Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement and posture caused by injury to the developing brain. While prematurity and low birth weight are common causes in developed countries, birth asphyxia, kernicterus, and infections have been identified as predominant aetiologies in Africa. There is, however, very little information on the aetiology of CP in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the aetiology, severity, and topographical distribution of CP in children undergoing orthopaedic surgery at our tertiary paediatric unit. A retrospective folder review was performed for patients with CP that underwent orthopaedic surgery from July 2018 to June 2022. Data was collected on perinatal circumstances, aetiology or risk factors for developing CP, severity of disability as classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) and topographical distribution. Descriptive analysis was performed. Two-hundred-and-thirty-four patients were included in the analysis. No specific aetiology could be identified in 51 (21.9%) patients. Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) accounted for 23.6% of patients and was the most common aetiology across the different categories except for patients graded as GMFCS 2, in whom prematurity was the most common aetiology. Congenital brain malformations (10.5%) and cerebral infections, including HIV encephalopathy (11.4%) were the next most frequent aetiologies, followed by prematurity (7.6%), ischaemic stroke (6.8%) and intraventricular haemorrhage (6.3%). Fifty-two percent of patients were classified as GMFCS 4 or 5. There was a predominance of quadriplegic patients (37%) compared to hemiplegics (29%), diplegics (30%) and monoplegics (4%). Most patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery for musculoskeletal sequelae of CP were severely disabled quadriplegic patients in whom HIE was the predominant cause of CP. This emphasises the need for intervention at a primary care level to decrease the incidence of this frequently preventable condition

Purpose. Fracture-related infection (FRI) is an important complication related to orthopaedic trauma. Although the scientific interest with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of FRI is increasing, data on the microbiological epidemiology remains limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological epidemiology related to FRI, including the association with clinical symptoms and antimicrobial susceptibility data. The secondary aim was to analyze whether there was a relationship between the time to onset of infection and the microbiological etiology of FRI. Methods. Over a five-year period, FRI patients treated at the University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium, were retrospectively included. The microbiological etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility data were analyzed. Patients were classified as having an early (<2 weeks after implantation), delayed (2–10 weeks) or late-onset (> 10 weeks) FRI. Results. One hundred ninety-one patients with 194 FRIs, mainly involving the tibia (23.7%) and femur (18.6%), were included. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen, regardless of time to onset (n=61; 31.4%), followed by S. epidermidis (n=50; 25.8%) and non-epidermidis coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=35; 18.0%). Polymicrobial infections (n=49; 25.3%), mainly involving Gram-negative bacilli (n=32; 65.3%), were less common than monomicrobial infections (n=138; 71.1%). Virulent pathogens in monomicrobial FRIs were more likely to cause pus or purulent discharge (n=45;54.9%; p=0.002) and fistulas (n=21;25.6%; p=0.030). Susceptibility to piperacillin/tazobactam for GNB was 75.9%. Vancomycin covered 100% of Gram-positive cocci. Conclusion. The high frequency of polymicrobial infections, including Enterobacterales and enterococci, should be considered when choosing an empirical regimen, especially for early FRI. However, since antibiotic stewardship is the cornerstone of good antibiotic practice, overuse and misuse of broad-spectrum empiric therapy should be avoided at all costs. Large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to gain more insight into the added value of (broad) empirical antibiotic therapy

