Correlation of pelvic incidence with radiographical parameters for acetabular retroversion: a retrospective radiological study

Background

Pelvic incidence (PI) has been linked to several degenerative processes within the spinopelvic system. Acetabular retroversion is a recognised risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hip. We therefore hypothesised that these two factors might be part of a specific anatomical variant associated with degenerative changes. This study was performed to clarify this issue.

Methods

The pelvic incidence was measured on 589 computertomographical data sets acquired between 2008 and 2010. For 220 patients a 2D rendering in an antero-posterior view of the CT data set was performed to evaluate the parameters of acetabular retroversion. Those included the prominence of the ischial spine sign (PRISS), the cross-over sign (COS) and the posterior wall sign (PWS). Between 477 and 478 hips were evaluated depending on the parameter of retroversion.

Results

The mean pelvic incidence was significantly lower in hips positive for the PRISS and the PWS. However, there were no significant differences between hips positive or negative for the COS.

Discussion

As hypothesised, the lower PI values in PWS and PRISS positive hips suggest a link between PI and retroversion of the acetabulum. Whether this is of any clinical relevance remains, however, unknown.

Conclusion

Acetabular retroversion is linked to PI. In hips where the prominence of the ischial spine sign and/or the posterior wall sign was present, the mean pelvic incidence value was lower.

The benefits of elective spinal implant removal: a retrospective study of 137 patients

PURPOSE

While spinal instrumentations are becoming more common, the advantages of elective spinal implant removal remain ambiguous. We hypothesized that elective implant removal of the posterior spine is beneficial.

METHODS

A retrospective study evaluated 137 consecutive trauma patients with elective implant removal of the posterior spine. If additional cages were present, they were not removed. Primary outcomes were the change in pre- and post-operative pain, fingertip-floor distance (FFD), and Cobb angles. Some secondary outcomes consisted of complications, work disability, and pelvic incidence (PI). Different stabilization approaches and cage sizes were compared.

RESULTS

The presence and amount of pain as well as the FFD showed significant improvement. There was no loss of reduction. Delayed wound healing was observed in 9%, but only 3% needed revision. Thoracic fascial dehiscences were seen only in patients (9%) that had stand-alone posterior surgery. Larger cages were associated with increased work disability. An increased PI was associated with less post-operative pain and decreased FFD.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, trauma patients benefited from elective implant removal of the posterior spine due to lower presence and level of pain, improved function and low revision rates; irrespective of an initial combined or stand-alone posterior approach or varying cage sizes. However, stand-alone posterior instrumentation may be accompanied by increased rates of fascial dehiscence surgeries and larger cages may lead to increased work disability. Increased PI may be associated with less pain after spinal implant removal.

The compliance with and knowledge about radiation protection in operating room personnel: a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

Radiation protection is becoming more important with an ongoing increase in radiation exposure due to the use of X-rays in minimally invasive procedures in orthopaedic and trauma surgeries. However, sufficient education in medical physics and radiation protection can often be improved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire consisting of four questions about personal data and ten questions about radiation protection was distributed to lead consultants, consultants, residents, medical students, and medical technical assistants at two institutions, a level 1 trauma center and a children's hospital.

RESULTS

This study consisted of 83 participants. The compliance with radiation protection, i.e., usage of a dosimetry, an apron, and a thyroid shield on a regular basis was only seen in 54 %. Participants from the trauma center wore a dosimeter and thyroid shield significantly more often. The regular use of a thyroid shield differed significantly between job positions. It was observed in 80 % of students, but only 15 % of technical assistants. Only 65 % of all knowledge questions were answered correctly. There was a discrepancy between incorrectly answered knowledge questions (35 %) and those marked as uncertain (20 %). Different job positions did not have an impact on the answers to the questions in most instances.

