Purpose: It is widely agreed that fusion of a spinal segment modifies the mechanical behaviour of sub-jacent vertebrae. The mean centre of rotation (MCR) is defined to study changes in the mechanical behaviour at junctions. This parameter describes the relative movement of an object moving from one position to another. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in the position of the MCR after posterolateral lumbar spine fusion and to determine factors influencing these changes.

Material and methods: Fifty-one patients with posterolateral fusion with or without instrumentation of the lumbar spine limited to one or two levels were reviewed. Preoperative and last follow-up stress x-rays of the lumber spine were studied. The following parameters were determined with Spinview, a devoted software, at the level of fusion, at the three suprajacent levels, and when appropriate, at subjacent levels: disc height, intervetebral angular mobility, position of the MCR. Pre and postoperative positions of the MCR were compared with the Wilcoxon test for paired variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to search for factors influencing changes in the position of the MCR. Variables studied were: age, follow-up, extent of the fusion and its anatomic position, instrumentation, preoperative mobility of the zone to be fused, and quality of the arthrodesis at last follow-up.

Results: There were no significant changes in the position of the MCR of the first suprajacent level. Two variables exhibited significant correlation with these changes: pre and postoperative angular mobility of the future zone of fusion, and use of instrumentation. Instrumentation significantly increased variability in the position of the MCR. Postoperative mobility of the zone of fusion minimised this variability.

Discussion: Studying variations in the position of the MCR appears to reflect well changes in the mechanical behaviour of levels adjacent to the spinal fusion. Use of appropriate software should be helpful for routine applications. In our series, changes in the position of the MCR correlated well with significant increase in angular and anteroposterior mobility and also with decreased disc height at the first suprajacent level. These observations explain early degradation of junction zones observed after arthrodesis.

Purpose: The presence of a congenital anomaly of the lumborsacral unit must be taken into consideration during the preoperative planning for lumbosacral surgery. We present our clinical and surgical experience, analysing the pre-, per- and postoperative aspects.

Material and methods: The clinical files,operative reports, and radiolographic results of 281 adult patients who had undergone lumbosacral surgery between March 1988 and January 2003 were analysed. Incomplete files were excluded. Clinical and radiological data were discordant in nine cases. These nine patients underwent extended laminectomy via a 3 cm posteromedial incision. Peroperative findings were noted with the Postacchini classification. Pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale.

Results: Mean age of the nine patients (five men) was 44.2 years (range 17–69). Mean follow-up was 22.3 months (range 2–48). The symptomatic roots were: L5 (n=2), L5–S1 (n=1), S1 (n=2) and S1–S2 (n=1). Lasegue sign was positive in all patients. An anomaly was identified on the preoperative radiograms in three patients. The anomalies observed intraoperatively were type I (n=1), type II (n=1), type III (n=6), type IV (n=1). In addition to the laminectomy discectomy was performed in six patients and factetectomy in two. The neurological structures presented significant resistance to medial displacement in all cases. Pain was scored 8.6 preoperatively (range 7–10) and 1.4 in the early postoperative period (rang 0–3). Pain worsened after six months (sacralgia).There were no neurological or infectious complications.

Discussion: For Kikuchi, presence of pain at two clinical levels can have four possible causes, nerve root anomalies being one of the potential causes. Aota proposed coronal MRI with fat suppression and Akbapak emphasised the need for ample exposure of the zone and pre-surgical diagnosis before percutaneous surgery to avoid catastrophic results.

Conclusion: Nerve root anomalies should be suspected when the clinical presentation is in disagreement with the radiological findings. Frontal or oblique MR imaging should be obtained. Likewise, intraoperative resistance of the neurological structures is suggestive of nerve root anomalies. Unless identified before lumbosacral surgery, the presence of nerve root anomalies may lead to irreparable neurological damage, particularly for minimally invasive or percutaneous procedures.

Purpose: Analysis of the sagittal balance of the spine is a fundamental step in understanding spinal disease and proposing appropriate treatment. The objectives of this prospective study were to establish the physiological values of pelvic and spinal parameters of sagittal spinal balance and to study their interrelations.

Material and methods: Two hundred fifty lateral views of the spine taken in the standing position and including the head, the spine and the pelvis were studied. The following variables were noted: lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, sagittal tilt at 9, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, pelvic version, intervertebral angle, and the vertebral wedge angle from T9 to S1. These measures were taken after digitalising the x-rays. Two types of analysis were performed. A descriptive univariate analysis was used to characterise angular parameters and a multivariate analysis (correlation, principal component analysis) was used to compare interrelations between the variables and determine how economic balance is achieved.

Results and discussion: Mean angular values were: maximal lumbar lordosis 61±12.7°, maximal thoracic kyphosis 41.4±9.2°, sacral slope 42±8.5°, pelvic version 13±6°, pelvic incidence 55±11.2°, sagittal tilt at T9 10.5±3.1°. There was a strong correlation between sacral slope and pelvic incidence (r=0.8), lumbar lordosis and sacral slope (r=0.86), pelvic version and pelvic incidence (r=0.66), lumbar lordosis pelvic incidence pelvic version and thoracic kyphosis (r=0.9), and finally between pelvic incidence and sagittal tilt at T9, sacral slope, pelvic version, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis (r=0.98). Multivariate analysis demonstrated three independent parameters influencing sagittal tilt at T9, reflecting the lateral balance of the spine. The first was a linear combination of the pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis and sacral slope. The second was pelvic version and the third thoracic kyphosis.

Conclusion: This work provides an aid for analysis and comprehension of anteroposterior imbalance observed in spinal disease and also to calculate with the linear regression equations describing the corrections to be obtained with treatment.

Purpose: Minimally invasive video-assisted thoracotomy can be proposed for potentially unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar junction with rupture of the anterior column after satisfactory posterior reduction and osteo-synthesis. Long-term results are improved in terms of graft quality and stability of the postoperative angular gain.

Material and methods: Ninety-one patients, mean age 36 years, with spinal fractures involving T12 to L2 underwent video-assisted mini-thoracotomy for arthrodesis as a complementary procedure after posterior reduction and osteosynthesis without bone graft. The left approach was preferred over the right due to the lower risk of bleeding. A massive tricortical anterolateral iliac graft was inserted in the intersomatic space. Perfect stability was achieved with the MIASPAS system which provides an exact measure of the intersomatic space and the bone graft.

Results: Follow-up was five years for the first patients and ten months for those operated on after January 2003. At last follow-up, functional outcome (Stauffer-Coventry score) was excellent or good in 52% and 41% of the patients respectively. Outcome was poor in 7%. Postoperative radiograms demonstrated 100% graft fusion which was confirmed by tomography. There was no loss of angular gain.

Discussion: This novel approach provides a means of preserving the posterior instrumentation and achieving anterior fusion in the zone of maximal stress. Because of the relative facility of the technique together with the operative time and the relatively low risk of postoperative complications, surgical indications for complementary intersomatic arthrodesis can be revisited. Anterior fusion is, in our opinion, the only sure means of maintaining long-term correction. The ability to access the disc, generally without metameric hemostasis, eliminates the risk of vascular cord lesions.

Conclusion: This thoracoscopic technique for anterior fusion after a short posterior osteosyntheis without graft will greatly modify indications for complementary anterior fusion for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the results and morbidity of video-assisted minimally invasive thoracoctomy for anterior arthrodesis of thoracolumbar fractures treated with a two-stage procedure and to evaluate mid-term outcome.

Material and methods: This retrospective series included 6 patients with an unstable thoracolumbar fracture who underwent surgery between November 1997 and June 2002. A two-stage procedure was used: posterior reduction osteosynthesis and anterior arthrodesis with a tricortico-cancellous graft via video-assisted minimally invasive thoracotomy. The cohort included six women and eighteen men, mean age 34.5 years. Fractures were located at: L1 (n=4), T12 (n=10), T11 (n=2). At initial assessment the Franckel classification was: A (n=3), B (n=1), C (n=1), D (n=3), 3 (n=18). Time between the posterior procedure and the anterior thoracotomy was 30.2 days (range 6–86). Postoperative results as well as the time to fusion were recorded. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range 6–45) for functional and radiological assessment. No patient was lost to follow-up.

Results: Mean operative time was 188 min (range 80–240). Mean blood loss was 235 ml (range150–1000) with no intraoperative event requiring conversion to open thoracotomy. Mean duration of morphine administered postoperatively was 2.2 days, the same as for thoracic drainage. Residual pleural effusion was observed in one patient and residual pneumothorax in two; all resolved spontaneously. Mean hospital stay was 12 days (range 6–27). Twenty-five patients had achieved fusion at four months. One patient developed a radiological non-union which was asymptomatic at one year. At last follow-up, the Oswestry function score was 22.6% for the entire series, 18% for Franckel D or E patients (n=21) and 42% for Franckel A, B and C patients (n=5). Loss of angular correction of the spinal kyphosis and regional traumatic angulation between the postoperative films and the last follow-up films was 2 (mean).

Discussion: This series of complementary anterior arthrodesis by video-assisted minimally invasive thoracotomy confirmed the minimally invasive nature of this approach in comparison with thoracophrenolaparotomy and its complications. At mid term, this technique has provided satisfactory functional and radiographic results. Applied for thoracolumbar fractures, this combined surgical option can limit intraoperative morbidity and assure good mid-term results.

Purpose: Circumferential arthrodesis of the lumbar spine is necessary in certain selected situations (lumbar stenosis with instability and preserved disc height or spondylolisthesis). Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) raises the risk of significant bleeding and fibrosis around the roots as well as neurological complications. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) can avoid excessive bleeding and root displacement. The cages are inserted via a unilateral approach.

Material and methods: This prospective single-centre study included twenty patients (nine men and eleven women), mean age 49 years. Indications for lumbar surgery were degenerative spondylolisthesis in nine patients and discal lumbar pain with foraminal stenosis in five. The clinical status was assessed with the Oswestry score, SF-36 and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiological assessment was based on inter-body fusion, segmentary lordosis, and lumbopelvic parameters. TLIF was associated with a posterior approach for insertion of titanium pedicular screws (CDH, Medtronic Sofamor Danek). Temporary unilateral distraction opened the foramen. Unilateral arthrectomy enabled a lateral approach to the disc without involving the roots and avoiding any movement of the dural sac. The disc was resected and the body endplates were prepared before introducing two cages (pyramesh) filled with macroporous ceramic granules (BCP) mixed with autologous bone marrow. Installation to two contourned rods enabled segmentary compression to stabilise the cages in association with posterolateral fusion.

Results: Mean operative time was three hours. Mean blood loss was 400 ml. The patients were verticalised on day three without a corset. Mean follow-up was six months with retrospective evaluation of the Oswestry score, SF-36, and VAS. Postoperative pain resolved rapidly. Two patients developed transient incomplete L5 deficit. Bony bridges around the cases and posterolaterally were identified on the six-month x-rays. Spine view confirmed the quality of the fusion and lumbopelvic parameters revealed restoration of segmentary lordosis.

Conclusion: The unilateral approach for TLIF is a reliable technique which does not compromise the roots. It enables very reliable primary stability and recovery of local segmentary lordosis. We are developing a minimally invasive percutaneous technique for this procedure.

Purpose: The quality of the functional result for surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis has been the subject of much debate. The objectives of this retrospective review were to assess functional outcome ten years after surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis and determine the rate of revision in order to identify factors influencing outcome at last follow-up.

Material and methods: One hundred forty-one patients underwent surgery for lumbar stenosis between January 1990 and December 1992. Mean follow-up was ten years. Functional outcome at last follow-up was assessed with a specific questionnaire with items for lumbar and radicular pain and signs of radicular ischemia and with a self-administered satisfaction questionnaire as well as two visual analogue scales (VAS) for lumbar and radicular pain. Other data noted were: epidemiological and morphological features, comorbidity, presence or not of objective signs of neurological involvement, the SF-36, and a self-assessed anxiety-depression score (GHQ28). Two types of analysis were performed. A descriptive analysis to determine the severity of functional signs observed at last follow-up, patient satisfaction and incidence and reasons for surgical revision. Multivariate analysis was designed to search for factors affecting the self-administered senosis score.

Results: During the study period, fifteen patients underwent a revision procedure involving the lumbar spine. At last follow-up the overall satisfaction index was 71%. The best results were obtained for radiculalgia and intermittent neurogenic claudication. Residual lumbalgia was the main complaint at last follow-up. The patient’s psychological profile was the predominant factor affecting functional outcome. Other factors influencing functional outcome were revision surgery, persistent objective neurological disorders, and comorbidity.

Conclusion: Surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis allows satisfactory long-term results in the majority of patients. At ten years, the risk of revision surgery was 10%. A review of the literature shows that these results are better than those obtained with medical treatment and that these surgical interventions enable quality-of-life similar to that observed in an age-matched population.

Purpose: We present our experience with thoracic and lumbar pedicular screws for surgical correction of thoracic scoliosis.

Material and methods: Fifty patients with idiopathic scoliosis (mean age 20 years), underwent instrumentation with Moss Miami long-arm polyaxial pedicular screws. The point of entry into the pedicule was identified by progressive probing. Results were analysed at a mean follow-up of 3.5 years.

Results: Mean angle of the main instrumented curvature was 54° preoperatively and 14° postoperatively (75% initial reduction, 53% bending), and 15° at last-follow-up (74% correction). The non-instrumented lumbar curvature improved from 34° to 10°, giving a spontaneous correction of 72° (49° bending) at last follow-up. Inclination of of the first non-instrumented vertebra was 11° preoperatively and 6° at last follow-up. Kyphosis was improved in all cases with a mean gain of 10° for kyphotic spines.

Discussion: Morphological correction of scoliosis deformation and the long-term outcome depend on the quality of the initial reduction. Monitoring the spinal cord during the procedure enables best quality reduction.

In the frontal plane, corrections with hooks have varied from 38% to 55% depending on the series. This percentage improves to 60% when the lumbar curvature is instrumented with screws. Like Suk and Harms, we have found greater than 70% correction when the entire curvature is screwed using lumbar and thoracic pedicular screws. In the sagittal plane, results of hook instrumentations have been less than satisfactory for many authors (Betz, Rhee...). The improvement obtained with pedicular screws results from two effects: the stability of the construct which remains stable during reduction manœuvres allowing application of strong force, and the polyaxis arrangement allowing inserting the rods in all the screws simultaneously and thus distributing the reduction forces. The long-arm screws are brought into contact with the rod progressively by tightening the nuts bringing the vertebrae into line with the rod. We have not had any complication after insertion of 550 screws. We have not used distraction which we consider dangerous for the neurological structures nor contraction at the thoracic stage which induces lordosis.

Conclusion: The stability of the pedicular screw instrumentation for scoliosis allows clear improvement in the quality of the reduction.

Purpose: We report results obtained after surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy in 42 patients.

Material and methods: This prospective study included 42 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment performed by the same operator between 1999 and 2002. Inclusion criteria were clinical expression of cervical cord suffering and radiological evidence (high-intensity intramedullary signal on the T2-weighted MRI). Anterior (corporectomy associated with autologous graft and plate-screw fixation) or posterior (laminoplasty or laminectomy) decompression was performed. The approach was chosen according to the number of levels requiring decompression and static disorders. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JAO) score was determined prepoperatively and at six months.

Results: Forty-two patients (25 men and 17 women), mean age 65.7 years (38–80) were included, 18 anterior approaches and 24 posterior approaches. There were no neurological or infectious complications. One suffocating haematoma required early revision after an anterior decompression. Metameric hyperpathy occurred in two patients after segmentary laminectomy. The mean pre-operative JOA score was 8.3/17 (2–15); the postoperative score was 13.4 (5–17). There was no significant difference in the JOA score for anterior and posterior decompression.

Discussion: The JOA score is one of the rare scores which has been validated for cervical myelopathy. This easy to use scale does not however estimate the importance of manipulation disorders and heaviness in the hands. Most of the items are based on history taking. Recently described scores with measurable parameters appear to be essential to achieve better assessment of these patients. Severe myelopathy (three patients in our series) is considered a poor indication for surgical management although prognosis does not appear to be so bad for active disease or when the objective is limited decompression. Choice of the anterior or posterior approach is based on the predicted position of the cord after surgery. This position depends on static parameters of the cervical spine measured on the lateral view and has not been studied extensively.

Conclusion: Proper study of cervical myelopathy requires the development of objective scores using measurable and reproducible items. Study of the cervical spine statics on the lateral view should provide better criteria for choosing the surgical approach.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the shock absorption capacity of two currently marketed lumbar disc prostheses, a metal-polyethylene prosthesis and a metal-metal prosthesis. Shock absorption capacity, which could be a useful parameter for choosing between implants, has not been examined in the literature.

Material and methods: Two types of implants were tested: the Maverick prosthesis marketed by Medtronic, and the Prodic proposed by Spine Solution. Five implants of each type were tested. The disc prostheses were mounted on a testing device designed to analyse shock transmission by application of a constant force. Force captors were positioned on the upper and lower parts of the implant being tested. The force delivered and the force perceived on the opposite side of the implant were recorded simultaneously. The implant was submitted to a static loading force of 350 N to which was added a 100 N oscillating vibration force delivered at a frequency varying from 0 to 100 Hz. A supplementary 250 N shock was also applied every 10 s. The spectrum and frequency of each input and output were recorded. Vibration and transmission of the shock though the implant were defined as the ratio of the output over input spectra. Measurements were taken for all frequencies between 0 and 100 Hz. Phase deviation was calculated to characterise the shock absorption effect.

Results: The phase deviation between the input and the output signal was less than 10 for both prostheses. Under loaded oscillating vibration, shock transmission was greater than 99.8% for both implants. In the 1–100 Hz frequency interval, the difference in shock transmission was less than 0.3±0.1% between the two implants. More than 98% of the supplementary 250 N shocks were transmitted by both implants. The difference between the two implants was thus less than 0.8% and can be considered negligible since the machine’s test sensitivity was 0.5%.

Conclusion: The two implants tested exhibited the same capacity to absorb and transmit vibration and shocks. Shock absorption capacity was close to zero or at least less than the sensitivity threshold of the testing device. This degree of freedom is not sufficient to use shock absorption capacity as an argument for choosing between the two implants currently available.

Purpose: The intervertebral disc prosthesis has been proposed as an alternative to fusion in cases of severe discal degeneration. The purpose of this study was to analyse long-term results in patients treated with a Charity III SB intervetebral disc prosthesis.

Material and methods: Clinical and radiological outcome were reviewed in 24 patients (66% women); 86% of the prostheses were L5–S1. Three patients had discectomy or nucleotomy. One patient underwent implantation at two levels. Mean age at surgery was 42 years (26–50). Eighty percent of the patients had an occupational activity and 70% were on sick leave for more than six months. Minimum follow-up was six years. Mean follow-up was eight years six months and was greater than ten years for thirteen patients. The Oswestry score, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and time to resumed occupational or sports activities were used to assess clinical outcome. Radiologically, prosthetic height, and status of adjacent discs were analysed.

Results: Outcome was considered good in 83% of the patients with an improvement in the VAS in 60% and in the Oswestry score in 50%. These results persisted at last follow-up. Twelve patients achieved excellent outcome with VAS at 0 and Oswestry at 10. For the occupationally active patients, 90% resumed their activities, 70% at three months and 80% at the same activity level. Only two patients were on disability compensation. Radiologially, prosthesis flexion-extension was scored 8 at level L4–L5, and 5 at level 5-S1 and persisted at last follow-up. There were no cases of spontaneous fusion or decreased prosthetic height. The status of a suprajacent disc degenerated in one patient requiring L4–L5 fusion nine years after disc implantation. There were two complications (8%): one eventration and one anterior dislocation six days after insertion of an L5–S1 prosthesis in the one patient who underwent a two-level procedure and required secondary fusion.

Conclusion: In light of this series with a sufficient follow-up, intervertebral disc prosthesis appears to be a satisfactory alternative to arthrodesis in well selected young patients with a single level of disc degeneration.

Purpose: During the second half of the 80s, Grammont, Trouilloud and Guichet developed a centromedullary nail for progressive limb lengthening. We analysed retrospectively twenty lengthenings, studying the clinical and radiological results to examine the quality of callus formation.

Material and methods: This study included eighteen patients, thirteen men and five women, who underwent lengthening procedures between 1991 and 2000. The patient’s clinical files were analysed in addition to the results of a physical examination. A standardised x-ray protocol was used to analyse bone regeneration.

Results: Mean follow-up was 4.55 years (1.5–10.5). Mean lengthening was 46 mm (30–80) achieved at a mean rate of 1.28 mm/d. The Bastiani index was 26 j/cm. Complications were: one progressive external popliteal sciatic palsy, one persistent knee flexion, one premature callus consolidation, and two callus fractures after nail removal. All patients maintained their activity level. The quality of regenerated bone was better in the dorsal and medial segments exposed to more stress. The callus was cortical and remodelled after removal of the nail.

Discussion: Like all lengthening techniques, the Albizzia nail requires careful preoperative planning, particularly to determine the level of the endomedullary osteotomy. The clinical results in this series were globally satisfactory. The callus was similar to cortical bone and quite different from the callus obtained with external lengthening methods, but our study demonstrated the excellent quality of the regenerated bone. The Albizzia nail can also be left in place until a solid reliable callus has formed, an advantage compared with external fixation which is less well tolerated.

Purpose: Intersomatic L5-S1 arthrodesis is a common procedure in orthopaedic surgery of the spine. Two approaches are generally proposed: the anterior trans or retroperitoneal approach and the posterior approach via the spinal canal or laterally. We conducted an anatomic animal study to examine the feasibility of a new approach to the L5–S1 disc.

Material and methods: Five anatomic specimens were used. The approach consisted in introducing via posterior laterosacral access a blunt 5 mm trocar into the sacrococcygeal joint. A 2 cm incision was made to identify the anterior aspect of the sacrum. Anterior and lateral scopic control was used to follow the progression of the trocar. The guide was medialised and slid into the median part of the sacrum. A larger tube with an oblique end was slid over the guide and impacted on the inferior border of the S1–S2 disc. The blunt trocar was then removed and the tube was impacted into the S2 bone under scopic control. A hollow bit was then inserted into the tube to perforate S2 and reach the L5-S1 disc. Angled instruments allowed nucleoctomy without injuring the annulus. All specimens were then explored anteriorly. The technique was tested on five 40–50 kg living pigs. After inserting the hollow bit, laparoscopy was performed to visualise the trajectory of the tube and search for possible complications.

Results: The anatomic study was conducted with the animals placed in a ventral position. The blunt trocar easily detached the presacral infraperitoneal region without any perforation of the neighbouring organs (sigmoid, colon). The presacral membrane was fragile in two cases but appeared to have been weakened by prior intra-peritoneal surgery due to the presence of pseudomembranes. It was possible to achieve perforation of S1 and partial L5–S1 discectomy in all cases. Nucleoctomy was difficult due to insufficient instrument design. There was no problem in inserting the trocar and reaching the L5–S1 disc in any of the piglets.It was sometimes difficult to impact the tube into the S1 bone because of the small angle between the sacrum and the lumbar spine. Laparoscopy revealed a small pre-sacral haematoma in four cases without significant bleeding. In one case, the haematoma was much larger and related to arterial or venous bleeding from presacral vessels. Insertion of the trocar was difficult. The instrument slid toward the promontory probably causing injury to a branch of the sacral vessels which have a large diameter in the piglet.

Discussion: This anatomic study demonstrated the feasibility of a new approach to the L5–S1 disc. This approach could be an interesting alternative in several indications: revision surgery for nonunion after other methods, treatment of certain types of spondylolisthesis. For partial prosthetic replacements (nucleoplasty) this approach would have the advantage of avoiding the need to open the annulus, the principal element of disc stability. Other trials would be necessary to design adequate instrumentation, but this new approach appears promising because it involves a minimally vascularised area. Video assistance for the trocar would help optimise presacral dissection.

Purpose: Wound dressing is the last phase of any surgical intervention. The purpose is to isolate the surgical wound to reduce the risk of airborne contamination. In certain situations such as skin trauma, burns, acute or chronic loss of skin cover, or open fractures, wound dressings can however have a deleterious effect (maceration, adherence). Prevention of secondary infection of surgical wounds and spread of infection from septic patients is an integral part of our routine practice. We have developed a specific system useful in certain situations to isolate a septic or “at-risk” limb.

Material and methods: Our system is composed of a closed 100-cm polyvinyl chloride isolator measuring 40 cm in diameter. Two “absolute” filters allow internal ventilation with a variable flow filtered-air generator. Sterile products are introduced into the isolator via a shuttle chamber. With this system, the wound can be isolated without isolating the patient. We have used this system for more than 250 patients since 1986. A dedicated chart has been used to monitor results obtained with the system since 1993.

Results: The isolator was used for 258 patients, 185 men (71%), with 271 limb wounds on 227 lower limbs (83%) (63% legs and ankles). Half of the patients had open fractures associated with loss of skin cover. The clinical course was satisfactory in 75% of the patients (complete healing or complementary skin graft). The system was psychologically unacceptable for seven patients. There was only one case of a new germ isolated from a wound.

Conclusion: This dressing isolator requires a significant “logistic” investment but provides considerable bacteriological safety for difficult cases.

Purpose: Progress in medical and surgical management has reduced the incidence of osteitis. Nevertheless, this type of complication remains a difficult therapeutic challenge for frail polyoperted patients exposed to infection for several months. Based on a technique developed by A.C. Masquelet and cooperative work with the infectiology unit, we propose an alternative to eminent amputation.

Material and methods: The series included eighteen surgery patients (fifteen men and three women, mean age 37 years) Mean follow-up was fifteen months. Fourteen patients had undergone one or several operations. Bone loss varied from 5 to 17 cm with shaft loss in ten patients and metaphyseal loss in eight. Fifteen reconstructions involved the lower limb: three femurs, nine tibias and three tarsal bones. Three cases involved the upper limbs: elbow, radius, and radiocarpal bones, one each. Meti-R bacilli were identified in eleven patients. Reconstruction was based on the Masquelet spacer technique to induce membranes in all cases. External fixation was used in sixteen cases and pinning in two. A second operation was performed after normalisation of biological parameters and wound healing.

Results: There were no early complications. Late wound healing required a secondary flap in three patients. There was one graft failure after early reinfection. The spacer was in place for a mean four months. Healing was achieved at six months on the average. A second graft was required in two patients.

Discussion: This series demonstrates the usefulness of this bone reconstruction method irrespective of the soft tissue trophicity and the degree of bone loss. It allows maximal debridement of infected tissue, the only method allowing effective eradication of infection. The close cooperation with the infectiology unit was particularly helpful for the management of the more difficult cases allowing bone grafting beyond usual limits.

Purpose: The bifoliated vascularised fibula graft is an attractive alternative for reconstruction of large bone segments. The purpose of this work was to evaluate mid-term results and the usefulness of two surgical techniques: skin island flap monitoring and the arterio-venous loop.

Material and methods: This retrospective analysis included fourteen patients (eleven men and three women) treated between 1992 and 2002. Mean age was 30 years (10–54). Indications were complications of open fractures in nine patients, major bone loss in two, septic nonunion in four, and aseptic nonunion in three. Reconstruction was performed after bone tumour resection in five patients involving immediate reconstruction after failure of an infected massive allograft in four of them. Localisations were: tibia (n=6), femur (n=5), humerus (n=2), and pelvis (n=1). Average bone loss was 10 cm (7–15 cm). Minimal pinning, cerclage or screwing was used to stabilise the flap completed by internal fixation in four patients and external fixation in ten. A monitoring skin island was used for twelve patients (the island was technically impossible in two patients). Vascular anastomoses were performed in seven patients using an arteriovenous loop, performed as a preliminary measure in six.

Results: Mean follow-up was 35 months. One patient died early from tumour progression. Among the seven patients who had an arteriovenous loop, one required revision for a vascular complication. For the seven “classical” bypasses, there were three intraoperative or early complications requiring revision of the anastomoses. Nonunion developed despite early revision in the four patients whose monitoring skin island suffered. Consolidation was achieved without revision in all patients who skin island did not suffer; time to bone healing was eleven months for seven of them.

Conclusion: Bone healing was related to the quality of graft vacularisation. Clinical observation of the monitoring island was the best way to identify vascular complications early and initiate treatment. Use of a preliminary arteriovenous loop decreased the risk of vascular insufficiency inherent with long bypasses and shortened operative time.

Purpose: Operative site infections can have catastrophic consequences after orthopaedic surgery. Prevention is particularly difficult due to the large number of factors involved. We describe here an exceptional epidemic of meti-R Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) operative site infections whose source was successfully identified and eradicated.

Material and methods: The epidemic affected seven patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery during a thirteen-month period. All patients developed acute MRSA operative site infection. The epidemic nature of the infections was confirmed by the bacteriological study which identified the causal germ as a specific MRSA strain very different from strains generally identified in hospital infections. The causal strain was sensitive to quinolones and resistant to amikacin. Antibiotic therapy prescribed in all cases was combined with surgical lavage in four patients. Search was undertaken to identify an environmental or human source. An audit of the operating theatre was performed and nasal swabs were obtained from all personnel present at the last operation complicated by operative site infection. One non-medical assistant was found to be a carrier of the same MRSA strain incriminated as the cause of the epidemic. Nasal application of mupirocin successfully eradicated the carrier-state. No new case of operative site infection was noted for more than fourteen months.

Discussion: Operative site infections in orthopaedic surgery led to longer inpatient care and can compromise functional outcome. These nosocomial infections have a significant impact on mortality and constitute a major cost burden for hospitals. Prevention, control and treatment of MRSA nosocomial infections is a major challenge in hospitals throughout the world. Most operative site infections are caused by direct contamination during the operation. This epidemic highlights the importance of strict application of rigorous preventive measures not only by the surgical team but also by all healthcare workers and hospital personnel in general.

Conclusion: The specific antibiotic susceptibility pattern of a Staphylococcus aureus strain incriminated in several operating site infections enabled identification of the source of the epidemic and its eradication.

Purpose: We reviewed retrospectively 349 cases of infected total hip arthroplasty treated by prosthesis replacement. The surgical strategy, 127 single-stage procedures and 222 two-stage procedures, was determined by the surgeon on a case by case basis.

Material and methods: At least one positive sample during the clinical history was required for inclusion in the series. Results of all bacteriological samples collected pre- and intra-operatively were noted. Samples were considered reliable if obtained from a deep site (puncture, biopsy, intraoperative specimen) and non-reliable if obtained from any other site. We studied the agreement between preoperative and intraoperative samples, taking the intraoperative samples as the reference, in order to determine the effect of complete preoperative knowledge of the causal germ on the outcome of infection treatment at last follow-up.

Results: For single-stage replacement procedures, preoperative samples were reliable in 74 cases (58%) and non reliable in seven (6%); they were sterile or absent in 46 cases (36%). Intra-operative samples were positive in 103 cases (81%). Agreement between the preoperative and intraoperative samples was observed in 48 cases (38%). The rate of success was not different if the surgeon had or did not have reliable knowledge of the causal germ(s) preoperatively: successful treatment in 66 cases (89%) with knowledge and successful in 46 cases (87%) without knowledge. For two-stage procedures, preoperative samples were reliable in 155 cases (70%) and non-reliable in 15 (7%); they were sterile or absent in 52 cases (23%). Intraoperative samples were positive in 178 cases (80%). Agreement between preoperative and intraoperative samples was observed in 107 cases (48%). The rate of success was not different if the surgeon had or did not have reliable knowledge of the causal germ(s) preoperatively: successful treatment in 133 cases (86%) with knowledge and successful treatment in 56 cases (84%) without knowledge.

Conclusion: Reliable preoperative knowledge of the causal germ(s) did not affect the rate of success for single-stage or two-stage total hip arthroplasty replacement procedures. These findings do not corroborate the notion that it is absolutely necessary to recognise the germ(s) causing the infection before undertaking a single-stage replacement procedure.

Purpose: Pluridisciplinary therapeutic management is well defined for metastatic long bones. There are few prognostic criteria enabling an evidence-based choice between palliative surgery or abstention. We report a series of 24 metastatic femurs treated by palliative surgery and evaluated with the Tokuyashi score.

Material and methods: Sixteen women and eight men, mean age 71 years (5!-89) underwent centromedullary nailing of a metastatic femur (13/16 breast cancer in women, 20.24 other metastases. The Toskuhashi score was > 6 for 16/24 patients with pain unresponsive to morphine. Thirteen patients had fractured femurs and eleven had frail femurs due to the metastasis. Mean time to surgery was six days (1–15).

Results: A solid nail was used for four patients and a reconstruction nail for twenty. Operative time was 93 minutes (57–123). Blood loss was 200 l (150–350). There no intraoperative complications (fat embolus) excepting one tulip femur. Hospital stay was 23 days (8–55). Survival was 148 days (8–510) in patients with a frail metastatic tumour. Eight deaths occurred in patients with a fractured metastatic tumour (six within the first three postoperative weeks), two after preventive nailing. Weight bearing in living patients with a fractured femur was possible at 57 days (30–90). Only six patients required morphine in the early postoperative period. For the femurs with an isolated metastasis, the antalgesic effect of centromedullary nailing was significant (p< 0.05). There was a significant correlation between thee Tokuyashi score and mean survival. Mean survival in patients with a score < 3 was 2.1 months. Mean survival in patients with a score > 6 was 17 months.

Conclusion: Centromedullary nailing of the femur for metastatic fracture or fragilisation remains the treatment of choice for patients with short life expectancy. This technique limits pain while preserving independence as long as possible. The Tokuyashi score is correlated with patient survival. If this easy to establish score is too low (< 3), the survival can be expected to be insufficient for any surgical benefit.

Purpose: First described in 1699, hydatid cyst in a muscle is extremely rare today, even in endemic areas.

Material and methods: We report a retrospective series of nine cases of primary hydatid cyst observed between 1985 and 1998. The patients were predominantly women living in a rural area (mean age 37 years), who consulted for an isolated tumefaction of the thigh (left side in 7/9 cases) which had evolved for twelve months on the average without affecting the general health status. Ultrasonography was highly contributive, suggesting the diagnosis in all cases. Hydatic serology was positive in five cases. Computed tomography (n=3) and magnetic resonance imaging (n=2) provided supplementary information. Hydatid cysts were identified in the adductors (n=4), the quadriceops (n==3) and the three compartments (n=1).

Results: Surgical treatment was performed in eight patients; en bloc resection of the hydatid cyst with peripheral muscle tissue in six cases and subtotal pericystectomy in two. Clinical and anatomic results are presented at mean six years follow-up.

Discussion: We discuss the role of each radiographic examination for the diagnosis and search for extension of hydatid cysts as well as the therapeutic options depending on the clinical course and soft tissue involvement.

Purpose: Hinged knee prostheses are mainly used for reconstruction after major tumour resection. Aseptic loosening is the main problem with these implants. One of the solutions proposed to reduce the rate of loosening is to add a hydroxyapatite collar on the shaft stems. This work was conducted to study bone ingrowth with a new hinged implant with a hydroxyapatite collar at the junction between the zone of resection and the shaft.