Stiffness after TKR is a frustrating complication that has many possible causes. Though the definition of stiffness has changed over the years, most would agree that flexion > 75 degrees and a 15-degree lack of extension constitutes stiffness. This presentation will focus upon the potential causes of a stiff TKR, intra-operative tips, the post-operative evaluation and management, and the results of revision for a stiff TKR. The management of this potentially unsatisfying situation begins pre-operatively with guidance of the patient's expectations; it is well-known that pre-operative stiffness is strongly correlated with post-operative lack of motion. At the time of surgery, osteophytes must be removed and the components properly sised and aligned and rotated. Soft-tissue balancing must be attained in both the flexion/extension and varus/valgus planes. One must avoid overstuffing the tibio-femoral and/or patello-femoral compartments with an inadequate bone resection. Despite these surgical measures and adequate pain control and rehabilitation, certain patients will continue to frustrate our best efforts. These patients likely have a biological predisposition for formation of scar tissue. Other potential causes for the stiff TKR include complex regional pain syndrome or joint infection. Close followup of a patient's progress is crucial for the success in return of ROM. Should motion plateau early in the recovery phase, the patient should be evaluated for manipulation under anesthesia. At our institution, most manipulations are performed within 3 months post-operative under an epidural anesthetic; patients will stay overnight for continuous epidural pain relief and immediate aggressive PT. The results of re-operations for a stiff TKR are variable due to the multiple etiologies. A clear cause of stiffness such as component malposition, malrotation or overstuffing of the joint has a greater chance of regaining motion than arthrofibrosis without a clear cause. Although surgical treatment with open arthrolysis, isolated component or complete revision can be used to improve TKR motion, results have been variable and additional procedures are often necessary

Surfing is a popular UK water-sport. Recommendations for protective gear are based on studies abroad from trauma from large waves and reef breaks which may not be relevant in the UK. This study assesses the aetiology of UK surfing injuries in order to assist treatment and provide formative recommendations on protective equipment. Data was collected from UK surf clubs via an online survey. 130 individuals reported 335 injuries. M:F ratio 85:45, median age 28 (range 17–65). Head injuries were the most common (24%) followed by foot and ankle (19%). Surfers collided most often with their own boards (31%) followed by rocks/coral (15%), the sea (11%) and other surf boards (10%). Lacerations were the commonest injury (31%); followed by bruises/ black-eyes (24%) and joint/ligament sprains (15%). Concussions (5%), fractures (3%) and teeth injuries (1%) were rare. Less than 1/3 of all injuries required professional medical attention, 2 required operative intervention. Surfing injuries in the UK are common but usually minor. Serious head injuries (fractures and concussions) are rare. There is insufficient evidence to warrant the routine use of protective helmets whilst surfing in the UK, although protective head and foot gear may be considered when surfing the rarer reef/ rock breaks

Aims

Despite numerous studies on periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), there are no robust data on the risk factors and timing of metachronous infections. This study was performed to answer the following questions: 1) Is there any difference of manifestation time of metachronous PJIs between different localizations of multiple artificial joints? 2) Can we identify any specific risk factor for metachronous PJIs for different localizations of multiple artificial joints?

Introduction:. Recent studies have concluded that gender influences hip morphology at the time of surgery as well as dysplastic development of the hip. This may lead to a particular choice of implant including stem design and/or neck modularity. In this study we hypothesized that not only gender but also morphotype and etiology (primary osteoarthritis versus aseptic osteonecrosis) may be a significant factor to predict the anatomy of the hip at the time of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods:. We reviewed 690 patients undergoing THA for primary arthritis (OA) or avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) between April 2000 and June 2005 and stratified each into three groups based on their anatomic constitution: endomorph (EN), ectomorph (ECT), or mesomorph (ME) (determined by the ratio: pelvic width/total leg length measured on full-length X-rays). Two independent observers measured twice four parameters on preoperative CT scan: neck-shaft-angle angle (NSA), femoral offset value (FO), helitorsion (Ht) value and femoral neck anteversion (Av). Results:. No significant difference were observed between men and women for the four parameters with respectively: NSA (129.29° ± 5.6 versus 129.3° ± 5.7), Av (20.3° ± 8.6 versus 20.27° ± 8.6), FO (19.7 mm ± 3.98 versus 19.74 mm ± 3.98) and Ht (19.97° ± 12.2 for men and 19.94° ± 12.3). Significant difference were found for NSA: 130.1° ± 5.8 for ECT, 129.55° ± 6 for MES and 128.2° ± 5,1 for EN with p < 0.01. For Av, the values were: 18.9° ± 8.7 for ECT, 20.74° ± 8.1 for MES and 21.2° ± 8.95 for EN (p < 0.01). For FO the values were 19.1 mm ± 3.9 for ECT, 19.7 ± 4 for MES and and 20.44 mm ± 3.93 for EN (p < 0.01). No difference was found for Ht between the 3 groups. A significant difference was found between patients suffering from OA and AVN: mean NSA was 130.36° ± 8.79 for OA patients versus 127.35° ± 8.38 for those who had an AVN (p < 0.01). A value was 17.06° ± 8.1 for OA and 23.7 ± 7.89 for AVN (p < 0.01). FO value was 18.72 mm ± 3.71 for OA versus 20.75 mm ± 4.15 for AVN (p <0.01). And Ht was 18.94° ± 9.64 for OA and 21.05° ± 14.5 for AVN patients (p < 0.01). Discussion and conclusion:. Patients with short and wide morphotype (endomorph) had, irrespective of gender, lower values of NSA with greater anterversion and offset values, whereas patients with long and narrow morphotype (ectomorph) had higher values of NSA and smaller Av and FO (figure 1). In the same time patients suffering from AVN have lower NSA angle, lower Av, smaller FO and Ht (figure 2). Femoral stem design should allow the consideration of these differences to optimize the reconstruction of the hip at the time of THA including pre-operative and intra-operative modularity

