Introduction. Most of patients with unilateral hip disease shows muscle volume atrophy of pelvis and thigh in the affected side because of pain and disuse, resulting in reduced muscle weakness and limping. However, it is unclear how the muscle atrophy correlated with muscle strength in the patient with hip disorders. A previous study have demonstrated that the volume of the gluteus medius correlated with the muscle strength by volumetric measurement using 3 dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data, however, muscles influence each other during motions and there is no reports focusing on the relationship between some major muscles of pelvis and thigh including gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas and quadriceps and muscle strength in several hip and knee motions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between muscle volumetric atrophy of major muscles of pelvis and thigh and muscle strength in flexion, extension and abduction of hip joints and extension of knee joint before surgery in patients with unilateral hip disease. Material and Methods. The subjects were 38 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis, who underwent hip joint surgery. They all underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) for preoperative planning. There were 6 males and 32 females with average age 59.5 years old. Before surgery, isometric muscle strength in hip flexion, hip extension, hip abduction and knee extension were measured using a hand held dynamometer (µTas F-1, ANIMA Japan). Major muscles including gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas and quadriceps were automatically extracted from the preoperative CT using convolutional neural networks (CNN) and were corrected manually by the experienced surgeon. The muscle volumetric atrophy ratio was defined as the ratio of muscle volume of the affected side to that of the unaffected side. The muscle weakness ratio was defined as the ratio of muscle strength of the affected side to that of the unaffected side. The correlation coefficient between the muscle atrophy ratio and the muscle weakness ratio of each muscle were calculated. Results. The average muscle atrophy ratio was 84.5% (63.5%–108.2%) in gluteus maximus, 86.6% (65.5%–112.1%) in gluteus medius, 81.0% (22.1%–130.8%) in psoas major, and 91.0% (63.8%–127.0%) in quadriceps. The average muscle strength ratio was 71.5% (0%–137.5%) in hip flexion, 88.1% (18.8%–169.6%) in hip abduction, 78.6% (21.9%–130.1%) in hip extension and 84.3% (13.1%–122.8%) in knee extension. The correlation coefficient between the muscle atrophy and the ratio of each muscle strength between the affected and unaffected side were shown in Table 1. Conclusion. In conclusion, the muscle atrophy of gluteus medius muscle, psoas major muscle and quadriceps muscle significantly correlated with the muscle weakness in hip flexion. The muscle atrophy of psoas major muscle and quadriceps muscle also significantly correlated with the muscle weakness in knee extension. There were no significant correlation between the muscle atrophy and the muscle weakness in hip extension and abduction

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common operation. Different operative approaches have specific benefits and compromises. Soft tissue injury occurs in total hip arthroplasty. This prospective study objectively measured muscle volume changes after direct anterior and posterior approach surgeries.

Our aim was to accurately determine whether muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration are reversible following cuff repair. Patients with a repairable cuff-tear were recruited and assessed clinically and radiologically (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). At surgery, supraspinatus was biopsied. Post-operatively, patients underwent clinical evaluation at standardised intervals, with further MRI and an ultrasound guided biopsy of supraspinatus at 12 months. MRI was used to characterize cuff-tears and determine the degree of muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. Biopsy samples were fixed on-site and transported for processing. Morphometric assessments of myofibres were made and mean cross-sectional areas calculated using validated techniques. The pathologist was blinded to sample details. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences in mean myofibre area following cuff repair and correlated with radiological findings. Eight patients were available for completed histological and radiological analysis. Six (two re-tears) demonstrated sizeable and highly statistically significant improvements in mean myofibre cross-sectional area (P=0.000–0.0253). Of the two not showing any increase in myofibre area, neither result was statistically significant (P=0.06, 0.2); one was a re-tear and one was a repair of a partial-thickness tear. Radiologically, the muscle and fatty changes had not demonstrably changed. Our finding that myofibre cross-sectional area increases following cuff repair suggests muscle atrophy is a potentially reversible process. Even with re-tears, improvements were seen. MRI features of fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy were not seen to improve however. It is likely that radiological assessment is not sensitive enough to demonstrate the reversibility of muscle atrophy seen on histological analysis at one year

