Lower limb fractures are common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and represent a significant burden to the existing orthopaedic surgical infrastructure. In high income country (HIC) settings, internal fixation is the standard of care due to its superior outcomes. In LMICs, external fixation is often the surgical treatment of choice due to limited supplies, cost considerations, and its perceived lower complication rate. The aim of this systematic review protocol is identifying differences in rates of infection, nonunion, and malunion of extra-articular femoral and tibial shaft fractures in LMICs treated with either internal or external fixation. This systematic review protocol describes a broad search of multiple databases to identify eligible papers. Studies must be published after 2000, include at least five patients, patients must be aged > 16 years or treated as skeletally mature, and the paper must describe a fracture of interest and at least one of our primary outcomes of interest. We did not place restrictions on language or journal. All abstracts and full texts will be screened and extracted by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias and quality of evidence will be analyzed using standardized appraisal tools. A random-effects meta-analysis followed by a subgroup analysis will be performed, given the anticipated heterogeneity among studies, if sufficient data are available.Aims
Methods
The ulna is an extremely rare location for primary bone tumours of the elbow in paediatrics. Although several reconstruction options are available, the optimal reconstruction method is still unknown due to the rarity of proximal ulna tumours. In this study, we report the outcomes of osteoarticular ulna allograft for the reconstruction of proximal ulna tumours. Medical profiles of 13 patients, who between March 2004 and November 2021 underwent osteoarticular ulna allograft reconstruction after the resection of the proximal ulna tumour, were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were measured clinically by the assessment of elbow range of motion (ROM), stability, and function, and radiologically by the assessment of allograft-host junction union, recurrence, and joint degeneration. The elbow function was assessed objectively by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and subjectively by the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) questionnaire.Aims
Methods
Ilium is the most common site of pelvic Ewing’s sarcoma (ES). Resection of the ilium and iliosacral joint causes pelvic disruption. However, the outcomes of resection and reconstruction are not well described. In this study, we report patients’ outcomes after resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft. Medical files of 43 patients with ilium and iliosacral ES who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft between January 2010 and October 2021 were reviewed. The lesions were classified into four resection zones: I1, I2, I3, and I4, based on the extent of resection. Functional outcomes, oncological outcomes, and surgical complications for each resection zone were of interest. Functional outcomes were assessed using a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).Aims
Methods
Aims. The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach. Methods. A total of 30 children with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur who had been treated by intraregional curettage and bone grafting were retrospectively reviewed. An intercondylar approach was used in 16 patients (group A) and an epiphyseal approach in 14 (group B). Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and Sailhan’s functional criteria. Results. At final follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 29.1 (SD 0.9) in group A and 26.7 (SD 1.5) in group B (p = 0.006). According to Sailhan’s criteria, the knee function was good and fair in 14 (87.5%) and two (12.5%) patients of group A, and eight (57.1%) and six (42.9%) patients of group B, respectively (p = 0.062). The lesion had recurred in one patient (6.2%) in group A and four patients (28.6%) in group B.
