Repair of flexor tendon injuries by four strands cruciate technique versus two strands kessler technique

BackgroundFlexor tendon injuries are commonly encountered and the surgical repair still represents a challenging problem. Many repair techniques are present but there is still no ideal one that achieves the best functional outcome. This study was undertaken to compare four-strand locked cruciate repair technique and modified Kessler technique in forty eight patients by assessing the functional outcome.MethodsForty eight patients (114 digits) with flexor tendon injury were assigned into two groups based on suture repair technique; Group A: 24 cases by Modified Kessler repair (50%). Group B: 24cases by 4-strand cruciate repair (50%). Adults in Both groups were rehabilitated by combined Duran protocol and early active mobilization while no specific rehabilitation program was used for pediatric age group. Follow up was from 6 to 36 months (mean 21.5). Functional outcome was assessed by White criteria to all patients after 6 months.ResultsFunctional outcome was better in 4 strand cruciate repair with excellent result in 66.6%, good in 29.1% and fair in 4.1%, as compared to modified Kessler technique in which excellent results were found in 45.8%, good in 37.5%, fair in 12.5% and poor in 4.1% of cases. A better functional result was achieved in 4 strand cruciate repair especially in zone II, with excellent results in 33.3%, good in 50% and fair in 16.6% of cases, as compared to modified Kessler repair with no excellent results, 33.3% good, 50% fair and 16.6% poor results. In zone III, 4 strand cruciate technique showed a better functional outcome with 77.7% excellent and 22.2% good results, as compared to 55.5% excellent and 44.4% good results found in Modified Kessler repair. Zone V showed almost comparable results between the two types of repairs.ConclusionThe 4-strand cruciate repair technique had better functional outcome compared to modified Kessler repair technique, especially in zone II and III.     

Long-term results of surgical therapy of epicondylitis humeri radialis using the technique described by Mittelmeier

INTRODUCTION: Tennis elbow is one of the most common stress induced pathological findings in patients consulting an orthopaedic surgeon. In refractory cases operation is indicated after conservative treatment. Several operative techniques have been published. We prefer the technique described by Mittelmeier. Aim of this study is to show long- term results of operative therapy of the tennis elbow using this technique. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 1.1.1980 and 31.12.1992 we performed 115 outpatient operations for epicondylitis humeri radialis using the technique described by Mittelmeier. After a mean follow-up of 15,3 years we could examine 98 patients according to the score of Roles and Maudsley. RESULTS: We found excellent results in 47 %, good results in 43 % and fair results in 10 % of the evaluated cases. All patients had a benefit concerning the operation. There was one infection as a serious complication which led to revision. CONCLUSION: In epicondylitis humeri radialis surgical therapy according to Mittelmeier leads to good long-term results and can be recommended for persistent radial epicondylitis.     

Augmented repair as therapy of fresh injury of the posterior cruciate ligament

The discussion about the therapy of the posterior cruciate ligament persists. Conservative treatment, augmented repair, and reconstruction with autografts are discussed. From 1993 to 1997, 49 patients with posterior cruciate ligament rupture had repair Trevira ligament augmentation of 3 mm. There were 21 isolated and 28 combined ruptures. In 5 cases bony avulsions were refixed by screw or additional hook plate. Investigation of 36 patients, in 15 cases with isolated ligamentous ruptures was made. Osseous avulsion had good results in all cases. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament rupture showed good stability in 7 of 15 cases and instability of 2 + in 8 cases. The medial range Lysholm score was 76.8 (+/− 21.6), the OAK score showed 2 very good and 5 good results, 3 fair and 5 bad results. Using the IKDC score led to 3 very good and 4 good results, 2 fair and 6 bad results. Using subjective criteria, 10 patients described results as very good or good, 2 fair and 3 bad. Posterior cruciate ligament rupture with additional knee injury or fracture of the leg showed bad results in 60 % of cases, and good or fair results in only 40 %. We think augmented repair of fresh injury of the posterior cruciate ligament can be used as an alternative therapy to reconstruction with autograft.     