CONCLUSIONS

The compliance with and the knowledge about radiation protection seems to be unnecessarily low in trauma physicians and technical assistants. The discrepancy in falsely answered questions and those marked as uncertain may suggest that participants may overestimate their knowledge about radiation protection, which is potentially harmful due to the increased radiation exposure. Therefore, we advocate a quick and valuable training of trauma surgeons and medical staff addressing the important preventive measures, some of which are illustrated in the present study. These consist of wearing dosimetry and protection devices, reduction in X-ray duration, preferably antero-posterior C-arm positioning with the image intensifier close to the patient and the surgeon, maximal distance, collimation, and increased voltage. Furthermore, the use of visual feedback on complex and potentially hazardous radiation facts may be useful for training purposes.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with a questionnaire.

Age and gender as independent predictors of violence under the influence of alcohol in Zurich, Switzerland

Violent behaviour associated with alcohol consumption is frequently reported by different media. Clinical data analysing the correlation between alcohol intoxication, age, gender and violence are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age, gender and blood alcohol content on violent behaviour under the influence of alcohol under central European conditions. Three hundred patients admitted to the emergency department were included into this study in the time period from January 01. to December 31. 2009. The inclusion criteria were a blood alcohol content (BAC) of ≥10 mmol/l, any traumatic injury and an age ≥16 years. Violence was defined as an evitable act committed by others leading to patient's hospitalisation. The data were compared with Wilcoxon and χ2-test for proportions. The data were considered as significant if p<0,05. Predictive quality was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Independent predictors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The average age was 36,9±16,9 years (range: 16-84 years), 259 (86%) males and 41 (24%) females. There was a significant difference in gender (odds ratio for gender male 2,88; CI 95%: 1,24-6,67; p<0,001) and age dependent (odds ratio for each year of age 0,94; CI 95%: 0,93-0,96; p<0,0001) violence with no correlation to blood alcohol content found. Logistic regression analysis revealed male gender and young age as an independent predictor for violence. These results clarify the relationship between alcohol, age, gender and violence and have important implications for municipal-level alcohol policies.

[Sacroiliac joint pain - diagnostic algorithm and therapeutic approaches]

The sacroiliac joints are causative for 13-30% of cases with low back pain and are still disregarded in the differential diagnosis. This is mainly due to its complex anatomy and the variety of pain patterns originating from the SI joints. The broad etiology of low back pain often misleads the physician into inadequate treatments. This article reviews the clinical presentation of patients suffering from a sacroiliac arthropathy and points out therapeutic strategies. It also provides a helpful diagnostic tool in daily routine. Eventually, any patient needs to experience a significant pain reduction resulting from an intrarticular injection before the diagnosis of non-inflammatory SI arthropathy is confirmed. In most cases, nonoperative treatment measures are sufficient. Operative strategies are available in selected cases with unsuccessful conservative therapy.

Comparing the predictive value of the pelvic ring injury classification systems by Tile and by Young and Burgess

INTRODUCTION

Radiology-based classifications of pelvic ring injuries and their relevance for the prognosis of morbidity and mortality are disputed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential differences between the pelvic ring injury classification systems by Tile and by Young and Burgess with regard to their predictive value on mortality, transfusion/infusion requirement and concomitant injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two-hundred-and-eighty-five consecutive patients with pelvic ring fractures were analyzed for mortality within 30 days after admission, number of blood units and total volume of fluid infused during the first 24h after trauma, the Abbreviated Injury Severity (AIS) scores for head, chest, spine, abdomen and extremities as a function of the Tile and the Young-Burgess classifications.

RESULTS

There was no significant relationship between occurrence of death and fracture pattern but a significant relationship between fracture pattern and need for blood units/total fluid volume for Tile (p<.001/p<.001) and Young-Burgess (p<.001/p<.001). In both classifications, open book fractures were associated with more fluid requirement and more severe injuries of the abdomen, spine and extremities (p<.05). When divided into the larger subgroups "partially stable" and "unstable", unstable fractures were associated with a higher mortality rate in the Young-Burgess system (p=.036). In both classifications, patients with unstable fractures required significantly more blood transfusions (p<.001) and total fluid infusion (p<.001) and higher AIS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first direct comparison of both classifications, we found no clinical relevant differences with regard to their predictive value on mortality, transfusion/infusion requirement and concomitant injuries.

