Comparative study between intramedullary interlocking nailing and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for distal tibia extra-articular fractures.

PURPOSE: Treatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods. METHODS: This was the prospective comparative study of 100 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. The first group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while the second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0). RESULTS: Average malunion (degrees) in the MIPPO group was 5 (3-7) ± 1.41 vs. 10.22 (8-14) ± 2.04 in the IMIL group (p = 0.001). Similarly postoperative knee pain in the IMIL group was 10% vs. 2% in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). In terms of superficial infection and nonunion, the results were 8% vs. 4% and 2% vs. 6% for the MIPPO and IMIL group, respectively (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.

Comparative Study between the Precontoured Anatomical Locking Plate and Clavicle Brace for Displaced Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Most of the midshaft clavicle fractures heal conservatively without further complications with union rate of 94 to 99.7%. Several recent studies recommend surgery for displaced midshaft fracture, to reduce risk of non-union malunion and clavicle shortening. So there is still dilemma for the optimal treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. METHODS: This was the prospective comparative study performed in Civil Service Hospital, Nepal. Patients were divided into the two groups each containing 40 patients and were treated with figure of eight brace for group 1while group 2 patients were treated surgically. RESULTS: Mean time to unite the fracture was 11.87±1.78 versus 11.55±1.46 weeks (P value 0.37). There were 14 (35%) cases of malunion more than 10 degree in group 1 and 1 (2.5%) malunion in group 2 (P value 0.001). Twenty nine (72.5%) patients in group 1 and 35 (87.5%) in group 2 were fully satisfied one year after treatment Constant and Murley score in group 1 were 75.22±2.85, 90.87±3.39 and 96.30±1.80 at the time of fracture union, six month and one year after surgery while that score in group 2 were 81.67±2.86, 93.87±2.17, 98.20±1.20 respectively ( P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is higher incidence of nonunion, symptomatic malunion and inferior perception of satisfaction in conservatively treated patients. Functional outcomes are comparable one year after surgery, however it is significantly better in operative group before that.

Bilateral Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients with Severe Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed in recent decades. However, there are controversies regarding the simultaneous or staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of bilateral total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients among severe osteoarthritis of knee joints in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from hospital records of 2015 to 2019 in elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Ethical clearance (20/2020) was taken from Institutional Review Board. Convenience sampling was used and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 16.0). Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Out of 1200 patients with severe osteoarthritis, the prevalence of bilateral total knee arthroplasty was found to be 80 (6.67%) (95% Confidence Interval = 6.60-6.74). The mean Knee Society Score was 36±3.70 preoperatively. There were 21 (26.2%) patients having hypertension, 17 (21.2%) diabetes mellitus, 14 (17.5%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 7 (8.7%) coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty was required in less patients with severe osteoarthritis of knee joints. Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty is safe, convenient, effective with early functional recovery, higher patient satisfaction and cost effective with acceptable cardiac, pulmonary and neurological complications in properly selected patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Moderate to Severe Fixed Flexion Deformity in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Performing the total knee arthroplasty in moderate to severe fixed flexion deformity, appropriate resection of bone from distal femur along with proper ligament balancing is mandatory in order to get the reasonable intraoperative correction. The aim of our study is to find out the prevalence of total knee arthroplasty among knees with moderate to severe fixed flexion deformity in a tertiary care center. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from hospital records of 2013 to 2019 in elderly patients with moderate to severe fixed flexion deformity in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Ethical clearance (14/2020) was taken from Institutional Review Board. Convenience sampling was used and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 16.0). Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Out of 400 knees with moderate to severe fixed flexion deformity, the prevalence of total knee arthroplasty was found to be 80 knees (20%) (16.08-23.92 at 95% Confidence Interval). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of total knee arthroplasty is comparable to other study. In our study total knee arthroplasty can be performed successfully with excellent functional outcomes in patients with moderate to severe fixed flexion deformity of knee joint provided the joint stability is maintained by appropriate ligamentous balancing.

Functional Outcomes of Capitellum Fractures Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Herbert Screw: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Based on the complex intra-articular nature of capitellum fractures, it has been sometimes difficult to formulate a universally accepted method of surgical treatment. The purpose of this study is to present the functional outcomes of capitellum fractures after fixation with Herbert screw including the safety and tips of the surgical approach. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done from December 2014 to November 2019. Ethical approval was taken. The study included 22 capitellum fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Herbert screws either lateral or anterolateral approach. Functional outcomes were assessed with Mayo elbow performance index scores at the latest follow-up visit. Convenient sampling was done. Data entry was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version16.0). RESULTS: Out of 22 surgeries, the average time to unite the fracture was 11.13±1.20 weeks (range 9 to 15). The mean range of movement for flexion and extension was 138.41±8.22 degree while the mean supination and pronation range was 161.59±6.79 degree. The average time of follow-up in this series was 37.45±9.43 weeks (range 22 to 58 weeks). Similarly, the mean Mayo elbow performance index score at the latest follow-up was 90.22±8.65 (range 70 to 100). CONCLUSIONS: Careful assessment and radiological evaluation, anatomical reduction, and stable fixation with Herbert screws maintaining the minimal damage to the articular cartilage can maximize the functional outcomes and minimize the incidence of complications.

A modified minimally invasive technique for intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures fixed by transverse and axial screws.

The management of displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fracture represents a surgical challenge to even an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Plate osteosynthesis using an extended lateral approach is complicated by soft tissue problems, while those treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning cannot address all the intra-articular fragments sufficiently. The objective of our study is to evaluate restoration of subtalar joint and long-term functional outcomes in intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures treated with transverse subcondral screws through a small incision on lateral aspect of calcaneus and percutaneously placed axial screws through the calcaneal tuberosity. Forty-five intra-articular calcaneal fractures were managed with this minimally invasive technique. Calcaneal height, width, length, Bohler's angle, and Gissane angle were measured preoperatively and last follow-up visit. Functional outcomes were assessed on the basis of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hind foot score. Preoperative calcaneal length, height, width, Bohler's angle, and Gissane angle were improved from 68.62 ± 2.64 to 72.44 ± 2.63 mm, 39.28 ± 2.72 to 32.37 ± 2.65 mm, 47.04 ± 2.56 to 49.55 ± 2.45 mm, 12.66° ± 2.86° to 26.93° ± 2.57°, 123.91° ± 3.13° to 96.06° ± 3.92°, respectively, after surgery with P value <0.001. There were 21 (46.7%) excellent, 17 (37.8%) good, 4 (8.8%) fair, and 3 (6.7%) poor outcomes based on AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scores. Time to unite the fracture was 11.06 ± 1.82 weeks (range 8-16 weeks), and all fractures were united without major complications. Minimally invasive technique through a small incision on lateral aspect of calcaneus gives a moderately good exposure for anatomical restoration of Sander's type II and III calcaneal fractures fixed with both transverse and axial screws under fluoroscopic guidance.