Arthroscopic Assessment of Intra-Articular Lesion after Surgery for Rotational Ankle Fracture

Background

The purpose of this study was to report findings of exploratory arthroscopic assessment performed in conjunction with removal of internal fixation device placed in the initial surgery for rotational ankle fracture.

Methods

A total of 53 patients (33 male, 20 female) who underwent surgery for rotational ankle fracture between November 2002 and February 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients gave consent to the exploratory arthroscopic surgery for the removal of internal fixation devices placed in the initial surgery. Lauge-Hansen classification system of ankle fractures was assessed for all patients. Intra-articular lesions (osteochondral lesion, loose body, and fibrosis) were evaluated via ankle arthroscopy. Comparative analysis was then performed between radiological classification of ankle fracture/patient''s symptoms and arthroscopic findings.

Results

Lauge-Hansen classification system of ankle fractures included supination-external rotation type (n = 35), pronation-external rotation type (n = 9), and pronation-abduction type (n = 9). A total of 33 patients exhibited symptoms of pain or discomfort while walking whereas 20 exhibited no symptoms. Arthroscopic findings included abnormal findings around the syndesmosis area (n = 35), intra-articular fibrosis (n = 51), osteochondral lesions of the talus (n = 33), loose bodies (n = 6), synovitis (n = 13), and anterior bony impingement syndrome (n = 3). Intra-articular fibrosis was seen in 31 of symptomatic patients (93.9%). Pain or discomfort with activity caused by soft tissue impingement with meniscus-like intra-articular fibrosis were found in 19 patients. There was statistical significance (p = 0.02) between symptoms (pain and discomfort) and the findings of meniscus-like fibrosis compared to the group without any symptom.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic examination combined with treatment of intra-articular fibrosis arising from ankle fracture surgery may help improve surgical outcomes.     

Ochronosis diagnosed after knee arthroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Ochronosis is a rare disorder which is defined as the deposition of metabolites of oxidation and polymerization of homogentisic acid, which have high affinity to collogen, in the connective tissues. It is a clinical condition characterized with ochronotic pigmentation of tissues, degenerative arthropathy of especially large joints and black discoloration of urine. In this paper we present a case of ochronosis diagnosed with biopsy and additional tests when a black discoloration of menisci and joint cartilage were detected during arthroscopic intervention for a degenerative meniscus tear.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A forty two year-old male patient was operated for lateral meniscus tear of his right knee. The arthroscopic examination of right knee revealed black colored synovial hypertrophy and torn lateral meniscus. Partial meniscectomy was performed. The diagnosis of ochronosis was made after histopathologic examination.

DISCUSSION

Ochronotic pigment can accumulate in hyaline cartilage, tendon, skin, teeth, nail, sclera, tympanic membrane, heart valves, renal tubular cells, duramater, pancreas and walls of large arteries. In ochronosis the most frequently involved joints are knee and hip. In ochronotic arthropathy, articular cartilage become more sensitive to mechanical stresses. Our patient had meniscal tear, cartilage damage and black discoloration of synovial tissues and meniscus.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopy may be helpful in diagnosis of ochronotic arthropathy.     

Hip Capsule Dimensions in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Pilot Study

Background

Joint-preserving hip surgery, either arthroscopic or open, increasingly is used for the treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). As a consequence of surgery, thickening of the joint capsule and intraarticular adhesions between the labrum and joint capsule and between the femoral neck and the joint capsule have been observed. These alterations are believed to cause persistent pain and reduced range of motion. Because the diagnosis is made with MR arthrography, knowledge of the normal capsular anatomy and thickness on MRI in patients is important. To date there is no such information available.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to establish thickness, length of the hip capsule, and the size of the perilabral recess in patients with FAI.

Methods

We reviewed the preoperative MR arthrography of 30 patients (15 men) with clinical symptoms of FAI. We measured capsular thickness and made observations on the perilabral recess.

Results

The joint capsule was thickest (6 mm) anterosuperiorly between 1 and 2 o’clock. The average length from the femoral head-neck junction to the femoral insertion of the capsule ranged from 19 to 33 mm. A perilabral recess was present circumferentially, even across the acetabular notch, where the labrum is supported by the transverse acetabular ligament. The shortest recess occurred superiorly.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the capsular anatomy in patients with FAI before surgery is important to judge the postoperative changes and to plan potential further therapy including arthroscopic treatment of intraarticular adhesions.     

