We present a rare case of multifocal
Four patients who developed malignant synovial tumours are described; one with chondromatosis developed a synovial chondrosarcoma and three with pigmented villonodular synovitis developed malignant change. The relevant literature is discussed.
We report our experience of the use of callus distraction with a monolateral fixator for the treatment of acquired radial club-hand deformity after osteomyelitis. Between 1994 and 2004, 13 patients with a mean age of eight years (4 to 15) were treated by callus distraction with a monolateral fixator after a preliminary period of at least four weeks in a corrective short-arm cast. All patients achieved bony union and were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic outcome. There were no major complications, but three patients required cancellous bone grafting at the docking site for delayed union. Local treatment and oral antibiotics were required for pin-site infection in six patients. There were no deep infection or recurrence of osteomyelitis.
Objective patellar instability has been correlated with dysplasia of the femoral trochlea. This This study has provided objective biomechanical data to support the use of trochleoplasty in the treatment of patellar instability associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia.
The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on the proliferation and differentiation of rat bone-marrow cells and to determine an optimal platelet concentration in plasma for osseous tissue engineering. Rat bone-marrow cells embedded in different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma gel were cultured for six days. Their potential for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was analysed. Using a rat limb-lengthening model, the cultured rat bone-marrow cells with platelet-rich plasma of variable concentrations were transplanted into the distraction gap and the quality of the regenerate bone was evaluated radiologically. Cellular proliferation was enhanced in all the platelet-rich plasma groups in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant differences in the production and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase were detected among these groups, mature bone regenerates were more prevalent in the group with the highest concentration of platelets. Our results indicate that a high platelet concentration in the platelet-rich plasma in combination with osteoblastic cells could accelerate the formation of new bone during limb-lengthening procedures.
Fracture of the atlas is rare in children. We report a case of fracture of the atlas through a synchondrosis of the anterior arch complicated by atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in a four-year-old girl.
We describe our experience with the ‘four-in-one’ procedure for habitual dislocation of the patella in five children (six knees). All the patients presented with severe generalised ligamentous laxity and aplasia of the trochlear groove. All had a lateral release, proximal ‘tube’ realignment of the patella, semitendinosus tenodesis and transfer of the patellar tendon. The mean age at the time of the operation was 6.1 years (4.9 to 6.9), and the patients were followed up for a mean of 54.5 months (31 to 66). The clinical results were evaluated using the Kujala score. There has been no recurrence of dislocation. All the patients have returned to full activities and the parents and children were satisfied with the clinical results. The mean Kujala score was 95.3 (88 to 98). Two patients had marginal skin necrosis which healed after debridement and secondary closure. These early results in this small group have shown that the ‘four-in-one’ procedure is effective in the treatment of obligatory dislocation of the patella in children with severe ligamentous laxity and trochlear aplasia.
The Acclaim total elbow replacement is a modular system which allows implantation in both unlinked and linked modes. The results of the use of this implant in primary total elbow replacement in 36 patients, operated on between July 2000 and August 2002, are presented at a mean follow-up of 36 months (24 to 49). Only one patient did not have good relief of pain, but all had improved movement and function. No implant showed clinical or radiological loosening, although one had a lucent area in three of seven humeral zones. The short-term results of the Acclaim total elbow replacement are encouraging. However, 11 patients (30.5%) suffered an intra-operative fracture of the humeral condyle. This did not affect the outcome, or the requirement for further surgery, except in one case where the fracture failed to unite. This problem has hopefully been addressed by redesigning the humeral resection guide. Other complications included three cases of ulnar neuropathy (8.3%) and one of deep infection (2.8%).
We report a case of fatal pulmonary embolism following a simple ankle fracture in a 17-year-old girl. The diagnosis was confirmed at post-mortem. The risk factors for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and their significance in orthopaedic fracture management are discussed.
Fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed at initial presentation. This is a comparative cohort study over a period of five years comparing primary open reduction and internal fixation in 22 patients (23 feet) with secondary corrective arthrodesis in 22 patients (22 feet) who presented with painful malunion at a mean of 22 months (1.5 to 45) after injury. In the first group primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation for eight weeks with Kirschner-wires or screws was undertaken, in the second group treatment was by secondary corrective arthrodesis. There was one deep infection in the first group. In the delayed group there was one complete and one partial nonunion. In each group 20 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 36 months (24 to 89) after operation. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score was 81.4 (62 to 100) after primary treatment and 71.8 (35 to 88) after corrective arthrodesis (t-test; p = 0.031). We conclude that primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation of tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocations leads to improved functional results, earlier return to work and greater patient satisfaction than secondary corrective arthrodesis, which remains a useful salvage procedure providing significant relief of pain and improvement in function.
