Aims

A variety of surgical methods and strategies have been demonstrated for Andersson lesion (AL) therapy. In 2011, we proposed and identified the feasibility of stabilizing the spine without curettaging the vertebral or discovertebral lesion to cure non-kyphotic AL. Additionally, due to the excellent reunion ability of ankylosing spondylitis, we further came up with minimally invasive spinal surgery (MIS) to avoid the need for both bone graft and lesion curettage in AL surgery. However, there is a paucity of research into the comparison between open spinal fusion (OSF) and early MIS in the treatment of AL. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes and radiological evaluation of our early MIS approach and OSF for AL.

Objectives. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation was evaluated after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures in a randomized, controlled clinical study performed for United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. PEMF significantly increased fusion rates at six months, but 12-month fusion outcomes for subjects at elevated risk for pseudoarthrosis were not thoroughly reported. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of PEMF treatment on subjects at increased risk for pseudoarthrosis after ACDF procedures. Methods. Two evaluations were performed that compared fusion rates between PEMF stimulation and a historical control (160 subjects) from the FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) study: a post hoc (PH) analysis of high-risk subjects from the FDA study (PH PEMF); and a multicentre, open-label (OL) study consisting of 274 subjects treated with PEMF (OL PEMF). Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare fusion rates between PEMF-treated subjects and historical controls. Results. In separate comparisons of PH PEMF and OL PEMF groups to the historical control group, PEMF treatment significantly (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test) increased the fusion rate at six and 12 months for certain high-risk subjects who had at least one clinical risk factor of being elderly, a nicotine user, osteoporotic, or diabetic; and for those with at least one clinical risk factor and who received at least a two- or three-level arthrodesis. Conclusion. Adjunctive PEMF treatment can be recommended for patients who are at high risk for pseudoarthrosis. Cite this article: D. Coric, D. E. Bullard, V. V. Patel, J. T. Ryaby, B. L. Atkinson, D. He, R. D. Guyer. Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation may improve fusion rates in cervical arthrodesis in high-risk populations. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:124–130. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0221.R1

Background. Charcot neuroarthropathy is a destructive disease characterized by progressive bony fragmentation as a result of the isolated or accumulative trauma in patients with decreased sensation that manifests as dislocation, periarticular fractures and instability. Although amputation can be a reasonable cost economic solution, many patients are willing to avoid that if possible. We explored here one of the salvage procedures. Methods. 23 patients with infected ulcerated unstable Charcot neuroarthropathy of the ankle were treated between 2012 and 2017. The mean age was 63.5 ±7.9 years; 16 males and 7 females. Aggressive open debridement of ulcers and joint surfaces, with talectomy in some cases, were performed followed by external fixation with an Ilizarov frame. The primary outcome was a stable plantigrade infection free foot and ankle that allows weight bearing in accommodative foot wear. Results. Limb salvage was achieved in 91.3% of cases at the end of a mean follow up time of 25 months (range: 19–32). Fifteen (71.4%) solid bony unions were evident clinically and radiographically, while 6 (28.5%) patients developed stable painless pseudoarthrosis. Two patients had below knee amputations due to uncontrolled infection. Conclusion. Aggressive debridement and arthrodesis with ring external fixation can be used successfully to salvage severely infected Charcot arthropathy of the ankle. Pin tract infection, delayed wound healing and stress fracture may complicate the procedure but can be easily managed. Amputation may be the last resort in uncontrolled infection

