Ethics in Research and Publications

Background

The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues and the processes involved in research and publishing in India. The study examines the present ethical norms, guidelines, frameworks and developments in India, providing insights into the nation's current status of research and recommendations for publication. This document will be a useful starting point and reference document for those embarking on research and publication in Orthopaedics in India.

Materials

A survey of the literature was done, which included scholarly papers, reports, rules, and policies pertaining to Indian publishing norms and research ethics. the document starts with a general introduction to ethics, followed by the evolution of ethics in research and the current International as well as Indian codes of ethics. Subsequently, the discussion is divided into two broad headings of ethics in research and ethics in publishing. Under each heading, there are many specific areas in orthopaedics that would require the application of a unique set of ethics. These areas are discussed separately as subheadings.

Results and Discussion

The review draws attention to the complexity of ethical issues in Indian and international research and publishing in orthopaedics. Where available, specific guidelines about the topic in India or international guidelines are discussed. The importance of informed consent, data integrity, plagiarism, authorship disputes, and conflicts of interest are only a few of the key results. It is obvious that ethical norms and regulations, such as those offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Council of Publication Ethics (COPE) are crucial in determining how research is conducted and how papers are published. The types of studies discussed include research in humans and animals, research with stem cells, metal implants and devices, orthobiologics, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, computer modelling, virtual reality, 3D printing and bioprinting, tissue banking and data management. The roles of different personnel in research and publications are discussed.

Conclusions

Ethics in research and publishing play a crucial role in establishing the authority and standard of scholarly work in India. This study underlines the key concepts of ethics that guide various types of studies and the publication process. It also highlights the requirement for frameworks and guidelines for certain unique areas of research in orthopaedics.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation Nora's lesion: Case report of two cases with review of the literature

ABSTRACT

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) is also known as Nora's disease. It is a benign lesion. Even though recent studies showed probable neoplastic etiology, the exact cause is unknown. BPOP commonly involves small bones of hands and feet. This condition is rare and very few cases are reported. In this report, two cases are presented with clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings. The first case was a 38-year-old female presented with 3-year history of mild painful swelling in the left middle finger and the second case was a 28-year-old male with the left leg swelling for 8 years. On radiology, both cases showed surface lesion with uninvolved medullary cavity. Excision specimen of both the lesions subjected for histopathological examination. Microscopically, there was irregular maturation of the bone and cartilage. Cartilage showed purplish-blue color (blue bone) with bizarre chondrocytes. BPOP is a rare benign condition. Awareness of clinical radiological and microscopic findings is needed for correct diagnosis and to differentiate it from other mimicking benign and malignant conditions.

Acquired Hallux Varus Deformity Correction: Pivotless Distraction Technique

Acquired hallux varus deformity secondary to postburn contracture is a rare condition. It causes cosmetic disfigurement, pain, and inability to wear a shoe. Soft-tissue procedures and tendon transfers have been described for correction; however, these may require multiple operations and the outcome may be poor. We report a 6-year-old neglected case of hallux varus deformity secondary to burn contracture successfully managed by contracture release with pivotless distraction technique using a biplanar distractor and skin grafting with Z-plasty in the same procedure. The deformity was corrected to a lesser extent and with good functional outcomes. The scar was excised and Z-plasty was performed. The medial joint capsule was released. We used gradual differential distraction with monitoring on sequential radiographs. Pain-free flexion of 45° and extension of 40° were achieved and the patient was able to wear shoes after 4 weeks postoperatively. Hallux varus is a multidimensional deformity. A severe and rigid deformity might not respond well to tendon transfers in a single stage. Our described technique can be used to correct rigid hallux varus deformity with preservation of joint function.

Authorship in Scientific Manuscripts

Authorship in scientific manuscripts indicates intellectual contribution of individuals to a research project and authors play a key role in the research and dissemination of results of a research project. It is important for authors to follow guidelines on authorship and submission of manuscripts and to agree on the order of authorship before beginning the project. Criteria for authorship, roles and responsibilities of authors, author metrics and misconduct of authors and their consequences are discussed in this editorial. Properly assigning authorship ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in the scientific community.

Chondromyxoid Fibroma of Clavicle Presenting as Radiological Disappearance of Bone

Case Presentation Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a relatively rare bone tumor of cartilaginous origin and it comprises less than 1% of all primary bony tumors. Clavicle is an unusual site of involvement for any bone tumor and may produce diagnostic dilemma. Approximately only 1% of all primary bone tumors may involve the clavicle. The literature on clinical features and outcome of CMF clavicle remains sparse.

Conclusion We present an unusual case of CMF clavicle in which the medial aspect of the clavicle gradually disappeared on radiographs. CMF should be included in the differential diagnoses of disappearing bone disease.

Histopathological response to denosumab in giant cell tumours of bone - A review of 11 cases

Background

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone is a locally aggressive primary bone tumor, that can rarely metastasize. Arising mostly in epiphysis of the long bones in young adults, the tumor is composed of mononuclear cells that are admixed with osteoclastic giant cells(OLGCs), which express RANK ligand and RANK respectively. Denosumab a monoclonal antibody against RANK ligand has been shown to reduce the tumor by causing bone lysis by inhibiting RANKL. Histological changes in 11 patients of GCT who were treated with denosumab are presented here.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records and slides of 11 patients of GCT who had been administered neoadjuvant denosumab were included in the study. Evaluation of pre and post therapy GCT specimens was performed by two pathologists (RK and VM). There were 4 males and 7 females. Their mean age was 30 years. All the patients received 120 mg denosumab subcutaneously every week with additional 120 mg on days 8 and 15 of therapy. The histological slides were reviewed and following points noted: 1) degree of ossification,2) fibrosis,3) loss of osteoclastic giant cells,4) proliferation of mononuclear cells,5) atypia,6) Permeation of osteoid by malignant cells.