Introduction. Patients with hip osteoarthritis have a substantial loss of muscular strength in the affected limb compared to the healthy limb preoperatively, but there is very little quantitative information available on preoperative muscle atrophy and degeneration and their influence on postoperative quality of life (QOL) and the risk of falls. The purpose of the present study were two folds; to assess muscle atrophy and degeneration of pelvis and thigh of patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis using computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate their impacts on postoperative QOL and the risk of falls. Methods. We used preoperative CT data of 20 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty. The following 17 muscles were segmented with our developed semi-automated segmentation method: iliacus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, rectus femoris, tensor facia lata, adductors, pectinus, piriformis, obturator externus, obturator internus, semimenbranosus, semitendinosus, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis/intermedius (Fig. 1). Volume and radiological density of each muscle were measured. The ratio of those of affected limb to healthy limb was calculated. At the latest follow-up, the WOMAC score was collected and a history of falls after surgery was asked. The average follow- up period was 6 years. Comparison of the volume and radiological density of each muscle between affected and healthy limbs was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between the volume and radiological density of each muscle and each score of the WOMAC were evaluated with Spearman's correlation coefficient. The volume and radiological density of each muscle between patients with and without a history of falls were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Results. 13 of 17 muscles showed significant decrease in muscle volume in affected limb compared to healthy limb. The mean muscle atrophy ratio was 18.6±7.1 (SD) % (0–28.3%). Iliacus, psoas, adductors and piriformis showed a significant volume reduction more than 25 %. All 17 muscles showed reduced radiological density along the affected limb compared to the healthy side. The difference was 8.7±4.2 (SD) Hounsfield units (3.2 to 16.4). Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus showed a significant decrease of radiological density more than 15 HU. The radiological density of gluteus minimus showed higher correlation (R>0.7) with physical function scores of WOMAC for descending stairs, rising from sitting, walking on flat surface, going shopping and rising from bed. Seven of 20 patients had a history of falls, who showed significant reduced radiological density of gluteus minimus and obturator internus compared to the 13 patients without a history of falls. Conclusion. Almost all muscles of pelvis and thigh along the affected limb showed marked atrophy and fatty degeneration compared to the healthy side. Especially, the degree of fatty degeneration of gluteus minimus showed significant impacts on postoperative physical function and the risk of falls of patients

Background. Rotator cuff atrophy evaluated with computed tomography scans has been associated with asymmetric glenoid wear and humeral head subluxation in glenohumeral arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging has increased sensitivity for identifying rotator cuff pathology and has not been used to investigate this relationship. The purpose of this study was to use MRI to assess the association of rotator cuff muscle atrophy and glenoid morphology in primary glenohumeral arthritis. Methods. 132 shoulders from 129 patients with primary GHOA were retrospectively reviewed and basic demographic information was collected. All patients had MRIs that included appropriate orthogonal imaging to assess glenoid morphology and rotator cuff pathology and were reviewed by two senior surgeons. All patients had intact rotator cuff tendons. Glenoid morphology was assigned using the modified-Walch classification system (types A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C, and D) and rotator cuff fatty infiltration was assigned using Goutallier scores. Results. 46 (35%) of the shoulders had posterior wear patterns (23 type B2s, 23 type B3s). Both the infraspinatus and teres minor independently had significantly more fatty infiltration in B2 and B3 type glenoids compared to type A glenoids (p<0.001). There was a greater imbalance in posterior rotator cuff muscle fatty atrophy in B2 and B3 type glenoids compared to type A glenoids (p<0.001). However, there was no difference in axial plane imbalance between B2 and B3 glenoids (p=1.00). There was increased amount fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus among B2 and B3-type glenoids compared to type A glenoids on multivariate analysis controlling for age and gender (p<0.001). Conclusions. These results identify significant axial plane rotator cuff muscle imbalances in B2 and B3-type glenoids compared to concentrically worn glenoids, favoring a relative increase in fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and teres minor compared to the subscapularis in glenoids with patterns of posterior wear. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Aims

This study explored the shared genetic traits and molecular interactions between postmenopausal osteoporosis (POMP) and sarcopenia, both of which substantially degrade elderly health and quality of life. We hypothesized that these motor system diseases overlap in pathophysiology and regulatory mechanisms.

