1. The operation of pseudarthrosis of the hip joint is described and the results are assessed in ninety-three patients. 2. The result was good in eighty-three cases and poor in seven cases. Three patients died as a result of the operation. 3. Pseudarthrosis is the most satisfactory and the most reliable operation: 1) in ankvlosing spondylitis, and 2) in patients over sixty years of age with disabling osteoarthritis. 4. The more formidable operation of cup arthoplasty may prove to be superior in younger patients with osteoarthritis

Introduction: Spine fractures are common manifestation of osteoporosis. After an acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture pain persisting even after 3 months and clinical tenderness should raise the suspicion of pseudarthrosis. Pseudarthrosis is not a rare complication of a benign osteoporotic vertebral collapse occurs in about 10% of cases after an acute collapse. Treatment plan needs to be individualized. Cement augmentation procedures such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty can be performed in the absence of neurological deficit, whereas decompression and stabilization is necessary in presence of neurological deficit. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: 31 patients who were diagnosed to have an acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were managed conservatively. Pain persisting after 3 months and clinical tenderness in 5 patients prompted further investigation, revealing pseudarthrosis. None of them had neurological deficit. Imaging of two patients revealed vacuum sign with intravertebral cleft on plain radiographs and on MRI. All of them were at the Dor-solumbar junction and of crush typeof VCF. Results: The incidence of pseudoarthrosis after an oste-porotic VCF was found to be 16.12%. One patient was treated with kyphoplasty, one with vertebroplasty with good pain relief and restoration of functional ability, and rest three are awaiting kyphoplasty. Conclusion: High suspicion of pseudarthrosis is to be kept in mind as it is not an uncommon complication of benign osteoporotic collapse. Vertebral augmentation procedures such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are promising procedures for treatment in absence of neurological deficit

PURPOSE. To report the experience and evolution of treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia in a single surgeon, consecutive series of 19 patients. METHODS. A retrospective case series review, with radiological assessment and functional outcome scores including the Activity Scale for Kids (ASK) and the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ) Child & Teenager version. Patients were classified as per Boyd & Andersen. Alteration in the Tibial mechanical axis was compared pre-treatment and at last review. RESULTS. The average follow up from presentation was 6.3 years, 7 patients had reached skeletal maturity. Union was obtained in 79% at the time of review with a mean time to union of an established pseudarthrosis of 15.2 months. 9 of 19 had an established diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis. 8 had a frank pseudarthrosis at presentation, 2 of which were present at birth. There were 3 re-fractures following treatment. One of the 19 required amputation after failed surgical treatment. Each patient had an average of 2.4 surgical procedures. 14 patients had either fixed or elongating rods, 10 had Ilizarov treatment. 2 have outstanding surgery planned. CONCLUSIONS. A philosophy of treatment has evolved which produces acceptable results. Splintage is used for antero-lateral bowing with corrective osteotomies and rodding, without extensive bone or periosteal resection, for significant or progressive deformity or fracture. Ilizarov treatment is used for recalcitrant cases over the age of 6 years. The technique has evolved over time to include bone graft wraps and the use of Bone Morphogenic protein in combination with the Ilizarov technique. Patients have below population and age matched average scores for both the ASK and OAFQ

Supraglenoidal dislocation of the humerus is uncommon. The anatomical findings in a bilateral example in which efficient pseudarthrosis had developed are described, and the probable evolution of the lesion is discussed.

1. Thirty-three cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle are presented.

2. The lesions all occurred in the right clavicle and are thought to be due to abnormal intrauterine development rather than non-union of birth fractures.

3. Methods of treatment are reviewed. Excision and bone grafting is favoured.

1. Thirteen cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle conforming to the classical picture are presented, together with five cases of pseudarthrosis occurring for various other reasons, and nine cases of congenital pseudarthrosis that form a special group because there was a strong family history.

2. Treatment, if desired by the patient, is easy, but should be deferred until the age of four or five years.

3. The etiology remains obscure. Our embryological study does not support the theory that the clavicle normally develops from two ossification centres that may fail to coalesce. Although in thirteen of our patients there was no family history of pseudarthrosis, there was another group of nine patients who presented a strong family history, and it seems certain that in some instances congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle can be transmitted genetically.

1. Three cases of infantile pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated successfully by delayed autogenous by-pass graft are reported.

2. The delayed autogenous graft is stouter, stronger and more easily handled and has enhanced osteogenic properties than a graft transferred immediately.

3. The by-pass graft commends itself, firstly, because it does not disturb the pseudarthrosis, which in consequence helps the immobilisation of the graft; secondly, because it is well embedded in healthy bone above and below, well away from the abnormal bone; thirdly, because it lies under compression and, ideally, is vertically disposed between the knee and the ankle; and fourthly, because there is no devitalising stripping of periosteum or introduction of foreign bodies.

4. Support to the grafted leg is needed for at least five years, but only by a polythene splint after four to six months.

5. With early grafting the deformity straightens out and shortening is overcome, as there is early return to normal use of the limb.

6. Prolonged follow-up is called for lest the basic lesion in the tibia should extend.

7. Fibrous dysplasia and similar fibrous lesions of bone account for many cases of infantile pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Many of these lesions are congenital and subsequently lead to fracture.

8. Postponement of surgery should not be countenanced.

1. Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is described.

2. The distinction from cranio-cleido-dysostosis and from birth fracture is stressed.

3. Details are given of two patients reported in the literature and a further nine patients are described.

4. The embryology, natural history and treatment of the condition are discussed.

1. The results of the by-pass grafting operation in eleven cases of pseudarthrosis of the tibia in childhood are presented.

