The August 2012 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: whether 3D-CT gives a better idea of coverage than plain radiographs; forearm fractures after trampolining accidents; forearm fractures and the Rush pin; the fractured distal radius; elastic stable intramedullary nailing for long-bone fractures; aponeurotic recession for the equinus foot; the torn medial patellofemoral ligament and the adductor tubercle; slipped capital femoral epiphysis; paediatric wrist arthroscopy; and Pirani scores and clubfoot.
Patients with acetabular dysplasia commonly undergo
peri-acetabular osteotomy after skeletal maturity to reduce the risk
of the late development of osteoarthritis. Several studies have
suggested that deformity of the femoral head influences the long-term
outcome. We radiologically examined 224 hips in 112 patients with
acetabular dysplasia and early-stage osteoarthritis. There were
103 women and nine men with a mean age of 37.6 years (18 to 49).
A total of 201 hips were placed in the acetabular dysplasia group
and 23 in a normal group. The centre–edge angle and acetabular head
index were significantly smaller (both p <
0.001), and the acetabular
angle, acetabular roof angle and roundness index were significantly
greater in the acetabular dysplasia group than those in the normal
group (all p <
0.001). There were significant correlations between
the roundness index and other parameters. Femoral head shape may
be influenced by the severity of the acetabular dysplasia. Cite this article:
We describe the early results of glenoplasty as part of the technique of operative reduction of posterior dislocation of the shoulder in 29 children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The mean age at operation was five years (1 to 18) and they were followed up for a mean of 34 months (12 to 67). The mean Mallet score increased from 8 (5 to 13) to 12 (8 to 15) at final follow-up (p <
0.001). The mean passive forward flexion was increased by 18° (p = 0.017) and the mean passive abduction by 24° (p = 0.001). The mean passive lateral rotation also increased by 54° (p <
0.001), but passive medial rotation was reduced by a mean of only 7°. One patient required two further operations. Glenohumeral stability was achieved in all cases.
Anthrax is extremely rare in the western world but is endemic to areas of south and central Asia. In early 2010 an outbreak was identified in heroin-injecting intravenous drug users in the United Kingdom and Europe. Afghanistan is currently the principal source of heroin which reaches the United Kingdom. When anthrax occurs, cutaneous disease accounts for over 95% of cases. At least 47 cases with 13 deaths have been confirmed so far. We present three cases presenting during this time with marked swelling, one resulting in compartment syndrome but all with an absence of the expected cutaneous appearances. We suggest that rather than cutaneous anthrax, these patients represent a new subcutaneous presentation of anthrax.
Fractures of the proximal humerus can lead to malalignment of the humeral head, necrosis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In such cases surface replacement might be a promising option. A total of 28 shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis subsequent to a fracture underwent surface replacement arthroplasty of the humeral head in patients with a mean age of 60 years (35 to 83). On the basis of the inclination of the impacted head, post-traumatic arthritis was divided into three types: type 1, an impacted fracture of the head in an anatomical position (seven cases); type 2, a valgus impacted fracture (13 cases); type 3, a varus impacted fracture (eight cases). The outcome was measured by means of the Constant score. According to the Boileau classification of the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus, all 28 patients had a final result of intra-capsular category 1. The mean Constant score for the 28 shoulders increased from 23.2 points (2 to 45) pre-operatively to 55.1 points (20 to 89) at a mean of 31 months (24 to 66) post-operatively. Valgus impacted fractures had significantly better results (p <
0.039). Surface replacement arthroplasty can provide good results for patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Their use avoids post-operative complications of the humeral shaft, such as peri-prosthetic fractures. Further surgery can be undertaken more easily as the bone stock is preserved.
We undertook a randomised controlled trial to
compare the piriformis-sparing approach with the standard posterior approach
used for total hip replacement (THR). We recruited 100 patients
awaiting THR and randomly allocated them to either the piriformis-sparing
approach or the standard posterior approach. Pre- and post-operative
care programmes and rehabilitation regimes were identical for both
groups. Observers were blinded to the allocation throughout; patients
were blinded until the two-week assessment. Follow-up was at six
weeks, three months, one year and two years. In all 11 patients
died or were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups for any of
the functional outcomes. However, for patients in the piriformis-sparing
group there was a trend towards a better six-minute walk test at
two weeks and greater patient satisfaction at six weeks. The acetabular
components were less anteverted (p = 0.005) and had a lower mean
inclination angle (p = 0.02) in the piriformis-sparing group. However,
in both groups the mean component positions were within Lewinnek’s
safe zone. Surgeons perceived the piriformis-sparing approach to
be significantly more difficult than the standard approach (p =
0.03), particularly in obese patients. In conclusion, performing THR through a shorter incision involving
sparing piriformis is more difficult and only provides short-term
benefits compared with the standard posterior approach.
