Abstract

Purpose: To determine the results and safety of patients undergoing|spinal cord level (SCL) pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for thetreatment of thoracic kyphosis.

Methods: Retrospective chart and radiographic review of 25 patients with severe thoracic kyphosis.

Results: The underlying diagnoses were: tumour (8), Scheuermann’s Kyphosis (4), degenerative/osteoporosis (3), fracture (3), inflammatory|(2), neurofibromatosis (2), congenital kyphosis (1), tuberculosis (1), and infected tumour (1). The osteotomy was combined with a lumbar PSO in|five patients. Three patients were treated with double thoracic|osteotomies. Two PSOs were extended transdiscally to debride the|infected disc. The mean focal PSO correction was 33.6° (range 9°–73°). The overall thoracic kyphosis measured from T5 to T12 improved from a|mean of 58.3° preoperatively to 37.1° postoperatively. Estimated blood|loss ranged from 400cc to 12500cc. All patients presenting with spinal|cord dysfunction neurologically improved postoperatively. There were 2 major neurological complications. One patient developed postoperative | progressive paraplegia following a prolonged period of intra- and | postoperative severe hypotension and coagulopathy. The other developed a| pseudoarthrosis five months postoperatively and suffered an incomplete|spinal cord injury during the subsequent revision. Other complications included: T3 radicular pain (1) -resolved; dural tears (2); respiratory failure -prolonged ICU admission(1); fractures proximal to the thoracic (2) and distal to lumbar (1) instrumentation; incomplete corrections of the sagittal alignment despite double osteotomies (2); wound breakdown associated with preoperative radiation (1).|

Conclusions: SCL-PSO is a feasible option for severe thoracic kyphosis. This procedure eliminates the need for anterior surgery; however, it does not reduce the potential for significant morbidity.

The anatomy of the femur shows a high inter-patient variability, making it challenging to design standard prosthetic devices that perfectly adapt to the geometry of each individual. Over the past decade, Statistical Shape Models (SSMs) have been largely used as a tool to represent an average shape of many three-dimensional objects, as well as their variation in shape. However, no studies of the morphology of the residual femoral canal in patients who have undergone an amputation have been performed. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the main modes of variation in the shape of the canal, therefore simulating and analysing different levels of osteotomy. To assess the variability of the femoral canal, 72 CT-scans of the lower limb were selected. A segmentation was performed to isolate the region of interest (ROI), ranging from the lesser tip of the trochanter to the 75% of the length of the femur. The canals were then sized to scale, aligned, and 16 osteotomy levels were simulated, starting from a section corresponding to 25% of the ROI and up to the distal section. For each level, the main modes of variations of the femoral canal were identified through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), thus generating the mean geometry and the extreme shapes (±2 stdev) of the principal modes of variation. The shape of the canals obtained from these geometries was reconstructed every 10 mm, best- fitted with an ellipse and the following parameters were evaluated: i) ellipticity, by looking at the difference between axismax and axismin; ii) curvature of the canal, calculating the arc of circumference passing through the shapes’ centroids; iii) conicity, by looking at the maximum/minimum diameter; iv) mean diameter. To understand the association between the main modes and the shape variance, these parameters were compared, for each level of osteotomy, between the two extreme geometries of the main modes of variation. Results from PCA pointed out that the first three PCs explained more than the 87% of the total variance, for each level of simulated osteotomy. By analysing the extreme geometries for a distal osteotomy (e.g. 80% of the length of the canal), the first PC was associated to a combination of ROC (var%=41%), conicity (var%=28%) and ellipticity (var%=7%). PC2 was still associated with the ROC (var%=16%), while PC3 turned out to be associated with the diameter (var%=38%). Through the SSM presented in this study, a quantitatively evaluation of the deformation of the intramedullary canal has been made possible. By analysing the extreme geometries obtained from the first three modes of variance, it is clear that the first three PCs accounted for the variations in terms of curvature, conicity, ellipticity and diameter of the femoral canal with a different weight, depending on the level of osteotomy. Through this work, it was also possible to parametrize these variations according to the level of excision. The results given for the segment corresponding to the 80% of the length of the canal showed that, at that specified level, the ROC, conicity and ellipticity were the anatomical parameters with the highest range of variability, followed by the variation in terms of diameter. Therefore, the analysis carried out can provide information about the relevance of these parameters depending on the level of osteotomy suffered by the amputee. In this way, optimal strategies for the design and/or customization of osteo-integrated stems can be offered depending on the patient's residual limb