2. The operation was successful in securing sound bone union in nine cases, and unsuccessful in two.

3. The causes of failure in the two unsuccessful cases are analysed.

4. The possible causes of occurrence and persistence of tibial pseudarthrosis in childhood are discussed.

5. It is suggested that the pseudarthrosis results from a fatigue fracture of a congenitally abnormal tibia, but that its persistence depends entirely on mechanical factors.

6. There is evidence to suggest that the underlying congenital abnormality may arise from dysplasia of the mesenchyme.

CPT is a uniquely difficult condition, often associated with Neurofibromatosis (NF1), where bone healing is compromised. Although rare, the severity of this condition and the multiple procedures often entailed in treating it, warrant research attention. As study material is limited, animal models of the disorder are desirable for testing new treatments.

We sought to create a model of CPT where both copies of the NF1 gene were ablated at the fracture site, as has been found in some clinical specimens. NF1 floxed mice had fracture surgery; both closed fracture and open osteotomy were performed. Either a Cre- or control GFP-adenovirus was injected into the fracture site at day zero. Recombination was confirmed in ZAP reporter mice. Additionally, cell culture studies were used to examine the possible responses of NF1+/+ (wild type) NF1+/− or NF1−/− to drugs which may rescue the dysregulated Ras/MAPK pathway in NF1.

In closed fractures, radiographic bridging was 100% in NF1+/+ calluses and <40% in NF1−/− calluses (P<0.05). In open fractures, radiographic bridging was 75% in NF1+/+ calluses and <30% in NF1−/− calluses (P<0.05). In both fracture repair models the NF1−/− state was associated with a significant up to 15-fold increase in fibrotic tissue invading the callus by week 3. In NF1−/− fractures, large numbers of TRAP+ cells were observed histologically in the fibrotic tissue. Closed fractures also showed a significant increase in BRDU labelled proliferating cells in the callus. In cell culture models of NF1 deficient osteogenesis, NF1−/− progenitors were found to be significantly impaired in their capacity to form a calcified matrix as measured by Alizarin Red S staining and osteogenic markers (Runx2, Osteocalcin, Alp expression). However, when differentiated calvarial NF1 floxed osteoblasts were treated with Cre adenovirus, mineralization was not affected, suggesting that NF1 impacts on osteogenic differentiation rather than mature cell function. Treatment with MEK inhibitor PD0325901 was found to rescue the NF1−/− progenitor differentiation phenotype and permit robust mineralization. Treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 was also able to improve ALP activity and mineralization in NF1+/− osteoprogenitors compared to control cells.

This model of NF1 −/− induction at a fracture or osteotomy site closely replicates the clinical condition of CPT, with lack of bone healing and fibrous tissue invasion. Underlying defects in bone cell differentiation in NF1 deficiencies can be at least partially rescued by JNK and MEK inhibitors.

1. The cases of four children who presented with bowing or pseudarthrosis of the fibula only, are described.

2. There is a gradation in the severity and significance of this condition. There may be fibular bowing without fibular pseudarthrosis; fibular pseudarthrosis without ankle deformity; fibular pseudarthrosis with deformity but without the late development of tibial pseudarthrosis; or fibular pseudarthrosis with the late development of tibial pseudarthrosis.

3. Proper management is dependent on a knowledge of this range of conditions.

The problem of retained drain fragments is a well known but under reported complication in the literature.

The authors present the case of a 66 years old male, who suffered a right distal humerus fracture luxation six years ago that was treated conservatively. He went to the emergency service with fever and right elbow purulent drainage.

Physical examination showed deformity, swelling and fluctuation of the right elbow with purulent drainage through cutaneous fistula. The x-ray showed instable inveterate pseudarthrosis of the distal humerus. Leucocytosis and neutrophylia with increased CRP were presente in the blood tests and the patient started empiric treatment with Ceftiaxone IV. A MRSA was isolated in cultural exam of the exsudate, and a six weeks treatment with Vancomycin IV was iniciated.

Exhaustive surgical cleaning was performed and two plastic foreing bodies (fragmented drains) were removed.

At the time of discharge the patient was afebrile, with normal analytical parameters and negative culture tests.

The orthopaedic surgeon should considerate the presence of a foreign body in patients with infected abcess and traumatic or surgery previous history.

Three or more years after completion of treatment, we re-examined 16 patients with orthopaedic problems associated with neurofibromatosis I (NF-I) who were treated at our institution between 1976 and 1999. Seven boys and five girls between the ages of 5 and 15 years presented with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). All had undergone previous surgery elsewhere.

The patients had typical skin lesions and the associated radiological appearances of pseudarthrosis of the tibia. There were two cystic types of CPT, five hourglass and five normotrophic types, mostly at the level of the distal third of the tibia. Primary consolidation of the CPT was not obtained in any patient. Three patients underwent below-knee amputation after multiple surgical procedures. Eight had consolidations of the pseudarthrosis after multiple operations, but all had residual deformities and/or shortening. One patient remained with a non-consolidation. The surgical procedures included intramedullary rodding with or without bone grafting, fibular bypass grafting, Soffield turn-about rodding, electrical stimulation, and, in patients seen since 1989, various Ilizarov techniques including lengthening and bone transport.

Our results suggest that the best treatment of this perplexing paediatric orthopaedic problem remains undetermined. Considerations for the selection of treatment include the pathologic anatomic pattern of NF-I and the patient’s age and expectations. A National Orthopaedic Neurofibromatosis Register will be useful in the decision-making process.

Presenters Position:

Fourteen cases of pseudarthrosis of the tibia in childhood presented at a hospital in Burma over a period of eight years. The ages of the patients ranged from one month to seventeen years. Nine were treated by a pointed graft driven into the medullary cavity of the distal tibia, and usually across the ankle joint into the body of the talus, before fixation to the proximal tibia. In six of the nine union was secured, but one case required a second grafting. Transarticular segments of graft showed a marked tendency to undergo absorption. No significant deformity was observed to follow central penetration of the growth plate and epiphysis of the lower tibia.

