Aims

Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs.

Aims

To report the outcome of spinal deformity correction through anterior spinal fusion in wheelchair-bound patients with myelomeningocele.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications of patients with a history of poliomyelitis undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in affected limbs and unaffected limbs of this same population.

Patients with neuromuscular imbalance who require total hip arthroplasty (THA) present particular technical problems due to altered anatomy, abnormal bone stock, muscular imbalance and problems of rehabilitation.

In this systematic review, we studied articles dealing with THA in patients with neuromuscular imbalance, published before April 2017. We recorded the demographics of the patients and the type of neuromuscular pathology, the indication for surgery, surgical approach, concomitant soft-tissue releases, the type of implant and bearing, pain and functional outcome as well as complications and survival.

Recent advances in THA technology allow for successful outcomes in these patients. Our review suggests excellent benefits for pain relief and good functional outcome might be expected with a modest risk of complication.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):17–21.

A 51 years old female who experienced difficulty in gait ambulation due to secondary osteoarthritis of knee showed knee instability caused by paralysis associated with poliomyelitis and scoliosis. At the first medical examination, right knee range of motion was 0° to 90°, and spino malleolar distance (SMD) showed 72cm for the right leg, 78cm for the left leg, and the bilateral comparison of SMD indicated the leg length discrepancy of 6cm. The patient has a history of surgeries with an anterior – posterior instrument for the treatment of scoliosis, and with Langenskiöld method for the paralyzed right knee at the age of seventeen. The patient also experienced varus degeneration at the age of twenty seven, which was surgically treated with high tibial osteotomy. In this case, a reoperation of her right knee was performed due to the reoccurrence of the knee pain. Preoperative planning was performed using Patient-matched instrument (Signature; Biomet) which was created based on computed tomography data. Each part of osteotomy followed the resection guide by Signature, and a total knee arthroplasty was carried out using the Rotating Hinge Knee System (Zimmer, warsaw. Inc). Two week after the operation, the patient showed the ability to walk without any assistance, and has been in a good condition.

Degenerative problems of the hip in patients with childhood and adult onset neuromuscular disorders can be challenging to treat. Many orthopaedic surgeons are reluctant to recommend total hip replacement (THR) for patients with underlying neuromuscular disorders due to the perceived increased risks of dislocation, implant loosening, and lack of information about the functional outcomes and potential benefits of these procedures in these patients. Modular femoral components and alternative bearings which facilitate the use of large femoral heads, constrained acetabular components and perhaps more importantly, a better understanding about the complications and outcomes of THR in the patient with neuromuscular disorders, make this option viable. This paper will review the current literature and our experience with THR in the more frequently encountered neuromuscular disorders.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):27–31.

Children with congenital vertical talus (CVT) have been treated with extensive soft-tissue releases, with a high rate of complications. Recently, reverse Ponseti-type casting followed by percutaneous reduction and fixation has been described, with excellent results in separate cohorts of children with CVT, of either idiopathic or teratological aetiology. There are currently no studies that compare the outcome in these two types. We present a prospective cohort of 13 children (21 feet) with CVT of both idiopathic and teratological aetiology, in which this technique has been used. Clinical, radiological and parent-reported outcomes were obtained at a mean follow-up of 36 months (8 to 57). Six children (nine feet) had associated neuromuscular conditions or syndromes; the condition was idiopathic in seven children (12 feet).

Initial correction was achieved in all children, with significant improvement in all radiological parameters. Recurrence was seen in ten feet. Modification of the technique to include limited capsulotomy at the initial operation may reduce the risk of recurrence.

The reverse Ponseti-type technique is effective in the initial correction of CVT of both idiopathic and teratological aetiology. Recurrence is a problem in both these groups, with higher rates than first reported in the original paper. However, these rates are less than those reported after open surgical release.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:274–8.

Introduction. Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been designed to treat complex tibial, foot and ankle deformities using computer software. We have performed various osteotomies in combination with different soft tissue procedures, with the use of TSF. Material and Methods. A retrospective study of 20 consecutive patients operated by, senior author SSM, from 2004 onwards who underwent surgical correction of tibia, ankle, midfoot and hind foot including lateral column lengthening, calcaneal and midfoot osteotomies. Demographic details, diagnosis, procedures (including previous operations), length of follow-up, outcome and complications were recorded. Of the 20 patients, 13 were men and 7 women. The mean age was 39 years (range 18 to 70). 5 patients had TSF for malunion or non-union of ankle fractures, malunion of tibia (5), congenital talipes equino-varus(3), acute fracture of ankle (2), one patient each for spina bifida, Poliomyelitis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, equino-varus due to periventricular leuco-encephalopathy and avascular necrosis of the talus. Bilateral TSF for torsional malalignment of tibia (1). Results. Follow up 6 to 54 months (mean 19.4). Patient based foot and ankle outcome criteria were used. Of the 20 patients, 16 had no pain and satisfactory range of movement and function at the last follow up. Post-operative complications included pin site infection(2) and frame hardware malfunction (2)patients, residual deformity requiring surgical correction at 22 months, (1) delayed union, neuropathic pain in (1), residual equinus deformity requiring Botox injections(1) and osteomyelitis requiring debridement(1). Conclusion. We present this series of complex congenital and acquired conditions of the foot and ankle treated with corrective osteotomies and Taylor Spatial Frame with good results

Background

In poliomyelitis; hand to knee gait is the sum of quadriceps weakness and fixed knee flexion deformity. Limb shortening is another added problem. Usually, each problem is attacked separately; with variable end results and complication rates for each procedure.

