Transverse cervicopertrochanteric hip fracture

A 3-year-old boy sustained a previously undescribed transverse hip fracture that involved the cervical, cervicotrochanteric, and intertrochanteric regions. The fracture was successfully treated with skeletal traction for 4 weeks using a Steinmann pin placed through the distal femoral metaphysis followed by spica cast immobilization. The 3-year follow-up examination demonstrated satisfactory growth and remodeling of the proximal femur with no evidence of osteonecrosis, premature physeal closure, or coxa vara.     

Transient common peroneal nerve palsy following skeletal tibial traction in a morbidly obese patient - case report of a preventable complication

ABSTRACT: Today, skeletal tibial traction remains a mainstay of initial management following high-energy, major orthopaedic lower extremity trauma. Historically utilized as definitive fracture management, recent advances in surgical technology have moved skeletal tibial traction into the realm of temporary management, with benefits including fracture reduction, pain relief, and restoration of disturbed surrounding soft tissues, lowering wound complication and compartment syndrome rates. However, no procedure is without its risks. Here, we present a case of common peroneal palsy following skeletal tibial traction placement, which resolved with subsequent pin removal. Indications, proper placement, potential etiologies, and a review of the literature are also discussed.     

Fracture arising of Steinmann pin cortical defect 3 years after insertion: A case report and review of literature

A plethora of complications have been reported after insertion of a Steinmann pin amongst which the commonest ones are infection and pin loosening. We present a literature review on pathological fractures arising out of cortical defects left behind by pin insertion and report a unique case where a Steinmann pin insertion in proximal tibia has given rise to a fracture as late as 3 years after insertion.     

刻槽针内固定治疗股骨颈骨折生物力学研究与临床应用

目的：验证刻槽针治疗股骨颈骨折较普通斯氏针更具有锚固性，方法：通过生物力学试验，采用均质木块与牛股骨按骨折固定方式钉入直径4mm斯氏针与刻槽针，置弹簧拉力试验机上进行拔出力对比，并将刻槽针临床应用于50例股骨颈骨折的治疗，结果：斯氏针在木块上平均拔出力为10．2kg，刻槽针为21．00kg，为斯氏针的2倍，斯氏针在牛股骨上的平均拔出力为5．7kg,刻槽针为14．5kg，为斯氏针的2．45倍，刻槽针临床应用效果良好，结论：刻槽针治疗股骨颈骨折较斯氏针固定牢固，临床应用证实无脱针，折针发生。     

Intrathoracic migration of an unbent Steinmann pin

Steinmann pins are known to be used as a shoulder stabilisation device in recurrent dislocation. Although rare, their potential to migrate within the thorax has been reported. We present the case of an 87-year-old man who was treated for recurrent left shoulder dislocation with pinning using a Steinmann pin. He presented eight days postoperatively with the pin impaling the aortic adventitia. To our knowledge, this is only the fifth case report of such an event. Awareness of this complication and attempts to prevent its occurrence are critical as the outcome can be fatal.     

Creation of transosseous patellar tunnels during extensor mechanism repair: technical note

Transosseous patellar tunnels commonly are used in the repair of acute or chronic patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon ruptures. Commonly, a small diameter (2.0-3.5 mm) drill bit is used to create these drill tunnels. However, drill bits are relatively brittle and susceptible to breakage. The use of a larger diameter smooth Steinmann pin (3/32") is recommended to create transosseous patellar tunnels to eliminate this potential complication.     

Pin-site myiasis: a rare complication of a treated open fracture of tibia

BACKGROUND: Pin-site myiasis is a rare complication of external fixation of open fractures of the tibia. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 32 year-old man with a history of alcohol and drug abuse presented with an open fracture of the middle third of the fibula and tibia (Gustilo type IIIA) after a motor vehicle crash. Definitive surgical correction of the fracture was made with the insertion of an external skeletal fixator, type Baummer, with 2 bars, 6 pins, and 12 rotules. After three weeks, he presented again with a primary complaint of purulent secretion and maggots at the distal pin site. On removal of the pin, significant destruction of peripheral tissue was evidenced, with a wound approximately 5 cm diameter, from which 105 maggots were extracted, being identified as Cochliomyia hominivorax. CONCLUSIONS: There have been no previous reports of myiasis involving an external skeletal fixation and pin, and only one similar case has been reported in a patient with a halo orthosis for the management of a gunshot wound of the neck. As in that case, presumably, in our patient, myiasis occurred via the small infected wound adjacent to the distal pin. Adequate treatment for myiasis requires complete removal of the maggots, as well as antimicrobial therapy.     