High Rate of Local Recurrence and Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Setting of Synovial Chondromatosis

Background

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, monoarticular arthropathy due to synovial metaplasia. There is a paucity of data examining the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of synovial chondromatosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcome and function in patients undergoing TKA for management of synovial chondromatosis.

Arthroscopic-assisted hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Purpose

We present a new technique of arthroscopic-assisted AC-hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and the possibility to treat concomitant pathologies.

Methods

Initially a glenohumeral arthroscopy is performed to address concomitant intra-articular injuries. Under subacromial visualisation the drill hole for the hook of the plate can be exactly positioned in the acromion. The hook plate is put in place under visual control.

Results

The initial results (n = 3) are promising with good to excellent results in the Constant score [90.5 (range 82–100)] in all cases studied. The cross-body test was slightly positive in one case. The median follow-up time after the index procedure was seven months (range five to ten).

Conclusions

In conclusion, arthroscopic-assisted reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint separation is feasible and may provide patients with all the benefits of AC-hook fixation with decreased risks related to open surgery. The described technique is recommended for all surgeons familiar with arthroscopic surgery.     

Establishing the radiation risk from fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to quantify patient exposure to ionising radiation during fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip, establish a risk profile of this exposure, and reassure patients of radiation safety during the procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the dose area products for 50 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery by an experienced hip arthroscopic surgeon. The effective dose and organ dose were derived using a Monte Carlo program.

Results

The mean total fluoroscopy time was 1.10 minutes and the mean dose area product value was 297.2 cGycm². We calculated the entrance skin dose to be 52 mGy to the area where the beam was targeted (81 cm²). The mean effective dose for intra-operative fluoroscopy was 0.33 mSv, with a SD of 0.90 Sv.

Conclusion

This study confirms that fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip is safe with a low maximum radiation dose and supports its continued use in preference to alternative imaging modalities.     

Acute compartment syndrome secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery following an acute inversion injury to the ankle

INTRODUCTION

Although ankle sprain by inversion is common in daily practice, acute compartment syndrome following ankle inversion injury is unusual. Only a few cases of this uncommon entity have been reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This report describes a case of acute compartment syndrome following severe inversion of an ankle injury secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery 3 h after the trauma. Although emergent fasciotomy was performed, residual weakness of ankle dorsiflexion still presented six months after surgery.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this case is the third in literature on an acute compartment syndrome following severe inversion ankle injury secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery.

CONCLUSION

This report underscores the importance of considering compartment syndrome when individual has an inversion ankle injury, even when no fracture exists.     

Titanium particles up-regulate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human synovial cells

Purpose

Wear debris particle-induced osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening is one of the major causes of failure of total joint replacement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of titanium implant material and inflammatory cytokines on human synovial cells and the development to osteolysis and aseptic loosening.

Methods

This study investigated the effect of titanium implant material on the ECM-degraded MMP-2 in human synovial cells and analyzed the contribution of synovial cells in osteolysis and aseptic loosening.

Results

When human synovial cells are exposed to titanium materials, MMP-2 activity is induced by 1.72 ± 0.14-fold with Ti disc and 3.95 ± 0.10-fold with Ti particles, compared with that of the controls, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β are also shown to induce MMP-2 activity by 3.65 ± 0.28-fold and 6.76 ± 0.28-fold, respectively. A combination of Ti particles and cytokines induces MMP-2 activities to a higher level (10.54 ± 0.45-fold). Inhibitors of various signal pathways involved in MMP-2 reverse Ti particle-induced MMP-2 activities.

Conclusions

Synovial cells surrounding the bone–prosthesis interface may contribute to production of MMP-2, and NFκB inhibitors may be explored as potential therapeutics to alleviate wear debris-induced osteolysis and aseptic loosening.     

Comparison between open and arthroscopic acromioplasties: evaluation of absenteeism

Objective

To evaluate the rate of absenteeism from work in patients who had undergone open or arthroscopic acromioplasty.

Design

A retrospective case series.

Setting

A university hospital.

Patients

Eighteen patients with excellent results after open acromioplasty performed by one orthopedic surgeon and 20 patients with excellent results after arthroscopic acromioplasty performed by another orthopedic surgeon.

