Salvage of a failed valgus osteotomy for non-union of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture

Salvage of a failed valgus osteotomy for nonunion of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture is reported. A valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed for a failed sliding hip screw fixation of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture at another institution. Four months following osteotomy, the fracture was still un-united with two distal screws of the hip plate broken and a coxa vara deformity. Reconstruction was performed with a nine-hole 95° angle blade plate and cancellous bone graft, because the insufficient fixation of the distal fragment was considered to be the main reason for failure. The osteotomy was healed at six months post-surgery and the patient reported complete resolution of symptoms. Intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy is an effective procedure for mal-union and non-union of pertrochanteric fracture but stable fixation is required for a good result. The blade of the angle plate offers good purchase of the proximal fragment and secures it under rotational and bending stresses. We recommend that distal fragments should be fixed with at least seven cortices for this type of osteotomy.     

A quantitative analysis of valgus torque on the ACL: a human cadaveric study.

The loads needed to elicit a positive pivot shift test in a knee with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture have not been quantified. The coupled anterior tibial translation (ATT), coupled internal tibial rotation (ITR), and the in situ force in the ACL in response to a valgus torque, an inherent component of the pivot shift test, were measured in 10 human cadaveric knee specimens. Using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system, valgus torques ranging from 0.0 to 10.0 Nm were applied in nine increments on the intact and ACL-deficient knee in flexion ranging from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. At 15 degrees of knee flexion, the coupled ATT and ITR were significantly increased in the ACL-deficient knee when compared to the intact knee. Coupled ATT increased a maximum of 291% (6.7 mm, p<0.05), while coupled ITR increased a maximum of 85% (5.1 degrees, p<0.05). At 30 degrees, the increases in coupled ATT and ITR were significant at valgus loads of 3.3 Nm and greater with a maximum increase in coupled ATT of 137% (6.3 mm, p<0.05) and a maximum increase in coupled ITR of 38% (3.6 degrees, p<0.05). At 45 degrees, coupled ATT increased significantly (maximum of 69%, 4.4 mm, p<0.05), but only at torques > or =6.7 Nm. The in situ force in the ACL was less than 20 N for all flexion angles when a torque between 3.3 and 5.0 Nm was applied. Low valgus torque elicited tibial subluxation in the ACL-deficient knee with low in situ ACL forces, similar to a positive pivot shift test. Thus, application of a valgus torque may be suitable to evaluate ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knees, since subluxation can be achieved with minimal harm to the ACL graft. This work is important in understanding one load component needed for the pivot shift examination; further studies quantifying other load components are essential for better comprehension of the in vivo pivot shift examination.     

The influence of local bone quality on fracture pattern in proximal humerus fractures

IntroductionBone mineral density and fracture morphology are widely discussed and relevant factors when considering the different treatment options for proximal humerus fractures. It was the aim of this study to investigate the influence of local bone quality on fracture patterns of the Neer classification as well as on fracture impaction angle in these injuries.Materials and methodsAll acute, isolated and non-pathological proximal humerus fractures admitted to our emergency department were included. The fractures were classified according to Neer and the humeral head impaction angle was measured. Local bone quality was assessed using the Deltoid Tuberosity Index (DTI). The distribution between DTI and fracture pattern was analysed.Results191 proximal humerus fractures were included (61 men, mean age 59 years; 130 women, mean age 69.5). 77 fractures (40%) were classified as one-part, 72 (38%) were two-part, 24 (13%) were three- and four-part and 18 (9%) were fracture dislocations. 30 fractures (16%) were varus impacted, whereas 45 fractures (24%) were classified as valgus impacted. The mean DTI was 1.48. Valgus impaction significantly correlated with good bone quality (DTI ≥ 1.4; p = 0.047) whereas no such statistical significance was found for the Neer fracture types.DiscussionWe found that valgus impaction significantly depended on good bone quality. However, neither varus impaction nor any of the Neer fracture types correlated with bone quality. We conclude that the better bone quality of valgus impacted fractures may be a reason for their historically benign amenability to ORIF. On the other hand, good local bone quality does not prevent fracture comminution.     