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 retrospectively analysed the clinical results of 30 patients with injuries of the sternoclavicular joint at a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up. A closed reduction was attempted in 14 cases. It was successful in only five of ten dislocations, and failed in all four epiphyseal disruptions. A total of 25 patients underwent surgical reduction, in 18 cases in conjunction with a stabilisation procedure. At a mean follow-up of 60 months, four patients were lost to follow-up. The functional results in the remainder were satisfactory, and 18 patients were able to resume their usual sports activity at the same level. There was no statistically significant difference between epiphyseal disruption and sternoclavicular dislocation (p >
0.05), but the functional scores (Simple Shoulder Test, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand, and Constant scores) were better when an associated stabilisation procedure had been performed rather than reduction alone (p = 0.05, p = 0.04 and p = 0.07, respectively). We recommend meticulous pre-operative clinical assessment with CT scans. In sternoclavicular dislocation managed within the first 48 hours and with no sign of mediastinal complication, a closed reduction can be attempted, although this was unsuccessful in half of our cases. A control CT scan is mandatory. In all other cases, and particularly if epiphyseal disruption is suspected, we recommend open reduction with a stabilisation procedure by costaclavicular cerclage or tenodesis. The use of a Kirschner wire should be avoided.
The aim of this study was to assess a specific
protocol for the treatment of patients with a parosteal osteosarcoma of
the distal femur with limb salvage involving hemicortical resection
and reconstruction using recycled pasteurised autograft and internal
fixation. Between January 2000 and January 2010, 13 patients with
a mean age of 26.5 years (17 to 39) underwent this procedure. All
the tumours were staged according to Enneking’s criteria: there
were eight stage IA tumours and five stage IB tumours. The mean
follow-up was 101.6 months (58 to 142), and mean post-operative
Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 88.6% (80% to
100%) at the final follow-up. All the patients had achieved bony
union; the mean time to union was 11.2 months (6 to 18). Local recurrence
occurred in one patient 27 months post-operatively. No patient had
a pulmonary metastasis. A hemicortical procedure for the treatment of a parosteal osteosarcoma
is safe and effective. Precise pre-operative planning using MRI
is essential in order to define the margins of resection. Although
it is a technically demanding procedure, gratifying results make
it worthwhile for selected patients. Cite this article:
Between 2005 and 2010 ten consecutive children
with high-energy open diaphyseal tibial fractures were treated by early
reduction and application of a programmable circular external fixator.
They were all male with a mean age of 11.5 years (5.2 to 15.4),
and they were followed for a mean of 34.5 months (6 to 77). Full
weight-bearing was allowed immediately post-operatively. The mean
time from application to removal of the frame was 16 weeks (12 to
21). The mean deformity following removal of the frame was 0.15°
(0° to 1.5°) of coronal angulation, 0.2° (0° to 2°) sagittal angulation,
1.1 mm (0 to 10) coronal translation, and 0.5 mm (0 to 2) sagittal
translation. All patients achieved consolidated bony union and satisfactory
wound healing. There were no cases of delayed or nonunion, compartment
syndrome or neurovascular injury. Four patients had a mild superficial
pin site infection; all settled with a single course of oral antibiotics.
No patient had a deep infection or re-fracture following removal
of the frame. The time to union was comparable with, or better than,
other published methods of stabilisation for these injuries. The
stable fixator configuration not only facilitates management of
the accompanying soft-tissue injury but enables anatomical post-injury
alignment, which is important in view of the limited remodelling
potential of the tibia in children aged >
ten years. Where appropriate
expertise exists, we recommend this technique for the management
of high-energy open tibial fractures in children.
While the evolution of the bony skeleton of the shoulder girdle is well described, there is little information regarding the soft tissues, in particular of the rotator cuff. We dissected the shoulders of 23 different species and compared the anatomical features of the tendons of the rotator cuff. The alignment and orientation of the collagen fibres of some of the tendons were also examined histologically. The behaviour of the relevant species was studied, with particular reference to the extent and frequency of forward-reaching and overhead activity of the forelimb. In quadrupedal species, the tendons of supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor were seen to insert into the greater tuberosity of the humerus separately. They therefore did not form a true rotator cuff with blending of the tendons. This was only found in advanced primates and in one unusual species, the tree kangaroo. These findings support the suggestion that the appearance of the rotator cuff in the evolutionary process parallels anatomical adaptation to regular overhead activity and the increased use of the arm away from the sagittal plane.