Introduction. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents the costliest complication in Orthopedics. Studies of mixing vancomycin to bone graft at Impaction Bone Grafting (IBG) have shown high local concentration for 3 weeks. Patients and methods. 55 consecutive revisions PJI, age 68 (SD 10.9), (9 one-stage and 46 two-stage) were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were revised using IBG. Most cases had vancomycin mixed in graft or added locally in joint. All had bone cement containing Gentamycin and Vancomycin. Follow up 2–16 years included clinical Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score, radiology and laboratory tests. We analyzed surgical time, bleeding, hospitalization time, infection eradication and prosthetic survival for one- and two-stage revision procedures. One patient was lost to follow up and 6 died (2 one- and 4 2-stage) before 2 years. Values are mean and SD. Analyses done by students t-test. Results. Preoperatively scores for 1- and 2-stage groups were 11.7 (0.79) and 10.2 (1.27) respectively. Follow up scores were 17.5 (0.38) and 15.9 (0.73) respectively. Total intra-operative blood loss (ml) for one- and two-stage procedures were 1638 (780) and 2764 (828) respectively p<0.05. Total surgery time (minutes): 238 (206) and 409 (108) respectively p<0.05. Total hospitalization time (days): 13 (6.2) and 34 (13) p<0.05. Radiology at follow-up showed no signs of PJI, signs of mechanical loosening in one. There were no persistent or new PJI, no revision for mechanical loosening. Two revision for any reason in the 2-stage and one in the 1-stage group. Five reoperations without component exchange for periprosthetic fracture, all in the 2-stage group. Conclusion. No mechanical loosening and no persistent or new PJI are favourable results. Blood loss, hospitalization- and surgery-time were substantially increased for the two-stage group. Muscle atrophy, osteoporotic development and decrease general physical condition are all well-known side effects of two-stage procedure. Revision one-stage hip PJI using IBG avoids increased suffering and resources connected to the two-stage procedure. Literatures have not shown eradication of PJI, to be clearly superior after two- compared to one-stage procedures. Reconstitution of bone defects and the possibility of very high local antibiotic concentration are substantial advantages when using IBG. We recommend a careful one-stage IBG procedure using antibiotic loaded graft for none “difficult to treat” cases

The rate of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is approximately 1%. As the number of THAs performed each year continue to increase (550,000 by 2030), a corresponding increase in the number of hip PJI cases is likely to occur. A chronic deep infection may be treated by either chronic suppression, irrigation and debridement, single-stage exchange, or two-stage exchange. In the United States, the gold standard for chronic PJI continues to be a two-stage exchange. The benefit of an antibiotic impregnated cement is that they produce higher local concentrations of antibiotics than systemic intravenous administration. Hip spacers may be either static or articulating. Static spacers are reserved for cases of massive acetabular bone loss in which an articulating spacer is not feasible. A static spacer consists of a block of antibiotic cement in the native acetabulum and antibiotic coated rod in the femoral canal. Limb shortening, loss of soft tissue planes, and disuse osteopenia and muscle atrophy are all limitations of static spacers. In contrast, articulating spacers fulfill the goals of the interim construct during two-stage exchange which is to enhance eradication of the infecting organism through drug elution, to maintain limb length, to facilitate exposure during revision surgery, and to improve functional mobilization. Articulating spacers may be divided into three general categories based on method of spacer creation: Handmade custom spacers, prefabricated spacers, custom molded spacers (hemiarthroplasty molds and molded stem with cemented all-polyethylene cup). Handmade custom spacers are usually created with K-wire or rush rods coated with antibiotic cement. Handmade spacers are relatively simple to make, they are economical, and the amount and type of antibiotics incorporated can be customised for the infecting organism. Commercially available hemiarthroplasty spacers can be either prefabricated (Spacer G, Exactech, Gainesville. FL) or made intraoperatively (Stage One, Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) are available in several head and stem sizes. The advantage of prefabricated spacers is that they do not require additional time to mold in the operating room. The downside of prefabricated spacers is that the antibiotic concentration and type is predetermined. A custom molded stem with cemented all-polyethylene cup can be made with off the shelf implants or used as part of a commercially available spacer (PROSTALAC, DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN). A common antibiotic/cement combination includes Tobramycin (3.6 g/40 g of cement) and vancomycin (1.5 g/40 g of cement). In all of these spacer constructs, the principles of using a high-elution cement mixed without a vacuum and with high doses of heat stable antibiotics are consistent. Tobramycin works synergistically to improve Vancomycin elution properties and is usually added in higher doses. Overall infection eradication is similar between all categories of spacers and range between 90–97%. Complications after placement of an articulating spacer are often specific to the type of spacer used. Handmade spaces that have K-wires for support are at risk for spacer cement fracture. Spacer dislocation is also a common complication in up to 15% of cases with all types of spacers. In addition, periprosthetic fractures can occur postoperatively in up to 10% of patients. Overall, despite this complication profile, articulating antibiotic spacers have excellent rates of infection eradication and offer improved mobilization in the interim two stage period and reduce operative time, complexity, and morbidity during reimplantation

Supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer for severe cubital tunnel syndrome is a recently developed technique which involves augmenting the ulnar motor branch with anterior interosseous nerve (AIN). Previous studies suggested that this technique augments or “babysits” the motor end plates until reinnervation occurs, however, some authors suggested possible reinnervation by the donor nerve. We present two cases where this transfer was done for rapid progressive (6–9 months) cubital tunnel syndrome. The first case was a 57 year-old right hand dominant female who presented to us with severe right cubital tunnel syndrome clinically, including intrinsic wasting and claw deformity. The patient had significant loss of function and visible atrophy to her hand intrinsics over the last few months. Electrodiagnostic studies confirmed the diagnosis of severe cubital tunnel syndrome demonstrating axonal loss, positive sharp waves and fibrillations in the ulnar nerve distribution distally. The patient underwent cubital tunnel ulnar nerve release, subcutaneous anterior transposition, Guyon's canal release along with an AIN to ulnar motor nerve end-to-side transfer. Patient-based functional outcome instruments were prospectively collected with improved overall pain and function as demonstrated from a quickDASH score of 9.1 1 year post-op in comparison to a score of 34.1 pre-op. Recovery was monitored clinically and electrodiagnostic studies at 6 months and 1 year post-operatively. She demonstrated improved intrinsic muscle bulk and strength. The nerve studies at one year showed reinnervation with large amplitude motor unit potentials in the 1st dorsal interosseous and abductor digiti minimi but the 5th finger sensory response remained absent. The second case was a 58 year-old right hand dominant male diagnosed with severe and progressive right cubital tunnel syndrome. Clinically, he had significant muscle wasting and weakness and confirmed denervation on electrodiagnostic studies. He underwent the same surgical procedure as described for the first case and follow-up regimen. The patient demonstrated improved pain score and significant overall function recovery with a quickDASH score of 11.4 one year post-op in comparison to 72.7 pre-op. Nerve studies at one year confirmed our clinical impression, showing ulnar nerve reinnervation with large amplitude motor unit potentials in the 1st dorsal interosseous, while sensory response remained absent. It is yet unclear if end-to-side nerve transfers allow reinnervation of the target muscles. Previous studies have demonstrated clinical improvement with this transfer, however we are unaware of any electrodiagnostic studies demonstrating this effect. These two cases support the notion of reinnervation after an end-to-side procedure. Further studies are needed to assess outcomes of such nerve transfers

Vitamin D is vital for bone health because it assists in the absorption and utilisation of calcium. Vitamin D deficiency may predispose individuals to developing osteoporosis and subsequent osteoporotic fracture. There are various studies in elderly females with hip fractures correlating the low bone mineral density (BMD) with vitamin D levels. But very few studies have evaluated the influence on elderly males. Therefore this study was conducted. All male patients aged more than 50 years presenting to orthopaedic department, in JIPMER, Puducherry, with either fracture neck of femur or intertrochanteric fracture were included. Serum vitamin D level was assessed in them and BMD of both the hips was evaluated by DEXA scan. The vitamin D levels, T-scores, Z-scores were then analysed and correlated. Of the total 41 patients evaluated 21 (51%) had fracture neck of the femur and 20 (49%) patients had intertrochanteric fractures. We found that 11 (26.8%) patients had osteoporosis, 17 (41.5%) had osteopenia, and 13 (31.7%) had normal values. The mean value of total T-scores on fracture side was −1.55 and on no fracture side was −1.88. Among them 9 (22%) patients had vitamin D level <20 ng /mL, 15 (36%) had levels between 20ng–30ng/mL and 17 (41%) had >30ng/mL. Total T-score and Z-score on fracture side and no fracture side showed no correlation with vitamin D (p value >0.05) in these patients. We found significant osteoporosis in both neck and trochanteric regions on both fracture and no fracture sides, yet we had some patients with trochanteric fracture and some with neck fracture on only one side. In view of this other factors like mode of injury, velocity of injury, muscle wasting might have contributed significantly to the type of fracture and side involved. The BMD was found to be lower in patients with neck of femur fracture compared to intertrochanteric fracture, but no correlation was found between vitamin D and BMD scores at neck and trochanteric region. From this study it appears that there is no direct relationship between the vitamin D level and BMD in elderly males with hip fractures. It may emphasise that in male patients with hip fractures vitamin D may not have critical role in development of osteoporosis. The treatment of such patients with vitamin D supplements to prevent hip fractures is still debatable. However further studies in very large groups and controls may bring more light on this subject