Abstract. Introduction. Osteotomy is a recognised surgical option for the management of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. The effectiveness of the surgery is correlated with the accuracy of correction obtained. Overcorrection can potentially lead to excess load through the healthy cartilage resulting in accelerated wear and early failure of surgery. Despite this past studies report this accuracy to be as low as 20% in achieving planned corrections. Aim. Assess the effectiveness of adopting modern osteotomy techniques in improving surgical accuracy. Methodology. A prospective cohort study. Patients were identified who had undergone osteotomy surgery for unicompartmental knee OA using a standardised technique. The surgical techniques adopted to ensure accuracy included digital templating software (Orthoview), Precision saw(Stryker), bone wedge allograft and plate osteosynthesis (Tomofix). Pre and post operative analysis of standardised long leg X-rays was performed and the intended (I) and achieved(A) corrections were calculated. Results. A total of 94 (35F/59M) patients with a mean age of 52 years were identified who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the study. 62 patients were treated with a tibial osteotomy, 21 with femoral and 11 with a double level osteotomy. Using a 10% acceptable range (AR) for error, in 89% of cases (84 of 94) the target Mikulicz point was achieved. Potential risk factors for overcorrection included female sex and osteotomy type, with a higher incidence of over correction observed with double level osteotomies (27%). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that meticulous digital software planning and surgical technique ensures accurate surgical correction in periarticular knee osteotomy surgery

Abstract. Introduction. Osteotomy is recognised treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Evidence suggests favourable outcomes when compared to arthroplasty, for younger and more active individuals[1]. Double level osteotomy (DLO) is considered when a single level is insufficient to restore both joint line obliquity and adequate realignment[2]. This paper aims to establish the functional outcomes up to two years post operatively for patients undergoing DLO, using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methodology. All patients who underwent a DLO at either Lister Hospital, Stevenage, or One Hatfield Hospital, Hertfordshire, between 1st January 2018 and 1st October 2020 were identified. DLO were performed by two specialist consultants, independently or in combination. PROMs including pain scores, health score, Oxford knee score (OKS) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were recorded pre-operatively and at six month, one and two year post operative intervals. Results. 24 patients underwent DLO; a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy and lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy. The cohort comprised 21 males, 3 females with an average age of 54.09 (38–77) years. Preoperative pain scores graded from 0–10 improved from 6.86 to 2.0 at 2 years. OKS improved from 23.94 to 47.88, as did KOOS 43.55 to 87.51, over the same duration. Conclusion. DLO was associated with improvements in pain and functional outcomes, compared to pre-operative levels. In patients for whom arthroplasty may be unfavourable, this provides an alternative to non-operative management, the options for which are frequently exhausted early in the disease process

