Flexion location of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the location of forefoot bend in general purpose women’s footwear

BackgroundGeneral purpose footwear could have a built-in flexion location which may not match the anatomical fulcrum location for an individual’s foot. Mismatched fulcra impact on joint function, and may delay healing of an injured first metatarsophalangeal joint (first MP joint). This study compared the location of the first MP joint in an asymptomatic sample of the South African female population to the bend location set within the lasts (used by footwear manufacturers) to find whether mismatches of the flexion locations of the joint to the bending location of the footwear were likely.MethodsThe study used a three dimensional foot measurement database of 453 female participants to find the fulcrum location of the first MP joint. The distance between the heel and the first MP joint was expressed as a percentage of the overall length of the unshod foot. Similar measures for sandals and closed shoes were derived, and all were compared to manufacturer last data.ResultsThe location of first MP joint ranged from 70% to 79% of total foot length, significantly different from last design specifications of 63% or 66% (p < 0.0001). The range of first MP joint fulcrum locations in the same size feet occurred in a wide 24 mm mediolateral band under the forefoot, termed a flexion zone.ConclusionsThe first MP joint cannot properly function as a fulcrum unless footwear has a matching flexion location. Footwear designs should incorporate a wide flexion zone located under the forefoot to permit the range of first MP joint flexion locations. Recommendations to patients are to select appropriate flexible footwear to prevent shear forces, reduce strain, prevent injury and enable range of motion function and healing of injury.     

Influence of the induced membrane filled with syngeneic bone and regenerative cells on bone healing in a critical size defect model of the rat’s femur

IntroductionThe induced membrane technique for the treatment of large bone defects consists of a 2-stage procedure. In the first stage, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement spacer is inserted into the bony defect of a rat’s femur and over a period of 2–4 weeks a membrane forms that encapsulates the defect/spacer. In a second operation the membrane is opened, the PMMA spacer is removed and the resulting cavity is filled with autologous bone.Since little effort has been made to replace the need for autologous bone this study was performed to elucidate the influence of different stem cells and the membrane itself on bone healing in a critical size femur defect model in rats.Especially the question should be addressed whether the use of stem cells seeded on a β-TCP scaffold is equivalent to syngeneic bone as defect filling in combination with the induced membrane technique.Materials and MethodsA total of 96 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received a 10 mm critical size defect of the femur, which was stabilized by a plate osteosynthesis and filled with PMMA cement. In a second step the spacer was extracted and the defects were filled with syngeneic bone, β-TCP with MSC + EPC or BM-MNC. In order to elucidate the influence of the induced membrane on bone defect healing the induced membrane was removed in half of the operated femurs. The defect area was analysed 8 weeks later for bone formation (osteocalcin staining), bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength (3-point bending test).ResultsNew bone formation, bone mineral density and bone stiffness increased significantly, if the membrane was kept. The transplantation of biologically active material (syngeneic bone, stem cells on b-TCP) into the bone defect mostly led to a further increase of bone healing. Syngeneic bone had the greatest impact on bone healing however defects treated with stem cells were oftentimes comparable.ConclusionFor the first time we demonstrated the effect of the induced membrane itself and different stem cells on critical size defect healing. This could be a promising approach to reduce the need for autologous bone transplantation with its’ limited availability and donor site morbidity.     

Result of IOFIX (Intra Osseous FIXation) device for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: A single surgeon’s series

Background

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a common procedure to treat significant first MTPJ arthritis. However, dorsal plates used for this have been associated with high incidence of metalwork removal. The IOFIX (Intra-Osseous FIXation) is a fixed angle device that is noted to provide a more uniform compression over a larger aspect of the fusion surfaces than a screw construct alone with the advantage of minimizing soft tissue irritation which can reduce the need for subsequent implant removal.

Masquelet’s procedure and bone morphogenetic protein in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children: a case series and meta-analysis

Purpose

A type 2 recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP2) and Masquelet’s procedure were used in three children presenting with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). Recent studies on CPT suggested the presence in situ of pathologic tissues promoting pseudarthrosis. The authors hypothesized that large segmental resection of pseudarthrosis could improve prognosis of the CPT. Masquelet’s procedure and rhBMP2 have been advocated for the treatment of long bone defect.

Method

The authors report three cases of CPT in children treated with Masquelet’s procedure and application of rhBMP2. They analyzed all published cases of CPT similarly treated.

Results

In the present study, Masquelet’s procedure did not improve the results in the treatment of CPT, but segmental bone reconstruction was possible. Bone healing was obtained in three out of the five applications of rhBMP2. In one case, the patient’s parents asked for leg amputation. Analysis of the 33 published cases with the application of BMP in CPT points to a 62 % healing rate in this pathology.

Conclusion

The authors confirmed that segmental bone reconstruction is possible in CPT using Masquelet’s procedure. In the literature, the success rate of the application of rhBMP in CPT appears to be lower than the healing rate usually reported without BMP. Nevertheless, the strict selection of patients, limited number of cases, and their heterogeneity make interpreting the results difficult. However, the theoretical risk which the children are exposed to during the use of BMP makes rigorous selection of the indications necessary. Finally, the interest of rhBMP2 application in Masquelet’s procedure remained to be proven.     