Chronic osteomyelitis (COM) of the lower limb in adults can be surgically managed by either limb reconstruction or amputation. This scoping review aims to map the outcomes used in studies surgically managing COM in order to aid future development of a core outcome set. A total of 11 databases were searched. A subset of studies published between 1 October 2020 and 1 January 2011 from a larger review mapping research on limb reconstruction and limb amputation for the management of lower limb COM were eligible. All outcomes were extracted and recorded verbatim. Outcomes were grouped and categorized as per the revised Williamson and Clarke taxonomy.Aims
Methods
To explore the effect of different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in two-stage revision for chronic hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI). A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 36 chronic PJI patients treated with different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers between January 2014 and December 2017. The incidence of complications and the therapeutic effects of different types of antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacers were compared.Aims
Methods
Arthrodesis is rarely used as a salvage procedure for patients with a chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and little information is available about the outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, durability, and safety of this procedure as the definitive treatment for complex, chronically infected TKA, in a current series of patients. We retrospectively identified 41 patients (41 TKAs) with a complex infected TKA, who were treated between 2002 and 2016 using a deliberate, two-stage knee arthrodesis. Their mean age was 64 years (34 to 88) and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 39 kg/m2 (25 to 79). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 9). The extensor mechanism (EM) was deficient in 27 patients (66%) and flap cover was required in 14 (34%). Most patients were host grade B (56%) or C (29%), and limb grade 3 (71%), according to the classification of McPherson et al. A total of 12 patients (29%) had polymicrobial infections and 20 (49%) had multi-drug resistant organisms; fixation involved an intramedullary nail in 25 (61%), an external fixator in ten (24%), and dual plates in six (15%).Aims
Methods
Chondrocyte hypertrophy represents a crucial turning point during endochondral bone development. This process is tightly regulated by various factors, constituting a regulatory network that maintains normal bone development. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is the most well-characterized member of the HDAC class IIa family and participates in different signalling networks during development in various tissues by promoting chromatin condensation and transcriptional repression. Studies have reported that HDAC4-null mice display premature ossification of developing bones due to ectopic and early-onset chondrocyte hypertrophy. Overexpression of HDAC4 in proliferating chondrocytes inhibits hypertrophy and ossification of developing bones, which suggests that HDAC4, as a negative regulator, is involved in the network regulating chondrocyte hypertrophy. Overall, HDAC4 plays a key role during bone development and disease. Thus, understanding the role of HDAC4 during chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral bone formation and its features regarding the structure, function, and regulation of this process will not only provide new insight into the mechanisms by which HDAC4 is involved in chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral bone development, but will also create a platform for developing a therapeutic strategy for related diseases.
Debate continues about whether it is better to use a cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty to treat a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. The aim of this study was to attempt to resolve this issue for contemporary prostheses. A total of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip were randomized to receive either a cemented polished tapered stem hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented Furlong hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty. Follow-up was conducted by a nurse blinded to the implant at set intervals for up to one year from surgery.Aims
Methods
Different criteria for assessing the reduction quality of trochanteric fractures have been reported. The Baumgaertner reduction quality criteria (BRQC) are relatively common and the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) are relatively new. The objectives of the current study were to compare the reliability of the BRQC and CRQC in predicting mechanical complications and to investigate the clinical implications of the CRQC. A total of 168 patients were assessed in a retrospective observational study. Clinical information including age, sex, fracture side, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, tip-apex distance (TAD), fracture classification, reduction quality, blade position, BRQC, CRQC, bone quality, and the occurrence of mechanical complications were used in the statistical analysis.Objectives
Methods
Many authors have reported a shorter treatment time when using trifocal bone transport (TFT) rather than bifocal bone transport (BFT) in the management of long segmental tibial bone defects. However, the difference in the incidence of additional procedures, the true complications, and the final results have not been investigated. A total of 86 consecutive patients with a long tibial bone defect (≥ 8 cm), who were treated between January 2008 and January 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 45 were treated by BFT and 41 by TFT. The median age of the 45 patients in the BFT group was 43 years (interquartile range (IQR) 23 to 54).Aims
Patients and Methods
Fractures of the distal femur can be challenging to manage and
are on the increase in the elderly osteoporotic population. Management
with casting or bracing can unacceptably limit a patient’s ability
to bear weight, but historically, operative fixation has been associated
with a high rate of re-operation. In this study, we describe the outcomes
of fixation using modern implants within a strategy of early return
to function. All patients treated at our centre with lateral distal femoral
locking plates (LDFLP) between 2009 and 2014 were identified. Fracture
classification and operative information including weight-bearing
status, rates of union, re-operation, failure of implants and mortality
rate, were recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of the study was to investigate the controversial issue
of whether the pelvic ring should be reconstructed following resection
of the sarcomas of the ilium. From our database, we identified 64 patients who underwent excision
of a tumour involving the ilium between 1976 and 2015. A total of
35 underwent complete resection, of whom 24 were reconstructed with
a non-vascularised fibula graft, and four with extracorporeal irradiation
and reimplantation. A total of 29 patients had a partial resection.
The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (1.1 to 25.6). Functional outcomes
were assessed using the Toronto Extremity Salvation Score (TESS)
at final follow-up. In all, 32 patients (50%) had a chondrosarcoma.Aims
Patients and Methods
To present our experience of using a combination of intra-articular
osteotomy and external fixation to treat different deformities of
the knee. A total of six patients with a mean age of 26.5 years (15 to
50) with an abnormal hemi-joint line convergence angle (HJLCA) and
mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were included. Elevation of a tibial
hemiplateau or femoral condylar advancement was performed and limb
lengthening with correction of residual deformity using a circular
or monolateral Ilizarov frame.Aims
Patients and Methods
We wished to examine the effectiveness of tibial lengthening
using a two ring Ilizarov frame in skeletally immature patients.
