Conjoined bicondylar coronal plane fracture of the distal femur associated with incarcerated patella

Conjoint bicondylar coronal plane fracture is a rare orthopaedic injury, associated with high-velocity trauma. The proposed mechanism is axially directed shear forces in a flexed knee. To the best of our literature search, only 2 cases of conjoint bicondylar coronal fracture have been published in English literature-1 each in adult and paediatric age group. Conjoint bicondylar coronal plane fracture with incarcerated patella has not yet been reported and hence this is the first report of its kind. We report on the clinical presentation, management and outcome of such a complex injury, along with a comprehensive, up-to-date literature review. Prompt open reduction and internal fixation coupled with early knee mobilisation is the key to achieve good functional outcome.

Examining the Association Between Comorbidity Indexes and Functional Status in Hospitalized Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries

BACKGROUND

Medicare data from acute hospitals do not contain information on functional status. This lack of information limits the ability to conduct rehabilitation-related health services research.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between 5 comorbidity indexes derived from acute care claims data and functional status assessed at admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Comorbidity indexes included tier comorbidity, Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC).

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Medicare beneficiaries with stroke, lower extremity joint replacement, and lower extremity fracture discharged to an IRF in 2011 were studied (N=105,441). Data from the beneficiary summary file, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) file, and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility-Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) file were linked. Inpatient rehabilitation facility admission functional status was used as a proxy for acute hospital discharge functional status. Separate linear regression models for each impairment group were developed to assess the relationships between the comorbidity indexes and functional status. Base models included age, sex, race/ethnicity, disability, dual eligibility, and length of stay. Subsequent models included individual comorbidity indexes. Values of variance explained (R(2)) with each comorbidity index were compared.

RESULTS

Base models explained 7.7% of the variance in motor function ratings for stroke, 3.8% for joint replacement, and 7.3% for fracture. The R(2) increased marginally when comorbidity indexes were added to base models for stroke, joint replacement, and fracture: Charlson Comorbidity Index (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.3%), tier comorbidity (0.2%, 0.6%, 0.5%), FCI (0.4%, 1.2%, 1.6%), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (1.2%, 1.9%, 3.5%), and HCC (2.2%, 2.1%, 2.8%).

LIMITATION

Patients from 3 impairment categories were included in the sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5 comorbidity indexes contributed little to predicting functional status. The indexes examined were not useful as proxies for functional status in the acute settings studied.

COMPLEX MANAGEMENT OF FRAILTY FRACTURES--CASE REPORT

Frailty fractures encompass pelvic ring fractures in the elderly--a condition more frequently encountered in women, usually with pre-existing osteoporosis. The incidence of these fractures is increasing, following the increase in average life expectancy. Most of the times, they are the result of a minor injury, of which the patient has little or no recollection; the clinical signs and symptoms, radiological changes and the degree of fracture stability vary greatly. As such, there is a wide range of therapeutic options and one of the most important decisions for the physician is choosing between surgery and conservative treatment. We present the case of an elderly female patient with multiple pelvic ring fractures, and a medical history of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis; the orthopedic examination recommended conservative treatment which was carried out in the Geriatric Clinic of the "Dr. C.I. Parhon" Hospital. Following the complete physical examination and through geriatric evaluation, a complex therapeutic plan was devised, which included: recovery through physiotherapy, adequate nutrition, psychological support, treatment of the cardiovascular comorbidities and prevention of the consequences of extended bed rest. The treatment lasted for 60 days and the outcome was favorable: decreased bone frailty, mainly through preserving muscle tone and osteoarticular function, correction of malnutrition, improvement of depression and partial recovery of patient's mobility; the results of our therapy made it possible for the patient to return home, where she leaves alone. She will need help with daily household chores, but she intends to continue the recovery therapy as means of increasing her quality of life and independence.