Results

Out of 11 cases, 2 cases did not show any significant histological improvement. 7 cases showed reduction in giant cells, increased fibrosis, enhanced mononuclear cell proliferation and ossification consistent with a pathological response. Atypia and osteoid permeation were noted in 2 cases which showed transformation to osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

Denosumab treated giant cell tumor show dramatic histological changes. The post therapy lesions may bear no resemblance to pretherapy lesion. There may be complete resolution or may be confused with benign or malignant lesions Rarely they may show sarcomatous transformation. It is imperative that the pathologist is aware of these changes to prevent diagnostic pitfalls as it poses therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Accuracy of Patient-Specific, 3D-Printed Laminofacetal Based Trajectory-Guide for Pedicle Screw Placement in Subaxial Cervical and Thoracic Spine

Background

Conventional methods of pedicle-screw placement have higher breach rates due to variations in pedicle trajectories.

Objective

We studied the accuracy of patient-specific, three-dimensional (3D)-printed laminofacetal-based trajectory guide for pedicle-screw placement in the subaxial-cervical and thoracic spine.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 23 consecutive patients who underwent subaxial cervical and thoracic pedicle-screw instrumentation. They were divided into two groups: group A (cases without spinal deformity) and group B (cases with pre-existing spinal deformity). Patient-specific, 3D-printed laminofacetal-based trajectory guide for each instrumented level was designed. The accuracy of screw placement was assessed on postoperative computed tomography (CT) using the Gertzbein-Robbins grading.

Results

A total of 194 pedicle screws (114 cervical and 80 thoracics) were placed using trajectory guides, of which 102 belonged to group B (34 cervical and 68 thoracics). Out of a total of 194 pedicle screws, 193 had clinically acceptable placement (grade A: 187; grade B: 6; and grade C: 1). In the cervical spine, 110 pedicle screws out of a total of 114 had grade A placement (grade B: 4). In the thoracic spine, 77 pedicle screws out of a total of 80 had grade A placement (grade B: 2; grade C: 1). Out of a total of 92 pedicle screws in group A, 90 had grade A placement, and the rest 2 had grade B breach. Similarly, 97 out of a total of 102 pedicle screws in group B were placed accurately, 4 had grade B and another had a grade C breach.

Conclusions

Patient-specific, 3D-printed laminofacetal-based trajectory guide may help in accurate placement of subaxial cervical and thoracic pedicle screws. It may help reduce surgical time, blood loss, and radiation exposure.

Is Masquelet Technique A Successful Viable Treatment In Reconstructing Large Tumor Bone Gaps in Adolescent and Adult?

Objectives

The reconstruction of large bony defect caused by tumor resection can be managed by different technique like bone graft, Masquelet technique, mega-prosthesis etc. Literature lacks studies discussing Masquelet technique in tumor cases especially pertaining to infected tumor in adults. We aimed to determine 1) How often and how fast is the bone healing achieved after resection greater than 10 cm bone in tumour patient's using Masquelet technique?, 2) Whether Masquelet technique can achieve optimum outcomes in adult infected cases too?

Methods

We reviewed 154 patients of benign & malignant tumour managed by us between 2013 and 2019. Patients belonging to all the age group with infected tumor/diaphysial tumor/periarticular tumor, where single stage surgery or mega-prosthesis is not a viable option and were treated with Masquelet technique for reconstructing a bone defect of at least 10 cm were included in our study. We evaluated outcomes of eight patients for four parameters i.e. bony union, healing index, number of re-do surgeries required and limb length discrepancy.

Results

Mean age of our study group was 20.25 years and patients followed for mean duration of 3.36 years. Mean bone loss after tumor resection was 13.1 cm (range = 11.5 cm to 15 cm). There was no sign of recurrence of tumor in any patient at the time of last follow up. Average time required to achieve bony union was 23.25 months (mean healing index of 1.67 months/cm). All but one patient achieved bony union. Mean limb length discrepancy seen was 1.44cm. Infected cases showed low healing index with higher percentage of re-do surgeries.

Conclusion

Induced membrane technique is quick, safe and reliable alternative method of reconstruction to mega-prosthesis in cases with all age group where risk of failure of mega-prosthesis is high, either due to infection or shorter expected lifespan of prosthesis. However, obtaining union can be a difficult preposition in infected tumor cases and multiple surgeries may be required to get the desired result even after two stages. However, a comparative study with large sample size is required to further validate our results.

Bone defect classifications in revision total knee arthroplasty, their reliability and utility: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

There are various classification systems described in the literature for managing bone defects in revision knee arthroplasty (RTKA). We analysed the reliability and usefulness of these classification systems.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) To review and critique the various classification systems proposed for bone loss in RTKA. (2) Among all the proposed classifications which one is the most commonly used by surgeons to report their results. (3) What is the reliability of various bone defect classification systems for RTKA. In this review, we have assessed the studies validating those classifications with a detailed description of the limitations and the proposed modifications.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed/Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane databases and Web of Science databases were searched using multiple search terms and MeSH terms where possible. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for statistical parameters of reliability of a classification system.

