Acute compartment syndrome of the foot in a soccer player: a case report

Objective

To present the diagnostic and clinical features including management of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the foot and to create a sense of emergency amongst clinicians of this rare and dangerous condition.

Clinical Features

A 28-year old male soccer player on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and verapamil presented with severe swelling, paresthesia, and pain in the left ankle after an acute grade three-inversion ankle sprain. A diagnosis of foot compartment syndrome was made.

Intervention and Outcome

A fasciotomy was not performed and subsequent neurological sequelae occurred. We hypothesize that the edema caused by the ankle sprain was excessive due to the use of ASA and verapamil, resulting in increased compartmental pressure and neurological signs in the foot.

Summary

Although rare, it is extremely important to be aware of the clinical features of ACS of the foot to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and manage this medical emergency promptly.     

Compartment syndrome following ankle sprain

Injury to the perforating branch of the peroneal artery has not been reported previously as a cause of acute compartment syndrome following soft-tissue injury to the ankle. We describe the case of a 23-year-old male who sustained such an injury resulting in an acute compartment syndrome. In a review of the literature, we could find only five previous cases, all of which gave rise to a false aneurysm which was detected after the acute event.     

Reliability of MRI Findings of Peroneal Tendinopathy in Patients with Lateral Chronic Ankle Instability

Background

Patients with chronic lateral ankle instability also have peroneal tendinopathy often. However, preoperative MRIs of these patients are vague in many cases. Our study was performed to see the reliability of MRI findings of peroneal tendinopathy in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Methods

MRI images for 82 patients who had chronic lateral ankle instability, and had received surgical treatment between March 2006 and November 2009 were compared with impressions from operating rooms. The mean age of patients was 36.4 years (range, 15 to 64 years), 82 ankles were studied, and patients with rheumatoid diseases were excluded from the study.

Results

Of the 82 cases, 26 were true positives, 38 true negatives, 13 false positives and 5 false negatives. Of 39 cases of peroneal tendinopathy diagnosed from MRI, 14 had peroneal tendon partial tears, 15 tenosynovitis, 3 dislocations, 17 low-lying muscle bellies, and 6 peroneus quartus muscles. Of 31 cases of peroneal tendinopathy observed in surgery 11 had peroneal tendon partial tears, 4 tenosynovitis, 5 dislocations, 12 low-lying muscle belliess, and 1 peroneus quartus muscle. Sensitivity and specificity of peroneal tendinopathy were 83.9% and 74.5%, respectively. Positive predictive value was 66.7%. Negative predictive value was 88.4%. Accuracy rate was 78.0%.

Conclusions

MRI is a useful diagnostic tool for detecting peroneal tendinopathy in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. However, MRI is vague in many cases. Therefore, a thorough delicate physical examination and careful observation is needed.     

Left subclavian artery stenting: an option for the treatment of the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome

Introduction

The subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by the vertebral artery flow inversion, due to a stenotic lesion in the origin of the subclavian artery. The Coronary-subclavian Steal Syndrome is a variation of the Subclavian Steal Syndrome and is characterized by inversion of flow in the Internal Thracic artery that has been used as conduct in a myocardial revascularization. Its diagnosis must be suspected in patients with difference in pulse and arterial pressure in the upper limbs, that present with angina pectoris and that have done a myocardial revascularization. Its treatment must be a surgical bypass or a transluminal angioplasty.

Objective

The objective is to show the left subclavian artery stenting as a safe and effective method to treat the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome.

Methods

Historical prospective, non-randomized trial, through revision of the hospital records of the patients treated with the stenting of the left subclavian artery, from January 2006 to September 2012.

Results

In the mentioned period, 4.291 miocardial revascularizations were performed with the use of the left mammary artery, and 16 patients were identified to have the Coronary-subclavian steal syndrome. All of them were submitted to endovascular treatment. The success rate was 100%; two patients experienced minor complications; none of them presented with major complications. Eleven of the 16 patients had ultrassonographic documentation of patent stent for at least one year; two patients lost follow up and other two died.

Conclusion

The stenting of the left subclavian artery is a good option for the treatment of the Coronary-subclavian Steal Syndrome, with high level of technical and clinical success.     