Main Outcome Measure

The time between operation and return to work.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the two techniques with respect to the return to work, age, sex and type of work. The overall time off work averaged 203 days (range from 42 to 840 days) for the arthroscopic group compared with 144 days (range from 60 to 540 days) for the open group.

Conclusions

Open acromioplasty, a safe and reliable procedure for the general orthopedic surgeon, is associated with a shorter, though not significant, delay in return to work than the arthroscopic technique.     

Distinct Clinical Characteristics of Unplanned Excision in Synovial Sarcoma

Background

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of unplanned excisions of synovial sarcomas.

Methods

In total, 90 patients with synovial sarcomas in the extremities were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into unplanned excision (n = 38) and planned excision (n = 52) groups. The average follow-up period was 6 years. The clinicopathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes were compared.

Results

The unplanned excision group showed longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis (p = 0.023), smaller lesion dimensions (p = 0.001), superficial location (p = 0.049), and predilection in the upper extremities (p = 0.037). Synovial sarcomas were most commonly misdiagnosed as neurogenic tumors (56%) in the upper extremities or as cystic masses (47%) in the lower extremities. Oncological outcomes, including disease-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, or local recurrence were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.159, p = 0.444, and p = 0.335, respectively). Repeated unplanned excision (p = 0.012) and delayed re-excision (p = 0.038) were significant risk factors for local recurrence in the unplanned excision group.

Conclusions

Synovial sarcomas treated with unplanned excision had distinct characteristics. These findings are important for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for synovial sarcoma.     

Quantifying normal ankle joint volume: An anatomic study

Background:

Many therapeutic and diagnostic modalities such as intraarticular injections, arthrography and ankle arthroscopy require introduction of fluid into the ankle joint. Little data are currently available in the literature regarding the maximal volume of normal, nonpathologic, human ankle joints. The purpose of this study was to measure the volume of normal human ankle joints.

Materials and Methods:

A fluoroscopic guided needle was passed into nine cadaveric adult ankle joints. The needle was connected to an intracompartmental pressure measurement device. A radiopaque dye was introduced into the joint in 2 mL boluses, while pressure measurements were recorded. Fluid was injected into the joint until three consecutive pressure measurements were similar, signifying a maximal joint volume.

Results:

The mean maximum ankle joint volume was 20.9 ± 4.9 mL (range, 16–30 mL). The mean ankle joint pressure at maximum volume was 142.2 ± 13.8 mm Hg (range, 122–166 mm Hg). Two of the nine samples showed evidence of fluid tracking into the synovial sheath of the flexor hallucis longus tendon.

Conclusion:

Maximal normal ankle joint volume was found to vary between 16–30 mL. This study ascertains the communication between the ankle joint and the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. Exceeding maximal ankle joint volume suggested by this study during therapeutic injections, arthrography, or arthroscopy could potentially damage the joint.     

Are Nucleated Cell Counts Useful in the Diagnosis of Infection in Periprosthetic Fracture?

Background

Evaluating for the possibility of prosthetic joint infection in the setting of periprosthetic fracture is important because it determines the course of treatment. However, fracture-related inflammation can make investigations used in the diagnosis of infection less reliable.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of our study was to evaluate synovial fluid nucleated cell counts as a diagnostic test for deep prosthetic infection in patients with periprosthetic fractures around hip and knee arthroplasties. Specifically, we wished to determine the test’s properties (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], and negative predictive value [NPV]) using threshold levels of nucleated cell counts as they are otherwise used in the diagnosis of periprosthetic infection.

Methods

Billing codes were used to identify all cases of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the femur, and ORIF of the tibia at our institution between 2005 and 2013. A total of 2537 charts were identified and reviewed to reveal 269 patients with 269 periprosthetic fractures about a THA or TKA (10.6% of charts reviewed). Of these, 27 fractures in 27 patients (10% of the periprosthetic fractures identified) underwent aspiration of their total joint arthroplasty to rule out infection before surgical intervention. The decision to aspirate was made by the treating surgeon based on clinical suspicion of infection from the patient history, physical examination, and radiographic findings. Nucleated cell counts from joint aspirates were recorded for all 27 patients. Synovial fluid culture results were then used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of an elevated nucleated cell count in the diagnosis of infection.