This is a potentially biomechanically unstable construct which risks
the loss of axial control. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 24 boys and
26 girls, with a mean age of 8.6 years (4 to 14), who underwent
52 tibial lengthening procedures with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years
(4.0 to 16.9). Tibial alignment was measured before and after treatment
using joint orientation lines from the knee and a calculation of
the oblique plane axis.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report the outcome of 39 patients who underwent
a modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy for nonunion of
a femoral neck fracture following failed osteosynthesis. There were
31 men and eight women with a mean age of 47.2 years (34 to 59).
By Pauwels’ classification, there were 11 Type II fractures and
28 Type III fractures. The mean follow-up was 7.9 years (2 to 19).
In the 11 patients whose initial treatment had been osteotomy, union was
achieved in nine (81.8%). In 28 patients whose initial treatment
had been with a lag screw or a dynamic hip screw, union was achieved
in 27 (96.4%). Limb lengths were equalised in 14 of 16 patients
(87.5%) with pre-operative shortening. The mean neck-shaft angle
improved significantly from 100.5° (80° to 120°) to 131.6° (120°
to 155°) (p = 0.004). The mean modified Harris hip score was 85.6
points (70 to 97) and the mean modified Merle d’Aubigné score was
14.3 (11 to 18). Good to excellent functional outcomes were achieved
in 32 patients (88.8%). A modified Pauwels’ intertrochanteric osteotomy
is a reliable method of treating ununited fractures of the femoral neck
following failed osteosynthesis: coxa vara and shortening can also
simultaneously be addressed. Cite this article
The August 2014 Foot &
Ankle Roundup360 looks at: calcaneotibial nail in ankle fractures; reamer irrigator aspirator for ankle fusion; periprosthetic bone infection; infection in ankle fixation; cheap and cheerful OK in MTP fusion plates; sliding fibular graft for peroneal tendon pathology and fusion for failed ankle replacement.
There is a high risk of the development of avascular
necrosis of the femoral head and nonunion after the treatment of
displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral neck in patients aged
<
50 years. We retrospectively analysed the results following
fixation with two cannulated compression screws and a vascularised
iliac bone graft. We treated 18 women and 16 men with a mean age
of 38.5 years (20 to 50) whose treatment included the use of an
iliac bone graft based on the ascending branch of lateral femoral
circumflex artery. There were 20 Garden grade III and 14 grade IV
fractures. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. The
mean follow-up was 5.4 years (2 to 10). In 30 hips (88%) union was
achieved at a mean of 4.4 months (4 to 6). Nonunion occurred in
four hips (12%) and these patients had a mean age of 46.5 years
(42 to 50) and underwent revision to a hip replacement six months
after operation. The time to union was dependent on age with younger
patients achieving earlier union (p <
0.001). According to the
Harris hip score which was available for 27 of the 30 hips with
satisfactory union, excellent results were obtained in 15 (score ≥ 90
points), fair in ten (score 80 to 90 points), and poor in two hips
(≤ 80 points). One patient aged 48 years developed avascular necrosis
of femoral head six years after operation and underwent total hip
replacement. The management of displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral
neck, in patients aged <
50 years, with two cannulated compression
screws and an iliac bone graft based on the ascending branch of
lateral femoral circumflex artery, gives satisfactory results with
a low rate of complication including avascular necrosis and nonunion. Cite this article:
Squeaking arising from a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC)
total hip replacement (THR) may cause patient concern and in some
cases causes patients to seek revision surgery. We performed a meta-analysis
to determine the incidence of squeaking and the incidence of revision
surgery for squeaking. A total of 43 studies including 16 828 CoC
THR that reported squeaking, or revision for squeaking, were entered
into the analysis. The incidence of squeaking was 4.2% and the incidence
of revision for squeaking was 0.2%. The incidence of squeaking in
patients receiving the Accolade femoral stem was 8.3%, and the incidence
of revision for squeaking in these patients was 1.3%. Cite this article:
