Introduction and objectives

High-energy pelvic fractures are life-threatening injuries. Approximately 15% to 30% of patients with high-energy pelvic injuries are hemodynamic unstable, hemorrhagic shock remains the main cause of death in patients with pelvic fractures, with an overall mortality rate from 6% to 35%. The correlation between fracture pattern and mortality in polytrauma with pelvic fracture has been previously investigated. However, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the relationship of hemodynamic instability with the pelvic fracture pattern according to different classifications.

Introduction and objectives

Intramedullary nailing is indicated to stabilization of tibia shaft fractures. Intramedullary nailing through an infra-patellar incision is commonly the technique of choice. While intramedullary nailing of simple diaphyseal fracture patterns is relatively easy, proximal tibia fractures, extremely comminuted/segmental tibia fractures, politrauma with multiple fractures in both extremities and reconstruction of bone loss segment with stiffness of the knee joint can be very challenging to treat.

A novel technique for intramedullary tibia nailing through the patella-femoral joint is described. This technique allow extension tibia during intervention time and it supplies easier reduction of the pattern of fracture above. The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the use of this new technique in described above pattern fracture and patient situation; because we have thought that new technique can perform better outcomes in this situations.

Objective: To present the experience of a Deparment of Neuroorthopedics in treatment of the severe deformities of the wrist using the technique of the wrist arthrodesis very often associated to other surgical procedures such as musculotendinous lengthenings and transfers.

Materials and Methods: 20 patients with neurological sequelae of cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke and other neurological disorders of the first motoneuron were retrospectively studied. Fusion of the wrist with an specific plate was performed on these patients.

Results: We reached the consolidation of the arthrodesis in a 100% of the cases between 8 and 12 weeks. We had some complications such as 3 cases of phlictenae and edema and 4 cases needed reoperations because of the appearance of secondary deformities previously not seen. 95% of the patient were satisfied and only one wouldn’t go under the same operation again.

Discusion: Despite many text books contraindicate wrist arthrodesis in patients with neurological sequelae because of the remote possibility that they may need the flexoextensiòn for the use of walker or crutches or manual or electric wheel-chairs, in our experience many patients benefit from this procedure to correct severe deformities that make their hands absolutely dysfunctional. Besides, the intervention provides the patients and their family with benefits in terms of hygiene, dressing, very often improvement of the pain and, why not, of the aesthetics. Some patients have also gained function, passing from a dysfunctional hand to a useful hand for the basic functions of life. Nowadays, for these kind of patients to be able to move one or two fingers, if they are correctly positioned, can be useful to manage a walker, a computer or a motorized wheel-chair.

Background: Tibial plafond fractures are caused by severe axial compression forces and are associated with soft tissue injuries. These fractures are difficult to treat and the risk of complications is high.

Methods and Materials: A retrospective study of tibial plafond fractures was performed at our hospital between 2003 and 2009 and 51 patients were evaluated (51 fractures). The fracture type was classified according to the OTA classification system. 10 fractures were described as type A fractures (A1 = 3, A2 = 3, A3 = 4) (19.60%), 15 were type B fractures (B1 = 0, B2 = 9, B3 = 6) (29.4%) and 26 were type C fractures (C1= 3, C2=13, C3 = 10) (51%).

Results: The average age was 47.8 years. Cases comprised 25 accidental falls (49%), 13 traffic accidents, (2.5%), 7 autolysis attempts (13.7%), 4 sports accidents (7.8%) and 2 industrial accidents (3.9%). 15 patients were initially treated with external fixators, mainly those who had type C fractures and fractures where the soft tissues were seriously damaged (21.6%). Subsequently the tibia was treated with plate fixation. Mean follow-up period was 87.78 months. Patients were required to fill in 2 quality life questionnaires after the surgical treatment. results obtained with both scales (AOFAS and FFI) were compared.

The complications rate was 14%. The main complications were superficial infections, posttraumatic arthritis and non-union fractures. One case presented a superficial infection (2%) and 6 patients suffered deep infections (11.8%).

Worst scores were observed in both scales with patients treated with type C fractures of the AO classification.

