Aims

Surgical treatment of young femoral neck fractures often requires an open approach to achieve an anatomical reduction. The application of a calcar plate has recently been described to aid in femoral neck fracture reduction and to augment fixation. However, application of a plate may potentially compromise the regional vascularity of the femoral head and neck. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcar femoral neck plating on the vascularity of the femoral head and neck.

The management of symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) can be challenging. The number of ways of treating these lesions has increased considerably during the last decade, with published studies often providing conflicting, low-level evidence. This paper aims to present an up-to-date concise overview of the best evidence for the surgical treatment of OLTs. Management options are reviewed based on the size of the lesion and include bone marrow stimulation, bone grafting options, drilling techniques, biological preparations, and resurfacing. Although many of these techniques have shown promising results, there remains little high level evidence, and further large scale prospective studies and systematic reviews will be required to identify the optimal form of treatment for these lesions.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):207–212.

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.

Aims. We aimed to quantify the relative contributions of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) and lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) to the arterial supply of the head and neck of the femur. Materials and Methods. We acquired ten cadaveric pelvises. In each of these, one hip was randomly assigned as experimental and the other as a matched control. The MFCA and LFCA were cannulated bilaterally. The hips were designated LFCA-experimental or MFCA-experimental and underwent quantitative MRI using a 2 mm slice thickness before and after injection of MRI-contrast diluted 3:1 with saline (15 ml Gd-DTPA) into either the LFCA or MFCA. The contralateral control hips had 15 ml of contrast solution injected into the root of each artery. Next, the MFCA and LFCA were injected with a mixture of polyurethane and barium sulfate (33%) and their extra-and intra-arterial course identified by CT imaging and dissection. Results. The MFCA made a greater contribution than the LFCA to the vascularity of the femoral head (MFCA 82%, LFCA 18%) and neck (MFCA 67%, LFCA 33%). However, the LFCA supplied 48% of the anteroinferior femoral neck overall. Conclusion. This study clearly shows that the MFCA is the major arterial supply to the femoral head and neck. Despite this, the LFCA supplies almost half the anteroinferior aspect of the femoral neck. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1582–8

Aims

Compartment syndrome results from increased intra-compartmental pressure (ICP) causing local tissue ischaemia and cell death, but the systemic effects are not well described. We hypothesised that compartment syndrome would have a profound effect not only on the affected limb, but also on remote organs.

This study investigates and defines the topographic anatomy of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) terminal branches supplying the femoral head (FH). Gross dissection of 14 fresh–frozen cadaveric hips was undertaken to determine the extra and intracapsular course of the MFCA’s terminal branches. A constant branch arising from the transverse MFCA (inferior retinacular artery; IRA) penetrates the capsule at the level of the anteroinferior neck, then courses obliquely within the fibrous prolongation of the capsule wall (inferior retinacula of Weitbrecht), elevated from the neck, to the posteroinferior femoral head–neck junction. This vessel has a mean of five (three to nine) terminal branches, of which the majority penetrate posteriorly. Branches from the ascending MFCA entered the femoral capsular attachment posteriorly, running deep to the synovium, through the neck, and terminating in two branches. The deep MFCA penetrates the posterosuperior femoral capsular. Once intracapsular, it divides into a mean of six (four to nine) terminal branches running deep to the synovium, within the superior retinacula of Weitbrecht of which 80% are posterior. Our study defines the exact anatomical location of the vessels, arising from the MFCA and supplying the FH. The IRA is in an elevated position from the femoral neck and may be protected from injury during fracture of the femoral neck. We present vascular ‘danger zones’ that may help avoid iatrogenic vascular injury during surgical interventions about the hip.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1204–13.

A new method of vascularised tibial grafting has been developed for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus and secondary osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. We used 40 cadavers to identify the vascular anatomy of the distal tibia in order to establish how to elevate a vascularised tibial graft safely. Between 2008 and 2012, eight patients (three male, five female, mean age 50 years; 26 to 68) with isolated AVN of the talus and 12 patients (four male, eight female, mean age 58 years; 23 to 76) with secondary OA underwent vascularised bone grafting from the distal tibia either to revascularise the talus or for arthrodesis. The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 31 months (24 to 62). The peri-malleolar arterial arch was confirmed in the cadaveric study. A vascularised bone graft could be elevated safely using the peri-malleolar pedicle. The clinical outcomes for the group with AVN of the talus assessed with the mean Mazur ankle grading scores, improved significantly from 39 points (21 to 48) pre-operatively to 81 points (73 to 90) at the final follow-up (p = 0.01). In all eight revascularisations, bone healing was obtained without progression to talar collapse, and union was established in 11 of 12 vascularised arthrodeses at a mean follow-up of 34 months (24 to 58). MRI showed revascularisation of the talus in all patients.

