Acute L5 pedicle fracture and contralateral spondylolysis in a 12-year-old boy: a case report

Acute unilateral L5 pedicle fracture associated with a pre-existing contralateral spondylolysis is a rare lesion. We report a case in a non-competitive 12-year-old boy. We present the clinical, radiological and specific management of this rare condition. The clinical and radiological draft of this patient was reviewed. The follow-up was 30 months after fracture healing. Some cases reported in the literature were analyzed and our clinical findings and therapeutic strategy was compared and discussed. Non-operative treatment was done including full-time bracing in a modified Boston brace incorporating one thigh for 3 months. Plain radiographs and computed tomographic (CT)-scan performed at 3 and 6 months showed progressive healing of the pedicle fracture and no modification of the contralateral isthmic spondylolytic lesion. At final follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and resumed all his activities. In skeletally immature patients, we think that conservative treatment should be considered as a treatment option for this unusual injury.

     

Gleichzeitige Frakturen von Acromion und Korakoid

Introduction

Simultaneous fracture of the acromion and coracoid process represents a double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC). To date, the two largest reported series have comprised five and eight cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional outcome in patients who sustained this rare injury and to provide a review of the relevant literature.

Material and methods

In this retrospective study, patients who were surgically treated between 2009 and 2014 were identified from medical records and the patients were asked to attend a follow-up examination. Functional results, measured as the Constant score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, were the main outcomes of the study.

Results

A total of six patients underwent surgery for this type of double disruption of the SSSC. All but one patient suffered a high-impact trauma with other associated injuries. The coracoid fracture was classified as type I according to Ogawa in all cases, and the acromion fracture was type III according to Kuhn in 5 out of 6 cases. At least one of the fracture sites was stabilized. Of the patients one showed a concurrent lateral clavicle fracture, representing a third disruption of the SSSC, and another had a fracture of the medial third of the clavicle, representing a strut fracture. In these cases, two fracture sites were operated on. At an average follow-up period of 47 months all but one fracture had healed. In one patient, asymptomatic non-union of the acromion was found. The average DASH score was 22 points and the average Constant score was 74 points.

Conclusion

This rare injury pattern is usually caused by high-impact trauma, and concomitant injuries frequently occur. Nevertheless, surgical stabilization of at least one of the fracture sites showed satisfactory functional results.

     

Surgical Management of Fifth Metatarsal Diaphyseal Fractures: A Retrospective Outcomes Study

Fifth metatarsal diaphyseal fractures are a common injury treated by foot and ankle surgeons. The limited data on this specific fracture type has promoted nonoperative treatment with immobilization. The primary objective of the present study was to record the radiographic healing time of fifth metatarsal diaphyseal fractures after surgical intervention and present the specific fracture characteristics. The medical records of a series of 64 patients with surgically managed fifth metatarsal diaphyseal fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected consisted of radiographic healing times, fracture characteristics, and patient demographics. The mean average age at injury was 49.23 ± 15.35 years with greatest incidence in females at 73.44%. The mean healing time was 7.73 ± 4.74 weeks, with an overall complication rate of 6.25%. The fractures were classified into 2 specific categories according to the anatomic location. Type I fractures occurred in a significantly older population, were significantly longer in length, and healed faster. The mean displacement and angulation at injury was 3.20 ± 1.22 mm, and 5.89° ± 4.60°, respectively, for all fractures. Of the 64 patients, 1 (1.56%) experienced nonunion, 2 (3.13%) delayed unions, and no malunions. One patient (1.56%) underwent repeat operation for hardware removal. One case (1.56%) of superficial postoperative infection developed and was treated with oral antibiotics. We observed good surgical outcomes with minimal postoperative complications. We also identified 2 specific entities of fifth metatarsal diaphyseal fractures. On the basis of our results, we advocate surgical intervention even for minimally displaced diaphyseal fractures to maintain even weightbearing across the metatarsal parabola.     

Safety screw fixation technique in a case of coracoid base fracture with acromioclavicular dislocation and coracoid base cross-sectional size data from a computed axial tomography study

Coracoid base fracture accompanied by acromioclavicular joint dislocation with intact coracoclavicular ligaments is a rare injury. Generally, an open reduction with screw fixation is the first treatment choice, as it protects the important structures around the coracoid process. This report presents a new technique of screw fixation for coracoid base fracture and provides anatomic information on cross-sectional size of the coracoid base obtained by computed tomography (CT). An axial image of the coracoid base was visualized over the neck of the scapula, and a guidewire was inserted into this circle under fluoroscopic guidance. The wire was inserted easily into the neck of scapula across the coracoid base fracture with imaging in only 1 plane. In addition, 25 measurements of the coracoid base were made in 25 subjects on axial CT images. Average length of the long and short axes at the thinnest part of the coracoid base was 13.9 ± 2.0 mm (range 10.6–17.0) and 10.5 ± 2.2 mm (6.6–15.1), respectively. This new screw fixation technique and measurement data on the coracoid base may be beneficial for safety screw fixation of coracoid base fracture.     

Management pitfalls of fractured neck of femur in osteogenesis imperfecta

Introduction

Fractured neck of femur in osteogenesis imperfecta is rarely reported. Its management is always difficult because of bone fragility and the outcome is not well known. We, therefore, aimed to study the management pitfalls in this group of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed five cases of fractured neck of femur in four patients treated in our hospital between 2006 and 2009. The demographic data, mode of injury, fracture configuration, treatment, complications, clinical and radiological outcome were reviewed.

Results

According to the Sillence classification, one patient was type I, two were type III and one was type IV. There were two children (aged 8 and 15 years) and two adults (aged 21 and 22 years), with the 8 year-old girl suffering from hip fracture on different sides in two accidents. All five hip fractures were the result of low-energy injury and were associated with other fractures. Two undisplaced fractures required intra-operative fluoroscopic confirmation to demonstrate movement at the fracture site. The interval between the injury and fixation ranged from 6 h to 3 days. One hip required secondary surgery to openly reduce the fracture due to inadequate primary fixation and reduction. Two hips were fixed with paediatric dynamic hip screws and three hips were fixed with cannulated screws. All patients were immobilised in hip spica for 6 weeks. The average follow-up was 4 years (3–5 years). All patients had satisfactory union and none of them developed radiological evidence of avascular necrosis at the latest follow-up. All patients returned to their pre-injury functional level.

Conclusion

Fractured neck of femur is rare given the high prevalence of long bone fractures in osteogenesis imperfecta. They all have characteristic associated fractures of the extremity at the time of injury and neck of femur fractures could be easily missed. Fracture fixation is a great challenge to the orthopaedic surgeons because of the small size of the patients, poor bone quality with suboptimal imaging intra-operatively and compromised purchase of fixation devices. The choice of implants should be determined by the size of the patients and the presence of prior instrumentation close to the hip joint.     

Simultaneous bilateral elbow dislocation with associated bilateral radial head fracture

Bilateral elbow dislocation is a rare injury, with only a small number of case reports in the literature. The majority of these reports describe associated ligamentous injuries only. Simultaneous bilateral radial head fracture in association with bilateral elbow dislocation has only been described on one occasion previously. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman who dislocated both elbows and fractured both radial heads following a fall. In the operating theatre under general anaesthesia, both elbows were reduced by closed manipulation, it was then decided to treat the radial head fractures non-operativley. There was no neurovascular deficit either pre or post reduction. The patient was placed in above elbow casts for 1 week. Both casts were then removed and intensive physiotherapy was prescribed. The patient had an excellent clinical outcome and returned to work as a florist within 6 months of her injury. The purpose of this report was to describe a very rare injury pattern, and to emphasise the importance of early mobilisation following bilateral elbow dislocation.     

Is catheter rupture rare after totally implantable access port implantation via the right internal jugular vein? Report of a case

Catheter rupture after totally implantable access port (TIAP) implantation via the right internal jugular vein is thought to be very rare. We report a case of catheter rupture found 682 days after TIAP surgery in a 52-year-old woman with recurrent right breast cancer. It is possible that chronic stress at the flexure of the catheter induced by neck movements caused the catheter to rupture. Therefore, when inserting a TIAP via the right internal jugular vein, the site of venous puncture should be decided on carefully. Although a fracture of this type is rarely reported in the literature, the incidence of catheter injury of a TIAP inserted via the internal jugular vein at our institute is 1.8 %. This highlights the need to educate and caution medical staff and patients about preventing catheter fracture being caused by external factors.     