Material and methods: Twenty-nine massive prostheses with a hydroxyapatite collar were implanted between 1998 and 2001. Nine patients were excluded from the analysis because follow-up was less than two years. This retrospective analysis thus compared twenty massive prostheses with twenty matched hinged GUEPAR prostheses without a collar. Bony ingrowth was measured on plain x-rays (two orthogonal views) at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Filling of the gap between the bone and the implant was also assessed. Signs of loosening were noted.

Results: Mean bony ingrowth in implants with a hydroxyapatite collar was 6.58 mm at 6 months 9.84 mm at 12 months, 12.3 mm at 24 months and 13.25 mm at 36 months. Mean bony ingrowth in the implants without a hydroxyapatite collar was 1.65 mm at 6 months, 3.31 mm at 12 months, 4.8 mm at 24 months and 4.35 mm at 36 months. In the implants with a collar, gap filling was partial in five cases and total in 15. In implants without a collar, there was no gap filling in eight cases, partial filling in two cases and total filling in fifteen cases.

Discussion: Prostheses with a hydroxyapatite collar enable better radiological bony ingrowth than observed in implants without a hydroxyapatite collar. Gap filling is better for prostheses with a collar. There was no case of loosening at last follow-up for implants with a hydroxyapatite collar.

Conclusion: In light of these results, shaft anchorage appears to be better with implants with a hydrosyapatite collar. Confirmation of improvement in clinical outcome and lower rate of aseptic loosening will require longer follow-up.

Purpose: Mycetomas are progressive pseudotumours affecting the skin, soft tissue or bone caused by bacterial or fungal infection. Although the foot and ankle are often affected and considered together, mycetoma of the ankle should be considered as a separate nosological entity. The purpose of this work was to study the frequency of primary mycetoma of the ankle and describe the different anatomicoclinical variants and prognostic factors.

Material and methods: Thirty-five cases of primary mycetoma of the ankle were reviewed retrospectively. This series was selected from a total of 141 mycetomas treated between July 1998 and November 2110. There were 22 men and 13 women. The patients were farmers or cattle raisers, mostly belonging to the toucoulour and peulh ethnic groups. Mean duration of the mycetoma was six months (nine months – twenty years). The right ankle was involved in 21 cases and the left in 12, the side was not noted in two cases. A fungal cause was identified in 25 cases [black grain = 24 (Madurella mycetomatis = 8, Leptospheria senegalensis = 6, unidentified = 11) and white grain = 1 (Pseudoallescheria boydii)]. Actinomycosal infection was identified in six cases [red grain = 2 (Actinomadura pelletieri), white grain = 4 (Actinomadura madurae) and yellow grain = 1 (Streptomyces somaliensis)]. The causal agent was unidentified in four cases. Sixteen patients underwent surgical treatment, surgical treatments were scheduled for four patients, and four were treated medically.

Results: Primary mycetoma affected the ankle in 16.3% of the cases. The presence of a benign encapsulatd (37.5%) often uniretromalleolar or biretromalleolar nodule was characteristic of the fungal form. A diffuse polyfistulated (41.6%) and premalleolar form which eventually covered the entire ankle was also noted. Secondary bone infection led to osteitis and or osteoarthrtis in 54.1% of the cases. Mycetomic osteitis required amputation in 5 patients (20.8%). We noted one case of recurrence among our direct admissions and five cases among referrals.

Conclusion: Mycetoma of the ankle should be distinguished from mycetoma of the foot. The benign encapuslated fungal form is situated behind the malleolus and can be distinguished from the diffuse polyfistulated osteophilic actinomycosic or fungal form that covers the entire ankle.

Purpose: In osteosarcoma, tumour progression leads to osteolysis via direct proteolytic mechanisms and/or osteoclast activation. Nitrogen biphosphonates (N-BP) like zolebronate inhibit osteoclast function and apoptosis of osteoclasts and other tumour cells. In animal models, N-BP decrease bony progression of myeloma, bone metastasis, and breast and prostatic tumours. In vitro studies have demonstrated a synergetic action with classical anti-cancer drugs on apoptosis for myeloma and breast cancer cell lines. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of zoebronic acid on osteosarcoma growth, alone or in combination with ifosfamide.

Material and methods: A rat model accepting osteosarcoma transplant was used for the study. Four series of seven rats were treated with zoledronate (100 mg/kg on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 after implantation) in combination or not with ifosfamide (30 mg/kg on day 1”, 14 and 15). Thirty-five days after implantation, the rats were sacrificed to evaluate tumour volume, presence of metastasis, radiography, and pathological examination of the tumour. Zoledronate was also studied in vitro on an OSRGA osteosarcoma cell line isolated from the same tumour.

Results: Zoledronate demonstrated efficacy by reducing the osteolysis induced by the sarcoma, but also on local tumour progression (75%) in comparison with untreated animals. In vitro, zoledronate inhibited cell proliferation by 60%. The ifosfsamide-zoledrnoate combination produced greater reduction in tumour progression than ifosfamide alone.

Conclusion: This work demonstrates for the first time that zoledronate has an effect on osteosarcoma tumour progression, either by a direct effect or by an antiosteoclastic effect and that the effet increases the efficacy of classical antitumour drugs such as ifosfamide.

Purpose: During revision procedures for total knee arthroplasty with reconstruction of the lower femur (TKA after tumour resection) it is difficult to extract the stem from the proximal femur (if noncemented) and spare bone stock. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse aspects related to the use of a complementary approach for massive trochanterotomy allowing easier access to the centromedullary canal of the femur and thus facilitate extraction of the femoral stem and periprosthetic cement.

Material and methods: This technique was used for five patients between 1991 and 1999. There were four women and one man, aged 18–45 years. The femoral piece was changed in three patients because of a fractured non-loosened implant and in two cases because of loosening. The revision implant was a total reconstruction prosthesis in one case (Link) and a GUEPAR implant in four. Massive trochanterotomy or corticotrochanterotomy was performed in all cases sparing the muscle insertions.

Results: This retrospective analysis was performed at a mean follow-up of five years (3–12). There were no cases of loosening or implant fracture. The trochanteric fragment (or corticotrochanteric fragment) healed normally in all cases. One female patient experienced moderate pain in the sitting position related to the presence of osteosynthesis material in the hip, but no implant removal was necessary.

Conclusion: Complementary trochantotomy facilitated removal of the inferior femoral piece via a direct approach to the summit of the stem allowing direct expulsion with the periprosthetic cement. Direct vertical access to the medullary canal allows good control of the revision prosthesis and limits unnecessary bone loss without creating any particular iatrogenic problem other than longer time for trochanter healing.

Purpose: Parent worry about torsional or angular anomalies of the lower limbs of their children is widespread. The relationship between a child’s postural habits and torsional anomalies of the lower limbs is often mentioned in the literature despite the lack of a single study demonstrating solid evidence. Active treatment of such anomalies is exceptionally necessary. Postural education is undoubtedly provided by parents. The purpose of this study was not to establish a cause and effect relationship between postural habits and torsional anomalies but rather to determine whether children who exhibit a preferential nocturnal and diurnal posture have torsional anomalies of the lower limbs.

Material and methods: This retrospective analysis included all patients consulting one paediatric orthopaedist for in-toeing during a period of six years. Patients with a neurological disorder, bone and joint disease, or a congenital malformation as well as those with a history of orthesis use for fracture or surgery of the lower limbs were excluded. The cohort was composed of 463 children aged 1.5 to 15 years. Five habitual postures were studied: sitting cross-legged, sitting on knees feet under the buttocks, laying on knees with buttocks upward and feet inward, laying on belly knees extended and feet inward, and indifferent sitting and reclining positions. Abnormal torsion was determined clinically. Internal hip rotation greater than 70 (Staheli) observed in the ventral decubitus position with knees flexed 90° was considered to indicate excessive femoral anteversion (EFAV). Internal tibial torsion (ITT) was considered to be present when the thigh-foot angle was 0 measured in the ventral decubitus position or sitting on the table legs hanging. We searched for correlations between habitual posture and abnormal torsion as well as the influence of gender and age using the chi-square test and 95% confidence intervals. Patients with both EFAV and ITT were stratified by group using the Woolf method associated with the Mantel-Haenszel test.

Results: Abnormal torsion was found more often in children aged less than 4 years with no difference between boys and girls. Among the children in this study presenting in-toeing, 31% did not have a preferred sitting or reclining position and only 7% presented clearly abnormal torsion. There was a significant direct correlation between EFAV and sitting crosslegged and a significant inverse correlation between EFAV and the other habitual postures. Conversely, there was no significant correlation between ITT and the habitual postures studied.

Discussion and conclusion: This study provided objective information concerning widely accepted but poorly documented notions. There were two limitations: 1) the lack of a control group not presenting in-toeing, 2) the absence of precise goniometric measurements, a problem encountered in most studies using clinical methods. Although the presence of abnormal torsion of the lower limb appears to significantly influence the gait pattern in children, it does not appear to affect habitual postures. A significant relationship was found only between habitual posture and EFAV, and not ITT. These results should be taken into consideration when planning treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to study Monteggia fracture-dislocation in children and report results of treatment.

Material and methods: Thirty-two children were treated for Monteggia fracture-dislocation during a 12-year period from 1989 to 2001. The Bado classification was type I (n=22, 69%), type II (n=2, 7%), and type III (n=8, 24%). There were no type IV. Mean follow-up was seven years (1–12 yr). Mean age at treatment was six years (3–12 yr). There were 26 boys (81%) and 6 girls (19%). The right side was involved in 62% of patients. Orthopaedic treatment was use for 31 patients. Open surgery was performed for one child.

Results: Early complications were rupture and migration of the osteosynthesis material and transient palsy of the posterior interosseous in one patient. Late complications were malunion with 20° ulnar varus in four patients. Residual posterior tilt of the ulna (up to 10°) was observed in two children and anterior tilt in one other. Elbow function was perfect in all children. For children had minor cubital varus.

Discussion: Thirty-one children were given orthopaedic treatment with closed reduction of the ulnar fracture and radial head dislocation and immobilisation with a brachio-antebrachio-palmar brace. There were no cases of recurrent radial head dislocation, even with ulnar mal-union with 20° deviation. There were no cases of secondary displacement or recurrend dislocation despite rather unstable and oblique fractures. One patient required open reduction of the radial head followed by transcondylo-radial pinning. Closed reduction failed because of a ruptured annular ligament. In this patient, the pin was removed at three weeks because of pin fracture and migration to the wrist.

Conclusion: Early orthopaedic reduction is indicated as first-intention treatment for these fractures in children. The prognosis is excellent for patients treated early. When closed reduction is impossible or in the event of recurrent dislocation of the radial head, open surgery may be needed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate centromedullary pinning for bone lengthening. We studied an animal model to discover the details of bone regeneration and assess the advantages of the technique. We present our early clinical results.

Material and methods: Progressive lengthenings of the tibia by centromedullary pinning were performed in eleven dogs. Distraction began on day 5 and lasted 28 days. Arteriograms were obtained after sacrifice.We also analysed 17 cases of limb lengthening in patients: one arm, two forearms, nine femurs, five tibias. Mean patient age was 14 years. Mean gain in bone length was 6.2 cm.

Results: The experimental work demonstrated that intensive bone regeneration requires faster distraction. Early bone union was observed in four dogs. Bone healing was complete at about 15 days in all dogs. The centromedullary pins were left in place in three dogs after removing the external fixator. There was no secondary deformation. The arteriogram showed that the nourishing artery was not ruptured. In our patients, delay to healing was shorter. The radiograms demonstrated intensive bone regeneration. Endosteal regeneration was significant and was never inhibited. Significant periosteal reaction was observed. The planned gain in length was achieved in all patients. We did not have any complications.

Discussion: Bone lengthening methods using a centromedullary nail provide absolute stability while avoiding external fixation but at the cost of complete destruction of the centromedullary vascular supply. Our animal experiments and clinical experience prove that elastic centromedullary pins do not inhibit endosteal regeneration but, on the contrary, partial destruction of the marrow with intact vascularisation stimulates bone regeneration. For bone lengthenings, centromedullary pinning is the only method of internal fixation allowing optimal conditions for bone regneration.

Conclusion: The progressive distraction of the elastic centromedullary pin during the lengthening period stimulates the regenerative processes. The biological effect of the vascular “displacement” from the centre to the periphery of the bone fragments leads to significant periosteal reaction. Elastic centromedullary pinning adds stability to the bone fragments. Associating the two methods allows removal of the external fixator leaving the centromedullary pins in place. By strengthening the regenerated bone, the pins provide a certain degree of additional stability.

Purpose: Since the advent of pinning for supracondylar fractures of the humerus, Volkmann syndrome has been exceptional and most of the posttraumatic compartment syndromes observed in children have been seen in the lower limb. We propose an analysis of the causes, the diagnosis, the treatment and the results of treatment of acute posttraumatic compartment syndrome of the leg in children.

Material and methods: Twenty-eight consecutive cases of acute posttraumatic compartment syndrome in 27 children were reviewed. These children were treated in two American paediatric traumatology units over a ten year period. We evaluated the cause of the trauma, associated lesions, clinical course, diagnostic methods, muscle compartment pressures, time from accident to diagnosis, and time from accident to surgery. Results were analysed at last follow-up.

Results: The study population was 24 boys and three girls, aged 4 months to 15 years. Twenty-four children were pedestrian traffic accident victims. Twenty-two had a tibial fracture, four a femoral fracture, and two no fracture. Twenty-five compartment syndromes were diagnosed on the basis of compartment pressure measurements. Mean time from accident to diagnosis was 19 hours (range 2.5–85 hr). At diagnosis, exacerbated pain was observed in 26 children, paraesthesia in eleven, motor deficit in seven, and diminished pulses in three. Mean time from accident to surgery was 21 hours. Mean follow-up was 15 months. The final outcome was remarkably good. At last follow-up, 24 children were pain free, with no functional or sensorial deficit. Aponeurotomy had been performed very late (43, 83, and 86 hr) in the three patients who developed functional deficit. There were no cases of infection even when surgery was performed late.

Discussion: Most children treated for acute posttraumatic compartment syndrome achieve a good result even when the time from accident to treatment is long, often more than 12 hours. All patients with sequellae at the last follow-up in our series had undergone aponeurotomy more than 36 hours after the accident.

Conclusion: This is the first series devoted exclusively to acute posttraumatic compartment syndrome of the leg in children. The results were generally good despite significant time from accident to treatment.

Purpose: Congenital radioulnar syntosis (CRUS) is a rare malformation caused by the fusion of the proximal extremities of the radius and ulna associated with anomalies of the adjacent soft tissues. The purpose of this work was to analyse a series of 36 non-operated cases of CRUS in order to evaluate the functional impact and compensatory mechanisms.

Material and methods: Twenty-five patients (16 male, 9 female) presenting 36 CRUS (14 unilateral, 11 bilateral) were collected over a period of eight years (1994–2002). None of the patients underwent surgery. Mean age at evaluation was 8.3 years (range 2–25) Active and passive motion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers was assessed clinically. The modified Jebsen and Taylor test was used to assess function. The size of the synostosis was assessed on plain x-rays of the forearm.

Results: The mean position of the fixed forearm was 35° pronation (range 10° supination to 90° pronation). Thirty-one percent of the patients had deficient elbow extension (5–15°). Shoulder motion was normal in all patients and all except two presented compensatory wrist laxity (two patients had a stiff wrist with CRUS associated with Poland syndrome). Function was normal except for four patients who complained of difficulties in certain activities (volleyball, cutting with scissors, face washing, lifting heavy objects). None of the patients requested corrective surgery.

Discussion: Reports in the literature discuss the technical difficulty of corrective surgery for CRUS and the problems in establishing appropriate indications. Fortunately, most of these patients do not have sufficiently serious impairment to justify surgical intervention. The degree of fixed pronosupination is not the only factor to be considered since function is also related to the bilateral or unilateral nature of the malformation as well as the side (dominant or non-dominant) and also with the efficacy of compensatory shoulder, wrist, and finger movements. The subject’s occupational activity must also be taken into account. In our series, functional impairment was minimal.

Conclusion: CRUS is a well tolerated malformation which only rarely requires surgical correction.

Purpose: The deleterious effects of blocking movement of normal joints has been demonstrated by numerous animal experiments and clinical observations. Conversely, mobilisation of the joints leads to metabolic and trophic effects commonly attributed to changes in the nutritional status of the cartilage. In vitro experiments and mechanobiological studies have however suggested that more fundamental mechanisms are operating, demonstrating the impact of physical factors on biological cell regulation and tissue organisation. The purpose of our experimentation was to study the biological effects of movement on a model of skeletal regeneration from mesenchymatous tissue. The tested hypothesis was that movement crossing a living tissue causes the emission of specific signals which contribute to its anatomic and functional organisation.

Material and methods: We used 27 immature rabbits for the model. We transferred a vascularised periosteal flap to the knee region in order to initiate a process of skeletal tissue regeneration. The regenerated tissue was submitted to joint movements caused by the animal’s spontaneous movements. In the first group of animals, the knee was left intact. In the second group, 25 mm of the distal femur was removed, including the condyles. Tissue regeneration was compared with that obtained without joint movement.

Results: Qualitative changes in regenerated tissue were found to be influenced by movement. The differentiation of the mesenchymatous precursors was oriented towards production of cartilage and fibrocartilage. In the group with a sectioned femur, a mobile cartilage joint space was obtained at the interface between the regenerated femur and the tibia. A functional neo-joint was formed.

Discussion: This model of tissue regeneration, similar to that observed in experimental nonunion, demonstrated the contribution of multipotent stem cells of diverse origins. Joint mobility and its mechanical consequences produced information which were perceived as a modification of the environment. They regulated the differentiation of pluripotent cell elements and thus guided the spatial and temporal organisation of in vivo tissue repair processes.

Conclusion: Our results confirm the major influence of mechanical constraints on the organisation of skeletal tissue. The effect is expressed by the remodelling of mature tissues, but is also observed in immature tissues implicated in morphogenesis and skeletal regeneration processes. The transduction mechanisms remain to be described. However, the results obtained for cartilage regeneration demonstrate the practical interest of periosteal arthroplasty. Further improvement of the model to optimise continuous passive movement would open new perspectives for in vivo joint regeneration.

Purpose: In paediatric patients, autografts are limited by the quantity of available bony tissue in donor regions, the need for a second incision, the longer surgical time, and donor site morbidity. Bone substitutes would be an advantage in many cases. Serum and platelet autologous growth factors favouring osteo-induction can be obtained readily. When used in conjunction with osteoconductive materials, they can favour bone growth. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the use of combined autologous growth factors (AGF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) in paediatric patients instead of autologous grafts.

Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted in 14 children (16 grafts), nine boys and six girls, mean age 9.4 years. These children required bone grafting related to femoral osteotomy, osteomyelitis, benign cystic tumours, bone nonunion, triple arthrodesis with osteopenia, and insufficient autologous graft material. The AGF-HA combination with human thrombin was used in all cases. AGF was prepared after fractioning autologous blood according to the child’s blood volume, height and weight. A platelet ultraconcentrate was added to thrombin (500 IU) and HA (500 R) at the time of implantation. Mean preparation time was 20 minutes. An autologous graft was not used in any of the children.

Results: There were no cases of superficial or deep infection after implantation. Bone healing as assessed clinically and radiologically was obtained in eleven weeks on average (range 8–16) except in two cases (11%).

Discussion: The AGF-HA combination is a useful alternative to autologous bone grafting in children. It is a simple technique which accelerates bone healing and HA integration. There were no cases of rejection.

Conclusion: 1) In children, this method is a valid alternative which avoids the need for bone harvesting and the corresponding morbidity. 2) Use of AGF-HA in combination does not transmit infection, does not lengthen surgery time, and is an interesting alternative to autologous or heterologous bone grafting.

Purpose: Physeal distraction can be used for the treatment of the consequences of epiphysiodesis bridges, correcting simultaneously angular deformations and length discrepancy.

Material and methods: Chondrodiastasis was performed in six children aged 13.1 years (range 10.4–15.7). The cause of the epiphysiodesis was trauma in three children (2 distal tibia, 1 distal radius), osteomyelitis in two (distal femur), and surgical sequela of a clubfoot (distal tibia). Mean follow-up was two years (18 months – 4 years). An Ilizarov device was used in four cases and an Orthofix in two.

Results: Limb length discrepancy was corrected in all cases. Angular correction was insufficient in two. Distraction was continued for four months (1–9) and total duration of treatment was 7.5 months (4–13). Minor complications were pin track infection (n=2) and joint stiffness (n=3). Major complications were one fracture of the femur on a pin site and premature closure of the growth cartilage treated by callotasis and one fracture after removal of the external fixator, treated by plaster cast immobilisation. The final outcome was good in both of these children.

Discussion: De-epiphysiodesis with surgical resection of the bony bridge can only be performed before a certain age (10–11 years) and the outcome in uncertain. The principle advantages of physeal distraction applied for angular deformation in growing patients is that it avoids the need for osteotomy and allows progressive correction. This noninvasive method allows angular correction in the upright patient, concomitant lengthening is also achieved. Chondrodiastasis makes an exact correction of the deformation without resection of the bony bride which can be ruptured by simple distraction. The fertility of the growth cartilage after distraction must be considered as lost so the amount of correction must be calculated on the basis of a complete and definitive postoperative epiphysiodesis.

Conclusion: Chondrodiastasis allows correction of acquired and predictable epiphysiodesis bridges at the apex of the deformation and without direct access. This method can be used for partial epiphysiodesis (less than 50%) in children who have not reached maturity. After distraction, the growth cartilage must be considered as definitively closed.

Purpose: The use of telescopic nails has enabled a reduction in the rate of re-operation during growth from 51% observed with non-telescopic nails to 27%. This difference is less pronounced in the long term due to mechanical complications and secondary joint problems. We report our experience with the telescopic nail developed for osteogenesis imperfecta of the femur. This nail is inserted antegrade via a small superior incision, avoiding the problems associated with surgical approach via the knee joint. The distal and proximal fixation are achieved by screwing the nail into the epiphysis.

Material and methods: The telescopic nail was used for 43 femurs and 1 humerus in 29 children (osteogenesis imperfecta in 28, skeletal dysplasia in 1) who were reviewed at a mean 34 months. Mean age at surgery was 47 months (range 13 months – 11 years).

Results: The telescopic nail deployed normally in 93.2% of the children. Complications not requiring re-operation were observed in 20.5% of the patients: migration of the proximal part of the nail (n=3), material deformation or stress fracture (n=4), loss of distal epiphyseal fixation (n=1). Surgery was required because of complications in three children: intra-articular protrusion of the male part of the nail requiring repositioning, proximal migration of the female part of the nail into the buttocks subsequent to weight-bearing too early, and loss of distal epiphyseal fixation due to inappropriate intra-operative manipulation.

Discussion: These early results (follow-up less than three years) demonstrate that this new implant is useful in osteogenesis imperfecta. It enables minimally invasive treatment and reduces the rate of complications without the risk of knee arthrotomy.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcome after surgical treatment of posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) and examine the different techniques.

Material and methods: Between 1984 and 2001, 31 patients underwent surgery for cyst derivation (group D, n= 21) or arachnoid release (group R, n = 10). Outcome was assessed on the basis of postoperative changes in clinical presentation (pain) and function (measure of functional independence, MFI). Morphology results were assessed using the Vaquero index (VI) measured on the magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Results: After surgery, aggravation of posterior cord sensitivity was observed in 24% of the patients in group D and in 10% in group R. At last follow-up, there was a statistically significant improvement in pain in the supra- and infra-lesion levels. The Frankel score was stable in 77% and the MFImotor score was stable in 76%. Morphologically, there was a significant diminution in the VI in both groups. MRI velometric studies were performed in seven patients. Cystic systolic and diastolic flow rates were higher preoperatively in patients with more severe clinical grade. Postoperatively (mean 14 months), intra-cystic systolic flow rates decreased significantly (p=0.017). Perimedullary systolic flow rates, which were initially very low reached high levels postoperatively due to re-circulation in the perimedullary subarachnoid space. Re-operation rate was 43% at 39 months for patients in group D (man follow-up 36 months), and 20% in group R (mean follow-up 31 months). The complication rate was 11% (two scar infections, one meningitis, one pneumonia, one acute derivation dysfunction).

Discussion: Arachnoid release yielded a lower re-operation rate than derivations with a lower rate of postoperative posterior cord involvement and an identical functional and morphological outcome. We propose a schema for determining the indication for intra- and extra-dural interventions in the treatment of PTS.

Purpose: The difficulty children with cerebral palsy have walking often worsens during adolescence due to permanent flexion of the hip, knee and ankle joints associated with limited active extension of the knee due to ascension of the patella and stretched patellar tendon. Surgical descent of the patella associated with release of hip flexion and sometimes lengthening of the hamstrings avoids the squatting position when walking facilitating function. The short- and mid-term efficacy of this intervention has been demonstrated. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the long-term functional outcome and its environmental dimension, that is its effect on ambulation in adult life.

Material and methods: Twenty-two subjects with cerebral palsy aged 19 to 35 years had undergone surgery at average age of 12 years. Mean postoperative follow-up was 11 years. All of the subjects were evaluated with a questionnaire used to class walking function in six levels. The current walking level (M3) was compared with the preoperative level (M1) and the level at the end of postoperative rehabilitation (M2). Functional gait categories were also assessed.

Results: Fifteen subjects progressed at least one functional category between M1 and M3. Five subjects remained at the same level from M1 to M2 and M3 but were nevertheless satisfied with the result (less knee pain, better balance in the upright position). Two subjects regressed one category between M2 and M3 after having progressed one category from M1 to M2. Twelve of the 22 subjects had functional walking capacity in their home. All of these subjects had to use a wheel chair in their home before the operation. For certain subjects, use of anti-flexion knee casts preoperatively avoided the need for hamstring lengthening.

Discussion: There have been few publications concerning this surgical procedure and its very long-term functional impact. For the majority of the subjects studied here, the functional result achieved at the end of postoperative rehabilitation was maintained in the long-term. The functional gait categories provide an easy way to assess functional outcome, even by telephone, in the subject’s personal environment.

Purpose: The incidence of postraumatic vertebromedullary syringomyelia is difficult to estimate but the most recent series have reported 28%. The purpose of this retrospective study was to search for risk factors of symptomatic posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) and to propose an adapted approach for early management.

Material and methods: Forty-six patients consulted for symptomatic PTS 14 years (range 9 months – 45 years) after their trauma. Half of the patients had initially undergone treatment (osteosynthesis in 74% and laminectomy in 70%). Physical signs, the Frankel score, measure of functional independence (MFI) at discovery of PTS were compared with findings early after trauma. Local kyphosis and residual canal stenosis were measured. The location, length, and extension of the syringomyelic cavity, presence of arachnoiditis, and freedom of the subarachnoid spaces were studied on magnetic resonance images. Intra-cystic and perimedullary fluid flow was also quantified.

Results: Gender, age, vertebral level, and degree of initial neurological deficit were not predictive of symptomatic PTS. Clinical signs of PTS were pain, paraesthesia, or supra-lesion motor deficit in two-thirds of the patients, bladder sphincter disorders or aggravation of sub-lesion residual motricity in the others. The MFIwas statistically decreased compared with the initial evaluation. Clinical signs were significantly correlated with intracavitary velometric measures. There was no correlation between clinical severity, time to development of PTS, initial treatment (surgery versus orthopaedic), and the kyphosis value or degree of stenosis. When residual kyphosis was greater than 35° or when canal narrowing was greater than 30%, the cavity was more extensive.

Discussion: It is important to search for PTS in subjects with a history of vertebromedullary injury who present changes in the clinical or functional presentation (aggravation of MFI) late after trauma. MRI velometry provides a better understanding of progression of postraumatic cystic myelopathy. The degree of kyphosis and canal stenosis appear to be predictive of lesion extension.

Conclusion: Initial correction of spinal deformations after trauma and recalibration of the spinal canal help prevent development and aggravation of PTS.

Purpose: Partial epiphysiodesis of the growth plate due to physeal aggression is a common problem in paediatric patients. Surgical management requires precise imaging. We recall other imaging techniques currently employed and describe a novel method for studying the characteristic features of epiphysiodesis bridges of the growth plate: 3D-magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI).

Material and methods: We analysed retrospectively MRI series of 27 epiphysiodesis bridges in 23 children (ten boys and thirteen girls) aged 11.3 years (range 2.5 – 15). We recorded information concerning the cause of the physeal aggression, the joint involved, the type of bony bridge (Ogden classification), the clinical deformation, and the proposed treatment. The 27 bridges were studied on coronal MRI acquired with echo-gradient and fat suppression sequences. Data were processed with a manual 3D reconstruction program in 15 minutes to precisely define the localisation, the volume, and the morphology of the bony bridge and the active physis.

Results: The epiphysiodeses were caused by trauma (65%), iatrogenic aggression (17%), ischemia-infection (purpura fulminans) (9%), juxta-physeal essential cyst (4.5%), and unknown causes (4.5%). Eighty-seven percent involved a lower limb joint, 75% of which involved the tibia. The surface of the epiphysiodesis bridge covered 20% of the physis. The bridges were peripheral (46.5%), central (46.5%), and linear (7%).

Discussion: It is difficult to determine the position and the 3D relations of an epiphysiodesis bridge in a healthy active physis with imaging techniques such as plain x-rays, scintigraphy, tomography and computed tomography. The 3D-MRI method described here provides a sure way to distinguish the active growth plate which gives a high intensity signal and the epiphyseal bridge which gives a low intensity signal. Morphological (size, form) and topographic characteristics of the bony bridge and the physis can be described with precision facilitating therapeutic decision making and guiding surgery. The lack of radiation risk is also an advantage of MRI.

Conclusion: The quality of the images obtained, the safety of MRI and the easy interpretation of 3D reconstructions makes this imaging technique an excellent method for pre-therapeutic analysis of epiphysiodesis bridges.

Purpose: Eary results of a prospective study of a homogeneous group of 45 patients treated by electrical stimulation of the posterior cords for refractory chronic pain subsequent to postoperative fibrosis demonstrated good results (function and pain relief) in 77% of patients with a mean follow-up of 51 months. We further examined the technique treating certain cases of post-surgical refractory chronic lumbar radiculaglia using spinal cord neurostimulation and posterior spinal restabilisation during the same procedure.

Material and methods: Results of a small series of eight patients, mean age 48 years were examined at a mean follow-up of 11 years. Five of the patients were manual labourers and five were occupational accident victims. All had a history of endocanal surgery (narrow lumbar canal, disc hernia). These eight patients had lumbar and radicular pain which were chronic and refractory to conservative treatment. The usual preoperative tests were: percutaneous epidural neurostimulation for radiculalgia by deafferentation and immobilisation test with a corset for lumbalgia. Chronic neurostimulation of the posterior cords was indicated if either test was positive. Metronic ITREL II or III was used. Posterior restabilisation was performed by arthrodesis with a posteriolateral graft, or for more recent patients, by dynamic lumbar neutralisation (Dynesys). Neurostimulation and posterior stabilisation were performed during the same operative procedure.

Results: This therapeutic association enabled four of the patients to resume their occupational activities. Two patients were retired. Radiculalgia: At last follow-up, antalgic effect of neurostimulation persisted for six patients. For one, radiculalgia recurred at eight years. For the last patient, despite rigorous preoperative selection, pain recurred early at two years. Lumbalgia: Improvement persisted at last follow-up in four of the eight patients. Lumbalgia recurred in three at eight to eleven years. This time corresponds to the usual duration of arthrodesis efficacy due to the development of a neo-junction, the reason for which we extened our indications for dynamic neutralisation. The last patient developed a neojunction at two years and underwent extension of the arthrodesis with good antalgesia at ten years.

Conclusion: Combining electrical stimulation and spinal restabilisation in the same procedure provides a real antalgesic effect for certain patients with postoperative lumboradicular pain. The quality of the results are less favourable for lumbalgia because the effect of the arthrodesis is less long-lasting. It is hoped that the new Synergy electrode, with promising effect on radiculalgia and lumbalgia and which is currently under evaluation, will meet its expectations.

Purpose: Spinal cord injury is definitive because the advancement of axon regeneration from cortical cells is blocked.

Material and methods: Research in the field began in 1980 with peripheral nerve grafts positioned between the stumps of the sectioned cord. Regenerated axons entered the grafts but were blocked when they reached the cord. We therefore developed the concept of connecting the fibres of the descending corticospinal cord directly to the nerves of selected muscles. Research was conducted over 22 years, first with rats then with monkeys. Mortality was high due to insufficient intensive care. For the surviving animals, muscles connected to the cord were trophic, moved, and responded to electrical stimulation of the nerve or the cord and presented histological features comparable to those of sutured peripheral nerves.

Results: After obtaining the approval of the national ethics commission, we performed the procedure in a young woman who was fully informed of the risks and volunteered for the operation. Before operating other patients, we decided to wait for the first clinical results. The operation consisted in connecting the corticospinal cord with the glutemus maximus and medius muscles and the quadriceps muscles (bilaterally). We expected to wait two years or more due to the distance between T10 and the innervated muscles. The patient moved and walked earlier than expected. At the present time, she is able to walk 10 to 15 minutes with a walking aid. In the pool, she is even able to climb a few steps. Her improvement continues.

Discussion: Since the innervation arises from the glutamatergic central motoneuron and the normal motor plaque is a cholinergic junction, research is continuing in rats to search for the genes which code for the receptors of the innervated muscle to learn whether the central motoneuron changes its transmittor or the muscle changes its receptors. Curarisation in these rats paralyses the normal muscles while the denervated muscles re-innervated with central motoneurons are not.

Conclusion: Apparently, the receptors of the motor plaque change. Further confirmation is needed.

Purpose: Calcified thoracic discal herniation is an uncommon entity. The purpose of this study was to analyse the population concerned to search for radiological signs of sequellar Scheuermann disease and the characteristic features of hernias in this context and to compare computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with intraoperative and histological findings.

Material and methods: A retrospective series of 13 patients with symptomatic calcified thoracic discal herniation (CTDH) who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2001 was analysed. Mean age was 50.7 years. The population included ten men and three women. CT was performed in all cases, with myelography in two. MRI was performed in eleven cases with DTPA-gadolinium injection in six. Two neuroradiologists blinded to intraoperative findings reviewed the images independently to search for radiological signs predictive of dural adherence and/or penetration and the presence of Scheuermann squellae. Pathology data were available for five patients.

Results: All herniations occurred in the mid to lower thoracic level in patients in their fourth or fifth decade. The disk was calcified at the zone of herniation in all cases. The hernia occupied more than half of the spinal canal in 70% of patients. The nature of the lesion was analysed on axial CT and T1/T2 weighted MRI sequences with fat suppression. Images confirmed the pathological findings: the majority of the calcified herniations were composed of mature haversian bone. In ten of the eleven cases, the radiological interpretation of the hernia/dural interface was found to correspond to the intraoperative observation.