Implant removal after clavicle plating is common. Low-profile dual mini-fragment plate constructs are considered safe for fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) the biomechanical competence of different dual plate designs from stiffness and cycles to failure, and (2) to compare them against 3.5mm single superoanterior plating. Twelve artificial clavicles were assigned to 2 groups and instrumented with titanium matrix mandible plates as follows: group 1 (G1) (2.5mm anterior+2.0mm superior) and group 2 (G2) (2.0mm anterior+2.0mm superior). An unstable clavicle shaft fracture (AO/OTA15.2C) was simulated. Specimens were cyclically tested to failure under craniocaudal cantilever bending, superimposed with torsion around the shaft axis and compared to previous published data of 6 locked superoanterior plates tested under the same conditions (G3). Displacement (mm) after 5000 cycles was highest in G3 (10.7±0.8) followed by G2 (8.5±1.0) and G1 (7.5±1.0), respectively. Both outcomes were significantly higher in G3 as compared to both G1 and G2 (p≤0.027). Cycles to failure were highest in G3 (19536±3586) followed by G1 (15834±3492) and G2 (11104±3177), being significantly higher in G3 compared to G2 (p=0.004). Failure was breakage of one or two plates at the level of the osteotomy in all specimens. One G1 specimen demonstrated failure of the anterior plate. Both plates in other G1 specimens. Majority of G2 had fractures in both plates. No screw pullout or additional clavicle fractures were observed among specimens. Low-profile 2.0/2.0 dual plates demonstrated similar initial stiffness compared to 3.5mm single plates, however, had significantly lower failure endurance. Low-profile 2.5/2.0 dual plates showed significant higher initial stiffness and similar resistance to failure compared to 3.5mm single locked plates and can be considered as a useful alternative for diaphyseal clavicle fracture fixation. These results complement the promising results of several clinical studies

Introduction. The primary purpose of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), aside from pain relief, is to restore hip biomechanics such that the patient experiences no discernible functional deficit, while also providing an environment conducive to implant longevity. Key factors in determining a successful THA include achieving the desired pre-operative femoral offset and leg length, as well as the restoration of range of motion (ROM). Minor leg length discrepancies (LLDs), less than a centimetre, are common after THA and usually well tolerated. However, in some patients, even these small discrepancies are a source of dissatisfaction. More significant discrepancies can be a risk factor for more serious concerns such as nerve injury, abnormal gait and chronic pain. The level of the femoral neck osteotomy is a critical step in reproducing a planned femoral stem position. Frequently the femoral osteotomy is too high and can lead to an increase in leg length and varus stem positioning. If the desired implant positions are identified from preoperative 3D templating, a planned femoral osteotomy can be used as a reference to recreate the correct leg length and offset. The aim of this study was assess the accuracy of a 3D printed patient-specific guide for delivering a pre-planned femoral neck osteotomy. Methodology. A consecutive series of 33 patients, from two surgeons at a single institution, were sent for Trinity OPS pre-operative planning (Optimized Ortho, Australia). Trinity OPS is a pre-operative, dynamic, patient-specific modelling system for acetabular and femoral implant positioning. The system requires a pre-operative CT scan which allows patient specific implant sizing as well as positioning. Once the preoperative implant positioning plan was confirmed by the surgeon, a patient-specific guide was designed and printed to enable the planned level of femoral neck osteotomy to be achieved, Fig 1. All patients received a Trinity cementless acetabular component (Corin, UK) and a cementless TriFit TS femoral component (Corin, UK) through a posterior approach. The achieved level of osteotomy was confirmed postoperatively by doing a 3D/2D registration, in the Mimics X-ray Module (Materialise, Belgium), of the planned 3D resected femur to the postoperative AP radiograph, Fig 2. The image was then scaled and the difference between the planned and achieved level of osteotomy was measured (imatri Medical, South Africa), Fig 2. Results. The mean absolute difference between the planned and achieved osteotomy level was 0.7mm (range 0.1mm − 6.6mm). Only 1 patient had a difference of more than 3mm, Fig 3. Of the 33 patients, 28 had a difference of less than 1mm. Conclusions. The results from this initial series of 33 patients suggest that a 3D printed patient-specific guide can be a simple and accurate way of intraoperatively reproducing a planned femoral neck osteotomy, though there was one significant outlier. Whether the 3D planning, patient-specific guide and accurate femoral osteotomy can then be used to achieve precise leg length and offset recreation is the subject of an on-going evaluation

