Do "Anatomic" Distal Ulna Plating Systems Fit the Distal Ulna Without Causing Soft Tissue Impingement?

Background: Distal ulna fracture fixation plates commonly cause irritation, necessitating removal, due to the narrow area between the ulna articular cartilage and the extensor carpi ulnaris. This study defines the safe zone for plate application and determines whether wrist position affects risk of impingement. Methods: Four different distal ulna anatomic plates (Acumed, Medartis, Skeletal Dynamics, and Synthes) were applied to 12 cadaveric specimens. Safe zone size was measured in circumferential distance and angular arc. Impingement was examined in flexion and extension in neutral, pronation, and supination. Results: The distal ulna safe zone has dimensions of a 92° arc and perimeter circumference of 15 mm. Cumulative extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) impingement occurred in 0% of the 6 simulated wrist/forearm positions for the Acumed plate, 22% for the Synthes plate, 31% for the Skeletal Dynamics plate, and 68% for the Medartis plate. Impingement was most common in supination. Likelihood of ECU impingement significantly decreased in the following order; Medartis > Skeletal Dynamics > Synthes > Acumed. Conclusion: The ECU tendon's mobility can cause impingement on ulnarly placed distal ulna plates. Intra-operative testing should be performed in supination. Take home points regarding each plate from the 4 different manufacturers: contouring of Medartis plates, when placed ulnarly, is mandatory. The Acumed plate impinged the least but is not designed for far-distal fractures. The Synthes plate is least bulky but not suitable for proximal fractures. The Skeletal Dynamics plate appeared the most versatile with a reduced incidence of impingement compared to other ulnarly based plates.

Diagnosis, management and complications of distal humerus lateral condyle fractures in children.

We review the diagnosis, evaluation and management of paediatric lateral condylar fractures. The complications of these fractures are also discussed, including the management of fracture non-union.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction best practice: A review of graft choice.

There is much literature about differing grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Much of this is of poor quality and of a low evidence base. We review and summarise the literature looking at the four main classes of grafts used in ACL reconstruction; bone-patella tendon-bone, hamstrings, allograft and synthetic grafts. Each graft has the evidence for its use reviewed and then compared, where possible, to the others. We conclude that although there is no clear "best" graft, there are clear differences between the differing graft choices. Surgeon's need to be aware of the evidence behind these differences, in order to have appropriate discussions with their patients, so as to come to an informed choice of graft type to best suit each individual patient and their requirements.

Neural Structures within Human Meniscofemoral Ligaments: A Cadaveric Study.

Aim. To investigate the existence of neural structures within the meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs) of the human knee. Methods. The MFLs from 8 human cadaveric knees were harvested. 5 µm sections were H&E-stained and examined under light microscopy. The harvested ligaments were then stained using an S100 monoclonal antibody utilising the ABC technique to detect neural components. Further examination was performed on 60-80 nm sections under electron microscopy. Results. Of the 8 knees, 6 were suitable for examination. From these both MFLs existed in 3, only anterior MFLs were present in 2, and an isolated posterior MFL existed in 1. Out of the 9 MFLs, 4 demonstrated neural structures on light and electron microscopy and this was confirmed with S100 staining. The ultrastructure of these neural components was morphologically similar to mechanoreceptors. Conclusion. Neural structures are present in MFLs near to their meniscal attachments. It is likely that the meniscofemoral ligaments contribute not only as passive secondary restraints to posterior draw but more importantly to proprioception and may therefore play an active role in providing a neurosensory feedback loop. This may be particularly important when the primary restraint has reduced function as in the posterior cruciate ligament-deficient human knee.

Metal-on-metal bearings, inflammatory pseudotumours and their neurological manifestations.

Metal-on-metal bearings have become more popular for hip arthroplasty in younger patients in the last 15 years. We present a review of the neurological consequences relating to such bearing surfaces illustrated by an appropriate case report. The mechanisms of increased metal ion production and pseudotumour formation are discussed. If unexplained neurology, hip/groin pain or a localised mass around the hip are present with a metal bearing hip then urgent referral to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon is warranted for consideration of exchange arthroplasty.

SAPHO syndrome presenting as widespread bony metastatic disease of unknown origin.

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome represents an inflammatory spectrum ranging from an osteitis through to a spondyloarthropathy which may or may not be associated with dermatological manifestations. We present the case of a 52-year-old female who presented with non-specific back pain. Radiological imaging showed mixed lytic and sclerotic lesions of her lumbar spine and pelvis consistent with bony metastatic disease. She underwent CT-guided biopsy that confirmed histological findings in keeping with non-bacterial osteitis/chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. This case report and review of the literature highlights the importance of the SAPHO syndrome and its treatment.

High-grade intra-articular liposarcoma of the knee.

A high-grade pleomorphic intra-articular liposarcoma of the knee is described in a 48-year-old man, which was diagnosed histologically after arthroscopy of the knee for suspected pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). The patient proceeded to undergo an extra-articular resection with a custom-made prosthesis. This report highlights the need to remember this rare tumour in the differential diagnosis of atypical soft tissue lesions within the knee joint prior to instrumentation.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is claimed to allow higher activity levels and to give better quality of life than total hip arthroplasty. In this literature review, we assessed the therapeutic value of hip resurfacing arthroplasty as measured by functional outcome. METHODS: An extensive literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: 9 patient series, 1 case-control study, and 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) were included. Clinically and statistically significant improvement in sporting activity and hip scores were found in 10 studies. INTERPRETATION: Studies with low levels of evidence have shown improvement in various different hip scores and one RCT showed better outcomes with hip resurfacing arthroplasty. There is no high-level evidence to prove that there is improved clinical outcome using hip resurfacing arthroplasty. More randomized research needs to be done.