1. The danger of fracture and subsequent pseudarthrosis in congenital anterior bowing of the tibia is emphasised. The fate of seven such patients is described.

2. With the object of preventing fracture, early and urgent bone grafting is advocated.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective procedure for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, spinal metastasis and other pathologic spinal diseases. However, there has been no mention in the relevant literature of the use of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of spinal pseudarthrosis in ankylosing sponyloarthritis. A 58-year-old male with a long standing ankylosing spondylitis presented with increasing, intolerable and non-intractable back pain. There was a 16- month-old history of a non-significant minor fall. Various radiological imaging technicques showed spinal pseudarthrosis with extensive discovertebral destruction and fracture of the posterior elements at the level T11–T12. Under local anaesthesia, and through a transpedicular approach with the guidance of CT, the cannula of a large bore needle was introduced into the level of spinal pseudarthrosis. Bone cement was then instilled into the affected spinal level. Results were documented by spiral CT and with sagittal reconstructions. Extraosseous cement leakage was seen at the puncture site of the vertebra and in the epidural veins and the paravertebral vessels. However, the patient did not present any immediate or late neurological and systemic complications. Percutaneous vertebroplasty of spinal pseudarthrosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is an effective procedure for stabilization of the affected spine segments and pain management.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia remains difficult to treat. With variable success, children are subjected to many surgical procedures. We review our experience using titanium elastic nails in this condition.

We have treated 10 patients, six boys and four girls. Five had associated neurofibromatosis and pseudarthrosis of the fibula. In seven children, a mean of four previous operations had been done. The mean follow-up time was 4 years.

In our patients, union occurred at a mean of 18 weeks, with a mean limb length discrepancy of 3 cm. The range of movement in the knee and ankle was good.

Our early results are encouraging.

Introduction: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the treatment using the technique of dual cortical graft.

Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients (13 boys, 8 girls, age 3–8 years) were treated in period 1996–2008 in our institution. In seventeen patients, dual cortical graft harvested from tibia of parents was used for reconstruction of pseudarthrosis. NF type I was the cause of pseudarthrosis in 13 patients. After resection of the hamartomatous fibrous tissue, sclerotic bone ends and periosteum and reduction of angulations, the cortical grafts are placed on lateral and medial side of the tibia and are fixed thru the tibia proximally and distally with conventional screws. Cast immobilization follows for 9–12 weeks. In concomitant fibular pseudarthrosis, intra-medullary fixation and cancelous bone grafting treat the pseudarthrosis. In 11 patients, this technique represented the 1st surgical procedure, whereas in 6 cases (including 2 failed vascularised fibular transfers), 1–15 previous surgical procedures were used in treatment. Further surgical procedures followed for correction of the leg length discrepancy and deformity of the ankle.

Results: The fusion of non-union was achieved in 16 patients. 12 patients reached skeletal maturity (59%) whereas 4 patients (24%) did not finished the growth and are still in treatment. 10 patients use the protection brace and intramedullar nail was used in 2 patients to prevent refracture. One patient refused further treatment and amputation followed in another institution. Concerning functional outcome, 14 patients walk unlimited, 2 patients walk more then 1 hour and 1 patient walks less then 1 hour. 13 patients did not use the walking aid, 2 patients use 1 cane a 2 patients the crutches. The complication rate of this method is similar to the other methods, mainly due to the refractures. Only in one patient, the pseudarthrosis primarily fused after single procedure. In 3 patients, second procedure was necessary. In remaining 12 patients, 3–6 further surgical procedures were used for the healing of pseudarthrosis due the delayed-union of grafts or refracture of the tibia. In these cases, cancelous bone grafting and various techniques of fixation were used to achieve the union.

Discussion: and conclusion: The results of the dual cortical grafting technique are comparable to other effective methods like Ilizarov method and the method is useful also after previous failed procedures. The complication rate is similar to other methods. The prevention of the refracture by bracing or rodding is recommended in all patients. This surgical procedure should be delayed until 4 years of age.

Significance: The method of dual cortical grafting represents still effective method of treatment of CPT.

Aim: This retrospective study presents the results of humeral pseudarthrosis management, in our clinic, during the period 1997–2002.

Material: 21 patients with humeral pseudarthrosis were treated during this period. 7 were men, with an average age of 48, 6 (range 22–63) and 14 were women, with an average age of 63, 3 (range 42–80). The initial treatment in 19 cases was conservative and in 2 cases surgical (internal fixation with plate – screws or intramedullary nailing). The average time of the humeral pseudarthrosis management was 5,9 months (4–10 months).3 pseudarthrosis were oligotrophic and 18 atrophic.

Method: All patients underwent an open reduction, internal fixation and bone grafting (autografts and/or allografts).In humeral shaft pseudarthrosis a wide plate was applied, while in superior humeral metaphysis pseudarthrosis, a T-plate. In all cases impaction of the fracture edges was achieved.

Results: The average follow-up was 40,2 months (range 4–68 months).Union was achieved in all cases in an average of 2,8 months (range 2–8 months). Direct postoperative mobilisation and physical therapy was applied in 20 cases and only in 1 case a “Sarmiento” splint was applied for 3 weeks. In 2 cases a postoperative haematoma presented. In 1 case a pre-existed paresis of the radial nerve after the initial treatment of the fracture with internal fixation, came back 3 months after the management of pseudarthrosis and the release of the nerve. All patients’ revealed good functional rehabilitation, about 85–90% compared with the normal arm. Arm shortening in no case was greater than 2 cm.

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice in the management of the humeral pseudarthrosis. The impaction of the fracture edges into each other strengthens significantly the stability of the fracture and promotes union.

