To devise an operative approach to the management of acute posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder which restores or retains normal proximal humeral anatomy and allows the early restoration of a complete, stable range of motion. Since 1996 we have treated four male patients (five shoulders) aged between 19 and 54 years at the time of first dislocation with autogenous iliac grafting of the anterior humeral head defect for acute and acuteon-chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder. Two patients had epilepsy: one of these patients had bilateral dislocations. Two patients had motorbike RTAs. The deltopectoral approach with vertical division of the subscapularis tendon was used in all cases. The defects comprised 20– 25% of the volume of the humeral head at the equator after preparation for grafting. Grafts were fixed with compression screws. The subscapularis tendon was repaired anatomically. Active-assisted rehabilitation was started immediately, restricting external rotation to the neutral position for six weeks, thereafter allowing full rotation and elevation as comfort allowed. The patient with bilateral dislocations died of unrelated causes 18 months after surgery. He was reported to have had no further dislocations, complete pain free functional use of both shoulders and no complications of the procedure. The remaining three patients were reviewed at a minimum of 20 months after surgery (average 35 months). All grafts had incorporated. There was no graft collapse or boundary arthrosis. The absolute Constant scores were 85.1, 90.9, and 89.2; the subjective shoulder scores were 98%, 90%, and 99%; the Oxford rating scale for pain scores were 14 out of 60, 13 out of 60, and 14 out of 60; and the Oxford rating scale for instability scores were 14 out of 60, 15 out of 60 and 15 out of 60. There were no redislocations, or complications of the procedures. Posterior stability appears more dependant on surface arc of contact than on capsular integrity, in contrast to the anteriorly unstable shoulder. Restoration of the articular surface arc of contact by segmental autogenous grafting retains normal humeral anatomy, allows normal motion with excellent cuff function, and a return to normal daily activities. The procedure has been shown to be safe at a minimum of 20 months

Purpose: The retrospective evaluation of long-term results after reconstructive radial osteotomy for mal-united distal radius fractures.

Material-Method: Twenty-eight patients (21 male and 7 female, average aged 46 years) with 23 dorsal and 5 palmar angulated malunited distal radius fractures were operatively treated during 1994–2002 in our department. The main indications were pain and functional impairment. Dorsal or palmar approach was used in proportion to the site of angulation. The preoperative average radial inclination, radial length and volar or dorsal tilt were 13.5 degrees, 6.3 mm and 23.5 degrees respectively. An open wedge radial osteotomy followed by interposition of trapezoidal iliac crest bone graft and fixation with plate ands crews was performed in all patients four months at least after the initial surgery. An ulnar leveling procedure was considered necessary in 2 patients.

Results: All patients were available in the last follow up evaluation (mean 3.7 years). The functional result according to Mayo wrist score was rated as very good in 15 patients, good in 7 and poor in 6. The average improvement in radial inclination was 14 degrees, in radial length 6.5 mm and in volar or dorsal tilt 21 degrees. The complication rate was 22.7%, including 2 material failures, 1 extensor pollicis longus rupture, 1 nonunion and 3 recurrences of the deformity.

Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction for malunion is technically demanding and may not completely restore the anatomy. Patient satisfaction, however, in terms of increased function, decreased pain and decreased deformity is sufficient high to warrant reconstructive treatment.

Background: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce new bone in patients with bone defects and at extraskeletal sites in animals. Standard treatment for symptomatic scaphoid non-unions is bone graft with or without internal fixation by a screw or wires. We tested the ability of human recombinant osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, BMP-7) with compressed autologous or allogeneic bone graft to accelerate the healing of scaphoid non-union. Study Design: Randomized and controlled pilot study in 17 patients with a scaphoid nonunion. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Autologous iliac graft (n=6), (2) Autologous iliac graft + OP-1 (n=6) and (3) Allogeneic iliac graft + OP-1 (n=5). Radiographic, scintigraphic and clinical outcomes were assessed throughout the follow-up period of 24 months. Results: OP-1 improved the performance of both autologous and allogeneic bone implants. Three dimensional helical CT scans and scintigraphy showed that the pre-existing sclerotic bone within proximal scaphoid poles was mainly replaced in OP-1 treated patients with well vascularized new bone. Addition of OP-1 to allogeneic bone implant equalized the clinical outcome with the autologous graft procedure and enabled circumventing the second donor graft harvest procedure resulting in less blood loss, shorter anesthesia and no pain at the donor side. Conclusion: This is the first evidence that a recombinant human BMP accelerates scaphoid bone non-union repair and resorption of sclerotic bone in this specific microenvironment. Clinical Relevance: OP-1 might be successfully used in healing of scaphoid non-union