Low-dose combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with Eisenmenger’s syndrome

A 34-year-old woman (G3,P0) with Eisenmenger’s syndrome and positive HIV serology presented to hospital at 16 weeks of pregnancy. She was hospitalised at 20 weeks under the care of a multidisciplinary team. At 33 weeks caesarean section was performed under low-dose combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia using a needle-through-needle technique. Over a period of 10 min, spinal anaesthesia produced a sensory block to T4 which did not alter oxygenation or blood pressure. Epidural supplementation was not required. The caesarean section proceeded uneventfully without pain or discomfort. The post-partum period was without major incident. Low-dose combined spinal-epidural techniques combine the advantages of spinal and epidural blockade; the versatility allows its use in a wide range of clinical conditions, combining effective anaesthesia with cardiovascular stability.     

Definitive fixation in the first stage of the induced membrane technique for septic segmental bone defects. Why not?

BackgroundInfected segmental bone defects (I-SBD) are challenging and complex to manage. This study aimed to show the outcomes achieved in I-SBD of the femur and tibia, treated with the induced membrane technique performing a definitive bone stabilization in the first stage.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with infected non-articular segmental bone defects of the femur (n = 11) and tibia (n = 19), operated consecutively between January 2015 and May 2021. The need for fixation exchange, bone defect length, allo/autograft ratio used, bone healing, reoperation (discriminating between mechanical and infection-related causes), and failure rates (graft resorption or nonunion) were recorded.ResultsFixation in the first stage was performed with 28 (93.33%) intramedullary nails, ten coated with antibiotic cement, and 2 (6.67%) locked plates. None were removed during the second stage of the technique. The mean length of the bone defects was 5cm (range 3.5–12). The most commonly used allo-/autograft ratio was 50-50. The bone healing rate was 93.33% (n = 28), with a median follow-up of 7 months (range 3–12). The reoperation rate due to mechanical instability was 3.33% (n = 1) and for recurrence of infection was 10.0% (n = 3). The overall failure rate was 6.67% (n = 2). The median follow-up was 42 months (range 12–85).ConclusionMasquelet technique appears feasible and effective in treating infected segmental bone defects of the femur and tibia. Definitive fixation at the first stage showed a success rate of 93.33%, with a re-operation rate of 10.0% related to infection.     

Jaboulay’s technique contrasted with a novel hydrocelectomy technique using a vessel sealer in the treatment of adult hydrocele: a prospective randomized study

International Urology and Nephrology - The study aims to compare the clinical efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction rates of two open hydrocelectomy techniques, Jaboulay’s...     

Tetrafocal (three osteotomies) and pentafocal (four osteotomies) bone transport using Ilizarov technique in the treatment of distal tibial defect—preliminary outcomes of 12 cases and a description of the surgical technique

ObjectiveTo evaluate the preliminary outcomes of tetrafocal (three osteotomies) and pentafocal (four osteotomies) bone transport using Ilizarov technique for the treatment of distal tibial defect and describe the surgical technique.MethodsA total of 12 eligible patients with distal tibial defect > 6 cm caused by direct trauma or posttraumatic osteomyelitis who were admitted to our institution from January 2017 to January 2019 were treated by tetrafocal or pentafocal bone transport using Ilizarov technique. Detailed demographic data, including age, sex, etiology, defect size, number of osteotomies (three or four), external fixation time (EFT) and external fixation index (EFI), were collected, and the bone and functional outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system. Complications during the surgery and the follow-up period were recorded and evaluated by the Paley classification at a minimum follow-up of two years after removal of the fixator.ResultsThere were 9 men and 3 women with an average age of 37.4±7.8 years. The etiology included posttraumatic osteomyelitis in 8 cases and posttraumatic bone loss in 4 cases. The mean bone defect after radical debridement was 7.1±0.6 cm. Tetrafocal bone transport was applied in 9 cases, and pentafocal bone transport was applied in 3 cases. The average EFT and EFI were 5.2±0.8 months and 0.7±0.2 months/cm, respectively. The average time of follow-up after removal of the external fixator was 28.5±3.3 months without recurrence of osteomyelitis. The bone results were good in 7 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case, and the functional results were good in 5 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case. The most common complication was pin tract infection, which occurred in all cases, but there were no major complications, such as nerve or vascular injury.ConclusionTetrafocal and pentafocal bone transport using Ilizarov technique could be an alternative treatment option in selected cases with distal tibial defect > 6 cm. It could shorten the distraction period, fasten regeneration, and reduce the associated complications.     

Endoscopic treatment of Haglund’s syndrome with a three portal technique

Purpose

The purpose of our study is to make a retrospective evaluation of endoscopic treatment of Haglund’s syndrome using a new three portal technique.