Purpose of the study: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is rare, only 200 cases having been reported. Based on 25 personal cases and an overview of the literature, we try to explain the etiology of this condition and the different kinds of treatment.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on twenty-five children (16 females, 9 males, mean age at the end of the follow up – 11.5 yrs) from three different centers. We assessed the outcome of surgical and nonsurgical procedures, based on pain, functional ability, cosmetic results, and x-ray examination.

Results: A family background was noted in three children. The lesion always involved the right side. Twenty patients presented a bump over the middle third of the clavicle, thirteen a foreshortened shoulder girdle, three complained of discomfort. In two cases, palpation of the clavicular area was painful. No neurovascular compressive syndrome was reported. None of the patients complained of a decrease in the range of motion or in the strength of the upper limb. X-rays showed a middle third defect. In five cases we found abnormal first ribs.

Seventeen patients underwent surgery, at a mean age of 6 years and 4 months. The procedure always included excision of the pseudarthrosis at both ends and internal fixation with a wire or a plate. In only eight cases a bone graft was used. Healing was achieved in fourteen patients. Three patients needed a second surgical procedure. In these 3 cases we had not used bone grafting. All patients had a normal range of shoulder motion, except a twelve year old girl who complained of discomfort of the right upper limb. The cosmetic result was good in eleven cases, one surgical wound was noted as hypertrophic, and one developed a keloid. An asymmetry of the trunk was still noted in seven cases. The x-rays showed symmetric clavicles in ten cases.

Eight patients were treated conservatively. All of them had a normal range of motion of the shoulder, six had a good cosmetic result and two cases a poor one.

Discussion

According to Alldred, the anomaly results from the failed coalescence of the two primary ossification centers of the clavicle. The overview of the literature and our findings (in one case) confirm that the cartilage which covers both ends of the bone is made of growth cartilage. However, the true mechanism of the nonunion is still unknown. The three familial cases of our work suggest a possible genetic transmission of the disease.

The diagnosis is based on the following criteria: right side lesion, found in infancy, without previous fracture, increasing size with growth, without major functional consequences, without neurofibromatosis or cleidocranial dysostosis symptom. X-rays or histologic examination will confirm the diagnosis showing the usual findings described above.

Complications of the pseudarthrosis of the clavicle are rare and late. Conservative management appears to give good results as seen with our eight patients. However surgical treatment ensures symmetrical shoulder girdles and good function with few complications. Therefore, we recommend performing an excision of the cartilaginous caps, followed by an iliac bone graft and an internal fixation with wire. Surgical management will be preferred in symptomatic patients, in the case of major or increasing deformity, or on parental request.

A 10-year-old boy who sustained a fracture through a cyst in the ulna later developed a pseudarthrosis. During 13 years' follow-up the characteristic short bowed forearm developed but, instead of the more usual spontaneous dislocation of the head of the radius, the patient also developed the previously unreported complication of osteoarthritis of the elbow.

The cause of pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is obscure. Right-sidedness is an almost constant feature. We have proposed that the lesion is sometimes due to pressure upon the developing clavicle by the subclavian artery which is normally at a higher level on the right side. This may be accentuated in the presence of cervical ribs or unduly elevated first ribs, both of which we have observed in association with pseudarthrosis. We have also noted pseudarthrosis on the left side in association with dextrocardia (when the relative positions of the subclavian arteries are reversed) and in the presence of a large left cervical rib.

We have speculated upon the nature of the clavicular defect in cranio-cleido dysostosis, in which disorder the first ribs are habitually elevated. A similar mechanism may be involved.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare but well recognised condition. Obtaining union of the pseudarthrosis in these children is often difficult and may require several surgical procedures. The treatment has changed significantly since the review by Hardinge in 1972, but controversies continue as to the best form of surgical treatment. This paper reviews these controversies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1027–34.

We have performed simple bone grafting in four elderly patients with pain due to unstable pseudarthroses in the osteoporotic spine after compression fracture.

At operation, we observed abnormal movement of the affected vertebral body which was covered with a hypertrophic membrane; this seemed to inhibit the blood supply to the lesion. The thick membrane and avascular granulation in the false joint were excised and bone grafting carried out. Symptoms were dramatically improved immediately after operation and bony union was confirmed in the three surviving patients.

Dysfunction of the distal radio-ulnar joint caused by traumatic, congenital and inflammatory onditions is usually treated by excision of the head of the ulna. This operation can induce ulnar carpal shift, with complications such as instability with poor grip, pain and clumsiness of the wrist, if the lower articular surface of the radius is normally inclined, or overinclined towards the ulna.

These complications can be avoided by use of an operation producing pseudarthrosis of the distal part of the ulna, with fusion of the radio-ulnar joint (Lauenstein) if there is dislocation, radio-ulnar discrepancy or arthritis, or without fusion (Baldwin) if the joint, in spite of keeping normal articular surfaces, has its movement blocked by malunion of a radial fracture.

1. A case of congenital bowing of the tibia is described in which pseudarthrosis developed and recurred after nine operations performed by the age of ten years.

2. Union was finally secured by a procedure based on deep impaction of the trimmed upper fragment into the reamed-out lower fragment. This was followed by a Boyd type of partial amputation of the foot with calcaneo-tibial arthrodesis.

3. The end-bearing stump four years later is entirely satisfactory and the simple prosthesis gives equality of leg lengths.

The “Zemel technique” for scaphoid pseudarthrosis without major carpal collpse is a modification of the Matti-Russe procedure, using only cancelous bone graft and 2 Kirchner wires for fixation – these are introduced under direct vision after a large curetage of the pseudarthrosis, then partially withdrawn and reintroduced after tight local cancelous bone packing.

We used it in 51 cases, obtaining bone union in 48. In 9 patients bone, union was not certain after 12 weeks of plaster and K wires were replaced by a screw with no further immobilization, but we still had 3 nonunions.