Mechanical testing of a device for subcutaneous internal anterior pelvic ring fixation versus external pelvic ring fixation

Background

Although useful in the emergency treatment of pelvic ring injuries, external fixation is associated with pin tract infections, the patient’s limited mobility and a restricted surgical accessibility to the lower abdomen. In this study, the mechanical stability of a subcutaneous internal anterior fixation (SIAF) system is investigated.

Methods

A standard external fixation and a SIAF system were tested on pairs of Polyoxymethylene testing cylinders using a universal testing machine. Each specimen was subjected to a total of 2000 consecutive cyclic loadings at 1 Hz with sinusoidal lateral compression/distraction (+/−50 N) and torque (+/− 0.5 Nm) loading alternating every 200 cycles. Translational and rotational stiffness were determined at 100, 300, 500, 700 and 900 cycles.

Results

There was no significant difference in translational stiffness between the SIAF and the standard external fixation when compared at 500 (p = .089), 700 (p = .081), and 900 (p = .266) cycles. Rotational stiffness observed for the SIAF was about 50 percent higher than the standard external fixation at 300 (p = .005), 500 (p = .020), and 900 (p = .005) cycles. No loosening or failure of the rod-pin/rod-screw interfaces was seen.

Conclusions

In comparison with the standard external fixation system, the tested device for subcutaneous internal anterior fixation (SIAF) in vitro has similar translational and superior rotational stiffness.

Histological remodelling of demineralised bone matrix allograft in posterolateral fusion of the spine--an ex vivo study

Background

Demineralised bone matrix (DBM) has shown to be effective in enhancing posterior fusion of the spine. Several animal studies and clinical investigations in humans showed its successful remodelling. The use of allogenic matrix may decrease the need of autologous bone graft and therefore helps prevent corresponding donor site morbidity. Since DBM products are very expensive, the question arises, whether it is completely remodelled into new bone, and therefore truly is comparable to autologous cancellous bone graft. To our knowledge there is no report of a consecutive series of patients where ex vivo histological analysis after postero-lateral fusion of the spine was performed.

Methods

Osseous biopsies of nine consecutive patients who underwent postero-lateral fusion of the spine for trauma were obtained at the time of elective removal of the hardware. Histological samples were then analyzed on ground and thin sections stained with toluidine blue and von Kossa stainings.

Results

Time span between index operation and removal of the metal ranged between 6 and 18 month. Histological analysis showed good incorporation and overall remodelling of DBM into new bone in all patients. No foreign body reaction was visible and new bone formation progressed time dependently with DBM in situ. Four out of nine patients showed more than 50% new bone formation after one year.

Conclusion

DBM shows good overall remodelling properties in histological analysis and therefore seems to be an effective adjunct in postero-lateral fusion of the spine. Furthermore, DBM substitution increases over time.

Increased pelvic incidence may lead to arthritis and sagittal orientation of the facet joints at the lower lumbar spine

BACKGROUND

Correct sagittal alignment with a balanced pelvis and spine is crucial in the management of spinal disorders. The pelvic incidence (PI) describes the sagittal pelvic alignment and is position-independent. It has barely been investigated on CT scans. Furthermore, no studies have focused on the association between PI and facet joint (FJ) arthritis and orientation. Therefore, our goal was to clarify the remaining issues about PI in regard to (1) physiologic values, (2) age, (3) gender, (4) lumbar lordosis (LL) and (5) FJ arthritis and orientation using CT scans.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed CT scans of 620 individuals, with a mean age of 43 years, who presented to our traumatology department and underwent a whole body CT scan, between 2008 and 2010. The PI was determined on sagittal CT planes of the pelvis by measuring the angle between the hip axis to an orthogonal line originating at the center of the superior end plate axis of the first sacral vertebra. We also evaluated LL, FJ arthritis and orientation of the lumbar spine.

RESULTS

596 individuals yielded results for (1) PI with a mean of 50.8°. There was no significant difference for PI and (2) age, nor (3) gender. PI was significantly and linearly correlated with (4) LL (p = < 0.0001). Interestingly, PI and (5) FJ arthritis displayed a significant and linear correlation (p = 0.0062) with a cut-off point at 50°. An increased PI was also significantly associated with more sagitally oriented FJs at L5/S1 (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PI is not correlated with age nor gender. However, this is the first report showing that PI is significantly and linearly associated with LL, FJ arthritis and more sagittal FJ orientation at the lower lumbar spine. This may be caused by a higher contact force on the lower lumbar FJs by an increased PI. Once symptomatic or in the event of spinal trauma, patients with increased PI and LL could benefit from corrective surgery and spondylodesis.