Purpose of the study: Although the iliac autograft is the gold standard for single-level intervertebral fusion, complications and morbidity related to autologous graft harvesting from the iliac crest remain a point of concern. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) has proven advantages for fusion of the intersomatic and posterolateral graft. This study compared the efficacy and tolerance of OP-1 compared with an autologous graft in patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis. This study reports the preliminary results of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing OP-1 with an iliac autologous graft for instrumented single-level posterolateral fusion for arthrodesis of grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Material and methods: Lamino-arthrectomy associated with a posteriolateral instrumented arthrodesis with an iliac autologous graft or a mixture of OP-1 and local autologous graft material was performed in 27 patients with spondylolisthesis leading to lumboradiculalgia or neurogenic claudication. The final outcome was time to fusion at one year on the scanner and plain x-rays. The Oswestry score and pain at the harvesting site as well as side effects were also noted. Results: The cohort included 27 patients. Three were excluded from the analysis, leaving 24 patients assessed at one year. The demographic data were comparable for the two groups regarding mean age (64 years versus 69 years for the OP-1 group). At one year, ten radiographically certain fusions were noted in the control group and eight in the OP-1 group. Two nonunions and one doubtful fusion were noted in the control group compared with three doubtful fusions in the OP-1 group. The mean Oswestry score was comparable in the two groups. The mean score in the control group improved from 49.5 to 28.5 compared with 45.9 to 29.7 in the OP-1 group. There was no secondary effect attributable to use of OP-1. There were no cases of systemic toxicity, nor heterotopic calcification or restenosis for the 11 patients in the OP-1 group. Conclusion: A fusion rate of 73% without secondary effects attributable to OP-1 was observed in this preliminary study. This study allows the conclusion that this technique is reliable, safe and, in terms of fusion, a valid alternative to autologous iliac crest graft. The main advantage resulting from the use of OP-1 is to avoid the morbidity linked with harvesting the iliac graft

Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty remains a difficult procedure. Some patients require revision surgery for arthrodesis. Material and methods: We report nine patients with total ankle arthroplasties mainly implanted for post-traumatic osteoarthritis whose results deteriorated, requiring arthrodesis. One of these patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Revision surgery was performed six months to seven years after arthroplasty. Arthrodesis was required for pain related or not to implant loosening or talar necrosis. One patient developed a major deviation of the hind foot secondary to progressive loosening. One patient developed infection early. An iliac graft was used to fill the bone defect in eight patients. An anterior plate-screw fixation was used for six patients, crossed screws for one, a tibiotalar nail for one, and an external fixator for one (with infection). Results: Eight patients achieved bone healing with good pain relief. The functional result depended on the type of arthrodesis: talocrural alone or extended to the torsion couple. Discussion: The evolution of ankle prostheses toward better bone sparing has allowed, in our experience, for revision arthrodesis under relatively good conditions using an iliac graft. We have not preferred one standard type of fixation but the anterior plate fixation has provided excellent stability

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome following anterior interbody fusion using a femoral cortical allograft packed in the centre with autogenous iliac graft combined with posterior pedicle fixation. Design: A prospective study of 30 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Summary of background data: Various fusion options have been described in the literature with various clinical and radiological outcomes. Narrowing of the disc space is thought to be the primary cause of all the potential secondary spondylotic changes; the ideal corrective surgery would be one that reconstitutes the disc space interval. A hybrid graft consisting of a femoral cortical allograft (FCA) ring packed in the centre with autogenous cancellous iliac graft seems to be an ideal option as one should capitalize on the mechanical strength of the cortical ring and the biological strength of the cancellous autogenous graft. Methods: 15 patients with failed back surgery, 15 patients with primary degenerative disc disease. Mean age was 43 years. All patients had preoperative radiographs, MRI scanning, discography was not used in this study. All femoral allografts were processed by freeze drying and sterilized using ethylene oxide. The protocol for surgery consisted of: . * Left sided retroperitoneal muscle splitting approach. * Anterior hybrid interbody grafting. * Pedicle screw fixation without grafting. Results: There were no complications from using the allograft. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were seen in 3 patients. After a minimum follow up of 2 years good clinical outcome was achieved in 83 % using Ricciardi et al criteria, solid fusion was achieved in 98%. Conclusion: The results in this study continue to support the efficacy of using hybrid interbody grafts to achieve a successful fusion, however there is discrepancy between the radiological and clinical outcome which merits additional investigations

