Introduction. The debate regarding the importance of preserving the blood supply to the femoral head (FH) and neck during hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is ongoing. Several surgeons continue to advocate for the preservation of the blood supply to the resurfaced heads for both the current HRA techniques and more biologic approaches for FH resurfacing. Despite alternative blood-preserving approaches for HRA, many surgeons continue to use the posterior approach (PA) due to personal preference and comfort. It is commonly accepted that the PA inevitably damages the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA). This study seeks to evaluate and measure the anatomical course of the ascending and deep branch of the MFCA to better describe the area in danger during the posterior approach. Methods. In 20 fresh-frozen cadaveric hips, we cannulated the MFCA and injected a urethane compound. The Kocher-Langenbeck approach was used in all specimens. The deep branch of the MFCA was identified at the proximal border of the QF and measurements were taken. The QF was incised medially and elevated laterally, maintaining the relationship of the ascending branch and QF, and distances from the lesser trochanter were measured. The deep branch was dissected and followed to its capsular insertion to assess the course and relation to the obturatur externus (OE) tendon and the conjoint tendon (CT) of the short external rotators. Results. Gross dissection revealed that the transition point from transverse to ascending branch of the MFCA at the anterior surface of the QF was at an average distance of 2.2 cm (range 2–2.3 cm) proximal and 1.2 cm (range 0.5–1.9 cm) medial to the lesser trochanter. The ascending branch runs caudally within fat tissue that divides the QF and OE at an average distance of 1.5 cm (range 0.7–2.3 cm) from the QF greater trochanter insertion. At the superior border of the QF, the MFCA continues as the deep branch posterior to the OE tendon at an average distance of 1.3 cm (range 0.6–1.9 cm) from the OE femoral insertion. The deep branch was noted to enter the capsule at an average distance of 0.3 cm (range 0–0.5 cm) from the distal border of the CT and 1.2 cm (range 0.6–1.9 cm) from the CT femoral insertion. Discussion and Conclusion. The ascending branch of the MFCA runs in the anterior surface of the QF at a distance of 1.5 cm from the femoral insertion. When the QF myotomy is performed, commonly 0.5–0.8 cm from the insertion to the femur, the vessel get disrupted or stays medial to the myotomy and can stretch/disrupt when the femur is dislocated and translated anteriorly. Tenotomies of the OE and CT should stay at least 1.5 cm from the femoral insertion to preserve the deep branch of the MFCA. This study provides unreported topographic anatomy of the ascending and deep branch of the MFCA, which can help develop an improved blood-preserving posterior approach for HRA

Aim: To evaluate the results of hip resurfacing done using the Ganz trochanteric flip osteotomy. Introduction: Long term survivorship of hip resurfacing depends on preservation of blood supply to the head of the femur. The most important artery supplying the head of femur is the deep branch of the medial circum-flex artery. Posterior approaches to the hip can damage the deep branch. The Ganz trochanteric flip osteotomy preserves this branch by sparing the external rotators of the hip. The trochanteric osteotomy is stable as the pull of the gluteus medius on the osteotomy is counteracted by the vastus lateralis. Methods: Over a period of 12 months, the senior author performed hip resurfacing in fifty patients using this approach. The post-operative regime consisted of early mobilisation with touch weight bearing for 6 weeks followed by full weight bearing. The surgical technique and potential pitfalls will be presented. Results and Conclusions: There were 26 males and 24 females with an average age of 57 years (24–71 years). Minimum follow-up period was 12 months. There was one infection, one early failure of osteotomy. In three patients, one or more screws came loose and had to be removed but the osteotomy had healed. Pre and postoperative Oxford hip and modified UCLA activity scores will be presented. There was a definite learning curve with this approach. We find it gives an excellent exposure of the hip with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. The early results are encouraging. It remains to be seen if this approach results in a better survivorship of hip resurfacing in the long term