New Method for Monitoring Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) of Outpatients with an Independent Insole Sensor System

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Partial weight bearing (PWB) is commonly prescribed post operatively following lower limb fractures and compliance with the weight bearing protocol is an essential element of the rehabilitation. So far it is unknown to what extent patients do comply with PWB during the healing process as instructed by the surgeon. Our aim is to assess a new device for real-time feedback and long-term measurement of PWB of outpatients. The device offers the possibility to monitor the outpatient's activity. The applicability, reliability and validity of the new device should be evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS 20 young, healthy subjects complete a course of 500 m that contained several stairs, with a PWB of 15 kg. During the entire test, the axial load, the acceleration and the temperature were measured with a novel insole sensor system. The results were compared with reference measurements performed with a force plate. RESULTS Altogether, the 20 subjects performed 11,106 steps during the completion of the walking circuit. In 23.6% of the steps, the subjects applied a PWB of 10 to 20 kg. In 5.5% of all steps, PWB was superior to 60 kg. The mean bias of the insole was 11,58 N. Limits of agreement were +/- 125 N and the interclass correlation coefficient was r = 0.945. CONCLUSIONS The presented sensor sole might be a useful tool to obtain more precise insight of outpatients' activity and load to the injured limb during the healing process. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that even young and healthy subjects are not able to keep the prescribed PWB. This raises the question, if patients who have been recently operated are able to follow the instructions concerning the PWB.

KEY WORDS

partial weight bearing (PWB), insole sensor system, sensor sole, monitoring, outpatients.

Optimizing physical activity among older adults post trauma: Overcoming system and patient challenges

BACKGROUND

By 2050 it is anticipated that close to half (40%) of all trauma patients will be over the age of 65. Recovery for these individuals is more complicated than among younger individuals. Early mobilization has been shown to improve outcomes. Unfortunately, there are many challenges to early mobilization. The Function Focused Care Intervention was developed to overcome these challenges.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper was to describe the initial recruitment of the first 25 participants and delineate the challenges and successes associated with implementation of this intervention.

RESULTS

Overall recruitment rates were consistent with other studies and the intervention was implemented as intended. Most patients were female, white and on average 79 years of age. Optimizing physical activity of patients was a low priority for the nurses with patient safety taking precedence. Patients spent most of the time in bed. Age, depression and tethering were the only factors that were associated with physical activity and functional outcomes of patients.

CONCLUSION

Ongoing work is needed to keep patients physically active in the immediate post trauma recovery period.

Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including rehabilitation, of these fractures. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of rehabilitation interventions in adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014; Issue 12), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker and other databases, trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. We did not apply any language restrictions. The date of the last search was 12 January 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by adults. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The review authors independently screened and selected trials, and reviewed eligible trials. We contacted study authors for additional information. We did not pool data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 26 trials, involving 1269 mainly female and older patients. With few exceptions, these studies did not include people with serious fracture or treatment-related complications, or older people with comorbidities and poor overall function that would have precluded trial participation or required more intensive treatment. Only four of the 23 comparisons covered by these 26 trials were evaluated by more than one trial. Participants of 15 trials were initially treated conservatively, involving plaster cast immobilisation. Initial treatment was surgery (external fixation or internal fixation) for all participants in five trials. Initial treatment was either surgery or plaster cast alone in six trials. Rehabilitation started during immobilisation in seven trials and after post-immobilisation in the other 19 trials. As well as being small, the majority of the included trials had methodological shortcomings and were at high risk of bias, usually related to lack of blinding, that could affect the validity of their findings. Based on GRADE criteria for assessment quality, we rated the evidence for each of the 23 comparisons as either low or very low quality; both ratings indicate considerable uncertainty in the findings.For interventions started during immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of improved hand function for hand therapy compared with instructions only at four days after plaster cast removal, with some beneficial effects continuing one month later (one trial, 17 participants). There was very low quality evidence of improved hand function in the short-term, but not in the longer-term (three months), for early occupational therapy (one trial, 40 participants), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (one trial, 96 participants).Four trials separately provided very low quality evidence of clinically marginal benefits of specific interventions applied in addition to standard care (therapist-applied programme of digit mobilisation during external fixation (22 participants); pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) during cast immobilisation (60 participants); cyclic pneumatic soft tissue compression using an inflatable cuff placed under the plaster cast (19 participants); and cross-education involving strength training of the non-fractured hand during cast immobilisation with or without surgical repair (39 participants)).For interventions started post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence from one study (47 participants) of improved function for a single session of physiotherapy, primarily advice and instructions for a home exercise programme, compared with 'no intervention' after cast removal. There was low quality evidence from four heterogeneous trials (30, 33, 66 and 75 participants) of a lack of clinically important differences in outcome in patients receiving routine physiotherapy or occupational therapy in addition to instructions for home exercises versus instructions for home exercises from a therapist. There was very low quality evidence of better short-term hand function in participants given physiotherapy than in those given either instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (16 participants, one trial) or a progressive home exercise programme (20 participants, one trial). Both trials (46 and 76 participants) comparing physiotherapy or occupational therapy versus a progressive home exercise programme after volar plate fixation provided low quality evidence in favour of a structured programme of home exercises preceded by instructions or coaching. One trial (63 participants) provided very low quality evidence of a short-term, but not persisting, benefit of accelerated compared with usual rehabilitation after volar plate fixation.For trials testing single interventions applied post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of no clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving passive mobilisation (69 participants, two trials), ice (83 participants, one trial), PEMF (83 participants, one trial), PEMF plus ice (39 participants, one trial), whirlpool immersion (24 participants, one trial), and dynamic extension splint for patients with wrist contracture (40 participants, one trial), compared with no intervention. This finding applied also to the trial (44 participants) comparing PEMF versus ice, and the trial (29 participants) comparing manual oedema mobilisation versus traditional oedema treatment. There was very low quality evidence from single trials of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion post-external fixation (seven participants), intermittent pneumatic compression (31 participants) and ultrasound (38 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence from RCTs is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius. Further randomised trials are warranted. However, in order to optimise research effort and engender the large multicentre randomised trials that are required to inform practice, these should be preceded by research that aims to identify priority questions.

