Management of Refractory Aseptic Subtrochanteric Non-union by Dual Plating

BackgroundSubtrochanteric fractures are challenging to treat because of their anatomical and biomechanical behaviours. Non-unions of this region become much more difficult to treat because of the previous surgical scar, fibrosis, mal-reduction, presence of an implant, compromised soft tissue, and osseous vascularity, bone-mass loss etc. The aim is to provide a stable mechanical environment by PF-LCP, augmented by LCP (dual plating) where biology can work uneventfully. Biology is re-initiated by decortication (shingling) and autologous cancellous bone graft.MethodsTwelve cases of failed aseptic subtrochanteric non-union either with intact or broken implant were included in this study in a period of 3 years from August 2016 to July 2019. The interposing fibrous tissue resected in patients with mal-aligned fragments. The mechanical stabilization is achieved by orthogonal dual plating. PF-LCP on lateral and 4.5 mm LCP anteriorly, decortication, and cancellous graft applied before applying for the anterior plate. Patients were encouraged for a toe-touch walk with walking-frame from 3rd post-operative day. Functional outcomes were assessed using Parker Mobility Score (PMS).ResultsAll fractures united in 7 ± 1.53 months. ROM at the knee remained unchanged but improved at the hip after revision surgery. Average PMS improved to 7.58 from pre-revision 1.75 validating the efficacy of this protocol.ConclusionAdequate stability by dual-plate construct and re-initiation of cellular and biochemical processes by decortication and cancellous bone-graft reunited ununited subtrochanteric fractures. This particular combination of plates and decortication has not been employed earlier as per our review of the literature.AimTo offer a new paradigm for the management of surgically failed subtrochanteric non-unions.     

Age-related differences in presentation and outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment of retinal vein occlusion

ObjectiveTo assess age-related differences at baseline and treatment outcomes in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and macular edema treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapyDesignSingle-centre retrospective chart review.Participants295 treatment-naïve RVO patients.Methods295 RVO patients included were separated into age quartiles: group A (22–61 years), group B (62–70 years), group C (71–79 years), and group D (80–95 years). Outcomes including central subfield thickness (CST), cubic volume, cubic average thickness, and visual acuity (VA) were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome of the study was the CST at 12 months after anti-VEGF therapy.ResultsMean baseline CST for groups A, B, C, and D was 406.3 ± 161.2 μm, 463.4 ± 165.5 μm, 470.6 ± 187 μm, and 427.3 ± 187.2 μm, respectively. No significant differences in CST were observed between groups at baseline, 6 months, or 12 months (p ≥ 0.08). Mean baseline VA for groups A, B, C, and D was 55.8 ± 19.5, 54.4 ± 19.8, 54.7 ± 19, and 51.4 ± 20.4 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy letters, respectively. VA did not differ significantly between age groups at baseline, 6 months, or 12 months (p ≥ 0.06).ConclusionsThe presentation of RVO and the visual outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy do not vary based on age.