Neslihan Aksu

Posterior Only Pedicle Screw Instrumentation With Intraoperative Halo-femoral Traction in the Surgical Treatment of Severe Scoliosis (>100°)

Study Design. Retrospective clinical study. Objective. To report the results of surgical correction achieved by intraoperative halo-femoral traction and posterior only pedicle screw instrumentation in severe scoliosis (scoliosis greater than 100°). Summary of Background Data. Although previous reports show the effectiveness of preoperative halo traction in the treatment of severe spinal deformity, the intraoperative use of halo-femoral traction in conjunction with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation has never been reported in patients with severe spinal deformity. Methods. A total of 15 consecutive patients with severe (>100°) thoracic idiopathic scoliosis and/or kyphoscoliosis operated by using intraoperative halo-femoral traction and posterior only pedicle screw instrumentation were included in the study. Subjects were analyzed by age at date of examination, gender, major coronal curve magnitude, major compensatory coronal curve magnitude, major sagittal curve magnitude, shoulder imbalance, and preoperative vital capacity of the lungs. Halo-traction related complications and short- and long-term complications were noted in each case. Results. The average age at the time of surgery was 17.8 years (range, 16–19). There were 4 males and 11 females. The average improvement was 51% in the major thoracic curve, 33% in the compensatory lumbar curve, and 53% in the major sagittal curve. The average follow-up was 56 (range, 24–96) months. Loss of correction averaged 4° for major thoracic curves and 2° for thoracic kyphosis based on measurements at the final follow-up date. Conclusion. The use of intraoperative halo-femoral traction together with the wide facet resection and posterior release gradually provide a good correction and balance maintained by pedicle screw instrumentation. Intraoperative halo-femoral traction not only elongates spinal column but also elongates the thoracic cavity improving the compromised pulmonary function.

The pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty augmentation in the surgical treatment of the severe osteoporotic spines.

Study Design Retrospective clinical study. Objective To present the early clinical results of pedicle screw fixation augmented by vertebroplasty using polymethylmethacrylate in severely osteoporotic patients requiring spine surgery due to the neurologic deficit. Summary of Background Data It is postulated that combining a formal vertebroplasty—that is, maximum filling of the trabecular space with polymethylmethacrylate—with pedicle screw placement in osteoporotic vertebrae could result in resistance to pullout forces significantly. Methods Between the years 2003 and 2006, pedicle screw placement with vertebroplasty augmentation was performed in 49 patients who had severe osteoporosis and who required spine surgery due to neurologic deficit. Eleven patients with less than 2 years of follow-up and 2 patients who died from unrelated illness were excluded from the study. Thirty-six of 49 patients having minimum 2 years of follow-up were included. Cement augmentation was also performed in segments proximal and distal to instrumentation to prevent junctional segment fractures. Early and late postoperative complications were recorded during follow-up. Results The mean postoperative follow-up was 37 (24 to 48) months. The average age of the patients was 66 (59 to 78) years. The instrumentation was performed meanly at 5 segments and vertebroplasty was performed averagely at 7 segments. All patients had the T-score value of less than −2.5 from the anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine and hip views, so regarded as severe osteoporosis. In our study group, there were no extravasation and subsequent thermal neural injury. Four superficial wound infections have been observed and they responded well to local debridement and antibiotics. There were no proximal and distal junctional segment fractures during the follow-up course. Postoperatively, all patients with neurologic symptoms had complete relief of their nerve compression symptoms. Conclusions In patients requiring spine surgery due to neurologic deficit and having no sufficient time for the medical treatment of severe osteoporosis, pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty augmentation and vertebroplasty in segments proximal and distal to the instrumented segments can be good alternative methods to provide well fixation and fusion while preventing proximal and distal junctional fractures. One should be careful about pulmonary cement embolism after such kind of procedures.