Purpose. Chronic massive rotator cuff tears are challenging to repair completely because of the development of tendon retraction with inelasticity, muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome and MRI findings after arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (ASCR) for symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods. From 2011 to 2013, 12 shoulders in 12 consecutive patients (mean, 70.8 years) with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears underwent ASCR using fascia lata. We used suture anchors to attach the graft medially to the glenoid superior tubercle and laterally to the greater tuberosity as same technique by Mihata et al. We added side-to-side sutures between the graft and infraspinatus tendon and between the graft and residual anterior supraspinatus/subscapularis tendon to improve force coupling. Physical examination, clinical rating system, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before surgery; at 6 and 12 months after surgery; and 6 months thereafter. Average follow-up was 19.1 months (12 to 28 months) after surgery. We assessed patients preoperatively by using the scoring systems of the shoulder index of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and the University of California, Los Angeles. Results. Mean active elevation increased from 59° to 111° significantly and external rotation increased from 28 to 33. The average preoperative scores were 16.0 points by ASES, 48.0 points by JOA, and 10.8 points by UCLA. Average clinical outcome scores all improved significantly after ASCR at the final follow-up (ASES, 73.3 points; JOA, 73.7 points; UCLA, 22.7 points). There was surgical complication as infection. Although infection was controlled by arthroscopic irrigation, the transplanted tendon was absorbed, and preoperative conditions did not functionally improve. Five patients had graft tear during follow-up. Postoperative active range of motion in the healed patients was significantly greater than in the unhealed patients who had graft tears. Conclusions. ASCR restored superior glenohumeral stability and function of the shoulder joint with irreparable rotator cuff tears compared to preoperative function in the cases without postoperative complications. However ratio of graft tears were 50% and clinical results of these cases were not improved sufficiently

Introduction. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major contributor to disability in seniors and affecting millions of people around the world. Its main problem and the biggest factor in the disability of patients is pain. Pain renders patient inactive and develops lower extremity muscle wasting and worsens patient status adversely. However no radical solution existed until now. Recently I discovered a very valid manipulative technique (Squeeze-hold) for OA knee. This study presents the one-year follow-up data (three cases) by this treatment. Methods. Subjects. The subjects were three severe knee OA patients who had their data collected for 12 months after having a treatment. Treatment (squeeze-hold): The lower limb muscles (all muscles attached to the knee joint) were squeezed and held by hand. Each squeeze was performed in linear sequence all the way through the lower limbs. The squeezes were held for 20 seconds. This treatment was performed on a weekly basis. Evaluation: The conditions of the OA were evaluated using a Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale. Visual analogue scale as indicator of pain and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure as indicator of the activity restriction were recorded every month for a year. Results. In all three cases, OA knee pain and ADL were gradually improved by sustained once-a-week treatment. The daily activities were gradually increased. After a year, the pain passed approximately away. In case 1 and 2, a limitation in ROM did not show a marked improvement and joint contracture remained. Discussion. Squeeze-hold therapy that is approach to lower-limb muscles relieved OA knee pain. It is suggested by the fact that lower-limb muscles is responsible for the pain. And the physical activity of knee OA patient increases with decreasing pain effected by Squeeze-hold therapy. This increase in physical activity provides increase in joint movement and it lead to improve articular metabolism. Cyclical loading increases chondrocyte activity. Additionally, It inhibits the release of matrix metalloproteinase, pro-inflammatory mediators and shear stress-induced nitric oxide that induces chondrocyte apoptosis. And further, this increased physical activity improves muscle-strengthening of the lower extremity. It is plausible that these effects may continuously lead to decreased pain and improved ADL. A primary pain in knee OA can be attributed to inflammation of knee joint capsule or within knee joint capsule. And the pain leads to muscular hypertonicity thereby a bigger secondary pain develops in the muscles. Decreased physical activity due to the pain worsens pathological condition to induce greater pain. By this means, there might be formed pain-deterioration chain. Squeeze-hold therapy reduces the myogenic pain and cut the pain-deterioration chain. However, ROM could not improve though the pain and ADL activity imploved. This treatment ought to be performed before the formation of articular contracture. The results indicate Squeeze-hold treatment for lower-limb muscles might improves OA knee pain and limited ADL. However, this study had only three cases. Further research efforts are needed to identify the adaptation to diverse clinical symptoms knee OA

