Purpose of the study: Treatment of distal fractures of the radius with posterior displacement remains a controversial issue. In the past, the anterior approach used for osteosynthesis failed to enable sustained reduction. With the recent development of locked plating systems, it might be useful to revisit this technique.

Material and methods: Between November 2001 and April 2003, 23 patients (15 females, 8 males), mean age 55 years (range 17–75 years) were treated with an LCP 3.5 T plate (Mathys Medical SA, Bettlach, Switzerland). The anterior Henry approach was used. There were 16 extra-articular fractrures and seven with an associated intra-articular fracture line. Radiographic analysis searched for secondary displacement and was coupled with clinical examination with force measurement (DASH). The Herzberg score used for the SOFCOT 1999 symposium was noted.

Results: Eighteen patients were reviewed with mean follow-up of 16 months. Radiologically, all fractures had healed at twelve months, with only one case of secondary loss of reduction. According to the SOFCOT symposium criteria, bone healing was anatomic for 13 cases and with moderate misalignment for five. Wrist force (Jamar) on the operated side was 95% of the opposite side. The mean DASH was 22.7. The Herzberg outcome was: excellent (n=9), good (n=6), fair (n=3), and poor (n=0). Complications were: reflex dystrophy (n=4), carpal tunnel syndrome (n=1), cheloid scar (n=1), irritation of the common extensor of the fingers (n=1).

Discussion: Secondary displacement after fracture of a posteriorly displaced fracture of the distal radius frequently lead to misalignment which is often poorly tolerated. The LCP system maintains a stable reduction long enough to reduce the rate of secondary displacement.

Conclusion: A comparative study of the commonly applied techniques (pinning) would be necessary to define the appropriate indications for this more costly technique.

Introduction: Previously, we noticed loss of initial reduction with conventional palmar plate osteosynthesis for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Locking Compression T plate may provide more stable fixation and we report our early experience.

Materials and methods: Between November 2002 and April 2003, 23 patients (15 women, 8 men), mean age 55, (17–80) underwent open reduction and internal fixation using 3.5 mm locking compression oblique T plate (SYNTHES) through a Henry ‘s approach and a 2 weeks plaster cast immobilisation. All fractures were dorsally displaced. According to AO classification there were 15 A3 and 8 C1 and C2 fracture. 18 patients could be reviewed with a mean follow up of 16 months (6 to 30) Pre operatively, radial inclination was 11.7 ° (0–20), dorsal angulation 25.9 ° (8–48) and ulnar variance:4 mm (0–10)

Results: Post-operatively, radial inclination was 23,2. ulnar variance: 1,2 mm and ventral angulation 4,6 °. At one year follow-up, there was no loss of post-operative reduction. According to SOFCOT ‘s criteria, there were 13 anatomical results and 5 moderate malunion. According to Green and O ‘Brien’s criteria, there were 9 excellent, 6 good, 3 fair and no poor results. Mean DASH score was 22.8 (5.8 – 62.5). Strengh and pinch were respectively 95 % and 91 % when compared with the opposite side. There were 6 complications concerning 4 reflex sympathetic dystrophy, one carpal tunnel syndrome and one hypertrophic scar.

Discussion: In our experience, classic palmar plate fixation showed inability for maintaining reduction during time. Locking Compression 3,5 T plate by a palmar approach which is a demanding technique, avoids loss of post-operative recution

Conclusion Locking Compression 3.5 T Plate by palmar approach is an effective treatment for dorsally displaced distal radius fracture but the plate itself and ancillary tools have to be improved to reduce operatively difficulty.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate functional and anatomic results of MacIntosh quadriceps plasty reinforced with a free fascia lata transplant used for the treatment of severe anterior laxity of the knee.

Material and methods: We considered severe laxity to be defined as a differential greater than 10 mm (manual Lachmann maximum on KT1000) compared with the healthy side and/or an explosive pivot test scored +++ and/or absolute laxity measured at 20 mm. This retrospective series included 108 patients treated between 1995 and 1998 by the same operator (DS). There were 70 men and 38 women, mean age 29±8.7 years (15–52). Average time from trauma to treatment was 38 months (2–324). Among the 98 patients practicing sports, 47 (43.5%) practiced pivot sports with contact and 51 (47.2%) practiced pivot sports without contact. Mean preoperatiove laxity KT1000 was 18±3 mm (13–30) on the diseased side and 5.34±1.9 mm on the healthy side (15 knees excluded due to rupture of the contralateral anterior cruciate ligament). Mean differential laxity was 12.6±2.3 mm (9–21) and in 44 patients (40.8%) the pivot test was scored +++. Only 37 knees (34%) were totally free of meniscal lesions. Outcome was evaluated by an independent operator using the IKDC method.

