Nerve reconstruction: A cohort study of 93 cases of global brachial plexus palsy

Introduction:

Brachial plexus injury leading to flail upper limb is one of the most disabling injuries. Neglect of the injury and delay in surgeries may preclude reinnervation of the paralysed muscles. Currently for such injuries nerve transfers are the preferred procedures. We here present a series of 93 cases of global brachial plexus palsy treated with nerve transfers.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety-three cases of global palsies out of 384 cases of brachial plexus injury operated by the senior surgeon (AB) were selected. Age varied from 4 to 51 years with 63 patients in 20 to 40 age group and all patients having a minimum follow up of at least 1 year post surgery ranging up to 130 months. The delay before surgery ranged from 15 days to 16 months (mean 3.2 months). The aim of the surgery was to restore the elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, triceps function and wrist and finger flexion in that order of priority. The major nerve transfers used were spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve, intercostal to musculocutaneous nerve and pectoral nerves, contralateral C7 to median and radial nerves. Nerve stumps were used whenever available (30 patients).

Results:

Recovery of ≥ grade 3 power was noted in biceps in 73% (68/93) of patients, shoulder abduction in 89% (43/49), pectoralis major in 100% (8/8). Recovery of grade 2 triceps power was seen in 80% (12/16) patients with nerve transfer to radial nerve. Derotation osteotomies of humerus (n=13) and wrist fusion (n=14) were the most common secondary procedures performed to facilitate alignment and movements of the affected limb. Better results were noted in 59 cases where direct nerve transfers were done (without nerve graft).

Conclusion:

Acceptable function (restoration of biceps power ≥3) can be obtained in more than two thirds (73%) of these global brachial plexus injuries by using the principles of early exploration and nerve transfer with rehabilitation.     

Limb lengthening over plate

Background:

The limb lengthening over plate eliminates the associated risk of infection with limb lengthening over intramedullary nail. We present our experience of limb lengthening in 15 patients with a plate fixed on the proximal segment, followed by corticotomy and application of external fixator.

Materials and Methods:

15 patients (7 females, 8 males) were included in this consecutive series. The average age was 18.1 years (range 8–35 years). Fifteen tibiae and one femur were lengthened in 15 patients. Lengthening was achieved at 1 mm/day followed by distal segment fixation with three or four screws on reaching the target length.

Results:

The preoperative target length was successfully achieved in all patients at a mean of 4.1 cm (range 1.8–6.5 cm). The mean duration of external fixation was 75.3 days (range 33–116 days) with the mean external fixation index at 19.2 days/cm (range 10.0–38.3 days/cm). One patient suffered deep infection up to the plate, three patients had mild procurvatum deformities, and one patient developed mild tendo achilles contracture.

Conclusion:

Lengthening over a plate allows early removal of external fixator and eliminates the risk of creating deep intramedullary infection as with lengthening over nail. Lengthening over plate is also applicable to children with open physis.     

Functional outcome of patients undergoing replantation of hand at wrist level-7 year experience

Background:

Replantation is defined as reattachment of amputated limb using neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures in order to obtain recovery of limb. Re-vascularisation involves all the above steps in case of limb injuries that result in a near total amputation.

Aim and Objective:

To study the functional outcome of patients undergoing replantation of hand at wrist level.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent replantation of total amputation of hand at wrist level within a period of Jan 2003-June 2010. We evaluated post operative functional outcome compared to uninjured hand taking into consideration: 1. The patient''s overall satisfaction with the hand. 2. Recovery of flexor and extensor function of thumb and fingers. 3. Recovery of thumb opposition. 4. Recovery of sensations in the median and ulnar nerve distribution. 5. Ability of surviving hand to perform daily tasks.

Results:

There were total seventeen patients and age range was two years to 55 years. Out of 17 patients,16 were males. All the replantations were successful except for one.