Reverse peroneal artery flap for large defects of ankle and foot: A reliable reconstructive technique

Background:

Large soft tissue defects around the lower third of the leg, ankle and foot always have been challenging to reconstruct. Reverse sural flaps have been used for this problem with variable success. Free tissue transfer has revolutionised management of these problem wounds in selected cases.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-two patients with large defects around the lower third of the leg, ankle and foot underwent reconstruction with reverse peroneal artery flap (RPAF) over a period of 7 years. The mean age of these patients was 41.2 years.

Results:

Of the 22 flaps, 21 showed complete survival without even marginal necrosis. One flap failed, where atherosclerotic occlusion of peroneal artery was evident on the table. Few patients had minor donor site problems that settled with conservative management.

Conclusions:

RPAF is a very reliable flap for the coverage of large soft tissue defects of the heel, sole and dorsum of foot. This flap adds versatility in planning and execution of this extended reverse sural flap.KEY WORDS: Distally based peroneal flaps, extended reverse sural flaps, foot reconstruction, peroneal artery, reverse peroneal flaps     

Proximal fibula resection in the treatment of bone tumours

Background and objectives

We present a large study of patients with proximal fibula resection. Moreover we describe a new classification system for tumour resection of the proximal fibula independent of the tumour differentiation.

Methods

In 57 patients the functional and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The follow-up ranged between six months and 22.2 years (median 7.2 years). The indication for surgery was benign tumours in ten cases and malignant tumours in 47 cases. In 13 of 45 patients, where a resection of the lateral ligament complex was done, knee instability occurred. In 32 patients a resection of the peroneal nerve with resulting peroneal palsy was necessary.

Results

Patients with peroneal resection had significantly worse functional outcome than patients without peroneal resection. An ankle foot orthosis was tolerated well by these patients. Three of four patients with pathological tibia fracture had local radiation therapy. There was no higher risk of tibia fracture in patients with partial tibial resection.

Conclusions

Resection of tumours in the proximal fibula can cause knee instability, peroneal palsy and in cases of local radiation therapy, a higher risk of delayed wound healing and fracture. Despite the risks of proximal fibula resection, good functional results can be achieved.     

Irreducible dorsal distal radius fracture-dislocation with accompanying dorsal displacement of flexor tendons and median nerve: A rare type of injury

INTRODUCTION

High energy distal radius fractures may cause significant soft tissue injuries. Dorsal displacement of median nerve and flexor tendons to dorsal compartment between distal radioulnar joint was an unreported type of soft tissue injury.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

35-Year male admitted following fall from height diagnosed as closed distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement. The patient had no flexion and extension of all fingers with loss of sensation. Radial artery pulse was not palpable. Radiography and CT imaging revealed distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement with dorsal carpal dislocation. After failure of closed reduction, operative treatment was performed. At surgery, flexor tendons and median nerve was found to be placed at dorsal compartment. Reduction of the soft tissues was facilitated by distraction of distal radioulnar joint.

DISCUSSION

Dorsal displacement of volar structures as the result of fracture dislocation was found to be an unreported type of injury. Difficulty during reduction of dorsally displaced structures is an important feature of the case.

CONCLUSION

For severely displaced and deformed distal radial fractures and fracture dislocations, threshold for operative treatment should be kept low.     

Axon counts of potential nerve transfer donors for peroneal nerve reconstruction

BACKGROUND:

The common peroneal nerve is the most commonly injured nerve in the lower limb. Nerve transfer using expendable donor nerves is emerging in the literature as an alternative surgical procedure to traditional treatments.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify potential donors of motor axons from the tibial nerve that can be transferred to the common peroneal nerve branches.

METHODS:

Using 10 human cadaveric lower extremities, all motor nerve branches of the tibial nerve were identified and biopsied. These were compared with the motor branches to tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus (branches of the deep peroneal nerve).

RESULTS:

The most suitable donor nerves with respect to cross-sectional area to tibialis anterior (cross sectional area [mean ± SD] 0.255±0.111 mm) was the motor branch to lateral gastrocnemius (0.256±0.105 mm). When comparing the total number of axons, the branch to the tibialis anterior had a mean of 3363±1997 axons. The branch to the popliteus was most similar, with 3317±1467 axons. The most suitable donor nerves for the motor branch to extensor hallucis longus (cross sectional area 0.197±0.302 mm) with respect to cross-sectional area was the motor branch to flexor hallucis longus (0.234±0.147 mm). When comparing the total number of axons, the branch to the extensor hallucis longus had an average of 2062±2314 axons. The branch to the lateral gastrocnemius was most similar with 2352±1249 axons and was a suitable donor.

