We investigated the detailed anatomy of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus and their neurovascular supply in 22 hips in 11 embalmed adult Caucasian human cadavers. This led to the development of a surgical technique for an extended posterior approach to the hip and pelvis that exposes the supra-acetabular ilium and preserves the glutei during revision hip surgery. Proximal to distal mobilisation of the gluteus medius from the posterior gluteal line permits exposure and mobilisation of the superior gluteal neurovascular bundle between the sciatic notch and the entrance to the gluteus medius, enabling a wider exposure of the supra-acetabular ilium. This technique was subsequently used in nine patients undergoing revision total hip replacement involving the reconstruction of nine Paprosky 3B acetabular defects, five of which had pelvic discontinuity. Intra-operative electromyography showed that the innervation of the gluteal muscles was not affected by surgery. Clinical follow-up demonstrated good hip abduction function in all patients. These results were compared with those of a matched cohort treated through a Kocher–Langenbeck approach. Our modified approach maximises the exposure of the ilium above the sciatic notch while protecting the gluteal muscles and their neurovascular bundle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:48–53.

Fractures and nonunions of the proximal humerus are increasingly treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The extended deltopectoral approach remains the most widely used for this purpose. However, it provides only limited exposure of the lateral and posterior aspects of the proximal humerus. We have previously described the alternative extended deltoid-splitting approach. In this paper we outline variations and extensions of this technique that we have developed in the management of further patients with these fractures

We have recently described an extended lateral approach to the hindfoot for the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum. It has the advantage of avoiding damage to the sural nerve and preserving blood supply to allow prompt healing. We dissected 15 formalin-preserved cadavers, taking photographs to show the structures of the posterolateral aspect of the hindfoot and ankle. We describe a superficial and a deep triangle: the deep triangle contains a constant posterior peroneal artery which supplies the skin of the posterolateral heel. An approach designed to expose the sural nerve will divide this important artery and cause ischaemia of the posterior skin. The extended lateral approach elevates the sural nerve in a thick flap and preserves the blood supply of the skin. We have reviewed 150 consecutive patients after the use of this approach to study the indications for operation, the quality of wound healing, any damage to the sural nerve and other complications. We recommend the careful use of this approach. Our understanding of its anatomical basis has allowed us to widen the indications for its use

There remains uncertainty about the most effective surgical approach in the treatment of complex fractures of the acetabulum. We have reviewed the experience of a single surgeon using the extended iliofemoral approach, as described by Letournel. A review of the database of such fractures identified 106 patients operated on using this approach with a minimum follow-up of two years. All data were collected prospectively. The fractures involved both columns in 64 (60%). Operation was undertaken in less than 21 days after injury in 71 patients (67%) and in 35 (33%) the procedure was carried out later than this. The reduction of the fracture was measured on plain radiographs taken after operation and defined as anatomical (0 to 1 mm of displacement); imperfect (2 to 3 mm) or poor (> 3 mm). The functional outcome was measured by the modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score. The mean follow-up was for 6.3 years (2 to 17). All patients achieved union of the fractures. The reduction was graded as anatomical in 76 (72%) of the patients, imperfect in 23 (22%), and poor in six (6%). The mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score was 15 (5 to 18) with 68 patients (64%) showing good or excellent and 38 (36%) fair or poor results. Function correlated significantly with the accuracy of the reduction (p < 0.009). Significant heterotopic ossification developed in 32 patients (30%) and was associated with a worse mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score of 13.7. The extended iliofemoral approach can be performed safely in selected complex acetabular fractures with an acceptable clinical outcome and rate of complications. Effective prophylaxis against heterotopic ossification should be strongly considered