Summary:

The results showed that, although the replanted hands were never functionally as good as the contralateral hand the patients were able to perform most of the daily activities.KEY WORDS: Replantation, wrist amputation, hand amputation     

Taylor spatial frame-software-controlled fixator for deformity correction-the early Indian experience

Background:

Complex deformity correction and fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method needs extensive preoperative analysis and laborious postoperative fixator alterations, which are error-prone. We report our initial experience in treating the first 22 patients having fractures and complex deformities and shortening with software-controlled Taylor spatial frame (TSF) external fixator, for its ease of use and accuracy in achieving fracture reduction and complex deformity correction.

Settings and Design:

The struts of the TSF fixator have multiplane hinges at both ends and the six struts allow correction in all six axes. Hence the same struts act to correct either angulation or translation or rotation. With a single construct assembled during surgery all the desired axis corrections can be performed without a change of the montage as is needed with the Ilizarov fixator.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-seven limb segments were operated with the TSF fixator. There were 23 tibiae, two femora, one knee joint and one ankle joint. Seven patients had comminuted fractures. Ten patients who had 13 deformed segments achieved full correction. Eight patients had lengthening in 10 tibiae. (Five of these also had simultaneous correction of deformities). One patient each had correction of knee and ankle deformities. Accurate reduction of fractures and correction of deformities and length could be achieved in all of our patients with minimum postoperative fixator alterations as compared to the Ilizarov system. The X-ray visualization of the osteotomy or lengthening site due to the six crossing struts and added bulk of the fixator rings which made positioning in bed and walking slightly more difficult as compared to the Ilizarov fixator.

Conclusions:

The TSF external fixator allows accurate fracture reduction and deformity correction without tedious analysis and postoperative frame alterations. The high cost of the fixator is a deterrent. The need for an internet connection and special X-rays to operate the fixator add to its complexity.     

Results of a bone splint technique for the treatment of lower limb deformities in children with type I osteogenesis imperfecta

Background:

Children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) can suffer from frequent fractures and limb deformities, resulting in impaired ambulation. Osteopenia and thin cortices complicate orthopedic treatment in this group. This study evaluates the clinical results of a bone splint technique for the treatment of lower limb deformities in children with type I OI. The technique consists of internal plating combined with cortical strut allograft fixation.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively followed nine children (five boys, four girls) with lower limb deformities due to type I OI, who had been treated with the bone splint technique (11 femurs, four tibias) between 2003 and 2006. The fracture healing time, deformity improvement, ambulation ability and complications were recorded to evaluate treatment effects.

Results:

At the time of surgery the average age in our study was 7.7 years (range 5-12 years). The average length of followup was 69 months (range 60-84 months). All patients had good fracture healing with an average healing time of 14 weeks (range 12-16 weeks) and none experienced further fractures, deformity, or nonunion. The fixation remained stable throughout the procedure in all cases, with no evidence of loosening or breakage of screws and the deformity and mobility significantly improved after surgery. Of the two children confined to bed before surgery, one was able to walk on crutches and the other needed a wheelchair. The other seven patients could walk without walking aids or support like crutches.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the bone splint technique provides good mechanical support and increases the bone mass. It is an effective treatment for children with OI and lower limb deformities.     

Variation of tension in the long head of the biceps tendon as a function of limb position with simulated biceps contraction

Purpose:

This study was designed to quantify tensile forces within the intra-articular long head of the bicep tendon (LHBT) under conditions of passive limb positioning and physiologic load, which simulate contraction of the LHBT.

Materials and Methods:

A force probe was inserted into the intra-articular LHBT, just distal to its supra-glenoid origin, in six fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. Initially, specimens were manually manipulated through 30 glenohumeral joint positions, combining humeral rotation and elbow/forearm position. In the second phase, a 55 N tensile load was applied through the LHBT in 18 limb positions. Intra-tendinous tension was recorded in all positions under both conditions.