To retrospectively analyze the etiology and microbiological results of synovial fluid culture, periprosthetic tissue culture and sonication fluid culture in 74 episodes of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in 66 patients treated at the Department for Orthopaedic Surgery in 5 years period. PJI was diagnosed according to the standard definition criteria (1). Conventional microbiological methods were used together with sonication of explanted prosthesis and sonication fluid culture. The results are presented in Table 1. Acute PJI were more common in female patients (72%), whereas delayed PJI occurred in both sexes equally. Surprisingly, among acute PJI streptococcal (especially Streptococcus agalactiae) PJI were as common as Staphylococcus aureus PJI; we also observed high percentage of polymicrobial PJI (26 % among acute PJI and 30 % among delayed PJI), whereas 6/21 (28.6%) were detected by sonication fluid culture only. Preoperative synovial fluid culture identified the pathogen in 91.3% of acute PJI and in 63.2% of delayed PJI. Sonication fluid culture identified causative pathogens in 85% of acute PJI and in 95% of delayed PJI. In acute PJI 24/34 (70.6%) patient had concordant microbiological results between standard cultures and sonication fluid cultures, whereas in 4/34 (11.7%) microorganisms were detected by sonication fluid culture only and in 6/34 (17.6%)by tissue culture only. 23/40 (57.5%)patients with delayed PJI had concordant microbiological results; in 3/40 (7.5%) pathogens were detected by sonication fluid culture only. We found sonication as very useful additional method in diagnostics of PJI, especially low grade PJI. At the same time we observed high percentage of positive and concordant mcrobiological results between all three microbiological methods in patients with acute PJI

To evaluate the proportion of microbial associations causing PJI, diversity of their strains and impact on treatment failure after the removal of the hip implant and insertion of a spacer. Spectrum of pathogens in 189 cases of PJI was studied retrospectively. Strains were isolated from the joint aspirates, tissue samples and removed orthopedic devices. The cohort comprised 144 cases of PJI after primary THA and 45 cases after the hip replacement revision surgery. All patients underwent first stage of two-stage revision procedure which involves the removal of a hip implant, debridement of infected periprosthetic tissues and subsequent insertion of a bone cement spacer. There were 92 males and 97 females (median age of 57 yrs). Statistical analysis of the results was performed with GraphPad Prism 6.0 (California, USA). Microbial associations were detected in 28.6% (n=54) of PJI cases. Gram-positive bacteria prevailed in both groups with mono- and polymicrobial etiology. There were 52.5% of S. aureus isolates in monomicrobial group and 25% isolates in polymicrobial group (p=0.0002). This also included 8.4 and 20.6% isolates of MRSA, respectively (p<0.0001). CNS were detected in 20.1% of mono- and 27.9% of polymicrobial infection isolates, including about 40% of MRSE in both groups. Gram-negative pathogens accounted for 25.7% of isolates in polymicrobial group and 14.1% in monomicrobial group (p=0.022). Non-fermenting bacteria prevailed among Gram-negative strains presented in associations. Acinetobacter sp. and P. aeruginosa were identified in 7.4% (p=0.043) and 5.1% (p=0.56) of polymicrobial isolates. The percentage of treatment failure after the removal of the hip implant and insertion of a spacer was considerably higher (p<0.0001) in patients with polymicrobial than monomicrobial infection: 72.2 vs 25.2%, respectively. The proportion of isolates in microbial associations involving Gram-negative pathogens was 61.5% in patients with infection recurrence and 26.7% in patients with a successful outcome of the surgery (p=0.033). Microbial associations were found in 28.6% of PJI cases after hip arthroplasty. They posed a significant risk for treatment failure after removal of the hip implant and insertion of a spacer. The multidrug-resistant strains (MRSA, Acinetobacter sp. and P. aeruginosa) were often isolated in microbial associations. Our results suggest that further study of the risk factors for polymicrobial infection is necessary in patients with PJI. Identification of a patient group at high risk for developing polymicrobial PJI will allow prescription of empiric antimicrobial therapy in time, taking into account possible multi-resistant pathogens

