Double Plating Fixation vs Distal Femoral Replacement in the Management of Distal Femoral Fractures in Geriatric Patients.

Background: Distal femur fractures are considered challenging to manage, particularly in geriatric patients. Double plating (DP) is a technique that helps with earlier rehabilitation and return to preinjury level of activity. Distal femoral replacement (DFR) is an alternative technique in the management of these fractures that may help to solve problems like associated knee osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and severely comminuted condyles. The current study compares the functional and radiological outcomes of DFR and DP in the management of these fractures among geriatric patients. Methods: This randomized, comparative, interventional study was performed at a university hospital. A total of 30 patients who underwent DFR or DP after distal femur fractures (AO/OTA 33 A3, 33 C) were analyzed. The primary outcome was Knee Society Score (KSS), whereas secondary outcomes included postoperative complications rate, knee range of motion, reoperation rate, and operative time. Results: No significant difference was observed between DFR and DP except for the knee component of the KSS at a 12-month interval (P = .03) and knee range of motion at a 12-month interval (P = .001), both of which were in favor of DP. No significant difference in postoperative complications (P = .06), reoperation rate (P = 1.00), or operative time (P = .06) was noted. Conclusions: DFR and DP had comparable functional (KSS) and radiological outcomes with no significant difference in postoperative complications, reoperation rate, or operative time.

Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Repair Using a 2-Simple-Suture Pullout Technique.

Medial meniscus posterior root tear is one of the underestimated knee injuries in terms of incidence. Despite its grave sequelae, using simple but effective technique can maintain the native knee joint longevity. In the current note, a 2-simple-suture pullout technique was used to effectively reduce the meniscus posterior root to its anatomic position. The success of the technique depended on proper tool selection as well as tibial tunnel direction that allowed easier root suturing and better suture tensioning, without inducing any iatrogenic articular cartilage injury or meniscal tissue loss. Using anterior knee arthroscopy portals, anterolateral as a viewing portal and anteromedial as a working portal, a 7-mm tibial tunnel starting at Gerdy tubercle and ending at the medial meniscus posterior root bed was created. The 2 simple sutures were retrieved through the tunnel and tensioned and secured over a 12-mm-diameter washer at the tibial tunnel outer orifice. Anatomic reduction of the medial meniscus posterior root tear was confirmed arthroscopically intraoperatively and radiologically by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging.