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.

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.