Data was collected on 139 eligible patients a minimum of 18 months post surgery who had had 2 or more ligaments reconstructed. 63 patients were available for clinical follow up. It is the largest single surgeon series studied.

27% of injuries were high energy traffic accidents. 73% were low energy, mainly sports related. 63% of patients were delayed referrals to our unit. Of these nearly 48% had already undergone knee surgery, often more than 6 months post injury. 17% of all cases presented with failed ligament reconstructions. Of those patients followed up 19% were operated upon within 3 weeks of injury, 56% were delayed reconstructions with a mean time to surgery of 21 months and 25% were revision reconstructions. Time to follow up ranged from 18 months to 10 years.

The median KOS ADL, KOS Sports Activity and Lysholm scores for uni-cruciate surgery were all better than those for bi-cruciate surgery. All results were better for acute rather than chronic cases, which in turn were better than those for revision cases. The Tegner score showed that only acute uni-cruciate reconstructions returned to their pre-injury level.

TELOS stress radiographs demonstrated a mean post drawer of 5.9 mm side-to-side difference after reconstructions involving the PCL. IKDC grades showed 6% of knees were normal and 57% were nearly normal.

37% required further surgery, mainly to increase movement or for hardware removal. There was 1 deep infection and 2 cases of thrombosis. There were no vascular complications but 2 had transient nerve injuries.

Multi-ligament surgery can produce good functional outcomes but the knee is never normal. There is an increased risk of PCL laxity post op. Early referral to a specialist unit is suggested as delayed referral to a specialist unit potentially subjects the patient to unnecessary surgery and may affect outcome.

Background

Since 1991 to 2008 approximately 800,000 Exeter stems have been sold worldwide with 80 reported cases of fracture (neck or stem). This study aimed to determine factors predisposing to fracture.

It has been suggested that occult infection of joint prostheses contributes to a proportion of aseptic loosening. The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of occult infection in a sample of patients undergoing revision surgery for aseptic loosening and examine the role of ultrasound sonication in its detection.

A prospective trial was conducted at Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals. At the time of revision surgery, intra-operative tissue and fluid samples were taken. The removed prosthesis was immersed in saline solution in a sterile plastic container, and then sonicated. The sonicate fluid underwent prolonged routine cultures (14 days) to increase the rate of detection of slow growing organisms. The cases were patients undergoing revision surgery for aseptic loosening or infection. The control group was comprised of patients having revision surgery for any other indication. These implants were subjected to the same protocol as the study group.

A total of 122 patients were included in the study; 54 in the Aseptic Loosening [AL] group, 15 Infections and 53 controls. There were significantly more smokers in the AL group and less smokers in the control group (p=0.04 and p=0.04 respectively). The mean age for revision in the Infection and Periprosthetic fracture groups was less than those of other groups (p=0.007 and p=0.02) respectively. There were 18 cases with positive intra-operative cultures. Eight of those were in the aseptic group (i.e. 14.8% of the group). Conventional sampling techniques were positive in 17 of 18 cultures (94%). Sonication was only positive in 10 out of the 18 cultures (56%). Sonication was concordant with the conventional sampling techniques in half of the positive cultures in the AL group and overall. The only bacteria to be isolated from sonicate cultures were Staphylococcus Aureus and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci. Diabetes Mellitus was the only risk factor to have a significant association with having a positive culture result (p=0.03). There was also a significant association with having raised pre-operative Neutrophil differential count or inflammatory markers with having a positive culture (p=0.0001). However this association was not present when the AL group was examined separately.

