scholarly journals Determining the stability of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children: ultrasound is better than arthrography

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Wu ◽  
Xiongtao Li ◽  
Shaowei Yang ◽  
Si Wang ◽  
Jingdong Xia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Evaluating of the articular cartilage status of the distal humeral epiphysis is difficult. Ultrasound imaging of the elbow is increasingly being used to confirm the integrity of the articular cartilage of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children with minimally displaced fractures. The aims of this study were to assess the correlations between ultrasound and arthrography findings for predicting the integrity of the cartilage hinge and to describe the utility of ultrasound in determining the need for pre-treatment. Methods Thirty-nine patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures who underwent ultrasound and arthrography examinations before surgery from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. Ultrasound and arthrography predictors of the cartilage hinge status were independently measured. The ultrasound and arthrography results were compared. Results The mean displacement of the fractures was 3.1 mm (range, 2.0~5.0 mm). Arthrography showed incomplete fractures in 24 patients (61.5%) and complete fractures in 15 patients (38.5%). Ultrasound showed incomplete fractures in 25 patients (64.1%) and complete fractures in 14 patients (35.9%). The ultrasound and arthrography results of the integrity of the articular surface were consistent in 92.3% of the cases, including 23 that were predicted to have an intact articular surface and 13 that were predicted to have an incongruity articular surface. There was no correlation between the displacement and the fracture appearing complete on the ultrasound scan. The Pearson coefficient between ultrasound and arthrography for assessing the integrity of the articular surface was 0.837. Conclusions Ultrasound and arthrography assessments of the integrity of the cartilage hinge status appear to be highly consistent. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with arthrography to predict the integrity of the cartilage hinge status in children with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures. Level of evidence Prospective study; level II.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Wu ◽  
Xiongtao Li ◽  
Shaowei Yang ◽  
Si Wang ◽  
Jingdong Xia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The evaluation of the articular cartilage status of the distal humeral epiphysis is difficult. Ultrasound of the elbow is increasingly used to confirm the integrity of the articular cartilage of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children in minimally displaced fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between ultrasound with arthrography for predicting the integrity of the cartilage hinge and describe the utility of ultrasound in directing the need for pre-treatment. Methods: 39 patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures and underwent ultrasound and arthrography examinations before operation from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. The ultrasound and arthrography predictors of the cartilage hinge status were independently measured. Result of ultrasound and arthrography were compared.Results: The mean displacement of fractures was 3.1 mm (range, 2.0~5.0 cm). The arthrography showed an incomplete fracture in 24 patients (61.5%) and complete in 15 patients (38.5%). The ultrasound showed an incomplete fracture in 25 patients (64.1%) and complete in 14 patients (35.9%). The ultrasound and arthrography evaluations of the integrity of the articular surface were consistent in 92.3% of the cases, including 23 were predicted to have an intact articular surface, and 13 were predicted to have incongruity articular surface. There was no correlation between displacement and the fracture being complete on ultrasound. The Pearson coefficient value of ultrasound and arthrography for assessing the integrity of the articular surface was 0.837. Conclusions: Ultrasound and arthrography assessments of the integrity of the cartilage hinge status appear to be highly consistent. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with arthrography to predict the integrity of the cartilage hinge status of patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children.Level of evidence: Retrospective study; level Ⅳ.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Wu ◽  
Xiongtao Li ◽  
Shaowei Yang ◽  
Si Wang ◽  
Jingdong Xia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Evaluating of the articular cartilage status of the distal humeral epiphysis is difficult. Ultrasound imaging of the elbow is increasingly being used to confirm the integrity of the articular cartilage of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children with minimally displaced fractures. The aims of this study were to assess the correlations between ultrasound and arthrography findings for predicting the integrity of the cartilage hinge and to describe the utility of ultrasound in determining the need for pre-treatment.Methods: Thirty-nine patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures who underwent ultrasound and arthrography examinations before surgery from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. Ultrasound and arthrography predictors of the cartilage hinge status were independently measured. The ultrasound and arthrography results were compared.Results: The mean displacement of the fractures was 3.1 mm (range, 2.0~5.0 mm). Arthrography showed incomplete fractures in 24 patients (61.5%) and complete fractures in 15 patients (38.5%). Ultrasound showed incomplete fractures in 25 patients (64.1%) and complete fractures in 14 patients (35.9%). The ultrasound and arthrography results of the integrity of the articular surface were consistent in 92.3% of the cases, including 23 that were predicted to have an intact articular surface and 13 that were predicted to have an incongruity articular surface. There was no correlation between the displacement and the fracture appearing complete on the ultrasound scan. The Pearson coefficient between ultrasound and arthrography for assessing the integrity of the articular surface was 0.837.Conclusions: Ultrasound and arthrography assessments of the integrity of the cartilage hinge status appear to be highly consistent. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with arthrography to predict the integrity of the cartilage hinge status in children with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.Level of evidence: Prospective study; level Ⅱ.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. York ◽  
Frank B. Wydra ◽  
Matthew E. Belton ◽  
Armando F. Vidal