This procedure, technically easy to perform and using current orthopaedic material, seems a good alternative to non-angulated pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid, except of its proximal pole.

This paper reviews the outcome of 13 children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia after intramedullary rodding and autogenous bone grafting.

The oldest patient was aged nine years at the time of surgery. The ages of the others ranged from 12 to 24 months. The oldest patient at follow-up was 18 years.

All 13 had bone defect and angulation. Ten children had clinical features of neurofibromatosis. Ten had pseudarthrosis involving the distal third of the tibia, two the middle third and one the proximal third. Autogenous iliac crest chips were used following excision of fibrous tissue and dense and atrophic bone. Rodding was done across the ankle joint in 10 patients. Postoperatively an above-knee cast was applied for 6 to 12 months, after which an above-knee brace was used to protect the rodding.

At follow-up, which ranged from 10 months to 16 years after surgery, all patients were fully weight-bearing and ambulant. Three patients were lost to follow-up after 2 to 4 years. Complications included refracture and rod breakage (two), rod migration (three), and growth retardation with shortening of up to 5 cm. Ten patients had ankle and subtalar joint stiffness and two had valgus deformities of the ankle. Three patients underwent repeat rodding and bone grafting. Radiological union was observed to be progressing in all patients.

Intramedullary rodding of the tibia for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is a simple procedure and can be repeated. It avoids prolonged hospital stay and permits early weight-bearing. Careful supervision is necessary, and until there are signs of good bony union, external support is mandatory.

Aim

To determine the preferable treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, we retrospectively reviewed 19 patients (20 limbs) treated consecutively over a 22 year period (1988–2007). Fifteen were followed up to maturity. The patients were assessed for union, leg length discrepancy (LLD), ankle valgus, range of ankle movement and distal tibial physeal injury.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to to assess the surgical results, complications, and long-term results of vascularized fibula in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Methods: Seven patients who had congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were treated consecutively at our clinic between 1992 and 2000 with free vascularized fibular graft. There were four females and three males. The mean age at the time of operation averaged 6.5 years (range 1–12 years). Four left tibias and 3 right tibias were involved. Stability was maintained with internal fixation in four patients, external fixation in two patients and intramedullary pin in one patient. Results: The average follow-up was 2.6 years (range 6 months to 8 years). In five patients, both ends of the graft healed primarily within 2.7 months (range 1.5 to 3 months), and hypertrophy of the fibular graft occurred rapidly with a well-formed medullary canal. In one patient the distal junction did not unite and although required three subsequent operations still not healed. Stress fracture occurred in one patient underwent four additional operations before union achieved. Conclusions: Despiting the continuing problems and the relatively high complication rate, the ultimate results with free vascularized fibula transplant are generally good specially as compared with published series in whom conventional grafting techniques had failed. However, even achieving union of pseudarthrosis is not enough for the resolution of this disease and is only half of the problem; the other half is to maintaining

We report the long-term results of the Matti-Russe operation for pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid in 100 cases, reported previously by Mulder in 1968. Clinical results for 77 patients and radiographic data for 74 were reviewed at 22 to 34.8 years after surgery. In general, there was satisfactory relief of pain and stiffness but some patients had limitation of motion and reduced grip-strength, with usually slight osteoarthritic changes. There was poor correlation between subjective, objective, and radiographic results but 88% of the patients were satisfied with their results.

1. Operative treatment of scaphoid pseudarthrosis by the Matti-Russe method is a reliable procedure which in our series has given ninety-seven cases of bony union in a total of 100 operations.

2. We do not hesitate to advise operation for this condition as soon as it is discovered, except in cases with severe secondary osteoarthritis. Equally good results have been reported by Murray (1946) from a series of 100 cases treated with cortical grafts from the tibia (blind method) and by Agner (1963) from a series of twenty-four patients treated by Bentzon's operation (interposition of a pedicled soft-tissue flap).

3. In our opinion, Russe's open operation has great technical advantages over Murray's blind method.

4. We have no experience of Bentzon's operation, which seems attractive on account of its technical simplicity and as not more than two weeks' immobilisation in plaster after operation are needed.

5. It would be interesting to see Agner's results confirmed from other sources. It is true that many scaphoid pseudarthroses remain symptomless for years, as London (1961) has pointed out, but many of them sooner or later cause pain, and we do not agree with London's opinion that a few weeks of immobilisation will usually make the wrist painless.

6. Although severe osteoarthritis is very slow to develop in wrists with pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone it cannot be denied that these wrists are constantly threatened with suddenly developing pain and by progressive deterioration of function.

7. Therefore, early repair of pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone is advisable; it can be expected to save many wrists from progressive loss of function and from final development of severe degenerative change.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the lower limb is not uncommon, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 150,000.

In contrast, isolated congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula without tibial involvement is a very rare. There were only 11 cases of true isolated congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula described in the English literature till 1999. We describe 3 patients diagnosed and treated in our institution. The current management is also discussed, highlighting the unique treatment options in this rare condition.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the rate of pseudarthrosis and possible factors involving the healing of the fracture after interlocking nailing (ILMN) as treatment of femoral shaft fractures. We examined the type of the fractures, surgical pitfalls, complications, if the patients smoked cigarettes or tooled other medications and drugs. Methods: Between 1996–2001 we treated 165 patients who had 180 fractures of the femur shaft. In 4 out of our patients primary have treated using interlocking intramedullary nailing we occurred pseud-arthrosis. We have use AO nail in 3 patients and R-T nail in one patient. After the removal of primary nailing þxation components all patients treated with ILMN wider nail and autogenous bone grafting. The preferred method of stabilization is reamed interlocking intra-medullary nailing using AO Nail. Results: Radiological callus formation was apparent in all patients after a period of 18 to 26 weeks (average time 20w). Serious complications were not observed Stiffness of the knee joint was noted in one and pain in distal metaphysis in two cases. Conclusions: The sort-term results have been more than encouraging. We recommend the reaming technique and the dynamization of the nail for optimal outcome. Bone grafting is necessary according to our opinion. Several factors involved the healing of the femoral shaft fracture, after interlocking intramedullary nailing as primary treatment.

