This perspective study analyzes the long-term outcomes of cementless anatomic total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between 1990 and 2004, 100 ABG total hip prosthesis were implanted in 87 patients with DDH. The average follow-up was 9 years (range 4-18 years). The mean Harris Hip Score was 87.13 (SD = 14.6) at the last follow-up. Radiographic analysis showed good results for the stems, while in 38% of the hips we recorded periacetabular bone resorption. Mean linear polyethylene wear was 0.23 mm/year. Ten revisions have been performed, survival rate was 99% for the stems and 90% for the cups. Cementless THA with hemispherical cup and anatomical stem is recommended when possible for patients with DDH although high rates of polyethylene wear and subsequent osteolysis have been the limiting factor in the long-term success of this implant.
Complex fractures of the distal radius are articular lesions and comminuted at the level of the epiphysis and metaphysis. Their treatment is difficult and in most cases surgical. Of all the different osteosynthesis methods available, internal fixation with plate and screws is the most commonly used. In particular, angular stability plates are superior in terms of rigidity and stability to conventional volar and dorsal plates. DVR plate has these mechanical characteristics, and its low profile has reduced frictions with surrounding soft tissues. For these reasons, this device implanted through a single volar approach, can stabilize the majority of volarly and dorsally displaced unstable distal radius fractures. In this study, 48 patients, affected by complex fractures of the distal radius treated with DVR volar plates, were assessed by the Mayo modified wrist score, the Italian version of the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand. The satisfactory results observed confirm the efficacy of this device.
Penetrating injuries of the foot are a common presenting complaint in the emergency department. The residents of the underdeveloped world are especially prone to suffer such injuries as barefoot walking is still common. However, a relatively common injury that occurs in the shod feet is the "Nail-Slipper injury". A metal nail penetrates through the rubber sole of the footwear introducing the rubber piece into the soft tissue of the foot. As the nail is removed the piece remains behind often leading to delayed manifestations. This article describes the various delayed manifestations of this injury. A leading question for the antecedent injury of this kind should be asked from all patients with such presentations, especially in the urban setting.
Porous tantalum represents a relatively new solution for primary and revision total knee arthroplasty, offering several unmatched properties. Tantalum is a transition metal, with excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity due to its intrinsic physical and structural characteristics. A widespread clinical use of porous tantalum tibial components for primary total knee arthroplasty has been partly hindered by the difficulty in removing this type of implant after bone in growth, often leading to a significant bone defect. On the contrary, in the case here reported, removal of the trabecular metal tibial component was unexpectedly easy at a 7-month follow-up due to the absence of bone ingrowth but with a complete preservation of the tibial plate bone stock. Causes for the lack of bone ingrowth are discussed.
The coronal fractures of femoral condyles, known as Hoffa fractures, are a rarity. Conservative management often leads to unsatisfactory results and nonunion. In this study, we present a case of a 35-year-old patient with an established nonunion of medial Hoffa fracture of right knee treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
Nonunion of acetabular fractures are uncommon, and their treatment can be a rather demanding procedure. Acute total hip arthroplasty could be a possible treatment choice, especially when there is a femoral head arthritis. We report a case of transverse acetabular fracture nonunion treated by a cementless hemispherical press-fit cup and autologous structural bone graft. At 10 years follow-up, the graft was integrated, the cup was stable, and the patient was completely recovered.
Paediatric valgus flexible flatfoot is a common childhood paramorphism. Its treatment options consist of rehabilitation, corrective footwear and, if necessary, surgical intervention. The aim of our study was to compare a group of children who followed a rehabilitative programme versus a historical group of children who had been treated with insoles and orthopaedic footwear. Over a 2 year period (1995-1997), 300 children (mean age was 3.4-184 male, 116 female) with bilateral flexible flatfoot (600 feet) were recruited and underwent a rehabilitative programme for a mean period of 2.75 years. The feet were classified according to Viladot's method: 386 feet presented a type III degree deformity and 214 feet presented a type II degree deformity. The rehabilitative programme consisted of simple therapeutic exercises, which could be easily learnt by both patients and their caregivers. These children were compared to a historical group of children (674 feet) who had been treated in our department for infantile flexible flatfoot with the use of orthosis. In these groups, 396 feet presented a type III degree deformity and 278 feet presented a type II degree deformity. In the group of children who underwent the rehabilitative protocol, during follow-up at the age of eight, 352 of the 386 type III degree feet could be classified as normal and 210 of the 214 type II degree cases became normal. In the historical cohort of children treated with orthosis, at the age of eight, 214 of the 396 type III degree feet could be classified as normal; and 248 of the 278 type II degree cases became normal. Our results show that comparing the percentage of success (changing from type III or II degree to type I or N) in the two groups (children treated with rehabilitation and children treated with orthosis), the rehabilitative approach seems to be more effective. Probably it has a marginal influence on the natural history of paediatric valgus flexible flatfoot even though it plays a role in maintaining good flexibility of the flatfoot thus limiting functional impairment.
Total knee arthroplasty following complex fractures of the tibial plateau is considered a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons and clinical outcomes may vary. A total of 29 total knee replacements were performed after a tibial plateau fracture: 25 patients (16 women, 9 men; average age: 57 years; mean follow-up: 92 months) were available. We had two significative complications: one partial avulsion of the patellar tendon, conservatively treated by bracing, and one case of deep venous thromboembolism, managed with low molecular weight heparin. In two cases (8%) there was a failure of the implant; nine cases were excellent, nine good, four fair and one poor. A percentage of patients with previous complex proximal tibia fractures had an increased rate of postoperative complications due to anatomical deformity, functional deficiency and post-traumatic arthritis and required solutions similar to revision surgery. Total knee arthroplasty is a suitable solution for the treatment of these challenging cases: compared to primary knee replacement, final KSS score is generally lower, but improvement is similar due to poorer pre-operative scores.
Exertional compartment syndrome is most commonly described in its chronic form in the young sportive patient. The acute form is a lot rarer and usually only unilateral. We report a case in which a chronic compartment syndrome became acute after intense effort. This was diagnosed rather late due to the lack of knowledge about this syndrome. The necrosis noticed during the fasciotomy was removed by iterative interventions. The wound was left in secondary healing because the patient refused a flap. Upon the patient's last follow-up visit, the wound was healed, but he had a complete deficit in dorsal flexion of the ankle, a foot drop and consequently a step-page gait.