RESULTS

We found 16 classification systems for bone defects in RTKA. Six studies were found evaluating a classification system with reporting their reliability parameters. Fifty-four studies were found which classified bone loss using AORI classification in their series. AORI classification is most commonly reported for classifying bone defects. Type T2B and F2B are the most common bone defects in RTKA. The average kappa value for AORI classification for femoral bone loss was 0.38 (0.27-0.50) and 0.76 (0.63-1) for tibial bone loss assessment.

CONCLUSION

None of the available classification systems is reliably established in determining the bone loss and treatment plans in RTKA. Among all, AORI classification is the most widely used system in clinical practice. The reliability of AORI Classification is fair for femoral bone loss and substantial for tibial bone loss.

Fatal Case of Giant Chondrosarcoma of Rib with Paraplegia: A Case Report

Introduction

Chondrosarcoma of rib encroaching spine and subsequently leading to paraplegia has never been reported in the literature. Association of paraplegia can often lead to misdiagnosis with a common disease like breast cancer or Potts spine causing a significant delay in treatment.

Case Report

We describe a case of a 45-year-old male with chondrosarcoma of rib with paraplegia who was misdiagnosed initially as Pott's spine and was started empirically on anti-tubercular treatment for paraplegia and chest wall mass. Further work up at tertiary care center including detailed imaging and biopsy revealed features of chondrosarcoma. However, before any definitive treatment could be done; the patient passed away.

Conclusion

Empirical treatment of paraplegia with chest wall mass for more common diseases like tuberculosis are often initiated without obtaining appropriate radiological and tissue diagnosis. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Apex of Triceps Aponeurosis: A Reliable Landmark to Localize the Radial Nerve

The posterior approach to the humerus is an extensile approach, which provides excellent access to the distal aspect of the humerus. The approach is traditionally utilized for internal fixation of fractures of the distal third of the humerus, to perform sequestrectomy, and for radial nerve exploration. The radial nerve is susceptible to damage when utilizing this approach^1-3. Hence, accurate localization of the radial nerve is required to aid in identification during dissection and to minimize the risk of palsy. Various anatomical landmarks have been described in the literature that can help locate the radial nerve intraoperatively.

Description

The patient is anesthetized and placed in the lateral decubitus position with the elbow of the operative limb hanging freely over a bolster. A posterior midline incision centered over the fracture is made on the posterior aspect of the arm. The superficial and deep fascia are incised. The triceps aponeurosis is formed by the convergence and fusion of the lateral and long heads of the triceps. The most proximal confluence can be termed the "apex of the triceps aponeurosis." The radial nerve can be isolated approximately 2.5 cm proximal to the apex by developing an intramuscular plane. The remainder of the intramuscular dissection for plate fixation can then be performed safely without risking injury to the radial nerve.

Alternatives

Numerous studies have established the relationship of the radial nerve to a fixed osseous point such as the medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle, and angle of the acromion^4-9. Additionally, the wide range of measurements of these anatomic relationships, as reported in various studies, makes it difficult for the operating surgeon to locate the radial nerve, especially in the setting of a fractured humeral shaft. For example, the reported distance of the radial nerve from the lateral epicondyle ranges from 6 to 16 cm and the distance from the angle of the acromion ranges from 10 to 19 cm. Even identification of the superficial branch of the radial nerve has been shown to help intraoperative localization of the radial nerve¹⁰. However, these studies have been conducted on cadavers with intact humeri, and their accuracy has not been demonstrated on the patients in the clinical milieu of trauma.

Rationale

The described soft-tissue landmark, which lies approximately 2.5 cm proximal to the apex of the triceps aponeurosis, reliably locates the radial nerve intraoperatively¹¹. It is based on the anatomical fact that the origins of the lateral head (oblique ridge corresponding to the lateral lip of the spiral groove) and long head (infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula) are well above fractures of the middle and distal thirds of the humerus. Hence, the relationship of the radial nerve to the soft point represented by the apex of the aponeurosis is not likely to be disturbed in the setting of fractures distal to it, in sharp contrast with previously described osseous landmarks.

Expected Outcomes

Employing this anatomical understanding resulted in early localization of the radial nerve (within 6 ± 1.5 minutes of skin incision) and less blood loss (188 ± 13 mL)¹¹. Patients are likely to retain their ability to perform active dorsiflexion of the wrist and fingers and have sensory preservation in the distribution of autonomous zone of the radial nerve after the procedure.

Important Tips

The relationship of the radial nerve to the soft point represented by the apex of the aponeurosis is not likely to be disturbed in the setting of typical fractures distal to it; however, this may differ in cases of severely displaced or comminuted fractures, and the surgeon should be aware of this fact.The surgeon should remain careful to protect the vena comitans.