Background. Traditionally, the extended lateral approach (ELA) was the favoured approch for calcaneal fractures, but has been reported to have high incidence of wound complications. There has been a move amongst surgeons in the United Kingdom towards the sinus tarsi approach (STA) due to its minimally invasive nature, attempting to reduce such complications. Aims. To evaluate outcomes of ELA and STA for all consecutive calcaneal fracture fixation in our institution over a 10yr period. Method. Retrospective cohort study of all calcaneal fractures surgically treated with either approach between January 2008 and January 2018. Anatomic restoration was assessed radiologically by the change in Gissane's and Bohler's angles and calcaneal width. Post-operative complications including metalwork removal were recorded. Results. 35 calcaneal fractures were managed surgically via either approach during this period (21 STA and 14 ELA). There was a statistically significant improvement in the radiological makers when the post-operative films were compared to pre-operative ones. When the post-operative films from the 2 groups were compared against each other, there was no significant difference (p< 0.05) in any of the radiological markers. In the ELA group, 2 patients (14.3%) developed deep infections requiring metalwork removal and 1 had delayed wound healing (7.1%). No deep infections occurred with the STA; 1 patient (4.8%) had a superficial infection, treated with antibiotics. Of patients who had metalwork in situ for more than 1 year, 37.5% of the STA group required removal due to pain compared to only 16.7% with ELA. Conclusions. We have moved from ELA to STA. Our results have shown no difference in restoration of calcaneal anatomy but with a decrease in post-operative wound complications including infection. However, we have shown an increase in metalware removal in the STA group and it is important to ascertain the cause and significance of this

A ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing implant (cHRA) was developed and introduced in an MHRA-approved clinical investigation to provide a non metallic alternative hip resurfacing product. This study aimed to examine function and physical activity levels of patients with a cHRA implant using subjective and objective measures both before and 12 months following surgery in comparison with age and gender matched healthy controls. Eighty-two unilateral cHRA patients consented to this study as part of a larger prospective, non-randomised, clinical investigation. In addition to their patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), self- reported measures of physical activity levels and gait analysis were undertaken both pre- operatively (1.5 weeks) and post operatively (52 weeks). This data was then compared to data from a group of 43 age gender and BMI matched group of healthy controls. Kinetics and kinematics were recorded using an instrumented treadmill and 3D Motion Capture. Statistical parametric mapping was used for analysis. cHRA improved the median Harris Hip Score from 63 to 100, Oxford Hip score from 27 to 48 and the MET from 5.7 to 10.3. cHRA improved top walking speed (5.75km vs 7.27km/hr), achieved a more symmetrical ground reaction force profile, (Symmetry Index value: 10.6% vs 0.9%) and increased hip range of motion (ROM) (31.7° vs 45.9°). Postoperative data was not statistically distinguishable from the healthy controls in any domain. This gait study sought to document the function of a novel ceramic hip resurfacing, using those features of gait commonly used to describe the shortcomings of hip arthroplasty. These features were captured before and 12 months following surgery. Preoperatively the gait patterns were typical for OA patients, while at 1 year postoperatively, this selected group of patients had gait patterns that were hard to distinguish from healthy controls despite an extended posterior approach. Applications for regulatory approval have been submitted

Purpose of study: To evaluate the ‘Open book’ technique (described below) for the extended approach in Total Knee arthroplasty with respect to its efficacy and outcome. Summary: Adequete exposure in revision knee arthroplasty can be technically very demanding. Various techniques have been described to aid in exposure. These include Tibial tubercle osteotomy, V–Y quadricepsplasty, rectus snip and Patellar turn-down approach. Since 1998 the senior author (TJW) occasionally has combined a Tibial crest osteotomy and Rectus Snip-‘Open Book Approach- in revision Knee Arthroplasty where exposure was made difficult by scarring and fibrosis. The Tibial crest osteotomy is performed as described by Whiteside and this is combined with a 3 cm oblique Rectus snip proximally. This enables the surgeon to reflect the extensor mechanism as if opening a book. This approach protects the patellar blood supply by minimising soft tissue retraction and by making the rectus snip proximal, the feeding vessels in the quadriceps are not distributed. Methods and Materials: Eight patients requiring Revision Knee arthroplasty in whom the ‘open book’ technique for extended approach to the Knee were reviewed for an average of 4.5 years. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at final follow-up. Results: All patients made good recovery of range of motion with little evidence of an extensor lag. There was no incidence of refracture, slippage or non-union of the osteotomy. Conclusions: We concluded that, the ‘Open-Book’ technique is useful in the extended approach of Total Knee arthroplasty resulting in improved clinical outcome with no adverse effects