Introduction. The vascular anatomy of the femoral head and neck has been previously reported, with the primary blood supply attributed to the deep branch of the Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery (MFCA). This understanding has led to development of improved techniques for surgical hip dislocation for multiple intra-capsular hip procedures including Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (HRA). However, there is a lack of information in the literature on quantitative analysis of the contributions of the Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery (LFCA) to femoral head and neck. Additionally, there is a lack of detailed descriptions in the literature of the anatomic course of the LFCA from its origin to its terminal branches. Materials & Methods. Twelve fresh-frozen human pelvic cadaveric specimens were studied (mean age 54.3 years, range 28–69). One hip per specimen was randomly assigned as the experimental hip, with the contralateral used as a control. Bilateral vascular dissection was performed to cannulate the MFCA and LFCA. Specimens were assigned as either LFCA-experimental or MFCA-experimental. All specimens underwent a validated quantitative-MRI protocol: 2mm slice thickness with pre- and post- MRI contrast sequences (Gd-DTPA diluted with saline at 3:1). In the LFCA-experimental group 15ml of MRI contrast solution was injected into the LFCA cannula. In the MFCA-experimental group 15ml of contrast solution was injected into the MFCA cannula. On the control hip contrast solution was injected into both MFCA and LFCA cannulas, 15ml each (30ml total for the control hip). Following MRI, the MFCA and LFCA were injected with polyurethane compound mixed with barium sulfate (barium sulfate only present in either MFCA or LFCA on each hip). Once polymerization had occurred, hips underwent thin-slice CT scan to document the extra- and intra-capsular course of the LFCA and MFCA. Gross dissection was performed to visually assess all intra-capsular branches of both the MFCA and LFCA and assess for extravasation. Quantitative-MRI analysis was performed based on Region of Interest (ROI) assessment. Femoral heads were osteotomized at the level of the largest diameter proximal to the articular margin and perpendicular to the femoral neck, for placement of a 360° scale. Measurements using the 360° scale were recorded. For data processing, we used right-side equivalents and integrated our 360° data into the more commonly used imaginary clock face. Results. Quantitative analysis of contributions of the MFCA and LFCA are detailed (Table 1). Thin slice CT scan graphical analysis of the LFCA provided (Figure 1). Topographic 360° scale (and imaginary clock face) results are also detailed in a diagram (Figure 2). Discussion. This study provides the first comparative results for quantitative assessment of arterial contributions from both the MFCA and LFCA for the femoral head and neck. The MFCA is the dominant vessel for both the femoral head and neck, supplying 82% of the femoral head and 67% of the femoral neck. The LFCA plays its largest role in the inferoanterior femoral neck (with a 48% arterial contribution). This finding highlights the importance of protecting the LFCA in addition to the MFCA during intra-capsular hip procedures including Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty

Introduction: Dividing the short external rotators 2 cm from their insertion into the femur should preserve the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery. Our aim was to determine, prospectively, femoral head perfusion during hip resurfacing arthroplasty comparing two posterior approaches. Methods: 20 hip resurfacing arthroplasties were performed in 20 patients by two different surgeons between September 2005 and November 2006. Patients were divided into two equal groups according to approach. One surgeon used the extended posterior approach and the other a modified posterior approach. Intravenous cefuroxime was administered in every case following capsulectomy and relocation of the femoral head. After 5 minutes the femoral head was dislocated and prepared as routine for the operation. Bone from the top of the femoral head and reamings were sent for assay to determine the concentration of cefuroxime. Results: There was no statistical difference between the concentration of cefuroxime in bone when using the modified posterior approach (mean 5.6mg/kg; CI 3.6 – 7.8) compared to the extended posterior approach (mean 5.6; CI 3.5 – 7.8; p=0.95). In one patient, who had the operation through the posterior approach, cefuroxime was undetectable. Discussion: The similarity in femoral head perfusion between approaches suggests the blood supply is further impaired by capsulectomy rather than by damaging the MFCA alone