Discussion: The sensitivity and specificity of T2 weighted MRI with gadolinium injection of the hernia/dural interface is superior, enabling prediction of dural penetration. Sequellae of Scheuermann disease found in five patients confirmed a probably non-fortuitous association.

Conclusion: The natural history of CTDH starts with discal calcification in a degenerative spine during posterior migration, followed by bone metaplasia which can involve neighbouring structures such as the longitudinal ligament and lead to penetration of the dura by the mature ossified lesion.

Purpose: Ossification (YLO) and calcification (YLC) of the yellow ligaments constitute an exceptional pathological situation described almost exclusively in Japan. We report a retrospective series of 19 patients from the French West Indies followed between 1996 and 2003.

Material and methods: The series included six men and thirteen women, mean age 67.8 years (31–79). A neurological examination was performed in all patients. Positive diagnosis was based on computed tomography results. MRI was performed in fifteen patients. Twelve patients underwent surgery (eight for laminectomy and four for laminoplasty). Operative specimens were analysed. The Rankin score was used to assess treatment efficacy.

Results: The patients generally consulted for progressive aggravation of gait disorders. Physical examination disclosed spastic tetra- or paraparesia associated with a pyramidal reflex syndrome and sphincter disorders. Computed tomography provided the positive and differential diagnosis. YLO was seen as a linear hyperdensity underlining the laminae, generally at the lower thoracic level (T9–T12 in six of ten patients). YLC was found at the lower cervical level in nine of the nine patients and appeared as round bilateral hyperdensities independent of the laminae. MRI revealed cord involvement seen as a high intensity signal on T2 sequences. The fifteen operated patients improved 1 to 3 points on the Rankin scale. Prognosis was better for YLC. Pathology examination revealed cartilaginous metaplasia of the yellow ligament leading to laminar bone for the YLO and microcrystal deposits (calcium pyrophosphate and/or hydroxyapatite) for he YLC.

Discussion: YLO and YLC are exceptional pathologies. More than 90% of the cases have been described in Japan and only one case in a black patient has been reported. YLO generally affects men in the fifth decade, YLC more often women after the age of 65 years. Positive and differential diagnosis are provided by CT scan. MRI visualises cord involvement. Treatment is based on posterior decompression. Prudence is particularly important for YLO due to dural adherences and the risk of dural breaches.

Conclusion: The frequency of YLO and YLC appears to be underestimated in the black population. These conditions can lead to severe myelopathy. Treatment is based on posterior decompression, best performed before appearance of a high intensity signal on the MRI.

Purpose: We examined our preliminary results in a series of nine patients treated for thoracolumbar callus deformitis using a technique associating simultaneous anterior and posterior approaches and in situ contourning.

Material and methods: The series included seven women and two men, mean age 42 years operated on after January 2001. The patients had deformed callus after fractures (n=8) or spondylodiscitis (n=1). Surgical treatment was used initially for five of the fracture patients. The deformed callus involved the thoracolumbar junction in 56% of the patients. Mean follow-up was 14 months (6–22). The same surgical technique was used in all nine patients by two surgery teams. The patient was positioned in lateral decubitus. After posterior arthrectomy and anterior osteotomy, the correction was obtained by combined anterior distraction and lordosis contourning of the posterior material. An intercorporeal graft was encastrated anteriorly.

Results: Preoperative regional kyphosis was 30°. It was 4° postoperatively and 5° at last follow-up. Kyphosis improved in 87% of patients. There was no neurological aggravation. The main complication was posterior infection with aggravation of the regional kyphosis to 10° in one patient.

Discussion: Posterior or anterior spinal approach, alone or in combination have been proposed for callus deformitis of the spine. Results in the literature have shown moderate and incomplete correction of the kyphosis.

Conclusion: The proposed technique allows good reduction of the deformed callus with results that appear to persist with time.

Purpose: The morphology and mechanical function of the metatarsosesamoid joint plays an important role in metatarsal head stability. The position of the sesamoids during the development of hallux valgus was evaluated by Inges, Haines and Tourne who distinguished three stages. Cartilage lesions in the context of hallux valgus have not been analysed with precision. The purpose of our work was to identify metatarsosesamoid lesions on anatomic specimens in patients who had undergone hallux valgus surgery.

Material and methods: We dissected 12 metatarsosesa-moid joints (4 right, 13 left) from laboratory specimens and evaluated the degenerative lesions. For each specimen, we noted the metatarsophalangial angle and the AADM. We also examined 17 metatarsal specimens to determine the persistence or absence of the median crest as a sign of wear. Using the same protocol, we examined the joints surfaces and determined degenerative lesions during 20 SCARF procedures for hallus valgus.

Results: For the twelve laboratory specimens, we observed: for the plantar joint surface of M1, the joint surfaces were perfectly intact in 2 specimens, the sagittal crest was worn away in 4, degenerative lesions appeared on the medial surface in 4, and on the lateral surface in 2. For the sesamoids, the degenerative lesions involved both sesamoids in 1 specimen, the lateral sesamoid in 2, the medial sesamoid in 4, and none in 3. Lesions of the metatarsophalangial joint were diffuse in 1 case, localised in 5 and absent in 6. For the 17 metatarsals, for an AADM between 4 and 12, no lesion was found in 6 cases, degenerative lesions involving both sesamoids in 1, the lateral sesamoid in 1 and the medial sesamoid in 2. For an AADM greater than 12, the metatarso-sesamoid joints surfaces were intact in 1 case, the sagittal crest was worn off in 4, and degenerative lesions involved the medial surface in 4 and the lateral surface in 1.

Conclusion: This anatomy study demonstrated the precise topography of degenerative lesions of the metata-sosesamoid joint. This data base should be useful for evaluating functional outcome as a function of the meta-tarsosesamoid lesions in the treatment of hallux valgus.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to study the reliability and the precision of a lumber vertebra reconstruction method using images obtained from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. The technique is designed for surgical approach to the lumbar spine and implantation of osteosynthesis material using enhanced-reality technology.

Material and methods: A lumbar vertebra was reconstructed on several specimens using images issuing from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. The images obtained from the model of this lumbar vertebra to be reconstructed constituted the preoperative images. Intra-operative images corresponded to two calibrated radiograms acquired with a fluoroscope using advanced technology (silicium receptor). The model was equipped with reflecting patches which can be detected in space using a 3D optical system. Correspondence between the 3D statistical model and the two calibrated radiograms was achieved with appropriate software. Navigation views were displayed on the screen to guide surgical tools at the vertebral level. Pedicular screws were implanted into several anatomic specimens to evaluate the reliability and precision of the system. The exact position of the implanted screws was established with computed tomography.

Results: This system demonstrated its reliability and precision for the reconstruction of a lumbar vertebra from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. All the implanted screws were perfectly positioned in the pedicles. Precision was to the order of 1 mm.

Discussion: This method is a passive system not requiring intraoperative intervention. Reconstruction of a lumbar vertebra from a preoperative 3D statistical model and two intra-operative calibrated radiograms avoids the need to identify anatomic landmarks and/or surface points on the vertebra to be reconstructed. The level of precision is very similar to that obtained with CT-based systems. Preoperative CT is not needed for navigation.

Conclusion: With this system, new generation fluoroscopic equipment should appear in the operating room, allowing acquisition of successive calibrated images. The digital data could then be matched with statistical anatomic data, avoiding the need for preoperative imaging (CT or MRI). Progressive introduction of intra-operative ultrasound to replace the calibrated radiograms should open a new approach for percutaneous surgery of the lumbar spine.

Since the time of Charles Darwin, it is known that three principles of regeneration explain the similarity of neo-formed tissues, the dependence of regeneration rhythm on age and the position of the animal in the evolutionary chain. The latter principle is know as the Weisman-Pschibram principle. Regeneration depends on several factors: level of tissue specialisation and differentiation, tissue resistance to hypoxia, and other manifestations of generally recognised biological regulation.

According to a fourth principle, the regenerative potential of different parts of the body depend on a cranio-caudal gradient which rhythms their postnatal growth and development. Distinction of this principle is of importance because of its practical applications. Experience with increasing the height of persons with achrondroplasty by lengthening different limb segments reveals that the femur has less regeneration potential despite its long length. Leg lengthening is preferred; saving muscle function, there is a 20% potential for lengthening.

Male subjects are generally considered to be short in height when there is a 10% growth retardation of the longitudinal dimension of the body. In female subjects, generative function is considered deficient if the length of the trunk is less than 73 cm. Using these criteria, experience has shown that leg malformations are not observed in subjects with a 10% growth retardation of the limb. The rate of growth retardation has to reach 40% before growth ceases.

The relative moment of posterior leg muscle force increases with increasing leg length (F = 0.063 x L – 0.7; r=0.965, n=123).

With a 10% growth deficit, the leg lengthening operation limits the amplitude of ankle movement 15% on average. With the same 10% growth deficit, lengthening the femur with the same technique decreases the amplitude of knee movement 22%. It has been noted that a 40% decrease in leg muscle force after leg lengthening does not affect locomotor function. The same decrease in thigh muscles after femur lengthening alters function.

Like the first three principles, the fourth has its exceptions. It is important however to distinguish the influence of biological factors from other, for example technical, factors. Thus orthopaedic surgeons prefer the humerus for lengthening the upper limb, but this results from the difficulty in preserving rotation movements when lengthening the forearm. The important advances obtained in recent years in patients with bony defects of the hand and foot are further arguments clearly in favour of the existence of a cranio-caudal gradient in regenerative potential of the limbs.

Purpose: Transverse fractures of the upper part of the sacrum are exceptional (3–5% of sacral fractures). The neurological implications are serious: loss of the anatomic relation between the pelvic girdle and spine.

Material and methods: We reviewed the cases of 50 patients treated between 1997 and 2001 (31 women, 19 men, mean age 31 years). Most of the patients had fallen from windows (n=46) and many had multiple injuries (n=38). There were 31 associated spinal fractures (18 L1 fractures). The Roy Camille classification was: type I (n=6), type II (n=34),and type III (n=20) with involvement of the pelvic girdle in 30, especially for type II and III (3 Tile A, 10 Tile B, 17 Tile C). Neurological lesions were observed in 42 patients: ten patients had paraplegia (seven total, three partial), 38 had L5 and/or S1 radicular pain, and 36 presented perineal involvement. Functional treatment was given in 11 patients (including five with neurological involvement and serious cutaneous lesions). Surgery was performed early in 25 patients (three with no deficit, 22 with neurological deficit), and late (one month) after callus formation in 14 (13 with neurological deficit, 1 for a cutaneous indication).

Results: Mean follow-up was nine years. The gravity of the pelvic injury corresponded with the degree of associated neurological deficit. Incomplete functional recovery was observed in three patients given functional treatment. For patients undergoing early surgery, ten achieved functional recovery (six total and four partial) with no case of aggravation. Surgery after formation of a callus was followed by total functional recovery in three and partial recovery in six. Surgical complications included infection (n=9) and cerebrospinal fluid fistula (n=2) which resolved after re-operation. Progress in surgical techniques (subtraction osteotomy, better stabilisation) has improved the mechanical results.

Discussion and conclusion : Analysis of these fractures must consider the frontal and sagittal planes to determine the degree of pelvic girdle involvement. The final outcome depends on the time to surgical treatment (particularly for type II and III fractures) and reconstitution of the sagittal alignment of the spine with the pelvis.

Purpose: We report three cases of extensive resection of the ulna without reconstruction.

Material and methods: For the first two patients, resection was performed for ulnar tumour, on low-grade osteosarcoma and one adamantinoma. In the third patient with a voluminous giant-cell tumour, the distal part of the ulna was resected and used as a graft for arthrodesis after resection of the distal third of the homolateral radius. Resection involved the distal half, three-quarters, and one-third of the ulna in these three patients.

Results: At follow-up of 4, 23 and 1 year respectively, wrist motion is normal in the two patients and elbow motion is normal in two out of three. None of the patients experienced wrist pain or ulnar stump pain. Grip force decreased in the two patients who underwent isolated ulnar resection.

Discussion: Our observations corroborate reports in the literature leading to the conclusion that reconstruction of the ulna is not justified when one-quarter of the bone can be preserved. The ulna offers an exceptional graft material for reconstruction of the homolateral radius.

Purpose: Osteoid osteoma is a benign small-sized painful osteoblastic tumour usually observed in young subjects. The purpose of this work was to study the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and histological features, focusing on clinical course after treatment and differences by location.

Material and methods: We report a retrospective series of 56 osteoid osteomas located in limbs treated over a 25-year period from 1976 to 2001. The tumour involved the femur (n=21), the tibia (n=14), the hand (n=8), the foot (n=7), and the olecranon, the lateral humeral condyle, the humeral neck, and the acetabulum (n=1 each). Pain was the pain symptom, found in all patients. The aspirin test was positive in 82%. The joint locations led to an arthropathy in 87%. The typical nidus aspect was found on 78.5% of the plain x-rays. Computed tomography was performed in 25 patients and scintigraphy in 10. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 4. Surgical treatment consisted in en bloc resection (n=48), intra-lesions curettage (n=6), computed tomography-guided percutaneous resection (n=2). Mechanical protection was obtained with a plaster cast (n=21) and osteosynthesis material (n=7). A bone graft was used in 22 patients. Pathology confirmed osteoid osteoma in all patients. Lymphocyte plasma cell infiltrations were observed in seven of the articular localisations.

Results: Mean follow-up was 5 years. Complete pain relief was achieved after a single resection in 53 patients and after re-operation of a second resection in the others. For the joint localisations, complete joint movement was recovered in three-quarters of the patients. Postoperative x-rays were performed in all cases. The main early complications were iatrogenic fracture (9%), mainly in patients with a tibial tumour. Late complications included osteoarthritis for the acetabular tumour and two cases of talal degeneration.

Conclusion: Osteoid osteoma is an uncommon tumour general easy to recognise. Atypical clinical and radiological presentations are rare. Computed tomography is the key to diagnosis and provides important therapeutic information.

Purpose: We report a retrospecitve series of 88 benign osteolytic tumours of the knee treated by curettage-filling between 1973 and 2000. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the role of curettage-filling in the treatment of this type of tumour.

Material and methods: Mean patient age was 31 years. The sex ratio was 1. Pain was the main sign and 9% of patients had a pathologic fracture. An equivalent number of tumours were found in the lower extremity of the femur and the upper extremity of the tibia. We analysed clinical features, imaging findings, treatments and complications, recurrence, and treatment of recurrence.

Results: Giant-cell tumours predominated (n=63), followed by aneurysmal cysts (n=7) and chondroblastomas (n=6). Tumours were treated by curettage associated with filling (n=83) and osteosynthesis (n=51). There were six cases of mechanical complications, but only two required total knee arthroplasty. No re-operations for arthrolysis were required. The recurrence rate after curettage was 23%; a second curettage-filling was performed after 90% of the recurrences.

Discussion: This study confirms that curettage-filling is the standard surgical treatment for benign osteolytic tumours of the knee, independently of histological type. This simple procedure with a low complication rate enables preservation of the joint in young subjects. We prefer this approach to resection-arthroplasty. We were unable to identify any factor predictive of local recurrence (histologic type of osteolytic tumour). Repeated curettage-filling is an appropriate treatment for recurrence.

Purpose: In our records on bone tumours, secondary chondrosarcomas account for slightly less than 15% of all chondrosarcomas (20/150). The presentation is quite variable making diagnosis relatively difficult. We reviewed our experience to evaluate diagnosis, frequency, and prognosis.

Material and methods: From 1981 to January 2002, we had 20 chondrosarcomas which developed on pre-existing lesions: solitary exostoses (n=11), solitary chondroma (n=1), multiple exostosis (n=6), multiple enchondromatosis (n=2). Localisations were: pelvis (n=9), femur (n=3), humerus (n=2), tibia (n=3), spine (n=2), scapula (n=1). Histological classification was: grade I (n=7), grade II (n=9), grade III (n=1), and dedifferentiated sarcoma (n=3). Surgery was performed in all patients, alone for grade I and II chondrosarcoma, in association with chemotherapy (n=3) and radiotherapy (n=1) in three patients with dedifferentiated sarcoma.

Results and prognostic factors: At last follow-up (mean 9 years 10 months), five patients had died after local recurrence (n=3) or metastatic dissemination (n=2). The other fifteen patients were living (mean follow-up 155 months). The main prognostic factor was histological grade of chondrosarcoma. All patients with grade I chondrosarcoma (n=7) survived versus only two-thirds of those with grade II chondrosarcoma and half (2/4) of those with grade III or dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. The second prognostic factor was initial management. Inadequate care initially led to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis (n=4), local recurrence (n=3) and loss of chance of survival (n=3). Grade I chondrosarcoma was occasionally taken for benign exostosis despite a cartilage cuff measuring more than 1 cm, normally a sign of chondrosarcoma.

Conclusion: 1. Because of the severity of secondary dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, resection should be performed in adults presenting exostosis with a large residual cartilage cuff, particularly in high-risk locations (pelvis). 2. Because of the difficulty in recognising the histological features of grade I chondrosarcoma, the diagnosis of degeneration should be retained in adults if the cartilage cuff exceeds 1 cm. Lesions are suspicious if the cartilage cuff exceeds 5 mm.

Purpose: Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign osteodystrophic pseudotumor. It can occur as a primary lesion or develop on a pre-existing lesion. The etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment remain subjects of interest.

Material and methods: For this retrospective analysis, we collected 48 peripheral aneurysmal bone cysts over a 27-year period. Most cysts occurred in children, adolescents, or young adults, with a slight female predominance. Imaging included standard x-rays, computed tomography, and for the more recent cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provided new imaging features increasing diagnostic accuracy. Second readings of histology slides enabled establishment of the correct diagnosis in certain cases but differential diagnosis was established only with benign tumours. Surgical treatment predominated. Other treatments included curettage-filling with cancellous bone, resection, resection-reconstruction,curettage-filling with cement. Adjuvant treatments mainly involved use of calcitonin. Therapeutic abstention with surveillance confirmed the possibility of spontaneous regression after biopsy. Curettage-filling with cancellous bone was performed in 58% of cases, giving an Enneking function score of 95.7%.

Results: We reviewed outcome at mean 7 years follow-up. There were four recurrent cysts and the mean global Enneking score was 95%. Our series showed the several methods can be used for the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts, the indication taking into consideration the patient’s age, the location of the lesion and is progression. We propose a therapeutic schema. The role of calcitonin remains to be determined.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of bone cysts requires a close collaboration between the surgeon, the radiologist, and the pathologist. The indication for surgery must be made case by case to achieve cure without sequelae.

Purpose: Isolated tumours of the peripheral nerves are exceptional and benign in 90% of the cases. They develop from the constitutive elements of the nerve and correspond to schwannomas in 80% of cases. Other tumours are much more rare and exhibit wide histological variability.

Material and methods: Fifty-one patients were reviewed at mean 4.6 years. Forty-one had a resectable tumour: schwannoma (n=39), intranervous lipoma (n=2). Ten an unresectable tumour: solitary neurofibroma (n=5), peri-nervous hemangioma (n=3), neurofibrolipoma (n=2). We detailed the type of lesion, diagnostic elements, and results of complementary explorations. Enucleation was performed for resectable tumours. Epineurotomy for decompression with systematic interfascicular biopsy was performed in the event of an unresectable tumour.

Results: Postoperative neurological deficits were exceptional and transient. In a first case, prognosis was excellent due to the absence of recurrence or degeneration. In the second, neurological disorders persisted but decreased (paraesthesia). The course remained stable.

Discussion: Our findings are in line with reports in the literature. The diagnosis of nerve tumour should be entertained in the event of tumefaction along a nerve trajectory or if palpation triggers pain. MRI is the most powerful complementary exploration, particularly for deep tumours. The nature of the tumour, its benignity, and the possibility for resection can be suspected on the basis of clinical and complementary findings, but surgery and pathology examination of the surgical specimen are required for confirmation. Preservation of nerve continuity is the key to the therapeutic approach. For resectable tumours, exceptional persistence of symptoms should be followed by a new exploration to search for small unrecognised tumour(s) at the same operative site. For all other cases, recent and rapid changes in the clinical presentation is a sign of recurrence and requires appropriate intervention. To our knowledge, malignant degeneration has never been observed.

Conclusion: First-intention resection of a nerve with a nerve tumour is never indicated.

Purpose: Intra-osseous leiomyosarcoma (IOLM) is a rare tumour. Imaging aspects are not specific. Pathology is required to establish diagnosis. The appropriate treatment remains controversial because no method has demonstrated certain efficacy. We report two cases and review the literature on this malignant tumour.

Material and methods: The first patient was a 43-year-old woman who suffered right knee pain for six months. Plain x-rays of the tibia revealed an metaphyseo-epiphyseal zone of osteolysis with soft tissue involvement as did 18-FDG uptake on the scintigram and computed tomography. Pathology diagnosis was high-grade IOLM. Search for extension was negative. Tumour resection was performed with implantation of a massive prosthesis followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The second patient was a 50-year-old man who was referred ten days after spontaneous fracture of the lower femur. Plain x-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imagine as well as the PET-scan were difficult to interpret. Pathology examination of a biopsy specimen was in favour of a benign lesion. The final diagnosis was IOLM. Search for extension was negative and radiotherapy was given.

Results: At mean 18-month follow-up, both patients were living. The first patient was able to walk without crutches and the second patient achieved bipodal stance with crutches. Radiologically, the prosthesis was stable and the graft healed. Positive diagnosis was established on the basis of immunohistochemistry and study of the ultrastructure. Unfortunately, treatment of this malignant tumour remains difficult. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are ineffective. Surgical treatment, even when oncological resection can be achieved, has not demonstrated superior efficacy compared with more conservative treatment in terms of survival or secondary spread. Associating medical and surgical treatment does not guarantee a better result.

Conclusion: IOLM is a rare tumour which requires immunohistochemistry and study of the ultrastructure for positive diagnosis. The appropriate therapeutic option cannot be established, but it would appear that tentatively curative surgery associated with radiotherapy may provide better outcome despite the poor short-term prognosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to analyse follow-up and prognostic factors in a series of patients treated for soft tissue tumours as a function of the type of facility providing initial care: a supra-regional referral centre (Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham), and 38 regional hospitals in the referral area.

Material and methods: This series included 260 patients (111 women and 149 men) treated between 1994 and 1996. Mean age at diagnosis was 61 years. Primary care was given to 96 patients (37%) in the referral centre and 164 (63%) in other centres. Minimum follow-up was five years. The risk of local recurrence and survival prognosis were studied by risk factor: grade, localisation (supra versus infra aponeurotic), tumour size, quality of resection margins.

Results: High-grade tumours were found in 73% of patients with a supra-aponeurotic localisation in 59%. Mean tumour size was 8.6 cm. Tumours in patients treated in the referral centre were larger (10.3 cm versus 7.5 cm) (p< 0.05). Frequency of local recurrence was 20% for the referral centre versus 37% for the other centres. Overall five-year survival rate was 58% and was correlated with grade, tumour size, and localisation (p< à.05). Overall survival of patients given primary care in the referral centre was not statistically different from those treated in the other centres, but for high-grade tumours (UICC grade III), five-year survival was 41% for the referral centre and 14% for the other centres (p< 0.05).

Discussion: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumours. For high-grade sarcomas, the rate of recurrence after treatment and the survival rate were better for patients given primary care in the referral centre. The question of centralising patients with this type of disease in referral centres is raised.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to analyse and compare survival in patients with osteosarcoma (OS) or Ewing sarcoma (EW) of the pelvis as a function of treatment.

Material and methods: This retrospective series included 31 patients with OS (n=15) or EW (n=16) of the pelvis who were given a homogeneous therapeutic sequence associating chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 37 months (2–144). Mean age was 20 years for EW and 28 years for OS. Localisations in the pelvis were: zone I (n=12), zone I and II (n=4), zone II (n=1), zone II and III (n=7), zone III (n=1), and zone I, II and III (n=6). All patients were given chemotherapy, 15 underwent surgery, and 16 were given radiotherapy alone. Five patients were given complementary radiotherapy after surgery. Actuarial survival curves were compared with the logrank test. Comparison factors were presence of surgical resection, presence of initial or secondary metastasis, tumour response (radiographic measure), and pathology (good or poor responder) after chemotherapy.

Results: Five-year survival rate for patients with EW was 53%, 31% for OS. There was no significant difference in survival rates between tumour type. The only factor significantly correlated with lower survival rate was presence of initial metastasis.

Discussion and conclusion : The pelvic localisation of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma is a factor of poor prognosis. Unlike data reported in the literature, surgery did not appear to influence outcome, not being found to be a factor of better prognosis. Surgery does however appear to improve short-term survival. In the pelvic localisation, osteosarcoma appears to have a poorer prognosis in terms of survival than Ewing tumour.

Purpose: Malignant primary tumours of the spine require wide resection with preservation of the cord and radicular elements. The purpose of this work was to report our oncological results and complications after spinal surgery for this indication.

Material and methods: Twenty-two patients, mean age 30 years (15–65) underwent surgery. The pathology diagnosis was made preoperatively. There were 16 high-grade tumours, Ewing (n=7), osteosarcoma (n=5), other (n=4), and six low-grade tumours, chondrosarcoma (n=5), osteosarcoma (n=1). Four patients experienced local recurrence after an insufficient initial resection and three required emergency laminectomy. Sagittal hemivertebrectomy was performed in 11 patients for pediculotransverse tumours and total vertebrectomy in 10 patients for corporeal tumours. Posterior fixation was not used in one patient (Ewing tumour) in order to preserve the Adamkiewitz artery.

Results: Complete oncological resection was achieved in 14 patients. The surgical margins were in a malignant zone in 7. At mean 6-year follow-up, ten patients were surviving disease-free (4 Ewing, 4 osteosarcoma, 2 chondrosarcoma), and one was living with active disease (chondrosarcoma). Eleven patients died: metastasis (n=4), local recurrence (n=6), infarction 3 months after surgery (n=1). Among the seven patients with local recurrence,osteosarcoma (n=5),chondrosarcoma (n=2), three had local recurrence at initial management and only one was living at last follow-up (active chondrosarcoma). There were no neurological complications; there were four mechanical complications (nonunion) after total vertebrectomy which required four re-operations.

Discussion: Survival rate in this series was 45% at six years, comparable with rates reported in the literature (40 – 50% at 5 years). Local recurrence was observed in 85% of patients whose surgical margins were in malignant tissue (67–100% in the literature). Among the four patients who had recurrent disease at the time of surgery, complete resection was possible in only one. This patient is living (Ewing sarcoma responding to adjuvant therapy). Incomplete surgery or a poor biopsy procedure aggravates the prognosis. Mechanical failure is observed after total vertebrectomy if anterior osteosynthesis is not associated with the posterior fixation.

Conclusion: Wide surgical resection of primary bone sarcomas of the spine provides encouraging results when the initial operation is successful. Better local control of Ewing sarcoma can be explained by its sensitivity to adjuvant therapy. Reconstruction after total vertebrectomy required anterior and posterior fixation.

Purpose: Surgery is generally proposed for the treatment of giant-cell bone tumours but other options are discussed. The problem is to decide between curettagefilling and enucleation, using or not local adjuvant treatment with curettage, and filling with an autograft, an allograft, or cement. The purpose of this work was to provide a new perspective to the treatment of giant-cell tumours based on the tumour pathophysiology and calcitonin infiltration.

Material and methods: We report 25 cases of benign giant-cell tumours treated by calcitonin. Mean patient age was 31 years. Female gender clearly predominated (75%). All of the tumours were located at the extremity of long bones. We grouped the tumours as quiescent benign tumours, and active or aggressive tumours according to the Enneking classification. Our treatment protocol included four stages after histological confirmation of the diagnosis on the biopsy specimen. The first stage was aggressive curettage, followed by intramuscular injection of calcitonin until cutaneous healing. The third stage involved daily washing of the tumour cavity with saline solution for one month. The final stage lasted two months with intramuscular injections of calcitonin.

Results: We analysed outcome at mean three years (range 2 – 20 years). Progressive filling of the tumour cavity was observed in the majority of patients starting with the first month of treatment even for the aggressive forms where tumour resection was tempting. Using the Enneking scale, our rates were near 90%, largely above the rates obtained with other conventional techniques. There were no complications. We did however have eight cases of recurrence including three which were treated again with the same protocol with good outcome.

Discussion and conclusion: Giant-cell bone tumours are clearly hormone sensitive. Calcitonin would appear to arrest the osteolytic process by attacking the osteoclast-like cell which bears calcitonin-receptors. Daily washing of the tumour cavity is designed to modify the microenvironment and eliminate tumour growth factors and cytokines expressed by giant-cells. More detailed studies of the cell membrane might reveal an explanation of certain calcitonin escape phenomena which are the cause of more or less long-term recurrence.

Purpose: Echinococciasis or hydatid disease is a cosmopolite anthropozoonosis common to many mammalian species including humans. The disease is caused by development of the larval form of a canine tenia called Echinococcus granulosus. Muscle localisations are rare.

Material and methods: We report eleven cases of hydatic disease of muscle, generally with a unique primary hydatid. The proximal muscles of the lower limbs were predominantly involved. Diagnosis was suggested in patients with a soft tissue tumour in an endemic context. Ultrasonography was highly contributive to diagnosis. Surgical treatment was given in all cases, ideally by prudent enucleation of the cyst associated with pericystecomy in four patients.

Results: Early outcome was favourable with the exception of a suppuration of the resection zone in one patient. At mid term, there has been one secondary muscle localisation far from the initial site. At 2.5 years follow-up, there have been no cases of local or distant recurrence.

Discussion: It is important to establish the diagnosis of hydatid disease of muscle before surgery in order to limit the risk of anaphylactic shock and dissemination in the event of accidental puncture. Exclusively surgical treatment is indicated.

Conclusion: Hydatid disease of the muscle is a rare event. Diagnosis is basically provided by ultrasonography, avoiding the risk of puncture. Exclusive surgical treatment removes the cyst without puncture.

Purpose: Improved surgical technique and facilities enable emergency salvage of very damaged limbs. Functional outcome after this type of conservative treatment is generally satisfactory but at the risk of more or less quiescent osteitis. In the event of chronic osteitis, the neighbouring skin can undergo malignant degeneration (squamous-cell carcinoma). The purpose of our work was to report three such transformations and discuss therapeutic indications.

Material and methods: The study series included three patients with chronic osteitis of the tibia after trauma. During surveillance, several years later we observed changes in local signs: increasing pain, purulent discharge and bleeding (Rowlands triad). In each patient, biopsy led to the diagnosis of transformation to squamous-cell carcinoma. All patients were treated by above knee amputation.

Results: Outcome was satisfactory with an excellent quality scar formation. The search for extension was still negative a three years follow-up.

Discussion: The frequency of carcinomatous degeneration near zones of chronic osteitis varies depending on the series to 0.2% to 1.7%. This is in sort the cost of conservative treatment. Changes in the clinical presentation, Rowland’s triad, associated with modification of the bacterial flora and development of a nauseous odour are important signs which should be followed by a biopsy. The treatment of choice for most authors is amputation in order to increase patient survival.

Conclusion: The desire to pursue conservative reconstruction surgery even in the most difficult cases should not mask the risk of potential malignant transformation. Secondary amputation should not be considered as a failure in these extreme clinical situations.

Purpose: Surgical epiphysiodesis is one technique used to correct lower limb length discrepancy. Methods described include: in situ graft (Phemister, 1993), stapling (Blount, 1949), percutaneous curettage (Bowen, 1984). The purpose of this work was to evaluate a new technique described in 1998 (Metaizeau) which uses two percutaneous transphyseal screws.

Material and methods: Forty-two patients (29 boys, 13 girls), mean age 13.1 years underwent the procedure. The cause of leg length discrepancy was unknown (n=12), fracture (n=16), congenital (n=7), other (n=7). Epiphysiodesis using two percutaneous screws was performed on the distal femur (n=24), the proximal tibia (n=7), both (n=11). Stance radiograms were obtained of the lower limbs before the intervention and at last follow-up to measure length of the lower limb, the tibia, and the femur. Difference with the healthy limb was determined as well as the percentage of growth comparing the healthy and epiphysiodesis sides. The operative time, duration of hospital stay and complications were studied.

Results: Preoperatively, mean limb length discrepancy was 22.3 mm (10 to 70); at skeletal maturity, the difference measured 11 mm (28 to −20). Mean percent growth from epiphysiodesis to last follow-up was 3.15% for the epiphysidesis side and 6.26% for the contralateral side. Mean operative time was 20 min per bone (15–40). Complication rate was 16% including 7% stiff knee postoperatively with total recovery in two weeks, and 9% discomfort due to the presence of the screws. The growth curves showed that the epiphysiodesis was effective before three months. Mean hospital stay was 1.3 days (1–4).

Discussion: The final outcome in terms of leg length discrepancy were comparable with other techniques. The rate of complications appears to be more favourable since there were no infections, no frontal or sagittal deviations, no vascular or nerve injuries, and since all complications resolved without sequelae. This intervention can be proposed as an outpatient procedure. Epithysiodesis is always obtained within three months.

Conclusion: Epiphysiodesis using a percutaneous transphyseal screw is a simple method with minimal complications which provides reliable results and many advantages compared with other methods.

Purpose: From 1985 to 2001, 31 total knee arthroplasties were performed for 17 adolescents or young adults with idiopathic juvenile osteoarthritis. The purpose of this work was to evaluate functional and radiological outcome.

Material and methods: Overall functional outcome was assessed with the Steinbrocker classification. Knee function was evaluated with the IKS score. Several types of prostheses were implanted: constrained GSB (n=14), cemented semi-constrained tri-CCC tri-compartment with a rotatory platform (n=10), non-cemented semi-constrained ROCC (n=1), LCS (n=2) including non-cemented, and FINN (n=2) (two custom-made rotation hinge prostheses implanted in the same patient). Fourteen prostheses involved bilateral implants, including three dual implantation procedures.

Results: Mean age at implantation was 20 years five months (14–29). There were fourteen girls and three boys. Eight had systemic idiopathic juvenile osteoarthritis and nine a polyarticular form. The Steinbrocker staging was: II (n=5,) III (n=6), IV or bedridden (n=4). Ten patients had two hip prostheses before bilateral knee arthroplasty. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years (1–12). Among the 31 operated knees, 16 were pain free, 14 minimally painful, and one painful due to loosening. The joint score was very good (n=18), good (n=4), and poor (n=5). Radiographically, normal alignment was found for 29 knees. Lucent lines were observed for 10 of the 14 GSB constrained prostheses. We did not observe any evidence of lucent lines for the non-cemented tri-compartment prostheses. Complications were: limited skin necrosis (n=1), bilateral supracondylar fracture one year after implantation (n=1).

Discussion: Outcome has been encouraging for total knee prostheses in patients with idiopathic juvenile osteoarthritis. These arthroplasties allow spectacular functional improvement. The few series reported have also reported very good results. Cemented tri-compartment semi-constrained implants appear to provide better stability at five years. Biologically sealed tri-compartment prostheses would be a very satisfactory solution due to the preservation of bone stock.

