[Surf and Seymour's fractures]

The authors present four cases of Seymour-like juxtaepiphyseal fractures related to surf accidents. All four patients were novices at the sport, had the same fractures in identical circumstances. In all cases, reduction was achieved using an 'in-and-out' 1.2 K-wire serving as a 'joystick' which was then also used for fixation. The nail was fixed at the end.

[Biphasic ceramic wedge and plate fixation with locked adjustable screws for open wedge tibial osteotomy]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of this radiological study was to evaluate the use of a biphasic ceramic wedge combined with plate fixation with locked adjustable screws for open wedge tibial osteotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-six consecutive patients (27 knees) underwent surgery between December 1999 and March 2002 to establish a normal lower-limb axis. The series included 6 women and 20 men, mean age 50 years (16 right knees and 11 left knees). Partial weight-bearing with crutches was allowed on day 1. A standard radiological assessment was performed on day 1, 90, and 360 (plain AP and lateral stance films of the knee). A pangonogram was performed before surgery and at day 360. Presence of a lateral metaphyseal space, development of peripheral cortical bridges, and osteointegration of the bone substitute-bone interface were evaluated used to assess bone healing. The medial tibial angle between the line tangent to the tibial plateau and the anatomic axis of the tibia (beta) was evaluated to assess preservation of postoperative correction. The HKA angle was determined.

RESULTS

Three patients were lost to follow-up and 23 patients (24 knees) were retained for analysis. At last follow-up, presence of peripheral cortical bridges and complete filling of the lateral metaphyseal space demonstrated bone healing in all patients. Good quality osteointegration was achieved since 21 knees did not present an interface between the bone substitute and native bone (homogeneous transition zone). The beta angle was unchanged for 23 knees. A normal axis was observed in patients (16 knees) postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

Use of a biphasic ceramic wedge in combination with plate fixation with locked adjustable screws is a reliable option for open wedge tibial osteotomy. The bone substitute fills the gap well. Tolerance and integration are optimal. Bone healing is achieved. Plate fixation with protected weight bearing appears to be a solid assembly, maintaining these corrections.

Compressive thoracic spondylodiscitis associated with a pleural abscess: Surgical treatment through an enlarged posterior approach

The authors report a case of a patient with paraparesis secondary to T5-T6 spondylodiscitis accompanied by a closely lying, well-formed pleural abscess. This rare association has previously been reported only twice in the literature. The technical difficulty of surgery for both the abscess and the compressive spondylodiscitis was resolved by the use of an enlarged posterior approach. This approach enabled evacuation of the pleural lesion, curettage of the disc space, interbody grafting, and spinal osteosynthesis in one stage.

[Double dislocation of the fifth metacarpal. A case report and review of the literature]

A case of traumatic double dislocation of the fifth metacarpal is reported. Both dislocations, hamatometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal, were dorsal. This rare combination of injury has been reported twice only. Our case was managed successfully by closed reduction and immobilization. Eight month later, the patient had a full range of wrist and finger movement, he was pain-free without any residual disability.