Freehand correction of scoliosis in Rett’s syndrome

We present the case of an 18-year-old girl with a scoliosis (long C-shaped curve) in association with an atypical Rett’s syndrome. In order to attain a full correction and to provide her with adequate posture and sitting balance, segmental instrumentation was utilised from the high thoracic spine to the pelvis. We describe the procedure including the relevant pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative imaging.     

Accuracy of computer-assisted iliosacral screw placement using a hybrid operating room

IntroductionIn recent years hybrid operating rooms were established all over the world. In our setting we combined a 3D flat-panel c-arm (Artis zeego, Siemens) with a navigation system (BrainLab curve, BrainLab). This worldwide unique combination enables the surgeon to visualise an entire pelvis in CT-like image quality with a single 3D-scan. The aim of our study was to investigate, if utilisation of a hybrid operating room increases the accuracy of SI-screws in comparison to standard 3D-navigation.Material and methodsRetrospective, not randomised single centre case series at a level I trauma centre. Inclusion criterion was insertion of a percutaneous iliosacral screw using image-guidance in the hybrid operating room. 61 patients (35 female, 26 male) were included from June 2012 till October 2014. 65 iliosacral screws were inserted. Intraoperative 3D-scans and postoperative scans were examined to investigate screw placement. The results were compared to a preceding study performed in 2012 using conventional 3D-navigation. Statistical calculations were performed with Microsoft Excel 2011 and SPSS.Results65 iliosacral screws were implanted. Two different types of screws were implanted: 1. “Standard” iliosacral screws stabilizing one joint/a unilateral fracture. 2. Single SI-screws stabilizing both SI-joints and if present a bilateral fracture. Forty one patients were included in group 1 (screws n = 45). There was no perforation in 43 screws, grade 1 perforation in 2 screws. There was no grade 2 or 3 perforation in this group. Compared to the conventional 3D-navigated screws there was a highly significant difference (p < 0.001). Twenty patients could be included in group 2. Eleven screws showed a complete intraosseous position. There was grade 1 perforation in 2 screws, grade 2 perforation in 5 screws and grade 3 perforation in 2 screws.ConclusionImprovements in image quality and enlargement of the display window lead to better intraoperative visualisation of the entire dorsal pelvis. Thereby the accuracy of computer-assisted iliosacral screws could be increased using a hybrid operating room. Furthermore difficult tasks like a single screw for both joints can be accomplished.     

Tethering technique using bone screws and wire for chronic mandibular dislocation: a preliminary study of refractory cases

A retrospective study was performed to determine the efficacy of a tethering procedure developed to achieve a more rigid fixation and more reliable outcome in patients with refractory dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. The cases of eight patients with dementia and systemic diseases who underwent this technique were reviewed. In these eight patients, the condyles of 13 joints were ligated using wire between screws placed in the eminence and condylar head. Additional screw–wire ligations were applied to reinforce the restraint of movement in five of the 13 joints with suspected uncontrolled dislocation. The procedure was performed successfully, and the patients were followed-up for an average of 25 months. In one patient, dislocation recurred 1 year postoperatively due to wire breakage. The five joints in which a double set of screw–wire tethering was applied showed no recurrence or wire disturbance. This technique may, therefore, have short-term efficacy in cases that are refractory to standard procedures, although the material used for ligation should be investigated further. This approach can contribute to the quality of life of patients, particularly those with a short life-expectancy.     

全髋关节置换术与空心钉内固定术治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效对比分析

目的探讨全髋关节置换术与空心钉内固定术治疗股骨颈骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2012年1月～2013年8月在我院进行治疗的股骨颈骨折患者40例的临床资料。其中20例患者采用全髋关节置换术治疗，20例患者采用空心钉内固定术治疗，并比较两组临床疗效。结果置换组手术时间显著较内固定组长，出血量显著较多，但其术后下地活动时间、愈合时间及住院时间显著较短（P〈0．01）。置换组优良率显著高于内固定组（P〈0．05）。结论全髋关节置换术与空心钉内固定术治疗股骨颈骨折比较，临床疗效更好，术后恢复更快，但其手术创伤相对较大，手术时间更长，术中出血量较大。     

To compare the efficacy between fixation with tightrope and screw in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries: A meta-analysis

Background

To compare the efficacy between fixation with suture-button and screw in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries: a meta-analysis.

Usefulness of interposition arthroplasty in the Sauvé–Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrist

Abstract

The aim of synovectomy combined with the Sauvé–Kapandji (S–K) procedure for the treatment of a rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless wrist that retains sufficient mobility for function. However, loss of motion occurs postoperatively in most cases. In our study of 59 rheumatoid patients, the results of the transposition of distal strips of retinaculum into the radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints for interposition arthroplasty to maintain wrist motion (interposition group), and transposition below the extensors to provide a gliding surface (SK group) were evaluated. The distal end of the ulna was fixed to the radius with poly-L-lactic acid screws, and a proximal strip of retinaculum was placed above the extensors after synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist. Clinical symptoms, radiographic changes, and postoperative complications were assessed 3–9 years (mean 5.9 years) postoperatively. Patients in the interposition group showed better postoperative results, including wrist motion, than those of patients in the SK group. Both procedures resulted in only minor complications such as superficial skin necrosis, hematoma, and superficial infection. We concluded that interpostion arthroplasty combined with the S–K procedure using a distal strip of retinaculum might be a safe and appropriate method for wrist reconstruction following synovectomy of a rheumatoid wrist.     

Anatomic structures at risk in anteroposterior screw fixation of posterior malleolar fractures: A cadaver study

IntroductionPercutaneous anterior-posterior (AP) screw is an option for posterior malleolus fracture fixation when the fracture fragment can be reduced indirectly by the mean of ligamentotaxis. However, anterior anatomic structures could be injured during screw placement.Materials and methodsEleven below-knee cadavers were employed for the placement of AP screws in an attempt of fixing assumed Haraguchi Type-I posterior malleolar fractures. Three entry points were selected as medial to the anterior tibial tendon (ATT), lateral to the ATT, and lateral to the extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Three AP screws were placed under guidance of fluoroscopy. After dissection, measurements were made (mm) from each screw to nearby structures. Distances were calculated and damage to structures was documented.ResultsMean, minimum, and maximum distances from the medial screw to the greater saphenous vein, TA, EHL, anterior tibial artery (ATA), and deep peroneal nerve (DPN), were 18.1 (12–25) mm, 2.0 (0–5) mm, 13.6 (9–20) mm, 16.6 (9–25) mm, and 20.1 (12–27) mm. From the middle screw to the ATA, DPN, TA, EHL, and EDL, were 1.2 (0–3) mm, 4.9 (3–9) mm, 3.8 (1–7) mm, 0.4 (0–2) mm, and 13.6 (10–18) mm. From the lateral screw to the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), EDL, DPN, and ATA, were 10.8 (0–16) mm, 1.2 (0–4) mm, 15.9 (11–25) mm, 19 (15–27) mm. The SPN was found partially cut by the lateral screw on 1 specimen.ConclusionsLateral and middle percutaneous AP screw placement put certain anatomic structures at-risk of injury. Medial screw placement did not result in appreciable damage to adjacent structures. Entry point of AP screws should be selected with respect to posterior malleolar fracture and anatomic structures.Level of evidenceIV.