Introduction. Proximal humeral fracture occurs most frequently in elderly and usually unite within 12 weeks. Malunion is more common than nonunion. And even if nonunion occurs, we usually treat it by the blade plate. Norris et al. reported hemiarthroplasty is indicated for severe degenerative changes of the articular surface, osteonecrosis of the humeral head, or osteopenia severe enough to jeopardize fixation in order patients. Therefore, it is not common that hemiarthroplasty is used for primary treatment of the proximal humeral pseudoarthrosis. We report a case of proximal humerus pseudoarthrosis which was treated by hemiarthroplasty. Case. A patients is 75 years old male. He was injured by falling from ladder. He was diagnosed proximal humeral fracture Neer type2. After he was followed conservatively for one year, he was referred to our hospital. In X-ray film and CT, the humeral head was scraped by the humeral shaft that was tucked inward to humeral head.(Figure 1) In MRI, rotator cuff muscles were left. The fatty infiltration was stage 1 in the Gourtallier classification. (Figure 2)And osteoarthritis of shoulder was not so severe. Therefore, we decided to do hemiarthroplasty. We used the SMR implant (Lima Corporate, Milano, Italy). Surgical reconstruction was done using a deltpectral approach. Lesser tuberosity was cut from greater tuberosity with subscaplaris muscle. We used the cementless stem. Each fragments and stem was fixed using FiberWire (Arthrex, Florida USA), after autograft which scraped from the reseceted humeral head was stuffed. After the operation, the shoulder was fixed by brace for 4weeks. The passive ROM exercise was started from 21 days later. The Active ROM exercise was started at 28 days later. Three months later, the pseudoarthrosis united successfully. (Figure 3) The active flexion was improved from 20 degrees to 110 degrees. The active abduction was from 20 degrees to 90 degrees. USLA score was improved from 10 to 26. Discussion. In this case, the pseudoarthrosis is united successfully. Therefore, the cementless hemiarthroplasty is useful for treatment for the proximal humerus pseudoarthrosis with severe humeral head bone defect

Introduction. Deformations of forearm with different degree of expression and functional restrictions of upper limb in children with hereditary multiple exostosis are formed in almost 80% of the cases. The question of indications for the selection and conduct of surgical procedure remains controversial, existing treatment methods and post-operative recovery methods for children need to be improved. Materials and Methods. The long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of 112 patients diagnosed with “Hereditary Multiple Exostosis” (HME) aged from 2 till 17 years old were researched. Evaluation of surgical treatment results was carried out in accordance with complaints, functional condition of the forearm, radiographs (taking into account reference lines and angles). Depending on the variant of deformation, the following surgical operations were performed: resection of bone-cartilage exostoses (in 20.5%); correction of forearm deformation with external fixator (in 79.5). In 14 cases, for a more accurate correction of deformity a hexapod frame was used. Results. Differentiated approach provided “good” anatomical and functional results in 55.6%; “satisfactory” results in 40.2%; “unsatisfactory” results in 4.2%. Postoperative complications in the form of non-union, pseudoarthrosis, delayed consolidation or neurological disorders were in 6.2%. Conclusions. The choice of surgical treatment is determined by the variant and severity of deformation. This approach allows to improve cosmetic and functional condition of forearm and adjacent joints. The use of hexapod allows to increase accuracy of correction of physiological axis of forearm bones

Aims. To evaluate the place of the massive prostheses in the most complex periprosthetic infections cases (PJis). Method. Between 2011 and 2017, 516 hip and knee revisions for periprosthetic infections had been performed in our hospital by the same senior surgeon. We report a prospective series of 58 patients treated between 2011 and the end of 2017. 26 males and 32 females with on average 69,4 years old (38–86). Infection involved TKA in 39 cases (26 TKA revisions, 11 primary TKA), THA in 18 cases (10 revisions, 7 primary THA), a femoral pseudoarthrosis with posttraumatic gonarthrosis in one case and a septic humeral pseudoarthrosis in one case. We used one stage procedures in 38 cases (14 hips, 23 knees, 1 shoulder) and 20 two stages surgeries (16 knees and 4 hips). Additional technics used with massive prostheses, all for TKA PJis: 4 massive extensor systemallografts performed two times in a one stage procedure, two local flaps (medial gastronecmienmuscle). Two perioperative hyperbaric procedures used to limit the risks of wound complications. Results. The average follow-up is 38 months (12–62 months). The rate of sucess to treat the infection at this follow-up is 89,7 %. We report our feedback of the different massive components uses and the qualities/defaults we noted. The most frequent complication was skin events like wound swelling and delayed cicatrisations in 13 cases. 3 cases of one stages needed a complementary debridement in the three weeks after the surgery with always a good local and infectious evolution. This series report 5 failures of two stages TKA revisions. In 4 cases, the initial local soft tissues conditions were compromised. Conclusions. The use of massive prostheses to treat PJIs is a good option for the complex cases. It can be a good alternative of knee arthrodesis. These components must be used, preferentially for oldest patients, in cases of extreme bone loss or extensed osteitis to secure the bone debridement and the quality of the reconstruction. In our series, the one stage procedure is a validated option even by using complementary technics as bone allografts, extensor system allografts or flaps. The two stages procedure is a secondary option, particularly when softtissues status is compromised before or after the debridement, and mostly for the knees

