Introduction

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early functional outcome and activity level in athletes and soldiers with large full thickness cartilage defects of the knee that underwent either ‘classic’ autologous chondrocyte implantation using periosteal flap coverage (ACI-P) or 3-D matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation (ACI-M).

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging with that of Stress views of the ankle in testing the integrity of the lateral ankle ligaments. Arthroscopic diagnosis was used as the gold standard.

Objective: An open procedure has long been the gold standard for the repair of rotator cuff tears. Increasingly arthroscopic repair is taking the place of open surgery. This study is a comparative analysis of open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methodology: 113 (57 female, 56 male; mean age 58 years) consecutive patients undergoing rotator cuff repair performed between 2003 and 2006 in one centre were studied prospectively. 92 were arthroscopic (48 female, 44 male; mean age 57 years) whilst 21 used a mini-open technique (9 female, 12 male; mean age 62). The determinant for which procedure was employed was solely clinical, whereby tears greater than 30mm dictated an open procedure. Assessments were made using the Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire (OSQ), DASH and Constant Scores pre-operatively, at three and six post-operative months, and six-monthly thereafter. Correlation coefficients (Pearson’s) were used to analyse and compare the post-operative course for each intervention, and the student’s t test was used to compare the mean scores for each treatment at each time point.

Results: Strong correlation was demonstrated between the rates of recovery with each surgery (Constant r=0.94; DASH r=0.96; OSQ r=0.94). Although the absolute scores were better for the arthroscopic group at each time-point with all assessment tools, these differences were statistically significant only pre-operatively with each score, and at one year with the Constant score.

Conclusion: Whilst the open repair group had poorer scores pre-operatively reflecting an initial difference in tear severity, the rates of improvement were identical with either treatment modality, as were the one year outcomes measured with the OSQ and DASH. This study demonstrates arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to be comparable with open, although we acknowledge that at one year a significant difference was evident with the Constant score.

To investigate the comparability of subjective and objective scores of shoulder function following surgery for rotator cuff pathology. From 2003 to 2006, 333 patients undergoing surgery for rotator cuff disorders were followed prospectively. 220 (66%) underwent solely subacromial decompression, whilst 113 (34%) had additional rotator cuff repair (92 arthroscopic; 21 mini-open). Assessments were made pre-operatively and six-monthly thereafter using the DASH score; Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire (OSQ); and Constant score, which was used as a reference. Standardisation calculations were used to convert all scores to a 0 to 100 scale (100 representing a normal shoulder). The student’s t test was used to compare the mean score for each subjective tool (DASH and OSQ) with the objective score (Constant). Correlation coefficients (Pearson’s) were used to analyse the post-operative course measured with subjective and objective tools for each intervention. Each statistical test was used for all surgeries collectively and the individual surgery types. There was no difference between the mean DASH and Constant scores. A significant difference was seen between the Oxford and Constant scores for at least one time point in each treatment group. Strong correlation was demonstrated between both subjective scores and the Constant. The mean Pearson correlation coefficient comparing the DASH and Constant was 0.96, whilst that for the Oxford and Constant was 0.89. The DASH and Constant scores provided identical results in terms of absolute values at a given time point, and with respect to rates of recovery. The relationship between the Oxford and Constant was less robust. In this study the DASH and Constant scores were indistinguishable, justifying the use of only the former for follow-up, obviating the need for a trained investigator required to perform a Constant score.