We evaluated the clinical outcome of IM nailing for the treatment of femoral shaft pseudarthrosis in patients who had multiple failed plate osteosyntheses. From January 2000 untill April 2001, 20 (19 male-1 female, mean age 28) patients were treated because of femoral shaft non-union in our institution. All patients had two or more failed plate osteosyntheses. There were no septic non-unions in this group. Eight patients had an established non-union on an average of nine months post-op and the remaining eleven had radiological and clinical evidence of implant failure. There was no segmental bone loss, hi all patients the implants were removed and nailing was performed. Extensive periosteal stripping, bone necrosis and soft-tissue scaring were constant findings in all patients. Twelve patients received interlocking nails. Eight femurs were grafted with iliac crest bone graft. All patients were followed by serial x-rays until union.

There were no postoperative complications. All pseudarthroses were healed within an average of 9.7 months (8–12). Non-unions which received bone graft (eight out of twenty) in day one, were healed faster than those which didn’t. There were no re-operations among these patients. Among the remaining ten patients five were grafted five to six months postoperatively and three had had nail dynamization.

IM nailing for femoral shaft non-unions after multiple failed plate osteosyntheses is a safe and effective method of treatment. Autologous bone graft reduces healing time and re-operation rate.

We present a case of a 19-year-old white female patient with neurofibromatosis type I who, 10 years ago, underwent free vascularized fibular grafting for isolated congenital pseudarthrosis of her left radius.

An external fixator was applied for gradual distraction and correction of the deformity of the pseudarthrosic site for five weeks. Wide resection of pseudarthrosis with surrounding fibrotic and thick scar tissue and bridging of the gap with a free vascularized fibular graft followed. Four months postoperatively, union was established in both graft ends. At the last follow-up, 10 years postoperatively, the patient has excellent function with full wrist flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination.

Free vascularized fibula transfer is considered the treatment of choice for congenital radial pseudarthrosis. It allows complete excision of the pathologic tissue and covering of the gap in one operation. Due to the vascularity of the free vascularized fibular graft both sides of fibula unite easily with no additional intervention.

Our aim is to study the epidemiology of delayed union and pseudarthrosis of femoral fractures which were treated in our clinic with intramedullary nailing technique and simultaneously to speculate for the application of the method and for the reasons which might guide to these complications.

During a 36 month-period, from 1999 to 2001, 46 patients suffering femoral shaft fractures were treated in our clinic. They were 43 men and 3 women and their average age was 22.8 years. Twenty-eight fractures were in the right leg and 18 in the left. All patients underwent primary closed intramedullary locked nailing with AO type of nail, except 4 patients who also suffered a unilateral intertrochanteric fracture and were treated with AO-PFN nail. Reaming was done in 33 cases. No condition or disease able to inhibit fracture healing was observed. All patients were operated in the first three days after submission by the same team of surgeons. Thirty patients underwent static intranaedullary locked nailing and the rest dynamic from the beginning.

The average time of post-operative follow up, clinical and radiological, was seven months. Thirty-three fractures were healed successfully in six months (mean: 4.2 months). In 10 cases delayed union was observed (mean: 7.2 months) and in the rest three pseudarthrosis. The last group underwent revision of the intramedullary nailing with an AO nail of greater diameter. Reasons for delayed union (21, 74%) and pseudarthrosis (6, 52%) are considered: a)soft tissues enclosed between the bony segments, b)lated nail dynamization, c)factors concerning the technique.

Undoubtfully, closed intramedullary locked nailing is the method of choice for the surgical treatment of femoral fractures. However, fracture healing sometimes exceeds the usual period of 4–6 months. Unfortunately, whereas infrequently, the surgeon also faces pseudarthrosis which is a difficult to solve problem.

It is generally accepted that children treated for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) should be followed-up until skeletal maturity, before drawing conclusions about the efficacy of treatment. We undertook this study in order to evaluate the long-term results of treatment of CPT by excision of the pseudarthrosis, intramedullary rodding and onlay cortical bone grafting.

Among a total of 46 children with CPT treated by a single surgeon during a 20-year period, 38 had been treated by this technique and 11 of these children have reached skeletal maturity. These eleven cases (nine boys and two girls) formed the basis for this study.

The mean age at presentation was 3.1 years (range 0.4–7 years); the mean age at index surgery was 3.2 years (range 0.7–7 years). The mean age at follow-up was 18.4 years (range 16–21.6 years) with a mean interval between surgery and final follow-up of 15.2 years (range 12.8–17.4 years).

In all 11 children bone graft was harvested from the contralateral tibial diaphysis. Rods passed from the heel were used in nine children and in two Sheffield telescopic rods were passed from the ankle into the tibia. The fibula was divided in three children to ensure that the tibial fragments were in good contact before placing the graft astride them; the fibula was not touched in the remaining eight instances. To ensure that the intramedullary rod supported the pseudarthrosis site till skeletal maturity, revision rodding was performed as needed when the tip of the rod receded into the distal third. A thermoplastic clamshell orthosis was used till skeletal maturity.

At final follow-up the union at the pseudarthrosis site was deemed to be ‘sound’ only if two independent observers concurred that there was definite bony continuity of the cortices on both the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Deformities of the tibia and ankle and ranges of motion of the knee, ankle and subtalar joints were noted. The limb lengths were measured with scanograms. The morbidity at the bone graft donor site was recorded. The function of the ankle was assessed by applying the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hind foot Score.