Aim. Low-grade infections are difficult to diagnose. As the presence of a chronic infection requires extensive surgical debridement and antibiotic treatment, it is important to diagnose a SII prior to surgery, especially when the hardware is revised. We investigated whether serum inflammatory markers or nuclear imaging can accurately diagnose a chronic spinal instrumentation infection (SII) prior to surgery. Method. All patients who underwent revision spinal surgery after a scoliosis correction between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), . 18. F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and Technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) 3-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) to diagnose infection were studied. Patients with an acute infection or inadequate culture sampling were excluded. SII was diagnosed if ≥ 2 of the same microorganism(s) were isolated from intra-operative tissue cultures. Results. 31 patients were included. The indication for hardware extraction was pseudoarthrosis in the majority of patients (n = 15). 22 patients (71%) were diagnosed with SII. In all infected cases, Cutibacterium acnes was isolated, including 5 cases with a polymicrobial infection. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was: 4.5%, 100%, 100% and 30.0% for CRP >10.0 mg/L, 5.5%, 100%, 100% and 29% for ESR > 30 mm/h; 56%, 80%, 83% and 50% for FDG-PET/CT and 50%, 100%, 100% and 20% for TPBS, respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of SII in patients undergoing revision spinal surgery is high, with Cutibacterium acnes as the main pathogen. No diagnostic tests could be identified that could accurately diagnose or exclude SII prior to surgery. Future studies should aim to find more sensitive diagnostic modalities to detect low-grade inflammation

Introduction: Treatment of defected pseudoarthrosis tibia remains controversial due to bone loss with/without infection arises from previous interventions. In the present study we evaluated the results of acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of tibia pseudoarthrosis with bone loss. Material and Methods: Eleven patients were treated with acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis. Mean age and bone loss was 27.5 years (range 10–44) and 8.9 cm (range 3.5–12) respectively. 7 of eleven patients is infected pseudoarthrosis. Enfected patients were type 4A according to Chierny-Mader classification. The 4 of infected patients were treated with two staged procedure. In the first stage antibiotic (teicoplanin) impregnated polymethylmetacrilate beads were placed to the space occurred as a result of excision of sclerotic bone segment and fixation was performed by external fixator or braces. Second stage composed of acute compression (shortening) and distraction osteogenesis. Other 3 infected and noninfected patients were treated with resection, acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis in one stage. In six cases docking site were grafted with autografts. Defects greater than 4 cm were gradually shortened 2mm/day in addition to acute shortening. Limb length inequality was solved with lengthening from proximal tibial corticotomy and achieving union of both sites about the same time. Results: Mean follow up, external fixator time and external fixator index was 48.3 months (21–80), 8.9 months (6–13) and 1,3 month/cm respectively. results were evaluated according to Paley’s bone and functional evaluation scoring. Eleven patient revealed excellent results with regard to bone evaluation and 10 patient revealed excellent and 1 patient revealed good results in terms of functional evaluation. In one patient fracture at the pseudoartrosis site occurred due to new trauma after removal of the fixator which was treated with circular external fixator. In the another patient, the lengthening regenerate side was low quality bone which need intra-medullary fixation and grafted with autograft. Conclusion: Acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis is a safe and successful procedure in the treatment of defected tibia pseudoarthrosis and is alternative to other treatments. Acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis was found to be successful and safe with regard to functional results in the treatment of defected tibia pseudoarthrosis. Besides we suggest it as an alternative due to lower rate of complications and less external fix-ator time compared to other Methods:

