Our purpose was to evaluate the use of indirect and closed reduction with Ilizarov external fixator in intraarticular calcaneal fractures.

In a period of 3 years, 16 patients with 18 intraarticular fractures of calcaneus (eleven type III and seven type IV according to Sanders classification) were treated with the Ilizarov fixator. Twelve patients were male and four female. The average age was 42 years (range 25 – 63 years). Three fractures were open. Fractures were evaluated by preoperative radiographs and CT scans. Restoration of the calcaneal bone anatomy was obtained by closed means using minimally invasive reduction technique by Ilizarov fixator. Arthrodiatasis and ligamento-taxis, and closed reduction of the subtalar joint were performed in 14 cases. In 4 cases the depressed posterior calcaneal facet was elevated by small lateral incision and stabilized in frame by wires. Postoperatively, partial, early weight bearing was encouraged in all patients.

The mean follow-up period was 1,5 years (range 1 – 3 years). The AOFAS Ankle – Hindfoot Score, and physical examination were used in functional evaluation. The average score was 79,8 (range 72 – 90). Six patients had limited degenerative radiological findings of osteoarthrosis about the subtalar joint and three of them had painful subtalar movement. One of the patients complained of heel pad pain. Nine (6.25%) grade II pin tract infections were detected from a total of 144 wires. No secondary reconstructive procedures, including osteotomies, subtalar fusions, or amputations, have been done.

Indirect closed reduction of calcaneal bone anatomy and arthrodiatasis of subtalar joint with Ilizarov external fixator is a viable surgical alternative for intraarticular calcaneal fractures

Whiplash vertigo syndrome is often seen in victims of rear-end vehicle collisions. These patients commonly complain of headache, vertigo, tinnitus, poor concentration, irritability, and sensitivity to noise and light.

Sixteen patients (medium age, 39,5 years) that they refered in orthopaedic examination because of long-lasting subjective complaints after cervical spine injury underwent clinical, laboratorial and psychometric examinations. The mean posttraumatic interval was 43 months. Ten patients were injured in road accidents, 5 during sports and one at work, all with mechanism trial of whip. Each patient was evaluated with otorhinolaryngologic examination, audiometry tests, CT: petrus – internal auditory meatus and cerebellopontine corner. Also each patient was evaluated with neurologic examination, psychological well-being scale (sf-36), and personality profile scale.

None of the patients had neurologic symptoms, and no lesions of the cervical spine were identified. All the patients had negative clinical, radiological and standard laboratorial control, but may be is a critical point that the eleven of these patients had pathologic OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). Also did not exist differentiations from the mean values in psychological well-being scale (SF-36), and personality profile scale of healthy population. Test results were unrelated to the length of the post-traumatic interval. However, 2 distinct syndromes were identified. Ten patients had cervicoencephalic whiplash type syndrome (CES), characterized by headache, vertigo, tinnitus poor concentration, and disturbed adaptation to light intensity. Six patients had the lower cervical spine whiplash type syndrome (LCSS), characterized by vertigo, tinnitus cervical and cervicobrachial pain.

The verification of Whiplash Vertigo syndrome require more objective clinical means. This article proposes that exists an organic base for the syndrome, but does not promote that whiplash injury certainly cause it

Aim of our study was the investigation and the cross-correlation of various neurologic scales to estimate, comparatively with the functional results of patients after damage of spinal cord injuries.

Between 1989 – 2005, 115 patients were submitted in stabilization of Lower Cervical Spine that was judged unstable.

The neurologic situation was certified with the scales: Frankel, ASIA motor score, NASCIS motor score, FIM scale, and MBI scale.

In the protocol took part the 94 patients for that existed in neurologic details and long follow-up for at least two years.