Purpose: Patients with advanced Blount disease present severe metaphyseal varus associated with an oblique medial tibial plateau. Prior to 1987, we used tibial wedge osteotomy to correct the varus deformation and in certain situations also raised the medial plateau with the wedge. From 1987, we performed both procedures during the same operation. The purpose of this work was to describe our technique and evaluate the results of the dual technique.

Material and methods: Between 1987 and 2000, we performed 31 dual procedures. Fifteen patients who had advanced-stage Blount disease were seen late (eight before complete fusion of the growth cartilage and seven as adults). Thirteen children presented recurrent varus deformation after osteotomy during childhood. One patient presented tibia vara during adolescence and three others had poly-epiphyseal dysplasia. Mean age at osteotomy was 17 years (range 10–40). For all patients, the operative technique consisted in lateral closed wedge osteotomy associated with a second access for an oblique osteotomy directed towards the tibial spikes to insert the lateral wedge medially and raise the medial plateau. A mid-third fibular osteotomy was also performed together with stapling for tibial epiphysiodesis superior and lateral when the growth cartilage was still active. We recorded pre- and postoperatively: mechanical femoro-tibial angle, the tibial and femoral mechanical angles to determine intra-osseous deformation, the slope of the medial plateau, and the length of the lower limbs at the end of growth.

Results: Mean follow-up was eight years. Fusion was achieved in all patients. The mechanical femoro-tibial angle was 148.5 (mean) preoperatively giving 31.5° (20–42) varus and 178° postoperatively. The mean femoral mechanical angle was 94°, giving 4° valgus (range 88–102°) preoperatively, with no change postoperatively. The mean mechanical tibial angle was 71° preoperatively (intra-osseous varus of 19°) and 89° postoperatively. The medial tibial plateau slope was 45° preoperatively and 22° postoperatively. Leg length discrepancy was 2.2 cm at last follow-up (range 0.5–5 cm).

Discussion: Different techniques have been described for correcting two deformation components during the same operation. Here, we used the metaphyso-epiphyseal oblique osteotomy technique. This technique assumes that the medial part of the cartilage has already fused and requires fusion of the lateral part when it is active. Currently, we use chondrodiastasis with a special external fixator when the cartilage is still active. This corrects the alignment and raises the plateau, treating the length discrepancy by lengthening. The dual osteotomy technique is reserved for patients with total physis fusion. A long-term analysis after dual osteotomy in comparison with chondrodiastasis will be needed to determine the relative merits of the two techniques and the frequency of secondary osteoarthritis. This work is being conducted at the orthopaedic surgery department of the Fort-de-France University Hospital in Martinique.

Purpose: Patellar instability raises serious clinical and therapeutic problems in children. We present our results with the “soft baguette” technique used since 1974.

Material and methods: Sixty-four patients (50 girls and 14 boys) (85 knees) treated between 1974 and 2000 were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 140 months (14–234). For eight knees, section of the lateral wing of the patella was associated. The five types of patellar instability, from permanent dislocation to potential instability, were represented.

Results: At last follow-up, 84% of our patients were satisfied with significant improvement in pain, instability and patellar track. We had minor complications in 23.5% of the knees (haematoma, effusions) and eleven recurrences (9.5%) at mid- or long-term which were considered failures. There were no cases of epiphysiodesis. A neoTTA developed in eight cases, proving the efficacy of realignment of the medialised patellar ligament. Following changes in the mechanical axis of these knees revealed a clear trend towards increased valgus.

Discussion: The soft baguette technique has fulfilled expectations: stabilisation of the extensor system without injuring the growth cartilage, and trochlear remodelling for the younger patients. The trend towards increased valgus raises a problem. Because of this risk, if the initial valgum is greater than 5° we emphasise the theoretical importance of temporary medial epiphysiodesis associated with the soft baguette to control this potential source of recurrence and therapeutic failure.

Purpose: Treatment of femoral epiphysiolysis with major displacement remains a controversial subject. Open repositioning of the epiphysis via a lateral approach as proposed by Dunn allows nearly anatomic restitution but with a high rate of complications. We report our experience with open repositions via an anterior approach which has been more reliable in our hands.

Material and methods: During the last decade, we operated nine hips for epiphysiolysis with major displacement, using the anterior approach to spare the medial circumflex artery. External reduction was not attempted. Preoperative and residual displacement were evaluated using the Southwick technique and according to the position of the femoral head in relation to the Klein line. Early after surgery, a bone scintigram was obtained for all hips. We followed these patients to bone maturity, with a mean follow-up of four years.

Results: The early postoperative scintigrams did not reveal any case of insufficient uptake in the femoral head. Mean correction was 43° on the lateral view, with a mean preoperative displacement of 72°. Mean residual displacement after surgery was 23°. After repositioning, position of the epiphysis in relation to the Klein line was not significantly different from the position observed on the healthy side. Postoperatively, leg length discrepancy was 1 cm. At last follow-up, there have been no signs of osteonecrosis, chondrolysis or osteoarthritic degeneration. At mean 44 months follow-up, all of the patients have unlimited activities, including sports. Only one patient complained of mild climate-related pain.

Discussion: Compared with the lateral approach with trochanterotomy as proposed by Dunn, we have found the anterior approach technically easier and more reliable in terms of protecting the epiphyseal blood supply. The correction obtained, voluntarily preserving a certain degree of under-correction, associated with resection of a portion of the neck enables repositioning without risking vessel stress. Use of a stable internal fixation which allows early mobilisation would be an explanation of the absence of postoperative chondrolysis.

Conclusion: These results appear to be sufficiently encouraging to advocate this technique previously described by PH Martin in 1948.

Purpose: Hand localisations predominate in Ollier disease. There have however been few studies devoted to this topic and the one report available only presented a few cases. Treatment of multiple enchondromatosis is sometimes discussed with the treatment of solitary enchondromas despite different recurrence behaviour and aggressiveness. A specific approach is indicated.

Material and methods: We present a retrospective series of 22 children treated for multiple enchondromatosis of the hand. One hand was involved in 11 and both hands in 11. We thus identified 246 enchondromas on 33 hands. One girl with Maffucci syndrome died at the age of six years due to angiosarcomatous degeneration of the leg.

Results: At diagnosis, mean age was six years nine months. Pain and pathological fractures were exceptional, observed in three patients. Overall hand function remained satisfactory. We performed surgery for 14 patients (mean age 8 yr 8 mo) due to increasing symptoms and tumour volume. Five patients required two operations and one a third. We thus performed 18 interventions on 37 hand bones (51 surgical procedures). Simple curettage was performed in 21 cases, combined with autologous cancellous grafting in 30 others. One finger had to be amputated due to aggressive recurrence. Radio-lucent residual lesions were found in 62% of the children at mean 19 months follow-up.

Discussion: Hand function remained satisfactory despite a worrisome radiographic aspect. The decision for surgery was basically made to improve the aesthetic aspect of the hand. Many surgical techniques have been proposed. In our experience, it is difficult to eradicate a treated lesion but grafting appears to be more effective than simple curettage.

Conclusion: Function remains good during growth, fractures are exceptional. Lesions stabilise at the end of growth. We have not observed any case of chondrosarcomatous degeneration in our series of paediatric patients. There is however a risk of malignant degeneration which should be suspected in the event of pain, increased tumour volume or pathological fracture.

Purpose: The prognosis of congenital hip displacement basically depends on the time of diagnosis and treatment. Recognising high-risk hips early remains a number one priority. We conducted a prospective study over a 20-year period from 1992 to 2002 to analyse the epidemiology of congenital hip displacement.

Material and methods: The series included 1056 children with congenital hip disease (1491 hips). Epidemiological data, ultrasound and x-ray findings were recorded over 20 years. The objective was to identify risk factors and evaluate the impact of prevention measures.

Results: The sex ratio showed female predominance, 6:1. The left hip was involved 1.8 times more often, with 41% bilateral involvement. Risk factors were major: family history (31%), breech presentation (25%), postural syndrome (12%); or minor: primiparity (54.4%), birth weight > 4 kg (9.2%). One or more major risk factors were found in 60.5% of the children and 30% had at least one minor risk factor. No risk factor was found in 40%. Screening efficacy improved with a rate of diagnosis before 4 months of 59% in 1983 and 96% in 2002. The number of hips discovered after the age of one year was 15% in 1983 and 6% in 2002.

Discussion: The severity of the hip displacement is not influenced by risk factors nor bilateral involvement. Screening has enabled earlier diagnosis with a 37% increase in the rate of identification before the age of four months. This has been made possible by a systematic examination at birth and ultrasonography introduced in 1989.

Conclusion: A regional map showing the paediatrician : maternity : general practitioner distributions is an important tool for screening campaigns. Despite adequate screening 40% of these children do not have any risk factor. Repeated examinations, communication and information exchange between healthcare professionals are the keys to success.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the usefulness of osteoplasty block for the treatment of primary hip osteochondritis.

Material and methods: Eighteen children underwent surgery between 1992 and 2001. Mean age at diagnosis was eight years five months (5–13 years). Preoperatively, mean motion limitation was −25 in abduction and internal rotation. Radiologically the series included: Catterall II Herring B with signs of high-risk head (n=2), III B (n=7), III C (n=1), IV B (n=1), IV C (n=2), and sequelar stage (n=2). Mean excentration was 6.5 mm and mean lateral overhang was 10.2 mm. Surgery was indicated because of an aggravation of the excentration with revascularisation. An iliac graft was encrusted in a limbic rail and covered with rectus femoris tendon left continuous to provide elastic support. A bermuda cast was used for 17 children with immediate weight bearing for eleven. Hospital stay was 36 hours for all children.

Results: Sixteen children were reviewed at mean follow-up of three years two months. There were no complications. Clinically, there all patients were pain free, but three developed persistent limping. Ten had a moderate limitation of hip movement and three had severe joint stiffness. Radiologically, there was good head coverage in fifteen hips and joint congruency in fifteen, including eleven with concentric congruency. The intervention was considered useful for twelve children, and not useful for one who developed complete lysis of a poorly positioned graft. Usefulness was uncertain for three children, including the two with a sequelar-stage hip at diagnosis.

Discussion: Femoral osteotomy to correct the valgus and pelvic osteotomy to reorient or widen the acetabulum are effective treatments but have many disadvantages (limited abduction movement, leg length discrepancy, re-intervention to remove material). The excellent integration of the plasty block at mid term is a sign of effective head-acetabulum adaptation. Clinical and radiological results have been similar to those obtained with other methods. Joint stiffness and postoperative limping are observed in very severe cases. Joint prognosis depends on the severity of the disease.

Conclusion: This series of paediatric patients who have not yet reached bone maturity shows that the plasty block meets expectations for the treatment of early-stage primary hip osteochondritis. Treatment time is short and there are no complications.

Purpose: Ligament laxity is a common feature of trisomy 21 and is incriminated in most of the orthopaedic disorders observed. Early diagnosis and management is essential. C1-C2 instability is a recognised manifestation in trisomy 21 and is associated, at least theoretically, with significant risk of cord complications. The purpose of this work was to provide a descriptive analysis of the C1-C2 joint in trisomy 21 and to analyse instability factors in order to determine the tolerable C1-C2 distance.

Material and methods: Within the framework of a French national epidemiology survey of trisomy 21, we focused on the C1-C2 joint. A total of 472 children with trisomy 21 were identified; 458 who were examined were included in this study. Careful history taking and a detailed physical examination with neurological tests (search for even minimal signs of neurological disorders) was conducted. The Carter and Wilkinson method was used to assess joint laxity. The same specialist searched for other orthopaedic disorders. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of neurological signs. Two groups were also distinguished according to the presence or absence of generalised laxity (Carter and Wilkinson). Lateral x-rays centred on C1-C2 were performed by the same technician on the same machine with the patient in a neutral position, hyperflexion and hyperextension. The same technique inspired by the method described by Singer et al. and modified for simplification was used in all cases. The same observer interpreted the images using a single-blinded protocol to search for congenital malformations and signs of degeneration, measure the C1-C2 distance the minimal sagittal diameter and the C1-C2 angle (not reported in the literature and described for this study). These measures were then compared with data in the literature as available and correlated by age, gender, presence of neurological signs and joint laxity. Seven patients were excluded from the study due to insufficient cooperation for the x-rays and nine because of incomplete clinical or radiological data. The statistical analysis was performed on data from 442 patients. Quantitative variables were compared with the Pearson test and parameteric ANOVA was used to search for correlations of quantitative and qualitative variables. Significance was set at p< 0.05.

Results: Mean patient age was 13.8 years. There were 184 girls and 258 boys. Minor neurological anomalies were found in 42% of the patients. There were no cases of major motor deficit. Generalised laxity as defined by Carter and Wilkinson was observed in 24% of patients. Other orthopaedic problems, basically of the foot, were found in 85%. The radiograms revealed a very wide range of measures were thus expressed as means. The C1-C2 distance was greater than 4 mm in 34 patients on the flexion films (limit established in the literature for instability in trisomy 21). The maximal C1-C2 distance in the neutral position was 8 mm, 9.6 mm in flexion. The lowest minimal sagittal distance was 8 mm in flexion and 10 mm in the neutral position (the lower limit reported in the literature before considering the cord to be threatened in 14 mm). The greatest variability was found for the C1-C2 angle. Ligament laxity and atlantoaxial distance were inversely proportional to patient age, but there was no significant correlation between atlantoaxial instability (C1-C2 distance > 4 mm) and gender or generalised hyperlaxity. There was no significant correlation between C1-C2 instability or laxity and neurological signs.

Discussion and conclusion: Compared with earlier publications, our series offers the advantage of a large unselected population providing epidemiological data on trisomy 21. A standard radiography protocol was used. The large majority of the radiographic measures reported in the literature do not take into account the magnification effect nor position variability between patients. Our findings confirm certain data in the literature and also provide new information suggesting it could be useful to revisit certain pathogenic hypotheses about C1-C2 instability and its neurological consequences in trisomy 21. Two important observations were the absence of a correlation between general laxity and C1-C2 instability and the absence of correlation between C1-C2 instability and the presence of neurological signs.

Purpose: The Harrington instrumentation without vertebral grafting associated with corset treatment was described by Joe Moe in 1978 for the treatment of severe scoliosis in young children. In 1989, Jean Dubousset described the ratchet-brace process which occurs after isolated posterior vertebral grafting performed before the end of growth. Thus several options should be discussed for young children with a severe evolving scoliosis inaccessible to orthopaedic treatment: a subcutaneous rod to be lengthened repeatedly without grafting, anterior epiphysiodesis fusion, or a combination of these methods. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to examine the posterior approach using a subcutaneous rod without grafting.

Material and methods: Fourteen children with scoliosis were treated over a ten-year period: infantile spinal amyotrophy (n=10), cerebral palsy (n=3), congenital (n=1). Mean age at the first operation was 8.6 years. Mean preoperative Cobb angle was 72.5° (45–105°). From the third case onward, the treatment protocol was the same for all patients using proximally three hooks on three thoracic vertebrae mounted on a rod and distally two hooks (L4-L5) mounted on a second rod. The two subcutaneous rods were connected with a connecting device and the fusion grafts were inserted. The first lengthening was planned at about six months. Further lengthenings were planned for about once a year until Risser 2 when spinal fusion could be undertaken.

Results: The first operation corrected the curvature to 43.7° (28–70°) On average, four lengthenings were performed before definitive fusion. Each lengthening (mean 13.7 mm (10–20) produced an average 16.4° (4–31°) correction. Mechanical complications (one proximal hook pull out, one rod fracture) occurred during the learning period (first patient) before the present technique was instituted.

Discussion: The absence of mechanical complications with the described method and the quality of the results suggests this technique should be pursued, avoiding the anterior approach in certain patients where respiratory function is compromised. The inconvenience of the annual operations for lengthening may be avoided with the self-lengthening Phenix #1666 rods.

Purpose: The risk of injuring the radial nerves during spine instrumentation to correct spinal deformity is well known and accounts for about 50% of the neurological complications associated with this type of surgery. We describe a technique for monitoring the nerve roots during spinal surgery. Radicular monitoring was described by Hormes in 1993.

Material and methods: We report a retrospective analysis of 73 procedures for spinal deformity during which the nerve roots were monitored. The series included 27 men and 46 women, mean age 23.9 years (range 4.5–74.9). Forty patients were less than 18 years old. Procedures included posterior arthrodesis (n=65) and anterior arthrodesis (n=8). Indications were: idiopathic scoliosis (n=32), neurological scoliosis (n=21), congenital scoliosis (n=4), spondylolisthesis (n=2) and kyphosis (n=3). The study group included 68 patients (168 roots) with recordings obtained under the required conditions. The routine procedure involved permanent electrophysiological monitoring of muscle activity with a multi-channel electromyograph. We used microwires implanted within the muscle itself for electrodes. Target muscles depended on the position of the planned implants and the topography of the roots likely to be endangered during the surgical procedure or instrumentation. Explored roots were: T12 (n=9), L1 (n=24, L2 (n=40), L3 (n=24), L4 (n=23), L5 (n=11), S1 (n=22). Monitoring prohibited use of curare during anaesthesia.

Results: Prior to radicular monitoring, we had had two root injuries (T12 and L3) which resolved spontaneous (n=139). During the study, changes in the radicular signal were observed in seven patients. All signal anomalies triggered a modification of the surgical procedure and no postoperative deficit was observed. Incidents observed concerned congenital scoliosis (n=2), neurological scoliosis (n=2), and idiopathic scoliosis (n=3). Roots involved were L1 (n=1), L2 (n=2), L3 (n=2), L4 (n= 4), i.e. 11/163.

Discussion: Continuous intraoperative monitoring of the spinal roots exposed to surgery for spinal deformity enabled us to identify eleven cases of root suffering among 163 recordings. This permanent monitoring system enabled us to immediately modify the surgical procedure and to control and conflict between the instrumentation and the roots or possible stretching during the correction. This technique requires permanent monitoring during the spinal procedure to avoid false negatives. Curare cannot be used.

Conclusion: Intraoperative radicular monitoring is an effective way to avoid radicular complications of this type of surgery. The technique is sensitive and allows immediate adaptation of the surgical procedure. It requires close collaboration between the neurophysiologist, the orthopaedic surgeon and the anaesthesiologist.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to compare outcome after simple posterior fusion with that after double anterior and posterior fusion for the treatment of scoliosis in cerebral palsy children.

Material and methods: We reviewed the files of 33 cerebral palsy children (mean age 16 years). Twenty-one children had a posterior fusion and twelve a double anterior-posterior fusion. The classical causes of cerebral palsy were represented. Simple posterior fusion was used for more moderate scoliosis (Cobb angle 50–80°), 31% could be reduced during the bending test. Double fusion was used for more severe cases (Cobb > 80°), 18% reducible. Classical procedures were used: CD instrumentation posteriorly, simple release or Colorado rod anteriorly. Thoracophreno-laparotomy (n=6) or thoracoscopy (n=3) was used for anterior fusion. For the double fusions, the posterior procedure was performed the same day in 11/12 patients.

Results: Operative time for double fusion was twice that for posterior fusions. There was no significant difference in blood loss between the two techniques. Complications were more frequent for double fusion but there were no deaths (one death due to respiratory failure after posterior fusion). All the double fusion patients remained in the intensive care unit for 2.5 – 21 days (mean 6.5 days). There was no significant difference between hospital stay (mean 18 days). Gain was better for double fusion (62% versus 52%).

Discussion: Double fusion for cerebral palsy scoliosis treated late is a major operation with significant but tolerable morbidity, particularly for major scoliosis > 80°. The double procedure enables good reduction and quality fusion. Considering the current reduction and fixation options, isolated posterior fusion can still be indicated in younger children with a reducible curvature.

Purpose: Cephalo-tuberosity (CT) fractures are complex fractures with a serious prognosis. Appropriate treatment is highly debated. We report long-term clinical and radiological results in a series of 34 patients treated by osteosynthesis.

Material and methods: The series included 34 patients (21 women and 13 men) who underwent surgery between 1987 and 1997. Mean age was 61 years. The dominant side was involved in 18 cases. There were 14 traffic accident victims and 20 fall victims. Fracture types (Duparc classification) were: CT2 (n10), CT3 (n=18), CT4 (n=6). Nervous complications were associated in five cases. Treatment consisted in closed osteosynthesis for 16 cases and open plate fixation or pinning for 18 cases. Constant score was used to assess functional outcome using the pain, activity, motion, and force scales. Radiological results were assessed on the AP and lateral axillary views. Statview was used for statistical analysis. Immobilisation was maintained for 28 days.

Results: All patients were seen for physical examination and radiographs at a mean follow-up of 40 months. Only four patients were fully satisfied with the outcome. The Constant pain score was rated 9 points. Thirteen patients contralateralised since their trauma. Active antepulsion was 97 and external rotation 30 without a statistical correlation between mobility and type of fracture. The overall mean Constant score was 60 points. Reduction was considered anatomic in 12 cases with a deformed callus in 14 cases. There were eight cases of secondary cephalic necrosis (four among the CT4). The most common complication was pin migration (n=15) and disassembly (n=7) with a significant correlation between complications and age.

Conclusion: The objective and subjective results of this series demonstrated that complications increase with age. There is a significant correlation between external rotation and reduction of the greater tubercle. We did not find any radio-clinical correlation. Although the overall results were not satisfactory, they must be compared with those of arthroplasty.

Purpose: We report preliminary results after treatment of humeral fracturs with a Targon centromedullary nail (Aesculap(r)).

Material and methods: Forty-five patients, predominantly women, underwent surgery from June 2001 to June 2002. Mean age was 63.5 years. The right side predominated. The series included 28 proximal fractures (65.9 years): 3-4 fragments (n=14), two fragments (n=8), pathological fracture (n=3),metaphyseo-diaphyseal fracture (n=3); and 17 shaft fractures (59.5 years): pathological fractures (n=4), nonunion (n=3), trauma (n=10). The Beach position, fractured limb free, was used with a superolateral approach. We inserted 28 Targon PH nails, including nine long nails, for proximal fractures and 17 Targon H nails for shaft fractures. Nail diameter was 8 mm. Nails were locked with four self-locking proximal screws (5 mm) and two distal screws (3.5 mm). The patients were immobilised with an arm to body brace. Hanging limb exercises were initiated immediately and active exercises at bone healing. The Constant score and radiographic measures were recorded at last follow-up.

Results: Mean follow-up was 12.2 months. We had six deaths and five patients lost to follow-up. Bone healing was achieved at eight weeks on average. Fracture reduction was acceptable for 37 limbs, including three which required open reduction. There were nine postoperative complications: superficial infection (n=1), distal screw pull out (n= 3), distal screw fracture (n=1), nail fracture (n=1). The mean Constant score was 69 (30–96).

Discussion: Proximal fractures of the humerus are often comminuted displaced fractures requiring cephalic arthroplasty. Total functional recovery is often difficult leading to mid and long-term problems for this young population. Stable quadruple proximal locking, associated with good filling of the canal by the nail enables fracture stablisation and satisfactory maintenance of the tuberosities. This stable assembly allows early rehabilitation. These advantages are particularly important for shaft fractures in young patients. The material does however have certain limitations related to fragility of the distal screws which are situated near the circumflex bundle for the Targon PH nail.

Conclusion: Our early results are encouraging for humeral fractures, both in elderly and young patients. This type of osteosynthesis can be a useful alternative to arthroplasty and allows early rehabilitation necessary for good functional recovery.

Purpose: We reviewed our pre-puberty patients whose scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis involved a hemivertebra. The purpose of our work was to evaluate the surgical technique used and evaluate spinal static as well as functional outcome at skeletal maturity.

Material and methods: This retrospective analysis included 21 patients who underwent surgery before the age of 10 years and were followed to skeletal maturity. We excluded children with a multiple malformation syndrome or multiple vertebral malformations. The type and localisation of the hemivertebra was noted. Deformation, transversal balance, and radiographic measures were recorded preoperatively. Elements contributing to the indication for surgery, the type of procedure, and complications were also recorded. Events recorded during growth were the clinical course, complementary treatments, and possible surgical revision. Functional and aesthetic outcome was assessed at last follow-up. Spinal deviation was measured and compared with the preoperative angles.

Results: Twenty-one children (13 girls, 8 boys), mean age three years ten months (range 10 months – 10 years) met the inclusion criteria. These children had a hemivertebra of the thoracic spine (n=9), the thoracolumbar junction (n=4), the lumbar spine (n=4), or the lumbosacral region (n=4). Surgery was indicated to arrest clinical and radiographic degradation. Several surgical procedures were used: fusion without resection for thoracic vertebrae and resection associated with arthrodesis or epiphysiodesis for other localisations. There were five complications: neurological (n=2), infectious (n=2) and disassembly (n=1). The clinical and radiographic course led to revision in ten children, including two who required a new operation. At mean follow-up of 14 years (9–23 years), the functional outcome was good in 19 patients, poor in one patient with a lumbosacral hemivertebra and in another with a thoracic hemivertebra. The aesthetic result was good in 16 patients. Five of the nine patients with a thoracic hemivertebra remained unsatisfied with the outcome. Mean curvature correction ranged from 26% at the thoracic level to 50% at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral levels and 75% at the lumbar level.

Discussion: The long follow-up of this series is exceptional. Treatment of evolving spinal malformations is a difficult challenge. Early surgery does not guarantee the final outcome and 50% of patients have to be reoperated at the end of growth. The good long-term functional and aesthetic outcome is however encouraging, particularly when hemivertebrectomy can be performed.

Purpose: Despite renewed interest in limb lengthening in western countries, the method is not widely used in Africa where congenital or acquired malformations produce a significant number of indications. We reviewed the first cases of limb lengthening procedures performed over the last five years.

Material and methods: The series included ten patients, five male five female, mean age 16.3 years (5–28). Indications for lengthening procedures were limb length discrepancy which was painful, bothersome, or disabling (n=8) or loss of bone substance (n=3). Indications were established after history taking, physical and radiographic examinations (telemetry of the lower limbs to determine leg length discrepancy or identify gap, or to identify associated anomalies). The classical technique was used: external fixator, osteotomy, progressive lengthening, 1 mm/d after a latency period.

Results: Initially mean length discrepancy was 7.8 cm (range 3 – 16). Mean duration of external fixation was 207.9 days (60–294). The de Bastiani consolidation index was 24 d/cm. Nine complications were recorded and there was one therapeutic failure requiring amputation.

Discussion: Limping due to congenital or acquired leg length discrepancy is common in our region. When seen late, the discrepancy is generally greater than in western countries (mean in our series greater than in the literature) and is often associated with multiple anomalies further complicating therapeutic management (prolonged use of external fixation). Filling bone gaps by lengthening techniques is a very attractive solution which could avoid numerous amputations in the African setting.

Conclusion: Limb lengthening procedures remains a difficult technique to implement in Africa. This challenging situation is even more stimulating due to the very great potential for patient benefit.

Purpose: Surgery offers a remarkable means for modifying the physical appearance of people desiring more acceptable conformity with aesthetic standards. Height is a qualifying element for each individual. Society sometimes views persons with a short stature as different. Leg lengthening surgery to improve one’s appearance has thus become a common request. We report our experience to demonstrate that the objective is both possible to achieve and useful.

Material and methods: From 1985 to 2000, we operated 54 patients (32 men and 22 women). Mean follow-up was five years three months (16 years – 1 year). For these patients, we found a valid justification for the request for increased height, while surgery was declined for 82 other patients. Mean age at surgery was 5.8 years (range 18–47) (28.1 years for men and 23.6 years for women). Mean height was 153 cm (159 for men and 147 for women). Patients were given psychological support. We performed simultaneous bilateral leg lengthening because of the better tolerance compared with the femur. The standard device had three rings and a proximal semi-ring. A two-level lengthening system was used, requiring double osteotomy, a proximal tibial metaphyseal osteotomy and a distal metaphyseal osteotomy. Seven days after trepan osteotomy and twelve days after Gigli saw osteotomy, we initiated the lengthening procedure with 1/4 turn (1/4 mm) three times a day. Achilles tendon lengthening was associated for 19 patients. For three patients (4 limbs) the regenerated bone collapsed requiring insertion of a new device.

Results: Mean lengthening was 7 cm (11- 5 cm). Mean duration of treatment was eight months ten days. Aesthetic outcome was considered excellent by 92% of patients and good by 8%.

Discussion: The patient’s desire for greater height must be well motivated and associated with good knowledge of possible risks (detailed informed consent). Using the circular device for leg lengthening allows correction of associated moderate alignment anomalies.

Conclusion: If the patient has a valid psychological justification and an objective height below the mean of the local population, leg lengthening procedures can be performed for aesthetic purposes with reasonable risk and satisfactory results.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective analysis over a seven-year period was to evaluate outcome of centromedullary nailing without reaming using the UTN for leg fractures.

Material and methods: A nailing procedure was performed in 106 patients (71 men and 35 women), mean age 38.2 years (16–76); 31.1% had multiple trauma injuries. Fractures were closed (77.4%) or open (22.6%): Gustilo I (n=19), Gustilo II (n=5). The fracture involved the shaft (77.4%), the lower quarter of the tibia (12.2%) or was bifocal (10.3%). There were five cases of vessel injury at diagnosis and two cases of neurological injury. A static assembly was used in all cases. Weight-bearing was resumed after a 6-week period of rest before unlocking.

Results: Mean follow-up was 13.1 months. Bone healing was achieved in 85.8% of the cases in 17 weeks on average. There were five cases of deformed callus (5–10° valgus or varus which did not require surgical revision). Late healing was noted in 7.5% and true nonunion in 6.6% which required either fibular osteotomy to achieve healing (n=6) or insertion of a new nail (Grosse and Kempf, n=1) after reaming. There were ten cases of locking screw fracture. Functional outcome was considered good or very good in 89.6% of patients. Twelve patients presented limited dorsal flexion of the foot and nine had pain at the upper end of the nail.

Discussion: Not reaming offers a clear advantage over reaming, particularly for preservation of endosteal vessels. Unreamed nailing is an interesting alternative to external fixation for open fractures. Despite the absence of infection, we do not have any argument in favour of a solid nail to decrease the risk of infection. The time to healing and the rate of true nonunion were not sufficient to clearly favour this method over reamed nailing.

Purpose: Prognosis of open leg fractures is better when cover flaps are used early to cover tissue loss. Beyond eight days after high-energy trauma (Byrd stage III and IV), the therapeutic strategy requires discussion. The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of flap covers on these complex fractures.

Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 26 patients operated on from 1996 to 201. The therapeutic sequence was debridement, external fixation, and flap cover. High-energy trauma predominated (n=21). We used homolateral leg flaps (n=24, ten muscle flaps and 14 fasciocutaneous flaps) and free latissimus dorsi flaps (n=2). Flap cover was performed on day 8 (n=13), between day 8 and day 45 (n=11), or after day 45 (n=2).

Results: Cover flaps failed in eight cases requiring revision surgery. Time to cover or type of flap was not statistically related with initial severity of the injury. Time to cover influenced the type of flap chosen by the surgeons: 8/13 muscle flaps performed before day 8 versus 10/13 fasciocutaneous flaps after day 8 (p< 0.05). Complementary bone grafts were used for 18 patients before the third month leading to bone healing before ten months. Serious infection occurred in 16.6% of patients in the group treated before day 8 and in 36.66% of patients in the group treated after day 8. The severity of the initial injury and time to cover were not predictive of functional outcome.

Discussion: Proper management of high-energy leg fractures (Byrd stage III and IV) remains controversial. Most authors prefer external fixation to achieve skeletal stability. The growing interest for plastic surgery techniques for the leg segment has led to using locoregional homolateral leg flaps even after day 8. At this phase, we prefer muscle flaps. This attitude has demonstrated its usefulness in terms of healing time and its limitations due to the high risk of infection. Complementary bone grafting is performed before three months if signs of correct bone healing are absent on the control x-rays.

Purpose: Appropriate management of complex trauma of the upper limb (CTUL) is a significant therapeutic challenge. The main difficulty is to determine in an emergency situation when ambitious conservative surgery is legitimate and when amputation in necessary. We propose a prognostic lesion score to determine the best option in the emergency setting.

Material and methods: This study included 48 patients operated on between 1987 and 1997. These patients presented total or partial amputation (n=23), devascularising injury with continuous limb (=7), complex non-devascularising injury with continuous limb (n=18) (Gustilo IIIa and IIIb). Isolated hand trauma was excluded. Each patient was attributed retrospectively a lesion score taking into account each tissue (bone, vessels, nerves, muscles, skin). At minimum two-year follow-up, the outcome was evaluated for the amputated or non-amputated limb. For each non-amputated patient, a more precise outcome was established using the Chen classification. Operative procedures used the same protocol for all patients.

Results: Considering the functional results, the statistical analysis enabled identifying prognostic factors for amputation among the five variables studied. Analysis using a classification tree enabled development of a decisional algorithm based on the muscle, nerve and skin injuries which provided 64.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a 100% positive predictive value and an 83.8% negative predictive value. A multiple logistic model was used to confirm these results and led to the selection of the same variables.

Discussion: The CTUL score is easy to use and is the only one in the literature using only variables statistically proven to have significant prognostic value for CTUL. Surgical experience is however indispensable for appropriate decision making in these emergency situations. This score thus provides an important therapeutic aid useful in borderline cases where amputation is discussed.

Conclusion: A prospective study including a larger number of patients would be helpful to better detail indications and preserve the 100% specificity for an irreversible therapeutic decision.

Purpose: The diversity of treatments proposed for septic nonunion of the femur demonstrates the lack of consensus. Treatment modalities validated for the leg appear to be transposable to the femur. The purpose of this work was to compare different treatments used in our centre and identify optimal management practices.

Material and methods: We report a retrospective series of eleven patients (nine men and two women) who developed septic nonunion of the femur subsequent to trauma (n=9) or tumour (n=2). Sepsis developed early in seven cases and late in four. Mean time to treatment was 34.8 months. We based our strategy on a succession of steps starting with cure of the soft tissue and bone infection, before attempting reconstruction and consolidation.The first step involved fixation, antibiotic therapy and interposition of an acrylic spacer. The second step involved bone reconstruction, removal of the spacer, vascularised fibular graft associated with a cancellous bone graft (n=4) or massive cancellous graft inserted into the pseudomembrane created by the spacer (n=7).

Results: Mean time to resolution of the infection was 10.9 months. Cure could not be achieved in three patients. Bone continuity was achieved in 8.8 months on average. The time to bone healing (i.e. duration of external fixation) was 22 months. Refracture occurred in four patients. Consolidation was not achieved in two patients.

Discussion: During the second step, we preferred massive cancellous bone reconstruction due to easier technique, shorter healing time, and better adaptation of the reconstruction volume. Optimal time for the first step is about six months in order to avoid recurrent infection. Our healing times are similar to those reported by others: the healing index (time to healing divided by gap length) was close to that obtained with the compression-distraction technique. Refractures related to specific mechanical problems inherent in the femur lead to longer time for external fixation, minimum 13 months.

Purpose: Management of septic nonunion of long bones is a difficult challenge requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of this study was to report our results with a two-stage technique using a spacer (Masquelet technique).