Migration of a broken Kirschner wire from an acromioclavicular joint into the neck: a case report

Migration of Kirschner wires and Steinmann pins when they are used for internal fixation of the shoulder girdle is a known complication, which could sometimes result in life threatening situations. A case of pin breakage used for fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with subsequent migration of its medial end into the neck is presented emphasizing the fact that bending the outer end of the wire doesn’t guarantee safety and wire migration is possible after its breakage. It seems that the most reliable way to avoid this complication is close radiographic follow up of the patient and removal of wire or pin at an appropriate time.     

Local antibiotics: panacea for long term skeletal traction

Long periods of skeletal traction are frequently needed in busy tertiary centres due to long waiting lists for surgery. A frequent complication is pin track infection, which leads to revision of pin insertion or switching over to skin traction. A prospective study was conducted on sixty patients with upper tibial pin insertion for various causes. Antibiotic (injection Cephazolin 0.5 g after sensitivity testing--250 mg on each side) was injected on thirty patients at the site of pin insertion and no antibiotic was injected in 30 controls. Only one stage one pin track infection was seen in the study group (3% cases), where as six cases had stage 1 infection, one case had stage 2 infection and two cases had stage 3 infections in the control group (30% cases). This study showed the usefulness of this modification in preventing morbidity in patients who are planned for long-term skeletal traction by temporarily suppressing the local flora.     

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the lateral malleolus: a case report

Chondromyxoid fibromas account for <1% of primary bone neoplasms. We report one such case occurring in the distal fibula of a 27-year-old woman. The patient underwent curettage, followed by phenolisation, insertion of a Steinmann pin, and cementation. This treatment reduced morbidity, restored stability, and enabled rapid functional recovery. There was no recurrence after 2 years.     

Heterotopic pancreas: a rare cause of bile duct dilatation--report of a case and review of the literature

A case of a 77 year old woman with a heterotopic pancreas in the distal common bile duct is reported herein. The patient had no symptoms, but an ultrasound examination showed bile duct dilatation and subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated a spherical filling defect in the distal common bile duct. Under suspicion of a benign neoplasm in the common bile duct, resection of the common bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy using a Roux-en Y jejunal limb were successfully performed. Pathological examination revealed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the distal common bile duct. This is only the ninth reported case of heterotopic pancreas occurring in the common bile duct or ampulla of Vater, and thus, a review of the literature is also given.     

Cranial nerve palsy as a complication of operative traction

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: This report documents one case of diplopia from abducens (sixth cranial) nerve palsy after spinal surgery using a Jackson table and cranial traction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cranial nerve deficits have frequently been described in the orthopedic literature after trauma, halo pelvic traction, and halo skeletal fixation. The theorized mechanism of injury to the abducens nerve involves stretch or traction force, which causes localized ischemia or a change in nerve position. An extensive literature search failed to show this type of injury using Gardner-Wells tongs in conjunction with the Jackson table. METHODS: This is a case report that included a chart review, examination of the patient, and a literature search. RESULTS: The patient had complete spontaneous resolution of abducens nerve dysfunction within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for the surgeon to be aware of this potential complication and to inform patients who have diplopia that develops from abducens nerve palsy that most of these cranial nerve deficits spontaneously improve.     

Distal femoral physeal problem fractures

Treatment options in the past for distal femoral physeal fractures have varied from closed reduction to open reduction with internal fixation to balanced skeletal traction. In this study, ten patients with distal femoral physeal fractures treated with closed reduction and casting or skeletal traction are reviewed. Seven fractures lost position in comparison with original reduction films. Nine patients developed subsequent deformity. No consensus exists regarding the use of open versus closed treatment with internal fixation. This review of closed treatment yielded a high rate of unacceptable results. Initial anatomic reduction with rigid fixation of physeal injuries about the ankle has been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of growth deformity. The authors' experience and a review of the literature suggest that a similar approach is applicable to distal femoral physeal fractures.     