From the study of course of scores of all scales was not found statistically important difference between ASIA, NASCIS and other motor scales. However 12 patients with important improvement of mobility at ASIA motor score and NASCIS motor score they have not difference in Frankel scale, despite the make that the MRP (Motor Percentage Recovery) was improved: 21.5%

Also 8 patients with relatively big improvement in their total scores did not have corresponding functional improvement (FIM scale, and [MBI] scale)

A lot of neurologic methods – scales were used and are used today. However for the essential and modern follow-up of patients with spinal cord injuries, it needs certification with a scale of classic team of (measurement of mobility) and a scale of functional faculties of the patient

Aim: Our purpose was to evaluate the use of indirect and closed reduction with Ilizarov external fixator in intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Materials and Methods: In a period of 5 years (2004–2008), 26 patients with 29 intra-articular fractures of calcaneus (eighteen type III and eleven type IV according to Sanders classification) were treated with the Ilizarov fixator. Twenty-one patients were male and five female. The average age was 45 years (range 22 – 67 years). Five fractures were open. Fractures were evaluated by preoperative radiographs and CT scans. Restoration of the calcaneal bone anatomy was obtained by closed means using minimally invasive reduction technique by Ilizarov fixator. Arthrodiatasis and ligamentotaxis, and closed reduction of the subtalar joint were performed in 24 cases. In 5 cases the depressed posterior calcaneal facet was elevated by small lateral incision and stabilized in frame by wires. Postoperatively, partial, early weight bearing was encouraged in all patients.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 2,1 years (range 1 – 4 years). The AOFAS Ankle – Hindfoot Score, and physical examination were used in functional evaluation. The average score was 77,4 (range 70–90). Seven patients had limited degenerative radiological findings of osteoarthrosis about the subtalar joint and three of them had painful subtalar movement. Two of the patients complained of heel pad pain. Nine patients had grade II pin tract infections and were detected from a total of 258 wires. No secondary reconstructive procedures, including osteotomies, subtalar fusions, or amputations, have been done.

Conclusion: Indirect closed reduction of calcaneal bone anatomy and arthrodiatasis of subtalar joint with Ilizarov external fixator is a viable surgical alternative for intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Purpose: The relationship between pain, quality of life (QOL) anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain is complex. The aim of this study was focused in osteoid osteomas which treated with Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA).

Patients and Methods: We determine the pain characteristics severity, duration, meaning of pain, (MINESOTA score), psychological distress (HADS), physical functioning, social functioning and quality of life (SF −36) and determine which of these variables improved after Radiofrequency thermal ablation in osteoid osteomas. A total of 26 patients with osteoid osteoma which proceed in RFTA and completed the questionnaires, evaluated pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, physical functioning, and social functioning before and after the procedure in a mean follow up of 17 months. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships among the study variables. A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which variables were the most important predictors.

Results: Pain was significantly correlated with all the other variables, in particular depression and anxiety. Pain QuoL and Depression improved dramatically after kyphoplasties in a follow up of 17 months period.

Conclusion: The clinical results indicate a 100% success rate with complete remission of symptoms and no relapses having been reported at the time of those patients who have arrived at the one year follow up. CT-guided RF ablation is a safe, simple and effective method of treatment for osteoid osteoma. and improve quality of life, anxiety and depression in these patients.

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the use of Ilizarov external fixator for ankle arthrodesis in severe post-traumatic or other ankle arthritis.

Patients and Methods: In the period of 8 years, 19 patients underwent ankle arthrodesis with the Ilizarov external fixator for severe ankle arthritis. In four patients the indication for arthrodesis was infection following failed surgical management of tibia plafond fractures, four patients had failed prior ankle arthrodesis and the rest suffered severe ankle arthritis. Eleven patients were male, eight female, with a mean age of 52 years (range 30–71 years). Seven patients had deformities greater then 10°. All had painful stiff ankle joints and 12 patients had disorder of ankle joint anatomy with significant limp. Anterior approach to the ankle joint was preferred, associated with distal fibular osteotomy. Secondary gradual corrections of postoperative deformity and additional compression at the arthrodesis site were performed with the Ilizarov system by closed manipulation. Following frame removal the arthrodesis was immobilised in a cast for a mean of 4 weeks.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 3,9 years. A solid ankle arthrodesis was achieved in 18 of the 19 cases. Failure of solid arthrodesis was detected in one patient with insufficient arthroscopic removal of articular cartilage and internal fixation was performed. In one case with major pin tract infection at the distal talus ring distal expansion of the frame was required. According to the Mazur rating system in 12 patients the results were good, in 5 patients fair and in 2 patients poor.

Conclusion: The use of Ilizarov external fixator for ankle arthrodesis provides significant interfragmentary compression forces, allows early weight bearing and post-operative adjustment of alignment of arthrodesis. This method should be considered as the treatment of choice in ankle arthrodesis, especially in revision cases and in the cases with infection around of the ankle joint.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective investigation is to determine if soft tissue and intra-articular local anaesthetic injection with bupivacaine and adrenaline have beneficial post-operative effects in patients who had total knee replacement (TKR) for osteoarthritis.