Material and methods: Between June 1997 and July 2001, eleven patients were treated for septic nonunion (n=7) or suspected septic nonunion (n= =4). There were seven men and four women: mean age 38 years (26–51). Nonunion involved the humerus (n=1), the femur (n=1), and the tibia (n=9). The same surgical technique was used in all cases: “carcinologic” debridement with gap filling using antibiotic cement and osteosynthesis when necessary, followed by a second procedure two months later to remove the spacer and insert an autologous bone graft when laboratory results had returned to normal.

Results: Mean follow-up was three years (1–5). All patients achieved per primam bone healing within 4.5 months (3–6) despite a mean bone gap of 55 mm (15–100) after avivement. Intraoperative samples taken during the second procedure were negative and there was no recurrent infection or need for revision.

Discussion: This two-phase technique has provided encouraging results in terms of “infectious cure” and bone healing. A standardised approach to the treatment of septic nonunion of long bones as used in our centre should provide data validating this technique.

Purpose: The risk of recurrence and progression to chronic instability after a first episode of anteromedial shoulder dislocation is high in young patients. Risk assessment has varied in published reports but is constantly high in subjects aged less than 25 years. The injuries occurring during the first episode are poorly identified and rarely treated. We thus propose an arthroscopic assessment for young subjects with sports activities to identify lesions and achieve stabilisation after the first dislocation. The purpose of this work was to report the lesions observed and present our surgical protocol.

Material and methods: Between February 2002 and March 2003, we included fifteen patients in a prospective study. All patients were aged 17–25 years at the first episode of traumatic anteromedial dislocation of the shoulder. The patients were informed of the “usual” orthpaedic treatment and of the risk of recurrence. We proposed an arthroscopic assessment of their lesions and concomitant treatment. All patients accepted this therapeutic alternative. All procedures were performed by the same operator within ten days of dislocation. Patients were immobilised for 21 days with an elbow to body brace followed by rehabilitation in an outpatient setting, avoiding external rotation for 21 days. The Duplay score was determined.

Results: In this prospective series of patients, we identified a haematoma, a Malgaigne notch, and disinsertion of the anteroinferior capsulolabral complex in all patients. We were unable to find any glenoid or ligament injury on the humerus. The cuff was intact in all patients except one who had a deep wound of the supraspinatus. Lesion suture with resorbable anchors was satisfactory in 14 patients. We have not observed any recurrences. Physical examination did not disclose any apprehension and there has been no case of altered external rotation (< 5).

Conclusion: Considering the major risk of recurrent dislocation after a first episode in these young patients, we have studied an alternative to orthopaedic treatment. All patients accepted the proposed arthroscopic treatment. All patients presented capsulolabral detachment which was easily treated. At last follow-up, all patients have recovered a pain-free stable shoulder. This was a small series with a short follow-up so these results must be considered with caution. They are nevertheless very encouraging.

Purpose: Surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability relies heavily on the Latarjet procedure which uses a coracoid block fixed to the anteroinferior rim of the glenoid. The procedure is technically difficult, leading to a substantial number of intraoperative complications, block nonunions and partial lysis, and most importantly long-term scapular osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, in certain cases, complete lysis or removal of the block does not alter stability. Furthermore, the current technique requires partial section or discision of the subscapular fibres, the only healthy element which persists anteriorly. The question is thus whether the greatest stabilising effect arises from the hammock effect of the coracobiceps on the subscapular. We report our experience with a prospective series.

Material and methods: We initiated a prospective study in 1997 in a series of patients treated by simple section of the coracobiceps, leaving the acromiocoracoid, coracoid, and subscapular ligaments totally intact. We used a reinforcement ligament passing by the roatator interval and fixed on the glenoid at the Latarjet site which tied the subscapular and was fixed to it with four sutures. The assemble was then covered with the coracobiceps which was fixed to the subscapular ligament. Our prospective series included 65 patients with shoulder instability and recurrent pure anterior dislocation. All patients were reviewed at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. A telephone interview was then made every year. Outcome was assessed with the Duplay score.

Results: The postoperative period was uneventful and time to recovery was shorter than with the traditional Latarjet procedure. There were no signs of reaction to the terephthalate polyethylene. At last follow-up the Duplay score was 23.6/25 for daily or sports activities, 23.6/25 for stability, 22.9/25 for pain, and 23.6/25 for motion giving a final score of 93.71/100.

Discussion: This technique has been particularly attractive for revision surgery. It appears that the block itself does not have a stabilising effect but that the predominant effect arises from the coracobiceps hammock. We are currently studying this technique with an arthroscopic approach which could be used to complement pure capsular techniques.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to determine whether the position of the coracoid block used for surgical stabilisation of the shoulder using the Patte procedure has an influence or not on persistent postoperative apprehension.

Material and methods: Forty patients, mean age 26 years (19–37) operated on by the same surgeon (PV) were reviewed retrospectively at mean 40 months (24–60). Instability was expressed by dislocation (70%), subluxation (20%), or both (10%). Hyperlaxity was not found in any of the patients. The same surgical technique was used in all cases: subscapular discision along the axis of the fibres and fixation of the coracoid block using a single cortical lag screw (4.5 mm) with a washer. Radiological assessment at review included a three-quarter AP view in rotation and a glenoid lateral view (Bernageau). The height of the block was measured from the equator of the glenoid and lateral position in relation to the glenohumeral joint line (medial, flush, lateral).

Results: The block was always in an inferior position, flush in 70%, medial in 22% and slightly overhanging in 8%. Twenty percent of the patients experienced persistent apprehension for extreme abduction and external rotation; only one patient with a flush block reported apprehension compared with seven among patients with a medial block. There were two cases of recurrent dislocation and two episodes of subluxation in the patients with a medial block; none required revision. Function was assessed with the DASH: mean score was 6.7 for the entire series, 10 for patients with a medial block and 4.2 for those with flush blocks.

Conclusion: This retrospective analysis emphasises the difficulty and the necessity of rigorous technique to obtain an “ideal” position of the coroacoid block. When the technique is perfectly performed in patients with posttraumatic chronic instability without hyperlaxity, apprehension disappears with little risk of recurrence.

Purpose: We report a retrospective consecutive series of 57 hemiplegic patients (32 men and 25 women) who underwent surgery between 1995 and 2000 for spastic talipes equinovarus associating fascicular neurotomy of the tibial nerve and tendon release in order to recover sole to floor walking capacity.

Material and methods: Mean patient age was 47 years (16–75). The hemiplegia resulted from stroke (n=41), trauma (n=8), and other causes (n=8). All patients had spastic talipes equinovarus and 46 required a walking aid. Triceps force and spasticity were scored 2.1 (MRC) and 3.66 (Ashworth) respectively. Pedial hypoaesthesia was present in 23 patients. The mean functional ambulation classification (FAC) score was 3.3, with severe disability (FAC 1 or 2) in 13 patients. Surgery was performed three years (average) after the causal event. After identification by electrical stimulation, we performed microsurgical section of 4/5 nerve fibres of the terminal branches of the tibial nerve in 55 patients. After physical exploration of musculotendon retraction (triceps and toes flexors) and dorsiflesion palsy, we released tendons as needed. The Achilles tendon was lengthened percutaneously in 13 patients, Bardot tenodesis or transfer of the anterior hemi-tibial anterior tendon was performed in 29, and tenotomy of the toe flexors in 12.

Results: Mean follow-up was three years (1–6). Triceps force and foot sensitivity were not modified by the surgery. Spasticity was scored 1.08 and 1.19 (Ashworth) postoperatively and at last follow-up respectively. The FAC walking score was 4.13 and 4.15 postoperatively and at last follow-up respectively. The walking aid was no longer necessary or was improved in 52 patients. Tibiotalal arthrodesis was necessary for recurrent spasticity in three patients.

Discussion: The preoperative assessment of foot deformity and gait is an essential element. Correct preoperative assessment enables microsurgery for fascicular neurotomy of the posterior tibial nerve and tendon lengthening or tenodesis during the same operation. These procedures are indicated for severe deformity and should be used as the first intention treatment before arthrodesis which involves greater morbidity.

Purpose: Dwyer osteotomy remains controversial as shown by the numerous series reported. Conclusions have varied and there is no real consensus. The cause of these divergent opinions is related to the variability of indications (association or not with active neurological disease) and surgical schools. Interpretation of outcome and comparisons are hindered.

Material and methods: We reviewed 22 cases of Dwyer osteotomy of the calcaneum performed between 1972 and 2002. The lateral approach was used for closed osteotomy. Mean follow-up was ten years (1–30). Patients were aged 8 to 55 years. The objective and subjective rating system of Laaveg and Panseti (1980) was used. Indications were: neurological pes cavus (n=13) including five unilateral and four bilateral cases, pes equinovarus sequela of clubfoot (n=n=2), idiopathic varus of the hindfood with ankle instability (n=5), posttraumatic varus sequela of a compartment syndrome (n=2).

Discussion: Dwyer osteotomy is rarely performed alone and is frequently associated with other interventions (tendon lengthening and transfer, forefoot procedure, toe procedure) making it difficult to interpret results. Our study was not designed to draw definitive conclusion but rather to compare our indications and results with earlier reports.

Conclusion: Dwyer osteotomy performed with a rigorous technique appears to be an effective means for correcting constitutional varus. The site of the osteotomy and bone resection are particularly important. There are few complications. Bone healing is generally achieved. The procedure is an excellent solution for patients with associated ankle instability because it provides an easy and effective way to correct moderate varus. It is also a good solution for revision of clubfoot when aponeurotic and tendon release is also indicated. Results are insufficient for neurological pes cavus when there is residual or active tendon imbalance. It can however be a temporary solution in the young patient who will undergo arthrodesis later.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiological outcome of a homogeneous and continuous series of third-generation total ankle prostheses (resurfacing, cylindric, noncemented, triple-compartment).

Material and methods: From March 1990 to June 1996, 26 patients aged 57 years (32–73) were treated with a New Jersey LCS (n=5) or Buechel-Pappas (n=21) prosthesis. Most of the patients (n=21) had a posttraumatic ankle. Preoperatively, mean ankle motion was 17°. The AOFAS score was used for the clinical assessment. The position of the prosthesis and its stability over time were assessed on the x-rays together with the insert, the bone-prosthesis interface, the bone structure and periprosthetic ossifications.

Results: Intra and postoperative complications were malleolar fracture (n=5), haematoma (n=1), late wound healing (n=1), insert instability (n=2), and medial malleolar conflict (n=1) requiring reoperation with preservation of the implant. At mean follow-up of seven years, two patients had died and one was lost to follow-up. Three had an arthrodesis: failed fixation at two years, secondary talar mobilisation at seven years, and secondary infection at eight years. For the other twenty patients: the AOFAS score was poor for two patients (including one with patent wear), fair in two, and good in 16. Mean joint motion at last follow-up was 24°. Radiographically, there were no significant changes in the position of the tibial and talar elements. Anchorage of the tibial element was fibrous in half of the patients and ossesous in the other half. A macro defect aspect was observed below the talar element in four patients. There were active periprosthetic ossifications in the majority of the patients.

Discussion: The insufficient ancillary for this prosthesis and its old concept explain the frequency of malleolar fractures and the level of the functional outcomes. Improved prostheses should be used. The stability of the results observed in this series of patients followed up to 12 years is an argument favouring indicating prosthesis insertion as an alternative to arthrodesis, particularly since revision of an arthrodesis is not particularly difficult, even with an iliac graft. The radiographic evidence of periprosthetic ossifications or bone resorption, particularly under the implant, emphasises the need for prolonged surveillance.

Purpose: Chronic ankle instability is generally related to lateral laxity of the tibiotalar joint. Stress x-rays may however be negative. Varus of the hindfoot is another possibility. In such cases, it would be logical to propose Dwyer valgus osteotomy of the calcaneum. The objective of this work was to review patients who underwent Dwyer osteotomy from 1992 to 2000.

Material and methods: The series included fifteen patients, nine men and six women, who complained of chronic ankle instability with no evidence of laxity. All presented a varus hindfoot (mean 5°, range 3–10°). Thirteen patients practiced sports, including eight at the competition level. Sixty percent had experienced instability accidents during sports activities. Associated lesions were fissures of the fibular tendons (n=2), osteochondral lesion of the talar dome (n=1), Haglund disease (n=1) and stage II pes cavus (n=2). Lateral closed Dwyer osteotomy was performed in all cases, generally with fixed with two screws in a 2-hole 1/3 plate. Associated procedures were: lateral ligamentoplasty (n=1), osteotomy to raise M1 (n=2), regularisation of an osteochondral lesion of the talar dome (n=1), Zadek osteotomy (n=1) and anterior arthrolysis (n=1). The same surgeon reviewed the patients clinically and radiologically, independent of the operator.

Results: Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 1–9, SD 2.5). There were no complications except one case of cutaneous necrosis in the patient who had simultaneous osteotomy and ligamentoplasty. Instability resolved in all patients. Ten patients experienced minor episodic pain (50% during sports activities). Eleven patients (70%) resumed their sports activities within eight months (3–36) and 33% at their former level. The mean Kitaoka score was 92 (85–100) and 80% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied.

Conclusion: Dwyer osteotomy provides quite satisfactory results for patients with chronic ankle instability without evidence of laxity and hindfoot varus. When a complementary ligamentoplasty appears to be necessary, it is preferable to wait for a second operation in order to avoid the risk of cutaneous necrosis.

Purpose: Prosthetic replacement of the ankle joint is a controversial issue. Minimally invasive noncemented third-generation implants with a third component have enabled improved clinical results and prolonged mid-term implant survival. These results authorise prosthetic implantation as an alternative to arthrodesis in selected patients. New developments in prosthesis concepts and design, aimed at overcoming the insufficient results of earlier implants, require early validation with a prospective clinical and radiological follow-up. The objective of this work was to present the mid-term results with the SALTO prosthesis implanted in 42 patients.

Material and methods: Forty-two SALTO prostheses implanted between February 1997 and December 2000 were followed prospectively for two to six years. The implant design, which mimics the anatomic asymmetry of the talar dome, uses a mobile polyethylene insert and optional fibular resurfacing for optimal primary and long-term stabilisation. Data were collected prospectively using a computer database which provides the AOFAS score. Metrological analysis of the digitalized x-rays (AP, lateral and stress) were used to study the precision of the insertion, implant stability, and prosthesis kinematics. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis predominated (n=29) in this series. Mean age was 54 years (30–79).

Results: None of the patients were lost to follow-up. Three patients had a revision procedure for arthrodesis (persistent pain in two and sepsis in one). The clinical score was excellent or good in 88% of patients. The mean clinical score was 20.5 points preoperatively and 70 points at last follow-up. The radiological analysis demonstrated the precision of the insertion technique and did not disclose any evidence of significant implant mobilisation with time. There were no failures related to the lateral malleolar implant (n=12). Radiographically, mean ankle movement was 15.2–23°. Changes in the periprosthetic bone were noted.

Discussion: The quality of the results with the prosthesis under study and the short- and mid-term stability enable envisaging implantation when the local or regional anatomic conditions suggest arthrodesis would produce unsatisfactory results. The improvement in function (exceptionally total recovery) remains difficult to predict. Further follow-up of these patients is needed.

Purpose: Bipolar osteotomy of the first metatarsal with lateral release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was performed in 19 cases of hallux valgus. The distal metatarsal surface was misaligned in all cases (increased DMMA). The purpose of our work was to evaluate outcome after Schnepp bipolar osteotomy.

Material and methods: The series included eleven women and three men who underwent the procedure between 1992 and 2001. All patients were reviewed retrospectively by the same clinician. Mean patient age was 56 years. Before surgery, mean values were: metatarsophalangeal valgus 39.6°, metatarsal varus 17.8°, and DMMA 21.1°. Mean foot opening measured preoperatively was 30°.

Results: The Groulier criteria, taking into consideration correction of the deformity, static disorders and function were assessed at mean follow-up of three years. Radiographically mean metatarsophalangeal valgus was 20.7°, metatarsal varus 10.3°, and DMMA 5.3°. The metatarsal span was 23°. The metatarsophalangeal joint was congruent and free of any sign of degeneration in 52%. Overall outcome was excellent or good in 57.5%, fair in 32% and poor in 10.5%.

Discussion: These results are rather modest but were obtained in a series of patients with severe hallux valgus. Bipolar osteotomy enables simultaneous correction of the phalangeal valgus, the metatarsal varus, and the increased DMMA, an advantage not obtained with any other procedure. Indications would include patients with increased DMMA > 15° or major metatarsal varus. Our series show that poor results can be observed in the event of incongruent joints, signs of osteoarthritic degeneration, or revision surgery.

Conclusion: Bipolar osteotomy of the first metatarsal remains indicated for the treatment of severe hallux valgus with increased DMMA. Metatarsophalanygeal arthrodesis should be reserved as a salvage procedure for non congruent or degenerated joints.

Purpose: Osteonecrosis of the metatarsal heads is a source of metatarsalgia usually triggered by local overload. The Gauthier technique, described in 1974 consists in a dorsal flexion osteotomy with cuneiform resection of the necrotic zone. Results reported in the literature have generally been limited to mid-term. We evaluated the long-term outcome.

Material and methods: We conducted a clinical and radiological review of a small homogeneous series of ten patients (nine women and one man) who presented metatarsal head necrosis (generally the third metatarsal) causing mechanical pain. In one patient, the phalangeal surface was degenerative. Eight patients had associated asymptomatic hallux valgus which was left intact. Mean follow-up was 9.5 years (27 months – 19 years).

Results: The metatarsophalangeal joint was pain free in all patients. Mean plantar flexion was 25°, extension was free with no particular limitation. Radiographically, there was no evidence of recurrent osteochondritis nor long-term degeneration. The height of the joint space (measured by comparison with the length of the lateral sesamoid) displayed a gain in all patients postoperatively.

Discussion: The Gauthier intervention has regularly provided good short- and mid-term results with restitution of a good-quality metatarsophalangeal space. There is generally however a marked limitation of dorsal flexion. This small series with long-term follow-up demonstrates that dorsal flexion tends to normalise over time and that recurrent necrosis or osteoarthritic degeneration is not a problem. This result can be explained by the reduction of joint stress due to the shorter anteroposterior effect and the elevation of the metatarsal head. Although our one case of overall joint degeneration did not worsen, this technique is probably of limited value for advanced-stage osteonecrosis since it cannot reconstitute a healthy phalangeal cartilage damaged before the operation. Surgical correction of associated deformities of the first ray should be discussed: among the eight cases of asymptomatic hallux valgus preoperatively, three remained symptom free, five worsened, and two were treated surgically.

Conclusion: The regularly satisfactory early results of the Gauthier osteotomy performed for osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head persist in the long term and improve with time in terms of joint motion, making this method a choice technique.

Purpose: We reviewed retrospectively 27 ankle arthrodesis procedures performed from 1990 to 2001 to assess the mid-term outcome. These patients had had on average 1.5 ankle interventions before the arthrodesis. Mean follow-up was seven years.

Material and methods: The arthrodeses were performed for posttraumatic degeneration (n=21), sequelae of septic arthritis (n=3), poliomyelitis (n=2), and rheumatoid arthritis (n=1). Forty-four percent of the patients had osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint. The transfibular approach was used for 21 patients and an external fixation for five. One woman was treated with a 90 LC-DCP 4.5 plate.

Results: Union was achieved in 13 weeks. There were three cases of wound necrosis (11%), two cases of superficial infection 7%) and one case each of axonotomesis of the posterior tibial nerve (3%) and malunion (3%) which required revision for insertion of a transplantar screw. Using the AOFAS system, the mean function score at last follow-up 88.4/92 compared with 42/92. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were satisfied. At last follow-up, 75% of patients had signs of active subtalar osteoarthritis. Three patients were symptomatic.

Conclusion: Ankle arthrodesis is a good indication for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint despite that it in the long-term it accelerates the development of degenerative disease in the subjacent articulations.

Purpose: The vast majority of forefoot infectious in neuropathy patients are plantar ulcers in diabetics. When conservative treatment is unsuccessful, radical treatment may be indicated, but correct choice of the amputation level is essential. The purpose of this work was to evaluate outcome after tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis achieved with an Ilizarof fixator.

Material and methods: The procedure was performed in nine patients between 1991 and 2002. Male gender predominated (seven men). Mean age was 65 years. Eight patients had diabetes and seven of them had complicated mal perforant. Two patients had bilateral involvement so a total of eleven arthrodeses were performed. The procedure began with de-articulation of the Chopard space and talectomy. After high section of the lateral maleolus, the tibia was cut flush with the joint. The calcaneal cut was vertical passing just behind the tarsal sinus. After verticalising the calcaneum, the two cut surfaces were joined. Arthrodesis was maintained with a circular Ilizarof fixator using two rings on the tibia and one on the calcaneum.

Results: At mean 20 months, we reviewed ten arthrodeses. Good results were obtained for seven and failure was observed in three (necrosis = 2 and severe suppuration = 1). All these problems resolved and fusion was achieved at five months on average. The type of diabetes, renal failure, duration of the infection, presence of severe contralateral lesions, and type of germ involved appeared to affect outcome.

Discussion: Alternatives to the Pirogoff procedure include Chopard amputation, with or without subtalar arthrodesis, and Syme amputation. The technique used in this cohort offers several advantages. The circular external fixator avoids the classic cross screwing in an infectious setting. The mechanical properties of the Ilizarof fixator favour healing and bone fusion. Finally, vericalisation of the calcaneum produces a longer stump so excessively anterior cicatrisation, which can be bothersome for the orthesis, is avoided

Conclusion: This surgical technique provides a radical treatment for proximal osteoarticular infections of the forefoot, often observed in diabetics. Indications are exceptional and should be reserved for lesions which are inaccessible to transmetatarsal amputation. The arthrodesis cannot be achieved without healthy talar stock. The procedure produces a long stable stump which is painless and easy to fit.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse changes in foot dynamics secondary to tibiotalar arthrodesis and examine the adaptation mechanisms induced by wearing shoes.

Material and methods: A 3D gait analysis was performed (Vicon 370) in ten patients with a tibiotalar arthrodesis fixed in a neutral position and in ten matched controls. Recordings were made in three conditions: walking barefooted, walking at a comfortable self-chosen speed wearing shoes, and walking at maximal speed wearing shoes. We measured tibial inclination in the sagittal plane, knee flexion, and the tibia-forefoot angle produced at heel lift-off. The distance of the ground reaction force (GRF) from the heel was measured during the weight-bearing phase and at lift-off. Statistical comparisons were made with the contralateral side and the control group.

Results: Heel lift-off came significantly earlier on the arthrodesis side compared with the contralateral side and with the control group. At heel lift-off, the knee was in complete extension in all three groups. The GRF moved forward more rapidly but remained more posterior on the arthodesis side at heel lift-off in comparison with the contralateral side and the control group. Wearing shoes enabled later heel lift-off on the arthrodesis side and increased tibial inclination at lift-off as well as decreased speed of the anterior displacement of the GRF. The GRF however remained more posterior than in the control group. At maximal walking speed, heelk lift-off came earlier on the arthrodesis side and at the same time a lesser anterior tibial inclination and a more posterior position of the GRF.

Discussion: Early heel lift-off on the arthrodesis side allows anterior inclination of the tibia to continue and to increase stride length. Heel lift-off however occurs when the GRF has not yet advanced to the metatarsophalangeal position, thus increasing stress on the rear and mid foot. Wearing shoes improves the kinematic parameters and decreases stress on the joints below the arthrodesis. Increased walking speed aggravates the perturbed foot dynamics when walking.

Purpose: Endoscopy provides an attractive alternative to open surgery for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with ankle tendon disease. Early work was published by Van Dijk in 1994.

Material and methods: Twenty patients (mean age 34.7 years, range 20–59 years), 16 with posttraumatic lesions, underwent 22 tendinoscopy procedures using a slightly modified technique with a 4.5 optical. The procedures, conducted under general anaesthesia, were performed to explore fibular (n=15), posterior tibial (n=6), and anterior tibial (n=1) tendons. Prospective follow-up was at least six months (6 – 30). Preoperatively, all patients presented more or less localised pain with signs of tendon suffering. Fifteen had undergone prior explorations (ultrasound=4, MRI=7, CT scan=1, MRI+ultrasound=3) which had not revealed any anomaly in seven.

Results: Peritendinous adherences were observed intra-operatively in 18 cases with inflammatory reactions requiring resection in 13. A lesion of the tendon itself was found in seven cases-fissure (n=2), superficial dilaceration (n=2), induration (n=2), strangulation (n=1)-which required specific cure with forceps or motorised instrumentation. No explanation of the pain could be identified in one patient. Postoperatively, 17 patient achieved complete pain relief which persisted for at least six months. At last follow-up, one patient had not been reviewed, twelve were totally pain free and five had developed associated symptoms (cracking, swelling). Overall, four patients were very satisfied, eight were satisfied, four were disappointed, and three were dissatisfied (no improvement). There were no signs of worsening and no complications directly related to the method.

Conclusion: These results of early experience in France are less satisfactory than those reported by Van Dijk who had 80% good results for 85 tendinoscopic procedures in 70 patients. They do however confirm the usefulness of this technique for the management of patients with tenosynovitis, adherences, and partial ruptures of the ankle tendons which cannot always be identified with classical imaging techniques. Definitive evaluation will require analysis of a larger series of well selected patients.

Purpose: Two questions arise after metatarsophalangeal hallux arthrodesis: what are the 3D changes observed when walking on flat ground ? and is the arthrodesis compensation essentially at the talocrural or interphalangeal level ?

Material and methods: Our series included twelve patients (ten women and two men) mean age 60.7 years. Nine patients had unilateral arthrodesis and three bilateral arthrodesis. The optoelectronic exploration was conducted barefoot. The patients wore underclothes and 27 reflectors. A miniaturised reflector was placed on the distal end of each hallux. Three valid recordings were made.

Results: General gait parameters and kinematic and kinetic values were unchanged (excepting nonsignificant maximal ankle dorsiflexion). On the arthrodesis side we observed: significant decline in propulsion force in the anteroposterior and vertical planes; significantly later heel lift-off; systematic anterior displacement of the ground reaction force of the metatarsophalangeal joint (not seen on the healthy side).

Discussion: We propose a coherent explanation of these observations. The kinetics of balance movement under the head of the first metatarsal head is changed. When the foot is flat on the ground, as the ankle balance movement occurs, the weight of the body is transferred earlier and massively to the forefoot. While in the healthy foot this occurs under the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, in arthrodesis patients body weight is transferred under the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. The balance movement of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe occurs when the ankle balance movement is terminated. The centre of the balance movement is more distal and heel lift-off tends to occur later. During the propulsion phase, the greater lever arm limits the propulsion force, explaining the lesser peak force observed on the arthrodesis side. Use of reflectors on the distal end of the hallux demonstrated that the arthrodesis compensation occurs essentially at the interphalangeal level, exposing this joint to greater risk of degeneration.

Purpose: Isolated paralysis of the great toe long extensor is a rare complication of leg fractures. In certain patients, an erroneous diagnosis of compartment syndrome or muscle incarceration may be made.

Material and methods: We dissected ten fresh cadavers.

Results: The great toe long extensor was innervated by a branch of the deep fibular nerve which arose 15 cm from the talocrural joint space and directly in contact with the periosteum of the tibial shaft. In this localisation, the branch can be directly sectioned during trauma, reduction, or reaming.

Discussion: We had one patient aged 30 years with a fracture of the mid third of the leg who was treated by centromedullar nailing. Postoperatively, this patient developed isolated paralysis of the great toe long extensor. The isolated neurogenic origin of this paralysis was confirmed by electromyography.

Conclusion: This case is illustrative of direct injury of the great toe long extensor innervation, a cause which to our knowledge has not been previously described.

Purpose: Autologous osteochondral grafts using the Mosaicplasty(r) technique have been employed for more then a decade for the treatment of osteocartilaginous tissue loss in weight-bearing zones. The advantage is to repair damage using a hyaline cartilage. Application of this technique to the talar dome is more recent and has been inspired by the good results obtained at the knee level. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine outcome in 36 patients presenting tissue loss of the talar dome who underwent surgery between June 1997 and September 2001 using the method described by L. Hangody and to determine the contribution of the malleolar osteotomy.

Material and methods: Patients, aged 17 to 53 years, complaining of ankle problems were managed in three centres. Surgery was performed by three senior surgeons experienced with knee Mosaicplasty(r). The Acufex Mosaicplasty(r) instrumentation furnished by Smith-Nephew was used in all cases. The ankle was rarely opened by direct arthrotomy. Osteotomy of the medial or lateral malleolus was preferred. Bone grafts were harvested, with the patient’s consent, from a non-weight-bearing articular zone of the homolateral knee. The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) chart, modified for the ankle, was used to assess outcome. Epi-Info 6.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The deep lesions were all ICRS grade III or IV and involved dissecting osteochondritis (n=21), chondral or osteochondral avulsion (n=13) and dome necrosis (n=2). Osteotomy of the medial malleolus was required to access the lesions in 27 ankles; a lateral osteotomy was used in six ankles. After a mean follow-up of 18 months, outcome was considered excellent or good in 81% (ICRS grade I and II). Mild knee pain was reported by 14 patients. All malleolar osteotomies healed without complication. None of the cases worsened.

Discussion: This technique is to be reserved for young symptomatic patients. Despite the more traumatic technique compared with the traditional method, Mosaicplasty(r) enables repair with hyaline cartilage giving more satisfactory short- and mid-term results. Use of a medial or lateral osteotomy does not create any major problem. This is the only was to obtain good lesion exposure, particularly for more posterior lesions. Morbidity at the donor site, though not significantly proven in this series, should be examined in more detail.

Conclusion: Autologous osteochondral grafts using Mosaicplasty(r) is a validated technique for ankle repair. Malleolar osteotomy has been found to be important to achieve proper repair. A long-term study will be needed to evaluate the persistence of these results, and possible donor site morbidity, as well as the preventive effect against osteoarthritis.

Purpose: We report a series of 46 cases of subtal instability associated or not with tibiotarsal lesions treated by Castaing ligamentoplasty between 1988 and 1999.

Material and methods: Preoperatively, symptoms were: instability, twisted ankle, recurrent ankle sprains, pain. A tarsal sinus syndrome was found in 39%. MRI was performed in all 46 patients and revealed ligamentary lesions in all case. Outcome was assessed with the Kitoaka score.

Results: At mean 5.7 years follow-up instability had resolved in 80% of the ankles. Total pain relief was noted in 63%. Physical examination demonstrated reduced motion of the subtalar joint with inversion in 43% ranging from 50% to 70% compared with healthy side, but without significant functional impact. Radiographic signs of early-stage degeneration were found in three patients. Overall outcome was very good in 82%, fair in 11%, and poor in 7%. The index of patient satisfaction was 87%.

Discussion: This series showed a correlation between body mass index greater than 26 or constitutional laxity and fair or poor results. Furthermore, longer time between the first sprain and surgical management of the residual instability led to less satisfactory final outcome. Comparison with other ligamentoplasty techniques showed similar results.

Conclusion: The Castaign procedure provides results similar to other ligamentoplasty techniques. Direct repair of the subtalar ligaments should however be preferred as the first-intention procedure, reserving Castaign ligamentoplasty for cases of failed repair.

Purpose: Fusion of subtalar arthrodesis is achieved in 94% of cases. There is a significant superficial cutaneous and neurological risk. Since 1985, we have performed partial arthrodesis using curettage-filling of the tarsal sinus via a minimally invasive approach. We wanted to know whether this technique decreases morbidity while preserving maximal rate of fusion.

Material and methods: We reviewed 52 patients (55 arthrodeses) operated on by the same surgeon. Immediate weight-bearing was allowed in all patients with a walking boot cast worn for ten weeks. We studied speed of fusion, the hindfoot axis, the development of complications, and the functional outcome (Kitaoka score).

Results: Fusion was not achieved in one case at ten weeks. Cutaneous necrosis occurred on one patient who had required a wide approach for other procedures. There was one superficial infection and one reflex dystrophy. Defective residual alignment was observed in six feet where the deformation could not be reduced preoperatively. The mean function score was 39/100 preoperatively and 86/94 postoperatively.

Conclusion: This technique provides excellent results with minimal morbidity but can only be proposed if the misalignment can be reduced preoperatively.

Purpose: Mediotarsal arthrodesis can correct the deformation and relieve pain in adults with reducible talipes planovalgus. We assess clinical and radiological outcome.

Material and methods: This retrospective analysis involved 22 cases of reducible talipes planovalgus (Johson stage 2) in 19 patients (eleven men and eight women), mean age 43 years (15–75). Clinical assessment was based on pain, function and motion (AOFAS and Mann). AP and lateral weight-bearing radiographs with Meary cerclage were used to determine the Djian angle, talometatarsal alignment, talar tilt, calcaneal valgus, and stage of osteoarthritis in adjacent joints.

Results: Mean follow-up was 88 months (6–243). Two non-unions evolved favourably after cancellous graft. The Kitaoka score was 73.5 points/94 (53–94). Pain and function improved respectively from 2.8 to 1.1/4 points and 3.5 to 1.6/4 points on the de Mann scale. Flexion-extension remained unchanged. The foot was well aligned in 68% of the cases (7.5 points). Mean talar tilt and talocalcaneal divergence were normalised but defective Djian angle persisted with a broken de Meary line in 98% and 41% of cases respectively. Calcaneal valgus was reduced 6.6° (16.6 to 10°) and podoscopy showed that flat foot persisted in 86% of the cases. In 50%, neighbouring joints presented progressive osteoarthritic degeneration with clinical impact in only one patient (4.5%). Subjectively, 73% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied and none of the patients were disappointed. The objective outcome was excellent or good in 68% of cases.

Discussion: Pain, function, motion, complications and rate of satisfaction were comparable with data in the literature (Mann, Baxter, Steinhäuser). Mediotarsal arthrodesis is effective against pain and allows satisfactory recovery of function without morbidity greater than talonavicular arthrodesis (Harper). However, while the foot is well aligned in the majority of the cases, the plantar vault is poorly restored clinically and radiologically. Compensatory over-motion of the adjacent joints probably leads to bone remodelling and moderate asymptomatic osteoarthritis seven years after the procedure.

Purpose: Pelvic girdle fractures with vertical and horizontal instability (Tile classification class C) are classical indications for surgical stabilisation of the posterior and anterior lesions. There is general agreement concerning the anterior fixation, but several methods have been described for the posterior fixation: open or percutaneous sacroiliac screwing using fluoroscopic or computed tomographic guidance, sacral compression bar applied laterally on the posterior iliac masses, sacral screw for sacroiliac fixation using the Galveston technique, among others.

Material and methods: We propose a new sacroiliac fixation technique for fractures of the pelvic girdle associating vertical and horizontal instability (Tile classification class C). This fixation technique controls vertical displacement while authorising, if needed, a certain degree of mobility in the horizontal plane allowing easier reduction of the anterior fracture. This technique uses two sacral screws, one in S1 and the other in S2, and two iliac screws. The iliac screws are inserted in the posterior iliac crest passing through two sacroiliac connectors placed on a rod connecting the two sacral screws. Vertical displacement is controlled by blocking the two connectors on the screw heads. If needed, the connectors can be left unblocked allowing a certain degree of freedom for moving the half-pelvis in the horizontal plane.

