Gopisankar Balaji

Snake bite induced cellulitis leading to infected open dislocation of the first metacarpophalangeal joint – A rare complication

Non-traumatic open dislocation of the first metacarpophalangeal joint is a rare phenomenon. We present a rare such occurrence secondary to snake bite induced cellulitis. A 22-year-old girl presented with pain and instability of her right thumb two months. She had snake bite two months back following which she developed cellulitis which gradually became infected. She presented with raw area over her dorsal aspect of the thumb with active infection. Radiographs revealed metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. She underwent debridement, stabilisation and soft tissue coverage. At final follow up, she was pain free and the wound healed completely.

Does operative fixation of isolated fractures of ulna shaft results in different outcomes than non-operative management by long arm cast?

Objective The optimal treatment for isolated fractures of ulnar shaft is debatable. The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes and radiological union in patients treated for isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft by open reduction and internal fixation and a long arm cast. Methods This prospective study was conducted at level I trauma center from November 2014 to March 2016. 30 patients with isolated fractures of ulnar shaft were randomized to two groups to receive treatment by open reduction and internal fixation by plates and screws and a long arm cast. Outcome assessment was done by Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, range of motion at wrist and elbow, grip strength and radiological union. Quantitative variables were summarized Mean or Median. Normality was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for normally distributed variables and non-normally distributed variables respectively. Categorical variables were summarized as proportions. Effect of the intervention for categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square test. Results There was no difference between the groups for pain on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), grip strength, DASH score, and union at the end of 12 months. There was no difference between the groups for range of motion at the elbow and wrist. 12 (85.7%) patients in the ORIF group and 15 (93.7%) in the cast group united at the end of 12 months. The mean time to union was 13 weeks in the ORIF group and 18 weeks in the cast group. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation results in anatomical restoration of ulna, but this does not translates to better functional outcomes in short term (12 months).

Radiologic assessment of femoral and tibial tunnel placement based on anatomic landmarks in arthroscopic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background: Accurate tibial and femoral tunnel placement has a significant effect on outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Postoperative radiographs provide a reliable and valid way for the assessment of anatomical tunnel placement after ACLR. The aim of this study was to examine the radiographic location of tibial and femoral tunnels in patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR using anatomic landmarks. Patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR from January 2014 to March 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: 45 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR, postoperative radiographs were studied. Femoral and tibial tunnel positions on sagittal and coronal radiographic views, graft impingement, and femoral roof angle were measured. Radiological parameters were summarized as mean ± standard deviation and proportions as applicable. Interobserver agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The position of the tibial tunnel was found to be at an average of 35.1% ± 7.4% posterior from the anterior edge of the tibia. The femoral tunnel was found at an average of 30% ± 1% anterior to the posterior femoral cortex along the Blumensaats line. Radiographic impingement was found in 34% of the patients. The roof angle averaged 34.3° ± 4.3°. The position of the tibial tunnel was found at an average of 44.16% ± 3.98% from the medial edge of the tibial plateau. The coronal tibial tunnel angle averaged 67.5° ± 8.9°. The coronal angle of the femoral tunnel averaged 41.9° ± 8.5°. Conclusions: The femoral and tibial tunnel placements correlated well with anatomic landmarks except for radiographic impingement which was present in 34% of the patients.

Sphygmomanometer as biofeedback in acute anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation: A cost-effective technique

Quadriceps dysfunction following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a common threat to any sports rehabilitation. Even though the role of biofeedback (BFB) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been in use to preserve the quadriceps in the acute phase of ACLR, this paper focuses on retraining the same using a sphygmomanometer as pressure BFB. A 25-year-old male collegiate with an isolated tear of ACL was followed up from immediate postoperative period to the outpatient care services for 3 months. The isometric quadriceps pressure difference and heel height difference were measured initially and reevaluated following the intervention. Relearning of impaired quadriceps following an ACLR depends on the response, and so the accurate dose-response in the form of pressure BFB using sphygmomanometer reduces the financial constraints of a sophisticated BFB unit. It provides an easy understanding of the quality and the magnitude of the exercise.

Traction apophysitis of the medial malleolus

Traction apophysitis of the accessory ossification center of the medial malleolus is infrequently reported. Traction apophysitis of both the accessory ossification centers of medial malleoli is very rare. This entity is also reported as osteochondrosis of medial malleolus in literature. We present a case of traction apophysitis of accessory ossification centers of both the medial malleoli in an 11-year-old boy of Indian origin, who presented with pain and swelling over both the ankle with plano-valgus deformity of feet. His imaging revealed fragmented accessory ossification center of medial malleoli on both the sides. He was treated non-operatively and followed through one year to see the eventual fate.

Congenital Extraskeletal Osteochondroma of the Web Space Displacing the Lesser Toes: A Unique Presentation

Extraskeletal osteochondroma is a rare benign tumor that occurs predominantly in the soft tissues of the hands and feet. The congenital occurrence of this lesion in children is very rare. We report the case of a 9-year-old male who presented with slowly progressive swelling in his left third web space since birth that was painful with prolonged walking and had displaced his fourth toe further laterally, causing both functional and cosmetic problems. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed a well-circumscribed densely ossified lesion. Excision biopsy of the lesion showed a lobulated extraskeletal osteochondroma. At the end of 1 year of follow-up, the child had had no recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of congenital extraskeletal osteochondroma of the foot in English-language published studies.

Brodie's abscess of the posterior ilium: a rare cause for low back pain in children

Brodies abscess of the pelvis is very rare in healthy children. It can be missed because of its varied presentation. We present an 11-year-old boy who presented with low back pain. Investigations revealed a well-defined lesion in the posterior ilium. He underwent open biopsy and debridement. At the end of the final follow-up, he was asymptomatic and there was no recurrence. We present this case for the rare site of Brodies abscess and for its unusual presentation as low back pain.