Sahil Gaba

Analysis of functional outcome of Hoffa fractures: A retrospective review of 32 patients

Purpose: Hoffa fractures are uncommon intra-articular fractures of femoral condyle in coronal plane. The purpose of our study is to assess radiologic and functional outcome in operatively treated Hoffa fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients of isolated Hoffa fracture from January 2010 to March 2015. All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using lateral approach for lateral Hoffa and medial approach for medial Hoffa fracture. Cancellous screws in lag mode and/or antiglide plate were employed for fixation in accordance with fracture anatomy. All patients were subjected to aggressive physical therapy postoperatively. Knee Society Score (KSS), International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC), and Knee range of motion (ROM) were documented at final follow-up for functional evaluation. Results: All fractures united by mean time of 11.56 ± 1.5 weeks. No evidence of subsequent displacement or fixation failure, arthritis, Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral condyle was elicited in any of the patients. Documented mean KSS and mean IKDC Score at final follow-up were 83.19 ± 8.43 and 81.62± 6.95, respectively. ROM at final follow-up was ranging from 0° to mean 116.41° ± 13.98°. Complications included stiffness of the involved knee in four patients, including one patient who developed infection and had to undergo implant removal after fracture union. Conclusion: Operative treatment of Hoffa fractures yields fairly good functional outcome. One must endeavor to achieve adequate intraoperative exposure and stable congruous articular reconstruction. Early aggressive physical therapy is a harbinger of optimal outcome.

In vivo comparison of a fixed loop (EndoButton CL) with an adjustable loop (TightRope RT) device for femoral fixation of the graft in ACL reconstruction: A prospective randomized study and a literature review

Introduction: There is a lack of in vivo studies comparing the functional outcome and knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using fixed loop (EndoButton (EB) CL) and adjustable loop (TightRope (TR) RT) devices for femoral fixation of soft tissue grafts. Materials and methods: Functional outcomes were assessed in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, knee stability by anteroposterior laxity and side-to-side difference (SSD) using KT-1000 arthrometer. The evaluation was performed preoperatively and post-operatively at 6 months and 2 years. Results: Both groups were matched in terms of demographic, preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative covariates. EB (n = 52) appeared to have better IKDC and Lysholm scores at 6 months post-operative when compared to TR (n = 50). However, at a final follow-up of 2 years, the results were similar. The anterior tibial translation and SSD were statistically insignificant between the two groups at 6 months and 2 years. Conclusion: ACLR using EB or TR for femoral fixation gives substantially equivalent functional results and knee stability at mid-term follow-up.

Safe corridor for iliosacral and trans-sacral screw placement in Indian population: A preliminary CT based anatomical study

Objectives Nonsurgical management of unstable pelvic ring injuries is associated with poor outcomes. Posterior pelvic ring injuries include sacroiliac joint disruption and sacral fractures or a combination of the two. Morbidity is high in non-operatively managed patients. Screw fixation is being increasingly used to manage unstable posterior pelvic injuries. Limitations include a steep learning curve and potential for neurovascular injury. This is the first study in Indian population to describe the safe corridor for screw placement and check the feasibility of screw in both upper and lower sacral segments. Methods This study involved retrospective analysis of 105 pelvic CT scans of patients admitted to the emergency department of a Level 1 trauma centre. Vertical height at the level of constriction (vestibule) of S1 and S2 was measured in coronal sections and anteroposterior width of constrictions was measured in axial sections. We created a trajectory for 7.3 mm cylinder keeping additional 2 mm free bony corridor around it and confirmed that bony limits were not breached in axial, coronal and sagittal sections. Whenever there was breach in bony limit we checked applicability of 6.5 mm screw. Results The vertical height and anteroposterior width of vestibule/constriction of S1 was significantly higher in males, whereas S2 vestibule height and width were similar in males and females. Both male and female pelves were amenable to S1 Trans-sacral and S1 Iliosacral screw fixation with a 7.3 mm screw when a safe corridor of 2 mm was kept on all sides. However, when S2 segment was analysed, only 42.9% of male pelves and 25.7% of female pelves were amenable to insertion of trans-sacral 7.3 mm screw. Conclusion An individualized approach is necessary and each patients CT must be carefully studied before embarking on sacroiliac screw fixation in Indian population.

Femoral Component Sizing in Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: Existing Guidelines Do Not Work for Indian Patients.

&NA; Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (OUKR) has shown excellent long‐term clinical outcomes as well as implant survival when used for correct indications with optimal surgical technique. Anteromedial osteoarthritis is highly prevalent in Indian patients, and OUKR is the ideal treatment option in such cases. Uncertainty prevails about the best method to determine femoral component size in OUKR. Preoperative templating has been shown to be inaccurate, while height‐ and gender‐based guidelines based on European population might not apply to the Indian patients. Microplasty instrumentation introduced in 2012 introduced the sizing spoon, which has the dual function of femoral component sizing and determining the level of tibia cut. We aimed to check the accuracy of sizing spoon and also to determine whether the present guidelines are appropriate for use in the Indian patients. A total of 130 consecutive Oxford mobile bearing medial cemented UKR performed using the Microplasty instrumentation were included. The ideal femoral component size for each knee was recorded by looking for overhang and underhang in post‐operative lateral knee radiograph. The accuracy of previous guidelines was determined by applying them to our study population. Previously published guidelines (which were based on Western population) proved to be accurate in only 37% of cases. Hence, based on the demographics of our study population, we formulated modified height‐ and gender‐based guidelines, which would better suit the Indian population. Accuracy of modified guidelines was estimated to be 74%. The overall accuracy of sizing spoon (75%), when used as an intraoperative guide, was similar to that of modified guidelines. Existing guidelines for femoral component sizing do not work in Indian patients. Modified guidelines and use of intraoperative spoon should be used to choose the optimal implant size while performing OUKR in Indian patients.