Introduction. The Corail stem is a fully HA coated tapered implant that has demonstrated long-term success. On the NJR it has become one of the most commonly used implants in the UK. The aim of our study was to document our experience of the revision of this implant together highlighting some important technical considerations. Patients/Materials & Methods. A retrospective review of a consecutive case series of revision procedures where the Corail stem was extracted. We considered time since implantation, collared or uncollared design, indication for revision, Paprosky classification of femoral deficiency, endo-femoral reconstruction or extended approach/osteotomy, subsequent reconstruction either further primary type implant (cemented or cementless) or revision femoral implant. Results. 49 patients required extraction of Corial Stem as part of revision THA. Mean time to extraction 5.2 years (range 1.1 to 10.5 years). Indication for revision in 27 cases ARMD, 7 aseptic loosening, 7 PJI, 6 Peri-prosthetic fractures and 2 instability. The only cases that utilised an extended approach were those performed for peri-prosthetic fracture (5 B2 & 1 Type C fractures) all of which were reconstructed with a Modular Taper Fluted Stem. Of the remaining 43 cases revised for other reasons femoral bone stock was Paprosky Grade 2 in 21 cases, grade 3A in 22 cases. Stems were extracted with implant specific extraction device via endo-feomral route and subsequent reconstruction utilised a primary type femoral implant in 34% of cases. Discussion. All stems, apart from those revised for peri-prosthetic fracture were reconstructed via endo-femoral route. Safe implant extraction is key in this approach and the success of this method in our series emphasizes the major importance of the implant specific extraction instrumentation. Conclusion. As a result of safe implant extraction over 1/3. rd. of patients were able to have a primary implant inserted at the time of revision surgery

Purpose: Diverse extended approaches have been described for the treatment of complex acetabular fractues. Little data is however available concerning the results, morbidity, and complications of acetabular fractures treated with this approach. The purpose of this work was to assess outcome in procedures performed by a single operator using the extended iliofemoral approach as described by Letournel for the treatment of acetabular fractures. Material and methods: The database of the senior author included 833 acetabular fractures, 156 of which were operated via the extended iliofemoral approach in 109 patients who had a minimal two years follow-up. The series included 69 women and 40 men, mean age 34 years (11–93). Fracture type was: BC 64; TR+PW 15; T 12; ACH: 3; PW: 2; AC: 2. Delay before surgery was less than 21 days for 76 patients, between 21 days and three months for 22 and greater than three months for 11. There was a femoral head injury in 21% of the cases and 6% had had an earlier operation. Results: At mean follow-up of 5.4 years (2–12), all fractures had healed. Reduction was anatomic in 69% of the cases, imperfect in 13ù and fair (interfragment gap > 3 mm) in 18%. The mean Postel Merle d’Aubigné score was 15 (5–18) with 63% excellent or good results. Complications were observed in 9% of the cases: seven infections, two serous discharges, and one necrosis of the scar borders. Ectopic ossifications were noted in 56% of the patients, 16% required surgical resection. Total arthroplasty was performed for 7% of the patients, arthrodesis for 4% and haematoma evacuation for 8%. The arthroplasty was revised two years after recurrent dislocation in one patient. Discussion: This work allows us to conclude that the extended iliofemoral approach is safe and effective for the treatment of complex acetabular fractures. The percentage of excellent and good results is closely related to the quality of the reduction, and can be considered satisfactory known that the extended iliofemoral approach is used for more complex fractures less susceptible of healing. We recommend this approach for experimented operators well trained in the use of the iliofemoral approach

Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus need anatomic reduction of the joint surfaces and overall shape to restore function and minimize the risk of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis. The morbidity associated with extended approaches is a major concern. In the present study we compared the medium-term results after percutaneous reduction and screw fixation (PRSF) with that of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced fractures with less severe fracture patterns (Sanders type II). Material and Methods: In a matched cohort study from March 1998 to October 2004 the results of 36 patients treated either with PRSF or ORIF for displaced Sanders type II calcaneal fractures and Tscherne grade 1–2 closed soft tissue injury were reviewed. Each group contained 3 female and 15 male patients. Mean patient age was 40.1 years in the PRSF and 42.6 years in the ORIF group. PRSF was carried out percutaneously with small fragment (3.5 mm) screws under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic control. ORIF was performed with a lateral plate via an extended lateral approach. Early ROM exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints were initiated for all patients at the first postoperative day. Patients were mobilized with partial weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks postoperatively in their own shoes. Detailed follow-up with clinical and radiographic evaluation was obtained for all patients at a mean of 23 months postoperatively. Results: One patient (5.6%) from the ORIF group developed postoperative wound edge necrosis that responded well to conservative management with antiseptic dressings. In the PRSF group no complications were seen. Patients fully returned to work after 10.8 weeks in the PRSF group and 16.2 weeks in the ORIF group. Subjectively 17 of 18 patients (94%) in the PRSF group and 15 of 18 patients (83%) in the ORIF group rated their result as good to excellent at follow-up. The AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score averaged 93.8 for the PRSF group and 88.2 for the ORIF group (N. S.). The average Böhler angle improved from 13 to 25° in the PRSF group and from 10 to 26° in the ORIF group. Subtalar range of motion was significantly reduced in the ORIF group at the time of follow-up. Hindfoot eversion/inversion averaged 42.7° in the PRSF group and 33.6° in the ORIF group (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Regardless of the treatment option, patients with less severe displaced intrta-articular calcaneal fractures can expect good to excellent results after anatomic reduction of the subtalar joint. Percutaneous screw fixation leads to earlier rehabilitation and better subtalar motion than open reduction and internal fixation via an extended lateral approach. Percutaneous fixation of these fractures should be contemplated for these fractures provided adequate control over the joint reduction either with subtalar arthroscopy or high -resolution (3D) fluoroscopy