Results:

External humeral rotation significantly increased tension with glenohumeral forward flexion (P<0.0001). Conversely, internal humeral rotation significantly increased tension with glenohumeral abduction and extension (P<0.0001). A position of glenohumeral extension and internal rotation, with the elbow extended and forearm pronated, produced the highest tension in the intra-articular LHBT (P<0.0001). Under applied load conditions, observed LHTB tension was not statistically different in any glenohumeral position (P=0.1468, power = 88%). The greater tuberosity was noted to impinge on the force probe in forward flexion and internal rotation in two specimens.

Conclusions:

Variable tensile forces are seen in the intra-articular LHBT as a function of both limb position and simulated biceps contraction. Our findings provide a thorough data set that may be used to help substantiate or refute current or future hypotheses regarding LHBT function, pathology, and clinical tests.

Clinical Relevance:

Identifying positions of glenohumeral motion, which affect LHBT tension will provide an anatomic basis for clinical tests proposed to be for diagnosing LHBT lesions, including superior labral anterior and posterior tears.     

Cross-leg flap: Its role in limb salvage

Background:

Pedicled cross-extremity flaps for lower limb wound coverage have been replaced by free tissue transfer in the last two decades. However, there are certain difficult situations where the free flap cannot be employed and alternative methods are needed. We describe our experience with cross-leg flap in 18 patients for the reconstruction of difficult leg defects in which no suitable recipient vessels were available for microvascular anastomosis in the vicinity of the defect.

Materials and Methods:

18 patients (17 men and 1 woman) with mean range 31.5 yrs(range 18-70 yrs) grade III B tibial fractures were included in the study. fasciocuteneous cross leg flap was employed and extremities were immobilized by external Fixator.

Results:

Fifteen flaps were completely available with two had marginal necrosis and one supsficial epidermal necrosis. No complications were related to the donor site, flap, or by immobilization are noted. Each patient resumed essentially normal gait and activity without any stiffness of joints related with the flap or external fixator.

Conclusion:

The addition of external fixator stabilization aids greatly in wound care, as well as for general ease of the patient mobility and positioning. Cross-leg flap offers the possibility of salvaging limbs that are otherwise nonreconstructable.     

Metacarpal lengthening by distraction histiogenesis in adults

Background:

Metacarpal lengthening in the hand is a new application for distraction neo-histiogenesis. Metacarpal lengthening with distraction helps in improvement in pinch function. Thumb lengthening is technically easy in comparison to other metacarpals. We present the operative treatment and post-operative outcome in nine patients with amputations and congenital anomalies.

Materials and Methods:

Nine patients underwent distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of amputations of the hand and other congenital anomalies. The dominant right hand was operated in eight cases and the left hand in one case. There were six males and three females. Improvement of function was always the aim of surgery. Age range was between 18 and 23 years. Thumb lengthening was performed in five patients and that of the index finger in four patients. Distraction started on the fifth post-operative day at the rate of 0.25 mm/day. Sensory function and bone consolidation was assessed before fixator removal.

Results:

The mean duration of distraction was 51 days (range, 42–60 days) and the distractor was removed at a mean of 150 days (range, 140 and 160 days) and the bones were lengthened by a mean of 24 mm (range, 20–28 mm) There was improvement of function in all cases.

Conclusion:

The metacarpal lengthening by distraction histiogenesis in congenital and traumatic amputations is safe and simple method to improve pinch function of hand.     

Total knee arthroplasty: Limb length discrepancy and functional outcome

Background:

Limb length discrepancy and its effects on patient function have been discussed in depth in the literature with respect to hip arthroplasty but there are few studies that have examined the effect on function of limb length discrepency following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether limb length discrepancy after TKA in patients with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee with varus deformity affects functional outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-four patients with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee with varus deformity, who were operated for total knee arthroplasty from 1996 to 2008, were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. Thirty patients (mean age 64 years) were operated for unilateral TKA and thirty patients (mean age 65.8 years) were operated for bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Six patients underwent staged surgery and were included in both groups as the time interval between the two surgeries was more than the minimum 6-month follow-up period specified for inclusion in the study. The limb length discrepancy was measured and statistically correlated with the functional component of the Knee Society Score.