Spontaneous subcapital femoral neck fracture complicating osteonecrosis of femoral head

Spontaneous subcapital fracture (SSF) of femoral neck in pre-existent osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a rare presentation. Only a few cases have been reported so far and majority of them have been reported to have unilateral hip involvement. We retrospectively reviewed clinical-radiological data of 10 patients (12 hips) with SSF complicating ONFH. All of them underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty. All the available publications in the English language based medical literature were critically reviewed and results were summarized. The median age of presentation was 32 years (range : 24 years to 61 years). They were followed up for a mean duration of 25 months (range : 12 months to 59 months). The most common risk factor was corticosteroid consumption (7 out of 10 patients). All except one (modified Ficat and Arlet stage II) belonged to advanced stage of ONFH {stage III 3 patients (3 hips), stage IV 6 patients (8 hips)}. The mean time lag of ONFH to presentation was 22.3 months (range : 5 months to 60 months), and SSF to presentation was 13.8 days (range : 1 day to 28 days). Mean pre- operative Harris Hip Score was 10.8 (range : 8 to 14), which improved to 93 (range : 91 to 96) after total hip arthroplasty when last followed up (p<0.05). Corticosteroids induced ONFH has a propensity to develop SSF. This entity should find a place in existing classification system.

Spontaneous subcapital femoral neck fracture complicating osteonecrosis of femoral head

Spontaneous subcapital fracture (SSF) of femoral neck in pre-existent osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a rare presentation. Only a few cases have been reported so far and majority of them have been reported to have unilateral hip involvement. We retrospectively reviewed clinical-radiological data of 10 patients (12 hips) with SSF complicating ONFH. All of them underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty. All the available publications in the English language based medical literature were critically reviewed and results were summarized. The median age of presentation was 32 years (range : 24 years to 61 years). They were followed up for a mean duration of 25 months (range : 12 months to 59 months). The most common risk factor was corticosteroid consumption (7 out of 10 patients). All except one (modified Ficat and Arlet stage II) belonged to advanced stage of ONFH {stage III 3 patients (3 hips), stage IV 6 patients (8 hips)}. The mean time lag of ONFH to presentation was 22.3 months (range : 5 months to 60 months), and SSF to presentation was 13.8 days (range : 1 day to 28 days). Mean pre- operative Harris Hip Score was 10.8 (range : 8 to 14), which improved to 93 (range : 91 to 96) after total hip arthroplasty when last followed up (p<0.05). Corticosteroids induced ONFH has a propensity to develop SSF. This entity should find a place in existing classification system.

Status of Hip Arthroscopy in India: A Short Questionnaire Based Survey and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technology for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in various hip disorders. Over the past decade or so, the technology and understanding related to this surgery have improved by leaps and bounds; however, in India the overall pace has been limited. The present review highlights the status of hip arthroscopy in the Indian context.

METHODOLOGY

A small survey with five questions related to practice of hip arthroscopy among Indian orthopaedic surgeons was conducted. Additionally a PubMed database search was conducted to recognise and assess studies pertaining to hip arthroscopy originating from India.

RESULTS

Forty-two responses were received for the questionnaire, out of which 38 surgeons performed hip arthroscopy in their practice; the overall numbers were very low with only one respondent performing more than 50 surgeries in a year. For 84.2% of the respondents, the practice was limited to less than ten surgeries per year. 63.2% of the surgeons affirmed that there has been no change in their practice of hip arthroscopies over the past 5 years, signifying the slow growth and limited application of the technique. Only nine studies pertaining to the topic were available in the literature search, out of which five were case reports. The most common indication was removal of intraarticular foreign bodies, followed by joint debridement and lavage, synovial biopsies and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The outcomes in all the studies were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy is in its nascent stages in India and much is still needed to be done for better implementation of the technique on a wider scale. Adequate training and continued medical education programme, with exposure to the experts in the field, will go a long way in better utilisation of the surgery in India.

Unusual aetiology of foot pain in the elderly: A case report & review of literature

The osteochondroma of metatarsal is a rare clinical entity. It generally occurs in the first or second decade of life. The osteochondroma should be investigated to rule out any malignant changes before embarking any surgical intervention. We report an osteochondroma of 5th metatarsal in a 65 years old female as an unusual aetiology of foot pain. We propose the scalloping effect of the osteochondroma on adjacent metatarsal as one of the mechanisms of causing pain in the foot. After ruling out the malignant transformation with the help of MRI, excision of the tumour was done with a curvilinear incision on the dorsum of the foot. There was no recurrence in 1 year follow up. This case report depicts the occurrence of osteochondroma in geriatric patient as an unusual cause of foot pain. The scalloping effect on the adjacent bone and tissues can be the aetiology of the pain.

Post COVID-19: Planning strategies to resume orthopaedic surgery -challenges and considerations

The Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a substantial effect on the health care systems around the world. As the disease has spread, many developed and developing countries have been stretched on their resources such as personnel as well as adequate equipment. As a result of resource disparity, in a populous country like India, the elective orthopaedic surgeries stand cancelled whilst trauma and emergency services have been reorganised following Indian Orthopaedic Association and recent urgent British Orthopaedic association guidelines. Though these guidelines provide strategies to deal with trauma and orthopaedic surgery management in the present scenario, once the COVID-19 pandemic stabilizes, restarting elective orthopaedic surgery and managing delayed trauma conditions in evolving health care systems is going to be a profound task. We look at the future challenges and considerations of re-establishing trauma and orthopaedic flow during the post-COVID-19 phase and suggest an algorithm to follow (Fig. 1).

Arthroscopy and COVID-19: Impact of the pandemic on our surgical practices

The aim of this article is to study systematically current evidence on status of arthroscopic surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to study (1) changes in global arthroscopic practices, (2) recommendations on reducing risk to patients and health care workers (HCW), (3) changes in follow-up protocols of these patients.