Aims: Study our experience and short term results using a mix of osteoconductive (HA) and osteoinductive (AGF) materials. Methods: From October 2001 until June 2002, we have treated bone defects in 9 patients. Seven male and 2 female. Mean age 10.4 years (range 4–18 years). Mean follow-up: 5.6 months (range 3–9 months). AGF was obtained after autologous blood centrifugation according to blood volume, knowing the patient height and weight (Nadler Score). AGF was obtained through previous concentrate of platelets and red cells, with a further concentration, reducing its volume to 1/3. 10 c.c. of thrombin (500 UI) and HA (500R) were added, just before applying it to the patient. Total surgery time for preparation AGF was 20–30 minutes. Clinical cases treated were: varus osteotomy in Perthes (1 case- 11%); curettage in osteomyelitis (2 cases- 22%); essential cyst, after conventional corticoid treatment failure (2 cases- 22%); forearm pseudoarthrosis (2 cases- 23%) and triple arthodesis by valgus pronated spastic foot (2 cases- 22%). We never use autologous iliac graft with AGF- HA. Results: We have obtained radiological and clinical consolidation in all bone defects after 3–4 months. Radiological success is not clear after 4 months in one of the osteomyelitis cases (12’5%). Conclusions: 1. The iliac graft harvest morbility is about 9.4%- 49%. 2. A 2nd approach is avoided in children and adolescents. 3. With the use of AGF- HA we avoid morbility, diseases transmission, reduced surgery time and offer an alternative to autologous grafting

Purpose: Failure of the glenoid component is the main complication of total shoulder prostheses. When surgical revision is necessary, the surgeon has the option of a new implantation or non-prosthetic plasty (glenoido-plasty). The purpose of the present work was to analyse results obtained with these two techniques in order to propose proper indications. Material and methods: This retrospective study included 16 patients, mean age 62 years at revision surgery. Fialures included loosening of a cemented glenoid implant (n=9) and failure of non-cemented implants (3 defective anchors, 4 unclipped polyethylene inserts). Mean time to revision was 39 months (2–178) after primary implantation. A new glenoid implant was cemented in nine patients (group A). Seven patients (group 2) had glenoidoplasty with an iliac graft in four. Results: A mean follow-up of 37 months (19–73), the Constant score had improved from 18 points before revision to 52 points (+34). Two patients experienced a complication requiring a second revision (infection, instability) and one patient underwent subsequent surgery for biceps tenodesis. For the group with glenoidoplasty with iliac graft, insertion of an inverted prosthesis was achieved during a second operative time. In group 1, the mean Constant score at last-follow-up was 63 points (+45) with the pain score of 11, movement score of 29. In group 2, the mean Constant score was 37 (+19) with pain at 6 and motion at 16. In this group, the mean score was 48 points with a glenoid graft and 21 points with simple implant replacement. Discussion: Revision surgery for a failed glenoid implant remains a difficult procedure but can be effective for pain relief and improved motion score. The small number of patients in this series makes it difficult to perform statistical analysis but the results do point in favour of prosthetic reimplantation when the bone stock is sufficient. For other patients, a graft would be preferable to simple implant removal. This would allow secondary revision if possible

