High tibial osteotomy with an external fixator or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for varus knee in young patients?

Purpose: This study compares the functional results and survivorship of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with an external fixator for medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods: Two cohorts of patients aged less than 60 years who had undergone either a cemented medial mobile-bearing UKA or an HTO with an external fixator were included in the study. The first cohort included patients undergoing a series of 197 consecutive medial UKA procedures (UKA group). The second cohort consisted of 60 consecutive patients undergoing HTO with an external fixator (HTO group). Each patient was assessed based on the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score/questionnaire. A clinical evaluation was conducted on the day of the surgery (T0) and at the follow-up visit (T1) (minimum follow-up time was 60 months). Complications and failures resulting from the surgery were recorded for each patient. Results: Only the age of the patients at the pre-operative time differed significantly between the two groups, with the HTO group being significantly younger (47.7 ± 8.0 versus 55.8 ± 2.2).After the final follow-up visit, all scores improved in both groups (p < 0.05).IKDC and Oxford scores were higher for the UKA group (p < 0.05). In the HTO group, three complications occurred (5%), including two superficial infections and one deep infection. On the other hand, the UKA group reported four complications (2%): three aseptic mobilisations and one infection requiring revision surgery. There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups (p = 0.208). Conclusions: In young patients (<60 years) with an isolated medial knee OA, both HTO and UKA led to good to excellent clinical results with a low rate of complications at mid-term follow-up; both surgical procedures may be considered in this patient population. Level of evidence: Level III.

CT-Based 3D Reconstruction of Lower Limb Versus X-Ray-Based 3D Reconstruction: A Comparative Analysis and Application for a Safe and Cost-Effective Modality in TKA.

AIM: Patient Specific Instrumentation (PSI) with 3D bone models have been used to improve the outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The PSI, however, needs a CT (Computed tomography)/MRI scan to reproduce a bone-based model. However, CT is not a routine imaging method in the TKA and has challenges such as high radiation exposure and increased investigation cost. Any technology or software which could accurately recreate 3D bone models using X-ray would be a cheaper and safer tool. This study is based on one such technology (XrayTo3D®) using X-ray to 3D as an alternative to other image-based 3D bone models and PSI available in the market. This study compares the accuracy of XrayTo3D® versus a Conventional CT to 3D, in the reconstruction of lower limb bones (femur and tibia). METHOD: In an analysis of 45 lower limbs, 11 anatomical parameters were measured [Medial Proximal Tibial Angle-MPTA, Tibial(T)-torsion, T-slope, T-length, Mechanical Lateral Distal Femoral Angle (mLDFA), F-version, F-length, Distal femoral Medio lateral width (F-ML), Distal Femoral Antero Posterior (F-AP), Proximal Tibia Antero Posterior (T-AP), Proximal Tibia Medio Lateral (T-ML) based on landmarks selected by three orthopaedic surgeons(numbers of the authors superscript), on two groups of 3D models, one reconstructed using XrayTo3D® and the other using CT. Mean and standard-deviation values were measured for all the parameters in both the groups. Statistical association between both the groups was measured by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Two-sided t tests of the mean values were calculated to compare the two measurement methods. The interobserver reproducibility within each group was measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Point-to-surface (P2S) error, in the distal femur and proximal tibia regions of the models reconstructed using XrayTo3D®, were also measured. RESULTS: For all the 11 parameters, no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficients for all the parameters were not significant. The interobserver reproducibility was ranging from 0.90 to 1.00 and 0.90 to 1.00 for the XrayTo3D® and CT groups, respectively. The mean P2S distance was 1.0 mm in distal femur and 1.1 mm in proximal tibia which was within the acceptable limits. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction accuracy of the XrayTo3D® is an accurate, safe and cost effective as compared to a CT-based method.

