Rajesh Rohilla

Locking plate fixation in distal metaphyseal tibial fractures: series of 79 patients

Open reduction and internal fixation in distal tibial fractures jeopardises fracture fragment vascularity and often results in soft tissue complications. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis, if possible, offers the best possible option as it permits adequate fixation in a biological manner. Seventy-nine consecutive adult patients with distal tibial fractures, including one patient with a bilateral fracture of the distal tibia, treated with locking plates, were retrospectively reviewed. The 4.5-mm limited-contact locking compression plate (LC-LCP) was used in 33 fractures, the metaphyseal LCP in 27 fractures and the distal medial tibial LCP in the remaining 20 fractures. Fibula fixation was performed in the majority of comminuted fractures (n = 41) to maintain the second column of the ankle so as to achieve indirect reduction and to prevent collapse of the fracture. There were two cases of delayed wound breakdown in fractures fixed with the 4.5-mm LC-LCP. Five patients required primary bone grafting and three patients required secondary bone grafting. All cases of delayed union (n = 7) and nonunion (n = 3) were observed in cases where plates were used in bridge mode. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with LCP was observed to be a reliable method of stabilisation for these fractures. Peri-operative docking of fracture ends may be a good option in severely impacted fractures with gap. The precontoured distal medial tibial LCP was observed to be a better tolerated implant in comparison to the 4.5-mm LC-LCP or metaphyseal LCP with respect to complications of soft tissues, bone healing and functional outcome, though its contour needs to be modified.

Bladder management methods and urological complications in spinal cord injury patients

Background: The optimal bladder management method should preserve renal function and minimize the risk of urinary tract complications. The present study is conducted to assess the overall incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) and other urological complications in spinal cord injury patients (SCI), and to compare the incidence of these complications with different bladder management subgroups. Materials and Methods: 545 patients (386 males and 159 females) of traumatic spinal cord injury with the mean age of 35.4±16.2 years (range, 18 – 73 years) were included in the study. The data regarding demography, bladder type, method of bladder management, and urological complications, were recorded. Bladder management methods included indwelling catheterization in 224 cases, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in 180 cases, condom drainage in 45 cases, suprapubic cystostomy in 24 cases, reflex voiding in 32 cases, and normal voiding in 40 cases. We assessed the incidence of UTI and bacteriuria as the number of episodes per hundred person-days, and other urological complications as percentages. Results: The overall incidence of bacteriuria was 1.70 / hundred person-days. The overall incidenceof urinary tract infection was 0.64 / hundered person-days. The incidence of UTI per 100 person-days was 2.68 for indwelling catheterization, 0.34 for CIC, 0.34 for condom drainage, 0.56 for suprapubic cystostomy, 0.34 for reflex voiding, and 0.32 for normal voiding. Other urological complications recorded were urethral stricture (n=66, 12.1%), urethritis (n=78, 14.3%), periurethral abscess (n=45, 8.2%), epididymorchitis (n=44, 8.07%), urethral false passage (n=22, 4.03%), urethral fistula (n=11, 2%), lithiasis (n=23, 4.2%), hematuria (n=44, 8.07%), stress incontinence (n=60, 11%), and pyelonephritis (n=6, 1.1%). Clean intermittent catheterization was associated with lower incidence of urological complications, in comparison to indwelling catheterization. Conclusions: Urinary tract complications largely appeared to be confined to the lower urinary tract. The incidence of UTI and other urological complications is lower in patients on CIC in comparison to the patients on indwelling catheterizations. Encouraging CIC; early recognition and treatment of the UTI and urological complications; and a regular follow up is necessary to reduce the medical morbidity.

Quality of life of people with spinal cord injury in Northern India.