Introduction. Restoration of mechanical axis is one of the main aims during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee with extra-articular deformity either in femur or in tibia poses a technical challenge in achieving this aim. Insufficient correction of axis is associated with poor clinical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Extra-articular deformity can either be addressed with compensatory intra-articular bone resection at the time of TKA or correctional osteotomy prior to or at the time of TKA. Patients & Methods & Results. We present our experience of treating 7 patients with knee arthritis (9 knees) and significant extra-articular deformity. Two patients had OA knee with severe valgus deformity in tibia from recurrent stress fractures. One was treated with one-stage corrective osteotomy and long stem modular TKA. The other had deformity correction with two level tibial osteotomy with intramedullary nail and modular long stem TKA later. Both required tibial tubercle osteotomy during TKA. Two patients with bilateral OA knees and significant varus deformity had sequential deformity correction with Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) followed by TKA on one side and a single stage intra-articular correction during TKA on the other. Three patients with knee OA and associated deformity (femoral - two pt., tibia one pt.) had symptom resolution with just correction of malaligment with Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) and did not require TKA. Conclusion. Complex extra-articular femoral or tibial deformities may require proper limb realignment prior to TKA. Our series supports all three approaches to correcting significant extra-articular deformity with knee OA. Each case should be considered individually and planned accordingly

Introduction/Aim. In rigid Sagittal and Coronal deformities of the spine Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies (PSO) is preferred to achieve maximal correction. We describe successful Asymmetrical Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies (APSO) performed on patients with symptomatic coronal imbalance. Methods/Results. Case 1: 28yr old female with VATER syndrome with 25° coronal imbalance to her left with past h/o fusion from L3 – S1 for L5 hemi-vertebra. After APSO at L3 coronal imbalance was reduced to 0°. Case 2: 49yr old male with post-traumatic coronal deformity of 35° at T6 and paraplegia affecting his sitting balance and respiratory function. Following APSO at T12 imbalance was reduced to 5°. Osteotomy Technique. After insertion of pedicle screws for the stabilisation, laminectomy of the proposed level of osteotomy was performed. Next, dissection lateral to the pedicle and vertebral body was performed bluntly with mastoids to reach the front of the anterior cortex and confirmed with fluoroscopy. Using osteotomes, curettes and Kerrison oblique osteotomy from the lateral cortex to reach opposite cortex was performed above & below the pedicle under imaging. The facets were resected at this level to facilitate mobility of the osteotomy site. The osteotomy site was closed after insertion of extra hard rods. Conclusion. Satisfactory correction of coronal deformity can be achieved with asymmetrical pedicle subtraction osteotomy to improve cosmesis and also the sitting and standing balance. In contrast to Sagittal Osteotomies, blunt dissection to the anterior cortex is necessary in coronal Osteotomies to allow resection of anterior cortical bone for closure of the wedge

The aim of the study was to evaluate THA using Robodoc system for osteoarthritis of the hip joint. The Robodoc system consists of: 1. the Orthodoc computer workstation that simultaneously displays computerised tomography images of patient’s femur and a selected prosthesis, 2.a five-axis robot, 3.the operating room display, 4. the control cabinet. Follow up were 3months and 1 year on 27cases (Male 5, Female 22). Selected stems: Zimmer anatomic, 13, Versis 14(VSS,7, VSL,7). Mean age 57.9. Among 27 cases of osteoarthritis, one is after osteotomy and two are after osteonecrosis. Pain, ROM, Radiographs and ADL were evaluated using JOA hip score system. Sockets were fixed with cementless conventional technique. Mean operating time, 2 hours and 40min.; Mean bleeding, 455 ml; Mean Ant. Version, 29.26 degree (22.0–39.7); Level of osteotomy of the femur neck, Mean, 9.19 mm from the trochanter minor. JOA hip score after THA, 82.20. In one case, 5 mm sinking occurred 5 days after the operation. No intraoperative femoral fractures and varus or valgus insertion of stems occurred in 27cases. The thigh pains were nothing. The patients were discharged at 4weeks after the operation with one crutch. The results showed statistically better fit and fill of the femoral component in the Robodoc system. The Robodoc system is thought to be safe and effective in producing radiographically superior implant fit and positioning without fractures and other complication. Precise fit of the implant may be increase bone-to-implant contact, providing stress transfer from prosthesis to bone and more bone growth into prosthesis