CONCLUSION:

Nerve transfers should be included in the armamentarium for lower extremity reinnervation, as it is in the upper limb.     

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis in the ankle joint

INTRODUCTION

Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilage nodules originating from the synovia, bursa and tendon sheaths. Although it is extremely rare in the ankle joint, malignant transformation is possible. The choice of treatment is usually open surgery for excision of loose bodies and synovectomy. Limited data is available concerning arthroscopic approaches.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 28-year-old male patient was evaluated for pain and swelling of the right ankle joint. Based on the findings of physical examination and radiographic investigations, arthroscopic surgery was performed due to ankle impingement syndrome. A diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis was made following the pathological survey.

DISCUSSION

Synovial chondromatosis is slowly progressive and is considered to be a self-limiting situation. Treatment strategies are decided on according to the patient''s complaints, age and disease stage. Open or arthroscopic surgery. can be performed. Some advantages of arthroscopic surgery are wide visualization areas, easy access to areas difficult to reach, lower morbidity, no necessity for casting and immobilization, early rehabilitation and quick recovery period.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, arthroscopic management can be successful in selected patients with synovial osteochondromatosis localized to the ankle joint.     

Morphologic expression of the left coronary artery in pigs. An approach in relation to human heart

Introduction

In spite of its importance as an experimental model, the information on the left coronary artery in pigs is sparse.

Objective

To determine the morphologic features of the left coronary artery in pigs.

Methods

We evaluated 158 pig hearts. The left coronary artery was perfused with synthetic resin after their ostia had been catheterized. Diameters and courses of the vascular beds were measured with an electronic caliper (Mitutoyo^®).

Results

The diameter of left coronary artery was 6.98 ± 1.56 mm and its length was 3.51±0.99 mm. It was found to end up by bifurcating itself into the anterior interventricular artery and the circumflex artery in 79% of the cases, and by trifurcating in 21% of the cases, with the presence of the diagonal artery. The anterior interventricular artery ended up at the apex in 79.7% of the cases, and the circumflex artery at the posterior aspect of the left ventricle in 64% of the case, this artery never reached the posterior interventricular sulcus. An anastomosis between the terminal branches of the anterior interventricular artery and the posterior interventricular artery was found in 7.6% of the specimens. The antero-superior branch of the anterior interventricular artery occurred in 89.9% of the hearts. A left marginal branch was observed in 87.9% of the cases with a diameter of 2.25±0.55 mm.

Conclusion

Compared with humans, pigs have shorter left coronary artery trunks and branches; even the circumflex artery never reaches the posterior interventricular sulcus. Our findings are useful for the design of experimental hemodynamic and procedural models.     

Anterior compartment pressure measurement in closed fractures of leg

Background:

Compartment syndrome is a potentially devastating condition. Increased intracompartmental pressure has been incriminated as the primary pathogenic factor in compartment syndrome. The purpose of this prospective study was to monitor the anterior compartmental pressure and differential pressure to minimize the incidence of acute compartment syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five consecutive cases of closed fractures of leg presenting within six hours of injury were taken for measurement of anterior compartment pressure at the level of fracture and at 5 cm and 10 cm away from the fracture site, using the Whitesides'' infusion technique. A differential pressure of less than 30 mm Hg was taken as the criterion for diagnosis of compartment syndrome.

Results:

Two patients (2.67%) developed acute compartment syndrome. The mean anterior compartment pressures were highest at the level of the fracture and went on decreasing as we went away from the fracture site, which was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Compartment pressure measurement is the most reliable and objective method for early diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Whitesides'' infusion technique is a relatively easy and inexpensive method to come to a diagnosis of compartment syndrome in a developing country like India. Differential pressure is more reliable than absolute pressure in predicting the development of an impending compartment syndrome.     

Cheerleading injuries: A narrative review of the literature

Background:

With its increase in participation rate and complex stunts and gymnastic-like maneuvers, cheerleading injuries are on the rise.

Objective:

A structured narrative review of the literature was performed to discover the status of the literature on a growing yet under recognized sport. Cheerleading injuries are described in terms of distribution, etiology, and prevention.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted. The articles were then reviewed and included based on broad criteria set out by the author.