This is a prospective longitudinal descriptive study to prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL) in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population in Northern India and identify any association between clinical variables and QoL; and, finally, to see the impact of remedial measures taken to improve QoL over time. Fifty persons with SCI were surveyed for medical problems, neurological status and social adjustments in Northern India. QoL was determined on the Global QoL scale (Visual Analogue Scale) and follow-up assessment was performed 6 months later to examine the impact of remedial measures over time. Thirty-six (72%) men and 14 (28%) women participated. Mean age and duration of injury were 37.7 and 3.7 years, respectively. Bladder problems (44%), bedsores (36%), gastrointestinal problems (56%), neuropathic pain (42%) and spasticity (60%) were the most common medical problems. Age, education, marital status and duration of injury were not associated with significant difference on QoL scores. Female sex, employment, mobility, autonomy, cordial partner relations and good social adjustment were associated with higher scores of QoL. Mean Global QoL scores were 54.3 and 63.7 at the initial survey and at the 6-month follow-up survey, respectively. In a community-based sample of SCI in Northern India, a good-to-fair QoL was found. It is reasonable to believe that understanding and taking appropriate remedial measures through more comprehensive rehabilitation programmes will play a vital role in enhancement of QoL in persons with SCI.

Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: a retrospective analysis of two treatment methods.

BackgroundNo consensus exists regarding the optimal treatment of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. The three major issues related to these fractures are the optimal timing of surgery, which fracture to stabilize first, and the optimal implant to use. In an effort to find answers to these three key issues, we report our experience of managing 27 patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures by using two different treatment methods, i.e., reconstruction-type intramedullary nailing and various plate combinations.Materials and methodsWe divided patients into two groups. Group I included 15 patients (13 males and 2 females) who were operated with cancellous lag screws or dynamic hip screws (DHS) for fractured neck and compression plate fixation for fractured shaft of the femur. Group II included 12 patients (11 males and 1 female) who were operated with reconstruction-type intramedullary nailing.ResultsMean age was 33.2 and 37.9 years in group I and II, respectively. Mean delay in surgery was 5.9 and 5.4 days in group I and II, respectively. Average union time for femoral neck fracture in groups I and II were 15.2 and 17.1 weeks, respectively; and for shaft fracture these times were 20.3 and 22.8 weeks, respectively. There were 13 (86.6%) good, 1 (6.7%) fair and 1 (6.7%) poor functional results in group I. There were 10 (83.3%) good, 1 (8.3%) fair and 1 (8.3%) poor functional results in group II.ConclusionsBoth of the treatment methods used in the present study achieved satisfactory functional outcome in these complex fractures. Fixation with plate for shaft and screws or DHS for hip is easy from a technical point of view. Choice of the treatment method should be dictated primarily by the type of femoral neck fracture and the surgeon’s familiarity with the treatment method chosen. The femoral neck fracture should preferably be stabilized first, and a delay of 5–6 days does not affect the ultimate functional outcome.

Diagnostic significance of radiologic measurements in posterior heel pain.

BACKGROUND Posterior heel pain is a common complaint in both athlete and non-athlete. For diagnosis of etiology certain angles, lines and soft tissue parameters have been developed in the literature to describe the calcaneal prominence and its relationship to Achilles tendon and its bursae. OBJECTIVES A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic values of these angles, lines and soft tissue parameters in posterior heel pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-one painful heels in 58 patients (30 males and 28 females, mean+/-S.D. age; 41.4+/-10.82 years) were clinically and radiologically examined. This was compared with 50 heels in 25 control subjects. A lateral weight bearing film of the foot was taken to calculate different angles, lines and soft tissue parameters mentioned in the literature. RESULTS There were 45 Pavlovs parallel pitch line positives and using test of Denis and Huber-Levernieux in only one posterior superior crest extended beyond vertical tangential. There was only one heel with Fowler & Philip angle >75 degrees. There were 10 heels with Steffensen & Evensen angle >65, 5 heels with total angle >90 degrees and 52 heels with Chauveaux-Liet angle >12 degrees. There were 73% true positive for Chauveaux-Liet angle and 63% true positive for parallel pitch line. Among soft tissue parameters ill defined retrocalcaneal recess was present in 61 symptomatic heels, plantar spur in 42 heels, posterior calcaneal step in 33 heels, Achilles tendon calcification in 29 heels, superficial tendo-Achilles bursitis in 58 heels, posterior calcaneal spur in 31 heels and antero posterior diameter of tendo-Achilles more than 9 mm in 68 symptomatic heels. CONCLUSION Parallel pitch lines, Chauveaux-Liet angle, ill-defined retrocalcaneal recess, superficial tendo-Achilles bursa and anteroposterior diameter of Achilles tendon more than 9 mm about 2 cm above insertion are reliable objective diagnostic indicators of bony deformity of calcaneus and soft tissue affection in patients with posterior heel pain. It is the combination of these bony and soft tissue parameters, which enhance the diagnostic certitude.