Purpose: Meralgia paraesthetica is usually caused by entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) at the inguinal ligament. We present our experience with 114 patients who underwent surgical management for meralgia paraesthetica. Material: We reviewed 114 patients (48 men, 66 women, five bilateral cases) who underwent surgery for meralgia paraesthetica between 1987 and 1999; local anaesthesia was used for neurolysis in most cases. We identified five aetiologies: idiopathic (n=69, three bilateral), abdominal surgery (n=19), iliac graft harvesting (n=12, one bilateral), hip surgery (n=7), trauma (n=7, one bilateral). Methods: We analysed outcome at more than two years follow-up for the entire series and by aetiology using a standard 12-point evaluation scale accounting for residual pain, sensorial disorders, and patient satisfaction. Results: The overall results were good, mean score 9/12 (range 1–12). Ninety-two patients were very satisfied or satisfied. Among the 27 patients who were not satisfied, five developed recurrence. Mean time to full pain relief was 70 days (range 1 – 364 days). Recovery of thigh sensitivity was noted at 128 days (range 1 – 364). Discussion: The essential criteria of poor prognosis were duration of the meralgia before surgery and its aetiology. Neurolysis of an LFCN injured by trauma or iliac graft harvesting provided less satisfactory results (scores 7 and 6 respectively) than for idopathic meralgia paraesthetica or abdominal-surgery injury (scores 9 and 10 respectively). Eight of the neurolysis procedures in this series did not provide satisfactory results (score 5). Conclusion: Neurolysis appears to be the surgical treatment of choice for mearlgia paraesthetica. In skilled hands, neurolysis can be performed under local anaesthesia, although certain difficulties can be encountered: obesity, modified anatomy due to prior operations, nerve variability (frequent). Knowledge of these different elements is essential not only to achieve neurolysis but also prevent iatrogenic injury

Purpose: Scaphotrapezotrapezoidal (STT) pain is common but often asymptomatic. Medical treatment may be proposed if symptoms become bothersome. In case of failure, several surgical solutions may be proposed. The purpose of this work was to assess outcome in a series of eleven STT arthrodeses performed for isolated STT osteoarthritis. Material and methods: Ten patients, three men and seven women (11 hands), mean age 63 years, developed STT osteoarthritis which was treated by arthrodesis. All patients experienced pain for daily life activities and had diminished wrist movement. According to the Crosby radiographic classification, three were one grade I, four grade II, and five grade II with carpal misalignmen t. One patient had chondrocalcinosis and six had tendinitis of the flexor carpi radialis. The anterior approach was used for three patients and the lateral approach for seven. Nine patients had an iliac graft to fill bony defects resulting from anterior wear. Pin fixation was used in six cases and staple fixation in five. An antebrachiopalmar cast was maintained for at least six weeks after surgery. Results: At mean follow-up of 62 months, the pain score improved in all patients (p=0.05). There was no significant difference in motion, excepting decreased wrist extension (12°, p=0.03). Grasp and pinch force were not modified by STT arthrodesis. All patients were able to resume their former recreational and occupational activities. There was no worsening of the five cases with intracarpial deaxation. Four patients developed non-union (three pin fixations, one staple fixation), which was symptomatic in only two. These patients underwent successful revision using the same fixation technique. There were no complications. Discussion: Like other series reported in the literature, our series of STT arthrodeses demonstrated effective pain relief. However, unlike former work, we were unable to obtain a significant reduction in the radial inclination force, or radio-carpal conflict. The other therapeutic option is resection of the distal pole of the scaphoid which provides more rapid clinical results but which leads to inevitable misalignment of the carpus. Conclusion: We have decided to retain STT arthrodesis with iliac graft for patients with STT osteoarthritis, especially for young patients