We conclude that a vascularised tibial graft can be used both for revascularisation of the talus and for the arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with OA secondary to AVN of the talus.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:802–8.

Summary. Arthroscopic decompression of the lunate decreases clinical symptoms and slows progression of Kienböck's Disease. Introduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of patients suffering from avascular necrosis of the lunate, or Kienböck's Disease, who received arthroscopic decompression to treat the ischemic lunate. Previous studies have demonstrated an elevated intraosseus pressure in the ischemic lunate, and it has been hypothesised that ischemia in the lunate is secondary to this elevated pressure and subsequent venous congestion, as opposed to diminished arterial supply. Based on this work we have used decompression of the lunate to prevent progression of the disease. Patients and Methods. 21 patients, (22 wrists), reported to a single surgeon with a chief complaint of unremitting wrist pain and the subsequent diagnosis was Kienböck's disease, stages I, II, IIIA or IIIB. Range of motion measurement and grip strength, as well as self-reported outcome measures such as Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Modified Mayo, were obtained preoperatively and post operatively at 2, 7 and 12 months. The patients were treated operatively with arthroscopic decompression of the lunate. The lunate was approached dorsally at the interosseous lunotriquetral and the scapholunate ligament areas with an arthroscopic shaver until brisk bleeding was achieved upon deflating the tourniquet. In some cases, the core of the lunate had to be penetrated with a 45 k-wire until bleeding was obtained. Of the 22 wrists treated arthroscopically with lunate decompression, 18 had both pre-surgical and post-surgical follow-up evaluations. Results. The patients who underwent lunate arthroscopic decompression surgery demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in DASH score at 7 and 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05). The preoperative DASH score average for this cohort was 51, while post-operative DASH scores averaged 23 and 17 at 7 and 12 months, respectively. The patients also demonstrated some overall improvement in pain, functionality, range of motion, and grip strength as demonstrated by the Modified Mayo wrist score. Notably, the patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in grip strength post-operatively at 7-months (p<0.05) and 12-months (p<0.01). In addition, there was noted to be improvement in supination and ulnar deviation measurements post-operatively at 7 months and 12 months, respectively. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the clinical outcome of arthroscopic decompression of the lunate in patients suffering from Kienböck's Disease using the patient's subjective evaluations as well as range of motion and grip strength measurements. Arthroscopic decompression of the lunate decreases clinical symptoms and slows progression of Kienböck's Disease using a less invasive surgical intervention

The use of joint-preserving surgery of the hip has been largely abandoned since the introduction of total hip replacement. However, with the modification of such techniques as pelvic osteotomy, and the introduction of intracapsular procedures such as surgical hip dislocation and arthroscopy, previously unexpected options for the surgical treatment of sequelae of childhood conditions, including developmental dysplasia of the hip, slipped upper femoral epiphysis and Perthes’ disease, have become available. Moreover, femoroacetabular impingement has been identified as a significant aetiological factor in the development of osteoarthritis in many hips previously considered to suffer from primary osteoarthritis.

As mechanical causes of degenerative joint disease are now recognised earlier in the disease process, these techniques may be used to decelerate or even prevent progression to osteoarthritis. We review the recent development of these concepts and the associated surgical techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:5–18.

The femoral head receives blood supply mainly from the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA). In previous studies we have performed anatomical dissections of 16 specimens and subsequently visualised the arteries supplying the femoral head in 55 healthy individuals. In this further radiological study we compared the arterial supply of the femoral head in 35 patients (34 men and one woman, mean age 37.1 years (16 to 64)) with a fracture/dislocation of the hip with a historical control group of 55 hips. Using CT angiography, we identified the three main arteries supplying the femoral head: the deep branch and the postero-inferior nutrient artery both arising from the MFCA, and the piriformis branch of the inferior gluteal artery. It was possible to visualise changes in blood flow after fracture/dislocation. Our results suggest that blood flow is present after reduction of the dislocated hip. The deep branch of the MFCA was patent and contrast-enhanced in 32 patients, and the diameter of this branch was significantly larger in the fracture/dislocation group than in the control group (p = 0.022). In a subgroup of ten patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, we found a contrast-enhanced deep branch of the MFCA in eight hips. Two patients with no blood flow in any of the three main arteries supplying the femoral head developed AVN. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1453–7