Results:

The search produced 87 articles related to cheerleading injuries or articles with a mention of cheerleading. A total of 26 articles were included in this review based on the inclusion criteria. The most common injury experienced by a cheerleader is an ankle ligament sprain.

Summary:

The recognition of cheerleading as a sport and a mandatory reporting database are needed along with further research for injury prevention strategies to be implemented.     

Specialist outreach service for on-table repair of iatrogenic bile duct injuries--a new kind of 'travelling surgeon'

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of on table repair of iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDIs) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, by specialist hepatobiliary surgeons as an outreach service.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospectively collected data on IBDI managed as an outreach service, was analysed retrospectively. The Strasberg classification was used to define types of injury.

RESULTS

There were 22 patients. Twenty (91%) had type E ‘classical’ excision injuries, two had types B and D. Two type E cases had co-existent vascular injury both with right hepatic artery injuries; one also had a co-existent portal vein injury. A Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was used to repair the IBDI in 21 (95%) patients. One type D injury had duct repair over a T-tube. No attempt was made to reconstruct the injured hepatic arteries, while the portal vein injury was primarily repaired. The median follow-up was 210 days (range, 47–1088 days). Two patients developed bile leak and cholangitis while another developed transient jaundice. There were no postoperative mortalities. All patients were followed up at our centre.

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of IBDI as an outreach service by specialist surgeons is feasible and safe, with minimal disruption to the patient pathway. Prompt recognition and definitive management may help reduce complaints and medicolegal litigation.     

Linburg syndrome

Objective

To review the causes and demographics of Linburg syndrome.

Design

An illustrative case report and a demographic study.

Setting

Adult and pediatric orthopedic clinics at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Patients

One patient with Linburg syndrome and 200 patients and relatives presenting to adult and pediatric orthopedic clinics with conditions not involving their hands, wrists or forearms.

Outcome measures

The presence of the intertendinous anomaly and of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Results

Tendinous connection(s) between flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles were found in 20% of the study population. The anomaly was found in all age groups. No association was found between Linburg syndrome and the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome or previous injury to the hand or forearm.

Conclusion

Tendinous connection between flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles is a common anomaly that rarely causes clinical symptoms.     

Patterns of arteriosclerotic lesions of the lower extremity in a West Indian population based on angiographic findings and ethnicity

Introduction

This study aimed to determine whether ethnic differences show different patterns of arterial disease in the lower limb.

Methods

A prospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with 160 lower limb arteriograms was performed looking at the pattern of disease with relation to ethnicity in Trinidad and Tobago.

Results

There were 53 male and 47 female patients with an age range of 43–90 years (mean: 66 years). Of the 100 patients, 45 were of East Indian descent, 36 of Afro-Caribbean descent, 14 of mixed descent and 5 had other backgrounds. There were 32 smokers and 69 diabetics.The most commonly affected artery in East Indians was the anterior tibial artery (ATA, 70%) followed by the peroneal artery (60%), superficial femoral artery (SFA, 60%), posterior tibial artery (PTA, 57%) and tibioperoneal trunk (TPT, 39%). In Afro-Caribbeans, the most commonly affected artery was the ATA (79%) followed by the PTA (74%), peroneal artery (66%) and TPT (55%). The mixed group showed the PTA (85%) to be most diseased followed by the peroneal artery (75%), ATA (70%), SFA (70%), dorsalis pedis artery (DPA, 60%) and TPT (50%). Overall, the most diseased vessel in all groups was the ATA (73%) followed by the PTA (66%), peroneal artery (64%), SFA (59%), TPT (46%), DPA (38%), popliteal artery (31%) and medial plantar artery (MPA, 29%), with the proximal vessels not being affected severely.

Conclusions

Ethnic divisions were only statistically significant (p<0.05) with East Indians showing worse disease in the profunda femoris artery and Afro-Caribbeans showing worse disease in the PTA, DPA and MPA. This suggests that environmental factors may play a significant role in the disease process including smoking and dietary factors rather than purely genetics.     

Effect of remote ischemic postconditioning in inflammatory changes of the lung parenchyma of rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

Objective

To assess the effects of postconditioning remote in ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat lungs.