Results: This technique was used in four cases. Anatomic reduction was achieved. There was no secondary movement of the osteosynthesis material and no secondary displacement. Because of the quality of the fixation, the sitting position was allowed rapidly as was full-weight bearing and walking. This type of fixation is reserved for type C12 fractures of the Tile classification.

Purpose: This prospective study focused on an interhospital collaboration for foot and ankle surgery. Collaboration was organised between the referring surgeon and four regional foot and ankle specialists. We evaluated concordance and discordance between expert opinions.

Material and methods: Patients for whom an opinion was requested were selected by the requesting surgeon based on problems involving diagnosis or therapeutic indications. Opinions were requested by email. Individual protocols were established for the clinical report and x-ray file of each type of condition. The final therapeutic decision was made by the requesting surgeon.

Results: Among the 450 patients seen for foot and ankle disorders, opinions were requested from experts for 30. The conditions involved: the forefoot (46%), the middle foot (16%), the hindfoot (7%) and the ankle (31%). Mean time for the response was eleven days (1–60). Experts responded to all requests (120 responses) but in four cases (3%) could not provide an opinion. The index of diagnostic agreement among the experts was 3.2/4. The index for therapeutic indications showed agreement at 2.6/4. Agreement between the therapy proposed to the patient and that proposed by the experts was 2.6/3.

Discussion: We analysed the advantages for the patient, the responsibility of the requesting and responding surgeon, and the problems related to remuneration of this type of counselling. Compared with other technologies, email was found to be simple, reliable, and low-cost with good quality images. This work showed that there was concordance between the opinions and that electronic expertise counselling is certainly very useful for foot disorders. Requests addressed to several experts increases precision and provides complementary information for difficult cases. It is important that the different participants know each other.

Conclusion: This work is the first step towards the development of a care network for foot and ankle disease enabling graduated patient management.

Purpose: We propose a simple surgical treatment with sustained efficacy for chronic symptomatic acromioclavicular instability.

Material and methods: Dissection of ten cadaver specimens (20 shoulders) enabled a detailed biometry of the acromiocoracoid ligament (ACCL) with measures of motion and clavicular fixation. We were also able to measure tear resistance with a dynamometer. The proposed surgical technique was designed from Weaver-Dunn reconstruction as modified by Bircher. Briefly, acromioplasty is used to dis-insert the ACCL which is folded back on the clavicular resection border then fixed by screws or wires.

Results: The size of the acromioplasty section varied from 18 to 25 mm in diameter. The ACCL had a quadrilateral aspect: mean anterior length 37.7 mm, mean posterior length 25.6 mm, mean middle (coracoid) width 16 mm, mean lateral width 22.3 mm and mean thickness 1.55 mm. The fold angle was 68° on average giving 10.8 mm in height and 21.8 thickness. The coracoclavicular distance varied from 15.7 mm to 50.1 mm. Mean tear force was 11.5 daN.

Discussion: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the unstable acromioclavicular joint requires resection of the lateral quarter of the clavicle using the Baccarani technique which should be completed by a stabilisation fixation. The Weaver-Dunn technique appears to be insufficient for Rockwood stage IV and B chronic instability. The distance between the anterior border of the coracoid and the posterior border of the clavicle is within the reach of the length of the acromiocoracoid ligament. The available length allows tension adjustments before fixation, which should be performed preferably using a wire fixation or a 3.5 compression screw set on a washer to achieve satisfactory stability and good pull-out resistance.

Conclusion: Biometrics of the ACCL and the width of the acromioplasty and clavicular osteotomy demonstrate several possibilities for regulating the fixation which can thus be adapted to the morphology of each case while assuring good compression and solid fixation necessary for excellent long-term results.

Purpose: We compared three fixation systems for proximal fractures of the humerus to elaborate a rigid extra-medullary implant: the basket plate. This novel implant allows fixation of the tubercles with a claw system associated or not with a central cephalic locking screw. The objectives of this study were: check the resistance of the prototype, evaluate the contributions of the claws, and the usefulness of locking.

Material and methods: This was a prototype experimental study comparing a commonly used implant (Maconor2 plate) with the new implant using two series of static mechanical tests (Instrum). The tests were performed on 20 DMO-frozen anatomic specimens using the four-fragment fracture model. An implant was assigned to five groups of randomly selected specimens. The first tests (three groups) were axial compression tests mimicking abduction in the plane of the scaphoid. We analysed the overall mechanical behaviour of the implant and evaluated the locking system. The second tests (two groups) were traction tests. We analysed the behaviour of the fixed tuberosities. The mechanical resistance of the assemblies was noted as the limit load on the force: deformation curve and as the rigidity of the slope.

Results: The first tests showed that the implant was improved by the locking system and had better overall mechanical characteristics than the compared implant, although the difference was not statistically significant. The better hold in the tubercles provided by the claws was expected after the first tests and confirmed by the second tests, but the difference was not significant.

Discussion: The prototype improved with the locking system presented mechanical resistance equivalent to the compared model. The usefulness of locking could not be demonstrated but was considered to improve tolerance to loading by better force distribution. The contribution of the claws was not demonstrated statistically although the results are in line with early hopes. The present findings and data in the literature on shoulder biomechanics suggest that the tests should be conducted on a larger number of specimens to demonstrate a statistically significant difference. The tested series was too small.

Conclusion: Comparison of mechanical resistance with theoretical data on forces applied to the proximal humerus show that the prototype is well adapted, allowing immediate postoperative motion. A prospective study is currently being conducted in our unit.

Purpose: Appropriate treatment of fractures of the acetabulum is well known but there is a risk of subsequent degeneration. Few reports of series reviewed after ten years are available. We report a series of 136 treated fractures of the acetabulum with a mean follow-up of 16 years.

Material and methods: Between 1972 and 1996, a total of 554 fractures of the acetabulum were treated. An independent operator reviewed 136 cases. The Judet Letournel classification was applied. Reduction was studied on the AP and 3/4 oblique views of the pelvis using the SOFCOT (November 1981) criteria. Intra- and postoperative parameters (blood loss, complications) were noted. Functional outcome was assessed with the Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné score.

Results: Orthopaedic treatment was used for 38% of the fractures. Forty-one percent were non-displaced and 54% were minimally displaced; 5% of patients had a contraindication for surgery. Reduction was achieved in 28% of the displaced fractures. Among the patients treated orthopaedically, 71% had a good or very good outcome. Anatomic reduction was achieved in 80%. The main complications were sciatic nerve injury (14%), heterotopic ossifications (18%), infection (5%) and intraarticular screws (5%). Good or very good outcome was achieved in 69%. A total hip arthroplasty was implanted in 19% at mean 8 years. Factors significantly related with poor outcome (p< 0.05) were age, posterior displacement, and surgeon experience. There was a good correlation between the function score and radiological signs of osteoarthritis.

Discussion: This is the longest follow-up reported in the literature. For operated patients, the percentage of good and very good outcomes was lower than in other series despite a good rate of anatomic reduction which thus is not a guarantee of good long-term outcome. Other prognostic factors found in the literature include fracture of the femoral head, type of fracture, and quality of the reduction. Long term follow-up remains essential for pertinent analysis of joint surgery.

Background: Certain pelvic fractures with posterior shearing force lesions raise a difficult problem for stabilisation. Assemblies bridging the two sacroiliac joints and anchored in the vertebral pedicles have been proposed to overcome this difficult osteosynthesis problem. But this type of fixation bridges intact joints. We used an original computer-assisted osteosynthesis technique in a patient with an unstable non-union of a displaced fracture passing through the S1 pedicle and the sacral foramina associated with major pubic disjunction.

Case report: The instability of the half-pelvis led to pubalgia and movement of the non-union focus which in turn led to S1 sciatalgia preventing the sitting position. The fracture and the displacement could not be treated initially because of open visceral lesions which required definitive colostomy and a long period of intensive care. The technical problem was to stabilise the pelvis with a posterior osteosynthesis which could not use the S1 pedicle. The fixation had to be sufficiently rigid to compensate for the impossible anterior fixation of the pubic symphesis.

Operative technique: The original solution was to bridge the non-union transversally using two spinal bars (CD instrumentation) applied on the healthy side with two polyaxial screws in S1 (in the pedicle and the wing) and on the non-union side with two polyaxial screws inserted in the iliac wing passing between the internal and external corticals. The assembly was completed with two transiliosacral screws passing through S1 and S2 after demounting and avivement of the non-union.

Discussion: The computer superposed a virtual image of the instruments on the CT images allowing precise insertion of the two iliac screws which had to pass between the bone tables over a long trajectory. The two transiliosacral screws could thus be inserted into S1 and S2 percutaneously with minimal neurological risk. Monitoring the progression allowed safe avivement of the nonunion to the anterior border of the sacrum. The final assembly thus associated four screws and two bars on the posterior part of the sacrum and two anterior screws, enabling perpendicular compression of the nonunion while maintaining the spine and contralateral sacroiliac joint. At five years, the patient remains free of dysesthesia and can sit and walk with little limitation.

Conclusion: This particular case illustrates perspective computer-assisted osteosynthesis methods.

Purpose: Functional outcome after shoulder arthrodesis was evaluated to assess indications for the treatment of posttraumatic partial and total brachial plexus paralysis in adults.

Material and methods: Twenty-seven patients who underwent glenohumeral arthrodesis for posttraumatic brachial plexus paralysis were reviewed. Eleven had radicular paralysis (C5, C6 and C5, C6, C7) and sixteen total paralysis. All patients recovered active elbow flexion. Shoulder reinnervation had failed in eleven patients. Before the arthrodesis, 22 patients could no use their paralysed limb. Mean time between direct neurological surgery and arthrodesis was 30 months for partial paralyses and 20 months for total paralyses. Glenohumeal screw fixation was used for the arthrodesis which was associated with an external fixation in 21.

Results: Mean postoperative follow-up was 70 months. There were two cases of non-union which fused after revision and three cases of humerus fracture which occurred during the first six months after surgery. Pain related to inferior subluxation improved in six patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups for position of the fusion, or postoperative active motion (60° flexion, 60° abduction, 45° internal rotation and 7 to −9° external rotation). There was a significant difference in force which was greater for superior paralyses (11 kgf versus 7 kgf in flexion, 12 kfg versus 7 kgf in abduction, 6 kgf versus 2 kgf in external rotation and 11 kgf versus 4 kgf in internal rotation). The same was true for hand movement. The differences were statistically correlated with force of the pectoralis major.

Conclusion: Glenohumeral arthrodesis provides significant improvement in function in patients with supraclavicular brachial plexus paralysis, even with a paralytic hand. Arthrodesis also allows reorienting surgical reinnervation to other functions such as hand movement. Shoulder force and hand movement are directly correlated with force of the pectoralis major.

Purpose: Treating fractures of the femur in patients with a total hip arthroplasty is a difficult task. The frequency of these fractures is estimated at 1% to 3%. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcome and to search, by type of fracture, for factors predictive of late complications in order to improve indications.

Material and methods: Since 1985, we collected data on 29 patients (17 women and 12 men) mean age 73.3 years who had a fracture of the femur after total hip arthroplasty. By definition, intraoperative fractures were excluded. Two independent operators noted epidemiological, therapeutic and imaging data and classed the fractures using the Vancouver classification. Treatments used were noted and clinical and radiological outcomes at mean follow-up of 24 months (6–140) were analysed.

Results: Falls were the cause of the fractures in 31 patients (84%). Six of these patients had a revision prosthesis. Five fractures were in a zone of unprotected weakness. The fractures were trochanteric (n=9), periprosthetic (n=18), or below the stem (n=2). Nine patients were treated by isolated osteosynthesis and eleven by replacing the prosthesis. The Beals score was used to assess outcome taking into account the stability and the quality of the implant fixation as well as fracture realignment. In patients whose fracture was around the stem, outcome was excellent in two, good in one, and poor in four. For fractures of the lesser trochanter (n=4), outcome was excellent in two and good in two. For fractures below the stem (n=2), outcome was good in both. There was one case of deep infection.

Discussion: Considering the same types of fractures, orthopaedic treatments produced poor results (6/11), unlike prosthesis replacement (2/11) and osteosynthesis (1/9). The number of loosenings was underestimated, leading to failure of orthopaedic treatment.

Conclusion: In the event of fracture of the proximal femur in patients with a total hip arthroplasty, any suspected loosening, particularly of a cemented stem, should lead to prosthesis revision rather than orthopaedic treatment or simple osteosynthesis.

Purpose: We report the results of a study using fluoronavigation for distal locking of tibial and femoral nails and for screw fixation of femoral neck fractures in adults. We compared the duration of radiation exposure with the manual methods.

Material and methods: Among a cohort of 220, 32 were selected randomly for the distal locking or cervical screwing using fluoronavigation. The series included 22 tibial nails, 3 femoral nails, and seven femoral neck fixations. The Medtronic ION navigation system was used. The computerised system recognises the relative spatial positions of the patient, the fluoroscope and the instrument. Data are transmitted via an optical camera.

Results: We noted overall operative time and duration of radiation exposure by type of fracture. The duration of fluoroscopy ranged from 0.6 to 1.4 minutes for a tibial nailing using the conventional technique and 0.5 to 1 minute with fluoronavigation. For triple screwing, the fluoroscopy time was 1 minute 25 seconds. A total of 73 screws were inserted: 72 in correct position (one patient moved during the intervention). There were no nosocomial complications and no cases of compartment syndrome.

Discussion: Repeated exposure to x-rays can be a limiting factor for locked nailing. It takes only a short time to install the material and learn the software. During this first experience, the already short radiation exposure was divided in half despite the fact that each screw was controlled separately, which with experience would not be necessary. Improvements in the software will allow controlling the rotation of the limb and avoid length discrepancies.

Conclusion: In the traumatology unit, fluoronavigation is not a gadget to produce unnecessary virtual images. On the contrary, it improves safety for both the patient and the surgical team. This study demonstrates that patients can benefit from less radiating minimally invasive surgery allowing more precise insertion of the locking screws to avoid material failure. Future developments should improve the quality of the anatomic results of locked nailing and allow wider indications.

Purpose: We evaluated male sexual function after utilisation of the orthopaedic table for centromedullary nailing in patients with femoral shaft fractures treated between 1995 and 2001. The objective was to determine the frequency of altered function and search for favouring factors.

Material and methods: Sexual function was assessed with a self-administered questionnaire using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). We contacted by mail 109 patients aged 20 – 50 years treated in the orthopaedic traumatology unit between 1995 and 2001. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative variables and Student’s t test for classed variables.

Results: Seven patients declined to respond and three died; 55 responded (81.8%). Patients were grouped by erectile function (EF) score (< 22 or 22) according to Cappelleri. Erectile dysfunction was identified in 19 patients. Altered sexual function did not appear to be related to age, weight or height. The duration of the operation was not different between the two groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a increase in iatrogenic lesions having an impact on erectile function in patients treated on an orthopaedic table when curare is not used during the intervention. The frequency of these lesions decreases significantly if the surgery is performed by a senior surgeon.

Purpose: Osteosynthesis of complex subtrochanteric fractures is a difficult task. Complications are frequent and results are uncertain. Cemented fixation of pathological metastatic fractures requires a major intervention. The functional prognosis remains uncertain. Our objective was to evaluate the contribution of the long gamma nail (50 nails) in this type of situation and to determine its advantages and disadvantages.

Material and methods: The 50 long gamma nails were inserted in 23 women and 26 men who were followed eight months (4–16). We implanted 39 long gamma nails for complex subtrochanteric fractures (AO classification) in patients aged 59 years on average (19–93) and eleven nails for metastatic femur fractures in patients aged 59 years on average (19–93) with a trochanterodiaphyseal localisation. For the non-metastatic fractures, closed nailing was used in 28 patients and minimum opening for eleven. For the metastatic fractures, the primary tumour was known in eleven cases. The nailing was a preventive measure in six and performed after fracture in five. Three patients had plurifocal fractures. We analysed 43 parameters (position of the cervical screw in the four quadrants of the femoral neck and clinical and radiological features).

Results: For the 39 fractures, reduction was anatomic in 24 and with a gap in 15. The position of the cervical nail was correct in 34 cases. It was in the anterosuperior quadrant in three, the posterosuperior quadrant in one and the posteroinferior quadrant in one. Weight bearing was resumed at 1.5 months on average. Healing with total weight bearing was achieved at four months on average (maximum 8 months). Mechanical complications were: migration of the cephalic screw (n=4), rupture of the locking wings (n=9), nail fracture (n=1), non-union (n=2). Total pain relief was achieved for the eleven pathological fractures (maximum follow-up 16 months). Weight-bearing with crutches was possible in seven patients and not possible in four. There was no dismounting. Outcome was comparable with cemented osteosyntheses.

Discussion: For pathological fractures, this less aggressive osteosynthesis provides very effective pain relief. For other complex subtrochanteric fractures, complete closed nailing was not always possible.

Purpose: Scapulohumeral arthrodesis is principally indicated for plexus brachial paralysis. It is a controversial indication with limited use for non-neurological conditions. We report a series of shoulder arthrodeses performed for non-neurological conditions searching for the appropriate indications for this procedure.

Material and methods: The series included nine patients, six men and three women, mean age 48 years (23–89). The dominant side was fused in three and the non-dominant in six. Seven patients had had at least one operation prior to arthrodesis. The procedure was performed in one patient to remove a foreign body in a prosthetic cuff tendon, in three for off-centred joint degeneration with massive cuff tears and in two for degenerative disease with multidirectional instability. In all patients except one, the posterior approach was used for internal screw fixation associated with external fixation (left in place for 2.5 months on average).

Results: Subjectively, all patients except one were satisfied with the result (mainly because of pain relief). Objectively, active motion was 65° flexion, 65° abduction, 50° internal rotation (mean fusion position 20° flexion, 25° abduction, and 30° internal rotation). Two groups were identified for assessment with the absolute Constant score. The score improved 16 points (24 to 40) in the group without instability (pain score improved from 3 to 13) and decreased 14 points (66 to 52) in patients with instability (attributed to lesser motion, mean motion scores decreasing from 38 to 14). Complications included one case each of radial palsy, non-union, and gravity oedema of the upper limb.

Discussion: Pain relief and stability are not the sole objectives of shoulder arthrodesis. The procedure can also provide useful improvement in function (hand mouth, hand perineum, thoracobrachial clamp. It can be useful if prosthetic arthroplasty cannot be used (infectious arthritis, advanced osteoarthritis in young subjects and failed stabilisation of multidirectional instability). It is a predictable procedure in terms of outcome. We continue to use scapulohumeral arthrodesis for rare indications.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define the normal shoulder in patients over 75 years of age and to search for correlations between shoulder function, mental status, and general health.

Material and methods: One hundred eighty subjects aged 75 years or older with no history of surgery involving the shoulder or neighbouring regions (breast, axillary area, elbow) were included in the study. We noted shoulder motion (flexibility ratio), rotator cuff force (Mayo scale) and searched for abnormal movements. The Quetelet body mass index (BMI) was also noted. Patients responded to a self-administered questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test, on shoulder function, and the Constant score was determined for each shoulder. Beck test was used to search for geriatric depression. A standard x-ray series and ultrasound exploration were performed if joint function was abnormal.

Results: Only 44% of the shoulders were entirely disease-free. Clinically silent lesions (cuff tears, osteoarthritis, stiffness) were identified in 56% of the subjects but had no impact on daily life activities. The dominant shoulder presented 56.4% of the cuff tears; 13.9% of the subjects had bilateral degenerative joint disease and 23.3% bilateral stiffness. Associated conditions were numerous: cardiovascular (33%), pulmonary (28%), gastrointestinal (25.6%), diabetes (12.2%), neoplasia (10.6%). 18.3 % of the patients had signs of depression and 14.4% were treated for depression. Shoulder motion and force varied with the BMI and nutritional status. Thin patients (BMI < 20) had more rotator cuff tears. Heavy patients (BMI > 29.9) had more osteoarthritis and stiffness. 76.8% of the subjects were satisfied with their shoulder function. Demand for care and examination was greater in depressive patients.

Discussion: In very old subjects, shoulder function is compatible with the demands of daily life activities. Shoulder function is correlated with general health status, the BMI, and the mental status. Shoulders should be prudently evaluated in the elderly because function, even when altered, is often compatible with moderate stiffness, osteoarthritis, and cuff tears which do not necessarily require treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess long-term functional outcome after arthroscopic acromioplasty for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, to evaluate the efficacy of complementary procedures (biceps tenotomy, extended acromioclavicular resection), and to examine the course of anatomic lesions.

Material and methods: From 1988 to 1994, 141 full-thickness rotator cuff tears were treated by arthroscopic acromioplasty. Ninety-eight patients, mean age 60 years, were reviewed clinically, radiographically, and sonographically at more than eight years. The mean preoperative Constant score was 48.5 points. The tear involved the supraspinatus in 18 cases, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus in 40, the supraspinatus and the subscapularis in ten, and all three tendons in 20. Coronal extension showed a distal tear in four, an intermediate tear in 52, and a retracted stump in 32. Systemic acromioplasty was associated in 36 patients with tenotomy of the long head of the brachial biceps and in 44 with acromioclavicular extension.

Results: At mean follow-up of 10.7 years (8–13.5), the mean Constant score was 60 points. The clinical outcome was excellent or good in 39.7%, fair in 45.5%, and poor in 14.8. 62.5% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The height of the subacromial space was 5.19 mm at last follow-up compared with 4.3 mm preoperatively. The antalgesic effect of biceps tenotomy was significant when the initial acromiohumeral space was less than 5 mm. This procedure did not produce any significant change in the subacromial height or development of osteoarthritis at last follow-up. Sonography showed stability of the size of the tear in 83.8% of the cases. The results were significantly less satisfactory when the initial tear involved the subscapularis or all three tendons.

Conclusion: The clinical results of arthroscopic acropmioplasty for full-thickness tears show long-term stability. Biceps tenotomy improves the antalgesic effect significantly, particularly if the subachromial space measures less than 5 mm preoperatively, without causing significant radiological degradation. Extension to the acromioclavicular level should be systematic in patients with acromioclavicular pain preoperatively and/or radiological anomalies.

Purpose: We hypothesised that the rate of tendon healing after arthroscopic repair of full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus is equivalent to that obtained with open techniques reported in the literature.

Material and methods: We studied prospectively a cohort of 65 patients with arthroscopically repaired full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus. The patients were reviewed a mean 19 months (12–43) after repair. At arthroscopy, patients were aged 59.5 years on average (28–79). Bone-tendon sutures were performed with resorbable thread and self-locking anchors positioned on the lateral aspect of the humerus. Repair was protected with an abduction brace for six weeks. Forty-one patients (63%) accepted an arthroscan performed six months to two years after arthroscopy to assess tendon healing.

Results: Ninety-four percent of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. The mean Constant score was 51.6±10.6 points preoperatively and 80.2±13.2 at last follow-up (p< 0.001). The arthroscan showed that the rotator cuff had healed in 70% of the cases (29/41). The supra-spinatus had not healed on the trochiter in eight cases (25%) and was partially healed in two (5%). The size of the residual tendon defect was less than the initial tear in all cases except one. The rate of patient satisfaction and function was not significantly different if the tendon had healed (Constant score 81.3/100, satisfaction 93%) or if there was a residual tendon defect (Constant score 77.5/100, satisfaction 92%). Shoulder force in patients with a healed tendon (6±1.9 kg) was better than in those with a tendon defect (4.5±2.8 kg), but the difference was not significant. Factors affecting tendon healing were age > 65 years (43% healing, p< 0.02), and wide tears.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tears enables tendon healing in 70% of cases as demonstrated by arthroscan. This rate was equivalent to those reported in historical series of open repair. Patients aged over 65 years had significantly less satisfactory healing. The absence of tendon healing does not compromise functional and subjective outcome despite reduced force.

Purpose: Failure is still observed after 20% of acromioplasties which can be explained by acromioclavicular osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the deleterious effect of this degeneration on outcome.

Material and methods: We reviewed 103 arthroscopic acromioplasties performed in 100 patients who presented non-torn non-calcified tenopathies. Seven patients were excluded so 96 patients, 63 women and 33 men were retained for analysis. Mean age at operation was 48.2 years and mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the sonographic findings: group 1 had no computed tomography (CT) signs of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (66 patients), such signs were found in group 2 (30 patients). Each patient was reviewed clinically and CT-scan was used to diagnosis osteoarthritis classed as stage 0 to 3. Subjective outcome was assessed in terms of patient satisfaction and objectively with the Constant score.

Results: Subjectively, three-quarters of the patients in group 1 were satisfied versus one-third in group 2. The Constant score confirmed this finding with a mean 76 points in group 1 versus 68 in group 2 (the weighted score was 93.5% and 83% respectively). The weighted score showed that good or excellent results were achieved in 84.84% of the patients in group 1 and in 43% in group 2.

Discussion: Our results are in agreement with data in the literature and provide scientific evidence of the influence of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis on the failure of acromioplasty. The results in group 1 were clearly better than in group 2, proving statistically a widely accepted notion: acromioclavicular osteoarthritis compromises significantly outcome of acromioplasty. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that among the seven cases excluded (for resection of the articulation), six had satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusion: These results confirm the unfavourable influence of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis on the outcome of acromioplasty. A prospective study designed to determine the effect of simultaneous acromioclavicular resection would be useful to propose a coherent therapeutic approach.

Purpose: Short-term results of surgical repair of subscapularis tears are well known. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcome after surgical repair of 21 full-thickness tears of the subscapularis.

Material and methods: Inclusion criteria were subscapularis tear (n=21) which were isolated (n=9) or associated with a supraspinatus tear (n=11) without intraspinatus tears. The subscapularis was reinserted by transosseous fixation in fifteen cases and with a trapezeal flap in six. The supraspinatus was repaired by transosseous suture. Function (Constant score) was assessed preoperatively, at one and three years, and at last follow-up (nine years, range six to fifteen years). We also noted radiographic changes (subacromial height, osteoarthritis using the Samilson classification, anterior dislocation of the humeral head). Fatty degeneration (FD) of the cuff was assessed on pre-operative scans and at last follow-up. Arthroscan, performed at one year and ultrasonography performed at last follow-up were used to assess cuff continuity.

Results: The rough Constant score was 45.2 (12–93.5) preoperatively, 67.5 (20–95) at one and three years and 59.45 (20–95) at last follow-up. At last follow-up, the Constant score was significantly better than preoperatively (improved pain score). There was only one case of repeated tear (repaired supraspinatus). At last follow-up we noted six anterior dislocations. The subacromial space remained unchanged (9.5 mm). Glenohumeral osteoarthritis developed in fourteen cases (2 Samilson class 3) including eight de novo degenerations. FD of repaired subscapularis tendons was 0.8 (0–4) preoperatively and 1.64 (1–4) at last follow-up. FD of unrepaired subscapularis tendons treated with a trapezeal flap worsened (2.2 to 2.7). FD of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (0.5 preoperatively) worsened one stage. At last follow-up, the Constant score was lower in the presence of anterior dislocation of the humeral head (p=0.013). Development of anterior dislocation of the humeral head was correlated with major preoperative FD of the subscapularis (cut-off between 1.5 and 2, p=0.01). There was a correlation between more FD of the infraspinatus and the presence of anterior dislocation of the humeral head. Among the trapezeal flaps, there were only two good results (Constant scores 74 and 75) in patients with FD of the subscapularis scored 1.5 preoperatively.

Conclusion: Functional and radiographic outcome after cuff repair or palliation with a trapezeal flap for subscapularis tears associated or not with supraspinatus tears is not satisfactory unless the fatty degeneration of the subscapularis is low preoperatively (δ 1.5).

Purpose: Following up patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) is useful but raises many technical and logistic problems. A systematic analysis of data collection for THA patients allows an evaluation of the value and the limitations of the method.

Material and methods: During a five-year period, French, Belgium, and Spanish surgeons volunteered to participate in the AVIO program. For all revision THA, they completed a brief information card recording data on the patient, the reason for the revision, the type of prosthesis replaced, its current status and the status of the bone. Data were centralised for statistical analysis. More than 3000 information cards were collected. Analysis provided information on the patients (age, gender, side, etc.) but also on survival of the revised prostheses, the principal reasons for revision, and the anomalies observed on the implants and bones and the relationships between these points.

Results: The reasons for revision could be divided into two categories: early problems (dislocation, infection, pain) and late problems (loosening, bone lysis, dislocation). Revisions directly related with defective material accounted for only 5% of the cases but a default was present in 75% of the cases at revision.

Discussion: This work provides interesting insight into revision THA and the patients concerned as well as the limiting technical problems. Conversely, it did not reveal any significant indication concerning the outcome of the prostheses themselves due to lack of information on first-intention implantation. Systematic data collection was also hindered by several factors: irregular mailings, imprecise information, difficulty in determining which implant was removed.

Conclusion: Systematic collection of data on technical failures can provide useful information on the technique, but cannot allow in itself a valid evaluation.

Purpose: We evaluated the respective roles of acromioplasty and curettage of calcifications in arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinopathy of the rotator cuff.

Material and methods: We reviewed 41 cases of calcifying tendinopathy at mean 42 months. We retained for analysis only true calcifications identified at least 12 months after arthroscopy. All patients underwent acromioplasty and 13 underwent calcification curettage. The physical examination searched for subacromial impingement and cuff tendon suffering. The weighted Constant score was determined to assess outcome as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Patient satisfaction was assessed using three subjective questions. We searched for persistent calcification on the AP and Lamy lateral x-rays and quantified acromial resection by measuring the height of the subacromial space, the acromial arrow, and the type of acromion (Bigliani). Ultrasonography was performed to search for cuff lesions. Cuffs were classed as normal, atrophic or torn.

Results: After statistical analysis, the mean Constant score was found to have increased from 55 points to 80 points, with 88% excellent and good results (weighted Constant score > 85%). There was no significant difference between patients with and without calcification curettage (p> 0.1). Patients who were mobilised rapidly had a better outcome (p< 0.005). Subjectively, 88% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied.These results were not correlated with duration of follow-up. The degree of preoperative calcification did not affect outcome, but persistent calcification (nine cases) had an unfavourable effect on outcome. Nevertheless, 80% of the calcifications without curettage did not resorb after acromioplasty. The type of acromion had an effect on outcome. Acromions which were not flat (type II or III) had an unfavourable influence. The degree of acromial correction had a significant effect on outcome, the Constant score increased proportionally with the height of the subacromial space and inversely with acromial arrow. Ultrasonography disclosed two cuff tears but in elderly subjects, probably due to degeneration.

Conclusion: Curettage of calcifications does not improve outcome of good quality acromioplasty. The stage of the calcification is not an indication for curettage. Furthermore, it appears that the impingement is partly the cause of persistent calcifications since 80% of them disappeared after acromioplasty alone.

Purpose: Preoperative morphology must be carefully assessed for proper surgical planning for patients with arthroplasty with massive rotator cuff tears, but many morphological aspects are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the technical implications of this situation.

Material and methods: We included patients with arthropathy with massive rotator cuff tears who had a complete clinical and radiographic preoperative work-up. We analysed the morphological aspects of the acromion, the humerus and the glenoid cavity.

Results: One hundred forty-two patients (148 shoulders) were included. The acromion presented a fracture or lysis in 13 shoulders and was thinned or had an imprint in 37. It was normal in 70 and hypertrophic in 16. The humerus showed signs of necrosis in 31 shoulders, with a washed out trochiter in 7. Glenoid wear was classed in four stages: E0 or normal glenoid (n=51), E1 or centred wear (n=32), E2 or biconcave aspect (n=46), and E3 or major wear with superior concavity (n=13). Inverted prostheses were implanted in 80 shoulders and non-constrained prostheses in 68. The non-constrained prostheses exhibited progressive ascension of the humeral head in 63% with wear of the glenoid vault. Clinical deterioration led to revision in two patients. The non-constrained prostheses inserted in patients with an E2 glenoid had a significantly lower Constant score (p< 0.05) than the others. A notch appeared in the scapular column in 65%; of the constrained prostheses. This notch was favoured significantly in glenoids classed E2 or E3 preoperatively. The preoperative aspect of the humerus did not appear to affect clinical and radiographic outcome.

Discussion: A thin or lysed acromion associated with an E2 glenoid constitutes a poor indication for non-constrained prosthesis. In this situation, an inverted prosthesis should be used taking care to avoid orienting the glenosphere upwardly, a technically difficult task. Good indications for non-contrained prostheses should probably be limited to shoulders with a normal or thickened acromion and and E1 glenoid.

Purpose: Prosthetic hip surgery (150,000 total hip arthroplasties in France including 10–12% revision procedures) have required the development of bone banks to have graft material readily available. Safety and tracability requirements have led to the disappearance of local banks and the creation of validated tissue banks. The French tissue bank (TBF), which received its official authorization from the AFSSAPS in January 2001, began operating in 1992, collecting femoral heads (FH) procured during hip arthroplasties.

Material and methods: Material collection has increased steadily over the last five years. In 2002, 5004 FH were collected in 126 public or private centres. The number of FH which were rejected for regulatory, health (clinical and biological selection) and harvesting quality remained relatively stable around 20% from 1997 to 2000. Rejection for socioclincal reasons, which varied from 3 to 5%, included, in decreasing order, cancer, transfusion history, systemic disease and/or history of neurodegenerative disease, long-term corticosteroid treatment, and notion of infectious risk (mainly viral). Secondary rejection because regulatory tests could not be performed varied from 3 to 6% and included haemolysis, insufficient quantity for assay or preservation in the serum bank, ALAT assay impossible, serology suggestive of recent or former viral infection: HCV, HBV, HIV, HTLV. The FH underwent chemical treatment (viral and prion inactivation), mechanical treatment (production of bone shreads, cancellous blocks, wedges, whole heads, heads without neck), radiosterilisation and lyophylisation.

Results: Sixty percent of the grafts were used for hip arthroplasty, mainly during revision procedures (80%) (1.4 grafts on average, whole heads and blocks and more recently shredded bone); 8.5% were used for knee arthroplasty and 11.5% (blocks) for spinal surgery, 11% for fractures (in decreasing order femur, distal tibia, tibial plateau, ankle, foot, shoulder, arm, other), 4% for nonunions, 5% for osteotomies (blocks or wedges).

Conclusion: More and more grafts are used for osteotomy and spinal fusion procedures. Use of shredded bone is increasing. We are currently working on a cancellous bone paste combined with bone substitute.

Purpose: From 1985 to 2001, nearly 400,000 Zircone heads were implanted for total hip arthroplasty. In France, following an abnormally high rate of ruptures in two lots of heat-treated heads, production of Zircone heads was interrupted in 2001. Following work by Allain et al., another controversy developed concerning abnormal secondary wear of Zircone heads. According to certain authors, head roughness was increased by pitting phase transformation. This hypothesis was corroborated by Haraguchi (2001) who reported three explanted heads. We wanted to check the hypothesis.

