Atypical stress-avulsion fracture of the Lisfranc joint complex.

Antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic erythematosus have been associated with metatarsal stress fractures. Stress fractures of the Lisfranc joint complex are uncommon injuries but have been reported to occur most frequently in ballet dancers. We present a case of an avulsion fracture of the Lisfranc joint complex that occurred spontaneously. We have reviewed the association between systemic conditions and metatarsal fractures and proposed a series of hypothetical pathological events that may have contributed to this unusual injury.

The conundrum of calcaneal spurs: do they matter?

BACKGROUND: Chronic plantar heel pain is a common and potentially debilitating condition, often caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar calcaneal spurs were originally considered the cause of plantar fasciitis but are now regarded as an incidental finding by most authors. We aimed to test this hypothesis and to investigate predisposing factors for the development of spurs. METHODS: We reviewed all lateral ankle X rays taken in our institution over a 6-month period and identified all X rays demonstrating calcaneal spurs. Then, we identified a similar number of age- and sex-matched controls without spurs. We contacted both groups by telephone and compared symptoms of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, associated comorbidities, and foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOSs). RESULTS: We reviewed the X rays of 1103 consecutive patients and found a spur prevalence of 12.4%, more common in women and older patients. Questioning of the spur group and control group found a higher body mass index in the spur group. Patients with spurs were 4 times more likely to have diabetes mellitus and 10 times more likely to have lower-limb osteoarthritis. Patients with spurs had more foot pain and poorer FAOS than the control group, even when patients with plantar fasciitis were excluded. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the presence of a plantar calcaneal spur may be an indicator of foot pain independent of plantar fasciitis. Although spurs may not cause foot pain themselves, they may be an indication of other associated conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We have demonstrated the relevance of a radiographic finding once considered irrelevant.

Digital photography for assessment of shoulder range of motion: A novel clinical and research tool.

PURPOSE: Maintenance of a pain-free functional range of motion is the aim of surgery for shoulder trauma. The aim of this study was to show that the range of motion can be accurately assessed using digital photographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 17 patients who had undergone surgery for shoulder trauma. Each patient's range of motion was assessed by two physicians and two physiotherapists. Digital photographs were taken of each patient at their functional limit. Photographs were assessed by two physicians and two physiotherapists, and by an external physician who had no previous contact with the patients. RESULTS: Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability trials showed excellent correlation of results. There was no significant difference between observer's results, or between results of physical examination and photographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Digital photography is a viable adjunct to assessment of range of motion of the shoulder. This has positive implications both clinically, and for shoulder research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Fatigue fracture of tibial arthroplasty implant masked by contralateral knee arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The wear of polyethylene components is a well-recognised long-term complication of total knee arthroplasty. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of fatigue fracture of a geomedic tibial tray 17 years after implantation. The symptoms were masked by primary osteoarthritis of the contralateral knee. DISCUSSION: The mode of failure in this case differs from that most commonly reported in the literature in that it occurred late as the result of prolonged use, not due to implant failure, physiological factors, or surgical technique. The case also demonstrates the incredible 'masking' effect of arthritic knee pain. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance to clinicians of keeping a high index of suspicion for prosthesis complications in patients with unilateral joint replacement with contralateral arthropathy.

Osteomyelitis of the tibia following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Osteomyelitis following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a thirty year old man who presented with pain in his proximal tibia six years after ACL reconstruction. Haematological investigations were normal. He was diagnosed with osteomyelitis of his proximal tibia. He was successfully treated with washout and debridement of his tibial tunnel. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the need to exclude osteomyelitis as a late complication of ACL reconstruction in patients with proximal tibial pain. We also report on an unusual pathogen as casue of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: Osteomyelitis in a tibial tunnel can present as a late complication of ACL reconstruction, even in the presence of normal haematological investigations.

Conservative management of paediatric clavicle fractures.

Paediatric clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated nonoperatively. Recent studies have recommended operative management for displaced midshaft fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of all clavicle fractures in children aged one to sixteen over a two-year period. We classified fractures and evaluated followup and clinical outcome. We identified 190 fractures. There were 135 boys and 55 girls. 65% of fractures were displaced and 35% undisplaced. Mean radiographic and clinical followup was 35 days and 44 days, respectively. Clavicle fractures in children heal with nonoperative management. Radiographs of clavicle fractures in children are unnecessary in the absence of clinical symptoms.

Anterior cruciate ligament graft tensioning. Is the maximal sustained one-handed pull technique reproducible?

BACKGROUND: Tensioning of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction grafts affects the clinical outcome of the procedure. As yet, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimum initial tension in an ACL graft. Most surgeons rely on the maximal sustained one-handed pull technique for graft tension. We aim to determine if this technique is reproducible from patient to patient. FINDINGS: We created a device to simulate ACL reconstruction surgery using Ilizarov components and porcine flexor tendons. Six experienced ACL reconstruction surgeons volunteered to tension porcine grafts using the device to see if they could produce a consistent tension. None of the surgeons involved were able to accurately reproduce graft tension over a series of repeat trials. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the maximal sustained one-handed pull technique of ACL graft tensioning is not reproducible from trial to trial. We also conclude that the initial tension placed on an ACL graft varies from surgeon to surgeon.

Successful treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius.

Chronic osteomyelitis is uncommon in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Current migration trends with an influx of people from less affluent nations may result in more cases of chronic osteomyelitis being seen in community and hospital practice. We report on a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius and document current treatment recommendations.

Irreducible Pulled Elbow in an Adolescent. A Case Report.

We present a case of pulled elbow in an adolescent patient that required open reduction.