Kavin Khatri

Morphology of the posteromedial fragment in pertrochanteric fractures: A three-dimensional computed tomography analysis☆

BACKGROUND In this study we describe the morphology of the posteromedial fragment in pertrochanteric fractures using 3D CT scans and answer two questions 1) Do differences exist between the 3D CT appearances of posteromedial fragments and the depictions made in the AO classification 2) Does the posteromedial fragment affect stability in pertrochanteric fractures, in terms of fracture collapse? METHODS Preoperative CT scans of eight 31-A1 and fifty 31-A2 fractures were analysed. The presence of PM fragment, its fragmentation, greater trochanter (GT) involvement, lesser trochanter (LT) fragment size (in terms of its posterior and medial extent as well as LT length), LT fragment displacement (in terms of medial displacement and rotation) were determined. All fractures were treated with a DHS. Fracture collapse was determined on postoperative radiographs. The relationship between fracture collapse and patient factors including age, gender, fracture type (A1 versus A2), characteristics of the posteromedial fragment, and the presence of a lateral wall fracture were determined. RESULTS Three out of eight 31-A1 fractures demonstrated a separate GT fragment (three part fracture). Out of the 50 31-A2 fractures, 12 had a single PM fragment, which included the LT and GT in continuity. The more common four part fractures seem to form by further fragmentation of this basic form. In A2 fractures, the GT was almost always broken and the broken fragment comprised a mean 56% of normal GT. The LT fragment involved an average of 74% of the posterior wall, and an average of 36% of the medial wall of the proximal femur. Larger LT fragments were less displaced as compared to smaller fragments. Univariate regression analyses revealed that fracture collapse was significantly correlated with fracture type (A1 versus A2, p 0.036), GT size (p 0.002) and the presence of a lateral wall fracture (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed some important differences between the 3D CT appearances and AO classification of pertrochanteric fractures. Further, neither fragmentation of the posteromedial fragment, nor the size of the lesser trochanter fragment was found to predict stability in pertrochanteric fractures. A perioperative lateral wall fracture is the main determinant of stability in these fractures.

Complications in the management of closed high-energy proximal tibial plateau fractures

Purpose To report complications in the management of complex closed proximal tibial fractures. Method A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the infectious and noninfectious complications encountered in the management of high-energy Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures. All patients were treated at the level 1 trauma centre between January 2011 and March 2014. Sixty two patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was (43.16 ± 11.59) years with 60 males and 2 females. Infectious complications like superficial and deep infection, wound dehiscence, malalignment in the immediate postoperative period and in follow-up period were noted. Results The overall complication rate was 30.65% (19 out of 62). Infectious complications were noted in 20.97% cases (13/62). In majority of the cases (8/13), superficial infection was seen which managed with regular dressing and antibiotic administration. The patients (5/13) who had developed deep-seated infection were subjected to repeated debridements, flap coverage, implant removal or amputation depending upon the host response. Thirteen patients had experienced noninfectious complications. Hardware related complications were noticed in six patients and four among them received a secondary procedure. Malalignment was observed in seven patients but only single patient underwent subsequent operative intervention. Conclusion Proximal tibial plateau fractures especially Shatzker type V and VI are associated with extensive soft tissue damage even in closed injuries. The complications encountered in the management of these fractures can be minimized with appropriate patient selection and minimal soft tissue dissection.

Neglected Thoraco Lumbar Traumatic Spine Injuries

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To outline the etiology, complications and management difficulties encountered in the management of neglected thoracolumbar spine injuries. Overview of Literature The English literature describes overlooked diagnosis as the most common cause of neglected spine injuries. However, the reasons differ in developing or under-developed nations. Moreover, there is scarcity of literature about the neglected spinal injuries. Methods Patients presenting with thoracolumbar traumatic injuries who had not received any form of treatment for more than three weeks were included in the study. The demographic details, operative procedure performed and complications encountered, along with American Spinal Injury Association grade and spinal cord independence measure score recorded on the history sheets were noted. The data were analyzed. Results Forty patients were included in the study. Inadequate treatment at the first contact hospital (45%) followed by late presentation (38%) and missed injury (17%) were the major etiological factors for the neglected traumatic injuries in the thoracolumbar spine. The most common complications seen in the management of these cases were pressure sores (58%), back pain (57%), urinary tract infection (42%) and residual kyphotic deformity (42%). Conclusions Management of neglected thoracolumbar injuries is challenging. The delay in presentation should not prevent spine surgeon in proceeding with operative intervention as good results can be expected.

Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractureswith Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation II: Our Experience in Indian Patients

Introduction: Unstable intertrochanteric fractures are difficult to manage and the choice of implant is critical for fracture fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotationII (PFNA II) in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 45 patients of unstable intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with the PFNA II between 2011 and 2013. Of which, 3 patients were died within 6 months of follow up. Hence, 42 patients were available for the study including 26 men and 16 women. The mean age was 61 years (range, 35 -90). Clinical evaluation was done using Harris hip score. The position of the blade in the femoral head was evaluated using Cleveland zones and tip apex distance. The fracture reduction was assessed using the Garden Alignment Index and postoperative fracture gap (mm) measurement. Results: The mean follow up period was 15.3 months (range, 9-27). Excellent to good results were accounted for 78% of cases according to Harris hip score. No cases of cut out or breakage of the implant noted. Implant removal was done in 2 patients due to persistent anterior thigh pain. Conclusion: We recommend PFNA II for fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with less operative time and low complication rate. However, proper operative technique is important for achieving fracture stability and to avoid major complications.