To compare the effectivity of arthroscopic and open stabilisation of the shoulder. Between 2003 and 2006, 100 patients (20 female, 80 male; mean age 32 years) undergoing glenohumeral stabilisation were followed prospectively. 28 were open (3 female, 25 male; mean age 30.7 years), 72 arthroscopic (17 female, 55 male; mean age 32.0 years). Assessments were made using the Constant, DASH, and Carter-Rowe (CR) scores, as well as the Oxford Shoulder Instability Questionnaire (OSIQ) pre-operatively, at three and six post-operative months, and six-monthly thereafter. The student’s t test was used to compare the mean scores at each time point. Correlation coefficients (Pearson’s) were used to compare the postoperative course with either intervention. In general the open group performed marginally less well than did the arthroscopic. However, the DASH score demonstrated less consistency both in this relationship, and the rate of post-operative recovery when compared with the other scoring systems. In the open surgery group the DASH revealed a deterioration from the pre-operative score at six months before subsequent improvement; in the arthroscopic group, this deterioration occurred at three months. However, these differences were not statistically significant regardless of the assessment tool employed. Strong correlation was demonstrated between the rates of recovery following either surgery (Constant r=0.99; OSIQ r=1.00; CR r=0.94). Again, this was not supported by the DASH (r= −0.868). The rates of improvement were identical with either treatment when measured with the Constant, OSIQ, and CR, whilst the DASH score yielded inconsistent results. No significant difference could be shown between open and arthroscopic surgery at any individual time point regardless of the assessment tool employed. We suggest that open and arthroscopic surgeries yield very similar outcomes.

Purpose: Little has been written about the size of bone defect that could be restored with one-stage lengthening over a reamed intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of the callus created at gaps of various sizes in sheep tibiae treated with reamed intramedullary nailing.

Material-Methods: Sixteen adult female sheep were divided into four main groups: a simple osteotomy group (group I) and three segmental defect groups (1, 2, and 3 cm gap; groups I to III). One intact left tibia from each group was also used as the non-osteotomized intact-control group (group V). In all cases the osteotomy was fixed with an interlocked Universal Humeral Nail after 7 mm reaming. The osteotomized site was closed in layers including the periosteum without additional bone grafting and the limb was protected with long soft cast for 5 weeks postoperatively. Healing of the osteotomies was evaluated after 16 weeks by biomechanical testing. The examined parameters were torsional stiffness, shear stress and angle of torsion at the time of fracture.

Results: Samples with a simple osteotomy or 1 cm gap were fractured distally to the callus zone, whereas samples with 2 and 3 cm gaps were fractured at the callus zone or at distal metaphysis. The regenerate bone obvious in the x-rays in the group of 1 cm and 2 cm gap had considerable mechanical properties. Torsional stiffness in these two groups was nearly similar and its value was about 60% of the stiffness of the simple osteotomy group. A gradually decreased stiffness was observed as the osteotomy gap increased. There was a decrease in maximum shear stress from simple osteotomy to osteotomy with a fracture gap of 3 cm. No significant differences were found among the angles of torsion at fracture for the various osteotomies or the intact bone. Our results showed that the group of 1 cm gap had the 65% of the shear stress at failure of the simple osteotomy group.

Conclusion: We believe that there is evidence indicating that intramedullary nailing would be a reasonable option when one-stage lengthening of a long bone of 1 or 2 cm is contemplated.

Background: Stress radiography and more recently magnetic resonance imaging have been used to study the integrity of lateral ankle ligaments in chronic symptomatic instability after injury.

Aim: Our aim was to see if magnetic resonance imaging was as good as examination under anaesthesia and stress radiography, for diagnosing injury to the lateral ankle ligaments.

Study Design: Cross-over study.

Methods: Fifty eight patients, 47 men and 11 women, were included in the study. These were athletes or military personnel with symptomatic instability of the ankle after injury. This cohort of patients had MRI scans, stress radiographs and arthroscopic treatment of their ankle. Integrity of the calcaneo-fibular ligament (CFL) was recorded arthroscopically. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of MRI and stress views, in assessing integrity of the CFL, were compared against the arthroscopic findings which was considered to be the gold standard.

Results: Stress radiography under anaesthesia and MRI has sensitivities of 94% and 47% and specificities of 98% and 83% for diagnosing injury to the CFL, respectively. Stress radiography has a higher accuracy in diagnosing CFL injuries as compared to MRI.

Conclusion: The results of this study casts doubt on the efficacy of MRI in the diagnosis of serious ankle ligament injuries.