Distraction test of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint arthropathy

Background

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a frequently underestimated cause of lower back (LBP). A simple clinical test of sufficient validity would be desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a new PSIS distraction test for the clinical detection of SIJ arthropathy and to compare it to several commonly used clinical tests.

Methods

Consecutive patients, where a SIJ pathology had been confirmed by an SIJ infiltration were enrolled (case group, 61 SIJs in 46 patients). Before infiltration, patients were tested for pain with PSIS distraction by a punctual force on the PSIS in medial-to-lateral direction (PSIS distraction test), pain with pelvic compression, pelvic distraction, Gaenslen test, Thigh Thrust, and Faber (or Patrick’s) test. In addition, these clinical tests were applied to both SIJs of a population of individuals without history of LBP (control group, 64 SIJs in 32 patients).

Results

Within the investigated cohort, the PSIS distraction test showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 89% for SIJ pathology. The accuracy of the test was 94%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 90% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Pelvic compression, pelvic distraction, Gaenslen test, Thigh Thrust, and Faber test were associated with a good specificity (> 90%) but a poor sensitivity (< 35%).

Conclusions

Within our population of patients with confirmed SIJ arthropathy the PSIS distraction test was found to be of high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. In contrast, common clinical tests showed a poor sensitivity. The PSIS distraction test seems to be an easy-to-perform and clinically valuable test for SIJ arthropathy.

Use of imatinib in the prevention of heterotopic ossification

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication following orthopedic and trauma surgery, which may have substantial negative effects on the postoperative outcome. Angiogenesis appears to play a critical role in heterotopic ossification. One of the involved signaling molecules is platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) which may be inhibited by imatinib.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Our goal was to prevent HO by pharmacologically interfering with the molecular signaling pathways involved in the developmental process. We hypothesized that by administering a proven inhibitor of PDGF expression, heterotopic bone formation may be prevented.

METHODS

The effect of imatinib on HO formation was studied in a murine model which reliably produces islets of HO within the soft tissue following Achilles tenotomy. The control group underwent Achilles tenotomy only. The imatinib group received imatinib mesylate. After trial completion, the limbs were harvested and scanned by micro-CT. Heterotopic bone volume was then identified and quantified.

RESULTS

The mean volume of heterotopic bone formed in the control group was 0.976mm(3) compared to 0.221 mm(3) in the imatinib group. The volume of HO in the treatment group was reduced by 85% compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of imatinib was associated with a significantly reduced volume of HO. This may be due to the inhibitory effect of imatinib on the PDGF signaling pathway during development of HO.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The successful reduction of HO formation following imatinib administration has led to further insight concerning the pathogenesis of HO which in the future may lead to new clinical approaches towards the prevention of HO.

C1 fracture in a patient with a congenital cleft in the posterior arch: report on a failed conservative treatment

Unstable burst fractures of the atlas require sufficient immobilisation either with an external device or by surgical fusion. In patients with pre-existing congenital atlantal defects the decision whether to recommend non-operative or operative therapy is difficult. Treatment options are controversially discussed and standardised guidelines are not available. Although most surgeons advise operative fusion or osteosynthesis in atlanto-axial instability, non-operative immobilisation can be successful. We report on a patient with an unstable C1 burst fracture with a congenital posterior cleft in the atlantal arch who was treated with cervical extension and halovest immobilisation. Although callus bridging was initially observed, 9 months after the injury there was no sufficient fracture consolidation and surgical fusion had to be advised. While non-operative treatment may work in patients without congenital defects of the C1 arch, such is not recommended in patients who present with this anomaly.

Vertebral body stenting versus kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, vertebral body stenting with an expandable scaffold inserted before application of the bone cement was developed to impede secondary loss of vertebral height encountered in patients treated with balloon kyphoplasty. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether there are relevant differences between balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body stenting with regard to perioperative and postoperative findings.