Double level osteotomy (DLO) for severe genu varum is not a common technique. We performed our first computer-assisted double level osteotomy (CADLO) in March 2001 and we published our preliminary results in 2005 and 2007. The rationale to perform this procedure is to avoid oblique joint line in order to have less difficulty in case of revision to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of this paper is to present the results of 37 cases operated on between August 2001 and January 2010. The series was composed of 35 patients (two bilateral), nine females and 26 males, aged from 39 to 64 years old (mean age: 50.5 +/− 7.5). We operated on 20 right knees and 17 left ones. The mean BMI was 29.3 +/− 4.3 for a mean height of 1.71 m and a mean weight of 85.8 kg. The functional status was evaluated according to the LYSHÖLM and TEGNER score. The mean score was of 42.4 +/− 8.9 points (22–69). According to modified AHLBÄCK criteria we operated on seven stage 2, 22 stage 3, five stage 4 and two stage 5. We measured HKA (Hip-Knee-Ankle) angle using RAMADIER's protocol and we also measured the femoral mechanical axis (FMA) and the tibial mechanical axis (TMA) to pose the right indication. These measures were respectively: 168° +/− 3.4° (159°–172°), 87.5° +/− 2.1 (83°–91°) for the FMA and 83.7° +/− 2.6° (78°–88°) for the TMA. The inclusion criteria were a patient younger than 65 years old with a severe varus deformity (more than 8° − HKA angle ≤ to 172°) and a FMA at 91° or less. All the osteotomies were navigated using the ORTHOPILOT® device (B-BRAUN-AESCULAP, TUTTLINGEN, GERMANY). The procedure was performed as follows: after inserting the rigid-bodies and calibrating the lower leg, we did first the femoral closing wedge osteotomy (from 4 to 7 mm) which was fixed by a an AO T-Plate, and secondly, after checking the residual varus, the high tibial opening wedge osteotomy using a BIOSORB® wedge (Tricalcium phosphate) and a plate (AO T-plate or C-plate). The goals of the osteotomy were to achieve an HKA angle of 182° +/− 2° and a TMA angle of 90° +/− 2°. The functional results were evaluated using the LYSHÖLM-TEGNER score and the KOOS score. The patients answered the questionnaire at revision or by phone, and the radiological results were assessed by plain radiographs and standing long leg X-Rays between three and six months postoperatively. We had no complication in this series but one case of recurrence of the deformity related to an impaction of the femoral osteotomy on the medial side. Two patients were lost to follow-up after removing of the plates (24 months) but were included in the results because the file was complete at that date. All the patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 43 +/− 27 months (12–108). The mean LYSHÖLM-TEGNER score was 78.7 +/− 7.5 points (59–91) and the mean KOOS score was 94.9 +/− 3.3 points (89–100). Thirty-five patients were satisfied (18) or very satisfied (17) of the result. Only two were poorly satisfied. Regarding the radiological results, if we exclude the patient who had a loss of correction, the goals were reached in 32 cases (89%) for the HKA angle and in 31 cases (86%) for the TMA with only one case at 93°. The mean angles were: 181.97° +/− 1,89° (177°–185°) for HKA, 89.86° +/− 1,85° (85°–93°) for TMA and 93.05° +/− 2.3° (89°–99°) for FMA. At that mid-term follow-up no patient had revision to a total knee arthroplasty. DLO is a very demanding technique. Navigation can improve the accuracy of the correction compared to non computer-assisted osteotomies. The functional results are satisfying and the satisfaction of the patients is very high. Despite the difficulty of the procedure, complications are, in our hands, very rare. We recommend DLO for severe genu varum deformity in young patients to avoid oblique joint line, which will be difficult to revise to TKA