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the principle medial stabilizer of the patella. It is damaged after traumatic patella dislocation. We describe a reproducible technique for MPFL reconstruction and our preliminary results at 12 months.

Material-methods: 25 patients (19 men, 6 women; average age 26.9 years-old) with post-traumatic patellar instability underwent MPFL reconstruction at a mean post-injury interval of 22.3 months. Five patients had evidence of generalized laxity, 3 had trochlear dysplasia and 16 (64%) more than two episodes of dislocation. Arthroscopic assessment revealed associated chondral lesions in 88% and marked lateralization. The reconstruction was performed using ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon. With the distal attachment preserved, the proximal end is passed through the medial intermuscular membrane and secured to the medial border of the patella. Clinical pre- and post-operative assessments included IKDC, Tegner, Lysholm and Kujala scores. ICRS documentation recorded the contribution of articular cartilage damage, whereas Merchant views and MRI scans documented the abnormal radiological parameters and the damaged structures of the medial retinaculum respectively.

Results: At a mean follow up period of 12 months (8–18 months) no cases of re-dislocation were recorded. The Tegner and IKDC scores averaged 4.2 and 46.9 pre-injury. Postoperatively they had improved to 7.7 and 86.5. The average postoperative Lyshom- and Kujala scores were 87 and 89 respectively. Re-operation was required in one patient after patellar fracture 8 weeks post reconstruction.

Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest surgical reconstruction of the MPFL provide a favorable early outcome for the treatment of post-traumatic patellofemoral instability and will form the basis for longer follow up in a larger cohort.

Purpose: The retrospective evaluation of long-term results after reconstructive radial osteotomy for mal-united distal radius fractures.

Material-Method: Twenty-eight patients (21 male and 7 female, average aged 46 years) with 23 dorsal and 5 palmar angulated malunited distal radius fractures were operatively treated during 1994–2002 in our department. The main indications were pain and functional impairment. Dorsal or palmar approach was used in proportion to the site of angulation. The preoperative average radial inclination, radial length and volar or dorsal tilt were 13.5 degrees, 6.3 mm and 23.5 degrees respectively. An open wedge radial osteotomy followed by interposition of trapezoidal iliac crest bone graft and fixation with plate ands crews was performed in all patients four months at least after the initial surgery. An ulnar leveling procedure was considered necessary in 2 patients.

Results: All patients were available in the last follow up evaluation (mean 3.7 years). The functional result according to Mayo wrist score was rated as very good in 15 patients, good in 7 and poor in 6. The average improvement in radial inclination was 14 degrees, in radial length 6.5 mm and in volar or dorsal tilt 21 degrees. The complication rate was 22.7%, including 2 material failures, 1 extensor pollicis longus rupture, 1 nonunion and 3 recurrences of the deformity.

Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction for malunion is technically demanding and may not completely restore the anatomy. Patient satisfaction, however, in terms of increased function, decreased pain and decreased deformity is sufficient high to warrant reconstructive treatment.

Aims: The evaluation of outcome of 4-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus after reconstruction with stable transosseous suturing þxation and early postoperative passive motion. Methods: 51 patients, 33 women and 18 men (average age 49,5 years) with displaced 4-part Òvalgus impactedÒ fractures of the proximal humerus, were treated operatively in the last 10 years (1991–2001). Stable þxation of the tuberosities to each other, to the metaphysis and to the articular part of the humeral head, was achieved with non-absorbable (Ethibon No 5) sutures, avoiding any use of hard material. Early passive motion with pendulum exercises was applied to all patients at the 2nd postoperative day, followed by active assisted exercises after the 4th to 6th postoperative week, and þnal strengthening exercises after the 2nd to 3rd postoperative month. Results: Long term results (mean follow up period 5.6 years), were evaluated according to Constant-Murley Scoring System. 42 patients (82.3%) had very good result (Constant score > 80) without pain and satisfactory motion (160û forward elevation, 50û to 80û external rotation and internal rotation up to T12). The incidence of avascular necrosis was 3,9%. Complications developed in 6 patients: 1 malunion of the great tuberosity, 3 heterotopic ossiþcations and 2 nonunions revised to hemi-arthroplasty and plate osteo-synthesis plus bone grafting. Conclusions: Advantages of this minimally invasive technique are: shorter operative time, no use of hardware, less soft tissue damage, low incidence of avascular necrosis, stable osteosynthesis with tension band effect, and adequate rotator cuff repair, allowing for early joint motion.