Purpose: Necrosis of the navicular bone, described by Müller then Weiss in 1927, is an uncommon finding, unlike talonavicular degeneration which is a rather frequent complication of talipes planovalgus. Between 1985 and 2000, we cared for 25 patients with this condition. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to describe the clinical and radiological presentation and attempt to reconstruct its natural history with the aim of determining therapeutic indications. Material and methods: We analysed 25 cases of navicular bone necrosis observed in 14 women and 3 men (eight bilateral cases). Mean age of the patients was 39 years (range 16–59). The diagnosis of necrosis was established on the basis of structural alterations (densification, bone defects) and in the more advanced cases, flattening and “expulsion” of the navicular bone. We looked for clinical signs and described the radiological aspect of the necrotic zone. A computed tomography was available in 14 cases and magnetic resonance imaging in the five most recent cases. Results: Pain was the major sign in all cases. One-third of the cases occurred in a foot with prior planovalgus. History taking revealed elements suggestive of an aetiology in three cases: probable Köhler-Mouchet disease in a 16-year-old boy, sickle cell disease in a 35-year-old man, and prolonged walking with signs suggesting stress fracture in a 40-year-old woman. In the other 19 cases (11 women and 1 man, 7 bilateral cases), necrosis was considered idiopathic. Radiologically, we used the Ficat classification (described for hips): stage 0 with normal x-ray and strong uptake on scintigram (n=1), stage 1 with a normally shaped navicular bone but condensation or bone defect, stage 2 with modification of the shape of the bone without signs of degeneration, stage 3 where changes in the shape of the bone are associated with narrowing of the talonavicular then cuneonavicular space. Computed tomography included frontal and horizontal slices as well as lateral reconstructions indispensable to assess the posterior part of the interarticular spaces. Treatment was surgical in 12 cases and medical in 13. Well tolerated forms were treated with plantar ortheses with regular surveillance. Surgical procedures included triple arthrodesis (early in our experience), mediotarsal arthrodesis (n=2), talonavicular arthrodesis (n=7) and talocuneate arthrodesis with replacement of the scaphoid by an iliac graft (n=2). The natural course of necrosis was studied in the cases without surgery. The first sign was medial mediotarsal pain. At this stage scin-tigraphy or MRI was required for positive diagnosis. At stage 0 condensation of the navicular bone, confirmed by computed tomography, preceded bone flattening then expulsion upwardly and medially, sometimes with fragmentation and onset of talonavicular degeneration. Cuneonavicular degeneration appeared to occur later (except in one case). Long-term results of surgery were good with pain relief and renewed activity. Discussion: The clinical presentation initially described as Müller-Weiss disease or scaphoiditis, which concerns a bilateral condition generally occurring after trauma and sometimes with a favouring factor (alcoholism, osteoporosis), appears somewhat different from our description. Mechanical factors predominated in our patients and the aetiologies were quite similar to those observed in Kienböck syndrome. Excessive pressure on the navicular bone, which leads to avascular necrosis, flattening, and expulsion, is undoubtedly the essential cause of this condition. It is well tolerated in some individuals and can lead to spontaneous fusion. In this situation, treatment can be limited to surveillance or orthopaedic care. If the functional impact is important, surgical treatment can be proposed, generally limited to talonavicular arthrodesis. If the navicular bone is sclerosed and flat, the remaining fragment can be replaced by an iliac graft to achieve talocuneate fusion. Conclusion: Necrosis of the navicular bone appears to be less uncommon than in the classical description, particularly in black women aged 25–50 years. A more precise study of favouring anatomic factors (length of the medial ray, size of the talar neck, depression of the medial arch) could provide further information concerning the aetiology which appears to be similar to that of Kienböck disease

To compare the clinical outcomes of instrumented fusion for single level degenerative spondylolisthesis with local bone versus iliac crest bone graft. Fifty patients (32 female, 18 males) operated on by the author over a 3 year period were reviewed. All cases had a single level decompression and instrumented fusion for a degenerative spondylolisthesis. 25 patients had iliac crest graft and 25 had morcelised local bone graft. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Pre and postoperative visual analogue pain scores and Roland disability scores were recorded. Inpatient notes were reviewed for duration of surgery and duration of stay. There was no difference in age, sex and severity of pre operative symptoms between the two groups. There was no significant difference in improvement in Roland score between the two groups but pain scores were lower in the local graft group although this was not statistically significant. Duration of surgery (140 vs 175min) and hospital stay (4.3 vs 5.1 days) were lower in the local bone graft group.6 patients in the iliac crest graft group complained of donor site pain vs none in the local graft group at 6 months. Usage of morcelised local bone graft resulted in clinical outcomes comparable to iliac crest bone graft in patients undergoing decompression and fusion for a single level degenerative spondylolisthesis. Duration of surgery, hospital stay and donor site pain are reduced when local bone was utilised

