Stavroula Pagkrati

Fixation of Winged Scapula in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

Objective: To verify if stabilizing the scapulothoracic joint without arthrodesis could lead to functional improvement of shoulder range of motion and clinical improvement of winged scapula, we incorporated four additional patients into our previous analysis to determine if the results obtained were long lasting, and to compare this fixation with the other techniques described in the literature, balancing the benefits with the complications. Design: A retrospective study. Participants: Thirteen patients with bilateral winged scapula affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Nine of these patients had been analyzed in our previous study. Methods: Patients were operated on by bilateral fixing of the scapula to the rib cage using metal wires without arthrodesis (scapulopexy). Results: All patients experienced improvement in active range of motion of the shoulder and all of them had clinical improvement with complete resolution of the winged scapula. In all twenty-six surgical interventions of scapulopexy, a stable and long-lasting fixation of the scapula to the rib cage was achieved.The complications strictly associated to the surgical technique encountered were one pneumothorax, which was resolved spontaneously, and one wire breakage without trauma. Average follow-up was 10 years (range, 3 to 18 years). Conclusion: The scapulopexy used in this extended series of patients consisted of repositioning the scapula and fixing it to four ribs by using metal wires without performing arthrodesis.This technique has a low rate of complications, is reproducible, safe and effective, resulting in clinical and functional improvement.

Scapulopexy of winged scapula secondary to facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is an hereditary disease that causes weakness of the scapulothoracic muscles and leads to winged scapula. Patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy are unable to sustain shoulder abduction or flexion and are limited in daily activities. We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (18 procedures) who had scapulothoracic fixation without arthrodesis (scapulopexy). The technique consists of repositioning the scapula over the rib cage and fixation to four ribs with metal wires. We assessed improvement in range of motion of the shoulder, maintenance of the correction with time, and cosmetic and functional results. The average age of the patients at surgery was 25.2 years (range, 15-35 years), and there were no major complications. The average followup was 9.9 years (range, 3-16 years). All patients had complete resolution of the winged scapula and improved range of motion. Arm abduction increased from an average of 68.3° (range, 45°-90°) preoperatively to 96.1° (range, 60°-120°) postoperatively. Arm flexion increased from an average of 57.2° (range, 45°-90°) preoperatively to 116.1°(range, 80°-180°) postoperatively. The position of the scapula obtained by surgery was maintained with time, and the patients had satisfactory cosmetic results. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon in a closed ankle fracture: a case report

Rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon may occur during a trauma in pronation-external rotation of the foot or, less commonly, during a direct trauma of the ankle. When an isolated fracture of the medial malleolus is present, it is more likely that a direct trauma has occurred. A 36-year-old man with a non-displaced medial malleolar fracture was evaluated. Repair of the tendon and reduction of the fracture were performed. Twenty-four months after the operation, the fracture was completely healed, the patient was asymptomatic, he had a normal ankle range of motion, and the function and strength of the tibialis posterior tendon were equal to those on the contralateral side. Early surgical repair of the tibialis posterior tendon combined with malleolar fracture reduction is recommended to avoid progression to a plano-valgus foot.

Surgical treatment of neck hyperextension in duchenne muscular dystrophy by posterior interspinous fusion

Study Design. Seven patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy with neck hyperextension or poor head control in extension have undergone surgery consisting of posterior cervical interspinous fusion. Objective. To report the results of surgical treatment of neck hyperextension executed simultaneously with the correction of the thoracolumbar scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. A severely progressive deformity of the spine in patients affected by DMD can involve also the cervical spine presenting a rigid neck hyperextension or poor head control in extension, forcing the patients to assume awkward compensating postures in order to look straight ahead, worsening significantly their quality of life. Methods. The procedure consisted of a posterior approach to the cervical spine, correction of the hyperextension by releasing the fibrotic muscles and ligaments, and stabilization with bone grafts driven into the interspinous spaces, to achieve solid fusion. Results. No surgical complications were observed, and fusion was achieved in all patients. The mean angle between C2–C7 decreased from an average of 29.8° (7°–56°) before surgery, to an average of 18.5° (6°–30°) at 1 year of follow-up. Range of motion between C1–C2 was preserved. Conclusions. Surgical treatment of neck hyperextension in these patients contributes to a better sitting position, to an easier nursing, to a better appearance.