Metal artefact reduction (MAR) MRI is now widely
considered to be the standard for imaging metal-on-metal (MoM) hip
implants. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA) has recommended cross-sectional imaging for all patients
with symptomatic MoM bearings. This paper describes the natural
history of MoM disease in a 28 mm MoM total hip replacement (THR)
using MAR MRI. Inclusion criteria were patients with MoM THRs who had
not been revised and had at least two serial MAR MRI scans. All
examinations were reported by an experienced observer and classified
as A (normal), B (infection) or C1–C3 (mild, moderate, severe MoM-related
abnormalities). Between 2002 and 2011 a total of 239 MRIs were performed
on 80 patients (two to four scans per THR); 63 initial MRIs (61%)
were normal. On subsequent MRIs, six initially normal scans (9.5%)
showed progression to a disease state; 15 (15%) of 103 THRs with
sequential scans demonstrated worsening disease on subsequent imaging. Most patients with a MoM THR who do not undergo early revision
have normal MRI scans. Late progression (from normal to abnormal,
or from mild to more severe MoM disease) is not common and takes
place over several years. Cite this article:
The outcome of 56 children (61 shoulders) treated
surgically at the Rizzoli Institute between April 1975 and June 2010
for congenital elevation of the scapula is reported. There were
31 girls and 25 boys with a mean age at surgery of 6.4 years (2
to 15). The deformity involved the right shoulder in 20 cases, the
left in 31 and was bilateral in five. The degree of the deformity
was graded clinically and radiologically according to the classifications
of Cavendish and Rigault, respectively. All patients underwent a
modified Green procedure combined, in selected cases, with resection
of the superomedial portion of the scapula and excision of any omovertebral
connection. After a mean follow-up of 10.9 years (1 to 29.3), there
was cosmetic improvement by at least one Cavendish grade in 54 shoulders (88.5%).
The mean abduction of the shoulder improved from 92° (50° to 155°)
to 112° (90° to 170°) and the mean flexion improved from 121° (80°
to 160°) to 155° (120° to 175°). The unsatisfactory cosmetic result
in seven shoulders was due to coexistent scoliosis in two cases
and insufficient reduction of the scapular elevation in the other
five. An incomplete upper brachial plexus palsy occurred post-operatively
in three patients but resolved within seven months. We suggest that a modified Green procedure combined with resection
of the superomedial portion of the scapula provides good cosmetic
and functional results in patients with Sprengel’s shoulder.
Inability to actively supinate the forearm makes common activities of daily living and certain vocational activities awkward or impossible to perform. A total of 11 patients with deficient supination of the arm underwent transfer of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris to the split tendon of brachioradialis with its bony insertion into the radial styloid left intact. Active supination beyond neutral rotation was a mean of 37.2° (25° to 49.5°) at a minimum follow-up of three years, representing a significant improvement (95% confidence interval 25 to 50, p <
0.001). Functional evaluation of the hand after this transfer showed excellent and good results in ten patients and fair in one. The split tendon of brachioradialis as an insertion for transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris appears to provide adequate supination of the forearm without altering the available pronation and avoids the domination of wrist extension sometimes associated with transfers of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the radial extensors of the wrist.
Compartment syndrome of the foot requires urgent surgical treatment. Currently, there is still no agreement on the number and location of the myofascial compartments of the foot. The aim of this cadaver study was to provide an anatomical basis for surgical decompression in the event of compartment syndrome. We found that there were three tough vertical fascial septae that extended from the hindfoot to the midfoot on the plantar aspect of the foot. These septae separated the posterior half of the foot into three compartments. The medial compartment containing the abductor hallucis was surrounded medially by skin and subcutaneous fat and laterally by the medial septum. The intermediate compartment, containing the flexor digitorum brevis and the quadratus plantae more deeply, was surrounded by the medial septum medially, the intermediate septum laterally and the main plantar aponeurosis on its plantar aspect. The lateral compartment containing the abductor digiti minimi was surrounded medially by the intermediate septum, laterally by the lateral septum and on its plantar aspect by the lateral band of the main plantar aponeurosis. No distinct myofascial compartments exist in the forefoot. Based on our findings, in theory, fasciotomy of the hindfoot compartments through a modified medial incision would be sufficient to decompress the foot.