Material and methods: In 2002, we explanted three Prozyr 22.2 Zircone heads for recurrent dislocation. We compared the explanted heads with a new Zircone head, a 28-mm alumina head explanted after prosthesis loosening and a new alumina head, using the same protocol as Haraguchi.

Results: On the explanted heads, the percentage of monoclinic Zircone was always less than 10% (3–10%). Roughness was also very minimal (Ra=0.01μm) for Zircone and ceramic heads, whether new or explanted, with no pitting and no notable structural change. The mean size of femoral head grains remained within the ISO 13 356 standard (1997).

Discussion: In 2003, Clark who studied three Zircone heads removed 2.8 to 10 years after implantation selected among 23 explanted heads, was unable to demonstrate any phase transformation or surface alterations. On one head explanted at eight years, Clark found significant monoclinic phase transformation. In our study, the three explanted heads did not exhibit significant monoclinic phase transformation since it remained less than 10% without pitting nor increased roughness. The behaviour of 22.2 Zircone heads may be different from 28 Zircone heads in terms of fracture (since no fractures have been observed after high-temperature furnace treatment of 22.2 heads) and in terms of monoclinic phase transformation.

Conclusion: This point is crucial for patients with a Zircone head total hip arthroplasty. Surveillance must be continued. At the present time and for mid term, we can conclude that the rate of monoclinic phase transformation of explanted Zircone heads is minimal and that production quality is good, particularly for 22.225 mm heads.

Purpose: Serum cobalt and chromium levels after metal-on-metal implantations are not well known. There has been little data on the correlation with clinical and radiological surveillance. This prospective analysis followed the changes in serum cobalt, chromium, and titanium levels in order to ascertain the behaviour of the femoral implant and the bearing.

Material and methods: The series included 292 patients followed for 27–72 months who were free of kidney failure, were not given vitamin B12 supplementation, and did not have occupational exposure. The same cemented implants were used in all patients: titanium femoral stem, Metasuly heads (28 mm). Serum samples were drawn preoperatively and at three, six and twelve months then annually (systematic activity questionnaire). The limit for detection of serum cobalt and chromium was 1 nmol/l (0.05μg/l); for titanium it was 30 nmol/l (1.4m/l).

Results: The main problems encountered were two impingements and two femoral loosenings. Four patterns were identified in the time courses of serum cobalt and chromium. In decreasing order, they were: type 1, low initial level (< 50 nmol/l) then no change; type 2, high initial level (> 50 nmol/l) then decrease; type 3 low initial level then progression; type 4, high initial level then further elevation. Bilateral prostheses showed a particular pattern with elevation after the second implantation. The serum levels rapidly returned to normal after revision in the two impingement cases. The titanium levels were correlated with femoral problems which were not initially detected on the x-rays.

Discussion: Correlation between serum cobalt level and wear is difficult to establish. There was no specific pattern after dislocation. The kinetics showed certain patterns with possible prognostic significance: groups 1 (metallic silence) and 2 (breaking-in) would correspond to favourable evolution; type 3 would be difficult to interpret (missed impingement, foreign body, articular decoaptation or major change in activity level); type 4 is highly suggestive of premature wear or a biological problem (excepting bilateral implants). It is important to monitor serum cobalt and titanium simultaneously to detect an interface problem and or femoral loosening.

Purpose: We tested the reliability of a digitalised x-ray reading system, Imagika(r), used to measure linear wear of total hip arthroplasy on the AP view of the pelvis.

Material and methods: Wear measurements were taken for total hip arthroplasties without cement (n=20) and with cement (n=19) using the distance between the centre of the acetabular cup and the femoral ball. The system delivered measures in hundredths of millimetres that were rounded off to the nearest tenth millimetre. For non-cemented implants, the centre of the acetabular cup was found automatically on the digitalised radiograms using the contour of the metal socket. For cemented cups, the centre of the cup was determined from five points situated on the metallic ellipse included in the polyethylene circumference. The software placed the point clicked by the reader on the adjacent intermediary zone showing the greatest contrast. Five observers read the radiograms twice at 15 day intervals. The observers were a young resident, a senior traumatology surgeon,and a senior surgeon specialised in hip surgery. Results were compared to determine inter- and intra- observer variability.

Results: Intra-observer variability was low since the standard deviation (at alpha error set at 5%) ranged from one tenth of a millimetre to six-tenths of a millimetre for four observers. It was higher (2 millimetres) for the fourth observer. The younger observers achieved the best reproducibility, to the order of a tenth of millimetre. Conversely, interobserver variability was high with standard deviation of several millimetres for an alpha risk of 5%. Comparing the two observers who achieved the best performances, the standard deviation of the measures was in the 3 to 4 millimetre range.

Discussion: Measurement precision was greater for cemented cups. Conversely, for press-fit cups, the contour of the head was sometimes difficult to distinguish even with optimal contrast and measurement deviations were to the order of one millimetre.

Conclusion: The reproducibility of the Imagika(r) system is insufficient to measure wear of total hip arthroplasty where the precision must be to the order of a tenth of a millimetre.

Purpose: Postoperative dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is a frequent complication. Certain risk factors have been well identified (greater trochanter non-union, history of repeated dislocation or infection, multiple operations), but the role of spinal morphology is not well known. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the role of spinal morphology on postoperative dislocation.

Material and methods: Between September 2000 and March 2002, 49 patients underwent rTHA. The prospective analysis included a preoperative radiographic evaluation of the spinal morphology for lumbopelvic assessment using the Legave and Duval Beaupère criteria. A standard information card was used pre- intra- and postoperatively to record usual patient- and material-related risk factors of dislocation. Five patients experienced postoperative dislocation despite any apparent defect in implant position.

Results: Mean sacral slope was significantly different (p=0.006) between patients with and without dislocation. This difference remained significant (p=0.017) when limiting the study to the 33 patients who had no associated risk factor postoperatively (history of recurrent dislocation or infection, multiple operations, tight non-union of the greater trochanter).

Discussion: Our study demonstrated the role of lumbar morphology on the risk of postoperative dislocation. Spinal morphology modifies the pelvic orientation and thus landmarks habitually used for implantation. It also affects the amplitude of pelvic movement when moving from the sitting to standing position, requiring hip compensation, particularly extension.

Purpose: The role of arthroscopic treatment for degenerative knee joint disease remains controversial. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement and to establish its indication for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in patients aged less than 50 years.

Material and methods: Arthroscopic debridement was performed from 1994 to 2002 in 192 patients, 72 men and 120 women, mean age 59 years (51–75). We noted clinical history, particularly conditions contraindicating major surgery, and prior lower limb trauma, particularly involving the same knee. Patient weight and activity level were considered. The preoperative work-up included a functional examination (Freeman), and a radiographic study used to class the osteoarthritis as early, moderate or advanced and measure the knee axis. We performed joint wash out in all cases associated with different debridement procedures. Chondropathy was evaluated with the Marshall classification. A new functional evaluation and subjective evaluation was performed at last follow-up.

Results: Severe disease was present in the history of 5.2% of the knees; 9.3% had had prior surgery and 82% presented moderate osteoarthritis, mainly involving all three compartments. Type II or III chondropathy was found in 92% of knees. At mean follow-up of 28 months (5–108), the mean function score improved from 69.4/110 preoperatively to 89.5/110 and 75.4% of patients considered their knee had improved. Five patients required secondary arthroplasty. Poor outcome was associated with type III or IV chondroplasty involving the three compartments and the presence of the mentioned history. Age was not correlated with poor outcome.

Discussion: We studied a population with overt osteoarthritis who were treated with a minimally aggressive method, mainly for palliation. Only 2.6% underwent total arthroplasty after arthroscopic treatment. There was a clear improvement in function, mainly pain relief. The large majority of the patients were satisfied with the outcome and did not require further medical treatment except occasionally. The less satisfactory results were obtained in patients with more advanced disease who could not undergo arthroplasty because of concomitant medical conditions.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate clinical and radiographic factors affecting early outcome of resurfaced hip prostheses in young adults.

Material and methods: Among 119 hybrid resurfaced prostheses with a metal-on-metal bearing implanted in patients aged 40 years or less, 94 were retained for analysis at minimum two years follow-up or failure. Mean age was 34.2 years (15–40), 71% of the patients were men and 14% had had a prior hip operation. A risk index (SARI) was developed from the Chandler index.

Results: Mean follow-up was three years (2–5). Items of the UCLA score improved: pain 3.1 versus 9.2, walking 5.8 versus 9.4 (p=0.00). Three hips required revision total hip arthroplasty at mean 27 months (2–50) and ten patients had radiographically significant modifications. Comparing these 17 hips with the 47 others, indexes showed 4.7 versus 2.6 for the SARI (p=0.000) and 2.6 versus 2.8 for the Chandler score (p=0.358). There was no correlation with reconstruction mechanics, function, walking or scoring. Valgus implantation of the femoral piece and the lateral lever arm were significantly correlated (r=0.39, p< 0.001).

Discussion: If the SARI was > 3, the relative risk of early complications was 12-fold higher than if the SARI was 3. Because of the distinct fixation of the femoral implant, a SARI=2 was attributed when there was a cyst in the femoral head and weight was < 82 kg (lower weight correlated with smaller implant, r=0.60). This index can be used to improve patient selection in order to define the role of arthroplasty resurfacing in the treatment of hip degeneration.

Material and methods: Two series of 35 total hip arthroplasties (THA) implanted by the same surgeon using the posterior approach were compared. The first group underwent surgery in 1999 and the second in 2001. Ligation of the posterior medial circumflex artery was systematically performed in the second group. The same prosthesis was used in all cases: an omnicase stem and a Schuster (Centerpulse) or polyethylene cup. The series included cemented (n=37) and non-cemented (n=32) prostheses with one hybrid implant. We analysed retrospectively, intra- and postoperative bleeding, haematocrit before and just after surgery, and the number of packed red cell units transfused during and after surgery in order to determine the degree of intra- and postoperative bleeding. Statistical tests were applied.

Technique: Via the posterior approach, before sectioning the pelvitrochanteric muscles, the upper third of the fibres of the quadratus femoris muscle were dissociated. The artery runs upwardly and anterior toward the posterior border of the greater trochanter and is difficult to identify in the fatty tissue. Ligation is performed at this level with the satellite veins. Ligation decreases bleeding when the pelvitrochanteric muscles and the capsule are sectioned. Likewise, section of the femoral neck appears to be less haemorrhagic as is the preparation of the proximal greater trochanter.

Results: Intra- and postoperative bleed, expressed in ml, was significantly decreased by ligation of the posterior circumflex artery and its two satellite veins. Mean intraoperative bleeding was decreased by more than half. Six of the 35 patients who did not have ligation lost more than 600 cc blood during the operation. This degree of bleeding was not observed in the ligation group. The postoperative haematocrit was significantly higher in the ligation group and the difference in pre- and postoperative haematocrit was decreased 7-fold. Postoperative transfusion became exceptional. Finally, it is interesting to note that among the variables studied, mode of implant fixation did not affect blood loss.

Discussion: The conventional technique without ligation of the posterior circumflex artery does not always lead to significant bleeding. It is quite possible to perform such procedures with less than 200 cc blood loss. Use of posterior circumflex artery ligation leads to much more regular control of intraoperative bleeding, making autologous blood collection and postoperative transfusions unnecessary. The ligation is a simple procedure. Electric coagulation is generally insufficient for the calibre of these vessels and veins are not always accessible to effective coagulation. Intraoperative bleeding due to section of the circumflex artery is underevaluated due to the tension created by the forced internal rotation. Haemostasis after section is difficult due to retraction of the proximal segment under the muscles.

Purpose: Treatment of Ficat stage III and IV femoral head necrosis is a major problem and a subject of debate because of the young age of the patients and the disappointing results obtained with total hip arthroplasty (THA). We present our experience with hybrid twin cups cemented on the femoral side and not cemented on the acetabular side using a metal-on-metal bearing to determine the mechanisms leading to revision and to assess mid-term outcomes.

Material and methods: Fifty-four hips with osteonecrosis were treated with the twin cup and studied at minimum two years follow-up. Mean patient age was 40.4 years (16–56), 13% of the patients were women and 87% men. The Ficat score (13% stage III, and 87% stage IV) was used. A prior operation had been performed in 33% of the hips.

Results: Mean follow-up was 4.4 years (2.1–6.8). Four hips required revision, three for femoral loosening after mean 46.3 months, and one for fracture of the acetabular wall immediately after the operation. The mean UCLA scores showed improvement: 3.3 to 9.3 for pain, 5.5 to 9.7 for walking, 5.0 to 9.4 for physical functioning, and 4.2 to 7.2 for activity. Physical and mental items on the SF-12 showed that normal quality-of-life was restored (compared with the general population in the United States).

Discussion: Although it is too early to speculate concerning the long-term outcome of these twin cups implanted in young patients with hip osteonecrosis, the clinical results have been encouraging. This prosthesis is an interesting alternative to the adjusted cup in the event of acetabular cartilage damage. If necessary, the acetabular component can be saved during conversion to THA without any deleterious clinical effects.

Purpose: Posterior arthroscopy is generally performed by alternating visual control using the optic introduced via one of the anterior portals which is slid into the slit via the contralaeral posterior compartment. These two “crossed” posterior portals provide access to the posterior part of the menisci and to the condyle but remain oblique. Any sagittal partition separating the posterior compartments limits visual and instrument access to the posterior part of the articular cavity. The purpose of this work was to describe a novel back-and-forth technique for posterior arthroscopy which allows posterior access to the central pivot.

Material and methods: The conventional posteromedial access was used. The optic was introduced to visualise the posterior cruciate ligament and the posterior partition, and when in contact with it, to push it forward. The optic was then replaced by a round-headed instrument to perforate the partition above the posterior cruciate ligament and penetrate into the lateral compartment. The instrument was pushed against the posterolateral wall determining the point of the corresponding portal. A motorised knife was introduced into the end of the canula then brought into the medial compartment. The posterior partition was resected, creating a single posterior space which could be examined under direct visual control. During an anatomy study, we examined the relationship between the noble elements in the popliteal fossa and the different instruments used during this procedure. Fifteen patients with villonodular synovitis underwent exclusively arthroscopic synovectomy using this approach.

Results: We did not have any case of vessel or nerve injury and had no recurrence at mid-term. Postoperatively, patient comfort was much better than after arthrotomy synovectomy.

Discussion: This difficult method requires an excellent knowledge of the position of the different anatomic elements in the popliteal fossa close to the posterior part of the articulation. This combined posterior approach facilitates access to the posterior part of the articular cavity of the knee and offers a new approach to the posterior cruciate ligament as well as broader indications for arthroscopic synovectomy with more complete resection. It does not allow access to the submeniscal folds nor to the fibulotibial articulation.

Purpose: Damaged cartilage has very limited potential for self-repair. Tissue bioengineering offers an interesting alternative for repair of cartilage injury caused by joint trauma or osteochondritis dessicans. The purpose of this work was to use primary chondrocytes cultivated in vitro on collagen gel to produce a neocartilage which can be reimplanted.

Material and methods: Chondrocytes were extracted by enzymatic digestion from calf feet harvested from animals aged less than six months. Two million cells were seeded on collagen gels in multiple-well plates and covered with culture medium (1 ml). Type I collagen was acquired from ground calf skin used at a concentration of 1.25 mg/ml. The culture medium was a v/v mixture of RPMI 1640 and NCTC 109. This mixture was supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 250 ng/ml amphotericin B. Cell proliferation was assess fluorometrically and synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) by colorimetric assay. Histological study (safranine O) and immunohistochemistry tests (type I and II collagen) were performed to monitor synthesis of matrix components. Expression of genes coding for certain matrix proteins (collagen Ia 2 and 1, II, X, agrecan and MMP13) was studied using RT-PCR.

Results: The chondrocyte phenotype was preserved. Type II collagen as well as agrecan was expressed and expression of type I collagen did not increase during the culture. Progressive synthesis of sGAG was observed as was moderate cell proliferation. Cell distribution within the gel was apparently homogeneous. The chondrocytes retained their round shape throughout the study. Type II collagen deposits were visible on day 9 in peripheral cells in areas of high-cell density, then progressed with time.

Discussion: Our in vitro results show that three-dimensional cultures of chondrocytes using a collagen gel can produce construction of an extracellular matrix with preservation of chondrocyte phenotype during the culture period.

Conclusion: The collagen matrix offers an environment favouring the formation of a functional artificial cartilage by chondrocytes and opens promising perspectives for repairing damaged cartilage.

Purpose: Although hamstring retraction is a frequent complication of spastic hypertoniq, very few series have been reported in adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate results of therapeutic modalities proposed: distal hamstring tenotomy and use of an external fixator in case of permanent knee flexion.

Material and methods: This retrospective series included 37 cerebral palsy patients, 59 with permanent knee flexion. Mean flexion was 69° (20–130°). Mean motion was 61° (10–100°). Deformation of the supra and infra joints was present in 82%. There were 22 patients with bilateral permanent knee flexion. Simple tenotomy of the sartorius, the semitendinous and the gracilis with lengthenings of the semimembranous and biceps. Disinsertion of the gastrocnemius and section of posterior aponeurosis were associated as needed. Postoperative immobilization was achieved with a Zimmer cast in case of moderate flexion and with an external femorotibial fixator in case of major deformation. Postoperative rehabilitation exercises performed several times daily were initiated in all patients.

Results: At mean follow-up of 641 days, residual flexion was 6° (0–40°) and mean joint motion was 111°. All knees were stable. Three dehiscent wounds required surgical repair. The function objective, established pre-operatively, was achieved or exceeded.

Discussion: When postoperative immobilization is necessary, external fixation limits cutaneous risks and facilitates rehabilitation. It appears to be better than successive cases. Unlike other authors, we did not find section of the posterior cruciate ligament to be necessary.

Conclusion: Distal hamstring tenotomy associated with postoperative immobilization with an external fixator is a reliable and effective technique for the treatment of permanent knee flexion in cerebral palsy adults.

Purpose: Cyclope syndrome is a complication which occurs after ligamentoplasty of the anterior cruciate ligament. It is characterised by permanent flexion which may or not be associated with anterior pain, cracking or hydroarthrosis, typically during exercise. The diagnosis is confirmed by MRI. Arthroscopic treatment is indicated for resection of the nodule and as needed bone plasty of the notch if permanent flexion persists. In the literature, short-term results have been disappointing. We wanted to know more about the long-term outcome.

Material and methods: From January 1992 to December 1994, 835 patients underwent bone-tension plasty. Thirty-six underwent secondary surgery for cyclope syndrome (4.3%). Mean age at revision procedure was 26.2 years (16–43). Most of the subjects were athletes. Twenty-three patients (63.9%) were seen at follow-up consultation and 16.7% responded to a telephone interview. Mean time to review was nine years (8–10 years). We used the IKDC 1999 chart for subjective assessment and clinical evaluation and measured laxity with KT1000. We also studied changes in symptoms related to cyclope syndrome.

Results: We had two cases of recurrent tears (6.9%). The mean final subjective IKDC score was 81.6 points. Half of the patients had good outcome (> 82 points) and half had disappointing results (scored 50–80 points). The final objective IKDC scoring was: A=17.4%, B=65.2%, C=8.7%, D=8.7%. Thirteen patients had persistent signs of cyclope syndrome (44.8%). Fourteen still had limited joint motion (48.3%). Fifteen reduced their physical activity level (51.7%).

Discussion: The origin of the cyclope syndrome remains controversial. It is difficult to assess the risk of recurrent tear due to the small size of the population and the long time to review in this series.

Conclusion: Cyclope syndrome does not appear to be a factor of risk of laxity but is a non-negligible factor of morbidity, even ten years later. It appears to be important to operate early in order to avoid the spiral of chronic suffering. The postoperative flexion, which had been advocated in the past, does not appear to be useful.

Purpose: Classically reported, degenerative femorotibial remodelling after meniscectomy results from different biomechanical mechanisms depending on the compartment considered. Occurring in the medial compartment, the most frequent situation, the lesions result from punctual contact compression of the cartilage. In the lateral compartment the mechanism involves increased relative instability of the structures controlling mobility. Lateral meniscectomy disrupts femorotibial kinetics of the meniscotibial gliding articulation leading to horizontal instability and subsequent generation of osteoarthritic degeneration which explains the development of lateral decompensations without genu valgum. Based on work by Grammont and Rudy, we proposed a method to limit this horizontal instability and transfer part of the stress to the medial compartment by medial translocation of the tibial tubercle.

Material and methods: Eighteen patients, mean age 44 years, underwent treatment for disabling degeneration without major misalignment (mean HKA 181°) a mean ten years after lateral meniscetomy. Degenerative remodelling of the lateral compartment was observed on the AP views in 30% of the knees and on the tangent views in 57% Five patients had early-stage lesions of the medial compartment and femoropatellar degradation was observed in 53%. Involvement of the lateral compartment was confirmed by systematic articular exploration and patellofemoral chondropathy was observed in eight knees. Translocation of the anterior tibial tubercle was associated with section of the lateral patellar wing in all knees associated with tension plasty medially.

Results: In 88% of the knees, the postoperative period was uneventful. Weight-bearing supported with a Zimmer cast was maintained for 21 days. Functional outcome was assessed at mean 28 months. Eleven patients had a new clinical and radiographic work-up (mean 34 months). Pain was improved in 88% of the knees, allowing sustained resumption of occupational activities at three months (four knees completely forgotten). Radiographically, at mean 34 months, the lateral cartilage lesions had stabilised with no impact on the medial compartment.

Discussion: In light of these results, we have decided to continue this therapeutic approach, reserving the technique for cases of symptomatic lateral decompensation in young subjects without major valgus malalignment.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare meniscal lesions observed arthroscopically with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) descriptions.

Material and methods: MRI were read by one operator blinded to the arthroscopic findings. The operator noted the presence or absence of lesions, the topography of the lesion, and the Trillat classification. 188 menisci were studied in 94 patients.

Results: Arthroscopically there were 90 healthy menisci and MRI described 89 healthy menisci, giving an arthroscopic specificity of 98.9%. There were 98 meniscal lesions arthroscopically and 95 at MRI, giving 96.6% sensitivity. The medial meniscus was damaged in 78 cases and the lateral meniscus in 20. Arthroscopy and MRI found the same type of lesion in 62 of 98 cases, identified on the medial meniscus in 47 out of 78 and the lateral meniscus for 15 out of 20. MRI recognised 25/29 horizontal lesions but only one radial lesion of the medial meniscus among the seven cases identified arthroscopically. The topography was concordant in 18/98 cases. MRI oversized the lesion in 54/98 cases.

Discussion: MRI remains the gold standard complementary examination for the diagnosis of meniscal lesions, with high sensitivity and specificity. The precise anatomic description of the lesion provided by the MRI corresponds less well with the arthroscopic findings. Certain lesions appear to be easier to identify, particularly horizontal lesions, while others, particularly radial lesions, are more difficult to demonstrate.

Purpose: Associating autologous chondrocytes with a biomaterial has the advantage of facilitating fixation of graft cells and simplifies reimplantation. To evaluate the feasibility, tolerance, and efficacy of the Cartipatch(r) product, we are conducting a phase IIb study.

Material and methods: Cartilage (200–500 mg) was harvested arthroscopically from the lateral borders of the trochlea in the intercondylar space of damaged knees. After enzymatic digestion, the freed chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer in presence of autologous serum. The number of cells needed to achieve a concentration of 107/ml were suspended in an aragose and alginate solution. Before gelification, the suspension was poured into pits to obtain grafts measuring 10, 14 or 18 mm depending on the configuration of the lesion identified by MRI and arthroscopy. A specific instrument set was used to prepare one or two cavities for press fit insertion of the grafts. The grafts were justapositioned in order to best cover the damaged area.

Nineteen patients aged 16–50 years with a single osteochondral lesion or osteochondritis dessicans involving the femoral condyle but who had no other knee anomaly were included in this trial. The graft was inserted via an arthrotomy. Patients were examined preoperatively then at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after grafting. The main evaluation criteria was improvement in the IDCD score (ICRS item) at 24 months. Secondary evaluation criteria were MRI and arthroscopic aspect associated with biopsy of the repaired tissue performed at 24 months.

Results: The first interventions required less than one hour. Patients followed the rehabilitation protocol with passive mobilisation and progressive weight bearing with no particular problem. Tolerance was good (no inflammation, adherence).

Discussion: The operative time needed to implant the graft was greatly reduced compared with classical chondrocyte grafts. Furthermore, this technique eliminates the need for periosteum suture guaranteeing a more homogeneous cell graft.

Conclusion: This short-term evaluation of the first patients is very encouraging. The first results concerning the effectiveness of this product, Cartipatch(r) are expected in the upcoming months.

Purpose: Use of autologous chondrocyte grafts for the treatment of knee cartilage damage appears to be a promising solution. We report preliminary retrospective results in 15 autologous chondrocyte grafts with maximum 4.1 years follow-up.

Material and methods: From September 1996 to December 2000, 15 autologous chondrocyte grafts were performed in 15 patients (13 men and two women), mean age 29.1 years (14.2–46.5) using the Carticel procedure of the Genzyme Tissue Repair laboratory. There were ten trauma-induced chondral lesions and five cases of osteochondritis dessicans. The lesions were located in the femoral condyles in 14 cases (12 medial and two lateral) and the patella in one. Mean surface defect was 6 cm2 (1–15) and all lesions were ICRS grade 3 or 4. The technique described by Brittberg et al. was used. Harvested cartilage was sent to Cam-bridge (USA) for culture. Reimplantation, performed by arthrotomy in all cases, was achieved 12 weeks on average (3.5–29) after initiating culture. Clinical and laboratory results at last follow-up were compared with preoperative data using the ICRS evaluation chart and the Tegner, IKDC, modified Cincinnati, and Lysholm scores. Patients were followed regularly with x-rays, MRI or arthroscan.

Results: Mean follow-up was 2.5 years (1.2–4.1). The subjective IKDC, modified Cincinnati, and Lysholm scores progressed respectively from 38.3 (9–46) to 71.3 (24–98), from 31.6 (18–69) to 58.4 (26–97) and from 41.9 (13–61) to 81.3 (29–100). According to this classification, outcome was excellent or good in ten knees, fair in four and poor in one. For the activity level assessed by the ICRS and Tegner classifications, scores declined respectively from 2.2 (1–3) and 7.4 (5–10) preoperatively to 2.8 (2–4) and 5.2 (2–7) at last follow-up.

Discussion: Due to the small number of patients, it is difficult to compare our results with those reported in the literature. Clinical and functional improvement appeared to be significant but in our experience, there was a decline in the mean sports level at last follow-up.

Conclusion: Autologous chondrocyte grafting appears to be a promising technique for repairing cartilage damage. Use of second-generation grafts with chondrocytes embedded in a solid matrix should facilitate their surgical implantation and improve outcome.

Purpose: Impacted piecemeal allografts for nonce-mented hemispheric cups raises a problem of primary stability in the case of extensive bone defects. The high centre of rotation of the oversized cup further increases bone loss, requiring an extralong neck. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of impacted piecemeal grafts associated with a pressfit supporting ring with reposition of the centre of rotation.

Material and methods: The piecemeal grafts were impacted into the acetabulum to fill the defect. The hydroxyapatite coated ring was pressfit for primary stability then stabilised with axial screws in the upper paste. A distal hook on the obturator foramen repositioned the centre of rotation. The study group included 103 cases of acetabular reconstruction, including 34 for aseptic loosening and type 2 and 3 acetabular substance loss. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed at 5 and 12 years.

Results: Mean patient age was 58 years, mean weight was 64kg. The Harris score improved from 53 points preoperatively to 88 points at last follow-up. Radiographically, there were no cases of cup migration according to the Massin classification, and the centre of rotation (Pierchon) was anatomic in 66% horizontally and in 44% vertically. There were two lucent lines in zone 2 and mean polyethylene wear was 0.015 mm per year. Graft integration (Conn) was identical to the host in 84% with disappearance of the interface in 67%. There were three dislocations treated without changing the implant and two revisions for infection.

Discussion: Several theoretical and clinical studies have shown that the high centre of rotation increases stress on the implants and decreased abductor force. The results obtained in this study with a maximum 12 year follow-up show that indications for this pressfit technique associating reposition of the centre of rotation, fixation for stability, and restoration of bone stock can be widened. Limitations are bone destructions with rupture of the pelvic girdle.

Purpose: Polyethylene wear in total hip arthroplasty remains the most limiting factor for implant survival. Several predictive factors are well identified, but the position of the articulating pieces remains to be studied in detail. We searched for a correlation between polyethylene wear and the position of the femoral and acetabular pieces, particularly the femoral offset.

Material and methods: Sixty-six patients underwent total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis. The patients were reviewed at 10.8 years (four bilateral prostheses). The preoperative, immediate postoperative (1 month) and last follow-up (10 years) AP pelvis views were digitalized. A dedicated software traced the different axes for measurement. Wear at ten years, femoral offset, cup eccentration or medialisation, ascent or descent, and cup inclination were measured.

Results: Mean polyethylene wear was 1.23 mm at ten years with linear curve of 0.11 mm/yr. Preoperative femoral offset was restored in 71.4% of the cases. Univariate regression analysis revealed that only femoral offset was correlated with less wear at ten years. Polyethylene wear at ten years fell from 1.26 mm for preoperative offset restitution less than 98% to 1.13 mm for restitution greater than 102%.

Discussion: Image processing allowed greater accuracy in the measurement of polyethylene wear. The rate of wear reported in the literature ranges from 0.1 to .015 mm/yr. Restitution of femoral offset guarantees less wear due to the reduction in the resultant force applied on the articulation as well as stress on the implants. Furthermore hip stability is improved. Several factors are involved in production of wear debris and correct restitution of the centre of rotation is only one of the elements which reduce wear.

Conclusion: Wear was not excessive in this series. Among the position parameters, only femoral offset had an influence, having a beneficial effect on polyethylene wear. This emphasises the importance of having a wide variety of implants available in order to respond to the different anatomic presentations of the femur.

Purpose: Acetabular revision has become a challenging situation due to the importance of bone stock loss encountered in SOFCOT stage III acetabula. The number of failures due to loosening are explained by the strong mechanical stress on the bone grafts or inadequate restitution of the rotation centre of the hip. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid-term results of the Kerboull support used to achieve anatomic recentring of the hip and progressive weight bearing on the bone grafts.

Material and methods: This retrospective series included 54 acetabular revisions performed for stage III loosening between 1989 and 1996. A Kerboull support was used in all cases. The patients were assessed with the Postel Merle d’Aubigné score and radiographically on plain pelvis films in order to search for recurrent loosening or arthroplasty failure. The log rank test was used to compare actuarial survival.

Results: The series included 62% women. Mean age was 62.3 years (33–87). This was the first revision for 78% and a second or more revision for 22%. The preoperative Postel Merle d’Aubligné score was 9.18 points. This score was 12.3 postoperatively, 15.6 at one year, 15.5 at five years and 14.8 at last follow-up. Dislocation was the most frequent complication, with 55% occurring on cups more than 46° oblique. Grafts were considered radiographically integrated in 58% of the cases. There were 5.5% failures due to migration, 13.8% due to fracture of the superior screw. The actuarial survival was 97.4% at three years, 94.7% at four years, 89.2% at five years and 73% at seven and ten years.

Conclusion: On the basis of these good short-, mid- and long-term clinical and radiographic results, we recommend Kerboull support for the treatment of stage III acetabular loosening.

Purpose: We report a retrospective series of 98 consecutive total hip prostheses implanted without cement: the Aura stem and the Alizé cup coated with hydroxyapatite; reviewed at mean 9.6 years. The purpose of this analysis was to examine implant stability and wear.

Material and methods: Total hip prostheses implanted in 98 patients from January 1991 to January 1992 were reviewed: 60 women and 38 men, operated on by the same surgeon using an Alizé cup and an Aura stem without cement. Mean age at implantation was 66.5 years (30–85). Mean follow-up was 9.67 years. We retained 56 patients for this analysis (17 patients had died, 13 were lost to follow-up, 9 could not be followed, and 3 stem removals (3.1%)). This was the first procedure in all patients. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné (PMA) score and with a self-administered questionnaire. Radiologically, we assessed stability (tilt, implant displacement) and implant wear using MetrOs software data processing of digitalized radiograms. We also searched for qualitative radiographic signs of bone reaction to the implant.

Results: The overall PMA score improved from 11.96 preoperatively to 17.42 at the 5-year assessment and then fell to 15.67 at last follow-up. At five years 94% of the patients (92 hips) were satisfied and 98.3% (56 hips) were reviewed at 10 years. There were two fractures of the ceramic head after direct fall on the greater trochanter (requiring replacement of the femoral implant, the head and the polyethylene insert). There was one infra-prosthetic fracture which required stem replacement. Analysis of the radiograms did not demonstrate any abnormal ossification or lucency. MetrOs was used on 52 files: mean wear was 0.77 mm at 10 years (0.16–2.24 mm): wear and impaction (0.789 mm) of the stem were significantly correlated at 10 years while stem tilt was negligible.

Discussion: This radioclinical analysis demonstrated that these hydroxyapatite coated implants are stable over time. The clinical results are satisfactory with a small regression of the PMA score related to patient ageing. The radiographic measurements obtained with a precise rigorous tool were very encouraging. We compared our results with those of series using comparable implants.

Purpose: Osteolysis is one of the important issues during the life of noncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of 228 THA using an ABG-1 implant to determine the incidence of osteolysis and contributive factors.

Material and methods: This series of 228 THA using noncemented ABG-1 anatomic implants coated with hydroxyapatite was implanted in 210 patients, 116 women and 112 men, mean age 62.2 years. The indication was primary osteoarthritis (53.6%), primary necrosis (21.5%), posttraumatic osteoarthritis (11.8%), rheumatoid disease (8.3%) and hip dysplasia (4.8%). The bearings were, 200 zirconium-polyethylene (87.7%), 28 metal-polyethylene (12.3%). At mean 88.6 months follow-up, a minimum 60 months postoperatively, we reviewed 163 patients (37 patients died without revision, 28 (12.3%) were lost to follow-up, and 17 had undergone a revision procedure). We analyzed osteolysis on the digitalized radiograms using the Delee-Charnley classification to which we added a fourth retroacetabular zone. Polyethylene wear was measured with the Imagika(r) software using the method described by Martell.