Primary union of the tibial pseudarthrosis was achieved in nine of 11 cases with a mean time to union of 6.1 months. Secondary union was achieved in the remaining two cases following further intervention. At final follow-up sound union of the tibial pseudarthrosis was noted in all eleven patients but persistent pseudarthrosis of the fibula was present in 10 of 11 cases. The lateral malleolus was proximally situated in six cases.

Ten of eleven children underwent a total of 21 secondary operations on an average of 2.6 years (range 0.5–5.1 years) after initial union was achieved. Six re-fractures were encountered in five patients at a mean of 6.1 years after index surgery. All the re-fractures united following the single episode of intervention. The overall mean shortening at final follow-up was 2.6 cm. At final follow-up, five patients had ankle valgus greater than 10 degrees. All the 11 patients walked without pain. Only two patients had significant motion at the ankle. Despite the ankle stiffness in the remaining children the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores ranged between 70 and 98 (mean 83.3).

Our long-term results are comparable to the results of other studies in terms of the rate of union, the re-fracture rate, limb length discrepancy, residual deformity and the frequency of surgery.

Introduction: Implant loosening/pseudartrhosis after THR/TKR with large femoral bone defects is associated with pain and immobilization in a wheelchair. In these cases a total femur replacement (Combined total hip and knee replacement connected with an intramedullary rod) can be a therapeutic procedure as known from tumor surgery. We describe this technique and results with in a case serie of patients.

Study Type: Monocentric prospective case serie

Patients and Methods: All patients who had a total femur replacement were followed regularly after 3, 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years. The follow up was documented with clinical examination, x-rays and validated questionnaires. Indications were loosening after stem revisions (THR), pseudarthrosis and loosening of femoral component after TKR, pseudarthrosis and instability after THR and fracture.

For every case the implants were planned with a total leg x-ray and manufactured (Link). The implants were removed and the knee and hip joint prepared. The approach was performed with two incisions (knee, hip) to reduce the invasivity. The implantation started with the knee implants connected with the intramedullary rod and was finished with the hip implants. Postoperative weight bearing was following pain.

Results: Included were 5 cases of total femur replacement in 4 patients (three women, age from 54 to 69) with a follow up between 12 to 94 months, average 3.5 years. Three cases with stem loosening after THR and revisions before, one case with loosening and pseudarthrosis after TKR, one with pseudarthrosis and instability after THR with femur fracture. Every patient had 2–4 interventions of the affected joint before.

The pain diminuished significant in all patients in the questionnaires and the pain medication could be reduced substantially. All patients gained mobility already three months after the procedure, every patient could walk with crutches. No patients needed to be reoperated in the follow-up period. Every patient could keep the mobility over the the follow-up time. Two patients reported some pain in the knee. Radiologically the defects of the femur were partially consolidated and we could not see further bone loss.

Conclusion: Total femur replacement can be used also in selected patients with large bone defects after arthroplasty (THR/TKN) and loosening or pseudarthrosis. The patients profit from the reduction of pain and the gain in mobility.

Introduction: It has long been recognised that static plain x-rays are a sub-optimal method for the assessment of lumbar fusion. Blumenthal and Gil showed that radiographic assessment of fusion corresponded with operative findings only 69% of the time. Santos et al suggest that both plain x-rays and flexion/extension x-rays overestimate the fusion rate when compared to helical computed tomography (CT). To date there has been no correlation of CT assessment of fusion with surgical exploration. In this study we present an animal model of lumbar spine pseudarthrosis and compare three imaging modalities with micro-cut CT scanning and cadaveric assessment.

Methods: Approval was gained from the QUT animal ethics committee. Eleven mixed bred ewes were assigned to either a fusion group or an intentional pseudarthrosis (IP) group. A dorsal approach to the facet joints of L2/3 was made. The facet joints were destabilised by resecting the articulating surfaces with a rongeur. In the fusion group, the spinous processes of the destabilised segment were wired tightly together and a bone graft harvested from the iliac crest was placed into the joint space. In the IP group the bone graft bed was prepared similarly except that a small proportion of the articulating surface was left intact and a 1.0 cm2 roll of oxidised cellulose was placed into the facet joint space bilaterally. In the IP group the spinous processes were wired around an interspinous spacer which was later removed to create a similar degree of laxity in the fixation of each of the IP specimens. The animals were sacrificed at 6 months and static and dynamic lateral radiographs obtained. The spine was removed en bloc, and high speed fine cut (2mm) CT Scanning performed. The specimens were individually assessed for fusion by micro-cut CT scanning. Eight independent, blinded orthopaedic surgeons, were asked whether they considered the spine to be fused based on

plain x-ray

These results were correlated with a fusion rate based on the micro CT. The specificity and sensitivity of these radiological measures in diagnosing pseudarthrosis and inter-rater reliability using Fleiss’ Kappa scores for each method were calculated.

Results: For assessing pseudarthrosis identified by microCT the plain film sensitivity was 0.41 and the specificity was 0.47. For assessing pseudarthrosis with plain and flexion extension xrays the sensitivity was 0.55 and the specificity was 0.33. For assessing pseudarthrosis with plain flexion extension xrays and CT the sensitivity was 0.81 and the specificity was 0.88. The Kappa score for plain films was 0.15, for flexion extension was 0.07 and CT was 0.54.

Discussion: This study suggests that plain radiographs and flexion extension radiographs are an unreliable measure of posterior lumbar fusion. The current clinical gold standard for assessment of fusion (CT) was able to correctly identify non-union in 80% of cases. Whilst no alternatives to structural assessment of the fusion mass with CT currently exist it is important to recognise the limitations of this technique.

Background: Recombinant bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are potent bone anabolic agents suggested for the treatment of orthopaedic complications associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), in particular, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. We have explored the effect of Nf1 haploinsufficiency on ex vivo and in vivo models of BMP-induced bone formation in Nf1+/− mice.