Result:

In the unilateral group (n=30), the mean limb length discrepancy was 1.53 cm (range: 0-3 cm) and the mean functional score was 73 (range: 45-100). In the bilateral group (n=30), the mean limb length discrepancy was 0.5 cm (range: 0-2 cm) and the mean functional score was 80.67 (range: 0-100). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between limb length discrepancy and functional score in the unilateral group (Spearman correlation coefficient, r =−0.52, P=0.006), while no statistically significant correlation was found in the bilateral group (Spearman correlation coefficient, r = −0.141, P=0.458).

Conclusion:

Limb length discrepancy affects functional outcome after total knee arthroplasty, especially so in patients of bilateral osteoarthritis with varus deformity undergoing surgery of only one knee.     

Walking ability in patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Background:

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a multiple joint condition which affects both lower and upper extremities and thus affects ambulation. Multiple surgeries are needed to correct limb deformity in order to promote walking. The objective of this study is to identify the most critical residual deformity that diminishes the ambulatory status.

Materials and Methods:

51 patients were included in this study, 14 patients were nonambulatory. The mean age at first surgery was 4.1 years (range 2-16 years). The mean length of followup was 44.0 months (range 22-168 months). Type of procedures and number of operations, residual deformity and walking ability were recorded. Residual deformity including hip flexion contracture more than 30°, knee flexion contracture more than 30°, scoliosis, hip dysplasia or dislocation, knee extension contracture or recurvatum, active motion of hips and knees and upper limb involvement were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate factors that were statistically significant to affect walking ability in AMC patients.

Results:

At the latest followup, 31 patients were community ambulators, 3 patients were household ambulators, 3 patients were nonfunctional ambulatory, and 14 patients were nonambulatory. There were an average of 4.3 surgeries per patient. Statistical analysis of all factors was done and the results were significant with a P < 0.037 in knee flexion contracture >30 degrees with odds ratio of 4.58. Hip flexion contracture >30° was a trend toward significant with a P value of 0.058 and odds ratio of 4.53. Multivariate analysis showed that knee flexion contracture was significant with 4.58 (95% CI 1.01-20.6).

Conclusion:

AMC is a rare disease that causes disability, requiring multiple surgeries to correct deformities. Our study showed that residual knee flexion contracture was associated with nonambulatory status of patients with AMC.     

A quantitative analysis of the effect of baseplate and glenosphere position on deltoid lengthening in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Context:

Optimizing deltoid tension is important to achieve maximal function after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), but the effects of baseplate and glenosphere positions on deltoid tension have not been quantified.

Aims:

To quantify deltoid elongation and elongation to failure under physiologic loads with three baseplate-glenosphere configurations with increasing inferior offset.

Settings and Design:

Cadaver biomechanical study.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four cadaver shoulders were divided into three groups. The starting point for baseplate insertion in Group 1 was the center of the glenoid, with glenospheres placed in minimal inferior offset (0.5 mm). Groups 2 and 3 baseplates were placed 2 mm inferior to the center point and glenospheres in minimal (2.5 mm) offset (Group 2) or maximal (4.5 mm) offset (Group 3). Tensile testing was done to quantify deltoid elongation and evaluate failure.

Statistical Analysis Used:

A one-way analysis of variance was performed to detect statistically significant differences among treatment groups. A post-hoc Neuman-Keul''s comparison was conducted to perform discrete comparisons among treatment groups.

Results:

Deltoid elongation after loading decreased with increasing inferior offset of >2.5 mm. No significant difference in deltoid yield load was found among groups. The percent of elongation was decreased significantly between groups 2 and 3. Deltoid displacement at failure decreased from 33.3 mm for Group 2-17.3 mm for Group 3. 16 of the 24 specimens (67%) failed by anterior deltoid detachment from the acromion.

