Ipsilateral proximal and distal radius fractures with unstable elbow joint: Which should we address first?

Simultaneous ipsilateral fractures involving radial head and distal end of radius are uncommon. We present our thoughts on which fracture should be addressed first. A 68-year-old lady sustained an ipsilateral fracture of the right radial head and distal end of radius following a fall. Clinically her right elbow was posteriorly dislocated and right wrist was deformed. Plain radiographs showed an intraarticular fracture of the distal end of radius and a comminution radial head fracture with a proximally migrated radius. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no significant ligament injuries. We addressed her distal radius first with an anatomical locking plate followed by her radial head with a radial head replacement. Our rationale to treat the distal end radius: first was to obtain a correct alignment of Lister's tubercle and correct the distal radius height. Lister's tubercle was used to guide for the correct rotation of the radial head prosthesis. Correcting the distal end fracture radial height helped us with length selection of the radial head prosthesis and address the proximally migrated radial shaft and neck. Postoperative radiographs showed an acceptable reduction. The Cooney score was 75 at 3 months postoperatively, which was equivalent to a fair functional outcome.     

难复性肘关节脱位合并肱动脉损伤的治疗策略

目的探讨难复性肘关节脱位合并肱动脉损伤的治疗策略。方法回顾性分析自2015-03—2018-06行手术切开修复治疗的7例单纯肘关节脱位合并肱动脉损伤,一期行肘关节骨性结构的恢复与软组织稳定的重建,同时行血管移植恢复肱动脉的连续性,二期行游离皮片移植关闭伤口。结果7例均顺利完成手术并获得完整随访,随访时间6~24个月,平均14.5个月。末次随访时肘关节X线片显示7例均获得并维持同心圆复位。1例出现肘关节关节囊及韧带处异位骨化,对症治疗后治愈。无肘关节不稳定、无切口或针道感染发生。末次随访时Mayo肘关节功能评分:优5例,良1例,可1例。结论难复性肘关节脱位合并肱动脉损伤通过一期肘关节骨结构与软组织稳定重建、恢复肱动脉连续性,二期行游离植皮,并结合早期康复锻炼可获得满意疗效。     

An irreducible variant of femoral neck fracture: A minimally traumatic reduction technique

We present 25 cases of irreducible variant femoral neck fractures that require surgical management after routine manipulative manoeuvre attempts have failed. In our study, an irreducible variant of femoral neck fractures is defined as a reduction that cannot be achieved after multiple attempts at closed reduction. This was evident radiographically, as seen in displaced-impacted femoral neck fractures when the proximal femur compacts and rotates along with the distal part, and anatomical reduction cannot be achieved with manipulative manoeuvres. Another rare situation also included is when the proximal fragment disconnects from the femur and dislocates as a ‘floating’ component, consequently resulting in failure of alignment of the distal fragment to the proximal femur.Here, we describe a technique, applied as a minimally traumatic procedure to achieve anatomic reduction in such cases. With the patient placed in supine position on the fracture table under general anaesthesia, the injury site is exposed and the procedure performed under intra-operative radiographic control. Location of the femoral artery is done first by palpation. The insertion site of the K-wires or Steinman pins on the proximal thigh is 1.5-3 cm lateral to the femoral artery. The K-wires or Steinman pins are inserted vertically into the middle 1/2-2/3 of the femoral head and more than 1 cm inferior to the sub-chondral bone of the femoral head to a depth of approximately, 1/2 diameter of the femoral head. The pins are then used as a joystick to control the movement of the proximal femur. With the help of the K-wires, surgeons can manually control the movement of the proximal femur and ensure anatomic reduction with the distal fragment using routine-closed reduction. Three cannulated screws are used to stabilise the fracture after anatomic reduction is achieved and maintained in a stable position. All cases were treated with this minimally invasive procedure and internal fixation, 25 fractures united, uneventfully, whilst two of them developed femoral head necrosis at 10 months and 4.5 years postoperatively, respectively.     

Late presentation of a complete complex thumb metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation: A case report

Metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint injuries and dislocations of the fingers and thumb are not uncommon. They can be classified directionally as either being volar or dorsal, and are further categorized as incomplete, simple complete or complex complete. Complex dislocations are described as dislocations that are irreducible and often require surgical intervention. This is often because tissue has become entrapped within the MP joint, precluding its anatomical reduction. For the thumb MP joint, anatomical structures that may become trapped include the volar plate, sesamoid bones, bony fracture fragments or the flexor pollicis longus tendon. Both dorsal and volar surgical approaches have been described, and their relative merits will be discussed. The unusual case of a late presentation (two months postinjury) of a complex complete dorsal dislocation of the thumb MP joint approached from a dorsal incision is presented.     

Irreducible dislocation of the knee with interposition of the patella

Traumatic dislocation of the knee is uncommon, and the knee dislocation can usually be reduced satisfactory by closed methods. We report a case of the irreducible dislocation of the knee with interposition of the patella.     

Multiple bladder calculi: a rare cause of irreducible uterine prolapse

Background A vesical calculus in a prolapsed cystocele is rare. Objective To highlight bladder calculi as a cause of irreducible uterine prolapse. Case Report A case of irreducible total uterine prolapse caused by multiple vesical calculi is presented. Bladder stones were removed through vaginal cystolithotomy followed by vaginal hysterectomy. Conclusion In cases of acute irreducible pelvic organ prolapse, the possibility of bladder stones should be kept in mind and X-ray pelvis including the prolapsed mass should be done to confirm the diagnosis.     

Irreducible acute anterior shoulder dislocation

Irreducible acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder has rarely been reported in the literature. This report describes a shoulder dislocation in a patient, which required open disimpaction of the humeral head from the glenoid before reduction of the glenohumeral dislocation could be achieved.     

Irreducible traumatic posterior dislocations of the hip

Posterior dislocation is the most common form of traumatic dislocation of the hip. It is usually the result of severe force applied to the flexed knee of a sitting occupant of a car involved in a high-speed accident. Closed reduction is usually successful; however, failed or irreducible dislocations occur in 3–16% of patients and may be complete or incomplete. We discuss three patients in whom closed reduction was unsuccessful, each with a different cause: buttonhole tear of the posterior capsule, interposition of the piriformis muscle, and dislodgement of an osteocartilaginous fragment into the hip joint.