Schwannomas are the most common tumours of the sheath of peripheral nerves. The clinical diagnosis is usually straightforward, but may be delayed for many years in a schwannoma of the posterior tibial nerve. The symptoms are often attributed to entrapment neuropathy or to lumbosacral radiculopathy. We describe 25 patients with a schwannoma of the posterior tibial nerve. Only three were diagnosed within a year of presentation. The mean time to diagnosis was 86.5 months with a median of 48 months (2 to 360). All the patients complained of pain, which was felt specifically in the sole of the foot in 18. A Tinel sign was detected in all 25 patients. MRI confirmed the diagnosis in all the cases in which it had been undertaken. Surgical resection of the lesion abolished the neuropathic pain. In patients with a long history of neuropathic pain in the lower limb in whom lumbar and pelvic lesions have been excluded, a benign tumour of the sheath of a peripheral nerve may explain the symptoms. Surgical resection of the tumour is safe and effective.
Like athletes, musicians are vulnerable to musculoskeletal
injuries that can be career ending or have a severe negative financial
impact. All ages are affected, with a peak incidence in the third
and fourth decades. Women are slightly more likely to be affected
than men. It is incumbent upon orthopaedic surgeons to be able to
complete a thorough physical assessment, be aware of the risk factors
associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in musicians, and have
a detailed knowledge of the specific syndromes they suffer and their
appropriate treatment. In this paper we review the common hand injuries that afflict
musicians and discuss their treatment. Cite this article:
We present a rare case of multifocal
As of April 2010 all NHS institutions in the United Kingdom are required to publish data on surgical site infection, but the method for collecting this has not been decided. We examined 7448 trauma and orthopaedic surgical wounds made in patients staying for at least two nights between 2000 and 2008 at our institution and calculated the rate of surgical site infection using three definitions: the US Centers for Disease Control, the United Kingdom Nosocomial Infection National Surveillance Scheme and the ASEPSIS system. On the same series of wounds, the infection rate with outpatient follow-up according to Centre for Disease Control was 15.45%, according to the UK Nosocomial infection surveillance was 11.32%, and according to ASEPSIS was 8.79%. These figures highlight the necessity for all institutions to use the same method for diagnosing surgical site infection. If different methods are used, direct comparisons will be invalid and published rates of infection will be misleading.
We present the ten- to 15-year follow-up of 31
patients (34 knees), who underwent an Elmslie-Trillat tibial tubercle osteotomy
for chronic, severe patellar instability, unresponsive to non-operative
treatment. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was
31 years (18 to 46) and they were reviewed post-operatively, at
four years (2 to 8) and then at 12 years (10 to 15). All patients
had pre-operative knee radiographs and Cox and Insall knee scores. Superolateral
portal arthroscopy was performed per-operatively to document chondral
damage and after the osteotomy to assess the stability of the patellofemoral
joint. A total of 28 knees (82%) had a varying degree of damage
to the articular surface. At final follow-up 25 patients (28 knees)
were available for review and underwent clinical examination, radiographs
of the knee, and Cox and Insall scoring. Six patients who had no
arthroscopic chondral abnormality showed no or only early signs
of osteoarthritis on final radiographs; while 12 patients with lower
grade chondral damage (grade 1 to 2) showed early to moderate signs
of osteoarthritis and six out of ten knees with higher grade chondral
damage (grade 3 to 4) showed marked evidence of osteoarthritis;
four of these had undergone a knee replacement. In the 22 patients
(24 knees) with complete follow-up, 19 knees (79.2%) were reported
to have a good or excellent outcome at four years, while 15 knees
(62.5%) were reported to have the same at long-term follow-up. The
functional and radiological results show that the extent of pre-operatively
sustained chondral damage is directly related to the subsequent
development of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Cite this article:
We investigated the incidence of and risk factors
for venous thromboembolism (VTE) following surgery of the shoulder
and elbow and assessed the role of thromboprophylaxis in upper limb
surgery. All papers describing VTE after shoulder and elbow surgery
published in the English language literature before 31 March 2012
were reviewed. A total of 14 papers were available for analysis,
most of which were retrospective studies and case series. The incidence
of VTE was 0.038% from 92 440 shoulder arthroscopic procedures,
0.52% from 42 261 shoulder replacements, and 0.64% from 4833 procedures
for fractures of the proximal humerus (open reduction and internal fixation
or hemiarthroplasty). The incidence following replacement of the
elbow was 0.26% from 2701 procedures. Diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid
arthritis and ischaemic heart disease were identified as the major
risk factors. The evidence that exists on thromboprophylaxis is based on level
III and IV studies, and we therefore cannot make any recommendations
on prophylaxis based on the current evidence. It seems reasonable
to adopt a multimodal approach that involves all patients receiving
mechanical prophylaxis, with chemical prophylaxis reserved for those
who are at high risk for VTE. Cite this article:
Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) is
a disorder of aberrant bone formation affecting one in five patients sustaining
a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Ectopic bone forms
around joints in characteristic patterns, causing pain and limiting
movement especially around the hip and elbow. Clinical sequelae
of neurogenic heterotopic ossification include urinary tract infection,
pressure injuries, pneumonia and poor hygiene, making early diagnosis
and treatment clinically compelling. However, diagnosis remains
difficult with more investigation needed. Our pathophysiological
understanding stems from mechanisms of basic bone formation enhanced
by evidence of systemic influences from circulating humor factors
and perhaps neurological ones. This increasing understanding guides
our implementation of current prophylaxis and treatment including
the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bisphosphonates,
radiation therapy and surgery and, importantly, should direct future, more
effective ones.