Transphyseal elbow fracture in newborn: review of literature

Transphyseal elbow fracture is a rare entity in newborns, and in the last century, only case reports or small case series have been published; however, precise epidemiological data lack. Such fractures occur more often in emergency Caesarian section or vaginal delivery. The differential diagnosis with elbow dislocation can be challenging. Radiography, arthrography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound or a combination of these have already been described to make diagnosis, but guidelines for the management of this injury in the neonate are not well established. A review of the literature of the last century about distal transphyseal fracture of the humerus in newborns was performed. A bibliographic search was conducted accessing usual medical databases. The work-up methods, treatments, results at follow-up and the rate of complications were collected. Twenty case reports or small retrospective case series reporting a total of 33 cases were included. A posteromedial displacement of the radioulnar complex was found in 21 elbows (64 %). Four patients (12 %) underwent surgical treatment, whilst 29 (88 %) were managed without surgery. An attempt of reduction was reported in 23 cases (69 %). At follow-up, 88 % recovered completely the carrying angle and 80 % range of motion. A relationship between the type of treatment (conservative or surgical, with attempt of reduction or not) and results at follow-up could not be demonstrated. The most common complication was cubitus varus. Transphyseal elbow fractures are rare among newborns. Regardless of the treatment choice, such lesions are in most cases associated with a good prognosis.     

Transscaphoid–transtriquetral–transhamate perilunate fracture–dislocation: case report

A transscaphoid–transtriquetral–transhamate perilunate fracture–dislocation is a very rare pattern of injury among the known spectrum of perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture–dislocations, and the details of the initial treatment and outcome of this injury have never been reported. We present the case of a 24-year-old, right-handed man, who presented in the emergency department with acute fracture at the waist of the scaphoid, fracture avulsion at the proximal pole of the triquetrum, and fracture of the hamate body with an associated dorsal perilunate dislocation after a fall from 3 m onto his outstretched left hand. Under general anesthesia, closed reduction was attempted with axial traction. After anatomical reduction was achieved, osteosynthesis of the scaphoid was performed using a cannulated screw, and after this was done, percutaneous pinning of the hamate with a K-wire and reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament was performed using an anchor for reinforcement of the scapholunate ligament through a minimally invasive volar approach. A short arm thumb cast splint was applied for 4 weeks, and part-time splinting was continued for another additional 4 weeks. The patient subsequently underwent 3 months of intensive range-of-motion and muscle-strengthening exercises. At the final follow-up examination, 60 months after the initial operation, the range of motion of the left wrist was 145° (extension plus flexion arc), and grip strength, 47 kg, were 91 and 98 % of the values for the unaffected wrist, respectively. Radiographs showed a bony union of the scaphoid, triquetrum, and hamate, and no sign of avascular necrosis in the proximal scaphoid fragment, as well as other carpal bones. No midcarpal or radiocarpal degenerative arthritis was observed, and the normal carpal bone relationships were still maintained, with a scapholunate angle of 49° and a scapholunate distance of 1.5 mm. We recommend closed reduction and minimally invasive volar approach for screw fixation of the scaphoid, as well as percutaneous pinning of the hamate in this case and reconstruction of the disrupted carpal ligaments to minimize the interruption of the blood supply to the carpus and also to obtain rigid fixation during the procedure.     

Complex tibial fractures are associated with lower social classes and predict early exit from employment and worse patient-reported QOL: a prospective observational study of 46 complex tibial fractures treated with a ring fixator

The long-term outcomes following complex fractures of the tibia are reported to carry a risk of knee pain, malalignment, articular injury and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The main objective of this study was to account for the patient-reported quality of life (QOL) 12 months after ring fixator removal in patients with a complex tibial fracture. Secondary objectives included a review of the socio-economic characteristics of the patient group and the rate of return to work in the study period. A prospective follow-up study was conducted of 60 patients with complex fractures of the tibia treated with ring external fixation. Patient-reported outcomes, radiological outcomes and socio-economic status including employment status of the patients were obtained 12 months after frame removal. Forty-six patients completed the assessment 12 months after frame removal (77%). The mean age of the patient at the time of fracture was 54.6 years (range 31–86). There were 19 males and 27 females. At 12 months after frame removal, the mean EQ5D-5L index was 0.66 (CI 0.60–0.72). The mean EQ5D-5L VAS was 69 (CI 61–76). When this was compared to the established reference population from Denmark, the study population showed a significantly worse EQ5D-5L index. The majority of patients (87%) were in the lower social classes suggesting a higher degree of social deprivation in the study population. Twenty-seven per cent of patients who were employed prior to injury had returned to employment at approximately 19 months following fracture. The onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was present in the knee joint in 29% of patients following a proximal intra-articular fracture, whereas osteoarthritis was present at the ankle joint in 35% of patients following a distal intra-articular fracture 12 months after frame removal. This study indicates that at 12 months after frame removal there are poorer patient-reported QOL as when compared to reference populations. Furthermore, this study suggests that complex tibial fractures are associated with lower social classes and that only 27% of patients in this sample, who prior to injury were employed, had returned to employment at approximately 19 months after the injury.     