Favorable effect of sympathetic nervous activity on rehabilitation outcomes in frail elderly

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have suggested the relationship between physical function, mortality, and autonomic nervous activity in frail elderly and that maintaining sympathetic nervous activity might lead to improved physical function and mortality in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of sympathetic nervous activity measured by heart rate variability in frail elderly patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, further focusing the nervous activity on the effect of rehabilitation therapy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-one subjects aged 75 years or older were recruited after treatment of acute phase illness.

MEASUREMENTS

Before undergoing rehabilitation, data of 24-hour Holter monitoring and a blood venous sample were obtained. From RR intervals in the electrocardiogram, heart rate and SDs of all NN intervals in all 5-minute segments of the entire recording, power spectral density, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) were calculated. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel index were used to measure physical function.

RESULTS

FIM score and Barthel index were 46.8 ± 25.4 and 32.8 ± 31.7, respectively. Serum total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, and total cholesterol were all significantly related to FIM score and Barthel index before rehabilitation. Heart rate variability indices did not show a significant relationship with physical function, whereas the high LH/HF group showed significant improvement in physical function compared with the low LH/HF group. Moreover, LF/HF frequency was a predictive factor for improvement of physical function after 2 months of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

A favorable effect of preserved LF/HF on rehabilitation outcome was observed in elderly undergoing rehabilitation. Preservation of sympathetic nervous activity may lead to improved physical function in the elderly.

The double-pulley technique for anatomical double-bundled medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Majority of the current medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction techniques vary with respect to methods of fixation on the patella. In an effort to maximise the area of patellar footprint coverage and minimise the complication of patellar fracture, we developed a procedure that implemented the double-pulley suture anchors technique.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

SETTING

A primary medical centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients (18 knees) who met the inclusion criteria underwent the aforementioned operation between January 2010 and March 2012. Patients were evaluated using functional scores (Kujala and Tegner-Lysholm scores), apprehension test, and radiographic examination (congruence angle and patellar tilting angle) preoperatively and at the follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 35 months. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at the last follow-up with a mean lateral translation quadrant of 1.5 (improved from 3.5 preoperatively, p<0.001). Both clinical and radiographic assessment improved significantly (p<0.001); the mean Kujala score improved from 55.3±6.8 preoperatively to 95.2±3.5 at the last follow-up; TegnerLysholm from 43.6±8.1 to 93.6±6.8; the mean congruence angle improved from 20.6°±2.1° preoperatively to -5.2°±2.4° at the last follow-up; and the patellar tilting angle from 23.8°±2.3° to 9.6°±1.3°.

CONCLUSION

The double-pulley patellar fixation technique, by having a result that is comparable with those of other studies that used aperture fixation techniques, can be a promising surgical option for anatomically reconstructing the medial petellofemoral ligament.