Complications encountered in proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate fixation

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the complications encountered following locking plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures. METHODS The study included 103 patients (70 females, 33 males; mean age 62 years; range 21 to 90 years) who were treated with open reduction and locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures between September 2005 and April 2009. Fixation was performed using the PHILOS locking plate in 93 patients, and S3 humerus plate in 10 patients. Postoperatively, a shoulder-arm sling was applied for six weeks and a standard rehabilitation program was used in all the patients. Intraoperative, acute postoperative, and late postoperative complications were assessed on radiographs. Varus inclination was defined as less than 120 degrees of the inclination angle on immediate postoperative radiographs, and varus displacement as postoperative increases in the varus angle. The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range 2 weeks to 43 months). RESULTS Complications were seen in 10 patients (9.7%; mean age 67 years). The PHILOS plate was used in nine patients and S3 plate was used in one patient. Five patients (4.9%) had varus inclination with a mean inclination angle of 112.6 degrees (range 105 degrees to 118 degrees), four patients (3.9%) developed varus displacement with a mean inclination angle of 102.5 degrees (range 95 degrees to 110 degrees), and intra-articular screw penetration was seen in five patients (4.9%). The remaining complications were fixation failure (n=1, 1%), implant fracture (n=1), and deep infection (n=1). Screw penetration exceeded 3 mm in three patients, requiring revision surgery. The mean ages of patients with varus inclination, varus displacement, and screw penetration were 76.6, 74.4, and 71 years, respectively. Three patients with varus inclination (60%) developed varus displacement. Screw penetration was observed in three patients (60%) with varus inclination, and in all patients with varus displacement. The mean Constant-Murley shoulder score was 67.8 (range 50 to 90) in patients who developed a complication. CONCLUSION Our findings show that locking plate and screw systems represent a significant treatment option in the treatment of comminuted and displaced humerus fractures, with low complication rates. Accurate indication, protection of the heads inclination angle through appropriate surgical approach and proper technique, and fine calculation of screw length are essential for successful functional results.

Delayed Rupture of the Extensor Hallucis Longus and Extensor Digitorum Communis Tendons After Breaching the Anterior Capsule with a Radiofrequency Probe During Ankle Arthroscopy: A Case Report

A 40-year-old man with early arthritis, loose bodies, and anterolateral joint impingement symptoms in his left ankle, which was refractory to noninvasive therapeutic modalities for 1 year, underwent ankle arthroscopy and radiofrequency thermal ablation. The anterior capsule of the ankle joint was breached by the radiofrequency probe while the loose bodies were removed from the anterior recess, exposing the extensor tendons and resulting in a delayed spontaneous rupture of the extensor hallucis longus tendon and extensor tendons to the second and third toes. The extensor hallucis longus tendon was repaired with a semitendinosus tendon graft, and extensor digitorum tendons underwent primary repair. The patient regained full function and was symptom free 1 year after surgery.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in diaphyseal humerus and proximal humerus fractures

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using locking plates in diaphyseal humerus and proximal humerus fractures. METHODS Nine patients who underwent open reduction and MIPO for the treatment of diaphyseal and proximal humerus fractures between June 2006 and October 2009 were included in this study. One S3(®) and 8 PHILOS(®) plates were used. Mean age was 75.2 (range: 32 to 86) years and all patients were females. Mean follow-up was 33.9 (range: 14.8 to 54.8) months. According to AO/ASIF classification, four patients had 12C1, two patients 12A1, one patient 12A2, and two patients 11A2 fractures. Axillary and radial nerves were explored and protected in all patients. Patients were evaluated radiographically for union and functionally using the Constant-Murley score. RESULTS None of the patients had nonunion, avascular necrosis, axillary or radial nerve paralysis or implant failure. Mean Constant-Murley score was 86.8 ± 2.2 (range: 70 to 100). Mean union time was 3.2 (range: 2.5 to 5) months. CONCLUSION MIPO of humerus diaphysis and proximal fractures allows for preservation of blood supply in fracture fragments, owing to less soft tissue and periosteal injury. When the procedure is performed with the lateral double incision, exposure and preservation of the axillary and radial nerves are necessary. Early return of function in the shoulder and elbow joints and favorable healing time are the major advantages of this method in this rare subset of humerus fractures.