Methods

All 23 patients (25 heels) with a mean age of 27.7 years were evaluated pre-operatively and postoperatively with parallel pitch lines, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Ogilvie Harris score.

Results

The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 30–59 months). There were no obvious complications in our study. In 22 heels, postoperative lateral radiographs showed the achievement of negative parallel pitch lines. The average AOFAS score improved from 63.3 ± 11.9 points pre-operatively to 86.8 ± 10.1 points at final follow-up. There were 14 excellent results, seven good results, two fair results and two poor results. For the Ogilvie Harris score, there were 15 excellent, seven good, one fair, and two poor results.

Conclusion

An endoscopic procedure using the three portal technique seemed to be a safe and efficacious option for surgical treatment of Haglund’s syndrome.     

Dieulafoy’s disease of the lung: a report of three cases with review of pathological aspects

Dieulafoy’s disease of the lung is one of the causes of cryptogenic hemoptysis often massive and recurrent, caused by dysplastic superficially located arteries in the bronchial wall. Being a rare condition, available literature on this condition is limited to a few case reports and series. We report three such cases presenting with severe hemoptysis uncontrolled by bronchial artery embolization who subsequently underwent resection of the involved lobe of the lung. The clinical, radiological, bronchoscopic, and pathological features are discussed with emphasis on the gross and microscopic characteristics that aid in the pathological diagnosis in the resected specimens.     

Reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect with biologic mesh after resection of a desmoid tumor in a patient with a Gardner’s syndrome

Introduction: Desmoid tumors are rare proliferative and invasive benign lesions. They can be sporadic, but in most instances, desmoid tumors develop in the context of Gardner’s syndrome with principal localization in the abdominal cavity and abdominal wall.

Case-report: We report the case of a 24-year-old female presenting Gardner’s syndrome with a symptomatic abdominal wall desmoid tumor. Lack of response to medical treatment led to surgical management consisting in a complete resection and parietal reconstruction with a biologic mesh. Postoperative course was uneventful and there was no evidence of recurrence at 12 months of follow-up.

Discussion: Conventional treatment of abdominal wall desmoid tumors consists in a wide and radical resection. However, complete resection is not always feasible because of difficulty to differentiate the desmoid tumor from adjacent tissues. The surgical approach may require different techniques to repair the parietal defect including prosthetic material such as synthetic or biologic meshes. Biological mesh is an ideal alternative to synthetic graft, mainly in case of infection.

Conclusion: We have encountered a case of a symptomatic growing desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall in a young patient with Gardner’s syndrome, successfully treated by complete resection and reconstruction with a biologic mesh to correct the parietal defect.     

The Lister’s tubercle trapdoor: a minimally invasive technique for harvesting cancellous bone from the distal radius

Bone graft harvest from the distal radius, immediately proximal to the Lister’s tubercle, is a common technique in upper limb surgery. Here, we present a minimally invasive technique to harvest bone graft using a replaceable, well vascularized access trapdoor. The hinged trapdoor technique allows a small incision over Lister’s tubercle and does not violate the fibro-osseous tunnel of the third compartment. Nearby structures like the superficial radial nerve, extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor pollicis longus are safely protected throughout. Closure of the trapdoor creates a smooth surface and therefore little or no surrounding trauma.

     

Two cases of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve repaired by modified Kreutzer’s technique

Two severely symptomatic infants of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve successfully repaired by a modified Kreutzer’s technique are described. In addition to the standard repair of tetralogy of Fallot, our surgical technique consists of extensive pulmonary reduction arterioplasty, which allows tracheobronchial decompression. Both patients tolerated surgery and showed significant relief of airway compression and clinical symptoms, although they required prolonged mechanical ventilatory support. The modified Kreutzer’s technique is relatively simple and could be sufficiently efficacious even for symptomatic infants of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve.     

Amyand’s hernia: a series of 30 cases in children

Amyand’s hernia is a very rare condition with a presence of a vermiform appendix in an inguinal hernia sac. It is estimated to be found in approximately 1% of adult inguinal hernia. In this study, we report a retrospective analysis of 30 patients aged between 19 days and 8 years with an Amyand’s hernia operated in our institution from 1998 to 2009, and we reviewed the literature on the topic. Hernia repair without an appendectomy was performed in patients with normal appendix. Emergency appendectomy through herniotomy was performed in cases of inflamed and perforated appendices.     

Strangulated hernia through a defect in the broad ligament: a sheep in wolf’s clothing

Small bowel obstruction due to an internal hernia is an uncommon finding and, when caused by a defect in the broad ligament, it is exceptionally rare. This condition should be considered when evaluating all female patients presenting with de novo small bowel obstruction. We report an unusual case of intestinal obstruction from an internal hernia through the left broad ligament in a middle-aged patient with no prior surgical history and discuss the relevant literature and treatment. Although an oncologic diagnosis should be entertained, a small bowel obstruction arising in the pelvis may involve the broad ligament in parous patients. An internal hernia through the broad ligament should be considered in the differential diagnoses of female patients presenting with intestinal obstruction.