Osteosynthesis of Common Acetabular Fractures Operated on Through a Single Posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) Approach with or without Trochanteric Flip Osteotomy. A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The Kocher-Langenbeck approach is recommended in the majority of common posterior acetabular injuries. Trochanteric osteotomy can be used to extend the exposure of the Kocher-Langenbeck approach superiorly and anteriorly. We evaluated the functional outcome of common acetabular fractures operated on through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach with or without trochanteric flip osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 42 patients with posterior wall, posterior column, transverse, posterior wall with posterior column, transverse with posterior wall and both column acetabular fractures. The Kocher-Langenbeck approach was used in 35 patients and trochanteric flip osteotomy was done in 7 patients. The radiological outcome was evaluated by Matta's criteria and the functional outcome was evaluated using modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel criteria. RESULTS: D'Aubigne Postel scores at the final follow-up were excellent in 12 patients, good in 18, fair in 8 and poor in 4. Thirty-seven patients had congruent reduction (anatomical in 29, imperfect in 8) and 5 patients had non-congruent reduction on radiographs as per Matta's criteria. Radiographic congruity (88.09%, 37 out of 42 cases) correlated fairly well with the functional outcome (excellent or good functional outcome in 71.4%, 30 out of 42 cases). The complications included traumatic nerve palsy (3 cases), iatrogenic nerve palsy (2 cases), deep venous thrombosis (2 cases), wound infection (3 cases), non-congruent reduction (5 cases), 8 cases of osteoarthritis of hip, 2 cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head and 3 cases of heterotrophic ossification. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Surgical treatment of common acetabular fractures with major posterior involvement can be attempted via a single posterior approach (Kocher-Langen-beck with or without trochanteric flip osteo-tomy) and leads to good-to-excellent results in a majority of the cases. 2. It is superior to conservative management, which has been found to be accompanied by a much higher rate of complications. 3. A thorough study of the pre-opera-tive radiographs, Judet's views and 3D-reconstructed CT images helps in classifying the fracture and thereby assigning or not assigning it for the posterior approach.

Isolated Avulsion Fractures of Lesser Trochanter in Adolescents - A Case Series and Brief Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent apophyseal avulsion injuries related to sports is common around the pelvis and proximal femur. Amid them, avulsions of the lesser trochanter are uncommon as compared to other sites. The growth plates in children are weaker than the unossified bone and tendons to which they attach. As a result, with sudden violent muscular contraction, avulsion fracture of the apophysis occurs. The periosteum remains attached to the avulsed fragment preventing gross displacement. Treatment is usually symptomatic with good outcomes. CASE SERIES: We present a series of three cases of isolated avulsions of lesser trochanter. Patients presented with pain in groin and limp following sprinting and fall. Radiographs revealed the diagnosis, and we proceeded with conservative management in all patients since the displacement was not significant. Patients recovered fully with no long-term complaints. Indications for surgery are not well defined, and we believe conservative treatment has good functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: In patients with painful limp after sporting activities, there should be a high index of suspicion for avulsion fractures. Radiographs should be done, and other pathologies were excluded. Symptomatic treatment is recommended with a gradual return to sports after at least 3 months.

Simultaneous Symmetrical Bilateral Bimalleolar Open Fracture with Ankle Dislocation by Indirect Injury - Case Study.

A rare case of symmetrical open bimalleolar fractures with bilateral dislocation of ankles is described. A 30-year-old man sustained indirect trauma working in squatting position with a heavy log of wood falling on his knees with ankles in inversion, and sustained symmetrical open III B bimalleolar fractures with dislocation of bilateral ankles with the distal fibula coming out of the skin. The patient underwent operative management on bilateral ankles and the post-operative course was uneventful. The patient had no complaints at 4 years' follow-up and had a full, pain-free function. The probable mechanism of the fracture is discussed.

Evaluation of Complications from Stainless-Steel Flexible Intramedullary Nailing in Children's Femoral Shaft Fractures and Recommendations for Continued Use.

[b]Background.[/b] Flexible intramedullary nailing is currently considered the treatment of choice for femoral diaphyseal fractures in school-aged children. The purpose of our study was to critically evaluate and analyze the complications of stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral shaft fractures. (mean age, 8.2 years) with a femoral shaft fracture treated with stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing from January 1, 2009 to July 31, 2015 and evaluated for complications.[b]Results.[/b] All fractures united in a mean time of 9.2 weeks. Minor complications were noted in 19 patients, and major complications were noted in two patients. The Flynn score was excellent in 74 patients, satisfactory in 23 patients, and poor in three patients.[b]Conclusions.[/b] 1. Stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral shaft fractures is associated with minimal complications. 2. These complications are not related to the alloy of the implant and are mostly due to the long nail end; these complications can be prevented easily. 3. Stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing is also cost effective, and we recommend its use be enhanced for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children.

Management of capitellar fractures with open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws.

BACKGROUND: Capitellar fractures are rare elbow injuries and can cause severe limitation of function if not properly managed. Numerous treatments have evolved, from closed reduction and cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), so as to achieve a stable joint that allows early mobilization. We determined the functional outcomes of treating these fractures with ORIF using Herbert screws via an extensile lateral approach. METHODS: Fifteen patients with capitellar fractures were included in this retrospective study. A well taken lateral radiograph was important and stressed upon in all patients. All fractures were open reduced and internally fixed using Herbert screws via an extensile lateral approach over a period of 5 years. Clinical, radiographic, and Mayo Elbow Performance Index were evaluated at a mean followup of 3.6 years (range, 1.5-6 years). RESULTS: Nine type I and six type IV capitellar fractures were identified using Bryan and Morrey classification system. The average time to bone union was 12 weeks (range 8-16 weeks) with no case of nonunion. The mean range of flexion was 130° (range 125°-135°). The average extensor lag was 10° (range 0°-30°), with a functional range of motion of elbow achieved in all patients. On the final follow-up, one case of osteoarthritis was seen, but no evidence of avascular necrosis or heterotrophic ossification was seen. Two patients needed screw removal. The outcome was excellent in 10 patients and good in five patients. CONCLUSION: Herbert screw fixation provides stable fixation in capitellar fractures and good to excellent outcomes with excellent elbow motion, can be achieved following internal fixation of these complex fractures using the extended lateral exposure.