Nintendo Wii Fit as an adjunct to physiotherapy following lower limb fractures: preliminary feasibility, safety and sample size considerations

OBJECTIVE

The Nintendo Wii Fit integrates virtual gaming with body movement, and may be suitable as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy following lower limb fractures. This study examined the feasibility and safety of using the Wii Fit as an adjunct to outpatient physiotherapy following lower limb fractures, and reports sample size considerations for an appropriately powered randomised trial.

METHODOLOGY

Ambulatory patients receiving physiotherapy following a lower limb fracture participated in this study (n=18). All participants received usual care (individual physiotherapy). The first nine participants also used the Wii Fit under the supervision of their treating clinician as an adjunct to usual care. Adverse events, fracture malunion or exacerbation of symptoms were recorded. Pain, balance and patient-reported function were assessed at baseline and discharge from physiotherapy.

RESULTS

No adverse events were attributed to either the usual care physiotherapy or Wii Fit intervention for any patient. Overall, 15 (83%) participants completed both assessments and interventions as scheduled. For 80% power in a clinical trial, the number of complete datasets required in each group to detect a small, medium or large effect of the Wii Fit at a post-intervention assessment was calculated at 175, 63 and 25, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Nintendo Wii Fit was safe and feasible as an adjunct to ambulatory physiotherapy in this sample. When considering a likely small effect size and the 17% dropout rate observed in this study, 211 participants would be required in each clinical trial group. A larger effect size or multiple repeated measures design would require fewer participants.

[Case control study on postoperative rehabilitation of patellar fracture by modified seated position of different knee flexion angles]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical results of postoperative rehabilitation of patellar fracture by modified seated position of different knee flexion angles, thereby enrich the therapeutic tool of orthopaedics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and provide the evidences for refinement and modernization of traditional Chinese exercise therapy.

METHODS

From January 2009 to June 2012,90 patients with patellar transverse fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by tension band wire and rehabilitation exercises. There were 52 males and 38 females, aged from 21 to 77 years old with an average of 50.0 years old. Three methods of rehabilitation exercises were adopted in the patients after fractures clinical union. There were 21 males and 14 females in group A (trained by modified seated position of knee flexion about 60 degree), 21 males and 14 females in group B (trained by modified seated position of knee flexion about 30 degree), 10 males and 10 females in group C (trained by walk). The rehabilitation-training time was 1 month. Fracture healing informations were observed by X-ray films. The Böstman patellar fracture function scores were compared before and after training among three groups.

RESULTS

Postoperative follow-up time was 6 months. All fractures obtained bone union and the average healing time was 3 months (ranged,2 to 4 months). Böstman patellar fracture function scores in group A, B, C before training were 18.89 ± 2.19, 18.74 ± 2.03, 18.85 ± 2.92, respectively; there was no significant differences in among three groups (P > 0.05). After training, Böstman patellar fracture function scores in group A, B, C were 29.40 ± 1.14, 26.09 ± 3.86, 25.70 ± 4.09, respectively; group A was highest than other two groups; and there was no significant differences between group A and group B.

CONCLUSION

Modified seated position of knee flexion about 60 degree was practical and effective training in postoperative rehabilitation for the treatment of patellar fracture, it can obtain the better clinical results than other training method such as walk or modified seated position of knee flexion about 30 degree.

[Hahn Steinthal fracture treated by Herbert screw fixation: 3 cases]

Les fractures du capitulum sont rares. Leur prise en charge initiale doit être précoce et efficace en raison des risques engendrés sur le coude: rigidité, instabilité, arthrose. De nombreux traitements ont été proposés. Notre étude décrit le vissage par vis d'Herbert pratiqué chez trois patientes recensées entre 2012 et 2013. Elles ont été inclues selon les critères de traumatisme du coude avec douleur exquise externe avec un trait de fracture radiologique frontal du condyle huméral externe emportant la joue externe de la trochlée. Le diagnostic a été orienté par l'examen clinique et confirmé à la radiographie de face, de profil et des ¾ internes. Les lésions ont été classées selon Bryan et Morrey. Les patients ont été opérés en urgence par abord postéro-latéral de Kocher, réduction à ciel ouvert puis stabilisation par vis de Herbert enfouies. Le recul moyen a été de un an. La récupération fonctionnelle totale moyenne a été de 3,6 mois. L’évaluation fonctionnelle a été jugée excellente selon le score MEPI (Mayo Elbow Performance Index) pour les trois patients. Il n'y a pas eu de démontage de matériel. La consolidation osseuse moyenne a été de 2,6 mois.