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

The posterior midline approach used in spinal surgery has been associated with a significant rate of wound dehiscence. This study investigates anatomical study of the arterial supply of the cervical and thoracic spinal muscles and overlying skin at each vertebral level. It aimed to provide possible anatomical basis for such wound complications. A dissection and angiographic study was undertaken on 8 cadaveric neck and posterior torso from 6 embalmed and 2 fresh human cadavers. Harvested cadavers were warmed and hydrogen peroxide was injected into the major arteries. Lead oxide contrast mixture was injected in stepwise manner into the subclavian and posterior intercostal arteries of each specimen. Specimens were subsequently cross-sectioned at each vertebral level and bones elevated from the soft tissue. Radiographs were taken at each stage of this process and analysed. The cervical paraspinal muscles were supplied by the deep cervical arteries, transverse cervical arteries and vertebral arteries. The thoracic paraspinal muscles were supplied by the superior intercostal arteries, transverse cervical arteries and posterior intercostal arteries. In the thoracic region, two small vessels provide the longitudinal connection between the segmental arteries and in the cervical region, deep cervical arteries provide such connection from C3 to C6. The arterial vessels supplying the paraspinal muscles on the left and right side anastomose with each other, posterior to the spinous processes in all vertebral levels. At cervical vertebral levels, source arteries travel near the surgical field and are not routinely cauterised; Haematoma is postulated to be the cause of wound complications. At thoracic levels, source arteries travel in the surgical field and tissue ischemia is a contributing factor to wound complications, especially in operations over extensive levels. Post-operative wound complications is a multi-factorial clinical problem, the anatomical findings in this study provide possible explanations for wound dehiscence in the posterior midline approach. It is postulated that drain tubes may reduce the incidence of haematoma in the cervical level

MIS (minimally invasive surgery) aims to improve cosmesis and facilitate early recovery by using a small skin incision with minimal soft tissue disruption. When using MIS in the forefoot, there is concern about neurovascular and tendon damage and cutaneous burns. The aim of this anatomical study was to identify the structures at risk with the proposed MIS techniques and to determine the frequency of iatrogenic injury. Materials and Methods. 10 paired normal cadaver feet were used. All procedures were performed using a mini C-arm in a cadaveric lab by 2 surgeons: 1 consultant who has attended a cadaveric MIS course but does not perform MIS in his regular practice (8 feet), and 1 registrar who was supervised by the same consultant (2 feet). In each foot, the surgeon performed a lateral release, a MICA (minimally invasive chevron and Akin) procedure for the correction of hallux valgus, and a minimally invasive DMO (distal metatarsal extra-articular osteotomy) procedure. Each foot was then dissected and photographed to identify any neurovascular or tendon injury. Results. The dorsal medial cutaneous and the plantar interdigital nerves were intact in all specimens. There was no obvious damage to the arterial plexus supplying the first metatarsal head. No flexor or extensor tendon injuries were identified. There is a significant learning curve to performing the osteotomy cuts in the desired plane. In the DMO, the dissection also revealed some intact soft tissue at the osteotomy site indicating that the metatarsal heads were not truly floating. Discussion. Although there has been concern regarding neurovascular and tendon injury, our findings indicate minimal risk, which is consistent with reports in the literature. This study also reflects the learning curve. Conclusion. We suggest that training on cadaveric specimens may be advantageous, particularly, with regard to the plane of the osteotomy