Introduction: Congenital pseudoarthrosis is one of the greatest challenges of pediatric orthopedic practice. Treatment measures and literature addressing this condition are numerous reflecting the difficulty in management. The aim of successful treatment is to achieve length, union and normal axis of the involved leg. A method of treatment is described whereby the affected tibia is united and lengthened. Material and methods: Ten patients between six and thirty years of age were treated. All patients suffered from Boyd 1 or 2 Psuedoarthrosis of the Tibia. All patients had had previous surgery (three to thirteen operations) and three to ten centimeter of shortening. All patients were treated by lengthening of the tibia and open debridement and compression of the pseudoarthrosis till union using Ilizarov techniques. Results: All patients had eventual successful outcome. Eight patients achieved union length and normalization of the tibial axis with the first operation and two patients had recurrence of the pseudoarthrosis and had re-operation with success. Conclusion: Successful surgical treatment of pseudoarthrosis of the tibia is possible. To achieve this success a number of basic principles need to be followed. These principles are:. Correction of the axis of the limb. Debridement of the pseudoarthrosis and opening of the intra medullary canal with insertion of one of the ends of the tibia into the other. Lengthening of the tibia with proximal osteotomy and concurrent compression of the fracture site. Absolute correction of the tibial axis. This treatment regime has shown success in the failed management of the pseudoarthrosis and if these principles are adhered to this regime will have success in the management of this pathology and prevent re-operation

Aims: To review the results of reconstruction of pseudoarthrosis and/or significant varus with retroversion of proximal femur in congenital longitudinal lower limb deficiencies. Methods: 23 of 95 patients had proximal femoral reconstruction. 7 had pseudoarthrosis of the neck of femur and the remaining had significant coxa vara with retroversion of femur. 3 patients with pseudoarthroses were treated with valgus derotation osteotomy and cancellous bone grafting, 2 with fibular strut grafts, 1 King’s procedure and 1 with excision of fibrous tissue and valgus derotation osteotomy. Remaining patients underwent valgus derotation osteotomies. A variety of internal fixation devices and external fixators were used. Results: All patients with pseudoarthroses underwent multiple procedures to achieve union. 3 with cancellous bone grafting underwent repeat osteotomies to correct residual varus and 2 had grafting repeated twice. 2 patients achieved union after fibular strut grafting. One patient, who underwent excision of pseudoarthrosis, achieved union but had to undergo further valgus osteotomy. The remaining 17 patients with coxa vara and retroversion of femur also had valgus osteotomies repeated more than once (average 2.3) for recurrence of varus deformity. There were significant numbers of implant failures. Average initial neck-shaft angle of 72 degrees improved to 115 degrees after reconstruction. Conclusion: Achieving union of pseudoarthrosis and early axis correction using valgus derotation osteotomy with a view to later lengthening is important in limb reconstruction. Recurrence may require repeated osteotomies and pseudoarthrosis may need more aggressive surgery to achieve union. Muscle slides and soft tissue releases decrease the stress on implant and maintain correction