There was a significant rate of positive culture results in the aseptic loosening group of around 15%. Ultrasound sonication was less sensitive than current sampling techniques with no apparent added benefit. This paper does not support the hypothesis that occult infection is a significant driver of aseptic loosening.

This study utilised NJR primary hip data from the 6^th Annual Report to determine the rate and indication for revision between cemented, uncemented, hybrid and resurfacing prosthetic groups. Regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of gender and ASA grade on these revision rates. Validity of the data was interrogated by exploring for episodes of misclassification.

Purpose

Anterior knee pain has been relieved by resection of the infrapatellar plica (IPP). The question is: How? The hypothesis is: the IPP acts as an intra-articular ligament, a mechanical link between the forces of knee motion, the fat pad (FP) and the distal femur, holding the FP captive through the arc of motion. Release of the IPP severs this link, allowing the highly innervated FP to move freely. This may allow any underlying pathologic process to heal.

Over half of postpartum women experience pelvic ring or hip pain, with multiple anatomic locations involved. The sacroiliac joints, pubic symphysis, lumbar spine and pelvic girdle are all well documented pain generators. However, despite the prevalence of postpartum hip pain, there is a paucity of literature regarding underlying soft tissue intra-articular etiologies. The purpose of this systematic review is to document and assess the available evidence regarding underlying intra-articular soft tissue etiologies of peri- and postpartum hip pain. Three online databases (Embase, PubMed and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched from database inception until April 11, 2021. The inclusion criteria were English language studies, human studies, and those regarding symptomatic labral pathology in the peri- or postpartum period. Exclusion criteria were animal studies, commentaries, book chapters, review articles and technical studies. All titles, relevant abstracts and full-text articles were screened by two reviewers independently. Descriptive characteristics including the study design, sample size, sex ratio, mean age, clinical and radiographic findings, pathology, subsequent management and outcomes were documented. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument. The initial search identified 2472 studies. A systemic screening and assessment of eligibility identified 5 articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two females were included. Twenty patients presented with labral pathology that necessitated hip arthroscopy with labral debridement or repair with or without acetabuloplasty and/or femoroplasty. One patient presented with an incidental labral tear in the context of osteitis condensans illi. One patient presented with post-traumatic osteoarthritis necessitating a hip replacement. The mean MINORS score of these 5 non-comparative studies was 2.8 (range 0-7) demonstrating a very low quality of evidence. The contribution of intra-articular soft tissue injury is a documented, albeit sparse, etiology contributing to peri- and postpartum hip pain. Further research to better delineate the prevalence, mechanism of injury, natural history and management options for women suffering from these pathologies at an already challenging time is necessary to advance the care of these patients

Clinically significant proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurs in 20% of children treated with posterior distraction-based growth friendly surgery. In an effort to identify modifiable risk factors, it has been theorized biomechanically that low radius of curvature (ROC) implants (i.e., more curved rods) may increase post-operative thoracic kyphosis, and thus may pose a higher risk of developing PJK. We sought to test the hypothesis that EOS patients treated with low ROC (more curved rods) distraction-based treatment will have a greater risk of developing PJK as compared to those treated with high ROC (straighter) implants. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data obtained from a multi-centre EOS database on children treated with rib-based distraction with minimum 2-year follow-up. Variables of interest included: implant ROC at index (220 mm or 500 mm), patient age, pre-operative scoliosis, pre-operative kyphosis, and scoliosis etiology. In the literature, PJK has been defined as clinically significant if revision surgery with superior extension of the upper instrumented vertebrae was performed. In 148 scoliosis patients, there was a higher risk of clinically significant PJK with low ROC (more curved) rods (OR: 2.6 (95%CI 1.09-5.99), χ2 (1, n=148) = 4.8, p = 0.03). Patients had a mean pre-operative age of 5.3 years (4.6y 220 mm vs 6.2y 500 mm, p = 0.002). A logistic regression model was created with age as a confounding variable, but it was determined to be not significant (p = 0.6). Scoliosis etiologies included 52 neuromuscular, 52 congenital, 27 idiopathic, 17 syndromic with no significant differences in PJK risk between etiologies (p = 0.07). Overall, patients had pre-op scoliosis of 69° (67° 220mm vs 72° 500mm, p = 0.2), and kyphosis of 48° (45° 220mm vs 51° 500mm, p = 0.1). The change in thoracic kyphosis pre-operatively to final follow up (mean 4.0 ± 0.2 years) was higher in patients treated with 220 mm implants compared to 500 mm implants (220 mm: 7.5 ± 2.6° vs 500 mm: −4.0 ± 3.0°, p = 0.004). Use of low ROC (more curved) posterior distraction implants is associated with a significantly greater increase in thoracic kyphosis which likely led to a higher risk of developing clinically-significant PJK in EOS patients