Mechanism of injury and management in traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with concomitant humeral shaft and ipsilateral scapula fracture: a case report and review of the literature

IntroductionTraumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder is an emergency and warrants urgent attention. However, it becomes difficult to manage in cases of associated fractures of humerus and other bones surrounding the shoulder joint. There have been reports of traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder associated with humeral fractures in the literature but the trilogy of anterior dislocation of the shoulder; humeral shaft fracture; and scapular fracture have never been described.Case presentationWe present the case of a 27-year-old south Asian man presenting with the above-mentioned injury. He was managed with open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture and subsequent reduction at the shoulder joint. The fracture of the scapula was managed conservatively. Radiological union was achieved at 14 weeks with a good range of movements at the shoulder.ConclusionsShoulder dislocation associated with fractures of humerus and scapula occurs in rare circumstances due the peculiar mechanism of injury. There is risk of neurovascular damage while attempting joint reduction without fracture fixation so, in these cases, the fracture should be addressed first and dislocation later.

Bilateral Clavicle Fractures: A Report of Three Cases

Bilateral clavicle fractures are uncommonly reported in the literature with the incidence being less than 0.5% of all the clavicle fractures. Bilateral clavicle fractures are caused either by high-energy transfer of compression forces across both shoulder girdles or by a direct trauma to one clavicle followed by that to the other clavicle. These fractures could be missed due to their association with more severe chest injuries or a more symptomatically displaced fracture on one side or due to inadequate chest radiographs. We report three cases of traumatic bilateral clavicle fractures with three modes of injuries in different age groups. All the fractures were treated conservatively with good functional outcomes without any sequelae. Bilateral clavicle fractures should be actively sought by every trauma team with proper clinical examination and chest radiographs including both shoulder joints in high-energy trauma cases or with bilateral shoulder compression injuries.

Functional Evaluation in High Energy (Schatzker Type V and Type VI) Tibial Plateau Fractures Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Objective. To review functional outcome in high energy tibial plateau fractures treated by plating. Design. Retrospective analysis. Material and Methods. Sixty-five patients with Schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using plates were included in the study. The functional evaluation of the patients was carried out with Oxford knee scoring. Results. Fifty-four cases (83%) had Oxford knee score between 40 and 48. Seven (10.7%) had score between 30 and 39, three (4.6%) had score between 20 and 29, and one patient (1.5%) had a score of 18. Delayed union was seen in two cases and nonunion was seen in one case. The superficial wound infection was noticed in (9.2%) patients which was resolved with regular dressings and oral antibiotics. Three (4.6%) patients had developed deep wound infection and one among them had developed osteomyelitis. Conclusion. Open reduction and internal fixation in high energy tibial plateau fractures can provide good functional results in appropriately selected cases.

Disseminated Aspergillus flavus following septic arthritis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

BackgroundAspergillosis is a rare cause of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Aspergillus osteomyelitis is a debilitating infection affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. It is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Infection with Aspergillus flavus species in the knee has been very rarely seen in the past.Case presentationWe present a case of septic arthritis of the knee in an Indian patient secondary to infection with Aspergillus flavus, which was earlier managed as a case of tuberculosis based on the endemicity of the condition, later leading to disseminated aspergillosis. There was no clinical feature or investigation suggesting immunocompromised state. Following knee arthrotomy, Aspergillus flavus was isolated and patient was subsequently managed with antifungals leading to recovery after three months.ConclusionsDisseminated aspergillosis can mimic tuberculosis both clinically and radiologically. Though fungal infections affect joints rarely but they must always be ruled out to avoid later complications.

Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiological Abnormality in Adult Thoracic Spinal Trauma

Introduction: Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare entity and usually involves the cervical spine. Thoracic spine involvement is very rare due to the stability provided by the rib cage. The mechanisms of injury and pathophysiology are still debatable. Case Presentation: We present a case of an adult male who had road traffic accident and presented with paraplegia. The initial radiological investigations carried out in the emergency department were reported to be normal, however, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord contusion without vertebral column disruption. The patient recovered partially with conservative treatment measures including bed rest and methylprednisolone. Conclusions: Spinal trauma patients presenting with neurological deficit but no radiological abnormality should be treated as a case of SCIWORA.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Involving Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: Arthroscopic repair is gaining popularity over open repair for the treatment of bankart lesions. The study aims to evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic repair with open repair in randomised controlled trials conducted comparing the two techniques. Methods: We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed and EMBASE up to December 2017 for clinical trials comparing the outcomes of arthroscopic bankart repair with open bankart repair. We used fixed or random effects model depending upon heterogenicity. Dichotomous variables were presented as Risk Ratios (RRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), and continuous data were measured as measured differences with 95% CIs. Result: Five studies were included, with sample size ranging from 42 to 196. Fixed effect analysis showed that the shoulder was more stable in open repair (RR=0.897, 95% CI: 0.821 to 0.980, P= 0.94) but the loss of external rotation at shoulder joint was also higher in those had open repair (RR=0.325, SMD=-0.411, 95% CI: -1.229 to 0.407). The functional outcome assessed by Rowe score was better in open repair (P=0.325). The operative time was lesser in arthroscopic repair but was not statistically significant (P=0.085). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis showed that the use of arthroscopic repair though offers better shoulder movement but the open repair is superior in terms of shoulder stability.