Collaborative Establishment of an Integrated Orthotic and Rehabilitation Pathway

Returning to active military duty and to recreational activities has been difficult for service members sustaining combat-related high-energy lower extremity trauma (HELET). The Return to Run (RTR) clinical pathway was introduced in 2009 with favorable results in returning active duty service members to running, sports participation, active duty, and deployments. The RTR pathway was introduced at a second institution in 2011 to determine if the pathway could be reproduced at a different institution. In this study, a series of patients is presented who underwent limb salvage procedures after sustaining HELET at an outside military treatment facility and subsequently participated in the authors' RTR protocol. They received a novel orthotic device from the San Antonio Military Medical Center and returned to their home institution for rehabilitation. In this cohort, an improvement in functional capability was obtained in nearly all patients. In conclusion, successful translation of the integrated orthotic and rehabilitation initiative to outside institutions is possible.

Comparison of Intraoperative C-Arm Fluoroscopy to Postoperative Radiographs in Operative Fracture Fixation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences between intraoperative C-arm images and postoperative plain film radiographs and the utility of each in assessing fracture fixation and determining postoperative management. Intraoperative and postoperative images with varying fracture types and locations were analyzed. C-arm images were compared to postoperative plain film radiographs for each treated fracture and reviewed by two orthopaedic surgeons. Image adequacy and quality for each radiograph were analyzed. The quality of reduction and fixation was also analyzed. Information was apparent on the postoperative radiographs, such that a reviewer felt that the postoperative treatment plan should change in 8.2% of cases. In the cases where treatment change was recommended, fracture gap, rotation, and angulation were found to be the strongest predictors. The ability of intraoperative and postoperative images to reflect fracture gap, rotation, and angulation may vary between images.

Managing acetabular fractures in the elderly with fixation and primary arthroplasty: aiming for early weightbearing

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic acetabular fractures in the elderly are becoming more common. Regardless of treatment, most patients are managed with a period of protected weightbearing, even if a THA has been performed. We have tried to treat these patients analogously to geriatric femoral neck fractures in a way that allows immediate full weightbearing.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We determined return to mobility, length of hospital stay (LOS), radiographic outcomes, and complications in a series of elderly osteoporotic patients treated for acetabular fractures with early fracture fixation and simultaneous THA, allowing full weightbearing immediately postoperatively.

METHODS

Since 2009, one surgeon (MR) used a consistent approach for fracture fixation and THA with immediate weightbearing in all patients older than 65 years with acetabular fractures who were fit for surgery and whose injuries were deemed osteoporotic fractures (low-energy mechanisms) meeting particular radiographic criteria (significant marginal impaction or femoral head damage). Twenty-four patients met these criteria and were reviewed at a mean of 24 months (range, 8-38 months). Mean age was 77 years (range, 63-90 years), and eight patients were women. The surgical technique included plate stabilization of both acetabular columns plus simultaneous THA using a tantalum socket and a cemented femoral stem. Clinical and note reviews were conducted to ascertain return to mobility, LOS, and postoperative complications. Component migration and fracture healing were assessed on plain radiographs.

RESULTS

All patients mobilized with full weightbearing by Day 7 postoperatively. Only one patient remained dependent on a frame to mobilize at discharge. At 6 weeks, two patients already required no walking aids. At 6 months, patients were using a single stick at home at most, and all patients had managed stairs. Mean LOS was 18 days (range, 10-36 days). Radiographically, no component migration was seen in any patient. Seventeen of 24 fractures (71%) healed radiographically by 12 weeks, and all healed by 6 months. We recorded one superficial wound infection, one symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, and one in-hospital death from myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected older patients with acetabular fractures may be managed using immediate weightbearing after fracture fixation and THA. However, this surgery is complex and requires a mixed skill set.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Biomechanical aspects of efficiency of Latarjet's surgery for habitual dislocation of the shoulder in the bones fractures]