Material and Methods: 97 patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. The mean age was 74.7 years. In control group I there were 17 men and 33 women with a mean age of 73.5 years, in group II 16 men and 31 women of mean age of 74.9 years. The patients who were allocated to control group I (n =50) had no intraarticular treatment. We used general anaesthesia in all these patients. The study group II of 47 patients had received intraoperative injection of 0.25% bupivacaine(8ml) with epinephrine (1ml – 1mg) with 2/3 injected into the soft tissues and 1/3 injected into the joint. Clinical parameters evaluated included pain, blood use and bleeding index (calculated by preoperative haemoglobin minus postoperative hemoglobin plus the number of units of packed red blood cells transfused) and range of motion (ROM) at discharge.

Results: Flexion at discharge was improved from 70 (60–90)° in the control group to 90 (80–120)° in study group II (p = 0.005), the difference between the two groups receiving different amounts of analgesics were statistically significant. Number of days until 90 degrees of flexion and until discharge was reduced in group II compared with the control group I (p = 0.003 and 0.002). Also and the blood loss decreased.

Conclusion: This simple method is effective in improving all the postoperative course of primary TKR and should be considered as a part of a perioperative patient treatment program.

Purpose: A clinical retrospective study of surgical treatment of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis by the Ilizarov method was conducted by analyzing the end results.The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of distraction osteogenesis in covering large bone defects and eradicate infection.

Materials and method: Between 1990–2000, twenty-one patients with chronic osteomyelitis were surgically treated. Inclusion criteria were: 1) active infection of more than six months and 2) bone defect (after the surgical debridement was completed) > 4cm.The average length of bone defect was 9,5 cm. (4–28cm.). In all cases corticotomy and application of the Ilizarov device was necessary to initiate bone transport.The protocol of the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (A.S.A.M.I), was used to evaluate the results. All patients were examined clinically and radiographically in order to assess the proper alignment, the progress of bone healing and possible signs of infection.

Result: Thirteen patients (62%) presented delayed union at the docking site. In 4 patients compression –distraction was necessary to promote union. In 9 patients (43%) the Ilizarov device was removed and interlocked intramedullary nailing was performed after eradication of the infection was confirmed by clinical and laboratory data. Recurrence of infection occurred in one patient. Elimination of infection and solid bone formation was the end result for all patients. Two refractures at the docking site needed reapplication of an Ilizarov device. In one case angular deformity of more than 10 degrees needed correctional osteotomy.

Conclusions: The Ilizarov method addresses successfully infection, bone defect, deformity, and leg length discrepancy simultaneously. All these may coexist in difficult cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Complications associated specifically with bone transport in exceeded bone defects ,after radical resection of infected bone, include certainly delayed union or non-union at the docking site and prolonged treatment time.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of 23 patients with septic nonunion of the distal tibial metaphysis type Pilon fractures treated with Ilizarov technique.

Material and Methods: Between 1990 and 2002 the Ilizarov technique was used in 23 patients with posttraumatic infected nonunion of the distal tibia. Seventeen were males and 6 females. Average age was 40.1 years (range16–68 years). Mean duration of nonunion was 13,8 months and the average number of failed previous surgical procedures 2.2.

According to AO classification there were 3 non-unions with quiescent infection and no drainage, 4 with active infection and no drainage, and 16 with infection and drainage. The ankle joint was ankylosed in 6 patients preoperatively and it was painful in all patients. Thirteen patients had an angular deformity of more than 7 degrees (range 7–30 degrees, mean 16 degrees). Sixteen patients had a mean bone defect of 2.5 cm (range 1 to 6 cm). Monofocal or bifocal compression-distraction osteogenesis technique with or without bridging the ankle joint was performed in all cases. Ankle arthrodesis was necessary in 4 cases. Mean external fixation time was 139.6 days and mean follow-up period was 4 years.