Surgical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures by bipolar hip replacement or total hip replacement in elderly osteoporotic patients

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the complications, clinical and functional outcomes at 5 years of follow-up of a series of elderly osteoporotic patients with an unstable intertrochanteric fracture treated by bipolar or total hip replacement. Fifty-four patients with an A2 intertrochanteric osteoporotic fracture were identified between 1996 and 2000. The average age of the patients was 81 years (SD=5). The follow-up time was 5 years. Patients received a bipolar or total hip replacement. During follow-up, we analyzed postoperative complications, mortality rate, functional results using the Harris hip score, time to return to normal activities, and radiographic evidence of healing. One patient died intraoperatively; two patients died on the third and eighth postoperative days and seven patients died within 1 year. Twenty-five patients were living at the 5-year follow-up. Harris hip score at 1 month was 64±8 (mean±SD); at 3 months, 75±5; at 1 year, 76±5; and at 5 years, 76±9. Weight-bearing was permitted immediately after surgery, as tolerated. Time to return to normal daily activities was 27±5 days. No loosening or infection of the implants were observed. In elderly osteoporotic patients with an unstable intertrochanteric fracture, bipolar or total hip replacement in association with reduction of the greater trochanter is a valid alternative to the standard treatment of internal fixation. This surgical technique permits a more rapid recovery with immediate weight-bearing, and a maintenance of a good level of function, with little risk of mechanical failure.

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis: features and surgical treatment

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a de novo deformity of the spine occurring after the fourth or fifth decade of life in patients with no history of scoliosis in the growing age. We evaluated complications and functional and radiographic outcomes of twelve patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, treated by spinal decompression associated with posterolateral and/or interbody fusion. Mean lumbar scoliosis angle was 18° (SD=4°) and mean age at surgery was 57 years (SD=6 years). Average follow–up was 3.5 years. Surgical treatment consisted in decompression of one or more roots, associated with stabilization with pedicle screws and posterolateral fusion. To correct the deformity, the collapse of the disc was corrected by implanting a cage in the anterior interbody cage. Clinical symptoms and functional tolerance for daily activities improved after surgery. Radiographic evaluation showed a reduction in the deformity on the frontal and sagittal planes. There were no infections, evidence of pseudoarthrosis, instrumentrelated failures or re–operations in this series. In patients with persisting pain caused by degenerative scoliosis associated with spinal stenosis, in whom conservative treatment has failed, spinal decompression and segmented fusion with instrumentation represents a valid treatment option.

Surgical treatment of neck hyperextension in myopathies

Neck hyperextension occurs in relation to several myopathies. It is a progressive increase of lordosis associated with a limitation in flexion of the cervical spine, forcing the patient to assume awkward compensatory postures to maintain balance and level vision. We evaluated operative complications, degree of correction, achievement of a solid arthrodesis, maintenance of the correction, and clinical assessment of seven patients. All had surgery in which the interspinous processes between C2–C7 were opened in a posterior approach and bone graft wedges driven into them to maintain the correction. The mean age of patients at the time of surgical intervention was 16.5 years (range, 10–28 years). The average followup was 10.4 years (range, 2.4–16.5 years). No major surgical complications occurred. After surgery, the average angle between C2–C7 in neutral position had decreased from 50.7° (range, 40°–70°) to 21.4o (range, 2°–50°). The range of motion in the C1-C2 joint remained unaffected, whereas it decreased in C2–C7 from 33.5° (range, 15°-64°) to 1.8° (range, 0°-8°). A solid arthrodesis was achieved in all patients The followup showed significant clinical improvement of posture in all patients. The operating technique used proved to be safe and effective. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series—no, or historical control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical treatment of symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis by decompression and instrumented fusion