Posterior interoseous nerve (PIN) syndrome is an entrapment of the deep branch of the radial nerve just distal to the elbow joint. It may result in the paresis or paralysis of the fingers and thumb extensor muscles. We present a review of 26 cases of PIN entrapment syndrome, diagnosed an treated over a ten years period form 1996 to 2005. Their ages ranged form 12 to 57 years, they were 18 men and 8 women. The interval between, the onset or paralysis and operation ranged from 4 months to 1 year. All the patients were diagnosed preoperatively as having PIN palsy from physical examination and electromyographic (EMG) studies of the posterior interoseous innervated muscles and all were treated by operation. The cause of compression was, ganglia in four cases, fascia thickening at the arcad of frohse in six cases, the radial recurrent vessels in three cases, lipoma in four cases, dislocated head of the radius in two cases, infamed synovium in four cases, tumour in two cases, and Intraneural Perineurioma in one case. The periods of postoperative observation were from 1 to 10 years. The paralysis recovered completely by the six postoperative months in all cases except one girl with intraneural peri-neurioma. Three patients developed mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy which resolved with physiotherapy and auxilary blocks. Two patients developed hyperaesthesia in the distribution of the superficial radial nerve which recovered in a few weeks. Having arrived at a diagnosis of PIN syndrome, it is important to select the correct level for the release of the radial nerve. Fair or poor results can be due to incorrect diagnosis, incomplete release or irreversible nerve injury

Diaphyseal fractures can be divided into three groups comprising the basic types of fractures: fractures of both bones (radius and ulna), fracture dislocations, i.e., fractures of one of the bones accompanied by dislocation of the head of the other bone in the respective radioulnar joint, the Galeazzi fracture or the Monteggia fracture, and isolated fractures of one of the two bones – the radius or the ulna. Photographs are decisive for diagnosis of the anteroposterior and lateral projections. Each must simultaneously visualize the elbow and wrist joints in order not to neglect potential injuries located there. The basic aim is full restoration of the function of the forearm with emphasis on supination-pronation movement. This requires anatomical union particularly in regard to the ulna, which has a critical importance for the function of the forearm. In fracture dislocations, it is also necessary to restore stability in the respective radioulnar joint. For the above-mentioned reasons, almost all diaphyseal fractures (except for non-dislocated or minimally dislocated fractures of the ulna) are indicated for surgery. Our procedure depends on the condition of the fracture and the general condition of the patient. Plate fixation represents the gold standard for closed fractures – open fractures of Degrees I and II and some Degree III fractures classified according to Tscherne. More extensive defects of soft tissues require cooperation with a plastic surgeon. The standard implants are dynamic compression plates (3, 5 DCP) with holes for 3.5 mm cortical screws. The surgical approach to the ulna is relatively simple. In fractures of the proximal half of the radius, we prefer the Henry approach in fractures of the proximal half of the radius because, unlike the Thompson approach, it allows safe dissection up to the radial head without damaging the deep branch of the radial nerve. The main principle is a 3 + 3 fixation, meaning that the plate must be fixed to each of the two main fragments, minimally by three screws. An exception can be made in the vicinity of the joint when the fragment is too short to accommodate three screws