Longitudinal study of body composition in spinal cord injury patients

Background: Bone mass loss and muscle atrophy are the frequent complications occurring after spinal cord injury (SCI). The potential risks involved with these changes in the body composition have implications for the health of the SCI individual. Thus, there is a need to quantitate and monitor body composition changes accurately in an individual with SCI. Very few longitudinal studies have been reported in the literature to assess body composition and most include relatively small number of patients. The present prospective study aimed to evaluate the body composition changes longitudinally by DEXA in patients with acute SCI. Materials and Methods: Ninety five patients with acute SCI with neurological deficits were evaluated for bone mineral content (BMC), body composition [lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass] by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during the first year of SCI. Results: There was a significant decrease in BMC (P < 0.05) and LBM (P < 0.05) and increase in total body fat mass (TBFM) and percentage fat at infra-lesional sites. The average decrease was 14.5% in BMC in lower extremities, 20.5% loss of LBM in legs and 15.1% loss of LBM in trunk, and increase of 0.2% in fat mass in legs and 17.3% increased fat in the lower limbs at 1 year. The tetraplegic patients had significant decrease in arm BMC (P < 0.001), arm LBM (P < 0.01) and fat percentage (P < 0.01) compared to paraplegics. Patients with complete motor injury had higher values of TBFM and fat percentage, but comparable values of BMC and LBM to patients with incomplete motor injury. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is a marked decrease in BMC and LBM with increase in adiposity during the first year of SCI. Although these changes depend on the level and initial severity of lesions, they are also influenced by the neurological recovery after SCI.

Conservatively treated acetabular fractures: A retrospective analysis

Background: There are a few studies reporting the long term outcome of conservatively treated acetabular fractures. The present study aims to evaluate the quality of reduction, and radiological and functional outcome in displaced acetabular fractures treated conservatively. Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine patients (55 men and 14 women) with 71 displaced acetabular fractures (mean age 38.6 years) managed conservatively were retrospectively evaluated. There were 11 posterior wall, 5 posterior column, 6 anterior column, 13 transverse, 2 posterior column with posterior wall, 9 transverse with posterior wall, 6 T-shaped, 1 anterior column with posterior hemi-transverse, and 18 both-column fractures. The follow-up radiographs were graded according to the criteria developed by Matta J. Functional outcome was assessed using Harris hip score and Merle d’Aubigne and Postel score at final followup. Average follow-up was 4.34 years (range 2–11 years). Results: Patients with congruent reduction (n=45) had good or excellent functional outcome. Radiologic outcome in incongruent reduction (n=26) was good or excellent in 6 and fair or poor in 20 hips. The functional outcome in patients with incongruent reduction was good or excellent in 16 and satisfactory or poor in 10 hips. Good to excellent radiologic and functional outcome was achieved in all patients with posterior wall fractures including four having more than 50% of broken wall. Good to excellent functional outcome was observed in 88.8% of both-column fractures with secondary congruence despite medial subluxation. Conclusions: Nonoperative treatment of acetabular fractures can give good radiological and functional outcome in congruent reduction. Posterior wall fractures with a congruous joint without subluxation on computed tomography axial section, posterior column, anterior column, infratectal transverse or T-shaped, and both-column fractures may be managed conservatively. Small osteochondral fragments in the cotyloid fossa or non–weight-bearing part of the hip with a congruous joint do not seem to adversely affect the functional outcome. Displaced transverse fractures with “V” sign may require operative treatment.

Surgery for pressure ulcers improves general health and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury.