Augmented repair as therapy of fresh injury of the posterior cruciate ligament

Summary The discussion about the therapy of the posterior cruciate ligament persists. Conservative treatment, augmented repair, and reconstruction with autografts are discussed. From 1993 to 1997, 49 patients with posterior cruciate ligament rupture had repair Trevira ligament augmentation of 3 mm. There were 21 isolated and 28 combined ruptures. In 5 cases bony avulsions were refixed by screw or additional hook plate. Investigation of 36 patients, in 15 cases with isolated ligamentous ruptures was made. Osseous avulsion had good results in all cases. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament rupture showed good stability in 7 of 15 cases and instability of 2 + in 8 cases. The medial range Lysholm score was 76.8 (+/− 21.6), the OAK score showed 2 very good and 5 good results, 3 fair and 5 bad results. Using the IKDC score led to 3 very good and 4 good results, 2 fair and 6 bad results. Using subjective criteria, 10 patients described results as very good or good, 2 fair and 3 bad. Posterior cruciate ligament rupture with additional knee injury or fracture of the leg showed bad results in 60 % of cases, and good or fair results in only 40 %. We think augmented repair of fresh injury of the posterior cruciate ligament can be used as an alternative therapy to reconstruction with autograft.      

小切口手术治疗腰椎管狭窄症

目的　探讨小切口手术治疗腰椎管狭窄症的方法与优点。方法　借助冷光源及其他自制器械用小切口治疗腰椎管狭窄症。结果　手术 5 2例 ,平均随访 2 3年 ,根据JOA评定标准 ,优 4 8例 (92 3% ) ,良 3例 (5 8% ) ,可 1例 (1 9% )。结论　用小切口治疗腰椎管狭窄症具有创伤小、视野清、恢复快、疗效好、对脊柱结构破坏小等优点     

Complications following gastric tube esophagoplasty in children

Surgery in children with caustic esophageal burns, esophageal atresia or other esophageal disorders can be performed using gastric tube esophagoplasty. Between 1991 and 1999, a number of 41 such procedures have been performed in our department, using the original technique developed by Gavriliu. The results were assessed as good and very good in 83% of the cases, and fair or bad in the rest of 17%. We recorded 13 cases with significant complications, 4 of which ended with exitus. The paper present our experience in using gastric tube esophagoplasty and the management of the complications related to this procedure.     

A new internal fixation technique for fractures of the proximal humerus--the Bilboquet device: a report on 26 cases

We describe a novel internal fixation device and report on 26 patients (mean age, 70 years) whose proximal humeral fractures were managed with this technique. The 2-part titanium implant consists of a circular staple impacted into the humeral head cancellous bone and a spigoted diaphyseal stem that inserts into the staple "cup." Of the 26 cases reviewed, 16 had 3-part fractures and 10 had 4-part fractures. Mean follow-up was 25.9 months. In the 16 3-part fractures, the mean active forward elevation was 114 degrees and the results were as follows: excellent, 7; good, 5; fair, 3; poor, 1. In the 10 4-part fracture patients, the mean active forward elevation was 101 degrees and the results were as follows: excellent, 2; good, 4; fair, 3; poor, 1. There were 5 cases of avascular necrosis and 1 case of tuberosity nonunion. Only 2 cases needed conversion to hemiarthroplasty. The new technique should simplify the surgery of these fractures and reduce the need for arthroplasty.     