Functional outcome of extra-articular distal humerus fracture fixation using a single locking plate: A retrospective study:

Purpose: The optimal method for fixation of extra-articular distal humerus factures poses a management dilemma. Although various plate configurations have been proposed, anatomic shaped extra-articular distal humerus locking plates have emerged as a viable solution for these complex injuries. We assessed clinico-radiologic outcome in our retrospective case series of extra-articular distal humerus fractures managed with these plates. Methods: Forty-five patients of extra-articular distal humerus fractures, who were operated at our level 1 trauma centre between January, 2012 and December, 2016, were identified. After exclusion, 36 patients were available for the final assessment. All patients were operated with the triceps-reflecting modified posterior approach. Regular clinico-radiologic follow-up was done evaluating elbow functionality, fracture union, secondary displacement, non-union, implant failure and any complications; Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS) was used for the final functional assessment. Results: Twenty-four (66.7%) male and 12 (33.3%) female patients constituted the study group, who had an average follow-up of 15 months. Preoperatively three patients and post-operatively one patient had radial nerve palsy; all had neurapraxia and recovered completely. Overall, 34 (94.4%) patients were adjudged to have complete radiological union within 3 months; 2 (5.5%) patients developed non-union. Mean flexion achieved was 122.9° ± 23°, and mean extension was −4.03° ± 6.5°; 1 patient with head injury developed flexion deformity of 45°. Average MEPS at the final follow-up was 90.8° ± 9.9°. Conclusion: Stable reconstruction and early initiation of physiotherapy are utilitarian to envision optimal outcome; the use of precontoured extra-articular distal humerus locking plates has yielded satisfactory results with minimal complications in our hands.

CT based management of high energy tibial plateau fractures: A retrospective review of 53 cases

Objectives The management of high energy tibial plateau fractures is a surgical challenge. Recently described Luos classification is based on CT scans and is more objective with a better inter-observer agreement as compare to Schatzker and AO/OTA classifications. We describe the functional results of a series of 53 cases classified and managed according to the Luos column concept. Methods A retrospective review of 53 high energy tibial plateau fractures, operated between January 2012 and March 2015 at a Level I trauma center, was performed. CT scans were used to classify these injuries based on the number of columns involved. Plating configuration and surgical approach were chosen based on the number of independent articular fragments on axial sections at the level of fibular head. Results 1 one-column, 51 two-column and 1 three-column fractures were studied. Triple plating was done in 5 patients. Mean follow-up was 2.7 years and mean Insall Knee score was 95.42. Four patients had varus malalignment and 1 had joint depression in the post-operative period. These were due to imperfect reduction during the surgery itself, and no case of late collapse was detected. Conclusion Utilizing Luos classification for treating these complex injuries will assist in better understanding of fracture pattern and hence help in achieving a better functional outcome. Each fractured column needs to be independently addressed.

The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of tendon transfers and universal cuff in restoring hand function in tetraplegic patients. Methods Twenty-one upper limbs on 12 tetraplegic patients (9 males and 3 females); mean age: 42.2 years (range 22–58 years) with a spinal cord injury at or distal to C6, were included in this study. Key pinch was restored using Brachioradialis to Flexor Pollicis Longus transfer and hook using Pronator Teres to Flexor Digitorum Profundus transfer. The gains achieved were measured objectively at six months and at final follow up, the average follow up being 26 months. The functional outcome was assessed using the Modified Lamb and Chan score. Results Average value was 1.67 kg for key pinch and 2.58 kg for hook grip at final follow up. The Modified Lamb and Chan score revealed good to fair outcome in 75% of patients. Complications resulted from stretching of transfer and mal-tensioning and were salvaged by the use of a ‘Universal Cuff’. Conclusion Surgery should be routinely offered to tetraplegic patients with deficient hand function in whom no recovery is expected after six months following spinal cord injury. Universal Cuff is a good salvage method for patients who refuse re-surgery. Level of evidence Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Plantar fasciitis: A randomized comparative study of platelet rich plasma and low dose radiation in sportspersons.

BACKGROUND Plantar Fasciitis makes up about 15% of patients requiring professional care due to foot symptoms. The treatment methods are numerous with none proving to be clearly superior to others. We aimed to compare two common treatment methods in search of the best treatment. METHOD All consecutive sportspersons presenting to our OPD with clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis underwent treatment consisting of stretching exercises, activity modification, and NSAIDs for 6 months. First 40 patients who did not respond to the treatment were divided randomly into two groups of 20 patients each, Group A (Platelet rich plasma - PRP) and Group B (low dose radiation - LDR). At the time of final follow-up (6 months) the mean improvement in the pain score (Visual-Analogue-Scale), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and Plantar fascia thickness on ultrasound were compared. RESULT Significant improvement in all 3 parameters was noted at the time of final follow up within both groups. When compared to each other, the difference in outcome of both these Groups on the given 3 parameters came out to be insignificant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION PRP is as good as LDR in patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis not responding to physical therapy.

A rare combination of sagittal plane fracture of talar body with medial malleolus fracture: Case report and review of literature

Fractures of talus are relatively uncommon injuries with majority of them involving the neck region. Talar body fracture in sagittal plane in combination with medial malleolus fracture is very rare with few cases being reported in the literature earlier. We report such an unusual combination in an adolescent, which was treated with open reduction and internal fixation with screws for both talus and medial malleolus. This was followed by physiotherapy and non-weight bearing till the fracture united.