Abstract Study Design: Prospective clinical study. Background: Pressure ulcers interfere with the rehabilitation process in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and are a significant deterrent to participation in activities that contribute to independent, productive, and satisfying life. Objective: To evaluate the effect of surgery for pressure ulcers on general health and quality of life in patients with SCI. Setting: Tertiary care center in northern India. Methods: Various types of flap surgery were performed on 30 patients with SCI and 32 pressure ulcers (stages III and IV). Outcome was evaluated using general improvement in health (hemoglobin, serum proteins, and general well-being), patient satisfaction, and global quality of life scores (according to the visual analog scale). Results: At admission, the mean values of global quality of life, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 50.15 (range, 30–65), 8.75 g/dL (range, 6–12 g/dL), 3.12 g/dL (range, 2.9−4.3 g/dL), and 5.21 (range, 5–6.2 g/dL), respectively. At 6-month follow up, mean values of global quality of life score, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 87.36 (range, 44–96), 10.85 g/dL (range, 8.2−13.5 g/dL), 3.89 g/dL (range, 3.2−4.5 g/dL), and 6.43 g/dL (range, 5.85−6.70 g/dL), respectively. The overall rise in quality of life scores, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins was statistically significant. Most of the patients (76.7%) reported improvement in subjective well-being, and 83.3% were satisfied with the ultimate outcome of the surgery. Conclusion: Results suggest that surgery for stages III and IV pressure ulcers offers the greatest benefit to the patients in terms of improvement in general health (anemia, hypoproteinemia, and general well-being) and quality of life.

Functional Outcome in Athletes at Five Years of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome in competitive level athletes at 5 years after ACL reconstruction with regard to return to sports and the factors or reasons in those who either stopped sports or showed a fall in their sporting levels. Methods. 48 competitive athletes who had undergone arthroscopic assisted ACL reconstruction with a minimum follow up of at least 5 years were successfully recalled and were analyzed. Results. 22 patients had returned to the preinjury levels of sports and 18 showed a decrease in their sporting levels. Of the 18 patients, 12 referred to fear of reinjuring the same or contra-lateral knee as the prime reason for the same while 6 patients reported persisting knee pain and instability as reasons for a fall in their sporting abilities. The difference in the scores of these groups was statistically significant. 8 patients out of the 48 had left sports completely due to reasons other than sports, even though they had good knee outcome scores. Conclusion. Fear of reinjury and psychosocial issues that are relevant to the social milieu of the athlete are very important and affect the overall results of the surgery with respect to return to sports.

Outcome of Pedicle Screw Fixation and Monosegmental Fusion in Patients with Fresh Thoracolumbar Fractures

Study Design Prospective clinical study. Purpose The present prospective study aims to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional and quality of life outcomes in patients with fresh thoracolumbar fractures managed by posterior instrumentation of the spine, using pedicle screw fixation and monosegmental fusion. Overview of Literature The goals of treatment in thoracolumbar fractures are restoring vertebral column stability and obtaining spinal canal decompression, leading to early mobilization of the patient. Methods Sixty-six patients (46 males and 20 females) of thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficit were stabilized with pedicle screw fixation and monosegmental fusion. Clinical, radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results The mean preoperative values of Sagittal index, and compression percentage of the height of the fractured vertebra were 22.75° and 46.73, respectively, improved (statistically significant) to 12.39°, and 24.91, postoperatively. The loss of correction of these values at one year follow-up was not statistically significant. The mean preoperative canal compromise (%) improved from 65.22±17.61 to 10.06±5.31 at one year follow-up. There was a mean improvement in the grade of 1.03 in neurological status from the preoperative to final follow-up at one year. Average Denis work scale index was 4.1. Average Denis pain scale index was 2.5. Average WHOQOL-BREF showed reduced quality of life in these patients. Patients of early surgery group (operated within 7 days of injury) had a greater mean improvement of neurological grade, radiological and functional outcomes than those in the late surgery group, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions Posterior surgical instrumentation using pedicle screws with posterolateral fusion is safe, reliable and effective method in the management of fresh thoracolumbar fractures. Fusion helps to decrease the postoperative correction loss of radiological parameters. There is no correlation between radiographic corrections achieved for deformities and functional outcome and quality of life post spinal cord injury.