Background

In poliomyelitis; hand to knee gait is the sum of quadriceps weakness and fixed knee flexion deformity. Limb shortening is another added problem. Usually, each problem is attacked separately; with variable end results and complication rates for each procedure.

Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) for painful winging of the scapula in neuromuscular disorders can provide effective pain relief and functional improvement, but there is little information comparing outcomes between patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions. We performed a retrospective review of 42 STFs in 34 patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions using a multifilament trans-scapular, subcostal cable technique supported by a dorsal one-third semi-tubular plate. There were 16 males and 18 females with a mean age of 30 years (15 to 75) and a mean follow-up of 5.0 years (2.0 to 10.6). The mean Oxford shoulder score improved from 20 (4 to 39) to 31 (4 to 48). Patients with non-dystrophic conditions had lower overall functional scores but achieved greater improvements following STF. The mean active forward elevation increased from 59° (20° to 90°) to 97° (30° to 150°), and abduction from 51° (10° to 90°) to 83° (30° to 130°) with a greater range of movement achieved in the dystrophic group. Revision fusion for nonunion was undertaken in five patients at a mean time of 17 months (7 to 31) and two required revision for fracture. There were three pneumothoraces, two rib fractures, three pleural effusions and six nonunions. The main risk factors for nonunion were smoking, age and previous shoulder girdle surgery.

STF is a salvage procedure that can provide good patient satisfaction in 82% of patients with both dystrophic and non-dystrophic pathologies, but there was a relatively high failure rate (26%) when poor outcomes were analysed. Overall function was better in patients with dystrophic conditions which correlated with better range of movement; however, patients with non-dystrophic conditions achieved greater functional improvement.

Neurological conditions affecting the hip pose a considerable challenge in replacement surgery since poor and imbalanced muscle tone predisposes to dislocation and loosening. Consequently, total hip replacement (THR) is rarely performed in such patients. In a systematic review of the literature concerning THR in neurological conditions, we found only 13 studies which described the outcome. We have reviewed the evidence and discussed the technical challenges of this procedure in patients with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, poliomyelitis and following a cerebrovascular accident, spinal injury or development of a Charcot joint. Contrary to traditional perceptions, THR can give a good outcome in these often severly disabled patients.

Limb lengthening by callus distraction and external fixation has a high rate of complications. We describe our experience using an intramedullary nail (Fitbone) which contains a motorised and programmable sliding mechanism for limb lengthening and bone transport. Between 2001 and 2004 we lengthened 13 femora and 11 tibiae in ten patients (seven men and three women) with a mean age of 32 years (21 to 47) using this nail. The indications for operation were short stature in six patients and developmental or acquired disorders in the rest.

The mean lengthening achieved was 40 mm (27 to 60). The mean length of stay in hospital was seven days (5 to 9). The mean healing index was 35 days/cm (18.8 to 70.9). There were no cases of implant-related infection or malunion.

Our aim was to evaluate the results of triple arthrodesis, performed without the use of supplementary bone graft. We carried out a retrospective review of 100 consecutive triple arthrodeses. All the operations had been performed by the senior author (TSS) using a standard technique. Only local bone graft from the excised joint surfaces had been used, thereby avoiding complications at the donor site.

The mean age of the patients at surgery was 58 years (18 to 84). The mean time to union was 5.1 months (3 to 17). There were 75 good, 20 fair and five poor results. There were four cases of nonunion.

Our study has shown that comparable rates of union are achieved without the need for supplementary bone graft from the iliac crest or other donor site.

Juvenile hip instability is associated with many conditions. Most of them belong to the group of neuromuscular diseases. Generally following categories can be enumerated: 1. Cerebral palsy, 2. Myelomeningocele, 3. Spinal cord injury, 4. Paraplegia following spine surgery, 5. Poliomyelitis, 6. Inflammatory hip disease, 7. Idiopathic instability, 8. Recurrent post-traumatic hip instability. In the groups 1–5 a chronic muscle imbalance is the reason of the displacement of the femoral head. Inflammatory joint disease produces displacement through cartilage and bone destruction and increased intra-articular pressure. Very rare idiopathic instability is usually associated with generalised hypermobility. For the early diagnosis a careful clinical examination is necessary involving range of motion, testing of the hip stability by the Palmén’s test in the same way like in new-borns. Routine x-ray screening at least once per year is mandatory. For the groups 1–5 a muscle imbalance has to be corrected first. Elimination of muscles contractures or muscles transfers respectively, showed a high efficiency if these surgical corrections were performed early. Femoral osteotomy alone does not provide reliable results. Any form of pelvic osteotomy is necessary to correct acetabular insufficiency. For the inflammatory hip disease early active surgical treatment is best prevention of displacement. Idiopathic hip instability has to be differentiated from common snapping hip. No treatment is necesary. Recurrent hip dislocation can be cured by a posterior capsulorrhaphy

We report a surgical technique for arthroplasty of the deformed hip after poliomyelitis.