Wedge Osteotomy with Tens Nailing in Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of Tibia - A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium elastic nailing (TENS) with wedge osteotomy for the management of monostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD) of tibia is done in a 6-year-old male patient. CASE REPORT: This is a case describing monostotic FD of right tibia in a 6-year-old male patient. The patient's parents noticed a diffuse swelling in the right leg a few days after birth. It was managed conservatively till 3 years of age when the patient started complaining of pain in his right leg and difficulty in walking and running. The patient developed gradual and progressive anterior bowing in the right leg in the next 3 years. The patient was diagnosed with monostotic FD of the right tibia based on clinical and radiological findings. Wedge osteotomies were done in the tibia and fibula with TENS nailing as a definitive procedure for this patient. DISCUSSION: Management of monostotic FD of the right tibia with TENS nailing and wedge osteotomy can be a possible modality of definitive management with complete pain relief and deformity correction. CONCLUSION: Correction of deformities secondary to FD requires meticulous pre-operative planning and execution. But with proper planning, even major deformities as in our case, procedures as simple as wedge osteotomy and TENS nailing can give excellent outcomes.

Limb reconstruction in a resource-limited environment.

INTRODUCTION: Limb salvage and reconstruction are often challenging and even more so in the limited resource setting. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the strategies for addressing the unique obstacles and opportunities of limb reconstructive surgery in resource-limited environments globally. METHODS: We review (1) the global burden and dimension of the problem, (2) the relevance of orthopedic forums and communication, (3) free and open-access software for deformity analysis and correction, (4) bidirectional learning opportunities, and the value of fellowships and mentoring between resource-rich and resource-limited countries, and (5) how societies like SICOT can help to tackle the problem. Finally, case examples are presented to demonstrate the choice of surgical implants, their availability in regions with limited resources, and how the universal principles of limb reconstruction can be applied, irrespective of resource availability. RESULTS: Limb reconstruction can often be life-changing surgery with the goals of limb salvage, improved function, and ambulation. The contradiction of relatively few severe limb deformities in high-income countries (HICs) with abundant resources and the considerable burden of limb deformities in resource-limited countries is striking. Free, open access to education and software planning tools are of paramount importance to achieve this goal of limb reconstruction. Bidirectional learning, i.e., knowledge exchange between individual surgeons and societies with limited and abundant resources, can be reached via fellowships and mentoring. The presented cases highlight (1) fixator-assisted wound closure obliviating the need for plastic surgery, (2) open bone transport, and (3) hinged Ilizarov frames for correction of severe deformities. These cases underline that optimal clinical outcome can be achieved with low-cost and readily available implants when the principles of limb reconstruction are skillfully applied. DISCUSSION: Limb lengthening and reconstruction are based on universally applicable principles. These have to be applied regardless of the planning tool or surgical implant availability to achieve the goals of limb salvage and improved quality of life.

Functional Outcome of High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients with Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Using Dynamic Axial Fixator -a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of the knee is becoming a widespread problem. The surgical options include high tibial osteotomy, unicompartmental knee replacement, and total knee replacement. Replacement surgeries are not advised in the younger age group, so in these patients, high tibial osteotomy is the only option. In this study, we have assessed the functional and radiological outcomes of high tibial osteotomy done by hemicallostasis method. METHOD: We report the outcome of 30 patients (30 knees) who underwent hemicallostasis with a dynamic external fixator for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The radiological assessment was done with the help of Hip Knee Ankle angle. The functional scoring was done via Oxford knee score, IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC score. RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 35 months, the preoperatively mean HKA angle was 172 ± 30. The mean HKA angle postoperatively was 184 ± 10. Appropriate correction of the HKA angle was achieved in 24 of 30 patients (80%). Whereas, there was under correction in 3 patients (10%) and overcorrection in 3 (10%) patients. All the functional scores showed significant improvement in the postoperative scores. There was a positive correlation between the HKA angle and oxford, IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC Score. Complications like superficial pin tract infection were seen in 3 (10%) patients, deep infection in 1 (3%), and early union of osteotomy in 1 (3%) patient leading to revision of the osteotomy. . CONCLUSION: HTO is effective in improving pain, function, activity of daily living, and quality of life in patients suffering from medial compartment Osteoarthritis of the knee. Hip Knee Ankle Angle is an important parameter to restore for better functional outcomes. The Advantage of using a dynamic axial fixator is the precision in achieving calculated correction without any implant in the bone once the correction is achieved along with good healing rates.