Aims. Excision of chronic osteomyelitic bone creates a dead space which must be managed to avoid early recurrence of infection. Systemic antibiotics cannot penetrate this space in high concentrations, so local treatment has become an attractive adjunct to surgery. The aim of this study was to present the mid- to long-term results of local treatment with gentamicin in a bioabsorbable ceramic carrier. Methods. A prospective series of 100 patients with Cierny-Mader Types III and IV chronic ostemyelitis, affecting 105 bones, were treated with a single-stage procedure including debridement, deep tissue sampling, local and systemic antibiotics, stabilization, and immediate skin closure. Chronic osteomyelitis was confirmed using strict diagnostic criteria. The mean follow-up was 6.05 years (4.2 to 8.4). Results. At final follow-up, six patients (six bones) had recurrent infection; thus 94% were infection-free. Three infections recurred in the first year, two in the second year, and one 4.5 years postoperatively. Recurrence was not significantly related to the physiological class of the patient (1/20 Class A (5%) vs 5/80 Class B (6.25%); p = 0.833), nor was it significantly related to the aetiology of the infection, the organisms which were cultured or the presence of nonunion before surgery (1/10 with nonunion (10%) vs 5/90 without nonunion (5.6%); p = 0.570). Organisms with intermediate or high-grade resistance to gentamicin were significantly more likely in polymicrobial infections (9/21; 42.8%) compared with monobacterial osteomyelitis (7/79 (8.9%); p < 0.001). However, recurrence was not significantly more frequent when a resistant organism was present (1/16 for resistant cases (6.25%) vs 5/84 in those with a microbiologically sensitive infection (5.95%); p = 0.958). Conclusion. We found that a single-stage protocol, including the use of a high-delivery local antibiotic ceramic carrier, was effective over a period of several years. The method can be used in a wide range of patients, including those with significant comorbidities and an infected nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1095–1100

The Masquelet technique, also known as the ‘induced membrane technique’ has been utilised in adult reconstruction with varied success. However, there is limited literature on its use in children and this study aims to share our experience. Materials & Methods. Between 2014 and 2022, 7 children underwent bone defect/infection reconstruction using Masquelet technique, four for complications of Congenital Pseudoarthrosis of Tibia (CPT) treatment, two with chronic osteomyelitis and one for Osteogenesis imperfecta with infected nonunion. The length of the defect relative to the length of the bone (index of reconstruction expressed as a percentage), time to union and complications were evaluated with standard radiographs and from electronic medical records. Results. The mean age was 11 years and the procedure was done in five tibiae, one femur and a metatarsal. The mean time interval was 7.1 weeks between the first and second stage surgery. The mean index of reconstruction was 25.8% and the mean follow up period was 17 months. Though six patients achieved union with a mean time to union of 6.5 months (range 4.5 to 10), two patients with multiple previous surgeries for CPT decided to have ablation despite union. The interosseous Masquelet technique of cross synostosis between the tibia and fibula is being highlighted. Conclusions. The Masquelet technique is a reliable method in complex aetiologies and complications that require methodical planning to achieve good results especially in rescue situations of the tibia