The extended lateral L-shaped approach for the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum may be complicated by wound infection, haematoma, dehiscence and injury to the sural nerve. In an effort to reduce the risk of problems with wound healing a technique was developed that combined open reduction and fixation of the joint fragments and of the anterior process with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of the tuberosity. A group of 24 patients with unilateral isolated closed Sanders type II and III fractures was treated using this technique and compared to a similar group of 26 patients managed by the extended approach and lateral plating. The operation was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the first group, but more minor secondary procedures and removal of heel screws were necessary. There were no wound complications in this group, whereas four minor complications occurred in the second group. The accuracy and maintenance of reduction, and ultimate function were equivalent

The August 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Achilles tendon rupture: surgery or conservative treatment for the high-demand patient?; First ray amputation in diabetic patients; Survival of ankle arthroplasty in the UK; First metatarsophalangeal joint fusion and flat foot correction; Intra-articular corticosteroid injections with or without hyaluronic acid in the management of subtalar osteoarthritis; Factors associated with nonunion of post-traumatic subtalar arthrodesis; The Mayo Prosthetic Joint Infection Risk Score for total ankle arthroplasty.

Aims

Vascular compromise due to arterial injury is a rare but serious complication of a proximal humeral fracture. The aims of this study were to report its incidence in a large urban population, and to identify clinical and radiological factors which are associated with this complication. We also evaluated the results of the use of our protocol for the management of these injuries.

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

Aims

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase medial column support have been developed. There are currently no recent studies that definitively establish the superiority of augmented fixation over non-augmented implants in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or bone-graft augmentation versus those who underwent locking-plate fixation without augmentation for proximal humeral fractures.

The extended lateral approach offers a safe surgical approach in the fixation of calcaneal fractures. Lateral plating of the calcaneum could put structures on the medial side at risk. The aim was to identify structures at risk on the medial side of the calcaneum from wires, drills or screws passed from lateral to medial. Ten embalmed cadaveric feet were dissected. A standard extended lateral approach was performed. The DePuy perimeter plate was first applied and 2mm K-wires were drilled through each of the holes. The medial side was now examined to determine the structures at risk through each hole. The process was repeated with the Stryker plate. The calcaneum was divided into 6 zones, by two vertical lines, from the margins of the posterior facet and a transverse line along the axis of the bone through the highest point of the peroneal tubercle. The DePuy and the Stryker plates have 12 screw positions, 5 of which are common. With both systems, screw positions in zone 1 risk injury to the medial plantar nerve and zone 3 the lateral plantar nerve. A screw through zone 2 compromises the medial plantar in both. Screws through zone 4 risk the lateral plantar nerve with the DePuy plate. Screws through zone 5 of the DePuy plate risk the medial calcaneal nerve. Zone 5 of the Stryker plate and Zone 6 of both are safe. There is significant risk to medial structures from laterally placed wires, drills or screws. Subtalar screws have the highest risk and have to be carefully measured and placed. The Stryker plating system is relatively safer than the DePuy perimeter plate with three safe zones out of six