Conclusions:

Increasing inferior offset in RTSA constructs appears to increase stretch forces on the deltoid, resulting in a diminished ability of the deltoid to further elongate under physiologic loads, (most pronounced when the inferior offset exceeds 2.5 mm) and significantly decreasing the yield displacement of the construct.     

Management of ��floating elbow�� in children

Background:

Supracondylar fractures associated with ipsilateral forearm fractures, aptly termed as “floating elbow” is a rare injury in children after a fall from height. The various authors have reported their results with conservative treatment of one or both injuries to aggressive emergency operative fixation of both components.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of three years, the author managed four cases of floating elbow in children. All cases were managed by closed reduction and pinning of both components of the injury.

Results:

All patients recovered full elbow range of motion at three months followup and were rated as excellent as per modified Flynn''s criteria. None of the patients developed cubitus varus deformity, complications related to the pins or delayed union.

Conclusions:

Early closed reduction and K wire fixation of both components of this injury gives better stability and prevents development of complications like compartment syndrome and elbow deformities.     

Multiple intramedullary nailing of proximal phalangeal fractures of hand

Background:

Proximal phalangeal fractures are commonly encountered fractures in the hand. Majority of them are stable and can be treated by non-operative means. However, unstable fractures i.e. those with shortening, displacement, angulation, rotational deformity or segmental fractures need surgical intervention. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome after surgical stabilization of these fractures with joint-sparing multiple intramedullary nailing technique.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-five patients with 35 isolated unstable proximal phalangeal shaft fractures of hand were managed by surgical stabilization with multiple intramedullary nailing technique. Fractures of the thumb were excluded. All the patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. They were assessed radiologically and clinically. The clinical evaluation was based on two criteria. 1. total active range of motion for digital functional assessment as suggested by the American Society for Surgery of Hand and 2. grip strength.

Results:

All the patients showed radiological union at six weeks. The overall results were excellent in all the patients. Adventitious bursitis was observed at the point of insertion of nails in one patient.

Conclusion:

Joint-sparing multiple intramedullary nailing of unstable proximal phalangeal fractures of hand provides satisfactory results with good functional outcome and fewer complications.     

Outcome of Mears procedure for Sprengel��s deformity

Background:

Sprengel’s shoulder is characterized by scapular maldescent and malposition, causing restriction of shoulder and cervical spine movements. It is associated with a variety of other congenital anomalies. Various surgical procedures have been described to treat this anomaly with no consensus as to the surgical procedure of choice. We report the results of the Mears procedure in the treatment of Sprengel’s shoulder.

Materials and Methods:

Seven children between the age group of two and six years were treated for Sprengel’s deformity, with omovertebral bar, and other congenital anomalies. The Cavendish score and Rigault radiological score were used to assess the severity of the deformity, and the position of the scapula relative to the cervical spine, respectively. The Mears procedure involved scapular osteotomy, par tial scapular excision, and release of a long head of triceps. Clavicular osteotomy was done only in two cases to decrease the risk of traction injury to the brachial plexus. Postoperatively, the patients were immobilized in a shoulder sling and range of motion exercises were started as early as possible. The patients were followed regularly at six weeks, three months and regularly at six-months interval.

Results:

The mean improvement in flexion and abduction was 45 ° (40 – 70 °) and 50 ° (40 – 70 °), respectively, which was the combined glenohumeral and thoracoscapular movement. The cosmetic and functional improvement by this procedure was acceptable to the patients. Minor scar hypertrophy was seen in two cases.

Conclusion:

The Mears procedure gives excellent cosmetic and functional results. This procedure addresses the functional aspect of the deformity and is much more acceptable to the patient and parents.     