Background. Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy is one of the common surgical procedures in treatment of knee deformities. Many methods have been proposed to fill the medial side osseous gap. The results of using allograft as void filler compared to iliac crest autograft has not been subject to a randomized clinical trial. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy using iliac crest allograft as compared to iliac crest autograft. Materials & Methods. Forty-six patients with genovarum deformity were enrolled based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into two groups. Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy was done using iliac crest allograft (23 patients) or autograft (23 patients) and the osteotomy site was internally fixed using proximal tibial T-plate. All patients were followed-up to 12 months after surgery. Anatomical indices of proximal tibia, complications of treatment, and functional outcome (using WOMAC osteoarthritis index) were assessed for both groups. Results. The amount of correction (degrees), recurrence of the deformity and loss of correction and time to clinical or radiologic union were similar in both groups with no statistically significant difference. Duration of operation was significantly less in allograft group (66.6±3.6 versus 52.9±5.3 minutes, p<0.001). Incidence of surgical site infection did not significantly differ in two groups. No nonunion or delayed union was encountered in either group. Some patients reported more intense postoperative pain in iliac graft harvest site than tibial osteotomy site. Patients in both groups had statistically significant improvement in WOMAC index postoperatively (with no statistically significant difference between groups). Conclusions. According to the results of this study, iliac crest allograft may be safely used in medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with comparable efficacy to iliac crest autograft in patients who do not accept the morbidity of autograft harvest

To provide short- term follow-up data on the surgical success and patient outcome following early anterior cervical fusion in this particular type of injury. A prospective study of 10 consecutive patients. Stage I compressive extension injury of the cervical spine, as described by Allen and Ferguson, is not always a stable injury. The combined unilateral failure of the posterior structures under compression together with failure of the anterior structure under tension will lead to a rotationally unstable segment. Various treatment options are available including halo vest immobilization, posterior stabilization with plating and anterior fusion and plating. 10 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage I compressive extension injury (fracture subluxation of the cervical spine). All subjects presented with a neurological deficit and vertebral subluxation. All patients were investigated with CT scan of the involved segment; in addition 2 patients had MRI scans. The surgical protocol consisted of early reduction followed by anterior cervical fusion using a tricortical iliac graft, and stabilization, using locking plate fixation. Follow-up was by radiographs and clinical examination. Intraoperative assessment revealed disc injury in all patients. Anatomical realignment was achieved together with a solid fusion in all of the patients. All patients showed improvement in the neurological deficit. One patient remains with some residual weakness in his triceps and another patient required removal of a prominent screw. Early anterior fusion and plating for this type of injury is a safe procedure

Introduction: Internal fixation of distal radius fractures with dorsal plates (when needed) comprise two potential problems: efficacy of stabilization and the high frequency of tendonitis which forced us to early removal of the hardware. Our purpose is to study the efficacy of the method of stabilization with 2 plates (2mm) the central and radial columns of distal radius according to the technique presented by Regazzoni (1993). Material and Methods: Eight patients (5 males and 3 females), average 35 years old (range, 20–52 years) were treated with comminuted intraarticular fracture type C (6 patients) or malunion of distal radius (2 patients). A combined approach was used in 4 patients and only dorsal approach in the rest 4 patients. In all patients with recent comminuted fractures a supplementary fixation method with allograft were used. In patients with mal-united fractures the technique with two plates together with iliac graft were applied. Results: Results estimated after mean follow-up of 14 months (range 9–18 months) according to clinical (pain, range of motion, and grip strength) and radiological (articular congruency, radial height, radial inclination and palmar tilt) criteria. Six patients revealed excellent or good result although two patients with loss of reduction needed a second operation. Conclusion: We concluded, that when the technique with 2 plates was applied correctly the stability of fixation enhanced because the detrimental rotational forces were cancelled while the frequency of tendon irritation decreased