Context: With increasing life expectancy, there is growing demand for preservation of native articular cartilage to delay joint arthroplasties, especially in younger, active patients. Damage to the hyaline cartilage of a joint has a limited intrinsic capacity to heal. This can lead to accelerated degeneration of the joint and early-onset osteoarthritis. Treatment in the past was limited, however, and surgical treatment options continue to evolve that may allow restoration of the natural biology of the articular cartilage. This article reviews the most current literature with regard to indications, techniques, and outcomes of these restorative procedures. Evidence Acquisition: MEDLINE and PubMed searches relevant to the topic were performed for articles published between 1995 and 2016. Older articles were used for historical reference. This paper places emphasis on evidence published within the past 5 years. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: Autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral allografts (OCAs) for the treatment of articular cartilage injury allow restoration of hyaline cartilage to the joint surface, which is advantageous over options such as microfracture, which heal with less favorable fibrocartilage. Studies show that these techniques are useful for larger chondral defects where there is no alternative. Additionally, meniscal transplantation can be a valuable isolated or adjunctive procedure to prolong the health of the articular surface. Conclusion: Newer techniques such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and OCAs may safely produce encouraging outcomes in joint preservation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 247301142097570
Author(s):  
Mossub Qatu ◽  
George Borrelli ◽  
Christopher Traynor ◽  
Joseph Weistroffer ◽  
James Jastifer

Background: The intermetatarsal joint between the fourth and fifth metatarsals (4-5 IM) is important in defining fifth metatarsal fractures. The purpose of the current study was to quantify this joint in order to determine the mean cartilage area, the percentage of the articulation that is cartilage, and to give the clinician data to help understand the joint anatomy as it relates to fifth metatarsal fracture classification. Methods: Twenty cadaver 4-5 IM joints were dissected. Digital images were taken and the articular cartilage was quantified by calibrated digital imaging software. Results: For the lateral fourth proximal intermetatarsal articulation, the mean area of articulation was 188 ± 49 mm2, with 49% of the area composed of articular cartilage. The shape of the articular cartilage had 3 variations: triangular, oval, and square. A triangular variant was the most common (80%, 16 of 20 specimens). For the medial fifth proximal intermetatarsal articulation, the mean area of articulation was 143 ± 30 mm2, with 48% of the joint surface being composed of articular cartilage. The shape of the articular surface was oval or triangular. An oval variant was the most common (75%, 15 of 20 specimens). Conclusion: This study supports the notion that the 4-5 IM joint is not completely articular and has both fibrous and cartilaginous components. Clinical Relevance: The clinical significance of this study is that it quantifies the articular surface area and shape. This information may be useful in understanding fifth metatarsal fracture extension into the articular surface and to inform implant design and also help guide surgeons intraoperatively in order to minimize articular damage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Huang ◽  
Bin-Fei Zhang ◽  
Ping Liu ◽  
Hong-Li Deng ◽  
Peng-Fei Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background It is difficult to judge the stability of lateral compression type-1 (LC-1) pelvic fracture, as it is often based on static images of the pelvis. Compared with the traditional experience strategy, ultrasonography examination may be able to distinguish operative and conservative patients before definitive treatment. However, in previous studies, we have not compared the outcomes between traditional experience strategy (TES group) and combined ultrasonography examination (CUE group). Thus, the aim of the study is comparing the differences between TES and CUE strategy, to identify the value of ultrasonography examination. Methods Medical records system for patients with LC-1 pelvic fractures who were treated with TES and CUE strategy were included. Patients’ baseline characteristics, treatment strategy, and function were recorded at follow-up. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed grading system. Results In total, 77 patients with LC-1 pelvic fractures were included in the study. There were 42 and 35 patients in TES and CUE group, respectively. Compared to TES group (69 %), there were less proportion patients chosen the operative treatment in CUE group (43 %, P = 0.021). The volume of intraoperative blood loss in CUE operative group was more than TES operative group (P = 0.037). There were more patients with complete sacral fracture in CUE operative group than TES operative group (P = 0.002). The Majeed scores in CUE conservative group was higher than TES conservative group (P = 0.008). The overall Majeed scores in CUE group was higher than that in TES group (P = 0.039). Conclusions The ultrasonography examination could relatively accurately identify the unstable LC-1 pelvis than the traditional experience strategy, the operative rate could be reduced and the overall function of LC-1 patients could be improved under the ultrasonography examination. Level of evidence Level III.


Cartilage ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 194760352098877
Author(s):  
Roy D. Bloebaum ◽  
Andrew S. Wilson ◽  
William N. Martin

Objective There has been a debate as to the alignment of the collagen fibers. Using a hand lens, Sir William Hunter demonstrated that the collagen fibers ran perpendicular and later aspects were supported by Benninghoff. Despite these 2 historical studies, modern technology has conflicting data on the collagen alignment. Design Ten mature New Zealand rabbits were used to obtain 40 condyle specimens. The specimens were passed through ascending grades of alcohol, subjected to critical point drying (CPD), and viewed in the scanning electron microscope. Specimens revealed splits from the dehydration process. When observing the fibers exposed within the opening of the splits, parallel fibers were observed to run in a radial direction, normal to the surface of the articular cartilage, radiating from the deep zone and arcading as they approach the surface layer. After these observations, the same samples were mechanically fractured and damaged by scalpel. Results The splits in the articular surface created deep fissures, exposing parallel bundles of collagen fibers, radiating from the deep zone and arcading as they approach the surface layer. On higher magnification, individual fibers were observed to run parallel to one another, traversing radially toward the surface of the articular cartilage and arcading. Mechanical fracturing and scalpel damage induced on the same specimens with the splits showed randomly oriented fibers. Conclusion Collagen fiber orientation corroborates aspects of Hunter’s findings and compliments Benninghoff. Investigators must be aware of the limits of their processing and imaging techniques in order to interpret collagen fiber orientation in cartilage.


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