Panagiotis K. Karampinas

Radiation-free distal locking of intramedullary nails: Evaluation of a new electromagnetic computer-assisted guidance system

Distal locking of intramedullary nails (IMNs) is a difficult part of intramedullary nailing (IMN) that could be time-consuming and expose the surgeon, the surgery personnel and the patient to a considerable amount of radiation as fluoroscopy is usually guiding the procedure. Utilization of electromagnetic fields for that purpose offers an attractive alternative. The SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System (Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA) is a novel commercially available radiation-free aiming system that utilizes computerized electromagnetic field tracking technology for the distal locking of IMNs. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the system we conducted the present study. Nineteen patients (six females-thirteen males, mean age 39.5 years, range 17-85 years) with closed diaphyseal fracture of the femur (eight patients) or the tibia (eleven patients) were treated with IMN using the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System for the distal interlocking. All targeting attempts were successful at first try and followed by correct positioning of the screws. Mean time for distal locking of tibial IMNs (two screws) was 219sec (range 200-250sec). Mean time for distal locking of femoral IMNs (two screws) was 249 (range 220-330sec). In the current study the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System proved to be accurate, fast and easy to learn.

Conservative treatment of an anterior-lateral ankle dislocation without an associated fracture in a diabetic patient: a case report

Anterior or anterior-lateral dislocation of the ankle is a rare condition that can be treated conservatively as well as any other similar types of ankle dislocations without associated fractures. We present a case report of an anterior-lateral ankle dislocation with a concomitant avulsion injury of the ankles anterior capsule in a diabetic patient that was treated conservatively. At the patients visit 12 months after the initial injury, he was asymptomatic with full range of motion of the ankle joint. To our knowledge, we could not identify this type of an injury in a diabetic patient that was treated successfully with conservative treatment in the existing literature.

Isolated Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Porous Tantalum A Pilot Study

Background: During reconstructive procedures of the hindfoot, a structural graft is often needed to fill gaps. To eliminate donor site morbidity and limited availability of autografts, porous tantalum was used. Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis by means of trabecular metal augment were reviewed retrospectively. The results were evaluated clinically, with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and were assessed radiologically. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. Results: Computed tomography showed sound fusion. There was a marked increase in AOFAS scores and a decrease in VAS scores. Arthrodesis was achieved in all cases with no major postoperative complications. Radiographically, there was a marked increase in all measured parameters (talocalcaneal angle, talocalcaneal height, talar declination angle), and the intraoperatively achieved correction was maintained at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion: Our data suggest that porous tantalum may be used as a structural graft option for subtalar arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Currents of plate osteosynthesis in osteoporotic bone

Osteoporotic fractures are becoming more prevalent with ageing of populations worldwide. Inadequate fixation or prolonged immobilization after non-surgical care leads to serious life-threatening events, poor functional results and lifelong disability. Thus, a stable internal fixation and rapid initiation of rehabilitation are required for faster return of function. Conventional internal fixation attempts to achieve the exact anatomy, often with extended soft-tissue stripping and compression of the periosteum, causing disturbance of the metaphyseal and comminuted fracture’s bone blood supply. This technique relies on frictional forces between bone and plate. Osteoporotic bone might not be able to generate enough torque with the screw to securely fix the plate to bone. Thus, this surgical management have resulted in increased incidence of poor results in elderly, osteoporotic patients. The newly developed locked internal fixators, locking compression plates and less invasive stabilization system, consist of plate and screw systems where the screws are locked in the plate, minimizing the compressive forces exerted between plate and bone. Thus, the plate does not need to compress the bone nor requires precise anatomical contouring of a plate disturbing the periosteal blood supply. These fixators allowed the development of the minimal invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis. Nowadays, locking plates are the fixation method of choice for osteoporotic, diaphyseal or metaphyseal, severely comminuted fractures.

The use of core track endoscopy to document accurate decompression of the femoral head.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of endoscopy as diagnostic and prognostic method for Ficat and Steinberg stage IIIA and IIIB lesions by assessing the efficacy, risks and complications of this method. In a prospective study from January 2008 until September 2013, nine patients (13 hips) were assessed. In nine hips the disease was stage II, in three hips stage III and in one hip stage IV. Evaluation included x-rays, magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy. After femoral head decompression, the borders of the removed necrotic area were investigated under direct visualisation by means of endoscopy in order to assess the vitality status of the surrounding bone. Endoscopic evaluation was successful in nine hips. The visualisation of healthy bone borders after removing the necrotic bone was not possible in four cases. The preoperative MRI findings were in correlation to our endoscopic findings in five out of nine cases. There were no cases of cartilage perforation, femoral neck fracture and other intra and postoperative complications. Endoscopic evaluation of the removed necrotic bone can greatly improve the therapeutic effect by visualising the borders of the decompressed bone area and provide information regarding the necessity for bone graft and the type of graft required.