Purpose: Minimally invasive video-assisted thoracotomy can be proposed for potentially unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar junction with rupture of the anterior column after satisfactory posterior reduction and osteo-synthesis. Long-term results are improved in terms of graft quality and stability of the postoperative angular gain. Material and methods: Ninety-one patients, mean age 36 years, with spinal fractures involving T12 to L2 underwent video-assisted mini-thoracotomy for arthrodesis as a complementary procedure after posterior reduction and osteosynthesis without bone graft. The left approach was preferred over the right due to the lower risk of bleeding. A massive tricortical anterolateral iliac graft was inserted in the intersomatic space. Perfect stability was achieved with the MIASPAS system which provides an exact measure of the intersomatic space and the bone graft. Results: Follow-up was five years for the first patients and ten months for those operated on after January 2003. At last follow-up, functional outcome (Stauffer-Coventry score) was excellent or good in 52% and 41% of the patients respectively. Outcome was poor in 7%. Postoperative radiograms demonstrated 100% graft fusion which was confirmed by tomography. There was no loss of angular gain. Discussion: This novel approach provides a means of preserving the posterior instrumentation and achieving anterior fusion in the zone of maximal stress. Because of the relative facility of the technique together with the operative time and the relatively low risk of postoperative complications, surgical indications for complementary intersomatic arthrodesis can be revisited. Anterior fusion is, in our opinion, the only sure means of maintaining long-term correction. The ability to access the disc, generally without metameric hemostasis, eliminates the risk of vascular cord lesions. Conclusion: This thoracoscopic technique for anterior fusion after a short posterior osteosyntheis without graft will greatly modify indications for complementary anterior fusion for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures

Forefoot reconstructive surgery can be complex and intricate, and even though performed by orthopaedic surgeons, it can be delicate, too. Despite the most ingenious techniques, patients routinely walk (stomp) all over this work, and the resulting forces applied to the foot have been extensively studied in gait analysis laboratories. But the everyday clinical challenge is how to employ durable reconstructive techniques, and how to salvage these case when they fail?. Hallux valgus surgery is replete with complications of malunion, non-union, over-correction and recurrence. Salvage often requires a revision of the patient’s expectations in addition to another surgery. First metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis, which has been demonstrated to have excellent functional outcomes, including return to sports activities, is an excellent salvage technique. Failed first MTP arthroplasty leaves a large bone defect, both in the metatarsal and phalanx. Salvage by arthrodesis requires bone grafting, rigid internal fixation, and long healing times. Tricortical iliac graft can be used to enhance restoration of length. Associated meta-tarsalgia may persist due to shortening of the first ray. Lesser metatarsal salvage sometimes can be accomplished with distal metaphyseal osteotomy. Some cases previously treated with a pan-metatarsal head resection can now be successfully salvaged by using these osteotomies to shorten multiple metatarsals. Meticulous technique is an advantage. First MTP arthrodesis itself can be complicated. One uncommonly recognized problem is the painful pressure under the residual sesamoid bone following an otherwise successful fusion. This is caused by arthritic enlargement of the sesamoid, and should be anticipate, and prevented by sesamoidectomy. Surgical technique for obtaining ideal position of the hallux will be presented. The distinction between true recurrence of interdigital (Morton’s) neuroma, and metatarsalgia can be subtle. The cause of failed neuroma surgery is as frequently an error in patient selection as it is failure of surgical technique. Case presentations will be employed to illustrate forefoot salvage principles

Introduction and Aims: Chronic pyogenic osteomyelitis, with pathological fractures, sequestra and subsequent bone defects, is still a major problem in developing countries. The treatment is challenging. Unhealthy skin with discharging sinuses make routine grafting procedures difficult. The aim of this paper is to describe the methods used to treat resulting defects. Method: Thirty-four children, aged one to 12 years, treated between 1991 and 2002, were reviewed. The tibia was involved in 24 children, femur (five), radius (four), and ulna (one). Twenty-nine children had sequestrectomy and debridement. Five children presented with established bone defects. Bone defects measured 1–20cm. Four methods of grafting were used. Autogenous onlay grafts were used in defects < 2cm in seven children. The Papineau technique was used in cavitating defects in two, bicortical segmented iliac crest grafts (1cm x 1.5cm) threaded over a Kirschner wire were used in 15 defects (< 10cm) and bone transfer was performed in six children – proximal fibula to tibia (five) and radius to ulna (one). Results: Three children required repeat grafting, one for fracture and three for non-union. All the remaining grafts incorporated by three to six months. Distal procedures including tibio fibular fusion and fibular epiphysiodesis were performed in six children. An above knee caliper was used in 11 cases till graft hypertrophy and consolidation occurred. All patients are ambulant presently. Shortening was treated with a shoe raise. Shortening ranged from 1–10cm. Fibula transfers showed hypertrophy with weight-bearing in all patients. Follow-up ranges from 10 months to 11 years. Conclusion: Onlay grafting was successful in small defects < 2cm. Larger defects up to 10cm can be treated by segmented bicortical iliac crest grafts over a Kirschner wire, providing some stability and increased surface area for incorporation. Bone transfers should be reserved for difficult cases with extensive scarring and as an alternative to ablation in selected cases