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is characterized by the slippage of one vertebral body over the one below, with association of intervertebral disc degeneration and degenerative arthritis of the facet joints, which cause spinal stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of 22 patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis, operated on by decompressive laminectomy and instrumented posterolateral fusion associated with interbody fusion (PLIF). Mean age at surgery was 64 years (range, 57–72). Clinical results were evaluated on a questionnaire at the last follow-up visit concerning postoperative low back and leg pain, restriction of daily life activities, and resumption of sports activity. Lumbar spine radiographs were used to evaluate the status of fixation devices, the reduction of the spondylolisthesis, the lumbar sagittal balance and the presence of spinal fusion. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. There were no superficial or deep infections, fixation device loosening, or hardware removal. Mean follow-up time was 4 years (range, 3–6 years). Clinical outcome was excellent or good in 19 patients and fair in 3 patients. Preoperatively, mean forward vertebral slipping on neutral lateral radiographs was 5 mm, while postoperatively it decreased to 3 mm. Preoperatively, mean sagittal motion was 3 mm and angular motion was 8°, while postoperatively these values decreased to 1 mm and 1°, respectively. This study demonstrated that spinal decompression followed by transpedicular instrumentation associated with PLIF technique is a valid surgical option for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with symptomatic spinal stenosis. Clinical outcome, intended as relief of pain and resumption of activity, was improved significantly and fusion rate was high.

What happens to the elbow joint after fractured radial head excision? Clinical and radiographic study at a mean 15-yearfollow-up

Comminuted fractures of the radial head can be treated by radial head excision, open reduction and internal fixation, or radial head replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic results of 22 patients with an isolated Mason type III fracture of the radial head treated by radial head excision. Mean age at the time of surgery was 36 years and average follow-up was 15 years. Overall outcome at the last follow-up was scored as excellent, good, fair or poor, considering elbow and wrist pain, valgus deformity, elbow and forearm range of motion, and elbow radiographic osteoarthritic changes. At follow-up mean pain score on VAS was was 1, average increase in elbow valgus deformity was 8°, mean flexion of the elbow was 138°, pronation of the forearm averaged 78°, and supination averaged 85°. Degenerative changes were scored as grade 0 in 4 patients, grade 1 in 14 patients, and grade 2 in 4 patients. The overall outcome was excellent in 18 patients and good in 4 patients. When a comminuted radial head fracture is not associated with elbow dislocation or ligamentous injuries, resection of the radial head is a valid surgical option because it is a simple and rapid technique, it has a low learning curve, and it has a high rate of excellent clinical and radiographic long-term results.

Surgical treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures by closed reduction and external fixation. A review of 32 consecutive cases operated

Complex tibial plateau fractures are a challenge in trauma surgery. In these fractures it is necessary to anatomically reduce the articular part of the fracture and to obtain stable fixation. The aim of this study is to review the results of a surgical technique consisting of fluoroscopic closed reduction and combined percutaneous internal and external fixation. Thirty-two complex tibial plateau fractures in 32 patients were included. Twenty-one fractures were closed, 4 were open Gustilo grade I, 3 were Gustilo grade II and 4 were Gustilo grade III. The mean age was 37.8 years (range 21–64 years). Surgery was performed with patients in transcalcaneal traction and the knee flexed at 30° was used. Through a 1-cm incision centred over the tibial metaphysis of the tibia, a 3.2-mm hole was drilled in the antero-medial tibial aspect. The tibial plateau fracture fragments were elevated using either 1 or 2 curved Kirschner wires under fluoroscopy to control the reduction. Then the fragments were fixed with 2 cannulated AO screws inserted through small incisions into the medial aspect of the tibial plateau. Knee rehabilitation started postoperatively. Weight bearing started after 8–12 weeks depending upon the radiographic appearance. All external fixators were removed in outpatient facilities. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at a mean follow-up of 48 months (range 38–57 months). Clinical results were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical score. Average healing time was 24 weeks (range 18–29 weeks). In 1 patient a non-union occurred. This patient was treated with open reduction and plate fixation. In 2 patients a varus knee deformity occurred and a surgical correction was performed. There were no surgical complications. Mean knee range of motion was 105° (range 75–125°) and mean Knee Society clinical score was 89. Twenty-five results were scored as excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. Using this technique there is limited soft tissue damage and virtually no periosteum damage to the fracture fragments. However anatomical reconstruction of the joint can be obtained. Furthermore knee rehabilitation can be started immediately after surgery. We think that these factors were responsible for the optimal clinical long-term results.