Results: The results were evaluated using the functional and radiological scoring system described by Paley. The results were excellent in 7 patients (30.4%) good in 9 (39.1%) fair in 5 (21.7%) and 2 (8.69%) poor while the functional results were excellent in 4 patients (17.39%) good in 8 (34,8%), fair in 7 (30,4%) and poor in 4 (17,39%). Bone union and eradication of infection were achieved in all cases. Four bone defects required bone grafting and freshening at the docking site. Ankle motion was difficult to record preoperatively but good to very good ankle function was obtained at final follow up evaluation in 12 patients.

Conclusions: The Ilizarov technique is a reliable method in the treatment of metaphyseal septic nonunion of the distal tibia particularly in cases with angular deformity, ankle joint contracture and bone defects. Compliance of the patient is absolutely necessary.

Aims: This experiment study was undertaken to evaluate the differences, in bone response to various grafts.

Methods: Ninety, 3.5 months New Zeland white rabbits, weighing 4kg, were divided randomly in 6 groups of 15 animals. Under anesthesia, a 4.5mm hole was drilled in the 2 posteriors femoral condyles of each rabbit, in totaling 180 condyles. Holes were filled with various grafts as follow: Group I-autograft, Group II-xenograft (Lubboc®), Group III-allograft DBM (Grafton®), Group IV-substitute calcium sulfate (Osteoset®), Group V-substitute calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite (Ceraform®), Group VI- was used control. After the implantation, the animals were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 6 months intervals tissue samples from the implanted areas were processed for histological evaluation.

Results: Group I: At 1 month, autologous grafts were lined with activated osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Lamellar bone and cartilage were evident. Neoangiogenesis was prominent. At 3, 6 months defects were filled with mature bone. Group II: Lubboc® displayed moderate (1 month) to intense (3 months) remodeling activity and pronounced neoangiogenesis. At 3 months, endochondral osteogenesis and lamellar bone production were more prominent. At 6 months graft material was significantly restricted and lamellar had considerably replaced woven bone. Group III: Grafton® putty was present at 1, 3 months. There were few osteoblasts and numerous multinuclaeated cells rimming implant surfaces. Endochondral ossification foci, new bone formation and neovascularisation were observed (1, 3 months). At 6 months DBM fibers were absent. Lamellar and woven bone was evident. Group IV: At 1 month new bone (mostly woven) was present, lined with activated osteoblast and few osteoclasts. Endochondral ossification and angiogenesis were evident. At 3, 6 months bone remodeling was augmented, and Osteoset® graft was diminished. Complete closure of defects was observed, at 6 months. Group V: Ceraform® exhibited almost the same properties as Osteoset®. However, endochondral osteopoiesis and bone remodeling were less intense. Additionally, after 6 months, Ceraform® was still evident. Group VI: The defect areas were clearly observed at 1, 3 months.

Conclusion: Autografts are the most effective graft materials. Although Lubboc® is not totally resorbed, it seems to induce lamellar bone synthesis stronger than Grafton®. Bone substitutes are inferior to allografts.

We reviewed 13 patients with infected nonunion of the distal femur and bone loss, who had been treated by radical surgical debridement and the application of an Ilizarov external fixator. All had severely restricted movement of the knee and a mean of 3.1 previous operations. The mean length of the bony defect was 8.3 cm and no patient was able to bear weight.

The mean external fixation time was 309.8 days. According to Paley’s grading system, eight patients had an excellent clinical and radiological result and seven excellent and good functional results. Bony union, the ability to bear weight fully, and resolution of the infection were achieved in all the patients. The external fixation time was increased when the definitive treatment started six months or more after the initial trauma, the patient had been subjected to more than four previous operations and the initial operation had been open reduction and internal fixation.

Aims: To evaluate the functional recovery of the complex tibial plateau fractures Schatzker type V and VI treated with hybrid ex. fix..

Methods: Twenty-eight patients with intra-articular fractures of the proximal tibia were treated with hybrid external fixation in a three years period (1998–2001).The mean age was 35 years (17–76). According to Schatzker classification, there were 11(39.3%) fractures type V and 17(60.7) type VI, whereas 5(17.8%) fractures were open. Complex injury was recorded in 15(53.5%) patients. Closed reduction and hybrid external fixation was achieved in 21 (75%) fractures. Additional limited internal fixation was performed in 9(32%) cases. Open reduction was necessary in 7(25%) patients. Mobilization of the injured articulation was started at the 3rd postoperative day.