Systematic search was carried out by two different reviewers using three different online databases for all studies published in the English language before April 2020. The total number of abstracts screened initially was 314. After screening of these abstracts, a total of 13 studies were included for the systematic review.

Numbers of orthopaedic injuries have seen a sharp fall during this time. Most elective surgical facilities were also closed at this time. Most studies have recommended telemedicine as an essential medium of providing continued care to patients during COVID-19. Studies have recommended that a conservative approach should be preferred for most patients with ligament injuries, and alternative procedures that have less requirement for an operating room should be explored. Common recommendation in all studies is that procedures of more elective nature should be postponed to a safer time frame when the transmission of COVID-19 virus in the population has declined. When surgeries are resumed, there is a need for triage of arthroscopy procedures from more important or urgent to less important ones. Elective surgical procedures should preferably be started with patients with no co-morbidities and lesser risk of peri-operative complications.

All patients undergoing surgery and health care personnels should have some screening for disease. Attempts should be made to have shortest hospital stay. Choice of anaesthetic procedure should emphasize on minimal aerosolization of the virus. Regional anaesthesia is the preferred choice as far as possible. Most guidelines have recommended that patient follow up should be made telephonically or on video-conferencing.

3D Printed Patient-Specific Acetabular Jig for Cup Placement in Total Hip Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Acetabular cup placement is an important modifiable factor determining complication rates like aseptic loosening and hip dislocation related to faulty cup placement, which by standard method is largely dependent upon eyeballing and surgeon's judgment. We evaluated a self-designed, low-cost, patient-specific acetabular jig to guide cup placement in total hip arthroplasty in comparison to conventional technique.

METHODS

It was a prospective randomized control study. Thirty-six patients were categorized into group-A & group-B. In group-A, virtually designed acetabular jig was 3 Dimensional (3D) printed and used intra-operatively to guide cup placement. In group-B, the standard method of cup placement was used. Acetabular cup placement was evaluated on post-operative x-rays and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

In group-A, angle of anteversion were significantly in centre of range of safe zone as compared to group B in which hip is maximally stable with more precision in creating hip centre as compared to group-B without any significant(p = 0.325) increase in surgical time or blood loss.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography (CT) scan based virtual pre-operative templating and cup placement guided by virtually designed, patient-specific acetabular jig is a low-cost tool with a short learning curve which can be designed and made available easily. It is a useful tool in decreasing chances of malpositioning of cup and recreates hip centre close to anatomical one especially in cases where anatomy has been distorted such as bony ankylosis and developmental dysplasia of hip.

Out Patient Department practices in orthopaedics amidst COVID-19: The evolving model

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic on 11^th March 2020 by the World Health Organization and consequent lockdown imposed in several areas resulted in a marked reduction in orthopaedic practices. Although some guidelines for patient care in orthopaedic practice have been published, overall, publications focusing exclusively on guidelines on starting orthopaedic outpatient departments (OPD) after the COVID-19 lockdown amidst the on-going pandemic are lacking. We hereby propose the evolving knowledge in changes in OPD management practices for orthopaedic surgeons in the COVID- 19 era. The emphasis on online registration (e-registration) should be given impetus and become the new norm supplemented by telephonic and spot registration for the uneducated patients. The review highlights the safety of patient and orthopaedic surgeons in OPD by screening and maintaining hygiene at various levels. The article also mentions the duties of the help desk, OPD hall supervisor and the new norms of air conditioning, ventilation, safe use of elevators, sanitization of OPD premises and biomedical waste disposal. The optimum and safe utilization of human & material resources, DO's and DON'Ts for patients & health staff have also been proposed. The reorganization of plaster room, the precaution during plastering, fracture clinic, dressing and injection room services are discussed as per evolving guidelines. This article will also give deep insight into the OPD plan & telemedicine graphically. The authors suggest updating and downward permeation of existing e-infrastructure of government health services that is up-gradation of existing tertiary level online registration services, a paperless model of OPD consultation & dispensation. The future updating of Aarogya Setu App (https://mygov.in/aarogya-setu-app/) for convenient online OPD registration and dispensation has been discussed and proposed. This review will help in containing the spread of COVID 19 and build upon the health gains achieved after lockdown. The easy concept of CCCATTT has been introduced, and the OPD Plan has also been suggested. We have endeavoured to holistically detail an orthopaedic OPD setup and its upkeep in COVID-19 pandemic, but since the knowledge of COVID 19 is ever-evolving it needs replenishment by regular education for health staff.

Excision of Osteosarcoma of Patella without Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Osteogenic sarcoma of patella is extremely rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature so far. Limb salvage, particularly reconstructing extensors of the knee, is a matter of debate in available literature. Henceforth, we would like to present this uncommon case of patellar osteosarcoma in a young female managed by chemotherapy and wide excision without extensor mechanism reconstruction.

CASE REPORT

A 25-year-old female had a history of painless swelling around the left knee for 6 months, which was progressively increasing in size. It was diagnosed as osteoblastic osteosarcoma patella radiologically, confirmed by open biopsy. The patient was managed by recommended protocol comprising neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by tumor excision, thereafter chemotherapy in post-operative period. However, no reconstruction of the extensor mechanism was done. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was able to perform activities of daily living without any discomfort. She was able to ambulate unaided with no extensor lag.