Since 1996 more than one million metal-on-metal
articulations have been implanted worldwide. Adverse reactions to
metal debris are escalating. Here we present an algorithmic approach
to patient management. The general approach to all arthroplasty
patients returning for follow-up begins with a detailed history,
querying for pain, discomfort or compromise of function. Symptomatic
patients should be evaluated for intra-articular and extra-articular
causes of pain. In large head MoM arthroplasty, aseptic loosening
may be the source of pain and is frequently difficult to diagnose.
Sepsis should be ruled out as a source of pain. Plain radiographs
are evaluated to rule out loosening and osteolysis, and assess component
position. Laboratory evaluation commences with erythrocyte sedimentation
rate and C-reactive protein, which may be elevated. Serum metal
ions should be assessed by an approved facility. Aspiration, with
manual cell count and culture/sensitivity should be performed, with
cloudy to creamy fluid with predominance of monocytes often indicative
of failure. Imaging should include ultrasound or metal artifact
reduction sequence MRI, specifically evaluating for fluid collections
and/or masses about the hip. If adverse reaction to metal debris
is suspected then revision to metal or ceramic-on-polyethylene is indicated
and can be successful. Delay may be associated with extensive soft-tissue
damage and hence poor clinical outcome.
We describe a case of highly refractory synovial chondromatosis, which recurred despite four arthroscopic synovectomies, a chemical synovectomy, two open synovectomies and an arthrodesis. A review of the literature revealed one similar case. Both presented with marked joint stiffness suggesting a poor prognosis. Although arthrodesis may relieve short-term symptoms it does not prevent further recurrence of disease.
Bone loss secondary to primary or metastatic lesions of the proximal humerus remains a challenging surgical problem. Options include preservation of the joint with stabilisation using internal fixation or resection of the tumour with prosthetic replacement. Resection of the proximal humerus often includes the greater tuberosity and adjacent diaphysis, which may result in poor function secondary to loss of the rotator cuff and/or deltoid function. Preservation of the joint with internal fixation may reduce the time in hospital and peri-operative morbidity compared with joint replacement, and result in a better functional outcome. We included 32 patients with pathological fractures of the proximal humerus in this study. Functional and radiological assessments were performed. At a mean follow-up of 17.6 months (8 to 61) there was no radiological evidence of failure of fixation. The mean revised musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 94.6% (86% to 99%). There was recurrent tumour requiring further surgery in four patients (12.5%). Of the 22 patients who were employed prior to presentation all returned to work without restrictions. The use of a locking plate combined with augmentation with cement extends the indications for salvage of the proximal humerus with good function in patients with pathological and impending pathological fractures.
We evaluated the efficacy of Cite this article:
Osteochondral injuries, if not treated adequately, often lead
to severe osteoarthritis. Possible treatment options include refixation
of the fragment or replacement therapies such as Pridie drilling,
microfracture or osteochondral grafts, all of which have certain
disadvantages. Only refixation of the fragment can produce a smooth
and resilient joint surface. The aim of this study was the evaluation
of an ultrasound-activated bioresorbable pin for the refixation of
osteochondral fragments under physiological conditions. In 16 Merino sheep, specific osteochondral fragments of the medial
femoral condyle were produced and refixed with one of conventional
bioresorbable pins, titanium screws or ultrasound-activated pins.
Macro- and microscopic scoring was undertaken after three months. Objectives
Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare the
diagnostic accuracy for the detection of infection between the culture of
fluid obtained by sonication (SFC) and the culture of peri-implant
tissues (PITC) in patients with early and delayed implant failure,
and those with unsuspected and suspected septic failure. It was
hypothesised that SFC increases the diagnostic accuracy for infection
in delayed, but not early, implant failure, and in unsuspected septic
failure. The diagnostic accuracy for infection of all consecutive
implants (hardware or prostheses) that were removed for failure was
compared between SFC and PITC. This prospective study included 317
patients with a mean age of 62.7 years (9 to 97). The sensitivity
for detection of infection using SFC was higher than using PITC
in an overall comparison (89.9% Sonication is mainly recommended when there is implant failure
with no clear signs of infection and in patients with delayed implant
failure. In early failure, SFC is not superior to PITC for the diagnosis
of infection and, therefore, is not recommended as a routine diagnostic
test in these patients. Cite this article:
The brachial artery is rarely injured after closed dislocation of the elbow. We describe an unusual variation of this injury, namely, a delayed thrombosis of the brachial artery after a closed dislocation sustained during a low-energy fall. This has not previously been described in the English literature, but may be more common than this suggests. We stress the importance of a thorough neurovascular examination and vigilance in regard to this potentially disastrous complication.
Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in adults is usually fatal and survival without neurological deficit is rare. The surgical management of those who do survive is difficult and controversial. Most authorities recommend posterior occipitoaxial fusion, but this compromises cervical rotation. We describe a case in which a patient with a traumatic atlanto-occipital disruption but no neurological deficit was treated by atlanto-occipital fusion using a new technique consisting of cancellous bone autografting supported by an occipital plate linked by rods to lateral mass screws in the atlas. The technique is described in detail. At one year the neck was stable, radiological fusion had been achieved, and atlantoaxial rotation preserved. The rationale behind this approach is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. We recommend the technique for injuries of this type.
In our database of 7935 patients referred for investigation of a soft-tissue mass, only 100 were found to have a soft-tissue metastasis (1.3%). Our aim was to define the clinical features of such patients and to identify the site of their primary tumour. The most common presentation was a painful lump, deep to the fascia, ranging between 2 cm and 35 cm (mean 8.3 cm) with 78% of the lumps located deep to the fascia. The mean age of the patients at presentation was 64 years (22 to 84) and there were almost equal numbers of men and women. Of 53 patients with a history of malignancy, 52 had metastases from the same primary (lung in 12, melanoma in ten, kidney in nine, gastrointestinal track in four, breast in five, bladder in four, and others in eight). The other 47 had no history of malignancy and the metastasis was the first presentation. The primary sites in these cases were the lung in 19, gastro-intestinal track in four, kidney in two, melanoma in nine, other in three, and unknown (despite investigations) in ten. There was no correlation between the site of the metastases and the primary tumour. Of the 7935 patients, 516 had a history of malignancy. Of these, only 10% had a soft-tissue metastasis, 29% had a benign diagnosis, 55% a soft-tissue sarcoma and 6% another malignancy. Patients with soft-tissue metastases have similar clinical features to those with soft-tissue sarcomas and should be considered for assessment at appropriate diagnostic centres for patients with suspicious soft-tissue lumps.
We report a retrospective review of the incidence of venous thromboembolism in 463 consecutive patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (487 procedures). Treatment included both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing, and the patients were managed without anticoagulants. The thromboprophylaxis regimen included an antiplatelet agent, generally aspirin, hypotensive epidural anaesthesia, elastic compression stockings and early mobilisation. In 258 of these procedures (244 patients) performed in 2005 (cohort A) mechanical compression devices were not used, whereas in 229 (219 patients) performed during 2006 (cohort B) bilateral intermittent pneumatic calf compression was used. All operations were performed through a posterior mini-incision approach. Patients who required anticoagulation for pre-existing medical problems and those undergoing revision arthroplasty were excluded. Doppler ultrasonographic screening for deep-vein thrombosis was performed in all patients between the fourth and sixth post-operative days. All patients were reviewed at a follow-up clinic six to ten weeks after the operation. In addition, reponse to a questionnaire was obtained at the end of 12 weeks post-operatively. No symptomatic calf or above-knee deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred. In 25 patients in cohort A (10.2%) and in ten patients in cohort B (4.6%) asymptomatic calf deep-vein thromboses were detected ultrasonographically. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The regimen followed by cohort B offers the prospect of a low incidence of venous thromboembolism without subjecting patients to the higher risk of bleeding associated with anticoagulant use.
We reviewed 234 benign solitary schwannomas treated between 1984 and 2004. The mean age of the patients was 45.2 years (11 to 82). There were 170 tumours (73%) in the upper limb, of which 94 (40%) arose from the brachial plexus or other nerves within the posterior triangle of the neck. Six (2.6%) were located within muscle or bone. Four patients (1.7%) presented with tetraparesis due to an intraspinal extension. There were 198 primary referrals (19 of whom had a needle biopsy in the referring unit) and in these patients the tumour was excised. After having surgery or an open biopsy at another hospital, a further 36 patients were seen because of increased neurological deficit, pain or incomplete excision. In these, a nerve repair was performed in 18 and treatment for pain or paralysis was offered to another 14. A tender mass was found in 194 (98%) of the primary referrals. A Tinel-like sign was recorded in 155 (81%). Persistent spontaneous pain occurred in 60 (31%) of the 194 with tender mass, impairment of cutaneous sensibility in 39 (20%), and muscle weakness in 24 (12%). After apparently adequate excision, two tumours recurred. No case of malignant transformation was seen.