METHODS

In a two-armed randomized controlled trial, patients with a total of 100 fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with either balloon kyphoplasty or vertebral body stenting. The primary outcome was the post-interventional change in the kyphotic angle on radiographs. The secondary outcomes were the maximum pressure of the balloon tamp during inflation, radiation exposure time, perioperative complications, and cement leakage.

RESULTS

The mean reduction (and standard deviation) of kyphosis (the kyphotic correction angle) was 4.5° ± 3.6° after balloon kyphoplasty and 4.7° ± 4.2° after vertebral body stenting (p = 0.972). The mean pressures were 24 ± 5 bar (348 ± 72 pounds per square inch [psi]) during vertebral body stenting and 16 ± 6 bar (233 ± 81 psi) during balloon kyphoplasty (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in radiation exposure time.None of the patients underwent revision surgery, and postoperative neurologic sequelae were not observed. Cement leakage occurred at twenty-five of the 100 vertebral levels without significant differences between the two intervention arms (p = 0.230). Intraoperative material-related complications were observed at one of the fifty vertebral levels in the balloon kyphoplasty group and at nine of the fifty levels in the vertebral body stenting group.

CONCLUSIONS

No beneficial effect of vertebral body stenting over balloon kyphoplasty was found among patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures with regard to kyphotic correction, cement leakage, radiation exposure time, or neurologic sequelae. Vertebral body stenting was associated with significantly higher pressures during balloon inflation and more material-related complications.

Echinomycin in the prevention of heterotopic ossification - an experimental antibiotic agent shows promising results in a murine model

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic ossification (HO) frequently causes complications following orthopaedic and trauma surgery and may drastically reduce the postoperative outcome due to pain and joint contracture. Current therapeutic options include NSAID's and local radiation. However, both options of prevention show disadvantages such as delayed fracture healing and impaired ossification as well as other side effects.(9) Our goal was to investigate a novel approach in the prevention of heterotopic ossification by pharmacologically interfering with the molecular signalling pathways involved in this process. Hypoxia leads to numerous effects on a cellular level, one of which is the activation of the transcriptional complex hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF).(19) Among several other actions, the HIF1-α signalling pathway in turn regulates angiogenesis through induction of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).(21) We hypothesised that by pharmacologically interfering with the HIF-1α signalling pathway, the amount of HO formation may be reduced. Echinomycin is a known inhibitor of HIF-1-alpha and was used in our study with the aim to prevent HO from forming.

METHODS

We examined the effect of Echinomycin on HO formation in a murine model where an Achilles tenotomy was performed. This has previously been shown to reliably produce islets of heterotopic ossification within the soft tissue of mouse hind limbs at 10 weeks after surgery. The control group underwent Achilles tenotomy only, whereas the Echinomycin group additionally received Echinomycin subcutaneously. After trial completion, the limbs were harvested and Micro-CT was performed. Heterotopic bone volume was then identified in 3d images and quantified.

RESULTS

We found a highly significant reduction in the bone volume following subcutaneous administration of Echinomycin compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Although a substantial reduction could be achieved, it was not possible to completely prevent heterotopic ossification from forming. Further studies have yet to be conducted to optimise the results by altering the dosage and duration of administration as well as investigate the mechanism by which Echinomycin led to the reduction of HO formation.

Normal values of Wiberg's lateral center-edge angle and Lequesne's acetabular index--a coxometric update

BACKGROUND

The historical pathological cut-off values for Wiberg's lateral center-edge (LCE) angle and Lequesne's acetabular index (AI) are below 20° and above 12° for the LCE and AI, respectively. The aim of this study was to reassess these two angles more than 50 years after their introduction using a standardized conventional radiological measurement method, considering changing social habits and their associated physiological changes.

METHODS

A total of 1,226 anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis (2,452 hips) were obtained according to a strict standardized radiographic technique allowing reliable measurements of the LCE angle and the AI.