While frequently discussed as a standard treatment for the management of an infected shoulder replacement, there is little information on the outcome of two-stage re-implantation. We examined the outcome of 17 consecutive patients (19 shoulders) who were treated between 1995 and 2004 with a two-stage re-implantation for the treatment of a deep-infection after shoulder replacement. All 19 shoulders were followed for a minimum of two years or until the time of further revision surgery. The mean clinical follow-up was for 35 months (24 to 80). The mean radiological follow-up was 27 months (7 to 80). There were two excellent results, four satisfactory and 13 unsatisfactory. In 12 of the 19 shoulders (63%) infection was considered to be eradicated. The mean pain score improved from 4.2 (3 to 5 (out of 5)) to 1.8 (1 to 4). The mean elevation improved from 42° (0° to 140°) to 89° (0° to 165°), mean external rotation from 30° (0° to 90°) to 43° (0° to 90°), and mean internal rotation from the sacrum to L5. There were 14 complications. Our study suggests that two-stage re-implantation for an infected shoulder replacement is associated with a high rate of unsatisfactory results, marginal success at eradicating infection and a high complication rate.
This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of biological repair at the tendon-bone junction in a rat model. The stump of the toe flexor tendon was sutured to a drilled hole in the tibia (tendon suture group, n = 23) to investigate healing of the tendon-bone junction both radiologically and histologically. Radiological and histological findings were compared with those observed in a sham control group where the bone alone was drilled (n = 19). The biomechanical strength of the repaired junction was confirmed by pull-out testing six weeks after surgery in four rats in the tendon suture group. Callus formation was observed at the site of repair in the tendon suture group, whereas in the sham group callus formation was minimal. During the pull-out test, the repaired tendon-bone junction did not fail because the musculotendinous junction always disrupted first. In order to understand the factors that influenced callus formation at the site of repair, four further groups were evaluated. The nature of the sutured tendon itself was investigated by analysing healing of a tendon stump after necrosis had been induced with liquid nitrogen in 16 cases. A proximal suture group (n = 16) and a partial tenotomy group (n = 16) were prepared to investigate the effects of biomechanical loading on the site of repair. Finally, a group where the periosteum had been excised at the site of repair (n = 16) was examined to study the role of the periosteum. These four groups showed less callus formation radiologically and histologically than did the tendon suture group. In conclusion, the sutured tendon-bone junction healed and achieved mechanical strength at six weeks after suturing, showing good local callus formation. The viability of the tendon stump, mechanical loading and intact periosteum were all found to be important factors for better callus formation at a repaired tendon-bone junction.
Hallux rigidus was first described in 1887. Many aetiological factors have been postulated, but none has been supported by scientific evidence. We have examined the static and dynamic imbalances in the first metatarsophalangeal joint which we postulated could be the cause of this condition. We performed a finite-element analysis study on a male subject and calculated a mathematical model of the joint when subjected to both normal and abnormal physiological loads. The results gave statistically significant evidence for an increase in tension of the plantar fascia as the cause of abnormal stress on the articular cartilage rather than mismatch of the articular surfaces or subclinical muscle contractures. Our study indicated a clinical potential cause of hallux rigidus and challenged the many aetiological theories. It could influence the choice of surgical procedure for the treatment of early grades of hallux rigidus.
A prospective study of serum and urinary ion levels was undertaken in a triathlete who had undergone a metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip four years previously. The one month study period included the final two weeks of training, the day of the triathlon, and the two weeks immediately post-race. Serum cobalt and chromium levels did not vary significantly throughout this period, including levels recorded on the day after the 11-hour triathlon. Urinary excretion of chromium increased immediately after the race and had returned to pre-race levels six days later. The clinical implications are discussed.