Shoulder girdles of 20 cadavers (68–94yrs) were harvested. The anterior (ACHA) and posterior circumflex humeral arteries (PCHA) were injected with ink and the extra and intraosseous courses of the dyed vasculature dissected through the soft tissues and bone to the osteotendinous junctions of the rotator cuff. The ink injection and bone dissection method was newly developed for the study. Rates of cross-over at the osteotendinous juntion were 75% in the supraspinatus, 67% in subscapularis, 33% in infraspinatus and 20% in teres minor. The supraspinatus and subscapularis insertions were vascularised by the arcuate artery, a branch of the ACHA. The insertions of the infraspinatus and teres minor were supplied by an unnamed terminal branch of the PCHA. The insertions of the rotator cuff receive an arterial supply across their OTJ's in 50% of cases. This may explain observed rates of AVN in comminuted proximal humeral fractures. The terminal branch of the PCHA supplying the infraspinatus and teres minor insertions was named the “Posterolateral Artery”. Finally, the new method employed for this study which allowed for direct visualisation of intraosseous vasculature, will enhance our understanding of skeletal vascular anatomy and have clinical applications in orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery

The arterial supply of the talus has been extensively studied in the past but there is a paucity of information on the arterial supply to the navicular and a very limited understanding of the intra-osseous supply to the surface of either of these bones. This is despite the likely importance of this supply in relation to conditions such as osteochondral lesions of the dome of the talus, and avascular necrosis and stress fracture of the navicular. Using cadaveric limbs, dissection of the source vessels was performed followed by arterial injection of latex. The talus and navicular were then removed en bloc, preserving the integrity of the injected arterial vasculature. The specimens were then processed using a new, accelerated diaphanisation technique. This rendered the tissue transparent, allowing the injected vessels to be visualised and then mapped onto a 3D virtual reconstruction of the bone. The vasculature to the subchondral surfaces of the talus and navicular, and the source vessel entry points that provide arterial supply into the navicular were identified. This study gives quantifiable evidence of the areas of consistently poor blood supply which may help explain the clinical pattern of talar and navicular pathology. It also provides as yet unpublished information on the arterial supply of the human navicular bone

The arterial supply of the talus has been studied extensively in the past. These have been used to improve the understanding of the risk of avascular necrosis in traumatic injuries of the talus. There is, however, poor understanding of the intra-osseous arterial supply of the talus, important in scenarios such as osteochondral lesions of the dome. Previous studies have identified primary sources of arterial supply into the bone, but have not defined distribution of these sources to the subchondral regions. This study aims to map the arterial supply to the surface of the talus. Cadaveric limbs (n=10) were dissected to identify source vessels for each talus. The talus and navicular were removed, together with the source vessels, en bloc. The source vessels were injected with latex and processed using a new, accelerated diaphanisation technique. This quickly rendered tissue transparent, allowing the injected vessels to be visualised. Each talus was then reconstructed using a digital microscribe, allowing a three dimensional virtual model of the bone to be assessed. The terminal points of each vessel were then mapped onto this model, allowing the distribution of each source vessel to be determined. This study will provide quantifiable evidence of areas consistently restricted to single-vessel supply, and those consistently supplied by multiple vessels. These data may help to explain the distribution and mechanisms behind the development of the subchondral cysts of the talus

There is a paucity of information on the arterial supply of the navicular, despite its anatomic neighbours, particularly the talus, being investigated extensively. The navicular is essential in maintaining the structural integrity of the medial and intermediate columns of the foot, and is known to be at risk of avascular necrosis. Despite this, there is poor understanding of the vascular supply available to the navicular, and of how this supply is distributed to the various surfaces of the bone. This study aims to identify the key vessels that supply the navicular, and to map the arterial supply to each surface of the bone. Cadaveric limbs (n=10) were dissected to identify source vessels for each navicular. The talus and navicular were removed, together with the source vessels, en bloc. The source vessels were injected with latex and processed using a new, accelerated diaphanisation technique. This quickly rendered tissue transparent, allowing the injected vessels to be visualised. Each navicular was then reconstructed using a digital microscribe, allowing a three dimensional virtual model of the bone to be assessed. The terminal points of each vessel were then mapped onto this model, allowing the distribution of each source vessel to be determined. This study will provide the as yet unpublished information on the arterial supply of the human navicular bone. The data will also give quantifiable evidence of any areas consistently restricted to single-vessel supply, and those consistently supplied by multiple vessels. This may help to explain the propensity of this bone to develop disorders such as osteochondritis, avascular necrosis and stress fractures which often have a vascular aetiology

In this case report a four-year-old girl with ulnar dimelia is described. She had six digits without mirror symmetry in her right hand. The first pre-axial digit was excised and true pollicisation performed for the second pre-axial digit. The arterial anatomy was abnormal but there was not symmetrical development of the arterial tree.