关节镜下四股腘绳肌腱重建后交叉韧带

目的 探讨关节镜下四股腘绳肌腱重建后交叉韧带及其影响因素。方法 采用开口螺旋肌腱剥离器,保留肌腱远端附着点,肌腱肌肉交界处切断肌腱,对折四股编织转移镜下重腱后交叉韧带,内口侧采用可吸收挤压螺钉固定。结果 12例术后平均随访29个月。术前后抽屉试验10例阳性,术后1例阳性;Lachman试验术前均阳性,术后1例阳性,1例弱阳性;轴移试验术前5例阳性,术后均消失。按照日本骨科协会制定的膝关节疗效评定标准,优良率为83.3％。结论 镜下四股(?)绳肌腱重建后交叉韧带,韧带两端无骨块,通过隧道较B—PT—B顺畅。可吸收螺钉在隧道内口侧固定,愈后内口消失,避免受韧带撞击使之逐渐扩大引起重建韧带松驰、关节不稳。胫骨隧道外口原附着点的牢固附着,股骨隧道外口的坚强固定,使重建后交叉韧带有足够强度。手术具有创伤小,能早期锻炼,功能恢复快的特点。     

Operative treatment of the post-traumatic boutonniere deformity : A modification of the direct anatomical repair technique

We report 20 cases of post-traumatic boutonniere deformity treated by a modification of the direct anatomical repair technique, particularly indicated in late cases which have complete passive motion. A swallow-tailed flap is excised from the fibrous tissue between the two ends of the central slip. The proximal one is then advanced up to the coaptation with the distal edge of the scarred capsular tissue at the insertion on the middle phalanx to which it is sutured in correct tension. Excellent results have been obtained in 72% of cases and good in 5.5%. The 16% of fair results are probably due to the fact that patients didn't use the splint post-operatively and didn't cooperative with physiotherapy.     

Operative treatment of the post-traumatic boutonnière deformity. A modification of the direct anatomical repair technique

We report 20 cases of post-traumatic boutonnière deformity treated by a modification of the direct anatomical repair technique, particularly indicated in late cases which have complete passive motion. A swallow-tailed flap is excised from the fibrous tissue between the two ends of the central slip. The proximal one is then advanced up to the coaptation with the distal edge of the scarred capsular tissue at the insertion on the middle phalanx to which it is sutured in correct tension. Excellent results have been obtained in 72% of cases and good in 5.5%. The 16% of fair results are probably due to the fact that patients didn't use the splint post-operatively and didn't cooperative with physiotherapy.     

The external fixation in the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures: outcomes of 84 cases

We retrospectively review 84 cases of diaphyseal humeral fractures (24 type A, 38 type B, 22 type C of the AO/OTA classification) treated with external fixation (Hoffmann II frame) between 1995 and 2007. Six of these fractures were complicated with radial nerve palsy. Four cases were open fractures. All reductions were achieved closely or through minimal open approaches. All fractures achieved consolidation with an average of 95 days (range 58-140). The six radial nerve palsies had complete spontaneous recovery. According to the Constant score excellent shoulder function was recorded in 54.6% of the cases, good results in 25%, fair in 13.6% and poor in 6.8%. The elbow function according to the Mayo elbow performance index was excellent in 81.8% of cases, good in 13.6%, fair in 2.3%, and poor in 2.3%. We observed superficial pin tract infections in 12% of the patients. There was no cases of deep infection.External fixation of humeral diaphyseal fractures as recorded in this case series, represents a management option, which allows straightforward fracture reduction and adequate stability, with a short operative time, excellent consolidation rate and good functional results with no major complications secondary to this type of surgery.     

Treatment of sections of the long flexor tendon of the thumb using the Rouhier technic. Apropos of 25 cases

We treated 28 cases of Flexor Pollicis Longus tendon injury by Rouhier's technique between 1989 and 1996 and reviewed 25 cases, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and maximum of 8 years. Nine patients presented an associated collateral nerve section. We used the International Federation of Hand Surgery Societies (IFSSH) topographic classification. The surgical technique consisted of Flexor Pollicis Longus lengthening and transosseous pull-out in 16 cases and distal suture in 9. The immobilization time ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. The results were evaluated according to Tubiana's classification, with 2 very good, 14 good, 9 fair and no poor results. Flexor Pollicis Longus simple suture in T2 zone may produce suture blockade, tendon shortening and adherences. Suture through the digital canal must be avoided to decrease these complications. In the absence of bone injuries, better functional results can be obtained with Rouhier's technique than with simple suture.     