Results

The specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of an elevated nucleated cell count in the diagnosis of infection were 64% (95% confidence interval [CI, 34.94–75.57]), 100% (95% CI, 19.29–100), 18% (95% CI, 2.37–45.46), and 100% (95% CI, 76.66–100), respectively. Eleven of 27 patients (41%) with joint aspirates had elevated nucleated cell counts. Only two of the 11 patients (18%) with elevated nucleated cell counts had positive synovial fluid cultures. None of the patients with normal nucleated cell counts had positive synovial fluid cultures.

Conclusions

Although quite common, an elevated nucleated cell count has moderate specificity and poor PPV in the diagnosis of infection in the setting of periprosthetic fracture.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.     

MRI of Hip Cartilage: Joint Morphology, Structure, and Composition

Background

Accurate, reproducible, and noninvasive assessment of hip cartilage is clinically relevant and provides a means by which to assess the suitability of candidates for arthroscopic or open surgical procedures and the response to such interventions over time. Given the relatively thin cartilage of the hip and the complex spherical anatomy, however, accurately assessing the cartilage poses a challenge for traditional MRI techniques.

Questions/Purposes

We assessed the current status of imaging articular cartilage of the hip through a comprehensive review of recent literature.

Methods

We performed a literature review using PubMed. Topics included quantitative MRI, imaging of the hip cartilage and labrum, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the hip.

Where Are We Now?

With the use of high in-plane and through-plane resolution, reproducible assessment of hip cartilage and labrum is clinically feasible. More recent quantitative MR techniques also allow for noninvasive assessment of collagen orientation and proteoglycan content in articular cartilage, thus providing insight into early matrix degeneration. These techniques can be applied to cohorts at risk for osteoarthritis, helping to predict cartilage degeneration before symptoms progress and osteoarthritic changes are visible on radiographs.

Where Do We Need to Go?

Prospective longitudinal data registries are necessary for developing predictive models of osteoarthritis and subsequent joint failure to assess the results of surgical intervention and predict the timing of arthroplasty.

How Do We Get There?

By establishing more hip cartilage registries, a correlation can be made between subjective measures and morphologic MRI to assess the cartilage, labrum, bone, and synovial lining of the hip.     

Lower 5-year cup re-revision rate for dual mobility cups compared with unipolar cups: report of 15,922 cup revision cases in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (2007–2016)

Background and purpose

For 20 years, medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been improving and the incidence of joint surgery has decreased. We investigated the rates of primary ankle joint arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty in patients with RA in Finland between 1997 and 2010 to establish whether trends have changed during that period.

Methods

The annual figures for primary ankle joint arthrodeses and total ankle replacements performed in patients with RA were obtained from nationwide population-based registries. Incidences were calculated per population of 10⁵ and they are reported in 2-year periods.

Results

During the study period, 593 primary ankle joint arthrodeses and 318 total ankle arthroplasties were performed in patients with RA. The incidence of ankle joint arthrodesis reached its highest value (2.4/10⁵) in 1997–1998 and it was lowest in 2001–2002 (1.1/10⁵). After 2002, the incidence increased slightly but did not reach the level in 1997–1998, even though total ankle replacements almost ended in Finland during the period 2009–2010. From 1997, total ankle replacements increased until 2003–2004 (incidence 1.5/10⁵) and then gradually decreased. In 2009–2010, the incidence of total ankle replacements was only 0.4/10⁵.

Interpretation

During the observation period 1997–2010, while total ankle replacements generally became more common in patients with RA, the incidence of primary ankle joint arthrodesis decreased and did not increase in the period 2009-2010, even though total ankle replacement surgery almost ended in Finland. No change in the incidence of these operations, when pooled together, was observed from 1997 to 2010.In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an alternative to ankle joint arthrodesis is total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). TAA preserves joint motion and function, with protection of other joints (Valderrabano et al. 2003, Doets et al. 2007, Piriou et al. 2008). Currently, the main indications for TAA are end-stage idiopathic, inflammatory, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (Rydholm 2007, Skyttä et al. 2010, Henricson et al. 2011).During the past 2 decades, medical treatment for RA has improved. Studies from different countries have suggested that rates of joint replacement in RA have decreased in recent years (Da Silva et al. 2003, Kobelt et al. 2004, Ward 2004, Pedersen et al. 2005, Weiss et al. 2006, 2008, Sokka et al. 2007, Momohara et al. 2010, Jämsen et al. 2013). However, there have only been a few studies on the incidence of ankle joint arthrodesis and TAA in patients with RA (Fevang et al. 2007, Louie and Ward 2010).Using data from nationwide population-based registries, we determined the rates of primary ankle joint arthrodesis and TAA in patients with RA in Finland, 1997–2010.     