Ensuring precision in lower limb deformity correction through a combination of temporary external fixation followed by internal fixation: Results of a retrospective study

Background:

It is important to plan preoperatively when contemplating internal fixation following deformity correction. Surgeons often find it difficult to retain the achieved correction till the end of internal fixation. To maintain precise correction we used hybrid technique which uses both external and internal fixation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this hybrid technique in achieving and retaining desired correction.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the magnitude of deformity with radiological parameters. We compared correction which was planned and correction which was achieved. The technique was used during surgery for corrective osteotomies. Before carrying out the osteotomy, rail fixator with two swivel clamps was applied. After osteotomy swivel clamps were loosened. Desired correction was achieved. While fixator held the fragments in corrected position, definitive internal fixation was carried out. External fixator was removed after completion of internal fixation. Position of mechanical axis ratio, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle were measured before and 12 weeks after surgery. Student t-test was used to analyze the difference between correction which was planned and correction which was achieved.

Results:

There was no statistical difference between the desired correction and the correction achieved.

Conclusions:

Temporary use of external fixator while correcting angular deformities of lower limb allows to achieve accurate correction.     

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand: the role of marginal excision and adjuvant radiation therapy

Background

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand is rare, and its optimal modality of local control is not currently known.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify studies that describe the treatment and outcomes of extraskeletal osteosarcoma. A second literature search was performed to identify studies that describe the treatment and outcomes of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand specifically.

Results

The role of adjuvant radiation for extraskeletal osteosarcoma is not well defined. All cases in the literature describing treatment of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand utilized amputation, and none of the patients described received radiation therapy. However, there are multiple reports showing excellent local control, minimal toxicity, and superior functional outcome with limb conservation and radiation rather than amputation of the hand in pediatric and adult soft tissue sarcoma.

Conclusion

For extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand, we recommend a treatment approach with the goal of preservation of form and function using limb-sparing surgery and planned postoperative radiation.     

Management of complex long bone nonunions using limb reconstruction system

Background:

Management of complex nonunions is difficult due to the presence of infection, deformities, shortening and multiple surgeries in the past. Complex nonunions are traditionally managed by Ilizarov fixation. The disadvantages of Ilizarov are poor patient compliance, inconvenience of the frame and difficult frame construction. We conducted a study on 30 long bone complex nonunions treated by the limb reconstruction system (LRS).

Materials and Methods:

Between April 2009 and September 2012, we treated 30 cases of complex nonunion of long bone with the LRS. 28 were male and 2 females. Average shortening was 5.06 cm and 14 cases presented with infected implants. Initially we managed with implant removal, radical debridement followed by fixation with the LRS. In 16 cases, corticotomy and lengthening was done. The average duration of treatment was 9.68 months. We compressed the fracture site at the rate of 0.25 mm per day for 1-2 weeks and distracted the corticotomy at the rate of 1 mm/day till lengthening was achieved.

Result:

The union occurred in 89.28% cases and eradication of infection in 91.66% cases. Average lengthening done was 4.57 cm. We had 79% excellent, 11% good and 10% poor bony result and fnctional result was excellent in 40% cases, good in 50% and failure in 10% cases using ASAMI scoring system.

Conclusion:

LRS is an alternative to the Ilizarov fixation in their management of complex nonunion of long bones. It is less cumbersome to the patient and more surgeon and patient friendly.     

Outcome of surgical resection of pelvic osteosarcoma

Background:

The aim of the following study is to evaluate the morbidity, oncologic results and functional outcome in nonmetastatic patients with primary osteosarcoma of the pelvis treated with surgical resection.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve cases of nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of pelvis were operated as part of their multimodality treatment regime between November 2003 and May 2011. There were 5 males and 7 females with a median age of 22 years (range 8-39 years). Ten patients underwent limb sparing resections while 2 had a hindquarter amputation. All 10 cases of limb sparing surgery included resection of the acetabulum. A pseudarthrosis was carried out in 7 cases. Extracorporeal radiation therapy and reimplantation of the bone followed by fixation with plates was used in 1 case and an ischiofemoral arthrodesis was carried out in 2 cases.