Cervical spinal cord injury caused by vertebral body fracture in a patient with concomitant OALL and OPLL

We encountered a case of cervical spinal cord injury associated with cervical vertebral dislocation fracture that occurred in a patient with concomitant ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The cervical vertebrae were injured by hyperextension in a car accident. On admission, shearing fracture was noted in the OALL region and vertebral body OPLL region over the posterior column at the fourth cervical level, but no dislocation or neurological findings were noted. Restlessness occurred and caused dislocation several hours after admission, leading to complete injury of the cervical spinal cord. The patient died of complications after 3 weeks. Vertebral body fracture complicated by both OALL and OPLL is very rare, and only four cases have been reported. Since vertebral injury causes delayed fracture/dislocation after a symptom-free interval in cases with ligament ossification, accurate clinical evaluation early after injury and early fixation are necessary.     

Pseudoaneurysm of medial branch of the profunda femoris artery following dynamic hip screw fixation of proximal femoral fracture: a case report

Development of pseudoaneurysm is due to either initial injury or is a complication of internal fixation of the femoral fracture [1]. This is a rare, serious but preventable complication following proximal femoral fracture [7]. We present an unusual case of pseudoaneurysm of medial branch of profunda femoris artery 2 months following osteosynthesis of proximal femoral fracture. The pseudoaneurysm was treated by endovascular embolisation.     

Penetrating injury of the vagina,bladder and omentum in a woman with 5 months gestation: case report and review of the literature

Intra-peritoneal bladder and visceral injuries from impalement of the perineum in women are exceedingly rare. This kind of injury has not been previously reported in a pregnant woman. The evaluation and surgical management of a pregnant woman is a challenging surgical problem. Preoperative evaluation of the uterus and fetus is balanced with minimal use of radiographic studies. Multiple organs can be damaged with this type of injury, necessitating careful evaluation and operative planning. We report a rare case of transvaginal impalement injury with through-and-through bladder rupture and intra-peritoneal injury in a 5 months pregnant woman. We discuss diagnostic and management strategies and review the literature.     

Ipsilateral proximal and flexion supracondylar humerus fracture with an associated olecranon fracture in a 4-year-old child: a case report

Isolated supracondylar fractures of the humerus are relatively common in children, often occurring after a fall on an outstretched hand. The combination of a supracondylar fracture with a proximal humerus fracture and olecranon fracture is a very rare occurrence and its optimal management is unclear. We report a child of 4 years of age who underwent fixation of these injuries with a good outcome. This case is reported for its rarity and its management. Complete diagnostic evaluation is imperative to avoid missed injuries and achieve satisfactory outcome.     

Fracture of the acetabulum: a retrospective review of ninety-one patients treated at a single institution

Acetabular fracture result in fairly good outcome after the anatomic reduction in the displaced fracture fragments and damaged joint structure, but some patients will inevitably suffer from hip joint problems during their courses after the insult. We retrospectively reviewed 91 patients with acetabular fractures to investigate the causes of clinical failure and relationship among the fracture types, selected treatment options and their courses. Ninety-one patients (73 men and 18 women) with an average age of 49 years (range 18–80) at the time of injury were followed up for an average of 8.6 years (range 2–18). Judet–Letournel classification of fracture type and Matta’s rating regimen of functional and radiographic patient’ assessment were conducted. Conservative treatment was provided in 20 patients, in which 19 attained excellent/good, and one fair clinical results. All achieved excellent/good radiographic outcome. Surgically treated patients (n = 71) with critical dislodgement of the fracture fragment showed that 64 (90%) attained excellent/good and 7 (10%) fair/poor clinical outcomes. Sixty-three (89%) attained excellent/good and 8 (11%) fair/poor postoperative radiographic outcome. Five patients with poor radiographic outcome after surgery subsequently required total hip arthroplasty, due to the development of hip joint osteoarthritis in 3 and femoral head avascular necrosis in 2. We conclude that displacement of the joint surface should be reduced to less than 3 mm in accordance with the selection of the most appropriate surgical approach for open reduction/fixation in each fracture type; however, comminuted fracture and avascular necrosis of the femoral head may be the cause of poor clinical results.     