Introduction and Objective. Management of bone loss associated with bone contamination or infection represents a double biological and clinical challenge frequent in traumatology. The advent of new biomaterials can allow a different approach in the treatment of bone gap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of addition of a new absorbable bone substitute (BS) eluting different antibiotics in reconstruction of bone defects after infections and fractures with soft tissue damage. Materials and Methods. We conducted a review of patients with contaminated or infected bone defects treated using a new biomaterial, a porous composite of collagen matrices and Beta tricalcium phosphate (β TCP), able to provide a long-term release of different antibiotics. We have included treatment of osteomyelitis and osteosynthesis of exposed fracture (Gustilo Anderson 1–3b) or fractures with soft tissue damage and high risk of contamination. Surgical technique included debridement filling bone defect with BS eluting antibiotics, osteosynthesis (plate, nail, external fixator, kirschner wire), soft tissue coverage, and systemic antibiotic therapy. Radiographic and clinical data including complications (wound dehiscence, superficial or deep infection, osteomyelitis) were collected. Results. We treated 25 patients (21 male, 4 female) with mean age 47 yrs. (range 21–83). The locations treated (for incidence) was: 9 femurs (7 plates, 2 nail), 7 calcanei (one bilateral), 3 tibias, 2 forearms, 2 metatarsi, 2 hands, 1 elbow. 6 patients had large bone loss. 7 patients had bone infections (4 were Cierny Madern 4); 8 patients had osteosynthesis of exposed fractures Gustilo Anderson 1–3b (9 plate, one bilateral calcaneus). 8 patients had treatment for pseudoarthrosis of exposed fractures (6 femurs, 1 forearm, 1 metatarsus) and 3 patients a prophylactic treatment for calcaneal fractures with soft tissue damage. 4 deep infection were treated with multiple surgical debridement and new filling bone defect with BS eluting antibiotic with infection eradication. We have used a combination of vancomycin and gentamicin on 15 cases, vancomycin alone on 4 cases, combination of vancomycin and amikacin on 1 case and amikacin and Linezolid in a targeted multi drug resistance. At final follow-up functional outcome was good in all cases with bone healing. Conclusions. Extensive debridement is a fundamental requisite for eradication of bone infections and contamination. Filling of the bone void with loaded bio-composite eluting diversifiable local antibiotics with synergistic anti-biofilm activity is desirable. Treatment of this bone defects are advantaged when combining his reconstruction with BS and the possibility of release high antibiotic concentration at least for 10 days. This is an important complementing prophylactic and therapeutic antimicrobial option with adjuvant role to systemic therapy that enlarges the success rate

Aims: to evaluate effects of trombocyte growth factors derived from platelets concentrate associate to intra-medullary nailing in stimulation of healing of diaphy-seal lower limbs pseudoarthroses. Methods: 4 patients with atrophic tibial pseudoarthrosis and 2 patients with atrophic femoral pseudoartrhrosis were treated with high diameter reamed intramedullary nail. The site of pseudoarthrosis was stimulated using percutaneous injection of platelets concentrate under image intensifier control without opening. We evaluate healing of pseudoarthrosis with radiographic controls at 15 days, 1 month after surgery and after every month until consolidation. We gave partial weight bearing two days after surgery for 2 weeks and then total weight bearing. Results: All patients with tibial fractures had radiological healing of pseudoarthrosis site within 3 months. All patient with femoral fracture healed in 4 months. Conclusions: Although the number of treated patients is low and follow up is short, our results are remarkable either about consolidation or about early weight bearing