Our purpose was to study the functional outcome and electrophysiologically to assess the axially nerve function in patients who have undergone surgery using a deltoid-splitting approach to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. This was a prospective observational study and was carried out in the Shoulder injury clinic at a university teaching hospital. Over a one-year period we treated fourteen locally-resident patients (median age 59 years) who presented with a three- or four-part proximal humeral fracture. All patients were treated using the extended deltoid-splitting approach, with open reduction, bone grafting and plate osteosynthesis. All patients were prospectively reviewed and underwent functional testing using the DASH, Constant and SF-36 scores as well as spring balance testing of deltoid power, and dynamic muscle function testing. At one year after surgery, all patients underwent EMG and nerve latency studies to assess axillary nerve function. Thirteen of the fourteen patients united their fractures without complications, and had DASH and Constant score that were good, with comparatively minor residual deficits on assessment of muscle power. Of these thirteen patients, only one had evidence of slight neurogenic change in the anterior deltoid. This patient had no evidence of anterior deltoid paralysis and her functional scores, spring balance and dynamic muscle function test results were indistinguishable from the patients with normal electrophysiological findings. One of the fourteen patients developed osteonecrosis of the humeral head nine months after surgery and had poor functional scores, without evidence of nerve injury on electrophysiological testing. Reconstruction through an extended deltoid-splitting approach provides a useful alternative in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. The approach provides good access for reduction and implant placement and does not appear to be associated with clinically-significant adverse effects

Introduction: Dividing the short external rotators 2 cm from their insertion into the femur should preserve the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery. Our aim was to determine, prospectively, femoral head perfusion during hip resurfacing arthroplasty comparing two posterior approaches. Methods: 20 hip resurfacing arthroplasties were performed in 20 patients by two different surgeons between September 2005 and November 2006. Patients were divided into two equal groups according to approach. One surgeon used the extended posterior approach and the other a modified posterior approach. Intravenous cefuroxime was administered in every case following capsulectomy and relocation of the femoral head. After 5 minutes the femoral head was dislocated and prepared as routine for the operation. Bone from the top of the femoral head and reamings were sent for assay to determine the concentration of cefuroxime. Results: There was no statistical difference between the concentration of cefuroxime in bone when using the modified posterior approach (mean 5.6mg/kg; CI 3.6 – 7.8) compared to the extended posterior approach (mean 5.6; CI 3.5 – 7.8; p=0.95). In one patient, who had the operation through the posterior approach, cefuroxime was undetectable. Discussion: The similarity in femoral head perfusion between approaches suggests the blood supply is further impaired by capsulectomy rather than by damaging the MFCA alone

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the results of interlocking nailing (ILN) and plating (PL) in fresh humeral shaft fractures (HSF). Material and Methods: During 7 years period 145 patients with HSF (84 males and 61 females) were operated and followed up for 8 – 60 months (mean 18 months). According to AO there were 64 Type A, 53 Type B and 28 Type C fractures. Of 18 open injuries there were 10 grades I, 5 grades II and 3 grades IIIA. There were 33 patients with polytrauma, 11 cases with associated limb injuries, 9 cases with floating elbow and 22 patients with primary neurological deficit. In 75 fractures ILN was performed and PL in rest 70. Results: The mean operative time was 85 min for ILN vs./117 min for PL and the mean blood loss 100ml vs./250 ml. Healing occurred in 139(95.6%) fractures with mean healing time 75 days vs./85 days. Functional results according to Rommens score were as follows. Shoulder: excellent 62(82.6%) vs./55(78.5%), good 11(14.6%) vs./11(15.7%), poor 2(2.8%) vs./4(5.8%). Elbow: excellent 69(92%) vs./52(74.3%), good 6(8%) vs./16(22.8%), poor 0 vs./2(2.9%). Complications noted were iatrogenic nerve palsy 1(1.3%) vs./12(17%), delayed union 5(7%) vs./2(3%), non union 1(1.3%) vs./5(7%), infection 0 vs./1(1.4%), fixation failure 1(1.3%) vs./5(7%) and reosteosynthesis 1(1.3%) vs./1(1.4%), shoulder impingement 8(11%) vs./2(3%). Conclusions: Interlockimg nailing reduces risk of nerve injury and infection, provides more stability in segmental, complex and osteoporotic HSF. No significant differences in the term of healing in the both methods. Plating should be preferred in open Fx with incidental nerve palsy or vascular injury and juxtaarticular Fx, especially distally located. The method provides anatomical reduction, but requires extended approach and increases risk of iatrogenic nerve palsy