Biomechanical substantiation of efficiency of the Latarjet's operation in patients, suffering habitual dislocation of the shoulder while osteal tissue affection, was done, basing on retrospective analysis of clinico-roentgenological indices and the magnet resonance tomography (MRI) data. The data were compared among patients, to whom for habitual dislocation of the shoulder a stabilization of the shoulder joint was performed in accordance to Latarjet's method, and the results of biomechanical experiment--determination of the stress-strain state (SSS) of the shoulder joint structures in conditions of defect of the joint depression of scapula (JDS) and the Hill-Sax damage, using the method of a definitely-elemental (DE) imitational computeric modelling. In the upper extremity abduction by 90 degrees the maximal indices of SSS on surface of JDS, while presence of the defect, measuring 30% of common area, before the Latarjet's operation have exceeded their postoperative values by 198.7%; while abduction of upper extremity by 90 degrees and its external rotation by 45 degrees--by 286.8%; while abduction of the upper extremity by 90 degrees and its external rotation by 90 degrees--by 346.5%.

[Application of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells in treatment of the extremities bones defects]

Possibilities of clinical application of a three dimensional osteoprogenitoral transplant (TDOPT), background of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MCK), were studied for treatment of the extremity bone defects. Twelve patients were included in the investigation, in whom the defects of brachial, femoral, tibial and the heel bones were revealed. In 8 patients a cicatricial-ulcerative defects of soft tissues were present over the bone defects. TDOPT in a kind of "chips" were applied in tangential bone defects, while in full defects they were applied in a kind of blocks. For substitution of the soft tissue defects the fascio-cutaneous and muscular flaps on pedicles were used. Possibility of the TDOPT application in the treatment of the bone tissue defects and their high efficacy were substantiated.

Operative versus non-operative treatment for closed, displaced, intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether surgery by open reduction and internal fixation provides benefit compared with non-operative treatment for displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

DESIGN

Pragmatic, multicentre, two arm, parallel group, assessor blinded randomised controlled trial (UK Heel Fracture Trial).

SETTING

22 tertiary referral hospitals, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

151 patients with acute displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures randomly allocated to operative (n=73) or non-operative (n=78) treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was patient reported Kerr-Atkins score for pain and function (scale 0-100, 100 being the best possible score) at two years after injury. Secondary outcomes were complications; hindfoot pain and function (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score); general health (SF-36); quality of life (EQ-5D); clinical examination; walking speed; and gait symmetry. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS

95% follow-up was achieved for the primary outcome (69 in operative group and 74 in non-operative group), and a complete set of secondary outcomes were available for 75% of participants. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome (mean Kerr-Atkins score 69.8 in operative group v 65.7 in non-operative group; adjusted 95% confidence interval of difference -7.1 to 7.0) or in any of the secondary outcomes between treatment groups. Complications and reoperations were more common in those who received operative care (estimated odds ratio 7.5, 95% confidence interval 2.0 to 41.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Operative treatment compared with non-operative care showed no symptomatic or functional advantage after two years in patients with typical displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus, and the risk of complications was higher after surgery. Based on these findings, operative treatment by open reduction and internal fixation is not recommended for these fractures.Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN37188541.

Assessing recovery and disability after physical trauma: the Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale

OBJECTIVE

To establish reliability and validity of the Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale (PIFOS), a brief injury-specific rating scale covering motor, self-care, communication, social-emotional, cognition, physical, and academic areas.

METHODS

In a prospective longitudinal study, the PIFOS structured interview was administered to parents of children 3-15 years of age at 3 and 12 months after hospitalization for traumatic brain injury (TBI) or orthopedic injury (OI).

RESULTS

The total score had good internal consistency (α = .90-.93) and inter-rater reliability (α = .90) and correlated significantly with injury severity and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Generalized linear modeling showed the PIFOS was sensitive to the type and severity of injury, showed specific initial and persisting difficulties following TBI and OI, and was responsive to change during the first year after injury. Both groups had residual difficulties with coordination, emotionality, social participation, and discomfort.

CONCLUSION

The PIFOS is useful in examining recovery in natural history and intervention studies.

[Manipulative reduction and external fixation with cardboard splint for the treatment of calcaneal fractures: a 60-case report]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of manipulative reduction for calcaneal fractures.