RESULTS

Distributions of the LCE and AI were pronouncedly Gaussian, with mean values of 33.6° for the LCE and 4.4° for the AI. The 2.5th and 97.5th empirical percentiles were 18.1 and 48.0° for the LCE and -6.9 and 14.9° for the AI. These intervals contained 95 % of the data in our large sample. Small but statistically significant differences between the sexes and right and left hips have been demonstrated. Correlation between age and coxometric indices was low.

CONCLUSION

The above findings do not conflict with the historical benchmarks. Statistical differences between sexes and between right and left hips were not clinically relevant. No conclusion can be drawn about coxometric indices and clinical manifestations of hip dysplasia.

[Osteoporotic fractures of axial skeleton]

Osteoporotic fractures most frequently first occur in the axial skeleton, especially in the vertebral bodies of the thoracolumbar transition. Beside pain, these fractures cause increasing kyphosis leading to changes in statics and a shift of the bodies' center of gravity. This results in physiological, functional as well as neurological consequences that cannot be managed by means of a conservative therapy. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview on diagnostics and therapy of such fractures. Furthermore, fractures of the pubic rami need to be mentioned. They pose another frequent location for osteoporotic fractures and are also associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

[Delayed splenic rupture 13 days post-trauma after initially inconspicuous computed tomography examination]

Delayed splenic injuries are rare but nevertheless well known and very dangerous complications after blunt abdominal trauma. The highest incidence is reported between four and eight days after trauma; however some cases with a latent period of weeks have been published. We present a case of delayed splenic rupture 13 days after trauma where most computed tomography (CT) examinations were interpreted as normal and present a review of the pathophysiology of delayed rupture, diagnosis and therapy.

Posterior screw fixation in rotationally unstable pelvic ring injuries

OBJECTIVE

Although the stability of the pelvic ring primarily depends on the integrity of the posterior sacroiliac arch, lateral compression fractures with rotational instability are commonly treated by anterior fixation alone. The objective of the present study was to assess the outcome of patients with these fractures treated by posterior iliosacral screw fixation alone.

METHODS

Patients with rotationally unstable lateral compression fractures of the pelvic ring (Young and Burgess LC I and LC II or AO/Tile B2) treated by percutaneous iliosacral fixation alone were included. Postoperative complications, need for secondary surgery, malunion, secondary fracture displacement and the time to full-weight bearing were documented.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (13 female, 26 male; age: 56±20 years) were treated by percutaneous screw fixation (14 bilaterally, 11 unilaterally). Mean follow-up was 6±4 months, mean time to full weight bearing 9±3 weeks. Revision surgery was necessary in two patients (8%) due to nerve irritation; an additional anterior stabilisation was needed in two other patients (8%) due to secondary dislocation. Wound infection or motor weakness were not encountered, non-union of the posterior arch did not occur. Non-union of the pubic rami, however, occurred in two patients. The presence of malunion of the pubic rami did not affect the time to full weight bearing.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutanous iliosacral screw fixation alone is a sufficient technique for the stabilisation of rotationally unstable pelvic fractures with low rates of complications or non-unions. It allows for a minimally invasive treatment thus being a useful option in patients who do not qualify for open anterior fixation.

Avulsion fracture of the dorsal talonavicular ligament: a subtle radiographic sign of possible Chopart joint dislocation

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation in S1 and S2 for posterior pelvic ring injuries: technique and perioperative complications

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous iliosacral screw placement allows for minimally invasive fixation of posterior pelvic ring instabilities. The objective of this study was to describe the technique for screws in S1 and S2 using conventional C-arm and to evaluate perioperative complications.

METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive patients after percutaneous pelvic ring fixation with cannulated screws in S1 and S2 using conventional C-arm fluoroscopy were analysed. Accuracy of screw placement, nerval lesions, need for second surgery, operation time, and time to full weight bearing were assessed postoperatively and during regular follow-up examinations.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients underwent unilateral screw fixation and 17 patients underwent bilateral screw fixation. In total, 83 screws were placed. Mean age of the patients was 52 ± 19 years. Mean operation time was 16 ± 7 min/screw. Mean follow-up was 5 ± 3 months. Time to full weight bearing in 28 patients was 9 ± 4 weeks. Eight patients were still not able to support full weight bearing, partially due to concomitant injuries. Patients without concomitant injuries that affected walking were able to bear full weight after 8 ± 4 weeks (n = 17). Two patients had persistent postoperative hypaesthesia. No motor weakness was apparent and no postoperative bleeding was observed. Secondary surgery due to screw malpositioning or loosening had to be performed in four patients. The presence of a screw in S2 was not indicated for perioperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is a rapid and definitive treatment for posterior pelvic ring injuries with a low risk of secondary bleeding during posterior pelvic stabilization. The technique using standard C-arm fluoroscopy was also found to be safe for screws placed in S2.