Results: Mean follow up period was 18 months. All fractures but one united at an average of 13.5 weeks (range from 11 to 18 weeks). The results were assessed according to the criteria of Honkonen and Jarvinen. An overall 22(78%) excellent and good results was recorded at the final follow up. Complications included one axial deformity, one septic pseudarthrosis, one peronial palsy and five pin tract infections.

Conclusions: The use of hybrid external fixation in the comminuted tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker V,VI), insure good restraining and early union, avoid major soft tissue complications and allow early mobilization and functional recovery of the knee joint.

The purpose of this study is to determine the indications and effectiveness of hybrid external fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures and to evaluate the patient’s functional recovery.

Twenty-seven patients with 28 intra-articular fractures of the proximal tibia were surgically treated with hybrid external fixation in a two years period (1999–2001). There were 25 patients (19 men and 6 women) available for the last follow up evaluation. The mean age was 35 years (17–76). According to Schatzker classification, there were 6 fractures type V and 22 type VI. Three of them were open fractures. The method included, indirect reduction based on ligamentotaxis and compression of the fractured segments with olive pins, in most patients. Additional limited internal fixation with free screws was also performed in 5 cases. Open reduction was necessary in 6 patients. Mobilization of the injured articulation was started at the third postoperative day, while full weight bearing was allowed after three months. The fixator was removed in average 12th week. Final evaluation was done according subjective, functional, clinical and radiological criteria. Mean follow up period was 14 months.

All fractures except one united at an average time of 13, 5 weeks. Twenty-two patients (77.6%) graded as excellent and good, hi detail, subjective results were acceptable in 72%, functional in 84%, clinical in 70% and radiological in 80%. Complications included one axial deformity, one septic pseudarthrosis, one peronial palsy and superficial pin path infections.

The use of hybrid external fixation in the comminuted tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker V, VI), insure good restraining and early union, avoid major soft tissue complications and allow quick mobilization and functional recovery of the knee joint. Moreover it is an application rather atraumatic because, only occasionally requires open reduction.

Aim: To evaluate the midterm results of primary cemented or cementless total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures.

Material and Methods: Between 1990–2000, 121 patients with displaced fractures of the femoral neck underwent primary prosthetic replacement 2.1 days on average after their admission. The mean age of the patients was 65,7 years (ranged 33–88) and the mean follow up period 4,1 years (mean 2–10 years), 112 patients had type III–IV femoral neck fractures according to Garden classification while the rest 9 patients had Garden II fractures but with associated osteoarthritis of the hip joint, A cement-less total hip arthroplasty was applied in 75 patients (Group A, average age 61,4 years) while the rest 46 patients were treated with cemented T.H.A (Group B, average age 72.4 years). Last follow up evaluation with the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiological assessment with the Engh and Wixon et al scores was available in 92 patients. 10,8% of the patients died from reasons unrelated to the implant, In 30 elderly patients (< 75 years old, 22 available in the last follow up) a cementless T.H.A. was applied due to established impairment of their cardiopulmonary status (coronary disease, chronic heart failure, COPD, positive history of myocardial infarction) or systematic diabetes mellitus.

Results: The mean HHS was 82, 3 degrees (52–97). Radiological score for the cementless T.H.A. was +5, 8 for the cup and +6,4 for the stem according to Engh scale (satisfactory integration for the proximal porous prosthesis-Perlecta, Synergy), and a 74,8% liability of integration according to Wixon scale (Sportono type of prosthesis). Complications were recorded in 19 patients: Early T.H.A, dislocation 3, 26% (3 Pi), loosening 5,4% (5 Pt), heterotopic ossification 8,6% (8 Ft), periprosthetic fracture 1,08 % (1 Pt) and femoral nerve paresis 1,08 % (1 Pt). One patient (1, 08%) had superficial wound infection treated with i.v. antibiotics, continuous irrigation and debridement. No systematic postoperative complications (acute renal failure, heart failure, coma) were noted in the elderly patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, possible due to selection of a cementless prosthesis and therefore to the lesser intraoperative time and the avoidance of toxic reactions from the cement.

Conclusion: Total cemented or cementless prosthetic replacement for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in selected cases give very good midterm results. Cementless T.H.A, is probably the choice of treatment in elderly patients with cardiopulrconary disorders, as the integration of the prosthesis is not affected from the degree of osteoporosis and the toxicity of cement is avoided.