Object: To study the incidence, etiology and management of patients with neuralgia following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). Design: A prospective study of 216 patients undergoing PLIF surgery from March 1996 to August 2003. Subjects: 16 of the 225 patients (7.1%) undergoing PLIF surgery developed new leg pain following surgery. Results In all patients, the distribution of the postoperative pain was different than the pre-operative pain. Nerve swelling with relative stenosis was the most common cause (9/16), followed by pedicular screw misplacement (2/16), nerve anomaly (2/16), loose posterior arch (2/16), and graft subsidence (1/16). Nine patients with nerve swelling complained of pain with no neurological findings. One responded to a root block and 6 to re-exploration and further decompression. The patients with misplaced screws woke up from surgery with pain and neurology. The pain responded to removal of screws in both. Two patients with loose posterior arches complained of leg pain while lying down only. These symptoms disappeared after excision of the arches. In 2 patients conjoint roots were found intra-operatively. Both developed post operative pain, which settled down in one. In one patient subsidence of an iliac graft caused pain a few months following surgery and did not respond to further decompression. Discussion: The overall incidence of post PLIF neuralgia was 7.1%, however by removing the whole facet, as performed in the last 122 patients, the incidence reduced from 9.7% (first 103 patients) to 4.9%. Based on our data we propose a classification system for Post PLIF Neuralgia, and a management plan. Using both, 11 of the 16 patients reported their leg pain disappeared, leaving only 5 patients with residual leg pain (< 3%). Key-stones in avoiding post PLIF neuralgia are generous decompression of the nerve roots, especially the lateral recess above the disc, total facetectomy and removal of graft pieces before closure

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiological outcome of a homogeneous and continuous series of third-generation total ankle prostheses (resurfacing, cylindric, noncemented, triple-compartment). Material and methods: From March 1990 to June 1996, 26 patients aged 57 years (32–73) were treated with a New Jersey LCS (n=5) or Buechel-Pappas (n=21) prosthesis. Most of the patients (n=21) had a posttraumatic ankle. Preoperatively, mean ankle motion was 17°. The AOFAS score was used for the clinical assessment. The position of the prosthesis and its stability over time were assessed on the x-rays together with the insert, the bone-prosthesis interface, the bone structure and periprosthetic ossifications. Results: Intra and postoperative complications were malleolar fracture (n=5), haematoma (n=1), late wound healing (n=1), insert instability (n=2), and medial malleolar conflict (n=1) requiring reoperation with preservation of the implant. At mean follow-up of seven years, two patients had died and one was lost to follow-up. Three had an arthrodesis: failed fixation at two years, secondary talar mobilisation at seven years, and secondary infection at eight years. For the other twenty patients: the AOFAS score was poor for two patients (including one with patent wear), fair in two, and good in 16. Mean joint motion at last follow-up was 24°. Radiographically, there were no significant changes in the position of the tibial and talar elements. Anchorage of the tibial element was fibrous in half of the patients and ossesous in the other half. A macro defect aspect was observed below the talar element in four patients. There were active periprosthetic ossifications in the majority of the patients. Discussion: The insufficient ancillary for this prosthesis and its old concept explain the frequency of malleolar fractures and the level of the functional outcomes. Improved prostheses should be used. The stability of the results observed in this series of patients followed up to 12 years is an argument favouring indicating prosthesis insertion as an alternative to arthrodesis, particularly since revision of an arthrodesis is not particularly difficult, even with an iliac graft. The radiographic evidence of periprosthetic ossifications or bone resorption, particularly under the implant, emphasises the need for prolonged surveillance