Dislocation of the shoulder may occur during
seizures in epileptics and other patients who have convulsions. Following
the initial injury, recurrent instability is common owing to a tendency
to develop large bony abnormalities of the humeral head and glenoid
and a susceptibility to further seizures. Assessment is difficult
and diagnosis may be missed, resulting in chronic locked dislocations
with protracted morbidity. Many patients have medical comorbidities,
and successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing
the underlying seizure disorder in addition to the shoulder pathology.
The use of bony augmentation procedures may have improved the outcomes
after surgical intervention, but currently there is no evidence-based
consensus to guide treatment. This review outlines the epidemiology
and pathoanatomy of seizure-related instability, summarising the
currently-favoured options for treatment, and their results.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects about
3% of children. Non-operative measures are aimed at altering the natural
history to maintain the size of the curve below 40° at skeletal
maturity. The application of braces to treat spinal deformity pre-dates
the era of evidence-based medicine, and there is a paucity of irrefutable
prospective evidence in the literature to support their use and
their effectiveness has been questioned. This review considers this evidence. The weight of the evidence
is in favour of bracing over observation. The most recent literature
has moved away from addressing this question, and instead focuses
on developments in the design of braces and ways to improve compliance. Cite this article:
We investigated the relationship between spinopelvic
parameters and disc degeneration in young adult patients with spondylolytic
spondylolisthesis. A total of 229 men with a mean age of 21 years
(18 to 26) with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were identified.
All radiological measurements, including pelvic incidence, sacral
slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, sacral inclination, lumbosacral
angle (LSA), and sacrofemoral distance, were calculated from standing
lateral lumbosacral radiographs. The degree of intervertebral disc
degeneration was classified using a modified Pfirrmann scale. We
analysed the spinopelvic parameters according to disc level, degree
of slip and disc degeneration. There were significant positive correlations between the degree
of slip and pelvic incidence (p = 0.009), sacral slope (p = 0.003)
and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.010). The degree of slip and the LSA
were correlated with disc degeneration (p <
0.001 and p = 0.003,
respectively). There was also a significant difference between the
degree of slip (p <
0.001) and LSA (p = 0.006) according to the
segmental level of disc degeneration. Cite this article:
We investigated the spinopelvic morphology and
global sagittal balance of patients with a degenerative retrolisthesis
or anterolisthesis. A total of 269 consecutive patients with a degenerative
spondylolisthesis were included in this study. There were 95 men
and 174 women with a mean age of 64.3 years ( A backward slip was found in the upper lumbar levels (mostly
L2 or L3) with an almost equal gender distribution in both the R
and R+A groups. The pelvic incidence and sacral slope of the R group
were significantly lower than those of the A (both p <
0.001)
and R+A groups (both p <
0.001). The lumbar lordosis of the R+A
group was significantly greater than that of the R (p = 0.025) and
A groups (p = 0.014). The C7 plumb line of the R group was located
more posteriorly than that of the A group (p = 0.023), but was no
different from than that of the R+A group (p = 0.422). The location
of C7 plumb line did not differ between the three groups (p = 0.068).
The spinosacral angle of the R group was significantly smaller than
that of the A group (p <
0.001) and R+A group (p <
0.001). Our findings imply that there are two types of degenerative retrolisthesis:
one occurs primarily as a result of degeneration in patients with
low pelvic incidence, and the other occurs secondarily as a compensatory
mechanism in patients with an anterolisthesis and high pelvic incidence. Cite this article:
One commonly used rat fracture model for bone and mineral research
is a closed mid-shaft femur fracture as described by Bonnarens in
1984. Initially, this model was believed to create very reproducible
fractures. However, there have been frequent reports of comminution
and varying rates of complication. Given the importance of precise
anticipation of those characteristics in laboratory research, we
aimed to precisely estimate the rate of comminution, its importance and
its effect on the amount of soft callus created. Furthermore, we
aimed to precisely report the rate of complications such as death
and infection. We tested a rat model of femoral fracture on 84 rats based on
Bonnarens’ original description. We used a proximal approach with
trochanterotomy to insert the pin, a drop tower to create the fracture
and a high-resolution fluoroscopic imager to detect the comminution.
We weighed the soft callus on day seven and compared the soft callus
parameters with the comminution status.Objectives
Methods