Introduction. Precise knowledge of the Femoral Head (FH) arterial supply is critical to avoid FH avascular necrosis following open and arthroscopic intra-capsular surgical procedures about the hip. The Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery (MFCA) provides the primary FH vascular contribution. Distribution of vascular foramina at the Femoral Head-Neck Junction (FHNJ) has been reported previously using an imaginary clock face. However, no quantitative information exists on the precise Capsular Insertion (CI) and intra-capsular course of the MFCA Terminal Branches (TBs) supplying the FH. This study seeks to determine the precise anatomic location of the MFCA's TBs supplying the FH, in order to help avoid iatrogenic vascular damage during surgical intervention. Methods. In 14 fresh-frozen cadaveric hips (9 left and 5 right), we cannulated the MFCA and injected a polyurethane compound. Using a posterior approach, careful dissection of the MFCA allowed us to identify and document the extra- and intra-capsular course of the TBs penetrating the FHNJ and supplying the FH. An H-type capsulotomy provided joint access while preserving the intracapsular Retinaculum of Weitbrecht (RW), followed by circumferential capsulotomy at the acetabular margin exposing the FH. The dome of the FH was osteotomized 5 mm proximal to the Articular Border (AB) providing a flat surface for our 360° scale. Right-side equivalents were used for data processing. Results. Gross dissection revealed a constant single branch arising from the transverse MFCA penetrating the capsule at the level of the anterior-inferior neck at 177° (range 167–187°), then courses within the medial RW obliquely (elevated from the neck) to the posterior-inferior FHNJ (Figure 1). This vessel was found to have an average of 5 TBs (range 3–9) penetrating the inferior FHNJ 4 mm (range 1–7 mm) from the AB at 204° (range 145–244°; 14% . 10. /. 69. anterior; 86% . 59. /. 69. posterior). In 79% (. 11. /. 14. ) of specimens, an average of 1.5 branches (range 1–3) arising from the ascending MFCA entered the Femoral Capsular Attachment (FCA) at 244° (range 216–269°), running subsynovial through the neck, and terminating in 2 TBs (range 1–3) penetrating the inferior-posterior FHNJ 5 mm (range 3–9) from the AB at 254° (range 207–281°). The deep branch of the MFCA penetrated the FCA at 327° (range 310–335°) providing an average of 6 TBs (range 4–9) running subsynovial and within the lateral RW, finally penetrating the superior FHNJ 6 mm (range 4–9) from the AB at 339° (range 286–25°; 20%. 15/74. anterior; 80%. 59/74. posterior). Discussion and Conclusion. This study demonstrates that TBs of the MFCA penetrate the joint through the mid-substance of the capsule (from the transverse MFCA) or the FCA (from the ascending or deep MFCA). Once intra-capsular, these vessels course subsynovial or within the RW and terminate at the posterior FHNJ superiorly (from the deep MFCA) and inferiorly (from the ascending and transverse MFCA). Any surgical hip intervention should preserve the posterior FCA, and lateral and medial RW in order to preserve the FH vascular supply. These results illustrate a vascular danger zone that should be respected during surgery and can be easily interpreted with the commonly used clock face

Introduction: Whereas in traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) loss of the femoral head’s blood supply is due to a mechanical event, in non-traumatic AFNH it is the result of a wide variety of etiologies (e.g. alcoholism, hypercortisonism, etc.), which have in common that they lead to an intravascular complication with subsequent malperfusion of the femoral head. Additionally, for part of non-traumatic ANFH no causative factors are known, why they are called idiopathic. A mechanical cause for nontraumatic ANFH – as e.g. a repetitive trauma of the femoral head supplying deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery and its terminal branches by abutment of the femur against the acetabulum as in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – has not been discussed so far. Methods: The anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 118 hips in 77 patients, who were operated in our institution between January 1995 and December 2005 because of nontraumatic ANFH, were evaluated with respect to the configuration of the head-neck junction. In a qualitative analysis the head-neck contour of all femora was assigned to one of the following four groups: regular waisting, mildly reduced waisting, reduced to distinctly reduced waisting or completely lacking waisting. In a quantitative analysis, angle alpha according to Nötzli et al. (2002) was measured. Furthermore, the CCD angle was measured to assess the orientation of the femoral neck in the frontal plane as well as the LCE-angle according to Wiberg and the acetabular index of the weightbearing zone to rule out any acetabular anomalies. Results: In this retrospective analysis, for 44.1% of the hip joints hypercortisonism, for 40.7% alcoholism, for 12.7% hypercholesterinemia and for 11.0% no risk factors were found documented in the patients’ files. In AP and lateral radiographs a regular waisting was found in 60.2% and 9.3%, a mildly reduced waisting in 32.2% and 37.3%, a reduced waisting or distinctly reduced waisting in 7.6% and 35.6%, and a completely lacking waisting in 0% and 16.9%, respectively, and the mean angle alpha was 63° ± 18° and 67° ± 14°, respectively. On average, the (frontally projected) CCD angle was 133° ± 6°, the LCE angle 30° ± 7° and the acetabular index of the weightbearing zone 4° ± 5°. Conclusion: Nötzli et al. found an angle alpha of 42° ± 2° for healthy individuals. A markedly increased angle alpha in both radiographic planes of the 118 investigated hips with nontraumatic ANFH was found, demonstrating a reduced shape of their head-neck junction in the anterior and lateral aspect. Together with the fact that no gross pathological deviations for the orientation of the femoral neck and the acetabulum were found, this may hint at cam-type FAI to occur in this hips and thus potentially at a mechanical (co-) factor in developing non-traumatic ANFH