腰椎间盘突出症有限化再手术的治疗

探讨腰椎间盘突出症再手术的有限化方法对疗效的影响。方法１９７５年以来收治４５例,采用有限的椎板及关节突切除,潜行扩大椎管。其中原切口切除留椎板显露２２例,扩大开窗或半椎板切除２３例。术中切除是盘３６例,侧隐窝狭窄减压１７处。结果经３年至１８年,平均５．１年随访。优良４０例,可２例,差３例。优良率８８．８％。结论有限化操作既能除髓核,也能行根管减压,脊柱损伤小,远期疗效好。     

A comparative study of internal fixation and prosthesis replacement for radial head fractures of Mason type III

Although several treatment options for radial head fractures are available, no clear solutions exist. In this study we therefore compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with bipolar radial head prosthesis replacement in treatment of radial head fractures of Mason type III. Cement stem and bipolar radial prosthesis were used to treat 12 fresh cases and two old cases of Mason type III radial head fracture. As a control group, another eight cases of radial head type III fracture were treated with ORIF with cannulated screws and Kirschner (K) wires. The 14 patients who received radial head prosthesis replacement were followed-up for 15.9 months (range 10-27 months). According to elbow functional evaluation criteria by Broberg and Morrey, we found excellent results in nine cases, good in four, and fair in one. Mean follow-up of the eight cases in the ORIF group was 14 months (range 10-21 months), with good results in one case, fair in four, and poor in three. The result was good or excellent in 92.9% of prosthesis replacement patients and in 12.5% of ORIF patients. This difference is statistically significant (P = 0.0004; Fisher's exact test). We concluded that bipolar radial head prosthesis replacement is better than ORIF in treatment of Mason type III radial head fracture.     

Fine wire frame arthrodesis for the salvage of severe ankle pathology

Ankle arthrodesis is an accepted method of treatment for severe ankle pathology, but no single method of treatment is universally successful. Compression is usually applied across the ankle joint and maintained with either internal or external fixation; both are associated with complications such as infection, non-union and pain. We present our experience of 13 difficult cases managed by fine wire external frames, and describe the surgical technique used.A sound arthrodesis was achieved in 12 out of 13 cases, though one case required a repeat procedure, giving a union rate of 92% of cases or 86% of procedures. The mean period of fixation was 24 weeks (range 12-82), followed by a mean period of cast immobilisation of 7 weeks (range 0-10). Using Mazur's functional ankle score there were seven good results, four fair, one poor and one failure, which resulted in a below knee amputation.We believe this method represents a significant improvement on previously published results, but accept that it requires considerable experience and should not be considered for primary ankle arthrodesis. We would recommend its usage for the salvage of failed arthrodesis or severe fracture non-union, particularly in the presence of infection.     

Consequences of tibiotalar arthrodesis on the foot. A retrospective study of 36 cases with 8.5 years of followup

The authors report the results of a retrospective study of 36 cases of tibiotalar arthrodesis performed in 22 men and 14 women with an average age of 32 years. All patients were reviewed with an average of 8.5 years follow-up. The predominating etiologies were ankle osteoarthritis (15 cases) and neurologic deformities of the foot (13 cases). Arthrodesis was performed using the Meary technique in 60% of cases, using the Charnley technique in 20% and the Crawford-Adams technique or with clamps in the other cases. Fusion was obtained in 97% of cases. Long-term results were assessed using Duquennoy et al.'s scoring system. They were very good or good in 58% of cases, fair in 31% and poor in 11%. The study of distal repercussions of tibiotalar arthrodesis shows progressive deterioration of the subtalar joint in 70% of cases and appearance or increase of degenerative changes in 75% of cases. The final results of the procedure depend on this deterioration; the latter is related with the arthrodesis position. Midtalar joint is a compensation joint showing hypermobility in 40% of cases. Degenerative changes were limited and asymptomatic in 80% of cases. Based on the findings in this study and on the literature, we conclude that the foot should be fixed at 90 degrees or with less than 5 degrees of equinus, with 5 degrees of valgus and 10 to 15 degrees of external rotation.     