Background. Dislocation is a common complication after proximal and total femur prosthesis reconstruction for primary bone sarcoma patients. Expandable prosthesis in children puts an additional challenge due to the lengthening process. Hip stability is impaired due to multiple factors: Resection of the hip stabilizers as part of the sarcoma resection: forces acts on the hip during the lengthening; and mismatch of native growing acetabulum to the metal femoral head. Surgical solutions described in literature are various with reported low rates of success. Objective. Assess a novel 3D surgical planning technology by use of 3D models (computerized and physical), 3D planning, and Patient Specific Instruments (PSI) in supporting correction of young children suffering from hip instability after expandable prosthesis reconstruction following proximal femur resection. This innovative technology creates a new dimension of visualization and customization, and could improve understanding of this complex problem and facilitate the surgical decision making and procedure. Method. Two children, both patients with Ewing Sarcoma of the left proximal femur stage-IIB, ages 3/5 years at diagnosis, were treated with conventional chemotherapy followed by proximal femur resection. Both were reconstructed with expandable prosthesis (one at resection and other 4 years after resection). Hip migration developed gradually during lengthening process in the 24m follow up period. 3D software (Mimics, Materialise, Belgium) were used to make computerized 3D models of patients' pelvises. These were used to 3D print 1:1 physical models. Custom 3D planning software (MSk Lab, Imperial College London) allowed surgeons visualizing the anatomical status and assess of problem severity. Thereafter, osteotomies planes and the desired position of acetabular roof after reduction of hip joint were planned by the surgeons. These plans were used to generate 3D printed PSIs to guide the osteotomies during shelf and triple osteotomy surgeries. Accuracy of planning and PSIs were verified with fluoroscopy and post-op X-rays, by comparing cutting planes and post-op position of the acetabulum. Results. Surgeons reported excellent experience with the 3D models (computerized and physical). It helped them in the decision process with an improved understanding of the relationship between prosthesis head and acetabulum, a clear view of the osteophytes and bone formation surrounding the pseudoacetabulum, and osteophytes inside the native acetabulum. These osteophytes were not immediately visible on 2D CT imaging slices. Surgeons reported a good fit and PSIs' simplicity of use. The hip stability was satisfactory during surgery and in the immediate post-op period. X-ray showed a good and centered position of the hip and good levels of the osteotomies. Conclusions. 3D surgical planning and 3D printing was found to be very effective in assisting surgeons facing complex problems. In these particular cases neither CT nor MRI were able to visualize all bony formation and entrapment of prosthesis in the pseudoacetabulum. 3D visualisation can be very helpful for surgical treatment decisions, and by planning and executing surgery with the guidance of PSIs, surgeons can improve their surgical results. We believe that 3D technology and its advantages, can improve success rates of hip stability in this unique cohort of patients

Aims

Cigarette smoking has a negative impact on the skeletal system, causes a decrease in bone mass in both young and old patients, and is considered a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. In addition, it disturbs the bone healing process and prolongs the healing time after fractures. The mechanisms by which cigarette smoking impairs fracture healing are not fully understood. There are few studies reporting the effects of cigarette smoking on new blood vessel formation during the early stage of fracture healing. We tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke inhalation may suppress angiogenesis and delay fracture healing.