The results of internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with the PHILOS locking plate

OBJECTIVES Proximal and diaphyseal humeral fractures are common especially in the elderly, presenting as a challenging problem due to their high complication rates following surgical treatment. In this prospective study, we evaluated the results of patients treated with the PHILOS (Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System) locking plate, a new technique recently developed by the AO/ASIF. METHODS Forty-one patients who were treated with the PHILOS plate for proximal humeral fractures were evaluated in two age groups. Group A included 24 patients (12 males, 12 females; mean age 47 years; range 24 to 64 years) younger than 65 years, and group B involved 17 patients (4 males, 13 females; mean age 78 years; range 67 to 90 years) at or above 65 years. Radiographically, all fractures were classified according to the AO/ASIF system. Surgery was performed with the deltopectoral approach in 10 and two patients, and with a deltoid split in 14 and 15 patients in group A and B, respectively. Functional and radiographic results were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 6 to 28 months). RESULTS The mean Constant scores were 95.0 (range 74 to 100) and 92.8 (range 72 to 100) in group A and B, respectively (p>0.05). After six months of surgery, Constant scores and functional outcomes were similar in patients operated on with the deltopectoral approach or deltoid split. There was neither nonunion nor implant failure. Complications included intra-articular screw penetration (n=1), displacement of the greater tuberculum (n=1) with oblique placement of the plate (n=1), insufficient reduction (n=4), and varus displacement of the humeral head (n=3). No avascular necrosis was seen. CONCLUSION Locking plate system is superior over other means of fixation methods, particularly in osteoporotic fractures, because it allows early rehabilitation and does not result in implant failure.

Fractures of the fingers missed or misdiagnosed on poorly positioned or poorly taken radiographs: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Missed fractures, the most common diagnostic error in emergency departments, are usually the result of a misread radiograph or the failure to obtain a radiograph. However, a poorly positioned or poorly taken radiograph may also result in diagnostic errors. We sought to analyze the frequency of missed or misdiagnosed finger fractures that could be attributed to inadequate radiographs. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of the hand surgery divisions of Istanbul Bilim University Medical Faculty Hospital and the Orthopedics Department of Private Florence Nightingale Hospital between January 2008 and March 2010 for patients with fractures of the fingers that had been missed or misdiagnosed on the basis of inadequate radiographs. RESULTS In 182 patients, we identified 7 missed and 7 misdiagnosed fractures of the fingers because of inadequate radiographs. Lack of a true lateral radiographic view of the fingers or a true anteroposterior radiographic view of the thumb was the most frequent reason for diagnostic errors (71%; 10 of 14), leading to missed fractures in six patients and to misdiagnosed fractures in four patients. Superimposition of the fingers on lateral radiographs led to misjudging of displaced proximal phalangeal fractures of the fifth finger in three patients. CONCLUSION Diagnostic errors attributed to inadequate radiographs are rare. Proper radiographic evaluation of finger trauma requires at least true anteroposterior and lateral views. An oblique view can complement the lateral view but not replace it. Poor quality radiographs or inadequate views should never be accepted or used as a basis for treatment.

Simultaneous repair of chronic full-thickness rotator cuff tears during fixation of proximal humerus fractures and clinical results

OBJECTIVES We investigated the incidence of chronic rotator cuff tears encountered during fixation of proximal humerus fractures with locking plate-screw systems, and evaluated the functional results of simultaneous surgical repair of these injuries. METHODS A total of 111 patients underwent surgical treatment for proximal humerus fractures. Of these, nine patients (8 females, 1 male; mean age 73 years; range 56 to 84 years) who had concomitant chronic full-thickness rotator cuff tears were included in the study. According to the AO classification, the fractures were type 11A1 (12C1 also present) in one patient, 11A2 (12C2 also present) in one patient, 11B1 in two patients, 11B2 in three patients, and 11C2 in two patients. None of the patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Fracture fixation was made with the PHILOS plate in five patients, and with the S3 Proximal Humerus Plate in four patients. All full-thickness rotator cuff tears were detected during the operation. Following open reduction and internal fixation after a deltoid splitting incision, rotator cuff tears were repaired by primary suture in two patients, and with a suture anchor in seven patients. All the patients used a padded shoulder-arm sling for six weeks and received a standard rehabilitation program. All the patients were evaluated radiographically and functionally using the Constant-Murley shoulder score at postoperative 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months (range 8 to 30 months). RESULTS The incidence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears was 8.1%. All the patients had supraspinatus tears, which were accompanied by infraspinatus tears in three patients. The sizes of the tears were classified as large (between 3-5 cm) in three patients, intermediate (between 1-3 cm) in five patients, and small (<1 cm) in one patient. One patient had L-shaped, two patients had U-shaped, and six patients had C-shaped tears. None of the patients had healing problems or avascular necrosis. The mean Constant-Murley shoulder score was 85.4 (range 67 to 100). All the patients were satisfied with the results of surgical treatment. CONCLUSION The integrity of the rotator cuff must be checked after reduction and fixation of proximal humerus fractures and, when present, the tears should be repaired simultaneously either primarily or with suture anchors. Simultaneous repair of rotator cuff tears does not negatively affect functional outcomes.