Conclusions:

- Type C fractures have a worse prognosis

Purpose: Our purpose was to study the 10-year results of a proximal soft-tissue procedure combined with a Lateral Patellar Facetectomy technique for an isolated osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joint.

Methods: The study group included 39 knees (30 patients). There were 19 female and 11 male patients. Mean age 52 years old (range 40–65). All patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 10 years. The indications for surgery were instability of patellofemoral joint with isolated arthritis. Patient outcome scores, patient demographics, and data from a physical examination, x-Ray and TC were collected before and after surgery. A release of the lateral patellofemoral ligament and a retinacular release were performed, leaving the synovial tissue intact to isolate the joint. The lower fibers of the vastus lateralis were released as well, and the release was carried down to the level of the tubercle. Medially, an imbrication of the medial retinacular tissue from the medial aspect of the quadriceps tendon to the proximal aspect of the tibial tubercle, as Insall described, was performed.

Results: At final follow-up, the results were excellent or good in 89% of the knees, fair in 7%, and poor in 3%. Subjective improvement was reported by 90% of patients. Follow-up radiographs showed slow progression of osteoarthritis in the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral compartments, but radiographic appearance did not always correlate with clinical symptoms. The success of this procedure depends largely on relief of pain.

Conclusions: proximal soft-tissue realignment combined with a Lateral Patellar Facetectomy for a severe isolated osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joint is a powerful way to correct malalignment and offload the lateral and distal parts of the patella. This technique relief pain and improved the activity level. Is an effective surgical treatment for middle-aged to elderly active patients with isolated lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis who want to maintain activity level.

Introduction: Fusion of the knee joint should be the last option for salvage of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although knee arthrodesis implies lost of function, it is a successful treatment in eradicating the infection and in decreasing pain.

External fixation compression devices have been an excellent method for gaining fusion but, there is no documentation about its ability for obtaining adequate limb alignment with a stable fusion of the knee joint.

Material and Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed the results of knee arthrodesis after infection of TKA using an anteriorly placed unilateral external fixator. In addition, we have assessed patient self-satisfaction.

Postoperative radiographs have been evaluated to digitally measure loss of femoral and tibial bone stock using Engh radiological classification. Moreover, we have quantified tibiofemoral alignment and the section of bony fusion. Fusion of the knee joint was assessed with CT. Patients were interviewed and pain was graded using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and self-satisfaction as well as current health status using the 12-item social function survey form (SF12).

Results: From 1992 to 2003, 52 arthrodeses were done for treatment of infected TKA. The average age was 71 years (range, 37–83 years). Type III bone defect according with Engh classification, in femur and/or in tibia, was present in 50% of the patients. The average postoperative tibiofemoral alignment was 1.2° (SD 3.79). The mean time to fusion was 11.26 months (range, 3–30 months). Time to fusion was statistical related with severe bone loss and with the tibiofemoral contact section. The average score according VAS was 1.6 (SD 2.60).

Conclusions: Knee arthrodesis using a monolateral external fixator for infected TKA is an effective method to control infection as well as to obtain knee fusion and pain relief. Severe bone loss, frequently present in infected TKA, was found to be the most relevant factor in achieving tibiofemoral union. The individual clinical result according to SF12 shows a lower quality of life both for physical and mental components compare with general population.

Introduction: From 1972–2003, 205 arthroplasties of infected hips were performed in the Musculoskeletal Infectious Disease Unit of our hospital. Using as a basis the outcome for conventional one-and two-stage hip replacement with cemented implants and antibiotics performed in these patients, we designed a new two-stage hip replacement protocol using «personalized» solid spacers and non-cemented components.

Material and Methods: A total of 44 patients were treated with our protocol. Patient characteristics are described, as well as an elevated incidence of associated disease, the causative microorganisms, and therapy provided. Most of the cases had failed other treatment methods. Strict application of the protocol implied:

Previous identification of the infective microorganism

Results: Reactivation of infection occurred in only one case. The patient was cured with antibiotic administration. The remaining patients remained free of infection for a mean follow up period of 64.54 months (19.77–86.63 months). The septic process was erradicated in 96% of cases. Five-year implant survival was 100%.

Conclusions:

Cement with antibiotics is not essential for prosthesis reimplantation when replacement is performed in two-stage.