Diagnostics in suspicion of ankle syndesmotic injury

Ankle sprains are among of the most common injuries seen in daily orthopaedic practice. Beside injuries of the lateral ligament, which is the most frequently injured single structure in the body of athletes, sprains can also affect the tibiofibular syndesmosis. These injuries are known as high ankle sprains. They can occur with or without a bony injury. In this report, we will discuss the high ankle sprain without any bony injury. These kinds of injuries are rare, but often associated with complications and are frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear understanding of clinical tests described in the literature for testing of syndesmotic integrity.

Anatomical considerations of the internal iliac artery in association with the ilioinguinal approach for anterior acetabular fracture fixation

INTRODUCTION

Vascular injury may be encountered during an anterior approach to the pelvis or acetabulum-be it due to hematoma decompression, clot dislodgement during fracture manipulation, or iatrogenic. This can be associated with significant bleeding, hemodynamic instability, and subsequent morbidity. If the exact source of bleeding cannot be easily identified, compression of the internal iliac artery may be a lifesaving procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We describe an extension of the lateral window of the ilioinguinal (or Olerud) approach elaborated on cadavers.

RESULTS

The approach allows emergent access the internal iliac artery and intraoperative cross-clamping of the internal iliac vessels to control bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The approach allows rapid access to the internal iliac artery. The surgeon should be familiar, however, with the surgical anatomy of this region to avoid potential injury to the ureter, peritoneum, lymphatics, and sympathetic nerves overlying the vessels when using the approach described.

Correlation of psychomotor findings and the outcome of a physical therapy program to treat scapular dyskinesis

BACKGROUND

This pilot study was performed to investigate the influence of psychomotor skills on the outcome of a specific nonoperative program (scapular dyskinesis-program) to treat scapular dyskinesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients (group A) with positive and 11 patients (group B) with a negative outcome after physical therapy were included. To test the psychomotor skills of the patients the Motorische Leistungsserie (MLS) was used. The test results of the patients of group A were then compared with those of group B.

RESULTS

For 2 parameters, a significant correlation could be detected. However, due to the small sample size, a clear but statistically insignificant difference could be found for several other factors.

CONCLUSION

We, therefore, hypothesize that psychomotor skills testing is a potential method to predict the outcome of nonoperative treatment for scapular dyskinesis. Further investigations with a larger sample size are necessary to confirm this assumption.

Subacromial pressures vary with simulated sleep positions

HYPOTHESIS

Subacromial impingement is one of the underlying factors of rotator cuff pathologies and is linked to increased subacromial pressures. Because humans spend about one-third of their life sleeping, we hypothesized that distinct shoulder positions while sleeping may considerably influence nocturnal subacromial pressures. Consequently, atrophy and rupture can affect tendon healing after rotator cuff repair, thus potentially discrediting the outcome of surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We determined the subacromial pressures acting on the rotator cuff in the 4 most common sleep positions and related these pressures to the mean arterial blood pressure and physical examination findings in 20 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Subacromial pressures were significantly lower in participants sleeping preferably in a supine position than in participants sleeping in side or prone positions (P < .005).

DISCUSSION

As tendon perfusion is crucial for tendon-to-bone healing during postoperative physical therapy after rotator cuff reconstruction and for prevention of additional damage to healthy or already torn cuffs, potential clinical relevance may emerge from the present study.

CONCLUSION

Distinct shoulder positions considerably influence subacromial pressures. Our findings may be considered in physiotherapeutic concepts after rotator cuff surgery.