Surgical treatment of elbow dislocations accompanied by coronoid fractures

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for elbow dislocations accompanied by Regan-Morrey type 2-3 coronoid fractures. METHODS Eight patients (6 males, 2 females; mean age 44 years; range 23 to 76 years) underwent surgical treatment for elbow dislocations accompanied by a coronoid fracture. Three patients had Regan-Morrey type 2, five patients had type 3 coronoid fractures. Accompanying injuries were Mason-Johnston type 4 radial head fractures (n=6), olecranon fractures (n=4), lateral humeral condyle fracture (n=1), and lateral (n=5) or medial (n=2) collateral ligament ruptures. Coronoid fractures were fixed with a plate, screw, or a cerclage wire in all the patients except for one patient who underwent coronoid excision. For radial head fractures, plate or screw and K-wire fixation was performed in two patients and radial head prosthesis was used in four patients. Olecranon fractures were fixed with a plate or AO tension band. Functional results were assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score. The mean follow-up period was 22.6 months (range 1 to 65.5 months). RESULTS Union was achieved in all the patients. At the latest assessments, the mean Mayo elbow performance score was 84.3 (range 50 to 100). All the patients expressed satisfaction with surgical treatment except for one patient who underwent coronoid excision. All the fixation materials used for olecranon fractures were removed after union due to implant-associated pain. Ulnar nerve transposition was required in two patients with fractures involving the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process. Two patients developed heterotopic ossification that did not affect the range of motion of the elbow. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of elbow dislocations associated with Regan-Morrey type 2-3 coronoid fractures enables a concentric reduction of the elbow, stability, and early motion.

Treatment of Type 3 Arthrofibrosis Following Arthroscopic Reconstruction of ACL and Posterolateral Corner Injury with Tibia Plateau Fracture in a Professional Dancer: A Case Report

Objectives: Arthrofibrosis is a serious complication following the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) injury. Loss of motion caused by arthrofibrosis can be disabling in young and active patients. We report the clinical results of the treatment of arthrofibrosis following arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with ipsilateral hamstring tendon graft and surgically repairing PLC with 2 suture anchors in a 30 year-old professional dancer, treated with surgical lysis and manipulation under general anesthesia followed by aggressive physical therapy. Methods: A 30 year-old male professional dancer presented with pain, effusion and severe instability in his left knee after falling in a dance event. The pain was evaluated on Visual analog scale (VAS) as 6 to 8. At the physical examination, anterior drawer test was evaluated as grade 3, pivot shift test, varus test, dial test and posterolateral drawer test were found positive. The Tegner Lysholm score was evaluated as 22 (poor). Under general anesthesia, left knee had tendency to external rotation and recurvatum when leg was suspended by toes. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed the presence of a total ACL rupture, PLC injury and a fracture of lateral tibia plateau. The patient was treated with arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with ipsilateral hamstring tendon graft fixed with endobutton through femoral tunnel and bio interference screw through tibial tunnel and PLC injury was treated with 2 suture anchors. Postoperatively first day, quadriceps musculature and active and passive ROM exercises was trained. During postoperatively third week, the patient was allowed to mobilize nonweight bearing with the use of two crutches without functional knee brace. At the sixth week, arthroscopic lysis was performed due to type 3 arthrofibrosis. At the tenth week, manipulation was performed to the left knee under general anesthesia. Results: At the 3 month- follow-up, the patient achieved full symmetric restoration of motion and he had returned to full daily activities. The Tegner Lysholm score was evaluated as 94 (excellent) postoperatively. Functional examination of the left knee reveled 155 of flexion, and full knee extension. The complaint of instability was disappeared. At 9 month-follow-up, clinical findings were unremarkable, with no sign of re-rupture and arthrofibrosis and he returned to his professional dance career. Conclusion: In the literature there is not any consensus regarding the management and rehabilitation intervention for arthrofibrosis in young athletes or professional dancers. The best treatment method is preventing the arthrofibrosis once it has occurred with surgical lysis and aggressive physical therapy. The combined surgical treatment and physiotherapy described in this case report may assist clinicians in the treatment of arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL and PLC injury.