Hoffa's fracture with ipsilateral fibular fracture in a 16-year-old girl:An approach to a rare injury

Hoffa''s fracture is an uncommon fracture of the femoral condyle with coronal orientation of the fracture line. The mechanism of injury in pediatric Hoffa''s fracture is road traffic accident, sports injury, and trivial injury. Clinical examination and proper imaging is important for diagnosis of pediatric Hoffa''s fracture because of high chances of missing these injuries which can lead to nonunion and malunion at the fracture site. Open reduction and anatomical reduction of intraarticular fragment is the gold standard treatment of these fractures. We present a rare case of Hoffa''s fracture in a 16-year-old girl with associated ipsilateral fibular fracture.     

Open irreducible fracture/dislocation of the four ulnar metacarpals at the metacarpophalangeal joints: case report

Open irreducible fracture/dislocation of multiple metacarpophalangeal joints is an exceedingly rare injury and, to our knowledge, not yet described in the literature. An earlier belief that metacarpophalangeal dislocations were high-energy injuries is questioned by this case report due to an unusual case of open irreducible fracture/dislocation of the four ulnar metacarpals that occurred in a hand trauma. A 24-year-old man presented in the emergency department with an open irreducible fracture/dislocation of the four ulnar metacarpals and impaired flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of his left hand. The injury was described as an open injury of his third metacarpal head with an associated fracture of the fourth metacarpal head and dorsal dislocation of the four ulnar metacarpals after a fall onto the outstretched hand. Early recognition and anatomical reduction are essential to achieve good long-term outcomes. Massive edema, interposed volar ligaments, and overlapping metacarpal bases are the usual obstacles to a successful closed reduction. Use of a palmar approach was the key to reduce the displacement. Joint stability and osteosynthesis with K-wires were achieved, and the patient has been asymptomatic for more than 24 months.     

Posterior shoulder fracture–dislocation: an update with treatment algorithm

Posterior shoulder fracture–dislocation is a rare injury accounting for approximately 0.9 % of shoulder fracture–dislocations. Impression fractures of the articular surface of the humeral head, followed by humeral neck fractures and fractures of the lesser and grater tuberosity, are the more common associated fractures. Multiple mechanisms have been implicated in the etiology of this traumatic entity most commonly resulting from forced muscle contraction as in epileptic seizures, electric shock or electroconvulsive therapy, major trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or other injuries involving axial loading of the arm, in an adducted, flexed and internally rotated position. Despite its’ scarce appearance in daily clinical practice, posterior shoulder dislocation is of significant diagnostic and therapeutic interest because of its predilection for age groups of high functional demands (35–55 years old), in addition to high incidence of missed initial diagnosis ranging up to 79 % in some studies. Several treatment options have also been proposed to address this type of injury, ranging from non-surgical methods to humeral head reconstruction procedures or arthroplasty with no clear consensus over definitive treatment guidelines, reflecting the complexity of this injury in addition to the limited evidence provided by the literature. To enhance the literature, this article aims to present the current concepts for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of the patients with posterior fracture–dislocation shoulder, and to present a treatment algorithm based on the literature review and our own experience.     

Konservative Therapie der anteroinferioren Glenoidrandfraktur (Bankart-Fraktur): Erste Ergebnisse

Background

There are only a few studies available about antero-inferior glenoid rim fractures, which are rare injuries in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of non-operatively treated antero-inferior glenoid rim fractures. In this article preliminary results will be presented.

Patients and methods

Over a 14-year period (1997–2010) a total of 14 patients with an antero-inferior glenoid rim fracture and a fragment size of ³?5 mm treated non-operatively were retrospectively identified. Outcomes were the clinical results and complications, as well as prospective assessment of long-term functional status (age and gender-related Constant/Murley score and Rowe score) of the shoulder. Radiographic analysis included determination of the degree of glenohumeral arthritis.

Results

Included in this study were 7 females and 7 males with a mean age of 62 years (range 35–87 years). The average follow-up time was 5.7 years (range 1–14 years) including a mean age and gender-related Constant/Murley score of 94.1 % (range 70–100 %) and a mean Rowe score of 90.4 points (range 50–100 points). At the time of injury joint step-off and displacement averaged 4.5 mm (range 0–14 mm), 4 patients (4/14, 28.6 %) had glenohumeral arthritis, which was asymptomatic in 2 (2/14, 14.3 %) and 2 had symptomatic arthritis (2/14, 14,3 %). Both patients with asymptomatic arthritis showed recurrent instability during the early treatment after primary dislocation. Within the study population no further instability was identified.

Conclusion

Antero-inferior glenoid rim fractures are rare and evidence regarding results and functional outcome is limited. Non-operative treatment leads to good mid-term and long-term functional results.