Results: Results were analysed for 71 patients (37 lost to follow-up giving a review rate of 65.8%) with a mean follow-up of 63.4±12.9 months (40–86). Absolute postoperative laxity was 8.9±2.9 mm (2–18) and differential laxity was 2.6±2.3 (−2 to +8) giving a mean gain in laxity of 10 mm. The pivot test was negative in 73.2% of the knees, 22% were scored +, and 4.2% ++. The overall IKDC score was 87.3±9.6 (56–100). 90% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with outcome. Furthermore, 80.3% of patients were able to resume their sports activities at the same or higher level.

Conclusion: Mixed plasty using the MacIntosh method with lateral reinforcement using the fascia lata enables effective treatment of severe anterior laxity of the knee. Few studies have differentiated laxity according to severity. Prospective randomised studies devoted to patients with very severe laxity are needed to confirm the results of this technique in comparison with isolated plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament without lateral reinforcement.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to assess the mechanical axis of 28 computer-assisted osteotomies (group A) with 28 manual osteotomies (group B) selected at random from 140 osteotomies performed between January 1997 and December 2000.

Material and methods: The populations were comparable for age, gender, side, degree of osteoarthritis (modified Ahlback stages) and varus malalignment (group A: 173±3.80° (160°–178°), group B 172.8±3.18° (164°–178°) using a pangonometer to measure the HKA angle). For 52 knees, open-wedge tibial osteotomy was performed and fixed with a tricalcium phosphate wedge (Biosorb(r)) and an AO T-plate. For four knees (two in group A and two in group B), a double tibial (open wedge) and femoral (closed wedge) osteotomy was used due to genu varum measuring greater than 15°. Preoperative planning for the classical method used a plumb line from the centre of the femoral head identified fluoroscopically. The Orthopilot(r) computer-assisted method also relied on preoperative planning but intraoperative control was based on computer acquisitions of the centre of the hip, the knee and the ankle. The objective of the intervention was to obtain a mechanical axis between 182° and 186°. All knees were evaluated with pangonometry at three months to check axis correction.

Results: In group A, the mean postoperative HKA was 183±0.99° (181°–185°). In group B it was 184±2.28° (181°–189°). The objective was attained in 96% of knees in group A and in 71% in group B, giving a statistical difference between the absolute data (p=0.0248) and between the standard deviations (p=0.0015).

Conclusion: Computer-assisted osteotomy to correct for genu varum using the Orthopilot(r) method is feasible and remarkably reproducible. In our hands Orthopilot(r) enabled attaining the surgical objective set preoperatively. The kinetics of the acquisition of the centre of the hip, the knee, and the ankle associated with palpation of remarkable extra-articular points is an excellent method avoiding the need for intra-articular palpation which might complicate the surgical procedure.

Purpose: Over recent years, several authors have estimated that the distal femur presents an epiphyseal torsion which can be measured intraoperatively or on the preoperative scan. This measurement does not however take into account the dynamic mechanical axis, particularly the mechanical axis at 90° flexion when walking. We used a computer-assisted navigation system (Ortho-pilot®) to attempt to measure femoral rotation by dynamic gonometry in extension and 90° flexion before and after implantation of a total knee arthroplasty.

Material and methods: We recorded the preoperative (Rx) and intraoperative (Orthopilot) HKA in extension and in 90° flexion before and after implantation of 50 total knee prostheses (Search®, Aesculup, AG, Tuttlingen) and again postoperatively (Rx). The series included 19 knees with genu valgum (mean HKA 187.36±5.4°, range 181°–203°), 30 knees with genu varum (HKA 169.2±4.11, range 160°–176°), and one normal axis knee.

Results: The radiographic values obtained preoperatively were confirmed by Orthopilot, respectively 186.68±5.25° and 169.76±3.84° in extension. At 90° flexion, HKA was 178.63±5.7° before implantation for genu valgum giving a significant varus due to lateral opening during flexion,and 171.6±4.15° for genu varum, showing persistence of varus. After implantation of the total knee prosthesis, the values were as follows. For the genu varum: HKA in extension 180.57±0.82° and HKA in 90° flexion 176.86±2.55° giving a mean residual varus of 3.16±2.86° (from 4–8° varus) without external rotation of the femoral implant. For genu valgum, HKA in extension was 179.60±0.92° and HKA in 90° flexion was 176.1±3.23°, giving a mean residual varus of 3.26±2.86° (0–10° varus), recalling that in the event of genu valgum we impose external rotation due to the frequent hypoplasia of the lateral condyle.