CONCLUSION

For managing a case with osteosarcoma patella, chemotherapy along with optimal excision comprising total patellectomy without extensor mechanism reconstruction is a viable option.

Virtual preoperative planning and 3D printing are valuable for the management of complex orthopaedic trauma

PURPOSE

The technology of 3D printing (3DP) exists for quite some time, but it is still not utilized to its full potential in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology, such as underestimating its worth in virtual preoperative planning (VPP) and designing various models, templates, and jigs. It can be a significant tool in the reduction of surgical morbidity and better surgical outcome avoiding various associated complications.

METHODS

An observational study was done including 91 cases of complex trauma presented in our institution requiring operative fixation. Virtual preoperative planning and 3DP were used in the management of these fractures. Surgeons managing these cases were given a set of questionnaire and responses were recorded and assessed as a quantitative data.

RESULTS

In all the 91 cases, where VPP and 3DP were used, the surgeons were satisfied with the outcome which they got intraoperatively and postoperatively. Surgical time was reduced, with a better outcome. Three dimensional models of complex fracture were helpful in understanding the anatomy and sketching out the plans for optimum reduction and fixation. The average score of the questionnaire was 4.5, out of a maximum of 6, suggesting a positive role of 3DP in orthopaedics.

CONCLUSION

3DP is useful in complex trauma management by accurate reduction and placement of implants, reduction of surgical time and with a better outcome. Although there is an initial learning curve to understand and execute the VPP and 3DP, these become easier with practice and experience.

Unusual presentation of chondroblastoma mimicking Trevor's disease

Chondroblastoma is a benign bone tumor, represents 1%–2% of all primary bone tumors, typically seen in patients 10–25-year-old and more common in males. It occurs most frequently in the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus. Soft tissue extension is extremely rare. Adjacent joints may develop effusions, but the tumor mass protruding into the joint has never been seen in case of chondroblastoma. We report a rare case of intra-articular chondroblastoma arising from proximal tibia in a 16-year-old boy and growing into the knee joint mimicking an intra-articular osteochondroma.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva - can we diagnose it right at the outset?

Sharma A, Maini D, Agarwal G, Sharma P, Maini L. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva - can we diagnose it right at the outset? Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 958-962. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with no definitive treatment options available yet, except for physiotherapy and bisphosphonates. Due to its initial presentation with multiple lumps in the body, it is often misdiagnosed as a benign tumour most commonly being an osteochondroma or Olliers syndrome. Delay in diagnosis not only delays the management but can also expose the patient to unnecessary interventions. Moreover, earlier diagnosis can also make the patient aware of the precautions to be taken. So our remark is `can we diagnose this disease right at the outset`? We present a case of a 10 year old boy, who had all the classical features of FOP yet was misdiagnosed. Therefore, classical hallmark features of this disease are highlighted in this case report which can be picked up easily by any clinician to reach to a definitive diagnosis as early as possible avoiding unnecessary iatrogenic insult.

Cervical pedicle screw guiding jig, an innovative solution

Pedicle screws are one the commonest used modality in spinal instrumentation. However, the method of pedicle screw fixation in cervical spine as compared to thoracic and lumbar spine is still technically demanding because it carries the risk of catastrophic damage to the surrounding neurovascular structures We have utilized virtual planning and 3D (3-dimension) printing to develop a patient specific jig to guide the accurate placement of pedicle screws. A patient with bifacetal dislocation C7 over D1 classified as flexion-distraction injury type 3 who was planned for decompression and fusion by posterior instrumentation at C6, C7, D1 and D2 was selected. A CT scan with 1 mm cuts was used to produce DICOM images of the same. Using these DICOM images virtual planning was done on MIMICS and 3 MATICS software to create patient specific jigs. These jigs were then 3D printed using a 3D printer and used for accurate placement of pedicle screws intra-operatively after adequate sterilization. Our procedure is low cost but high technology based. It is simple, accurate, and very cost effective. The technology transfer is very easy and can be adopted easily.

A synergic approach of X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy for crystal structure determination of 2,3-thienoimide capped oligothiophenes

This work presents a Raman based approach for the rapid identification of the molecular conformation in a series of new 2,3-thienoimide capped quaterthiophenes.

Total hip replacement in tuberculosis of hip: A systematic review

Total hip replacement (THR) in patients with tuberculous arthritis of the hip is controversial. The timing of surgery, type of prosthesis, reactivation of the disease, high complication rates and the long-term survival of the reconstruction are the major conc erns. There is little information regarding this concern in the literature. We conducted a systematic review of published studies on Total Hip Replacement in patients with Tuberculosis of the hip. A search of Pubmed and Google Scholar database articles published between January 2000 and July 2017 was performed. Thirteen articles were identified, comprising 226 patients. The mean follow-up was 5.48 years. Antituberculosis treatment was given for atleast 2 weeks pre-operatively and continued post-operatively for between six and 18 months after THR. Three patients had reactivation of infection. At the final follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 89.98. Total Hip Replacement in tuberculosis of hip is safe and efficient way to save the joint function. The most important factors to achieve success include the accurate diagnosis, efficient pre- and postoperative anti-tuberculosis therapy, thorough debridement, two stage procedure for patients with sinus(es).