We present a retrospective study of 25 patients treated by open arthrolysis of the elbow for post-traumatic stiffness. The mean follow-up was for 7.8 years (5 to 10.8). The range of movement of the elbow, pain scores and functional outcomes were recorded pre- and postoperatively. An improvement in the mean range of movement from 55° (0° to 95°) to 105° (55° to 135°) was obtained in our patients at one year. This improvement was maintained over the mean follow-up period of 7.8 years (5 to 10.8). Improvement in pain, function and patient satisfaction was recorded in 23 of the 25 patients at final follow-up. On the basis of this study, we believe that the results of open arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow are durable over the medium term.
We investigated patterns of refracture and their risk factors in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia after Ilizarov osteosynthesis. We studied 43 cases in 23 patients. Temporal and spatial patterns of refracture and refracture-free survival were analysed in each case. The refracture-free rate of cumulative survival was 47% at five years and did not change thereafter. Refracture occurred at the previous pseudarthrosis in 16 of 19 cases of refracture. The risk of refracture was significantly higher when osteosynthesis was performed below the age of four years, when the tibial cross-sectional area was narrow, and when associated with persistent fibular pseudarthrosis. Refracture occurs frequently after successful osteosynthesis in these patients. Delaying osteosynthesis, maximising the tibial cross-sectional area and stabilising the fibula may reduce the risk of refracture.
The extended lateral L-shaped approach for the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum may be complicated by wound infection, haematoma, dehiscence and injury to the sural nerve. In an effort to reduce the risk of problems with wound healing a technique was developed that combined open reduction and fixation of the joint fragments and of the anterior process with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of the tuberosity. A group of 24 patients with unilateral isolated closed Sanders type II and III fractures was treated using this technique and compared to a similar group of 26 patients managed by the extended approach and lateral plating. The operation was significantly shorter (p <
0.001) in the first group, but more minor secondary procedures and removal of heel screws were necessary. There were no wound complications in this group, whereas four minor complications occurred in the second group. The accuracy and maintenance of reduction, and ultimate function were equivalent.
This study reports our experience with total elbow replacement for fused elbows. Between 1982 and 2004, 13 patients with spontaneously ankylosed elbows were treated with a linked semi-constrained non-custom total elbow implant. The mean age at operation was 54 years (24 to 80). The stiffness was a result of trauma in ten elbows, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in one, and rheumatoid arthritis in two. The patients were followed for a mean of 12 years (2 to 26) and were evaluated clinically using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, as well as radiologically. A mean arc from 37° of extension to 118° of flexion was achieved. Outcomes were good or excellent for seven elbows at final review. Ten patients felt better or much better after total elbow replacement. However, there was a high complication rate and re-operation was required in over half of patients. Two developed peri-operative soft-tissue breakdown requiring debridement. A muscle flap with skin grafting was used for soft-tissue cover in one. Revision was undertaken in one elbow following fracture of the ulnar component. Three patients developed a deep infection. Three elbows were manipulated under anaesthesia for post-operative stiffness. Prophylactic measures for heterotopic ossification were unsuccessful. Total elbow replacement for the ankylosed elbow should be performed with caution. However, the outcome can be reliable in the long term and have a markedly positive impact on patient function and satisfaction. The high potential for complications must be considered. We consider total elbow replacement to be an acceptable procedure in selected patients with reasonable expectations.
We describe a consecutive series of five patients with bone or soft-tissue sarcomas of the elbow and intra-articular extension treated by complex soft tissue, allograft bone and prosthetic joint replacement after wide extra-articular
Over an eight-month period we prospectively enrolled 122 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement and met the inclusion criteria for this study. Patients with bilateral hip arthroscopy, avascular necrosis and previous hip surgery were excluded. Ten patients refused to participate leaving 112 in the study. There were 62 women and 50 men. The mean age of the patients was 40.6 yrs (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.7 to 43.5). At arthroscopy, 23 patients underwent osteoplasty only for cam impingement, three underwent rim trimming only for pincer impingement, and 86 underwent both procedures for mixed-type impingement. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (2.0 to 2.9). The mean modified Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 58 to 84 (mean difference = 24 (95% CI 19 to 28)) and the median patient satisfaction was 9 (1 to 10). Ten patients underwent total hip replacement at a mean of 16 months (8 to 26) after arthroscopy. The predictors of a better outcome were the pre-operative modified HHS (p = 0.018), joint space narrowing ≥ 2 mm (p = 0.005), and repair of labral pathology instead of debridement (p = 0.032). Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, accompanied by suitable rehabilitation, gives a good short-term outcome and high patient satisfaction.