METHODS

From January 2009 to June 2012, 53 cases (60 affected feet) of Sanders type I-IV calcaneal fractures were treated by manipulative reduction and external fixation with cardboard splint,including 45 males and 8 females with an average age of (33.5 +/- 1.54) years old ranging from 18 to 65. The course of disease ranged 0.5 h to 7 d. Before treatment the feet were swelling, ache and activity limitation in evidence, some feet were wide flat deformity, the cortical bone was broken in the imaging examination. All selected cases were evaluated using Creighton-Nebraska health foundation assessment scale for fractures of calcaneus.

RESULTS

All cases were followed up at 12 months after treatment, 13 feet got excellent curative effect, 34 good, 11 moderate and 2 poor.

CONCLUSION

Manipulative reduction for Sanders type I-IV calcaneal fractures could get excellent curative effect. Manipulative reduction for calcaneal fractures could avoid surgical trauma while assure high curative effects. Manipulative reduction is not only economical and easy therapy, but also can restore maximum function of the calcaneus with few complications and facilitate early rehabilitation of ankle and joint function.

Patient compliance with postoperative lower extremity touch-down weight-bearing orders at a level I academic trauma center

After lower extremity fracture or surgery, physicians often prescribe limited weight bearing. The current study was performed to evaluate teaching and compliance of touch-down weight bearing (defined as 25 lb) at a level I academic trauma center. A survey was distributed to physical therapists (PTs) from the orthopedic ward to gauge their training methods and their confidence in patients' ability to comply. Patients with recommended touch-down weight bearing were then evaluated on the day of discharge and again at their first follow-up appointment using the SmartStep weight-bearing measurement device (Andante Medical Devices, Inc, White Plains, New York). Fifteen PTs completed the survey (average of 14 years in practice). Inconsistency was observed in weight-bearing teaching methods: verbal cues were used 87% of the time, tactile methods were used 41%, demonstration was used 23%, and a scale was used only 1%. Limited confidence was found in the instruction efficacy by those surveyed. Twenty-one patients were seen the day of discharge and 18 of those were seen at first follow-up. At discharge, average minimum and maximum weight bearing were 3.2 and 30.2 lb, respectively. Only 31% of steps were within an acceptable range of 15 to 35 lb. At first follow-up, average minimum and maximum weight bearing were 12.2 and 50.8 lb, respectively. Only 27% of steps were within the acceptable range. The majority of steps were less than the prescribed weight at discharge, whereas the majority of steps were greater than the prescribed weight at first follow-up. These data suggest that more uniform and effective teaching methods for prescribed weight-bearing orders are warranted assuming compliance is an important clinical objective.

Technical tip: tightrope fixation of neer type II distal clavicle fracture supported by a case series

BACKGROUND

We present a case series of 3 patients who underwent a novel technique of tight rope fixation for Neer type II distal clavicle fracture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

2-3 cm incision was made lateral to the fracture site moving inferomedially. Part of the distal end of clavicle was exposed close to fracture site and further dissection was carried out to reveal the coracoid process. Tight rope fixation of the distal ends of clavicle and coracoid was performed to achieve satisfactory fracture reduction on x-ray.

RESULTS

4 weeks of sling with gentle pendulum movement were followed by active shoulder movement exercises. Radiographic union was reached at 6 weeks' time, while the patients achieved proper shoulder functionality 3 months following the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Neer type II distal clavicle fractures are characterized by disruption of the coracoclavicular ligament with wide proximal fragment displacement. Overall, type II distal clavicle fractures have a 20-30% nonunion rate if treated non-surgically. Various techniques have been described for the treatment of these fractures, including hook plate and nailing. Tight rope fixation provides proper apposition of the fracture fragments for union by maintaining a reduced coracoclavicular interval.

[Relative clavicle shortening in pediatric fractures: its importance when selecting conservative treatment]

BACKGROUND

Clavicle fractures represent 2-15% of pediatric fractures. The literature suggests operating on patients over 9 years of age with major shortening or severe comminution in the fracture line. However, no one establishes shortening or angulation parameters for conservative treatment in children. In pediatric patients it is important to take into account relative shortening, that is, the one caused by a fracture when compared with the length of the healthy clavicle.