Heterotopic pancreas: A rare cause of bile duct dilatation —Report of a case and review of the literature—

A case of a 77 year old woman with a heterotopic pancreas in the distal common bile duct is reported herein. The patient had no symptoms, but an ultrasound examination showed bile duct dilatation and subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated a spherical filling defect in the distal common bile duct. Under suspicion of a benign neoplasm in the common bile duct, resection of the common bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy using a Roux-en Y jejunal limb were successfully performed. Pathological examination revealed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the distal common bile duct. This is only the ninth reported case of heterotopic pancreas occurring in the common bile duct or ampulla of Vater, and thus, a review of the literature is also given.     

Lower extremity traction pins: indications, technique, and complications

The placement of pins in the lower extremity for the purpose of skeletal traction is a basic skill required by an orthopedic surgeon. These pins are primarily used for the management of fractures and dislocations. Although simple, the insertion and care of these pins can be accompanied by severe complications including damage to neurovascular structures, physeal injury, ligamentous insult, fracture, and infection. We review the techniques of pin insertion at the distal femur, proximal tibia, and calcaneus to provide a foundation for residents and attendings alike so that unnecessary complications may be avoided and proper placement ensured.     

An improved traction system for fragile bones

The problems of transcutaneous tibial pins for skeletal traction in elderly patients are considered, and the reasons behind loosening of the pin are discussed. A novel method of skeletal traction using two pins is proposed.     

Pelvic reconstruction for massive acetabular insufficiency

Joint reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity because of massive acetabular insufficiency presents a significant surgical challenge. Using retrograde-inserted Steinmann pins to rebuild the dome may be associated with early implant failure because of insufficient mechanical stability and neurovascular injury resulting from pin misplacement. Retrograde pins cannot be placed completely across the pelvic defect. We hypothesized that large Steinmann pins placed anterograde under direct vision from the iliac crest completely across the acetabular column and floor defects would minimize the risk of early failure, and could be placed safely without the use of fluoroscopy in combination with a posterior hip approach. The purpose of our study was to review the mechanical failure and complication rates of nine patients (10 hips) treated between 1996 and 2002 for pelvic discontinuity using this pin placement technique to reinforce a cemented roof ring hip reconstruction done via a posterior approach. None of the patients had implant loosening or failure, there were no neurovascular complications, and no perioperative deaths. One patient required cup revision for recurrent dislocation. All patients were bedridden or wheelchair-bound before surgery, but regained independent household walking by 6 weeks postoperatively. Reinforcing the acetabulum with a lattice girder of anterograde pins provides safe and effective hip reconstruction.     

生理盐水在儿童骨牵引针道护理中的应用研究

目的探讨生理盐水在儿童骨牵引针道护理应用的可行性。方法将2017年1月至2018年12月华中科技大学同济医学院附属武汉儿童医院小儿骨科收治的208例骨牵引患儿,根据入院时间段分为对照组(113例)和观察组(95例)。对照组使用75%乙醇对骨牵引针道进行常规护理(2次/d),观察组按需使用生理盐水对骨牵引针道进行护理。采用中文版儿童疼痛行为量表(FLACC)评估患儿针道护理时的疼痛情况,Checketts Otterburns感染分级系统评估患儿针道感染情况。结果针道护理时,观察组的FLACC评分为(1.58±0.71)分,优于对照组的(2.06±0.86)分,差异有统计学意义(t=4.280,P<0.001)。观察组发生针道Ⅰ度感染2例,感染发生率为2.11%(2/95);对照组发生针道Ⅰ度感染4例,Ⅲ度感染1例,感染发生率为4.42%(5/113);两组针道感染发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(Z=-1.15,P=0.248)。结论儿童骨牵引针道采用生理盐水按需护理,可预防针道感染发生,减轻针道护理时的疼痛刺激,提高患儿舒适度。