Chronic unilateral locked facet joint with spinal cord injury in a 26-month-old child: A case report

Objectives

This study presents the successful posterior surgical reduction and fusion on a 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A 26-month-old child with chronic unilateral locked facet joint and SCI treated by posterior surgical reduction and fusion. Plaster external fixation was applied and rehabilitation exercise was trained post-operatively.

Results

Chronic unilateral locked facet joint was reduced successfully and bone fusion of C4/5 was achieved 3 months after surgery. The function of both lower limbs was improved 1 year after surgery, aided with physical rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Unilateral locked facet joint in pediatric population is rare. Few clinical experiences were found in the literature. Non-surgical treatment has advantages of not being invasive and is preferred for acute patients; however, it may not be suitable for chronic unilateral locked facet joint with SCI, in which surgical intervention is needed.     

Management of Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma of the Small Intestine

Background:

Reports of primary intraabdominal synovial sarcomas are extremely rare.

Methods:

A literature review using PubMed was performed. A retrospective review of the one known case at our institution was completed.

Results:

Even the most experienced pathologists report that synovial sarcomas can be very difficult to diagnose correctly. One cytogenic abnormality that is common (>90%) and pathognomonic for synovial sarcoma is a characteristic chromosomal translocation resulting in the SYT/SSX fusion gene. Wide regional excision has been performed for intraabdominal sarcoma, with improved results. Our patient is more than 24 months with no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

Conclusions:

The prognosis for patients with intraabdominal synovial sarcoma remains poor. However, wide regional excision may allow for prolonged disease-free survival.     

Arthroscopic capsular release for idiopathic frozen shoulder with intra-articular injection and a controlled manipulation

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the immediate and long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release in a large cohort of patients with a precise and isolated diagnosis of stage II idiopathic frozen shoulder.

METHODS

All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation. Patients with secondary frozen shoulder and those with concurrent pathology at arthroscopy were excluded. This left 136 patients with a stage II arthroscopically confirmed idiopathic frozen shoulder. At each postoperative attendance, a record was made of pain, function and range of motion. At 12 months, the Oxford shoulder score was calculated, and pain and range of motion were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty per cent achieved good pain relief within a week and eighty per cent within six weeks of arthroscopic capsular release. The mean preoperative visual analogue scale pain score was 6.6 and the mean postoperative score was 1.0. The mean time to achieving good pain relief was 16 days following surgery. No patient could sleep through the night prior to surgery while 90% reported having a complete night’s sleep at a mean of 12 days after surgery. The mean postoperative Oxford shoulder score was 38/48 and the mean improvement was 19.2.

CONCLUSIONS

This large series demonstrates that arthroscopic capsular release is a safe procedure, with rapid improvement in pain and a marked improvement in range of motion.     

The role of diagnostic block in the management of Morton’s neuroma

Objective

To determine the outcome of surgical excision of Morton’s neuroma after a local anesthetic diagnostic block into the neuroma has relieved symptoms.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

A university affiliated hospital.

Patients

A sequential series of 37 patients who underwent 41 excisions with at least 2 years’ follow-up. Seven patients had undergone repeat excision of a neuroma, and 34 primary excisions were performed. Surgery was performed by a specialist in orthopedic surgery of the foot and ankle.

Intervention

Excision of the Morton’s neuroma after a positive diagnostic block.

Main outcome measures

Grade of symptoms at follow-up done by independent review on a 4-point scale.

Results

Of 41 procedures, 11 had an unfavourable outcome: 4 procedures were graded 3, and 7 procedures were graded 4. Eight (24%) of the 34 primary procedures were reported as failures, and 3 (43%) of the 7 revision procedures were reported as failures. Most patients reported poor results owing to persistent pain.

Conclusions

Diagnostic blocks do not improve the results of surgery for excision of Morton’s neuroma and are not recommended. Because failure rates are greater than 20%, surgery for Morton’s neuroma should only be offered after a full course of nonoperative management.