Confronting hip resurfacing and big femoral head replacement gait analysis

Improved hip kinematics and bone preservation have been reported after resurfacing total hip replacement (THRS). On the other hand, hip kinematics with standard total hip replacement (THR) is optimized with large diameter femoral heads (BFH-THR). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of THRS and BFH-THR and correlate these results to bone preservation or the large femoral heads. Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Gait speed, postural balance, proprioception and overall performance. Our results demonstrated a non-statistically significant improvement in gait, postural balance and proprioception in the THRS confronting to BFH-THR group. THRS provide identical outcomes to traditional BFH-THR. The THRS choice as bone preserving procedure in younger patients is still to be evaluated.

Congenital variations of the upper cervical spine and their importance in preoperative diagnosis. A case report and a review of the literature

Several variations of the bony and vascular anatomy around the first and second cervical vertebrae have been reported. Failure to recognise these variations can complicate operations on the upper cervical spine. We present a patient with recent onset of cervical myelopathy due to stenosis at the C3–4 level. Preoperative evaluation identified Klippel-Feil syndrome with cervical fusion of C2–3, aplasia of posterior arch of C1, anomalous vertebral artery course and a “ponticulus posticus” of C2. The combination of these variations in a Klippel-Feil syndrome patient has never been reported. Thus, we recommend a thorough preoperative imaging evaluation, with CT scan and CT angiography or DSA, in addition to plain radiographs. This evaluation is imperative, before a cervical spine surgery, allowing a better understanding of the anatomy, in order to minimise the risks of misplacement of cervical instrumentation especially in such patients.

Salvage of failed hip osteosynthesis for fractures with modular hip prosthesis

Background/purpose Treating options of failed internal fixation include revision fixation and salvage arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results, complications and the final functional outcome associated with modular hip arthroplasty.MethodsModular arthroplasty was performed in 11 patients due to failed treatment of peritrochanteric fracture. Each patient examination included Trendelenburg test, Harris Hip Score, SF-36, and X-rays of the hip. Examinations were recorded and a paired t test was applied for further statistic analysis.ResultsTwo years postoperatively, four patients referred no hip pain, seven patients claimed for slight or mild pain, and three patients presented with moderate pain. Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference equally for Harris Hip Score and SF-36.ConclusionThe use of modular stems during salvage arthroplasty can decrease the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The final outcome for the patient is satisfactory with functional improvement of the hip.

Outcome of Percutaneous Fixation of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Background: Conservative treatment of an acute Achilles rupture remains a viable and acceptable option as does surgical fixation, with open and percutaneous repair consisting the main operative techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and complication rates of open versus percutaneous surgical procedures. Methods: From 2009 to 2016, 131 patients were admitted to our department with clinically and radiologically confirmed acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Of those, 82 patients met our inclusion criteria and were randomized into 2 groups, group A (open repair) and group B (percutaneous suturing). Suture equipment was the same for both groups. All patients followed the same rehabilitation protocol. Functional evaluation was made using American Orthopaedic Ankle & Foot Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaires at the 12-month follow-up. Ankle range of motion (ROM), return-to-work time, and complication rates were additionally measured. Results: Both techniques had similar results regarding complication rates and return-to-work time. The major complication in group A was superficial infection (7%) and skin necrosis (3%), whereas 3 patients in group B developed paresthesias due to sural nerve entrapment. Patients in group B had better AOFAS hindfoot (96/100) and ATRS (95/100) scores, but the difference was not significant. ROM was similar in both groups at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: Percutaneous suturing seems to be a safe and effective technique that offers good functional outcomes and low complication rates in patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures who elect to have surgery. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective case series.

Early clinical and functional results of short modular femoral metaphyseal stem hip arthroplasty: a pilot study

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term results, complications, and functional outcomes associated with short femoral metaphyseal hip arthroplasty. Methods:Twenty-nine hips with coxarthrosis were included in the study. Each patient had outpatient clinical examination and follow-up (mean 20 mo) with evaluation using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) score, Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the hip. Results:Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the preoperative and the postoperative outcome scores. The radiographic evaluation revealed no differences. No one had cup or femoral implant loosening and no heterotopic ossification. Conclusions:This study showed that a short femoral metaphyseal stem can obtain early satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes without compromising implant stability. Future investigations should evaluate whether such results may be maintained after a longer time.