Naseer Ahmed Mir

Osteoblastoma of body of the talus—Report of a rare case with atypical radiological features

Osteoblastoma is a benign bone tumour found commonly in the spine and long tubular bones. Involvement of the talus is uncommon, and when present, is found in the neck of the talus. Osteoblastoma of the body of talus is a very rare entity. We report a young male, presenting as chronic ankle pain, with a radiolucent lesion with a thick periosteal shell in the body of the talus. Analysis of clinical, radiological and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of osteoblastoma. The case is reported for the rarity of the site and atypical radiological features that osteoblastoma can present with.

Pattern of rubber bullet injuries in the lower limbs: A report from Kashmir

Purpose Rubber bullets are considered a non-lethal method of crowd control and are being used over the world. However the literature regarding the pattern and management of these injuries is scarce for the forensic pathologist as well as for the traumatologist. The objective of this report was to add our experience to the existing literature. Methods From June 2008 to August 2010 the Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery Barzulla and the Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS Medical College/Hospital Bemina Srinagar received 28 patients for management of their orthopaedic injuries caused by rubber bullets. We documented all injuries and also recorded the management issues and complications that we encountered. Results All patients were males with an age range of 11–32 years and were civilians who had been hit by rubber bullets fired by the police and the paramilitary forces. Among them, 19 patients had injuries of the lower limbs and 9 patients had injuries of the upper limbs. All patients were received within 6 h of being shot. Conclusion Our findings suggest that these weapons are capable of causing significant injuries including fractures and it is important for the surgeon to be well versed with the management of such injuries especially in areas of unrest. The report is also supportive of the opinion that these weapons are lethal and should hence be reclassified.

Luxatio erecta: Inferior glenohumeral dislocation

Inferior dislocation of the shoulder, also called luxatio erecta, is a rare form of the otherwise common shoulder dislocation. It accounts for less than 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. A case involving the inferior dislocation of the shoulder is reported. A brief review of the presentation and management of the condition is described.

Mitchell's osteotomy in the management of hallux valgus: An Indian perspective.

Background: Hallux valgus is a common condition that affects the forefoot. A large number of procedures are described for managing this condition. Mitchells osteotomy and its modifications are being widely used for treating hallux valgus. However, most of the studies describe the results from the developed world. We present results of the classic Mitchells osteotomy in hallux valgus in Indian subcontinent. Materials and Methods: Forty eight adult patients (including 12 bilateral ones) in the age range of 18–60 years with hallux valgus were managed with the classic Mitchells osteotomy. Pain over the bunion was the reason for surgery in 53 of 60 feet and cosmesis in the remaining 7 feet. Patients with hallux valgus angle more than 20° and not responding to a trial of conservative treatment were included. Patients having metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (Grade II and higher), hallux rigidus, rheumatoid arthritis, and with subluxation of MTP joint were excluded from the study. Further, patients with first metatarsal more than 3 mm shorter than second metatarsal were also excluded. Results: The average follow-up period is 3 yrs (range 18months – 6yrs). About 55 feet (83%) were painless after surgery. Forty-two (70%) patients were happy with the cosmetic results of the surgery. Metatarsalgia was the reason for dissatisfaction with the procedure in five patients. The average correction of hallux valgus and the intermetatarsal angles achieved was 19.7° and 6.9°, respectively. Using the Broughton and Winson scoring system, 37 (61.7%) feet had excellent results, 18 (30%) had good, and five (8.3%) feet had a poor results. Conclusion: The classic Mitchells procedure is a simple procedure and gives good cosmetic and radiological results.

Problems, difficulties, and surgical complications of cubitus varus

Cubitus varus is a frequent sequela to supracondylar fractures of the humerus in the pediatric population. Often is it viewed as a cosmetic complication only, which may be an oversimplification and underestimation of the problem. We reviewed the literature to find the reported preoperative problems, intraoperative difficulties, and complications encountered by the patient and the surgeon in cubitus varus. Our review shows that there are a surprisingly large number of challenges, problems, and complications associated with this deformity. The surgeon should be aware of the problems a patient with cubitus varus faces as well as the potential difficulties in operative intervention.