Management of Forearm Deformity by Limb Reconstruction System in Children with Multiple Exostosis - A case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondroma is the group of benign bone tumours, which are composed of spongy bone covered by a cartilaginous cap. Patients with distal ulnar osteochondromas frequently cause forearm deformities with relative ulnar shortening, wrist joint deviation, and varus bowing. Surgical ulnar lengthening is necessary to restore the carpal balance. CASE REPORT: We report the case of multiple exostosis in a 13-year-old male with the right distal ulna osteochondroma with long-standing and progressive ulnar shortening and radial bowing treated with a limb reconstruction system. Our case is Type I Masada managed with excision of distal ulna osteochondroma and gradual ulnar lengthening without osteotomy of the radius. CONCLUSION: Progressive ulna deformity can lead to increasing pain, joint instability, limited motion, and functional decline. For Type I, Masada ulnar lengthening is necessary, but over correction is inadvisable due to possible ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. As significant remodeling effects on the radius were observed, simultaneous radial correction can be delayed.

The Evaluation of the Radiological and Functional Outcome of Distraction Osteogenesis in Patients with Infected Gap Nonunions of Tibia Treated by Bone Transport.

AIM: The aims of this investigation were: 1) to study the Functional outcome of performing distraction osteogenesis in cases of infected non-union of tibia treated with Ilizarov and Limb Reconstruction System, and 2) to study the Radiological outcome of performing distraction osteogenesis in cases of infected non-union of tibia treated with Ilizarov and Limb Reconstruction System. METHODS: The study was done with 27 patients of infected gap nonunions of the tibia at Sir JJ Hospitals, Mumbai from 2013-2016. After implant removal, if required radical resection of necrotic tissue and fractures were stabilised with Ilizarov or mono-lateral fixator depending on non-union site. Corticotomy was either done proximally or distally. Patients were followed up at monthly intervals for a minimum of 6 months. RESULTS: The ASAMI-Bone healing score was Excellent or Good in 86% patients, and Functional score was Excellent or Good in 89% of patients. The commonest problems were of pin tract infection, wire loosening and angulation of the transported segment. CONCLUSION: Elderly age, persistent infection, sensory loss in the foot, the stiffness of the knee, and above all the patient's reluctance to go any further given the protracted treatment besides, systemic disorders such as diabetes are all pointers for considering amputation as an alternative.

Infected Nonunion of Radius and Ulna - Strategy of Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Infected nonunion of radius and ulna are rare but difficult problems to deal. We report a case of successfully managed infected non-unonion of forearm bones and the reasoning behind strategy of approach to the case. CASE REPORT: 42 year old female presented with history of closed forearm fracture three months back for which she was operated with open reduction and internal fixation using dynamic compression plate. There was pain and fever post-surgery and discharge and wound gape. This was treated with resuturing of the wound and oral antibiotics. She continued to have pain fever and discharge and consulted another surgeon who removed first the radius plate and then the ulna plate sequentially with stabilisation by external fixation. She presented to us at three months post injury with infected nonunion of radius and ulna with loosening of fixators, sequestrum on radiograph and wristdrop. A staged treatment was planned for her. As first stage debridement, antibiotic Calcium Sulphate cement bead insertion and intramedullary flexible nail fixation. She was given iv antibiotics as per culture report. At 3 months post surgery the infection had settled and pellets were resorbed. Double barrel vascularized fibula graft was used to fill the gap and fixation using long locked plates was done. At one year follow up radiographs showed good healing and clinically patient had a good elbow movements and was able to carry out her daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: Proper planning and staged management of such cases helps to achieve goals with good functional outcome.