The large bone defects with high risk of delayed bone union and pseudoarthrosis remain significant clinical challenge. Aim of the present study was the investigation of the critical size fracture healing process in transgenic mice using a novel beta-TCP scaffold. The luciferase transgenic mice strains (BALB/C-Tg(NF-kappaB-RE-luc)-Xen) and FVB/N-Tg(Vegfr2-luc)-Xen were used. Critical size fracture on femur was performed and stabilized using external fixation (RISystem). The fracture was bridged with a synthetic scaffold with and without Strontium. In consequence, the expression levels of NF-kappaB and VEGFR2 could be monitored in a longitudinal fashion using the Xenogen imaging system for two months. Animals were euthanized, serial section of femur were prepared, and the fracture sites were histologically examined. Sr reduced inflammation in the early phase of healing (15th days), but it was increased in the late healing stage. The level of VEGFR2 activity increases in the Sr doped beta-TCP group at the 15th day, the luciferase activity starts to decrease in this group and show significantly less activity compared to other groups in the second half. In the group without scaffold a connective tissue formation were observed. In both, beta-TCP and beta-TCP+Sr, the connection of newly formed tissue within integrated canals in scaffold was visible. Tissue formation in beta-TCP+Sr group was significantly higher than in the beta-TCP group, whereas the percentage of osseous tissue in relation to the newly formed tissue was in beta-TCP scaffold much more than in beta-TCP+ Sr groups. This study presents the first data regarding VEGFR2 and NF-kappB and angiogenesis activity profiles during fracture healing. The collected longitudinal data reduces the number of experimental animals in the study. Addition of strontium in scaffolds influenced the inflammation in different stage of the healing. This effect might influence the healing process and may prove to be advantageous for osteoporosis fracture healing

Introduction. This is a report of the outcome of management of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) at skeletal maturity. Materials and Methods. Retrospective study. Inclusion criteria:. CPT Crawford IV. Skeletally maturity. Availability of radiographs and medical records. Outcome: union rate, healing time, residual deformities, ablation and refracture. Results. 23 patients who reached maturity were analysed. Time to union was 7.6 months. Union rate 70%. External fixation group: 7 patients, age 6.1 years, all united, 1 needed Bone graft. Average union time 8.2 months, no residual mal-alignment, no amputations, 2/7 needed corrective osteotomies and residual LLD in 2/7 < 1 cm. Numbers of surgery was 3. Vascularized fibular graft was done in 3 cases; all had failed previous attempts. Union time was 7 months. 2/3 united, 1 had amputation due to extensive disease. All patients had residual mal-alignment. Rodding group included 13 patients, age 3.2 years, union rate 61%, union time 8.3 months. Average LLD 1 cm with 1 patient LLD > 2 cm. Residual knee mal-alignment in 2/13, 4 had procurvatum and 55% of patients had ankle valgus. Fibula pseudoarthrosis. Refracture was reported in 53% of the rodding group. The causes of refracture were mal-alignment in 3, traumatic in 2 and idiopathic in 2. Total surgeries no 5. 2 patients had amputations after an unsuccessful 1. st. attempt. Our current trend of treatment was applied on 8 patients. They are not skeletally mature yet. the treatment combined excision of hamartoma, tibial rodding, wrapped periosteal graft with/out neutralization frame, and fibular fixation. Average age 3.8 years, union time was 10 months, Union rate 80%, no residual deformities. Conclusions. Our study shows the evolution of the treatment of CPT with increasing union rate, fewer residual deformities, and numbers of surgeries with more recent techniques

Numerous growth factors, together with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), are involved in the biological mechanism of bone induction. BMP 7 combined with collagen type 1 has shown to be effective in triggering the osteoinductive mechanism in the presence of bone defects as an alternative to bone graft. The aim of the present study is to present the experience gained at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Catania with BMP in lower limb non-union or pseudoarthrosis with bone defect after skeletal stabilisation. From December 2003 to May 2004 at the Orthopaedic Clinic Of Catania four patients were treated using OP 1. The study group comprised three women and one man with a mean age at the time of operation of 27 years (range 23– 32 years). One subject presented with non-union, two patients with normotrophic pseudoarthrosis and one with atrophic pseudoarthrosis. In all cases the bone defect was localised at the tibia. All patients were treated surgically with skeletal stabilisation (one with a monolateral external fixator, one with a T2 intramedullary nail and two with a Gross-Kempf nail) always after decortication of Judet. Three patients healed with a mean follow-up of 5 months. One subject is still under treatment. None of the patients have any pain and demonstrate complete weight bearing and functional capacity. X-rays showed good consolidation of bone defect. Clinical and radiographic results obtained at this point are more than fair. Healing time was short without any side effects. It is important to verify whether, in the treatment of lower limb non-union and or pseudoarthrosis, the osteoinductive capacity of the OP 1 could provide the same valid results without good reduction and skeletal stabilisation. The use of OP 1 is extremely interesting for many reasons. However, it would be extremely important to test whether the biological effect is not exclusively related to an optimal mechanical stability