Osteotomies for valgus deformity are much less frequent than those for varus deformity as evidenced by published series which are, on one hand, less numerous and on the other hand, based on far fewer cases. For genu varum deformity, it has been proved that navigation allows to reach easier the preoperative correction goal. Our hypothesis was that navigation for genu valgum could be as accurate as for genu varum deformity. The aim of this paper was to present the mid-term results of 29 computer-assisted osteotomies for genu valgum deformity performed between September 2001 and March 2013. The series was composed of 27 patients (29 knees), 20 females and 7 males, aged from 15 to 63 years (mean age: 42.4+/−14.3 years). The preoperative functional status was evaluated according to the Lyshölm-Tegner score. The mean score was of 64+/−20.5 points (18–100). The stages of osteoarthritis were evaluated according to modified Ahlbäck's criteria. We operated on 12 stage 1, 9 stage 2, 5 stage 3 and 1 stage 4. 2 female patients had no osteoarthritis but a particularly unesthetic deformity (of which one was related to an overcorrected tibial osteotomy). The pre and postoperative HKA angle was measured according to Ramadier's protocol. We measured also the medial tibial mechanical angle (MTMA) and the medial femoral mechanical angle (MFMA). The mean preoperative HKA angle was 189.3°+/−3.9° (181° to 198°); the mean MFMA was 97.2° +/− 2.6° (93° to 105°) and the mean MTMA was 90.1° +/− 2.8° (86° to 95°). The goal of the osteotomies was to obtain an HKA angle of 179° +/− 2° and a MTMA of 90°+/2° in order to avoid an oblique joint line. We performed 24 femoral osteotomies (14 medial opening wedge and 10 lateral closing wedge) and 5 double osteotomies (medial tibial closing wedge + lateral opening wedge osteotomy). The functional results were evaluated according to Lyshölm-Tegner, IKS and KOO Scores, which were obtained after revision or telephone call. We did not find any complication except a transient paralysis of the common fibular nerve. 23 patients (4 lost to follow-up) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 50.9+/−38.8 months (6–144). The mean Lyshölm-Tegner score was 92.9+/−4 points (86–100), the mean KOO score 89.7+/−9.3 (68–100), the mean IKS ≪knee≫ score 88.7 +/−11.4 points (60 à 100) and the mean ≪function≫ score 90.6 +/−13.3 points (55–100). 22 of the 23 reviewed patients (25 knees) were very satisfied or satisfied of the result. Regarding the radiological results, the mean HKA angle was of 180.1°+/−1.9° (176° to 185°), the mean MFMA of 90.7°+/−2.5° (86°-95°) and the mean MTMA of 89.1°+/−1.9° (86°-92°). The preoperative goal was reached in 86.2% (25/29) of the cases for HKA angle and in 100% of the cases for MTMA when performing double level osteotomy (5 cases). At this follow-up, no patient was revised to TKA. Computer-assisted osteotomies for genu valgum deformity lead to excellent results a mid-term follow-up. Navigation is very useful to reach the preoperative goal

Purpose of the study: Duplication of the thumb is the most common congenital anomaly of the first ray. The characteristic feature of type IV is the diversity of the clinical forms and the presence of certain complex forms particularly difficult to treat (Hung IVD). We propose a new procedure for reconstruction of IVD type thumb duplication. Material and method: This new procedure was used for thumb reconstruction in two boys with type IVD thumb duplication. Mean age at surgery was 10 months. Surgical technique. The future incisions were traced with a central skin resection removing the most hypoplastic nail entirely (generally the radial nail). At the bone level, a longitudinal osteotomy of the proximal phalanges was made over the entire length to remove the central part and obtain a width for the first phalanx comparable to that of the contralateral thumb. An oblique osteotomy was cut in the base of the distal phalanx of the ulnar hemithumb with resection of a radial corner. The same type of osteotomy was performed at the base of the distal phalanx of the radial hemithumb, but with preservation of the radial corner and resection of the rest of the radial thumb. The proximal hemiphalanges were sutured as were the bases of the distal phalanges. This produced automatic realignment and stabilisation of the interphalangeal joint without an ungueal intervention. Results: The three children were reviewed at 24, 18 and 12 months. The Horii score was good in all cases. Discussion: Type IVD duplications of the thumb are difficult to treat and may leave serious sequelae. Our technique is based on the principle of a central resection of the proximal phalanges associated with partial resection of the base of the distal phalanges. This enables realignment and stabilisation of the interphalangeal joint while avoiding the problem of ungueal dystrophy since only one nail is preserved. Our preliminary results are encouraging but must be confirmed with a longer term study