A fifty three year old man presented to our unit with a long-standing history of hip problems since contracting poliomyelitis at the age of two. Unusually, both of his hips were affected. He had been operated on twice for his right hip. This had left him with a deformed upper femur with significant shortening. The right hip was sub-luxed on presentation; this was due to a markedly dysplastic acetabulum.

The polio and subluxation meant his muscles were weak and stretched. Like other authors, we were keen to achieve a stable hip. The senior author felt that a fully constrained socket would carry the following disadvantages:

Reduced range of movement.

An alternative approach, using a large diameter unconstrained metal on metal articulation, was employed; stability was achieved with the large head and the relatively small socket still preserved bone stock. The components chosen were a 52mm MMT, Birmingham acetabular resurfacing prosthetic, articulating with a 46mm chromium cobalt head. A fluted stem CAD CAM (computer aided design, computer aided manufacture) femoral prosthesis was used, as he needed to fully weight-bear from the outset, because of the weakness in his left leg.

He has a good, pain-free range of movement. This represents a novel solution for arthroplasty in hips surrounded by weakened musculature. It avoids dramatic limitation of movement whilst minimising the bone stock loss and risk of dislocation. The patient is delighted with the medium term results.

We describe seven cases of permanent neurological damage following interscalene block used in post-operative analgesia after operations at the shoulder. MRI, Nerve Conduction Studies and Quantitative assessments of function confirmed that in all there was infarction of the anterior spinal cord, resulting in a spinothalamic and corticospinal tract defect especially at segments C7, C8 and T1. We think that these lesions were caused by injury to radicular arteries. Domisse has demonstrated the anatomy of the radicular vessels joining the anterior spinal artery to supply the anterior two thirds of the cord. They are branches of the vertebral, ascending cervical and deep cervical arteries which pass through the inter-vertebral foramina with the C7, C8 and T1 roots predominantly. Chakravorty has shown that radicular vessels contribute to the blood supply of the lower cervical cord. Injury to them can cause ischaemia, leading to Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome. We suggest tamponade of the radicular vessels by infusion of fluid under pressure deep to the prevertebral fascia as the main mechanism but neurotoxicity and vasospasm can be other possible explanations. In a second group there was an additional interference with the vertebral artery presenting with transient bulbar and cranial nerve symptoms. We had 2 patients with such combined lesions. Complications of interscalene blocks are well documented but most are reversible and transient. In our cases the damage has been permanent and disabling. The innervation of the gleno-humeral joint is largely through the 4th, 5th and 6th cervical nerves and we suggest more appropriate placing of the blockade should be adapted and use of this technique for post-operative analgesia should be abandoned

We classified fixed pelvic obliquity in patients after poliomyelitis into two major types according to the level of the pelvis relative to the short leg. Each type was then divided into four subtypes according to the direction and severity of the scoliosis.

In 46 patients with type-I deformity the pelvis was lower and in nine with type II it was higher on the short-leg side. Subtype-A deformity was a straight spine with a compensatory angulation at the lower lumbar level, mainly at L4-L5, subtype B was a mild scoliosis with the convexity to the short-leg side, subtype C was a mild scoliosis with the convexity opposite the short-leg side, and subtype D was a moderate to severe paralytic scoliosis with the convexity to the short-leg side in type I and to the opposite side in type II.

A combination of surgical procedures improved the obliquity in most patients. These included lumbodorsal fasciotomy, abductor fasciotomy and stabilisation of the hip by triple innominate osteotomy with or without transiliac lengthening. In patients with type ID or type IID appropriate spinal fusion was usually necessary.

1. The results of posterior spinal fusion for paralytic scoliosis in 118 patients have been reviewed after growth had finished. The criteria for skeletal maturity were both clinical and radiological, with emphasis on ossification of the iliac apophyses.

2. The age of onset of anterior poliomyelitis and the age at which scoliosis was first noticed, as well as the extent of the muscle weakness and the curve patterns, all have a bearing on the severity of the deformity and the indication for operative treatment.

3. The method of treatment including operation is described and the complications detailed. The use of a tibial strut has now been abandoned and Harrington instrumentation has become routine.

4. There were five deaths in the series, three early and two late.

5. The difference in height, changes in respiratory function and eventual functional capacity have been analysed.

1. Methods of correcting flexion contractures of the knee following poliomyelitis fail if posterior subluxation of the tibia is allowed to occur.

2. Careful serial manipulations will give straight, congruous joints in younger patients. Posterior capsulotomy does not facilitate correction.

3. Supracondylar femoral osteotomy is indicated in children over fifteen and in adults, although sometimes arthrodesis of the knee is necessary.