Late wound infection is a recognised complication of instrumented spinal deformity surgery. In most cases it is a benign complication which usually resolves after implant removal. However, some of our patients with late infection developed a pseudoarthrosis. To investigate this further we undertook a retrospective review of all patients undergoing implant removal for deep infection between 1991 and 2000. Twenty-one patients were identified, representing a late infection rate of at least 6%. They showed no specific pre- or intra-operative risk factors. Nine had some problems with early post-operative wound healing, which settled with minimal treatment. Late infection presented as localised swelling or a discharging sinus between 4 and 84 months (average 31 months) post-surgery. Blood parameters were abnormal in 15 cases, frank infection demonstrated in 19 cases, loosening of the implant in four cases and positive bacteriology culture in 14 cases. Wounds healed within 2 to 17 weeks (average 5 weeks) following implant removal, wound debridement and antibiotic therapy lasting 2 to 20 weeks (average 6 weeks). This was delayed until one year post-surgery in the three cases presenting early. Follow-up of between 6 and 92 months (average 38 months) revealed no persistent infection. Pseudoarthrosis developed in seven patients (33%). Four of these patients had progressive deformity warranting refusion and three produced minimal symptoms. Patients developing a pseudoarthrosis had an excess of post-operative wound problems, presented much earlier and had more severe infections compared to those without sequelae. Late infection is confirmed as a relatively common complication of scoliosis surgery. Implant removal, aggressive debridement and primary closure is confirmed as effective treatment to eradicate the infection. A high rate of pseudoarthrosis is the only sequelae. The excess of early infections in these cases may indicate interference with a critical stage of the fusion process. Preservation of the implants until one year post surgery was unsuccessful at preventing a pseudoarthrosis

Purpose: We carried out a biomechanical study by finite element analysis to compare treatment with a plate and treatment with a nail in pseudoarthrosis of the humeral shaft. Materials and methods: We used a cadaver humerus and the two fixation devices to generate the geometry with design software (CATIA® v4.2). We then modelled the shapes with finite element analysis software (MSC.Patran®) and created three experimental models: healthy humerus, humerus with shaft pseudoarthrosis stabilised with AO plate and humerus with shaft pseudoarthrosis stabilised with locking nail. Both implants were titanium. The three models were subjected to nine different load conditions and the results compared. Results: The nail model is stiffer than the plate in compression (3002.80 vs 789.68 N/mm), traction (6576.73 vs 1559.90 N/mm) and torsion (4.67 vs 2.73 N/mm). However, the plate model is biomechanically superior to the nail under other load conditions (mediolateral flexion, anteroposterior flexion, anteroposterior shear and mediolateral shear). Conclusions: Although we can understand and compare the stability of the plate model with the nail, joint clinical and biomechanical studies are needed to determine the minimum stiffness required so that it will not interfere with the process of union under different load conditions