Compression-distraction techniques (or circular external fixation methods) are a good alternative to other surgical methods based on bone grafts or bone substitutes, allowing “bone regeneration” through distractional osteogenesis and leading to a substantial advantage in the correction of long bone deformities, in selected bone tumours and in many types of non-unions. Monofocal compression-distraction osteosynthesis is applied to correct long bone deformities in orthopaedics, basically through distraction epiphyseolisis, in which a gradual elongation of the epiphysis at the growth plate level is produced, and corticotomy-distraction, in which the gradual distraction is performed at metadiaphyseal level, after cortical osteotomy. In cases of hypertrophic non-unions (usually associated with limb shortening) the use of monofocal osteosynthesis basically relies on osteosynthesis with gradual distraction of the non-union site. These are cases where the fibrous or fibrocartilaginous tissue lying between the bone fragments is biologically active and gradual distraction highly affects its potential for regeneration. Bifocal or plurifocal compression-distraction osteosynthesis is applied to correct wide bone defects through the technique of “internal lengthening” or “bone transport”. A corticotomy is performed at one of the two metaphyses of the affected long bone and the bone segment obtained by this corticotomy is gradually moved to fill the gap. In orthopaedics this technique shows its highest advantages in cases of bone tumours treated with segmentary resection, and in traumatology in atrophic non-unions and in infected non-unions with bone loss. Between 1986 and 2003, distraction osteogenesis techniques were applied in 753 cases (638 patients) for several orthopaedic or traumatological problems. There were 430 men and 323 women. The average age was 24 years (min 3 years, max 48 years). The anatomical and functional results have been highly satisfactory, with a very low complication rate, and confirm the effectiveness of these techniques in selected cases in orthopaedics and traumatology

Purpose of the study: A clinical trial on the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions with locked nailing evidenced 5 failures among 13 cases. The circumstances leading to the nonunion, the patient’s condition, and the nailing method were not found to have a predominant effect explaining this outcome. Inversely, clinical data suggested that abnormal mobility of the nonunion appeared to result from play in the assembly. To check this hypothesis, we measured primary stability in three nailing models using cadaver bones. Materials and methods: Three nailing models, Seidel (S), Russel-Taylor (RT) and ACE were tested, each on 5 cadaver specimens. A 1 cm segmental resection was made in the mid third of the humerus to simulate an unstable nonunion. The nailing was performed in accordance with the instructions furnished by the manufacturers. The nailed specimens were placed in a testing device which alternatively applied a rotation force around the longitudinal axis (± 0.5 Nm), an axial compression-traction force (± 20 N) and a transverse shear force applied at the level of the osteotomy (± 20 N). Results: This study demonstrated an instability of the three nails when submitted to a rotation force or a shear force: 14 to 28° and 1.6 to 3.4 mm respectively for the RT nail; 8 to 20° and 1 to 3 mm for the S nail; 5 to 15° and 1.7 to 3.2 mm for the ACE nail. The ACE nail appeared to be more stable when submitted to compression-traction force; the S nail accepted a 0.05 to 0.65 mm play which reached 9.7 mm for the RT nail. This instability appeared to result from play in the locking systems. Discussion: These findings would demonstrate that these nailing systems cannot, in themselves, provide satisfactory primary stability. The experimentally evidenced instability would contribute, probably in association with locally unfavorable physiological or biological conditions, to the failure rate observed when nailing is used alone. Conclusion: The locking system for tested nails would have to be modified to eliminate play in the assembly before continuing their use for the treatment nonunion of the humeral shaft

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications of tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail with treatment using the traditional Ilizarov method.

Objectives

Small animal models of fracture repair primarily investigate indirect fracture healing via external callus formation. We present the first described rat model of direct fracture healing.