Risk factors of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and fixation failure in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures over the age of 50 years

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to identify the risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) and fixation failure (FF) after screw osteosynthesis in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures.Patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 308 patients (mean age, 72.5 years, range, 50–97 years), with a mean follow-up of 21.4 months (range, 12–64 months). The risk for failure in treatment (FIT) associated with patient- and fracture-related factors was evaluated by logistic regression analyses.ResultsFIT was identified in 32 cases (10.3%): 22 cases (7.1%) of AVN and 10 cases (3.2%) of FF. Initial valgus tilt > 15° (p = 0.023), posterior tilt > 15° (p = 0.012), and screw sliding distance (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with FIT. FIT occurred in 7 patients (5.2%) with B1.2.1 fractures and 17 patients (48.6%) with B1.1.2 fractures (p < 0.001). The odds of FIT were 17-fold higher in patients with initial valgus and posterior tilts > 15° (B1.1.2) compared to patients with <15° of tilt in both planes (B1.2.1).ConclusionThe severity of initial deformity predicts AVN and FF in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures. Patients with an initial valgus and posterior tilt > 15° are reasonable candidates for primary arthroplasty due to high risk of FIT.     

Comparison between Weightbearing-CT semiautomatic and manual measurements in Hallux Valgus

BackgroundRadiographic measurements are an essential tool to determine the appropriate surgical treatment and outcome for Hallux Valgus (HV). HV deformity is best evaluated by weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT).The objective was (1) to assess the reliability of WBCT computer-assisted semi-automatic imaging measurements in HV, (2) to compare semi-automatic with manual measurements in the setting of an HV, and (3) to compare semi-automatic measurements between HV and control group.MethodsIn this retrospective IRB (ID# 201904825) approved study, we assessed patients with hallux valgus deformity. The sample size calculation was based on the hallux valgus angle (HVA). Thus to obtain the 0.8 power, including 26 feet with HV in this study, was necessary. Our control group consisted of 19 feet from 19 patients without HV. Raw multiplanar data was evaluated using software CubeVue®. In the axial plane, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and interphalangeal angle (IPA) were measured. The semiautomatic 3D measurements were performed using the Bonelogic®Software. Inter-rater reliabilities were performed using ICC. Agreement between methods was tested using the Bland-Altman plots. The difference between Patologic and Control cases using semi-automatic measurements was assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Alpha risk was set to 5% (α = 0.05). P ≤ 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsReliabilities utilizing ICC were over 0.80 for WBCT manual measurements and WBCT semi-automatic readings. Inter and intraobserver agreement for Manual and Semi-automatic WBCT measurements demonstrated excellent reliability.ConclusionsSemi-automatic measurements are reproducible and comparable to measurements performed manually. The software differentiated pathological from non-pathological conditions when subjected to semi-automatic measurements. The development of advanced semi-automatic segmentation software with minimal user intervention is essential for the establishment of big data and can be integrated into clinical practice, facilitating decision-making.     

自体髂骨再造桡骨头维持肘关节稳定的实验研究

目的利用兔动物模型进行实验研究,评价桡骨小头切除后用自体髂骨与尺骨冠突桡侧面融合再造桡骨头的骨愈合效果。方法选用健康成年新西兰白兔24只,随机分为实验组和对照组,每组各12只。实验组切除单侧桡骨头颈,取自体髂骨块行桡骨头再造。对照组在麻醉后行传统单侧桡骨小头切除术。2组在术后第4、8、12周分别处死4只白兔,通过大体标本测量肘关节外翻角的变化,进行影像学和骨组织形态计量分析观察骨愈合的效果。结果 2组肘关节外翻角随观察时间延长而逐渐增加,对照组增加幅度相对较大,而实验组增加幅度相对更小。大体标本肘关节外翻角测量(肘伸直位):术后12周时,对照组桡骨小头切除侧为(19.6±2.8)°,实验组桡骨头切除重建侧为(5.6±1.8)°,组间差异有统计学意义(t=4.004,P=0.028)。对照组术后均未见明显骨痂形成,实验组术后8周骨痂面积X线评分显著高于术后4周(t=5.175,P=0.014),术后12周显著高于术后8周(t=8.891,P=0.003)。实验组术后4周骨融合面部分软骨痂形成,术后8周再造骨融合面有较多骨痂形成,骨板排列无规律,术后12周再造骨融合面有大量新生骨痂形成;对照组桡骨小头切除后缺损处仅为纤维组织填充。结论改良桡骨头切除自体髂骨再造重建手术治疗Mason Ⅲ型桡骨小头骨折安全可行,自体髂骨块再造桡骨头能与尺骨冠突桡侧面牢固愈合,术后稳定性及融合效果良好。     