Purpose: We set four objectives: compare compression plate with locking screw, assess bone graft usefulness, assess utility of resection and compression of fracture site, and determine prognostic factors. Materials and methods: A multicentre study was carried out including Sant Pau, Valle de Hebròn and IMAS hospitals in Barcelona. 54 surgical cases treated from 1994 to 2003 were included for retrospective study. Three groups of factors were analysed: familial, factors associated with the initial trauma and those associated with the surgical procedure. We studied the statistical relation to consolidation, consolidation time and postoperative complications. Results: The following factors significantly enhanced consolidation (p< 0.05): treatment with nail in atrophic pseudoarthrosis and plate in hypertrophic. Consolidation time was significantly shortened (p< 0.05) if fractures were initially simple (type A) and for those initially treated conservatively. Postoperative complications were reduced (p< 0.05) in fractures that were initially simple (type A). Conclusions: There were no differences between the two implants studied in terms of consolidation, consolidation time and complications. However, cases of atrophic pseudoarthrosis had a better outcome with nails and the hypertrophic cases with plates. Bone grafts did not improve results. Compression of the fracture site was a determining factor in achieving consolidation; therefore, open intramedullary nailing should be performed to this end. Simple fractures and fractures initially receiving conservative treatment were good prognostic factors following pseudoarthrosis surgery

Introduction and purpose: Cortical strut autografts provide primary stability to resolve fractures or pseudoarthrosis associated with major bone loss, or fractures close to joint prostheses. Materials and methods: We present 8 cases in which strut autografts were used: one pseudoarthrosis of the humerus, three periprosthetic fractures in TKR and four fractures associated with hip prosthesis surgery. We resolved the humeral pseudoarthrosis with struts and a PCL plate plus cancellous tissue graft. For the periprosthetic fractures of the knee and hip we used revision prostheses with extension stems plus struts, held in place with cerclage wires or compression bands, with or without plates. In all cases functional rehabilitation started early. The mean non-weight-bearing period for lower limbs was 10 weeks (8–12 months). Results: Primary stability made it possible to begin rehabilitation early in all cases. Total consolidation of the grafts in a mean time of 5 months (4–7 months), with complete recovery of bone stock. Excellent functional outcome with full return to daily activity as before surgery. Conclusions: The use of strut autografts associated with osteosynthesis and/or revision prosthesis implantation makes it possible to resolve cases that require a large amount of bone graft and provides sufficient primary stability for fast rehabilitation. The proper final consolidation of the grafts and complete recovery of bone stock provides stability with full guarantee of long-term success

Aims: Clinical use of BMP-7: actual situation The tibial pseudoarthrosis. The Friedlander paper can be considered the only golden standard about the clinical application. It is a prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing BMP-7 with fresh bone autograft. The results of the BMP-7 are similar under to use of fresh bone autograft. Some cases of very serious pseudoar-throsis treated with BMP-7 have demonstrated an high percentual of clinical recovery. In UOA of traumatology and in I Orthopaedic Clinic of Turin University the pseudoarthrosis are treated with the Ilizarov’s technique, not with the autologous transplantation, so Friedlander’s results are not discriminant for the our work. Methods: In our department the guide lines for BMP-7 application are:. Delayed union of the docking point in pseudoarthrosis of long bones treated with the Ilizarov technique (resection and distractional osteogenesis) and traditional techniques (decortication and fresh bone autograft) not suitable for application. The treatment of a pseudoartrhosis is based on our classification in type: I, II, III, IV (septic). Traditional techniques failure. Choice first treatment in very difficult cases of limb reconstruction and bone nonunion. Results: From 30/09/2002 till 28/02/2007 55 patients have been treated with BMP-7. In 5 cases it has been associated with autologus bone graft. The material is: 24 cases of traditional techniques failure, 17 cases in wich traditional techniques were unfeasible to be treated and 9 docking point nonunions, in 5 particular cases. Mean age is 38 years. Before last intervention, mean number of porevious operation is 6,5 with mean time before BMP procedures is 3 years. 43 patients healed, 9 are under treatment and 3 are failure. The mean time of healing was 4 months. Conclusions: The series is strictly observational but results are effective in front of the complexity of cases. Late complications suggest that BMP-7 induces bone formation but mechanical function could need time to be achived.According to literature the BMP-7 should be usefull also in more simple cases but more prospective clinical double blind randomised series and cost decreasing are necessary to extend the indications for BMP-7 application