Purpose of the study: From November 2001 to January 2008, among 110 patients who underwent surgery for spastic hands due to a central neurological disorder, the management involved surgical treatment of long finger intrinsic and extrinsic deformities in 57 brain injury adults. Material and methods: At least one procedure for the intrinsics and one for the extrinsics was performed during the same operative. Twelve patients had bilateral operations. The goal of the surgery and the treatment was established during multidisciplinary consultations with rehabilitation physicians, neurologists, surgeons and anaesthesists after a minute physical examination with selective neuromuscular blocks to differentiate muscle spasicity and tendon retraction from extrinsic and intrinsic disorders. The objective was established in the form of a contract with the patient and the family: hygiene and analgesia (47 patients), aesthetic aspect (15 patients, and/or function (21 patients.) For the spasticity and/or retraction of the exrinsics, we used 23 transfers of the FCP to the FCS, 6 Z lengthening of the FCP and the FCS, 14 intramuscular lengthening of the FCP and 11 of the FCS, 10 Page interventions, 10 selecive muscle disinsertions from the epitrochlears and one FCS tenotomy. Concerning the spasticity and/ol retraction of the intrinsic, we performed 4 neurotomies of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve, 48 interosseous tenotomise, 6 proximal disinsertions with mobilisation of the interosseous, 18 tenotomies of the 5th adductor, and 29 distal tenotomise of the extensor system. Results: Outcome was good for 60 of the 69 operated hands (achievement of contract: function 18, aesthetic 14, hygiene 44). Seven hands required revision with a good final result for six of them. One patient developed reflex dystrophy. Discussion: In adults, despite the modest functional results achieved in only one-third of the patients, corrective surgery for spastic mixed extrinsic and intrinsic deformities provides an important improvement for these patients

Aims

The aticularis genu (AG) is the least substantial and deepest muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh and of uncertain significance. The aim of the study was to describe the anatomy of AG in cadaveric specimens, to characterize the relevance of AG in pathological distal femur specimens, and to correlate the anatomy and pathology with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AG.

Aims

Our retrospective analysis reports the outcome of patients operated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis using the modified Dunn procedure. Results, complications, and the need for revision surgery are compared with the recent literature.

Objectives

Legg–Calvé–Perthes’ disease (LCP) is an idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head that is most common in children between four and eight years old. The factors that lead to the onset of LCP are still unclear; however, it is believed that interruption of the blood supply to the developing epiphysis is an important factor in the development of the condition.

The February 2014 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: length of stay; cementless metaphyseal fixation; mortality trends in over 400,000 total hip replacements; antibiotics in hip fracture surgery; blood supply to the femoral head after dislocation; resurfacing and THR in metal-on-metal replacement; diabetes and hip replacement; bone remodelling over two decades following hip replacement; and whether bisphosphonates affect acetabular fixation.

The February 2014 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: blood supply to the femoral head after dislocation; diabetes and hip replacement; bone remodelling over two decades following hip replacement; sham surgery as good as arthroscopic meniscectomy; distraction in knee osteoarthritis; whether joint replacement prevent cardiac events; tranexamic acid and knee replacement haemostasis; cartilage colonisation in bipolar ankle grafts; CTs and proof of fusion; atorvastatin for muscle re-innervation after sciatic nerve transection; microfracture and short-term pain in cuff repair; promising early results from L-PRF augmented cuff repairs; and fatty degeneration in a rodent model.

Objectives

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MOMHR) is available as an alternative option for younger, more active patients. There are failure modes that are unique to MOMHR, which include loosening of the femoral head and fractures of the femoral neck. Previous studies have speculated that changes in the vascularity of the femoral head may contribute to these failure modes. This study compares the survivorship between the standard posterior approach (SPA) and modified posterior approach (MPA) in MOMHR.