Sacral fractures are often underdiagnosed, but are frequent in the setting of pelvic ring injuries. They are mostly caused by high velocity injuries or they can be pathological in aetiology. We sought to assess the clinical outcomes of the surgically treated unstable sacral fractures, with or without neurological deficits. unstable sacral fractures were included in the study. Single centre, prospectively collected data, retrospective review of patients who sustained vertically unstable fractures of the sacrum who underwent surgical fixation. out of a total of 432 patients with pelvis and acetabulum injuries. fifty six patients met the inclusion criteria. 18 patients had sustained zone one injuries. 14 patients had zone 2 injuries and 10 patients had zone 3 injurie. Operative fixation was performed percutaneously using cannulated screws in 18 patients.. Open fixation of the sacrum using the anterior approach in 6 patients. Posterior approach was indicates in all 10 of the zone 3 injuries of the sacrum. While in 4 patients, combined approaches were used. 3 patients had decompression and spinopelvic fixation. Neurological deficits were present in 16% of the patients. 2 patients presented with neurgenic bladder. Of the 4 patients who had neurological fall out, 3 resolved with posterior decompression and posterior fixation. All 4 neurological deficits were due to taction or compression of the nerve roots. No hardware failures or non unions observed. The rate of neurological deficit was related more to the degree of pelvic ring instability than to a particular fracture pattern. Low rates of complications and successful surgical treatment of sacral fractures is achiavable. Timeous accurate diagnosis mandatory

Introduction. The regionalisation of major trauma in the UK has significantly improved outcomes for patients with severe, lower limb injuries. Chronic pain after complex lower limb injuries is well documented, but seems to remain a problem despite better clinical and radiological outcomes. We hypothesised that pain was mediated through the saphenous nerve, especially as most tibial injuries affected the soft tissues medially. As a proof of concept, we undertook adductor canal blocks to understand pain aetiology. Materials & Methods. Patients with chronic pain following complex lower limb trauma or congenital deformity correction have been selected and underwent an adductor canal block by one of our trauma anaesthetist that specialises in this procedure. Their outcomes were recorded in their clinical records and patients were contacted by phone to document their experiences. Results. 14 patients with chronic, treatment refractory lower limb pain who were being managed in our orthoplastics clinic following complex, lower limb trauma were identified. Six of those patients had required plastic coverage. Of these 14 patients, all stated their pain completely resolved after the procedure and then returned between 24 hours and 4 weeks after the procedure. Two patients underwent a saphenous nerve diversion after conduction of the blocks, reporting subsequent resolution of their complaints. Conclusions. As a proof of concept, we report that the saphenous nerve underlies chronic pain in patients with complex lower limb injuries. An adductor canal block is an effective diagnostic tool for these patients. Saphenous diversion may offer a permanent solution in patients who respond well to saphenous nerve block. A prospective study is planned to objectively measure pain and quality of life scores after treatment of complex injuries and pre and post adductor canal block

This study investigated concurrent talar dome injuries associated with tibial pilon fractures, mapping their distribution across the proximal talar dome articular surface. It compared the two main mechanisms of injury (MOI), falling from a height and motor vehicle accident (MVA), and whether the fractures were open or closed. From a previously compiled database of acute distal tibial pilon fractures (AO/OTA 43B/C) in adults of 105 cases, 53 cases were identified with a concurrent injury to the talar dome with a known mechanism of injury and in 44 it was known if the fracture was open or closed. Case specific 2D injury maps were created using a 1x1mm grid, which were overlayed in an Excel document to allow for comparative analyses. A two-way ANOVA was conducted that examined the effect of both MOI and if the fracture was open or closed on what percentage of the talar dome surface was injured. There was a statistically-significant difference between the average percentage of injured squares on the talar dome by both whether the fracture was open or closed (f(1)=5.27, p= .027) and the mechanism of injury (f(1)=8.08, p= .007), though the interaction between these was not significant (p= .156). Open injuries and injuries that occurred during an MVA were more likely to increase the surface area of the talar dome injuries. We have identified both MOI and if the fracture was either open or closed impacts the size of the injury present on the talar dome. Future research will investigate the aetiology of the differences noted, highlighting the clinical implications. Surgeons treating tibial pilon fractures caused by either a MVA or an open fracture, should be aware of an increased risk of large injuries to the surface of the talar dome