Methods

Wistar rats (n=24) divided into 3 groups: GA (I/R) n=8, GB (R-Po) n=8, CG (control) n=8, underwent ischemia for 30 minutes artery occlusion abdominal aorta, followed by reperfusion for 60 minutes. Resected lungs and performed histological analysis and classification of morphological findings in accordance with the degree of tissue injury. Statistical analysis of the mean rating of the degree of tissue injury.

Results

GA (3.6), GB (1.3) and CG (1.0). (GA GB X P<0.05).

Conclusion

The remote postconditioning was able to minimize the inflammatory lesion of the lung parenchyma of rats undergoing ischemia and reperfusion process.     

Delayed duodenal stump blow-out following total gastrectomy for cancer: Heightened awareness for the continued presence of the surgical past in the present is the key to a successful duodenal stump disruption management. A case report

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal stump disruption remains one of the most dreadful postgastrectomy complications, posing an overwhelming therapeutic challenge.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The present report describes the extremely rare occurrence of a delayed duodenal stump disruption following total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy for cancer, because of mechanical obstruction of the distal jejunum resulting in increased backpressure on afferent limp and duodenal stump. Surgical management included repair of distal jejunum obstruction, mobilization and re-stapling of the duodenum at the level of its intact second part and retrograde decompressing tube duodenostomy through the proximal jejunum.

DISCUSSION

Several strategies have been proposed for the successful management post-gastrectomy duodenal stump disruption however; its treatment planning is absolutely determined by the presence or not of generalized peritonitis and hemodynamic instability with hostile abdomen. In such scenario, urgent reoperation is mandatory and the damage control principle should govern the operative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Considering that scientific data about duodenal stump disruption have virtually disappeared from the current medical literature, this report by contradicting the anachronism of this complication aims to serve as a useful reminder for gastrointestinal surgeons to be familiar with the surgical techniques that provide the ability to properly manage this dreadful postoperative complication.     

VEGF Improves Skeletal Muscle Regeneration After Acute Trauma and Reconstruction of the Limb in a Rabbit Model

Background

Complicated tibial fractures with severe soft tissue trauma are challenging to treat. Frequently associated acute compartment syndrome can result in scarring of muscles with impaired function. Several studies have shown a relationship between angiogenesis and more effective muscle regeneration. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with angiogenesis but it is not clear whether it would restore muscle force, reduce scarring, and aid in muscle regeneration after acute musculoskeletal trauma.

Questions/purposes

Therefore, we asked whether local application of VEGF (1) restores muscle force, (2) reduces scar tissue formation, and (3) regenerates muscle tissue.

Methods

We generated acute soft tissue trauma with increased compartment pressure in 22 rabbits and shortened the limbs to simulate fracture débridement. In the test group (n = 11), a VEGF-coated collagen matrix was applied locally around the osteotomy site. After 10 days of limb shortening, gradual distraction of 0.5 mm per 12 hours was performed to restore the original length. Muscle force was measured before trauma and on every fifth day after trauma. Forty days after shortening we euthanized the animals and histologically determined the percentage of connective and muscle tissue.

Results

Recovery of preinjury muscle strength was greater in the VEGF group (2.4 N; 73%) when compared with the control (1.8 N; 53%) with less connective and more muscle tissue in the VEGF group. The recovery of force was related to the percentage of connective tissue versus muscle fibers.

Conclusions

Local application of VEGF may improve restoration of muscle force by reducing connective tissue and increasing the relative amount of muscle fibers.

Clinical Relevance

VEGF may be useful to improve skeletal muscle repair by modulating muscle tissue regeneration and fibrosis reduction after acute trauma.     

Retrograde Thyroidectomy: A Technique for Visualization and Preservation of the External Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve

INTRODUCTION

The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) should be identified during thyroidectomy to prevent injury and post-operative voice change. Identification is rendered difficult during a standard thyroidectomy where there is a large gland with upper pole enlargement. We describe the retrograde thyroidectomy technique to facilitate nerve preservation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A retrograde thyroidectomy was performed in a 53-year old woman with a difficult goiter. Operative steps are described.

DISCUSSION

This technique allows the upper pole to be completely mobilized caudally providing unparalleled visualization of the upper pole vascular pedicle, thereby preserving the EBSLN.

CONCLUSION

There is better visualization of the superior thyroid pedicle and the EBSLN with retrograde thyroidectomy, potentially reducing the incidence of EBSLN injury during a difficult thyroidectomy.