3D printing in designing of anatomical posterior column plate

BACKGROUND

Acetabulum has a complex anatomy due to which anatomical acetabular plates are still under developmental phase. Although intra-operative contouring of reconstruction plate is done as a standard practice, it is associated with increased operative time and morbidity of patient. We have designed an acetabular plate for posterior fixation from experience of previous studies performed in our institute on acetabular fracture fixation which should be appropriate for most of the patient of Indian origin. Apart from avoiding intra-operative contouring of acetabular plates it also helps in preventing intra articular screw penetration.

METHODS

We selected five consecutive patients with acetabular fracture needed to be operated from posterior approach and designed patient specific plate template from virtual surgical planning and 3D printing. These plate templates were then matched with our acetabular plate design and were used intra-operatively. Many parameters were assessed to evaluate accuracy of our plate design in those five patients.

RESULT

All the plate templates appear to match our designed plate and no intra-operative contouring was required with our plate design.

CONCLUSION

This was a pilot study and we need a large sample size to study accuracy of our acetabular plate design which might avoid intra-operative contouring, decreasing morbidity of patient and prevent wastage of resources in pre-operative planning and computer designing.

Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy: A case report and review of literature

Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy is a rare disorder, unrelated to syrinx formation or mechanical instability, which may gradually emerge within the first 1-2 weeks after a spinal cord injury and may lead to diagnostic and prognostic dilemmas. We present a case of 24-year-old female with unstable wedge compression fracture of L1 vertebrae with signal changes in the upper lumbar cord causing complete paraplegia below D9 with bladder and bowel involvement. In the subsequent week, she developed a delayed progressively increasing neurological deficit with cord signal abnormality on MRI extending cephalad from the injury site to the upper dorsal cord. The patient had no initial clinical improvement initially but showed a delayed recovery over months.

Three-dimensional printing and patient-specific pre-contoured plate: future of acetabulum fracture fixation?

PURPOSE

Due to the complexity of acetabulum, achieving anatomical contouring intra-operatively is difficult for surgeon. A 3D (dimensional) real model can facilitate us both in contouring the plate pre-operatively and in better pre-operative planning. Patient-specific pre-contoured plate in acetabular fracture has been studied by few researchers but randomized case-control study was lacking. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the accuracy of patient-specific pre-contoured plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective randomized case control study was conducted. 21 patients were included. 10 patients were distributed in "case" group and remaining 11 in "control" group.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Displaced acetabulum fractures with displacement of ≥3 mm in adults who reported within 3 weeks of injury. Exclusion criteria were: Open fractures, associated Morel-Lavallée lesion and patients with >3 weeks old fracture. In case group, patient-specific real 3D model of fractured acetabulum was generated using rapid prototyping technology and plates were contoured pre-operatively. Control group was treated using intra-operative contoured plates. Both the groups were compared using parameters: Blood loss, Surgery time, post-operative reduction on X-ray, post-surgical residual displacement and reduction achieved as evaluated by CT scan.

RESULTS

Reduced blood loss (100 ml less in case group) and surgical time (12 min less in case group) and better post-operative reduction were observed in case than control. In control group, 4 patients even had step of 2-3 mm, which was not seen in case group. All the pre-contoured plates fitted well to the pelvis intra-operatively. Reduction achieved as evaluated by CT was more in "case" group with statistically significant outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific pre-contoured plate made using 3D model is a better implant than intra-operatively contoured plate. Real-time 3D pelvis model is an accurate technique for pre-operative planning in acetabular fractures.

Three-dimensional printing and patient-specific pre-contoured plate: future of acetabulum fracture fixation?

PURPOSE

Due to the complexity of acetabulum, achieving anatomical contouring intra-operatively is difficult for surgeon. A 3D (dimensional) real model can facilitate us both in contouring the plate pre-operatively and in better pre-operative planning. Patient-specific pre-contoured plate in acetabular fracture has been studied by few researchers but randomized case-control study was lacking. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the accuracy of patient-specific pre-contoured plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective randomized case control study was conducted. 21 patients were included. 10 patients were distributed in "case" group and remaining 11 in "control" group.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Displaced acetabulum fractures with displacement of ≥3 mm in adults who reported within 3 weeks of injury. Exclusion criteria were: Open fractures, associated Morel-Lavallée lesion and patients with >3 weeks old fracture. In case group, patient-specific real 3D model of fractured acetabulum was generated using rapid prototyping technology and plates were contoured pre-operatively. Control group was treated using intra-operative contoured plates. Both the groups were compared using parameters: Blood loss, Surgery time, post-operative reduction on X-ray, post-surgical residual displacement and reduction achieved as evaluated by CT scan.

RESULTS

Reduced blood loss (100 ml less in case group) and surgical time (12 min less in case group) and better post-operative reduction were observed in case than control. In control group, 4 patients even had step of 2-3 mm, which was not seen in case group. All the pre-contoured plates fitted well to the pelvis intra-operatively. Reduction achieved as evaluated by CT was more in "case" group with statistically significant outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patient-specific pre-contoured plate made using 3D model is a better implant than intra-operatively contoured plate. Real-time 3D pelvis model is an accurate technique for pre-operative planning in acetabular fractures.

White luminescence achieved by a multiple thermochromic emission in a hybrid organic-inorganic compound based on 3-picolylamine and copper(i) iodide

Three copper(i) complexes have been obtained by the reaction of CuI with 3-picolylamine in acetonitrile solution and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, both from synchrotron and laboratory radiation. Photophysical investigations in the solid state revealed highly efficient thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) up to 18%. Notably, the complex [Cu₂I₂(3pica)]_∞ displays a strong luminescence thermochromism due to the presence of both ^1,3(X + M)LCT excited states and a lower-lying cluster-centered (³CC) one, leading to multiple emission at room temperature; as a result, a white luminescence is achieved with a PLQY of 4.5%.