膝关节外翻畸形的人工全膝关节置换术

目的探讨膝关节外翻畸形患者行人工全膝关节置换术(TKA)的手术方法和临床效果。方法对1996年1月至2004年8月74例87个膝关节外翻畸形TKA手术进行回顾分析。患者男11例,女63例,平均年龄63岁(26~80岁);股胫角(股骨和胫骨解剖轴线的夹角)平均为21·59°(12°~40°);应用后稳定型假体,采用髌旁内侧入路、常规截骨加单纯外侧软组织松解方法。随访检查膝关节活动度、X线外翻角度及KSS评分以评价手术效果。结果术后评价随访时间33·8个月(5个月~9年),根据膝关节活动度数及KSS评分评估关节功能情况。膝关节平均活动度为112·4°(80°~130°),KSS评分平均为81·7分(71~93分),比术前提高了59分;功能评分平均为86·3分,比术前提高了59·8分。所有膝关节在行TKA后外翻畸形基本得到矫正,随访时外翻度数(股胫角)平均为8·7°(0°~11°),较术前有明显改善。随访时1例患者有膝关节轻度不稳症状,1例术前严重髌脱位患者术后髌骨存在半脱位,其余正常。结论对于膝关节外翻畸形患者,采用髌旁内侧入路、常规截骨加单纯外侧软组织松解以及安装后稳定型假体的方法,可取得比较满意的临床效果。     

Scarf osteotomy in the management of symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus

Purpose  

This study was designed to assess the utility of the scarf osteotomy in the management of symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus.     

Flexion-valgus unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture pattern: Classification and treatment

PurposeThe authors have identified a subset of unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture patterns caused by a flexion-valgus force. The purpose of this study was to describe this fracture pattern and suggest a modified lateral approach that may allow for improved reduction and stabilization.MethodsThe preoperative radiographs and CT scans of 102 patients who sustained unicondylar tibial plateau fractures (OTA 41B) were reviewed. Twenty-six fracture patients had posterolateral (PL) tibial plateau depression fractures. By medical record review and telephone follow-up, the injury mechanism of the 22 unicondylar tibial plateau fractures was confirmed as a flexion-valgus force. The radiographic features of those cases were analyzed and measured. To address this specific fracture pattern, a modified approach combined with a novel intra-articular osteotomy was applied.ResultsAccording to the morphological characteristics, this tibial plateau fracture pattern could be divided into two subtypes: type A was a confined, basin-like articular surface depression fracture located in the PL quadrant, and type B was a cancellous fracture involving the PL tibial plateau resulting in a decrease in the posterior slope. One radiographic hallmark of this fracture pattern is an anatomically or a mechanically intact posterior column wall. The novel approach was applied to both types. The postoperative radiographic measurements revealed excellent reduction quality. On axial scans, the distance between the most posterior rafting screw and the tangent line of the tibial plateau rim was 3.0 ± 2.07 mm (from −1.9 to 4.3), and the angulation between them was 8.9 ± 3.02° (from −7.3 to 15.6). These results indicated excellent PL quadrant coverage from the rafting screws.ConclusionFlexion-valgus force-induced unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture is a unique injury pattern. We suggest a novel surgical approach to address this injury’s key features, which may facilitate exposure and enhance fixation strength.