Discussion: Orthopilot-assisted implantation of total knee prostheses provides new information concerning dynamic gonometry, particularly the varus or valgus in flexion, which corresponds to measuring natural external or internal rotation. Measuring epiphyseal torsion of the distal femur with classical methods does not take into account the global rotation of the femur which is often an external rotation (up to 8° for genu varum). Systematic implantation of the femoral component in external rotation raises the risk of increasing considerably the varus forced to the implant during flexion.

Purpose: Tibial osteotomy for valgisation is a difficult procedure with a risk of over-correction or under-correction which can have significant aesthetic, functional and medicolegal consequences. In order to improve the precision, we adapted a navigation system to tibial osteotomy for valgisation. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the feasibility and results of this technique.

Material and methods: From March to November 2001, we used the Orthopilot system for 19 patients with genu varum. Mean patient age was 50.8±11.7 years (range 18–71). The indication for valgisation was genu varum, associated with joint degeneration (grade 1, 2, or 3 in the modified Ahlback classification) in 18. The aesthetic effect of genu varum was the only indication in one patient. Preoperatively, the mean HKA was 173.73±3.24° (range 169–178). The mechanical axis was determined with Orthopilot before performing an open medial osteotomy for valgisation which was fixed temporarily with a metal wedge to control as needed lower limb alignment. Orthopilot enabled verification of the desired axis. When obtained, the metal wedge was removed and replaced by a wedge of tricalcium phosphate (Biosorb®, B-Pharm) of the same size. The osteotomy was stabilised with a screw plate. The objective was to obtain a femorotibial axis between 182° and 186°, i.e. 2° to 6° valgus.

Results: HKA measured peroperatively with Orthopilot was 174.05±3.06°, exactly the same as on the preoperative x-rays. After oseotomy, HKA was 183.47±1.07° (180°–184°) with Orthopilot, and 183.47±1.44° (179°–186°) on the x-rays. Eighteen knees were within the objective of 182°–186° giving a success rate of 94.7%.

Discussion: Computer-assisted tibial osteotomy for val-gisation using Orthopilot is quite feasible. To have a valid assessment of this new method, results would have to be compared with a series performed without computer assistance.

Purpose: Several treatments can be proposed for calcified tenopathy of the rotator cuff. Corticosteroid infiltration, radioscopic trituration-aspiration, and arthroscopy are the most widely used modalities. Over the last decade, we have come to refer our cases of well-circumscribed calcified tenopathy easily accessible to radioscopy to our radiology colleagues since radioscopic treatment has appeared to be quite cost-effective. This trend has continued despite the new interest of the arthroscopists in this disease. We have nevertheless had a certain number of failures (25%) and at this time have decided to prefer arthroscopy. The purpose of this work was to present our results with arthroscopy used after failure of tirturation-aspiration or for patients with calcifications we considered to have contraindications for trituration-aspiration (poorly circumscribed chain of calcifications).

Material and methods: Between 1990 and 1997, we performed 28 arthroscopic procedures in 28 patients. There were 18 women and ten men, mean age 47.5 years (28–71 years). All suffered pain at night and painful blockage during certain motions, particularly anterolateal elevation and forced internal rotation. We did not use the preoperative Constant score because we considered that the pain always gives a false score in these patients, particularly for muscle force. Nevertheless, the mean pain score preoperatively was 4.5 (0–10), daily activity was 14 (8–18) and active motion was 32 (20–40). All calcifications were located in the supraspinatus and the anterior part of the infraspinatus. Acromial morphology was type III in seven cases. All the patients underwent arthroscopy with resection of the coracoacromial ligament and anterior acromioplasty without touching the residual calcification.

Results: All patients were reviewed by an independent surgeon different than the operator. Mean follow-up was 54 months (18–108 months). Subjectively, 89% of the patients were cured or improved, 11% were unchanged. Objectively, the Constant score weighted for age and sex was a mean 91.4% (50–100%) with a median 100%. We had 20 shoulders with excellent outcome (weighted Constant score 85–94%), two with fair outcome (65–84%), and three with poor outcome (< 65%), giving 82% satisfactory outcome. Muscle force was very satisfactory (mean 7.5%) and close to the contralateral shoulder (8.25 kg). Radiologically, 17 of the 29 shoulders were cleared of calcifications (61%).

Conclusion: Arthroscopic acromioplasty after failure of trituration-aspiration gives quite satisfactory results, including for calcifications we had considered to by “untriturables”.