Methods: Using an Nf1+/− knockout mouse model, we expanded primary cell cultures from calvarial and long bone osteoblasts and measured osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and mineralization using Alizarin Red staining, and the responses of these markers to BMP-2 treatment. We also developed an in vivo muscle pouch heterotopic ossification model to assess the ability of BMP-2 to form bone.

Results: Primary osteoblast cultures from Nf1+/− mice showed reduced ALP staining, ALP activity and mineralization, denoting an anabolic deficiency. Nf1+/− osteoblasts responded to BMP-2 treatment, although osteogenic markers were reduced compared to BMP-2 treated Nf1+/+osteoblasts. Heterotopic bone was induced in both genotypes by surgically implanting BMP-2, however less bone was formed in Nf1+/− mice than Nf1+/+ controls.

Conclusion: These data indicate that BMP therapies have potential utility in treating orthopaedic defects in children with NF1, but that dosing may need to be optimized for this patient subgroup or that catabolism may need to be also controlled.

Introduction and Objective. Posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, TLIF) represent the most popular techniques in performing an interbody fusion amongst spine surgeons. Pseudarthrosis, cage migration, subsidence or infection can occur, with subsequent failed surgery, persistent pain and patient’ bad quality of life. The goal of revision fusion surgery is to correct any previous technical errors avoiding surgical complications. The most safe and effective way is to choose a naive approach to the disc. Therefore, the anterior approach represents a suitable technique as a salvage operation. The aim of this study is to underline the technical advantages of the anterior retroperitoneal approach as a salvage procedure in failed PLIF/TLIF analyzing a series of 32 consecutive patients. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients’ data in patients who underwent ALIF as a salvage procedure after failed PLIF/TLIF between April 2014 to December 2019. We recorded all peri-operative data. In all patients the index level was exposed with a minimally invasive anterior retroperitoneal approach. Results. Thirty-two patients (average age: 46.4 years, median age 46.5, ranging from 21 to 74 years hold- 16 male and 16 female) underwent salvage ALIF procedure after failed PLIF/TLIF were included in the study. A minimally invasive anterior retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine was performed in all patients. In 6 cases (18.7%) (2 infection and 4 pseudarthrosis after stand-alone IF) only anterior revision surgery was performed. A posterior approach was necessary in 26 cases (81.3%). In most of cases (26/32, 81%) the posterior instrumentation was overpowered by the anterior cage without a previous revision. Three (9%) intraoperative minor complications after anterior approach were recorded: 1 dural tear, 1 ALIF cage subsidence and 1 small peritoneal tear. None vascular injuries occurred. Most of patients (90.6%) experienced an improvement of their clinical condition and at the last follow-up no mechanical complication occurred. Conclusions. According to our results, we can suggest that a favourable clinical outcome can firstly depend from technical reasons an then from radiological results. The removal of the mobilized cage, the accurate endplate and disc space preparation and the cage implant eliminate the primary source of pain reducing significantly the axial pain, helping to realise an optimal bony surface for fusion and enhancing primary stability. The powerful disc distraction given by the anterior approach allows inserting large and lordotic cages improving the optimal segmental lordosis restoration

Re-positioning osteotomy in the treatment of un-united fracture neck of femur in young patients improves the biomechanical pre-conditions to promote bone union of the Pseudarthrosis. This operative procedure is the method of choice for Pseudarthrosis of the neck of the femur with a viable femoral head. It is also the method of choice in children and in adolescents even if there is avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The operative technique permits exacts planning, stable osteosynthesis both of the un-united fracture of the neck of the femur as well as the osteotomy and allows early mobilisation. In this series of 56 cases, only six (10%) had collapse of the femoral head due to avascular necrosis, six (10%) patients had severe pain in the hip and nine (16%) patients had severe restriction of hip movement. The overall success of the operation in this series was 84%

We evaluated the efficacy of anterior fusion alone compared with combined anterior and posterior fusion for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis. Anterior fusion alone was undertaken in 15 patients (group A) and combined anterior and posterior fusion was carried out in a further 15 (group B). The degree and maintenance of the angle of correction, the incidence of graft subsidence, degeneration at adjacent levels and the rate of fusion were assessed radiologically and clinically and the rate of complications recorded. The mean angle of correction in group B was significantly higher than in group A (p = 0.0009). The mean visual analogue scale and the neck disability index in group B was better than in group A (p = 0.043, 0.0006). The mean operation time and the blood loss in B were greater than in group A (p < 0.0001, 0.037). Pseudarthrosis, subsidence of the cage, and problems related to the hardware were more prevalent in group A than in group B (p = 0.034, 0.025, 0.013). Although the combined procedure resulted in a longer operating time and greater blood loss than with anterior fusion alone, our results suggest that for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis the combined approach leads to better maintenance of sagittal alignment, a higher rate of fusion, a lower incidence of complications and a better clinical outcome

We reviewed 24 displaced fractures through the physis of the medial epicondyle of the distal humerus. One was a Salter-Harris type-II fracture-separation of the whole distal humeral epiphysis; the others involved only the medial epicondylar centre of ossification. Two cases had presented as pseudarthroses. One fracture had been treated closed in a plaster slab and 21 had had open reduction and internal fixation with sutures, Kirschner wires or Palmer nails. At 2 to 13 years later we found five types of deformity of the epicondyle: pseudarthrosis, an ulnar sulcus, a double-contoured epicondyle, hypoplasia or hyperplasia. Pseudarthrosis had developed after either no treatment, closed reduction and plaster, or open reduction and suturing. Hypoplasia followed nailing, as did a trend to varus tilting of the joint surface. One very young patient, with fracture-separation of the whole distal epiphysis treated by nailing, developed marked cubitus varus