Purpose: The assessment of long term results and complications rate using the GN and PFN nailing systems for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Material-Methods: Between 1991–2002, 195 patients (102 male, 93 female, average age 61.2 years) with a peritrochanteric fracture of the femur (80 A2, 86 A3, 12 pathological, and 17 combined) underwent intra-medullary nailing with the GN (134 patients) or the PFN (61 patients) system. Mean follow up period was 6.5 years. Outcome analysis included time of healing, delayed union or nonunion, infection, hip function (Salvati & Wilson scale), technical complications (cut out, Z effect, malrotation) and mechanical failures (bending fatigue, loosening, breakage of the implant or screws and fracture below the tip of the nail). Intraoperative difficulties in the application of the nails or screws were registered as well.

Results: Solid union of the fracture was achieved in 171 cases (87.6 %). 25 patients died from reasons unrelated to the implant. The overall complication rate was 20.51 % (10 infections, 3 nonunions, 5 implant breakages, 11 cut-out of the neck screws, 5 Z effects and 6 distal screws failures. The Salvati and Wilson score was > 30 in 121 patients (71.1%).

Conclusions: Use of the GN and PFN systems yielded good results in our study. Technical or mechanical complications were mostly related to the operative technique and the type and preoperative reduction of the fracture, rather than these systems themselves. Z effect is a specific complication of PFN in cases with a fracture reduction in varus, especially when comminution of the medial cortex is present.

Aim: The evaluation of outcome of 4-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus after reconstruction with stable transosseous suturing fixation

Methods: 52 patients (34 female, 18 male, mean age 49,5y) with displaced 4-part “valgus impacted” fractures of the proximal humerus, were operatively treated between 1993–2002. The average impaction angle was 42.4° and the lateral displacement of the humeral head between 1–7 mm. In situ, stable fixation of the tuberosities to each other, to the articular part of the humeral head and to the metaphysis at a level below the top of the head, was achieved with heavy non-absorbable sutures, avoiding reduction maneuvers and any use of hard material. Early passive motion with pendulum exercises was applied at the 2nd postoperative day, followed by active assisted exercises after the 6th postoperative week and final strengthening exercises after the 3rd postoperative month

Results: Long term results (mean follow up 5.6 years), were evaluated according to Constant-Murley Scoring System. 45 patients (86.5%) had very good result (Constant score > 80) without pain and satisfactory motion (up to 160° forward elevation, 60° to 80° external rotation and internal rotation up to T12). The incidence of avascular necrosis was 5.7 %. Complications developed in 6 patients: 1 malunion of the great tuberosity, 3 heterotopic ossifications and 2 nonunions revised to hemi-arthroplasty and plate osteosynthesis respectively

Conclusions: Advantages of this minimally invasive technique are shorter operative time, no use of hardware, less soft tissue damage, low incidence of avascular necrosis, stable fixation with tension band effect and adequate rotator cuff repair, allowing for early joint motion

Aim: A comparison of two different techniques of acro-mioclavicular joint reduction in complete AC disruption.

Methods: During 1992–2001, 59 patients (50 male; 9 female; average 32.3y), underwent surgical reconstruction for complete (Allman-Tossy III) AC dislocation. Fixation of the joint was achieved in all patients by double-banded coracoclavicular stabilization, using heavy nonabsorbable sutures in a double-banded ligamentous substitution manner. In 35 patients (group I) a temporary acromioclavicular fixation was done (with K-W, removable at 6th postoperative week), whereas in the rest 24 patients (group II) an additional fixation of the acromioclavicular disruption, with nonabsorbable sutures, without using K-W was performed.