OBJECTIVE

To know the effect of relative clavicle shortening on movement in pediatric fractures treated conservatively.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective, longitudinal, observational study. We radiographically measured the relative shortening of the fractured clavicle comparing it with the healthy side at the time of the fracture and after fracture healing. Shortening was expressed in percentages. The following views were used: comparative anteroposterior view of the shoulders and panoramic view of both shoulders. Patients were divided into 2 groups: under 9 years and 9-15 years of age.

RESULTS

We analyzed 94 fractures; 31 in females and 63 in males. No pseudoarthrosis or symptomatic malunion occurred. The prognosis was good regardless of the initial shortening percentage. Age and shortening are proportionally related with the rehabilitation period and the restoration of painless ranges of motion. The value ranges recorded for shortening were 9.5 to 28%.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical indications for shortening resulting from pediatric clavicle fractures should be revised. We have observed good results despite major shortening and total displacement.

Thirty-day hospital readmission following discharge from postacute rehabilitation in fee-for-service Medicare patients

IMPORTANCE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently identified 30-day readmission after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facilities as a national quality indicator. Research is needed to determine the rates and factors related to readmission in this patient population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine 30-day readmission rates and factors related to readmission for patients receiving postacute inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Retrospective cohort study of records for 736,536 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (mean age, 78.0 [SD, 7.3] years) discharged from 1365 inpatient rehabilitation facilities to the community in 2006 through 2011. Sixty-three percent of patients were women, and 85.1% were non-Hispanic white.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Thirty-day readmission rates for the 6 largest diagnostic impairment categories receiving inpatient rehabilitation. These included stroke, lower extremity fracture, lower extremity joint replacement, debility, neurologic disorders, and brain dysfunction.

RESULTS

Mean rehabilitation length of stay was 12.4 (SD, 5.3) days. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 11.8% (95% CI, 11.7%-11.8%). Rates ranged from 5.8% (95% CI, 5.8%-5.9%) for patients with lower extremity joint replacement to 18.8% (95% CI, 18.8%-18.9%). for patients with debility. Rates were highest in men (13.0% [ 95% CI, 12.8%-13.1%], vs 11.0% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.1%] in women), non-Hispanic blacks (13.8% [95% CI, 13.5%-14.1%], vs 11.5% [95% CI, 11.5%-11.6%] in whites, 12.5% [95% CI, 12.1%-12.8%] in Hispanics, and 11.9% [95% CI, 11.4%-12.4%] in other races/ethnicities), beneficiaries with dual eligibility (15.1% [95% CI, 14.9%-15.4%], vs 11.1% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.2%] for no dual eligibility), and in patients with tier 1 comorbidities (25.6% [95% CI, 24.9%-26.3%], vs 18.9% [95% CI, 18.5%-19.3%] for tier 2, 15.1% [95% CI, 14.9%-15.3%] for tier 3, and 9.9% [95% CI, 9.9%-10.0%] for no tier comorbidities). Higher motor and cognitive functional status were associated with lower hospital readmission rates across the 6 impairment categories. Adjusted readmission rates by state ranged from 9.2% to 13.6%. Approximately 50% of patients rehospitalized within the 30-day period were readmitted within 11 days of discharge. Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group codes for heart failure, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, septicemia, nutritional and metabolic disorders, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and digestive disorders were common reasons for readmission.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among postacute rehabilitation facilities providing services to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 30-day readmission rates ranged from 5.8% to 18.8% for selected impairment groups. Further research is needed to understand the causes of readmission.

[Surgical treatment of ischial apophysis avulsion. Case report]

The optimal management of ischial apophysis avulsion, especially indications for surgery, is not well defined. The authors present the case of a 16-year-old man who sustained an avulsion fracture of the ischial apophysis during his athlete training programme. The avulsion was diagnosed by X-ray. Because of displacement, surgery was indicated and open reduction with osteosynthesis was performed using a subgluteal approach on the eighth day after injury. Full weight bearing was allowed at nine weeks after injury, after the post-operative rehabilitation programme had been completed. Return to his sports activity was allowed at four months after injury. At one post-operative year the patient was free of any symptoms. The proper surgical treatment of a displaced ischial apophysis avulsion and subsequent rehabilitation allow for early full weight bearing, including sports activities. The subgluteal approach provides good access to the ischial tuberosity with a minimal risk of complications and a good cosmetic outcome. Key words:apophysis, ischial tuberosity, avulsion.