Closed reduction and percutaneous cannulated screws fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures

BackgroundDisplaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remain a therapeutic challenge due to fracture complexity and different treatment options. One of the adverse effects of operative treatment is secondary damage to soft tissues. To avoid soft tissue complications, several less invasive procedures have been introduced. The most frequently used minimally invasive technique is closed reduction of fracture and percutaneous cannulated screws fixation.MethodThis study evaluates the medium-term outcome of a new technique of percutaneous treatment in 60 cases operated in Al-Razi orthopedic hospital in Kuwait in the period from 2007 to 2009. The described technique applies the principle of closed manipulation with new reduction method using a medial subperiosteal tunnel to manipulate the fragments. The technique involves new method of distribution of screws required to fix the fracture.ResultsAccording to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Hind foot Score, 38.3% of all cases (22 cases) had excellent results, 41% good (25 cases), fair results in 15% (9 cases), and poor results in 5% (4 cases). The overall satisfactory results (excellent and good) were 79.3%.ConclusionThe technique is suitable for most types of intra-articular fractures especially in patients with compromised soft tissues in which open reduction and internal fixation is contraindicated.     

动力性外固定支架和闭合复位治疗桡骨远端关节内移位骨折的疗效比较

目的 回顾性分析和比较动力性外固定支架(dynamic external fixation，DEF)与闭合复位石膏外固定两者治疗桡骨远端关节内移位骨折的疗效评价。方法 对96例急性桡骨远端关节内移位骨折患者，49例应用动力性外固定支架、47例采用闭合复位石膏外固定治疗。结果 治疗后均随访1年。96例桡骨远端关节内骨折，按AO分型属B型或C型骨折复位评分及Lidstrom功能评分标准评定：(1)石膏固定组：复位评分：优良率为44．7％，一般为36．2％，差者19．1％。功能评分：优良率为46．8％，一般为31．9％，差者21．3％。(2)动力性外固定支架组：复位评分：优良率达95．9％，一般及差仅占4．1％。功能评分：优良率为91．8％，一般及差为8．2％。结论 动力性外固定支架组的复位和功能评分明显优于石膏组，是治疗桡骨远端关节内严重移位、粉碎性骨折的好方法。     

Treatment of painful spondylolysis using Morscher's hook

An original technique of direct isthmic reconstruction described by E. Morscher was used in 25 patients with painful spondylolysis after failure of conservative treatment. After a follow-up of 25 months, the functional and radiological results were evaluated and compared with other techniques. Nineteen patients had an excellent or good functional result, in 2 patients the result was fair, and 4 patients had no beneficial effect on pain. The best results were seen in patients younger than 20 years, with an olisthy of less than 10 mm, without associated joint, disc or ligament pathology. In these cases, good results were achieved in 90%, and there was radiological consolidation in 100%.     

经皮穿刺切吸术治疗伴钙化的腰椎间盘突出症35例体会

从1993年9月以来,我们使用APLD技术治疗伴钙化的腰椎间盘突出症35例,其中28例获优良级疗效,4例可,3例差;随访3～16个月,优良率80%.我们体会到只要患者有间断性发作或近期内有中间缓解期病史,CT片显示间盘突出阴影所占比例或成份大于钙化影时,则可使用经皮穿刺切吸技术.对经皮切吸治疗无效者,一般不宜进行二次切吸治疗,应选择手术治疗.