Results: Mean follow-up period was 6.4 years. Our results according to Constant-Murley score were excellent or very good in 25 patients (71.4%) of group I and 21 (87.5%) patients of group II. Loss of reduction (3), calcification (5) and superficial pin infection (2) were noted with greater frequency in patients of group I. Three of them reoperated because of K-W migration or breakage. Complications of group II included 1 superficial infection, 1 calcification with restriction of joint motion and 1 case with slight loss of reduction.

Conclusions: Reduction of the acromioclavicular joint in association with adequate retention of the coracoclavicular joint are the cornerstones for a good surgical result. Double banded coracoclavicular fixation and acromio-clavicular repair with heavy nonabsorbable sutures and no use of K-W, seems to be the best surgical technique provided adequate stabilization of acromioclavicular joint, preservation of clavicular rotation, no risk of implant migration and no need of material removal.

Purpose: The evaluation of blood supply of the humeral head in displaced 4-part “valgus impacted” fractures with digital angiographic image processing.

Material-Methods: 14 patients with acute 4-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus (9 women and 5 men, average age 43,6 years) were included in the study. The average impaction angle was 42.4o and the lateral displacement of the humeral head between 1–7 mm. Preoperative angiography of the proximal humerus was performed 6 to 12 hours after admission. Fixation of the fracture was achieved with in situ transosseous suturing fixation of the tuberosities to each other, to the metaphysis and to the articular part of the humeral head avoiding any reduction maneuvers and use of hard material. Postoperative angiography was performed 8 to 10 weeks after the operation.

Results: Digital angiographic image processing, using the segmentation technique, showed no statistical difference in the supply of the humeral head before and after the operation. The average blank number of small vessels and the overall area of blood supply (vessels/mm2) were about the same in 13 patients and no signs of avascular necrosis were seen 18–20 months after the operation. Partial avascular necrosis was seen in one case with 7 mm lateral displacement.

Conclusions: Although the small number of cases, in situ transosseous suturing fixation of the 4-part valgus impacted fractures seems to preserve the remaining blood supply of the humeral head. The incidence of avascular necrosis is higher in cases with severe lateral displacement.

Purpose: We present the midterm results of conservative treatment of upper (atlas and axis) cervical spine injuries and we propose a CT-based radiological follow-up study.

Material and Methods: In a 12 year period (1990–2001), 45 patients (33 male and 12 female) with a mean age 37.2 years (range 15–75) were presented with an acute injury of the upper cervical spine. There were 19 fractures of the atlas (8 Jefferson’s fractures, 6 isolated lateral mass fractures and 5 posterior arch fractures) and 26 axial fractures (12 odontoid fractures, types I–III according to Anderson’s classification and 14 traumatic spondylolisthesis, types I–II according to Effendi classification). Twenty (20) patients were immobilized using halo-vest and 25 Minerva orthosis. Two (2) patients presented with Brown-Sequard syndrome. All patients were retrospectively reviewed and had clinical and radiological follow-up study (plain films and CT spiral reconstruction films).

Mean follow-up was 6.2 years. Mean immobilization time was 3.8 months range.

Results: Patients with incomplete neurological lesion did not recover. One patient with an isolated atlas lateral mass fracture, developed a hemiparesis during his hospitalization, which was partially resolved. In the final follow-up study, all patients presented a stable upper cervical spine, on the dynamic flexion/extension plain films. In the final CT spiral reconstruction films, fracture line was evident in 12 patients (27%), while atlantoaxial joint incongruity was obvious in 5 patients. Seven (7) patients (16%) complained for residual neck pain and stiffness and presented reduced range of motion.

Conclusion: Conservative treatment of atlantoaxial injuries is effective and offers a stable upper cervical spine. Solid fracture union is not always present. CT spiral reconstruction is very helpful in detecting transverse ligament efficacy and atlantoaxial joint incongruity.