Acute scaphoid fractures are commonly treated with cast for 8–12 weeks. With this prolonged period of immobilisation patients can encounter joint stiffness and muscle wasting requiring extensive physiotherapy. Despite best practice, these fractures also pose a risk of non-union and suboptimal function. Fracture location, duration of time lost from work and impairment in activities of daily living are key factors in scaphoid fracture management. The aim of our study was to compare percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid with other operative fixation techniques. Parameters documented were length of conservative treatment, mechanism of injury, post-op complications and patient satisfaction levels with each technique using a standardised questionnaire. Economic benefit was also measured by examining time to return to work, number of x-rays and outpatient visits required per treatment group. In this study, 76 patients requiring operative scaphoid fixation were evaluated. 27 patients underwent percutaneous fixation. Waist fractures accounted for 66% (n= 18), proximal pole fractures 33% (n=8) and distal pole fractures 4% (n=1). There were 16 non-displaced fractures (59%) and 11 displaced fractures (41%). The average length of conservative treatment was 77 days (range: 2–256 days). Within the percutaneous group 2 patients developed non-union. We did not encounter any wound infection or superficial radial nerve damage. Patients treated with early percutaneous fixation had highest satisfaction levels, returned to work earlier and required less follow-up (P< 0.001). In conclusion percutaneous screw fixation provides earlier bone union and avoids the need for prolonged immobilisation when compared to other treatment modalities. The economic benefit of early percutaneous fixation must also be considered when managing patients with scaphoid fractures

The aim of operative treatment for ankle fractures is to allow early movement after internal fixation. The hypothesis of this study was that early mobilisation facilitated by a removable cast after internal fixation of ankle fractures would improve functional recovery of patients compared with that after conventional immobilisation in a cast. Sixty-two patients between the age of seventeen and sixty-five with ankle fractures that required operative treatment were randomly allocated to two groups: immobilisation in a non weight bearing below knee cast for six weeks or early movement in a removable cast (at two weeks after removal of sutures) for the following four weeks. The follow-up examinations which consisted of subjective (clinical, Olerud-Molander score, AOFAS score, SF 36) and objective (swelling measurement, x-ray) evaluations were performed at two, six, nine, twelve and twenty four weeks post-operatively. Time of return to work was recorded. There were two post-operative complications in the group treated with immobilisation in cast; two patients had deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There was one superficial wound infection treated with oral antibiotics and two deep wound infections requiring removal of metal in the group treated with early movement in a removable cast. Patients in group two (early movement) had higher functional scores at nine and twelve weeks follow-up. They also returned to work earlier (63.7 days) compared with the ones treated in cast (94.9 days). There was no statistical difference in Quality of Life (SF-36 Questionnaire) at six months between the two groups. Early movement with the use of removable cast after removal of sutures in operated ankle fractures decreases swelling, prevents calf muscle wasting, improves functional outcome and facilitates early return to work of patients. Our findings support the use of a removable cast and early exercises in selected, compliant patients after surgery of the ankle