Results: The 17 cup revisions (8.5%) were required for instability (4 pt), loosening (4 pt), osteolysis (4 pt), infection (3 pt), and limping (1 pt). Overall implant survival was 92.1%. Implant survival, considering loosening and osteolysis as failure, was 96.1%. Mean wear at last follow-up was 1.26 mm, for an annual average of 0.17 mm (0.04 – 0.69 mm/yr). Acetabular osteolysis was observed in 41.6% of cases, mainly in the Delee-Charnley zone 1, but was also found in all the other zones. The average surface area was an estimated 223 mm2. Possible factors favoring osteolysis were: aetiology, age, gender, activity level, body mass index, Charnley ABC classification, presence of preoperative acetabular defects, cup size, polyethylene insert thickness, position of the insert rim, cup inclination, complementary fixation, bearing type, polyethylene offset and wear. There was a statistically significant relationship between osteolysis and: the Charnley classification (p=0.012), presence of preoperative acetabular defects (p=0.0034), cup inclination angle (p=0.035), cup size (p=0.042), polyethylene thickness (p< 0.01), use of complementary fixation (p=0.048), and polyethylene wear (p=0.0011). Paradoxically, we did not find any relationship with gender, age, body mass index, and the other factors.

Discussion: This analysis demonstrated the determining causes of osteolysis: time, polyethylene thickness, polyethylene wear, the Zicronium-polyethylene bearing. Wear was probably not only the consequence of the Zicronium-polyethylene bearing but was also related to the quality of the polyethylene, and the instability of the insert. Diffuse osteolysis is favored by orifices in the first-generation cups which have been eliminated in the ABG-2 cups.

Purpose: Alumina is a bioinert ceramic used for total hip arthroplasty as an alternative to metal-on-polyethylene bearings which can wear producing massive osteolysis and loosening. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to examine the Ceraver combination implant which uses a cemented smooth titanium femoral stem, a 32 mm alumina head, and a cemented alumina cup.

Material and methods: Between December 1979 and February 1983. 104 total hip arthroplasties were performed in 81 patients, mean age 57.8 years (2.1–70.9). The main indication was primary degenerative disease (71 hips). The Postel Merle d’Aubigné score was used for clinical assessment. Plain x-rays were used to establish the actuarial survival curves using the Harris criteria for radiological loosening for the cup and the Massin criteria for the femoral piece. Periprosthetic femoral and acetabular osteolysis were noted. Histological samples taken during revision procedures were analysed.

Results: Six hips with suppuration were not retained for analysis. The clinical scores for the other 98 hips were, at last follow-up: excellent in 34, very good in 21, good in 16, fair in 21, and poor in 6. Mean follow-up was eleven years and reached 18 years for 38 hips. Fracture of the alumina head (n=1), aseptic certain radiographic loosening of the cup (n=24), probable radiolographic loosening of the cup (n=12), and certain radiographic loosening of the femoral piece (n=3) were noted. Revision was required for 23 hips for replacement of the cup (n=23), the head (n=12), or the femoral stem (n=1). There were no cases of massive radiographic osteolysis. The histological examination of surgical specimens obtained at revision were normal in all cases (very moderate aseptic foreign body reaction). Excepting the cases of suppuration, the estimated actuarial survival without revision at 20 years was 61.4% (57.1% for he radiographic cup loosening criteria and 95.2% for the radiographic femoral implant criteria).

Discussion: This analysis confirms the long-term biotolerance of the alumina-alumina bearing despite the poor maintenance of the cemented alumina cup. It also confirms the good maintenance of the cemented smooth titanium femoral stem.

Conclusion: Cup anchorage must be improved to use the alumina-alumina bearing which does not cause osteolysis nor histological reactions.

Purpose: In young active subjects, total hip arthroplasty (THA) raises the risk of early polyethylene wear eventually warranting the use of alternative bearings. The purpose of this study was to analyze outcome in subjects aged less than 50 years implanted with a primary metal-on-metal prosthesis.

Material and methods: Between 1995 and 1998, thirty-nine THA with a metal-on-metal bearing were implanted without cement in 30 consecutive patients aged less than 50 years, mean age 23–50). There were nine bilateral implantations. The cementless implants had surface treatment without hydroxyapatite and 28 mm heads. The indication for THA was necrosis in twenty cases, osteoarthritis in nineteen, most in patients with hip dysplasia. The Devane classification placed 84% of the patients in levels 4 or 5, indicating heavy work and/or sports activities. Inclusion criteria were: 1) age less than 50 years, 2) significant activity (occupation and/or sports), 3) osteoarthritis or necrosis. Patients were included and followed prospectively. Serum cobalt level was measured at last follow-up. None of the patients were lost to follow-up.

Results: The Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné score (PMA) improved from 12.8±2.2 (7–15) before surgery to 17.2±1 (14–18) at 5.1 years (5–6.3). None of the patients complained of hip pain. Two patients has moderate inguinal pain related to a cupiliopsoas conflict. All patients achieved complete weight bearing on the fourth postoperative day excepting three who resumed weight bearing at six weeks due to an acetabular augmentation graft. There were no cases of implant migration and all implants exhibited signs of osteointegration on the radiograms. There were no postoperative dislocations and no cases of osteolysis could be identified, particularly in the eight patients who had increased serum cobalt (four bilateral implants) and who had no other statistically significant favouring factor.

Conclusion: The results at five years suggest that the second-generation metal-on-metal bearing is a reliable alternative when THA is proposed for young active subjects. Long-term follow-up of this cohort of subjects at high risk of wear is necessary to confirm these encouraging results.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of Charnley-Keroboull total hip arthroplasty performed in patients aged less than 50 years. We searched for factors which might affect wear and sustained fixation.

Material and methods: Among the 2,804 arthroplasties performed in patients aged less than 50 years between 1975 and 1995, we selected randomly 287 (10% of the annual operations). These prostheses were implanted in 222 patients (144 women and 78 men), mean age 40.1±8 years (15–50). All of the arthroplasties were inserted via a transtrochanteric approach. Charnley-Kerboull implants were cemented in all patients using a metal polyethylene bearing. Functional outcome was assessed with the Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné score. Cup wear was measured with the Chevrot technique. The actuarial method was used to calculate prosthesis survival.

Results: At last follow-up, 155 patients (210 hips) were living and had not had a revision procedure at mean 16.1±4.6 years, 23 patients (25 hips) required revision of the acetabular or femoral element, ten patients (10 hips) had died, and 34 patients (42 hips) were lost to follow-up. The mean preoperative functional score was 9.6±2.5 (9–15) versus 17.2±0.8 (9–18) at last follow-up (Wilcoxon rank test p< 0.001). For the acetabular element, there was certain loosening in 15 hips and possible loosening in 24. For the femoral element, loosening was certain for 12 implants and possible for four. Twentyfive hips required revision, including 17 for aseptic loosening. Mean wear was 0.12±0.21 mm (0–2.23). Among the 287 hips, 196 had wear measured at less than 0.1 mm/yr (mean 0.02 mm/yr). Mean overall implant survival, defining revision as failure, was 85.4±5.0% at twenty years (95%CI 78.4–92.4). Among the factors tested, only abnormally rapid wear (> 0.1 mm/yr) was predictive of failure.

Discussion: The results of this series allow us to conclude that total hip arthroplasty using a Charnley-Kerboull implant remains the best solution for young patients in terms of implant survival.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate at minimal 5 years follow-up outcome in a consecutive series of total hip arthroplasties implanted for fracture of the acetabulum.

Material and methods: The series included 53 arthroplasties implanted between January 1980 and December 1995 in 53 patients, 16 women and 37 men, mean age 53.1 years (24–84). The initial fracture involved the acetabular wall in 18 patients, one column in seven and two columns in six. It was a complex fracture in eleven cases and classification was unknown in the eleven other hips. Orthopaedic treatment was used for 23 patients and surgery for 30. Mean time between fracture and arthroplasty was 16.4±10.8 years. Cemented Charnley-Kerboull implants with a metal-polyethylene bearing were used. The Postel-Merle-d’Aubigné (PMA) score was used to assess functional outcome. The actuarial survival was determined.

Results: At five years minimum follow-up, 33 patients were alive and had not undergone revision at mean follow-up of 12.4±3.8 years (7–21). Six patients had had revision of the acetabular and/or femoral element, five patients had died, and seven were lost to follow-up. Revisions were required for cup wear associated with periacetabular osteolysis. The mean preoperative functional score was 10.6±2.5 versus 16.2±2.8 (8–18) at last follow-up (Wilcoxon rank test, p< 0.0001). Cumulative survival, taking revision as failure, was 90.3±6.5% at 15 years (95%CI 77.6–100%) for hips treated orthopaedically versus 66.5±14.5 (95%CI 38.1–94.9%) for hips treated surgically. The difference for the analyzable hips was not significant (logrank, p=0.69).

Discussion: The results of this series confirm that the long-term risk of mechanical failure of total hip arthroplasty for fracture of the acetabulum is high.

Purpose: Fracture-posterior dislocation of the femoral head is an exceptional hip injury. Emergency reduction is required. Relocation into the acetabular cavity of the displaced femoral head may not be feasible. Irreducibility, instability, and more rarely accidental fracture of the femoral neck may also occur. We encountered this latter complication in four patients and report here its frequency and mechanism and propose preventive therapeutic measures.

Material and methods: Seventy dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the hip were treated in our unit from March 1997 to February 2003. Among these cases, fourteen hip dislocations were complicated by femoral head fractures. Fracture of the femoral neck occurred during reduction in four. All four cases occurred in men, mean age 49.7 years, who were traffic accident victims (drivers or passengers). There were two Pipkin IV fracture-dislocations and two Pipkin II. The first reduction, achieved under general anaesthesia in an emergency setting, was performed by an orthopaedic surgeon in one patient and a general surgeon in three patients. Arthroplasty was used to treat the femoral neck fracture in three patients and pinning in one. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical and imaging data before and after reduction.

Results: Sub-capital fracture situated 4.0 cm (mean, range 3.5–4.5 cm) from the lesser trochanter occurred in all four cases. The head remained attached above and posteriorly to the acetabulum and was rotated less than 90°. The fragment remaining in the acetabulum was displaced in two cases. In one patient, the fracture-dislocation of the head was associated with a fracture of the posterior rim of the acetabulum.

Discussion: Neck fracture during reduction of traumatic hip dislocation is a serious complication. Prevention of this iatrogenic event requires a slow, progressive reduction limiting the trauma to a minimum; first intention open surgery may be required in selected cases.

Purpose: Orthopaedic treatment of Achilles tendon tears was detailed by Rodineau. Equine immobilisation for eight to twelve weeks without weight bearing is necessary. The rate of recurrent tears varies from 10 to 20%. Conventional surgery provides very low re-tear rates but can lead to cutaneous complications in 10 to 20% of cases. In 2001, Moller et al. conducted a prospective comparison between surgical and functional treatment in 112 patients followed for two years. The rates of recurrent tears were 1.7% for surgery versus 20.8% for functional treatment. The percutaneous suture with Tenolig(r) has not totally eliminated these problems and raises a cost issue. The Achillon procedure is presented as a minimally invasive technique which does not appear to be extremely easy to perform. Several other techniques have been proposed using an external fixator (Nada, 1985), subcutaneous arthroscopy (Aldam, 1989), or a transverse miniincision (Thermann, 2001). The oldest truly percutaneous method was published by Ma and Griffith in 1977. In 2001, Lim et al. conducted a prospective comparison between conventional surgery and percutaneous treatment using the Ma and Griffith method on 66 patients reviewed at six months. Average immobilisation was 12.4 weeks. There were seven infections (21%) in the surgery cohort versus three cases of painful nodules (9%) in the percutaneous cohort in addition to one case of sural nerve paraesthesia.

Material and methods: The percutaneous technique we used was derived from the Ma and Griffith technique. The purpose of this percutaneous technique is to obtain rapidly and easily a solid suture which can be achieved under local anaesthesia at little cost. We developed a special needle with an eye which accepts the type of thread desired. Early in our experience, we used a non-resorbable thread (Ethicon(r) N1) but because of painful nodules we changed to a resorbable thread (Vincryl n2) used for a double suture. The suture is performed under local anaesthesia, the patient in the ventral supine position. An equine plaster boot is worn for three weeks followed by a 90° boot with a walking heal for another three weeks during which weight bearing is allowed. From 1999 to 2002, we have used this technique for 43 patients (28 men and 15 women), mean age 51 years.

Results: The only complications were one case of superficial infection, one painful subcutaneous nodule, and one sural thrombophlebitis. There were no cases of recurrent tear or sural neurinoma.

Discussion: The contraindications for this technique are old tears, recurrent tears, and tears too close to the cal-caneal insertion.

Conclusion: This technique is easy to perform and low-cost. The suture is solid allowing rapid recovery without cutaneous complications.

Purpose: Chronic compartment syndrome of the forearm is considered to be exceptional but may be underestimated. Compartment syndrome of the upper limb is recognized but generally considered to be non-specific compared with acute Wolkmann syndrome. Chronic compartment syndrome, or “subacute compartment syndrome” is also well known but often associated with exertion of the lower limbs in athletes. The association of a compartment syndrome of the upper limb and a chronic compartment syndrome was just recently described since the first publication appears to be the paper by Tompkins in 1997. Scare reports have reported a few cases since then.

Material and methods: We report our personal experience with ten cases with a minimum follow-up of six months.

Results: Compared with the literature, the analysis of our series provides an explanation of the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of chronic exercise syndromes of the forearm.

Discussion: A better awareness of this pathological condition will probably enable earlier and more surgical care of these athletes who are handicapped by these syndromes well known in the motocross world as “forearm tetany” or “armpump””.

Purpose: Percutaneous suture of the Achilles tendon is an excellent alternative to open surgery with the known risk of cutaneous and septic complications and also to orthopaedic surgery with the risk of recurrence. We propose our technique of percutaneous suture applied in a series of 76 patients.

Material and methods: Achilles tendon sutures were performed from 1998 to 2002 in 76 patients (17 women), mean age 41 years (22–66). The procedure was conducted under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting. A resorbable knitted thread mounted on a needle was used to make the two-point frame percutaneous suture. The patients were immobilised for three weeks (average). The Thermann scores, modified by McComis, were determined and the objective Cybex test at 30 and 60/s was used to measure peak torque, power, and maximal power followed by 30 cycles at 120/s to evaluate muscle fatigability.

Results: Mean follow-up was 35 months (10–66). Outcome scores (maximum 100 points) showed excellent or good results in 73 patients and poor results in three. Mean operative time was 15 minutes with no immediate complications. Weight bearing was allowed as early as day 1 (range d1-d20) and patients resumed their occupational activities on day 40 (d8-d100). Sports activities were resumed at six months (4–8 months). Ankle motion was symmetrical and pain free in 73 patients. Calf circumference was 2 cm less than on the contralateral side (0.5-3.0). There were two cases of recurrent tears in patients with poor outcome. Decreased muscle force involving the triceps was never greater than 35% compared with the healthy side (Cybex).

Discussion: The objective Cybex measurements were tightly correlated with the McComis scores. This percutaneous technique does not require removal of the material and is perfectly reproducible in outpatients under local anaesthesia. It is an inexpensive method but remains contraindicated for tears seen late, recurrent tears, or very distal tears.

Conclusion: The very good results obtained in this series suggest we should continue with this low-cost percutaneous method.

Purpose: Fissures of the flexor hallucis longus, an exclusively clinical diagnosis, are often unrecognised. Imaging is not contributive. The purpose of this work was to detail the clinical signs leading to surgical exploration with tendon suture, the only effective treatment.

Material and methods: Lesions of the flexor hallucis longus, generally subsequent to ankle sprains resulting from trauma involving the medial border of the foot or from a fall, were found in the retrotalar gutter (1 patient), at the Henry node, the pulley of the common flexors and the flexor hallucis longus under the navicular bone (6 patients). Palpation produced exquisite pain. Pain was also provoked by movement of the great toe, explaining why the patients were unable to run or stand tiptoed. Ultrasound and MRI were negative. Surgery was peformed because of the persistent pain which did not respond to medical treatment (anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, plantar orthesis maintaining the medial vault, plaster cast). Surgical repair relieved pain in all cases and enabled renewed activities within three months on average. The treatment consisted in suture of the tendon associated with regularisation of the retrotalar gutter as needed and, at the subnavicular level, section of the Henry node and anastomosis of the flexors. Cast immobilisation was recommended for four to six weeks.

Conclusion: In patients complaining of pain of the posterior crossway or in the subnavicular region, examination of the flexor hallucis longus should be undertaken to search for a fissure which requires surgical tendon repair. It is hoped that improved imaging techniques will provide a means of confirming the diagnosis before surgery.

Purpose: Fracture of the lateral process of the talus is exceptional. Diagnosis may be missed in 50% of patients, the fracture often being confused with severe ankle sprain. Through the seventies, less than 60 cases were reported in the literature. We report a retrospective study of seven cases treated surgically between 1990 and 2001.

Material and methods: We examined the different mechanisms leading to fracture of the lateral process of the talus and propose a therapeutic algorithm. All patients were seen at follow-up consultations. We used the AOFAS hindfoot evaluation scale, radiographs (anteroposterior view of the ankle and 3/4 lateral view of the foot, Broden views). Outcome was scored excellent, fair, or poor. Mean patient age was 33 years (20–51). Mean follow-up was six years (1–12). The patients incurred the fracture during a snowboard accident (n=1), motocycle accidents (n=3), defenestration (n=1), and mountain climbing accidents (n=2). Fractures resulted from forced eversion in one patient and high-energy trauma in six. Fracture classification according to Hawkins was type 1 (n=4, type 2 (n=3), and type 3 (n=1). Time from the accident to diagnosis was less than 15 days except in one patient where the diagnosis was made ten months after the trauma. Associated lesions were subtalar dislocation (n=2), talar neck fracture (n=1), medial malleolar fracture (n=1), and open fracture of the first cuneiform (n=1). The procedure consisted in fixation of the fragments without resection in four cases, resection of small fragments and fixation of large fragments in two, and osteotomy of a deformed callus of the lateral process of the talus in one. Weight bearing was not allowed four six weeks except in one patient with subtalar dislocation whose calcaneotalar pin was withdrawn at eight weeks.

Results: Complications were one case of superficial infection which resolved with antibiotic treatment and two cases of subtalar osteoarthritis at more than ten years. The overall score was 85 on average. The outcome was excellent in six cases and poor in one.

Discussion: A review of the literature shows that fracture of the lateral process of the talus occurs in 1% of all ankle lesions. Five mechanisms have been described. The two most frequent are ankle inversion in dorsiflexion and high-energy trauma. The three other mechanisms are eversion, direct trauma and stress fracture. The consequences of inadequate treatment include: late healing, non-union, deformed callus (one case in our series), avascular necrosis, subtalar instability, and joint incongruency with risk of subtalar and/or talofibular osteoarthrosis. The appropriate treatment depends on the time of diagnosis, the size and nature of the fracture and the degree of displacement. The therapeutic algorithm used in Geneva is as follows: orthopaedic treatment (plaster resting boot for six weeks followed by physiotherapy) associated with close surveillance in the event of a fracture measuring less than 5 mm which is generally extra- articular. If the patient considers this treatment is insufficient, removal of the fragment can be proposed. For fractures measuring more than 1 cm, which are generally intra-articular, surgical treatment is needed if the fragment is displaced more than 2 mm. In the event of late diagnosis, it may be necessary to remove the fragment or perform subtalar arthrodesis, or as needed resection of a deformed callus. If the diagnosis is established early and appropriate treatment given, the results have been excellent at six years.

Purpose: This work revealed the advantages of percutaneous suture of the Achilles tendon using an improved technique with entirely resorbable material.

Material and methods: Thirty cases of subcutaneous tears were operated on two to ten days after the accident (range 24 hr – 7 weeks). We used a 4-thread resorbable V-suture anchored in the calcaneum and, after blocking the ankle in the equine position, on the proximal fragment using two bioresorbable buttons. Postoperatively, immediate weight bearing was progressive using an adjustable and removable orthesis. Active-passive rehabilitation was initiated immediately. The material was left in place indefinitely and was resorbed after three months.

Results: We followed these patients for 24 – 8 months. Wound healing was excellent and material tolerance was exceptional (only one complaint of transient calcaneal pain). Objective outcome was comparable with that obtained with conventional suture, with a significant reduction in the risk of skin and neurological complications. There were no cases of recurrent tears. CT and MRI controls confirmed the early healing, the quality of the tendon repair, and material resorption within the expected delay. Subjective outcome was excellent.

Discussion: While the results obtained in this series are comparable to those with prior percutaneous techniques, the important improvement was the very significant reduction in skin and neurological complications often reported in other series. It is also noteworthy that there were no recurrent tears. The advantages are even more remarkable compared with surgery. The greater solidity authorises very rapid rehabilitation, similar to protocols advocated for nonoperative care. The limitations on indications appear to be tears seen after three weeks and true calcaneal de-insertions.

Conclusion: This technique improves patient comfort and follow-up while allowing safer rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate clinical and radiological results of surgical treatment of 80 calcaneum fractures involving the posterior talar process using 1/4 tubes used for triangulation fixation.

Material and methods: The series involved 73 patients (seven bilateral fractures), 56 men and 17 women, average age 39.6 years (15–67) who were treated between 1990 and 1999. Patients were victims of 34 home accidents (46.6%), 19 sports accidents (26%), 14 occupational accidents (19.2%), and six traffic accidents (8.2%). The Duparc classification was: type 2 (n=2) type 3 (n=17), type 4 (n=51), and type 5 (n=10). Junior surgeons performed most of the procedures who used seven ‘inverted-V’ assemblies and 73 triangular assemblies. Forty-two patients (47 fractures) were reviewed (58.8% of fractures) clinically and radiologically to assess stability of the fixation (Boehler angle and talocalcaneal angle) and search for osteoarthritis.

Results: Mean follow-up was six years (1.5–11.5). There were few complications: four late healing (5%), five reflex dystrophy (6.3%) and two infections (2.5%) (Met-S Staphylococcus aureus and Bacterium bovis corineus. Subjectively, 93.5% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied. At last follow-up, the Boehler angle was 27.5±6.7°. The subtalar space was normal or nearly normal in 46.8% and narrowed or destroyed (osteoarthritis) in 53.2%. The Kitaoka function score (AOFAS) was 73.2 points on average with 44.7% excellent or good results and 44.8% fair results. The SOFCOT score was very good, good, or rather good in 63.8% and fair in 10.3%; it was also noted that among the 25.5% poor results, three patients required secondary subtalar arthrodesis. 86% of the patients resumed their occupational activities and 63% of the patients practicing sports resumed their activities.

Conclusion: Osteosynthesis of calcaneum fractures using 1/4 tubes used in a triangular configuration provides stable fixation (little secondary loss of Boehler angle) with a satisfactory cutaneous impact (few cases of skin necrosis). The subjective outcome is very satisfactory. Objective outcome may appear disappointing but is generally related to the severity of the fracture (76% types 4 and 5) or type of fixation configuration.

Purpose: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is composed of two strands, the anteromedial (AM) and the posterolateral (PL). Each strand has a distinct biomechanical role. The classical techniques for reconstruction of the ACL using a one-strand graft cannot replace the AM strand of the ligament. Control of knee laxity after graft reconstruction with a single strand cannot restore physiological laxity.

Material and methods: This study was performed on 16 matched cadaver knees randomised for reconstruction technique. Anterior tibial dislocation was measured with the Rolimeter arthrometer using manual traction on the intact knee, after section of the ACL, and after arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL using a 2-strand or 4-strand hamstring method at 20°, 60°, and 90° flexion. Changes in the length of each reconstructed strand were measured.

Results: For the 16 intact knees, anterior laxity was measured at 20°, 60° and 90°. After section of the ACL, laxity increased significantly at all angles studied. Statistical parametric and non-parametric tests demonstrated a significant difference between laxity after ACL section and after ACL reconstruction (one-strand) at 20°, 60° and 90° flexion. There was a significant difference between intact ACL and reconstructed ACL at 20° flexion, the residual laxity was greater after one-strand reconstruction. Conversely, at 60° and 90°, there was no difference in anterior displacement of the tibia for intact and reconstructed ACL. There was a statistically significant improvement in laxity between sectioned and reconstructed (two-strand) ACL at 20°, 60° and 90° but no difference in anterior dislocation between the intact ACL and the reconstructed ACL at 2°, 60°, and 90° flexion.

Conclusion: Two-strand reconstruction of the ACL provides laxity comparable with that of the intact ACL at 20°, 60°, and 90° flexion while one-strand reconstruction only re-establishes physiological laxity at 60° and 90°.

Purpose: We report a series of 50 pilon fractures treated by osteosynthesis and report outcome at minimum seven years.

Material and methods: The series included 28 men and 22 women, mean age 44 years. Thirty-one patients were fall victims. The AO classification was type B (n=24) and type C (n=26). According to the De Lestang classification there were 12 simple fractures and 38 complex fractures (including 26 complete fractures) Sixteen fractures were open and 39 were associated with a fracture of the lateral malleolus. Most of the fixations were achieved via an anterolateral approach (n=22) using a prebent plate, or via a medial approach using a clover-leaf plate. A cancellous graft was used in seven cases. The Kitaoka classification was established at last follow-up.

Results: The radiographic work up included a lateral view and an anteroposterior view with moderate medial rotation. Mean follow-up was fourteen years. There were ten secondary displacements. Late complications were: non-union (n=14, including 10 cases requiring revision for arthrodesis), reflex dystrophy (n=6), deformed callus formation requiring revision, and one case of amputation after infection. At last follow-up, 33 ankles were painful (including 13 permanently painful ankles). Twenty-four patients had a residual limp (13 permanent) limiting walking distance in half of them. The talocrural joint motion was normal in 20 patients and the subtalar joint was normal in 24. Twenty-three patients resumed their former activities. For patients with sports activities, 64% resumed activities at the same level. The Kitaoka score was 79 points at last follow-up with outcome scored good in 70%, fair in 16% and poor in 14%. Excepting the patients who had secondary arthrodesis, 24 patients developed secondary osteoarthritis (including ten stage 2 and 3).

Discussion: Good outcome depends on the intraoperative reduction, both at the epiphyseal level (for complete fractures) and the metaphyseal level. This reduction must be maintained over time with a good fixation rigid enough to avoid secondary displacement which is a cause of callus deformation. The severity and complexity of the initial fracture constitute the main factors affecting outcome. In our opinion, computed tomography provides the best means of establishing the therapeutic indications. Pilon fractures remain a difficult challenge in orthopaedic surgery. Perfect reduction is the best guarantee of good outcome.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate functional and anatomic results of MacIntosh quadriceps plasty reinforced with a free fascia lata transplant used for the treatment of severe anterior laxity of the knee.

Material and methods: We considered severe laxity to be defined as a differential greater than 10 mm (manual Lachmann maximum on KT1000) compared with the healthy side and/or an explosive pivot test scored +++ and/or absolute laxity measured at 20 mm. This retrospective series included 108 patients treated between 1995 and 1998 by the same operator (DS). There were 70 men and 38 women, mean age 29±8.7 years (15–52). Average time from trauma to treatment was 38 months (2–324). Among the 98 patients practicing sports, 47 (43.5%) practiced pivot sports with contact and 51 (47.2%) practiced pivot sports without contact. Mean preoperatiove laxity KT1000 was 18±3 mm (13–30) on the diseased side and 5.34±1.9 mm on the healthy side (15 knees excluded due to rupture of the contralateral anterior cruciate ligament). Mean differential laxity was 12.6±2.3 mm (9–21) and in 44 patients (40.8%) the pivot test was scored +++. Only 37 knees (34%) were totally free of meniscal lesions. Outcome was evaluated by an independent operator using the IKDC method.

Results: Results were analysed for 71 patients (37 lost to follow-up giving a review rate of 65.8%) with a mean follow-up of 63.4±12.9 months (40–86). Absolute postoperative laxity was 8.9±2.9 mm (2–18) and differential laxity was 2.6±2.3 (−2 to +8) giving a mean gain in laxity of 10 mm. The pivot test was negative in 73.2% of the knees, 22% were scored +, and 4.2% ++. The overall IKDC score was 87.3±9.6 (56–100). 90% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with outcome. Furthermore, 80.3% of patients were able to resume their sports activities at the same or higher level.

Conclusion: Mixed plasty using the MacIntosh method with lateral reinforcement using the fascia lata enables effective treatment of severe anterior laxity of the knee. Few studies have differentiated laxity according to severity. Prospective randomised studies devoted to patients with very severe laxity are needed to confirm the results of this technique in comparison with isolated plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament without lateral reinforcement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical and MRI results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts using the patellar tendon with a tibial fixation by th resorbable interference screw PLA 98 (Phusis(r)).

Material and methods: ACL grafts were performed in 182 patients between 1994 and 1997. A unique graft was used in 85 cases (Kenneth Jones), and association with Lemaire plasty in 97. The tibial fixation was achieved with the resorbable screw in all cases. Clinical and radiological data were recorded before surgery, and at one and five years. Among the 110 patients with an MRI at one year, 62 also had an MRI control at five years (57%). The antero-posteior and mediolateral tibial position was evaluated on the horizontal slices. We defined a method for evaluating the femoral position on the horizontal MRI slices. The aspect of the graft was analysed at one and five years.

Results: There were three failures (Trillat-Lachmann test). Mean residual differential laxity was 2.6 mm (Telos). At five years, 92% of patients practiced sports at a moderate or intensive level. The tibial position was good and highly reproducible (SD=0.06). Five femoral positions were not satisfactory but were not related with failure. All screws were resorbed at five years. There were two bone reactions at one year, with no relation with screw absorption (one contusion and one reflex dystrophy). At one year, the MRI with gadolinium injection visualised peripheral enhancement of the graft. At five years three transplants appeared heterogeneous, corresponding to three ruptures. Segmentary heterogenic aspects were not found to have any pathological significance.

Discussion: Evaluation of the femoral position is difficult on the MRI sagittal views. Our analysis method based on horizontal slices allowed reliable reproducible analysis. Analysis of the graft should take into consideration the time since surgery and the sequence used. There was no problem with fixation or screw absorption.

Conclusion: MRI follow-up of ACL grafts enables an analysis of the transplant positions, to follow the evolution of the graft, and to confirm the reliability and safety of the resorbable screw fixation.

Purpose: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has two strands, an anterolateral strand (AL) and a posteromedial strand (PM). Its femoral insertion fans out over 3 cm and cannot be replaced by a unique transplant during surgical reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to define the anatomic centre of the femoral insertion of each stand in order to identify precise and reproducible landmarks for the bone tunnels (one for each strand) used to fix the transplants during reconstruction of the PCL.

Material and methods: A metallic landmark was placed on the centre of the femoral insertion of the two PCL strands in ten cadaver knees. The Metros software package was used to analyse the digitalised radiograms of each knee to determine the position of the strands on the medial condyle. Intra- and inter-observer variability was determined.

Results: The AL strand was situated 31.6 + 2.45% (47.2 + 6.02% for the PM strand) from the anterior border of the notch or 41.18 + 2.73% (54.46 + 5.07% for the PM) from the anterior border of the medial condyle relative to the Blumensaat line and 16.12 + 4.45% (33.68 + 7.2 for the PM) from the apex of the notch.

Discussion: Clinical and objective results of reconstruction depend on the ideal, basically femoral, position of the PCL insertions. Intraoperative identification of the ideal point for the femoral insertion can be improved with measurements made on cadaver knees. The values observed in the present study are reproducible. Presented in the form of percentages of length limiting the errors related to patient morphotype can be integrated into navigation systems.

Purpose: Treatment of recent lesions of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is not standardised. Decisions depend on the patients age and activity level, the degree of laxity, and the presence of combined lesions. Surgical solutions included PCL repair with suture, reconstruction with an autograft or allograft, or synthetic plasty. The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of synthetic reconstruction plasty for knees with important recent laxity of the PCL alone or in association with other lesions (triads, pentades, dislocations). We hypothesised that the synthetic ligament serves as a tutor guiding healing of the ruptured ligament.

Material and methods: The series included 14 consecutive patients, 1 women, 13 men, mean age 27 years who were reviewed retrospectively. These patients were treated for isolated PCL tears (laxity > 15 mm) (n=3), PCL tears combined with laxity (medial or lateral) (n=6) or dislocation (n=5). Mean posterior laxity was 24 mm. The operation was performed 3 to 50 days after trauma using the LARS method (polyester ligament, 6 or 8 mm, 1 or 2 strands). All associated lesions were repaired during the same procedure except one A CL and one posterolateral angle which were treated secondarily. Mean follow-up was 36 months (10–88). All patients were seen for consultation except one who responded to a questionnaire. The IKDC score and Telos laxity measurements were noted.

Results: In five knees, stiffness required mobilisation or arthroscopic arthrolysis. A secondary tear confirmed arthroscopically occurred in one case after a new trauma. Subjectively, two patients were very satisfied, eight were satisfied and three were disappointed. Final motion was: 6/0/130. Direct clinical posterior drawer was present in twelve cases: the Telos differential was 8 mm (24 mm preoperatively). The overall IKDC score was A=0, B=7, C=3, D=2. Persistent posterior laxity was the worst item. Outcome was less satisfactory for all items for posterolateral laxity. There was no difference between the one- and two-strand plasties.

Discussion: We did not have any complications directly related to the synthetic ligament (synovitis, spontaneous tear). There was a significant gain in posterior laxity. Outcome depended on associated lesions, particularly lateral lesions (stiffness, IKDC score), rather than the surgical technique used to repair the PCL. The synthetic ligament appears to play its role as a tutor, a single strand measuring 6 mm in diameter is sufficient.

Conclusion: This technique spares the tendon stock and can be proposed for recent tears of the PCL with major laxity. A longer term follow-up is needed to confirm the persistence of the improvement in laxity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) and the four-strand hamstring grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients aged less than 40 years and to evaluate the influence of meniscectomies performed before, during, or after the ACL reconstruction.

Material and methods: Between March 1997 and March 2000, 114 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (58 BPTB then 56 hamstring) were included. Exclusion criteria were: peripheral ligament repair or associated bone procedures, surgical revision. The continuous series was analysed retrospectively by two surgeons different from the operator. The BTPB group included 58 patients (mean age 28 years) evaluated at a mean 44 months; meniscectomy was associated in eleven cases. The hamstring group included 56 patients (mean age 27.5 years) evaluated at a mean 28 months; there were 19 associated meniscectomies. The IKDC score and laxity (KT2000, Telos) as well as the radiological aspect (AP, lateral and 30° flexion views) were used to assess outcome.

Results: At last follow-up (89 patients, 78%) there were three failures in each group; 77% of patients were in IKDC classes A or B. Subjectively, 90% of the patients considered their knee was normal or nearly normal. For both types of grafts, the outcome was significantly better if the meniscus was preserved. For knees with preserved menisci, there was no difference between BTPB and hamstring reconstruction. Anterior pain was greater after BTPB and posterior thigh pain was greater after hamstring reconstruction. Mean deficit was 14% in extension force in the BTPB group and 25% in flexion force in the hamstring group.

Discussion: Meniscectomy before, during or after ACL reconstruction has a negative effect on the graft outcome for both techniques. If the meniscus is preserved, there is no difference between BTPB and hamstring reconstruction; the morbidities are different, but equivalent (anterior pain for BTPB and posterior for hamstring) and muscle deficit is different (extension for BTPB and flexion for hamstring).

Conclusion: More important than the type of transplant used to reconstruct the ACL, meniscal preservation is a major element affecting outcome.