Results:

Surgical margins were free in 11 patients. Seven patients had a poor histological response to chemotherapy while 4 patients had a good response to chemotherapy. In the patient reconstructed with radiated auto bone graft, the histological response to chemotherapy could not be assessed. Surgery related complications were seen in 8 out of 12 patients (67%). Three of these patients (25%) required additional surgical intervention for their complications. All patients were available for followup. The median followup of survivors was 56 months (range 24-102 months). Four patients (33%) developed a local recurrence. At 5 years, overall survival was 67%. Patients with a good response to chemotherapy had a better overall survival when compared with patients with a poor response to chemotherapy. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 22 (range12-27).

Conclusions:

Though complex and challenging, surgery provides good local control and oncologic outcomes with acceptable function in patients with osteosarcoma of the pelvis treated with appropriate surgical resection as part of their multimodality treatment.     

A clinical and demographic profile of the cleft lip and palate in Sub-Himalayan India: A hospital-based study

Objectives:

To study the cleft lip and cleft palate in the poverty stricken Sub-Himalayan Garhwal region of India, being a commonly seen congenital abnormality and scarcity of studies about the demography of cleft in this region.

Design:

A prospective cohort observational case series was performed on 4657 cleft patients at a Tertiary care Hospital in Dehradun, India, over a period of 5 years.

Outcome measures:

The authors investigated the differences between age and sex with cleft status and family history of clefts, birth order, religion, socioeconomic status, parent literacy, source of information for treatment, haematological investigations showing the status of infection and coagulation in such children and satisfaction after treatment.

Results:

Seventy-two percent parents of cleft lip patients were illiterate, and only 8% were graduates, the majority of patients were from the low socioeconomic class. The siblings of 1.1% of the cleft patients had similar deformity. Anemia was seen in 83.16% cases which was commonly microcytic hypochromic type and eosinophilia was seen in 25.50% of cases. In the coagulation profile, International Nationalized Ratio was found to be raised in 52.12%. Almost 95% of the families were fully satisfied by the treatment and results.

Conclusion:

This study will provide baseline information on the status of these less privileged cleft patients in this mountainous region for future reference to health workers.KEY WORDS: Cleft lip, cleft palate, haematological, sub-Himalayan region, socioeconomic     

Incidental discovery of a long standing arteriovenous fistula after thrombectomy for acute lower limb ischaemia

INTRODUCTION

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the abnormal connection between an artery and vein. Congenital AVF of the popliteal artery is very rare.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

89 year old lady presented with right acute lower limb ischaemia. She had unilateral chronic venous hypertensive change in the right leg. Femoral embolectomy was performed. Backflow was achieved. Arteriotomy was closed. The patient''s leg continued to deteriorate. She returned to theatre. On-table angiogram showed an occluded SFA. Thrombectomy was completed. SFA was patent but no blood flowed into the distal popliteal artery. A second on table angiogram revealed AVF between popliteal artery and vein. Dissection to the posterior aspect of the knee revealed the fistula. The vein was arterialized and enlarged. The AVF was ligated. Normal distal blood flow was achieved. Retrospectively we measured the leg lengths. Right leg was 3 cm longer than the left. The right leg circumference was 7 cm greater than the left. She reported chronic venous change from a young age. She did not report any history of trauma to the limb.

DISCUSSION

Popliteal artery to popliteal vein fistula is a rare. Trauma is the most common cause of popliteal AVF. Should the condition develop before closure of the epiphyses, there may be an increase in leg measurements.

CONCLUSION

We postulate that this case of AV fistula may be congenital due to discrepancy in leg measurements and unilateral chronic venous hypertensive change. Rarely persistent remnants of the embryonic sciatic artery can lead to arteriovenous anastomoses, which may be a possible aetiology.