Recent Methods of Neck Femur Fixation A Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Femoral neck fractures in adults younger than age 50 years are uncommon and often the result of high energy trauma. They account for only 2-3% of all femoral neck fractures. Femoral neck fractures are associated with aging and osteoporosis and can occur after relatively trivial trauma in elderly patients. femoral neck fractures are associated with higher incidences of femoral head osteonecrosis and nonunion. Fixation options include cannulated screws, non parallel cannulated screws, medial augmentation plate, and fixed angle femoral neck fixation implants. A systematic review of literature done to evaluate which technique is better. Methods After literature search thirteen articles were found and were reviewed to evaluate final outcome of fixation of neck femur fractures by cannulated screws, non parallel cannulated screws, medial augmentation plate, and fixed angle femoral neck fixation implants. Results After evaluation of all studies the incidence of nonunion, osteonecrosis of femoral head, implant failure & revesion surgery is lower in comparing Targon plate with multiple cannulated screws while we need further studies for application of non parallel screws and medial plate. Conclusion Targon plate recorded low incidence of complications in the final outcome in comparison with multiple cannulated screw while we need further studies for application of Non parallel screws and medial plate.

Corticosteroid induced avascular necrosis and COVID-19: The drug dilemma

The severe and life-threatening nature of the COVID-19 infection, the ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) as well as the cytokine storm induced by the infection, commands lifesaving high doses of steroid therapy. As in all pharmacological therapies adverse effects are present. One such adverse effect which is being reported is corticosteroid induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head/ osteonecrosis of the femoral head. It must be noted that AVN principally affects the femoral head and most commonly the anterolateral aspect thereof as it is the crux of weight bearing. Corticosteroids induce fat mobilization and this thus innately enhances the likelihood of fat emboli developing from the liver to occlude minor blood vessels in the femur, this thereby compromises the microvascular environment. Superadded to this the steroid therapy disrupts calcium metabolism and homeostasis which induces hypertrophy in the intramedullary fat cells, Gaucher cells and inflammatory cells; whilst increasing the activity of osteoclasts, thus increasing bone resorption and decreasing calcium uptake and deposition; ultimately leading to an insufficiency in the trabecular and cortical bone. This insufficiency thus equates to an increased intraosseous pressure which impedes intramedullary circulation and results in avascular necrosis. It is evident that avascular necrosis is directly caused by high dose steroid therapy, however the case reports have very clearly indicated that the rapid onset of AVN post recovery from the COVID-19 infection cannot be solely attributed to steroid therapy and that another benefactor induced by the COVID-19 infection is at play. It is thus vital for treating physicians to take cognisance of this adverse effect post recovery and therefore should ensure that prophylactic bisphosphonate therapy is initiated timeously and congruently.

Efficacy of tantalum rod insertion for preventing femoral head collapse in osteonecrosis in a paediatric population: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Femoral head osteonecrosis in the paediatric population is difficult to treat, with the primary goals of management being prevention of subchondral collapse and the avoidance of early total hip replacement. This study aims to describe the use of a porous tantalum rod implant to provide mechanical support in preventing femoral head collapse in a paediatric population. A retrospective chart-based analysis of patients with osteonecrosis of the hip was performed at our institution to identify those who had undergone tantalum rod insertion. A total of 10 patients (fives males and five females, median age 12.5 years, 9–18) had tantalum rods implanted between December 2013 and February 2018. One patient was excluded due to follow-up at a different institution. The radiographic degree of osteonecrosis was characterized according to the Ficat classification and the Kerboul angle. Radiographic assessment of pre- and post-operative plain films was performed. The outcome measures were Tonnis grade and percentage collapse of the femoral head. Nine patients with a mean follow-up time of 18.4 months were included in the analysis. There was no significant increase in the femoral head collapse percentage post tantalum rod insertion compared to pre-operatively (P = 0.63). There was a significant increase in the Tonnis grade post-operatively (P < 0.05), with sub-group analysis showing minimal increase in Ficat Stage 1 patients. This study is the first to examine the role of tantalum rod insertion in preventing femoral head collapse in a paediatric population, with results suggesting potential benefit in a subset of patients.

Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteocytic Cell Death in a Hypoxic Environment Is Associated with Necroptosis

Neither the underlying pathophysiology of nor prophylactic strategies for glucocorticoid-associated femoral head osteonecrosis have yet been established. In neurovascular and cardiac ischemic disorders, necroptosis has been reported as a new concept of cell death. Here we investigated the involvement of necroptosis in glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis in vitro, the putative cause of which is ischemia. Murine osteocytic cells (MLO-Y4) to which 1 µM dexamethasone (Dex) was added and were cultured in 1% O2 (hypoxia) are thought to resemble the in vivo environment in which glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis occurs (H-D stress environment). Using such cells cultured for 24 h (Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) group), immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were performed with receptor-interacting protein (RIP) 1 and RIP3, which are necroptosis expression factors. In addition, the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) was added to Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) and cultured for 12 h and 24 h. Then using an Apoptotic/Necrotic Cells Detection Kit the numbers of apoptotic and necrotic cells were counted and compared. In Dex(+)/hypoxia(+) group, expression of both RIP1 and RIP3 was found. Additionally, in Western blotting, the addition of Nec-1 attenuated their expression. A decrease in the number of cell deaths was also found following Nec-1 administration. Necroptosis has been implicated as a cause of death in osteocytic cell necrosis. Use of the necroptosis inhibitor, Nec-1, suggests a possible approach to preventing osteocytic cell necrosis even in an H-D stress environment when given within 12 h.

The horizontal shear fracture of the pelvis

Purpose Various classification systems describe fractures of the acetabulum and pelvis separately. Horizontal shear fractures involve the pelvic ring and both acetabula and have not been previously described. The aim of this study is to describe the horizontal shear fracture of the pelvis. Methods At a level 1 trauma centre over 10 years from December 2008 to December 2018, 1242 patients had pelvic and acetabular fractures. Six patients had horizontal shear fractures, comprising 0.5% of all pelvic and acetabular fractures. Demographic, clinical and radiological data was collected. Clinical outcomes were pain and mobility level, sciatic nerve symptoms, further acetabular or pelvic surgery, or total hip arthroplasty. Radiological outcomes included fracture displacement, implant migration, femoral head osteonecrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum 12 month follow-up. Results The median patient age was 35 years. Five of six shear fractures were due to motorcycle crashes. No mortalities occurred. At follow-up, three patients reported pain, two patients had difficulty mobilising associated with traumatic sciatic nerve injury, and one patient underwent total hip arthroplasty for femoral head osteonecrosis. No fracture displacement or implant migration occurred. The Matta arthritis grade was excellent or good in all except one hip. Median follow-up time was 1.8 (range 1.1–7.8) years. Conclusion The horizontal shear fracture of the pelvis is a high-energy injury characterised by separation of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring through the acetabula. Good outcomes can be achieved with open reduction and internal fixation of displaced fractures.

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation of a known Case of Leprosy Operated for Midshaft Femur Fracture

Background: A persistent infection triggered by Mycobacterium leprae is also known as leprosy or Hansen's disease, transmitting by tiny droplets of the nose and mouth to the skin and peripheral nerves, producing disability. Leprosy therapy is based on the combination of the rifampicin, dispone and clofazimine (MDT) three-drug regimen. In patients who undergo hormone therapy, avascular femoral necrosis (ANFH) or femoral head osteonecrosis (ONFH) may occur, causing steroid-induced femoral head avascular necrosis (SANFH) Core decompression (CD) reduces bone pressure, opens the hardening area, prevents osteonecrosis repair, promotes blood vessel development through the tunnel for decompression, increases bone replacement and delays osteonecrosis. Patient information, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions: In this case, we found a 20 years old girl known case of leprosy, was on corticosteroids for two and half years. After an increase in dosage of corticosteroids she began difficult for her walk and do her activities of daily living. She visited Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), DMIMS (DU) Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India where she got to know about necrosis of head of femur of both lower limbs. She underwent core decompression surgery of bilateral femoral head. For further management she was referred to Physiotherapy Department. Outcomes and Conclusion: this case, we found that a patient who is young who had Midshaft femur fracture with interlock nailing and sever kinesiophobia, affecting rehabilitation, was able to resume her ADLs independently.