Background:. The balance between the subscapularis muscle and the infraspinatus/teres minor muscles, often referred to as the rotator cuff ‘force couple’, has been proposed to be critical component for glenohumeral stability. Function of these muscles can be estimated with the evaluation of muscle atrophy. In clinical practice, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) rather than 3D muscle volume measurement have been used because it is less time consuming. Because combined anthropometric measures of length and width more accurately define the muscular volume it seems logical to study the transversal rotator cuff force couple in the transversal plane an not in the sagittal plane of the body because both parameters can be included. But is it not clear which transversal CSA has the best correlation with muscle volume. Purpose:. To determine the optimal transversal CSA that has the best correlation with muscle volume. Material and Methods:. A total of 30 CT images containing the full scapula were used. Using Mimics® and 3-Matic® the correlation between CSA's and volume has been evaluated. Two methods have been evaluated. The first method was the CSA measured on transversal plane without 3D editing. The second method is a CSA measured on a new defined transversal plane using 3D reconstruction and reslice editing techniques. Results. Both techniques showed a very high inter and intraobserver reliability (ICC for single measures in both techniques > 0.97, p < 0.001). Correlation of the muscle volume/CSA of the subscapularis showed a high correlation in both the non-reconstructed (ρ = 0,699, p = 0,002) and reconstructed technique (ρ = 0,842, p < 0,001). Correlation of the muscle volume/CSA of the infraspinatus/teres minor showed a moderate correlation in the non-reconstructed (ρ = 0,591, p = 0,013) and a high correlation in reconstructed technique (ρ = 0,779, p < 0,001). There is a significant higher correlation with the volume with the reconstructed technique compared to the non-reconstructed technique (ρ = 0.638, p < 0.001 for the conventional transversal section versus ρ = 0.818, p < 0.001 for the resliced section). Conclusion. Muscular volume of the rotator cuff force couple can be quantified using a non-reconstructed CSA, but is significant more accurately quantified by a 3D reconstructed technique. In the future, balance of the force couple in different shoulder pathologies can be quantified with this measurement technique

Introduction. Melorheostosis is a rare bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic appearance resembling dripping candle wax. The condition was originally described by Leri and Joanny in 1922. Its etiology is not fully known and treatment in most instances has been symptomatic. There are nearly 350 reported cases on melorheostosis, joint replacement has been successfully attempted in the shoulder and knee joint. We describe a case of severe melorheostosis affecting the left hip causing secondary osteo-arthritis, which was treated with a total hip replacement (THR). To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of its kind in the World literature. Case history. A 52-year-old male of Indian origin with known melorheostosis of the left leg for over 30 years, presented with symptoms suggestive of severe osteo-arthritis of the left hip. Previously he had been treated for melorheostosis of the knee joint (fig 1a & 1b) with excisions and decompression of the medial femoral condyle. His left hip became more painful over the last few years. He had a fixed flexion deformity of 20° of the hip, severe muscle wasting and the affected leg was 3 cm longer than the right leg. Radiographs (fig 2a & 2b) confirmed the presence of sclerotic new bone in the acetabulum eroding the femoral head. He had the classical dripping candle wax appearance along the medial border of the neck and shaft of the femur. He underwent a THR using a Corail-Pinnacle un-cemented prosthesis using ceramic on polyethylene bearing surfaces (fig 3a & 3b). Post operatively he made a quick recovery and there was a marked improvement in his symptoms and functional outcome scores at 6 weeks. Discussion. Melorheostosis has an incidence of 0.9 in one million and affects men and women equally. It can affect any site in the body, however lower limbs are more commonly affected. It classically presents on only one side of the cortex of long bones. It is common in synovial joints and crosses the joint line in 35% cases. Its etiology is unknown and it is a benign condition but there are 3 reported cases in literature associated with malignancy. Chronic pain and deformity from melorheostosis can be severely debilitating for patients. Its management in most cases is conservative. Surgical intervention is advocated in chronic debilitating symptoms. Successful resection of these lesions can translate into near complete resolution of the symptoms. A Total hip replacement can be used to treat severe melorheostosis of the hip joint with complete relief of symptoms and achieving a good functional outcome in the short term

Aims

Restarting planned surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is a clinical and societal priority, but it is unknown whether it can be done safely and include high-risk or complex cases. We developed a Surgical Prioritization and Allocation Guide (SPAG). Here, we validate its effectiveness and safety in COVID-free sites.

Aims

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is directly impacting the field of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology with postponed operations, changed status of planned elective surgeries and acute emergencies in patients with unknown infection status. To this point, Germany's COVID-19 infection numbers and death rate have been lower than those of many other nations.