac Joint Presenting as Tubercular Sacroiliitis: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

We report a case of Ewing's sarcoma of the sacroiliac joint in a 21-year-old male mimicking tubercular sacroiliitis, a rare entity not reported in literature. He presented with pain in the lower back radiating to the right lower limb along with constitutional symptoms of 3 months duration. On examination, the right sacroiliac joint was tender. The laboratory investigations showed anaemia, leukocytosis and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On X-ray, features of right sacroiliitis were seen. This was further investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which showed features consistent with tubercular sacroiliitis. Patient was then started on antitubercular treatment, but the improvement was not consistent. So, a contrast MRI was done, which indicated features of primary sarcoma. It was then further confirmed by a computed tomography-guided biopsy, which showed features consistent with Ewing's sarcoma of the sacroiliac joint.

Primary repair of capsuloligamentous structures of trapeziometacarpal joint: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Isolated trapezio-metacarpal joint dislocation is uncommon and challenging since controversy still exists regarding its management. DESCRIPTION: We present a short case series in which direct repair of trapezio-metacarpal ligaments was done in three patients who had isolated, unstable dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. All of them were engaged in tasks where no compromise in hand functions and grip strength was affordable. The dislocation was addressed primarily by repair of volar oblique and dorsoradial ligaments with suture anchors. The joint was immobilised in a cast for 4 weeks followed by gradual mobilisation. RESULTS: At an average follow up of 15 months, all the three patients have no restriction in the range of motion. There are no symptoms and signs of instability. In two patients, there is no pain at all; while one patient has occasional pain which is mild and does not interfere with the hand function. Radiographic examination showed normal joint alignment and no signs of subluxation or early osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Repair of the capsuloligamentous complex with suture anchors may be considered as a treatment option in unstable trapezio-metacarpal joint dislocations in high demand patients.

Trans-scaphoid dislocation of the proximal row: a case report.

This report is of a 32 year old man who presented with complains of pain, swelling and deformity of right wrist of four weeks duration. He gave history of road traffic accident four weeks back leading to injury to right wrist; Preoperative radiographs and C.T. scan images were suggestive of trans-scaphoid dislocation of the proximal row of wrist. A volar and dorsal approach were used to reduce this complex dislocation but was not successful. Wrist arthodesis was performed after doing proximal row carpectomy. One year follow-up of the patient showed fair result with grip strength of 85% to contralateral side and modified Mayo wrist score of 65 at one year.

Trauma care in India and Germany.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death worldwide in individuals younger than 45 years. In both India and Germany, there has been an increase in registered motor vehicles over the last decades. However, while the number of traffic accident victims steadily dropped in Germany, there has been a sustained increase in India. We analyze this considering the sustained differences in rescue and trauma system status. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We compared India and Germany in terms of (1) vehicular infrastructure and causes of road traffic accident-related trauma, (2) burden of trauma, and (3) current trauma care and prevention, and (4) based on these observations, we suggested how India and other countries can enhance trauma care and prevention. METHODS: Data for Germany were obtained from federal statistical databases, German Automobile Club, and German Trauma Registry. Data from India were available from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. We also performed a standardized literature search of PubMed for India and Germany using the following key words: "road traffic accidents", "prevention", "prehospital trauma care", "trauma system", "trauma registry", "trauma centers", and "development of vehicles." RESULTS: The total number of registered motor vehicles increased 473-fold in India and 100-fold in Germany from 1951 to 2011. The number of road traffic deaths increased in both countries until 1970, but thereafter decreased in Germany (3606 in 2012) while continuing to increase in India (142,485 in 2011). The differences between Germany and India relate to the relative sizes and populations of the countries (1:9 and 1:15, respectively), and differences in prevention and prehospital care (nationwide versus big cities) and hospital trauma systems (nationwide versus exceptional). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement requires attention to three major issues: (1) prevention through infrastructure, traffic laws, mandatory licensing; (2) establishment of a prehospital care system; and (3) establishment of regional trauma centers and a trauma registry.

Local distal radius bone graft versus iliac crest bone graft for scaphoid nonunion: a comparative study.

The aim of the study is to find whether there is any superiority of the iliac crest bone graft over the distal radius bone graft, in surgery of nonunion of scaphoid fractures. This is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing 50 patients treated with internal fixation and distal radius bone graft (group 1) and 50 patients in whom iliac crest bone graft was used instead (group 2). The patients donor site pain in the postoperative period was assessed using visual analogue scale. At each follow-up, each patient was evaluated using Quick DASH score and Mayo's scoring system. Minimum follow-up was 3 years. Mean value of visual analogue scale for pain was 7.1 for group 2 and 4.2 for group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of range of wrist joint motion, functional scores, union rate and fracture reduction. There is no advantage of the iliac crest over the distal radius graft to justify its greater morbidity.

Triple jeopardy: transscaphoid, transcapitate, transtriquetral, perilunate fracture dislocation.

Carpal injuries are frequently underdiagnosed and underreported injuries of the hand. Scapholunate perilunate dissociation is the most common perilunate instability pattern seen in clinical practice. Transscaphoid, transtriquetral, transcapitate dislocation with a volar intercalated segment instability pattern is a very rare pattern of carpal injury. We describe a case with this unique pattern of injury, explaining its mechanism and treatment. Good outcome can be achieved in these injuries following open reduction and internal fixation with ligamentous repair.