A treatment option for femoral neck fractures complicating hip arthrodesis: conversion to a constrained total hip replacement

We describe a case of an intracapsular neck of femur fracture occurring below an arthrodesed hip. This is an unusual fracture. We propose a method of conversion of this fracture to a constrained cup arthroplasty based on our experience of failure of screw fixation. Hip arthrodesis remains an acceptable method of treatment in degenerative hip disease (Panagiotopoulos et al. in Instr Course Lect 50:297–305, 2001). It provides pain relief, enables an active lifestyle and reduces the need for multiple revision surgeries compared to total hip arthroplasty (Beaule et al. in J Am Acad Orthop Surg 10:249–258, 2002). Its prevalence in the management of TB coxarthritis before the advent of antituberculous treatment means a trauma surgeon should be aware of the possibility of this fracture in the ageing population.     

腕关节部分融合治疗退行性腕关节炎的疗效

目的评价头骨、月骨、三角骨及钩骨四关节融合治疗退行性腕关节炎的效果。方法1997年7月～2002年12月应用腕关节部分融合术创伤性腕关节炎治疗20例,术后随访15个月,随访检查包括术后腕关节疼痛程度、腕关节活动度、握力以及患侧X线检查。视觉模拟评分法评价疼痛程度。腕关节总体功能评价采用Krimmer腕关节评分表。结果腕疼痛值静息时为2.1,用力后为5.3;屈伸活动度为64°(对侧126°);尺桡偏为30°(对侧57°);平均握力为24kg(对侧40kg)。Krimmer腕关节评分值为67。X线检查头、月、三角及钩骨均融合。结论腕关节部分融合后能保存腕关节部分功能,是治疗退行性腕关节炎有效的方法。     

Results of calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis

BackgroundOne powerful method of reconstructing an adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective review of a small series of patients who underwent a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis with a femoral head allograft.Materials and methodsSixteen feet (14 patients) were identified with an average follow up of 23 months (8–39 months) and an average age of 43 years (16–60 years). A calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis was performed with a femoral head allograft, secured with a 3 hole 1/3 tubular plate with 7 of the grafts being supplemented with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Patients were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks with an additional 6 weeks in a walking cast or boot. Plain radiographs and if necessary a CT or MRI were used to evaluate for union.ResultsSeven of the 16 feet developed a nonunion. Five of 9 patients without PRP developed a nonunion vs 2 of 7 patients where PRP was used.ConclusionDue to the unacceptably high complication rate with this procedure, the authors have abandoned this procedure. If an allograft is to be used for a calcaneocuboid arthrodesis, the authors strongly recommend using rigid locking fixation with a longer period of protected immobilization.     

Total hip arthroplasty after arthrodesis of the hip joint

The results of 15 conversions of a hip arthrodesis into a total hip arthroplasty performed in the years 1980-1995 are reported. Fifteen patients (8 men, 7 women) underwent total hip arthroplasty 30.9 (range 2-61) years after spontaneous or operative fusion of a hip joint. The primary indications of the conversion were low-back pain (n = 10), knee pain (n = 2) and hip problems (n = 3). At follow-up examination 5.4 (range 2-13.3) years postoperatively, the Harris Hip Score averaged 86.0 (range 70.1-99.0). Six patients were pain-free, 7 had less pain, 2 felt no improvement of pain. All patients confirmed that they would undergo the operation again. The Trendelenburg sign was negative or mild in 8 patients and moderate to severe in 7. Aseptic loosening of 2 stems (1 cemented, 1 cementless) and 2 deep infections required revision surgery. We conclude that this operation can lead to satisfactory results even after a long duration of the arthrodesis. However, full function with no pain and a negative Trendelenburg sign could be obtained in only 20% (3/15) of the cases.     

A simple method of hip arthrodesis

A technique of intraarticular hip arthrodesis using a cancellous screw to provide compression across the joint is introduced. We present four patients in whom this method was successful, resulting in solid fusion and pain relief at follow-up.     

Results of arthrodesis in neuropathic feet

We describe the results of arthrodesis for the treatment of recurrent acute neuropathic bone disease in 24 feet and of chronic disease with deformity in 91 feet, undertaken between January 1984 and December 2003. All were due to leprosy. Correction of the deformity was achieved in 80 of 106 feet (76%) and fusion in 97 of 110 feet (88%). In the 24 feet in which recurrent neuropathic bone disease was the reason for surgery, 17 (71%) obtained stability while in seven (29%) symptoms recurred postoperatively. Complications were experienced following 58 of the 110 operations (53%). In patients presenting primarily with deformity with a minimum follow-up of two years (79 feet), there was a reduced frequency of ulceration in 40 (51%). Normal footwear could be worn by 32 patients (40%) after surgery, while 40 (51%) required a moulded insole. Arthrodesis of the ankle in the neuropathic foot due to leprosy has a good overall rate of success although the rate of complications is high.