Non-union fracture neck femur in a toddler: Reconstructed by valgus osteotomy - A minimally invasive approach

BACKGROUND

Non-union is one of the devastating complications of fracture neck of femur. Though a very rarely encountered entity in a toddler (1-3 years paediatric age group), non-united femoral neck fractures are reported in developing countries because of mismanagement by quacks and delay in referrals. For operative treatment, many different procedures have been described, including close/open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires, cannulated screws, fibula or nails. There is no evidence in the literature that one or other implant influences the rate of postoperative complications, such as avascular femoral head necrosis or coxa vara. But, still the choice of fixation implant is debatable.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of 3-year-old child of non-union femoral neck fracture treated with valgus osteotomy. Choice of implant was kept to bare minimum to reduce the cost of implant and magnitude of surgery, which made the surgery minimally invasive, which is not the case in other studies. Two solid cancellous screws and a Kirschner wire (K-wire) were used to acheive fixation. Implant was removed after one year. The patient was followed up for 2 years and was found to be asymptomatic clinically with restoration of neck shaft angle and no signs of AVN.

CONCLUSION

Our method of intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy and internal fixation stabilized using K-wire and screws is a technically simple yet effective method of treating difficult fracture neck femur. Although a larger series and multicentric trails are needed, yet we would safely recommend extension of this technique to unstable fractures, to minimize the incidence of complications, cost and magnitude of surgery.

Evaluation of the muscle morphology of the obturator externus and piriformis as the predictors of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in acetabular fractures

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is a recognised complication of fracture dislocation of the hip joint but is not studied frequently in relation to acetabulum fractures. The aim was to establish the relationship between obturator externus and piriformis muscle morphology in acetabulum fractures and potenital development of AVN of the femoral head. Twenty-five fractures were included in this prospective study and were subjected to radiological assessment and computed tomography of the pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip was performed to assess the morphology of obturator externus and piriformis, and findings were compared intraoperatively (in 15 cases). Serial radiographs were taken at monthly intervals to assess the development of avascular necrosis. The patients with no evidence of AVN on radiographs at 6 months had additional MRI scans to look for such changes. Three patients developed AVN of femoral head and two had complete tears of piriformis and/or obturator externus muscles on the pre-operative MRI with the findings confirmed intraoperatively (p = 0.013). None of the patients without changes of AVN at 6-month follow-up had complete tears of either or both muscles. Of these patients, there was one case each of T-type fracture, isolated posterior wall fracture with hip dislocation, and posterior wall with transverse fracture of the acetabulum. Complete tears of obturator externus and/or piriformis muscles are a strong predictor of future development of AVN of the femoral head.

A Rare Case of Glomus Tumor of the Great Toe: An Analysis of Behavior at This Rare Site

Glomus tumor, originally known as an angioneuromyoma, is a benign neoplasm arising from specialized structures called glomus bodies, involved in thermoregulation. Although it has been reported at a number of sites in the body, this rare tumor is most commonly seen in the subungual areas of the digits of the hand. Only a handful of lesions have been reported in the toes. Because most foot conditions are treated by podiatrists and dermatologists, orthopaedic surgeons are generally unaccustomed to making early diagnoses. The purpose of this case report is to alert the attending surgeon regarding the possibility of glomus tumor as a cause of chronic toe pain. Also it has been observed that the behavior of this tumor varies with the site of occurrence-whether digital or extradigital. So we have extensively reviewed all similar reports in the literature to analyze the behavior of this tumor at this unusual location, apart from comparing it with the more common finger variety, to ensure it possibly is not a misclassification like the chemodectomas that were earlier thought to be glomus tumors.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV: Case Study.

Customized iliac prosthesis for reconstruction in giant cell tumour: A unique treatment approach

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of flat bones of pelvis is extremely rare. GCT of the ilium and ischium represent less than 0.05% of all GCT. Iliac bone GCT has been treated traditionally by intra-lesion curettage with bone grafting, wide resection with or without reconstruction and hemi-pelvectomy in very aggressive tumours. None of the above treatments were without morbidities. Reconstruction using bone grafts and bone cement has also been inadequate. In GCT, where life expectancy is not decreased significantly, surgical treatment should be aimed at giving optimum functional outcome. We are reporting here a rare case of giant cell tumour of ilium bone in a 25-year-old female and its unique treatment approach. We designed a computed tomography (CT) based customized iliac prosthesis using Materialise Mimics and 3-Matic software. 3D model of pelvis was generated from the CT. After deciding the extent of resection on affected side, we virtually mirrored an identical portion of opposite ilium to the affected side. Connecting plates were made over the mirrored part and merged with it. Multiple relevant holes were made to attach various muscles to the prosthesis. Prosthesis was made in medical grade titanium by using Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine. The method is called as computer based subtractive manufacturing. Wide resection was done and the prosthesis was placed using multiple 3.5 millimetres screws through the connecting plates. Muscles were stitched to relevant holes using ethibond suture. Post-operative course was unremarkable. Patient was made to walk with full weight bearing after 5 weeks. Powers of abductors at 6 months is 4/5 and patient walks normally without a limp.