Mid-Term Outcomes of Cemented Stem and Subtrochanteric Shortening Derotational Osteotomy in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe IV Developmental Dysplasia

Background Performing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is technically challenging. Subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy is typically required for placing the acetabular component within the anatomic hip center. However, the outcomes of subtrochanteric osteotomy using cemented components are not widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of cemented stem THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening and transverse derotational osteotomy in patients with Crowe IV DDH.Methods We retrospectively evaluated data of patients with Crowe IV DDH who underwent cemented stem THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening and transverse derotational osteotomy between 2010 and 2018. Patients who underwent surgery at the hip joint were excluded. Data regarding pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were collected and reviewed.Results Among 14 patients included (14 hips), the mean age was 60.4 (range, 47–73) years. The mean Harris hip score improved from 40.7 to 87.7. The mean limb length discrepancy reduced from 52 mm to 12.7 mm. No neurologic deficits were noted. The mean osteotomy union time was 10.6 months. Delayed union and postoperative dislocation were observed in one and two patients, respectively. Cement leakage into the osteotomy gap was observed in one patient. No revisions were required. No signs of loosening or migration were observed. Conclusions Cemented stem THA combined with subtrochanteric femoral shortening and transverse derotational osteotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with Crowe IV DDH. The cemented femoral component showed promising mid-term follow up results. However, cement leakage affects bone healing. Osteotomy and cementing should be performed meticulously.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered

Bent or broken: analysis of set screw fracture in the TFNa implant

Objectives To evaluate set screw fracture in the Trochanteric Femoral Nail Advanced implant (TFNa, Synthes, West Chester, PA) and to identify additional mechanisms of set screw failure in the TFNa. Materials and methods Patients who had experienced failure after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the TFNa were identified. TFNa implants were explanted and inspected following revision surgery. Medical device reports (MDRs) and manufacturer’s inspection reports describing similar failures for the TFNa in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database were also reviewed. Results Four set screw fractures that occurred at a level II trauma center were observed. Sixty-seven reported failures were identified in the MAUDE database for review. Twenty-eight failed implants were returned to the manufacturer for inspection with a published inspection report available for analysis. Set screw fractures can occur in the TFNa when the set screw is deployed prematurely into the proximal screw aperture prior to blade/screw insertion. The set screw can also bend and deform if it is advanced against a helical blade/lag screw that is not fully seated into position, thereby potentially compromising its function. Conclusion The TFNa set screw allows for potential fracture during implant insertion leading to uncontrolled collapse, early excessive proximal femoral shortening, and rotational instability of the helical blade/lag screw. Similar failures in the TFNa can be prevented by having the surgeon inspect the proximal screw aperture after attachment of the proximal aiming aim to ensure the set screw has not been deployed prematurely. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III.

Novel Approach to Improving Knee Range of Motion in Arthrogryposis with a New Working Classification

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare condition defined as contrac-tures in multiple joints. Surgical interventions for severe knee flexion contractures have included posterior release, distraction and extension with external fixation and distal femoral extension osteotomies. These operations have been able to achieve knee extension, but not increase the range of motion. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with peroneal nerve decompression, posterior knee release and proximal femoral shortening. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and radiographs of all patients with a diagnosis of arthrogryposis who underwent aforementioned procedure. There were 39 patients with 73 knees included in the analysis with a mean follow-up of 21 months. The mean preoperative arc of motion was 45° and last followup arc of motion was 79° (p < 0.0001). The mean last followup flexion contracture was 8° (p < 0.0001). Additional subanalyses were performed on those with followup greater than 24 months and those with flexion contractures > 60°; there were no differences found in these groups. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a functional range of motion of the knees in patients with AMC while improving ambulatory function.

Fixation with Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Versus Sliding Hip Screw for Fractured Lesser Trochanter with Completeness of Lateral Wall

Our study provides references and guidelines, backed by evidence and real world data, in determining if and which certain surgical devices are more applicable to improve the outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fracture treatments. This retrospective case-crossover study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 177 elderly patients from 2010 to 2014, who underwent procedures for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, specifically, AO/OTA type 31-A1.3 fractures using either the cephalic intramedullary device (Gamma3 IM nail system, Stryker®); or the fixation with sliding hip screws method (Dynamic Hip Screw, DHS, Synthes®). Clinical outcome conclusions were based on the union rates of the fractures during the patient’s one year follow-up. Radiographic conclusions were drawn from various factors, including neck shortening, neck-shaft angle, neck medialization, posterior tilting, callus formation time, Tip-apex distance (TAD), implant failure, and modified TAD, an additional factor further explained in the paper. The study shows evidence that the cephalic intramedullary device had significantly shorter union time, and significantly reduced rates of lag screw sliding and femoral shortening as well. No significant differences with regard to malunion and cut-out of the lag screw were found. The use of the intramedullary devices led to better clinical and radiographical outcomes for this specific fracture.

Deformity Reconstruction Surgery for Tibial Hemimelia

Tibial hemimelia is a rare congenital deficiency with a wide spectrum of pathology and deformity. This paper aims to give a comprehensive review of tibial hemimelia, with a concise summary of the history, pathology, and clinical findings of tibial hemimelia, while providing treatment recommendations and a review of the current literature. Classifications and surgical treatments are discussed, including amputation, limb reconstruction, and lengthening. Type-specific treatments are also discussed, including staged distraction correction of joint contractures of knee and ankle, Weber patelloplasty, fibular centralization, knee and ankle arthrodesis, implantable articulated distractors, and the role of femoral shortening. Amputation is a simpler and easier solution for many patients; however, reconstruction options continue to evolve, improve, and provide better functional outcomes in many cases. Factors favoring surgical reconstruction include the presence of a knee joint/proximal tibia, and the presence of a patella and quadriceps mechanism.

How to Assess Proximal Femoral Shortening after Nailing of Proximal Femoral Fractures? A Short Review

Proximal femoral fractures (PFFs) are considered one of the most frequent situations faced by orthopaedic surgeons. Many lines of management had been described. Although management of PFFs with cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) is now considered the gold standard with many mechanical and biological advantages, this technique may have some disadvantages such as residual peritrochanteric pain, limping, limited walking distance, and difficulty with stairs. These complications may be attributed to fracture malreduction with shortening, which may result in either malunion or nonunion and ultimately implant failure. The resultant proximal femoral shortening (PFS) with alteration of the proximal femoral mechanics may affect both the hip abductor function and the daily patient activities. The purpose of this short review is to discuss the assessment and secondary effects of PFS after treating femoral fractures with CMNs.

The path to minimizing instability in developmental dysplasia of the hip: is Capsulorrhaphy a necessity or a futile habit?

Background To evaluate and quantify the intraoperative effect of capsulorrhaphy on the deep seating of femoral head within the acetabulum as measured by medial joint space, a surrogate measure of acetabular-head contact. Methods In order to determine the exact effect of capsulorrhaphy, we prospectively scrutinized a consecutive sample of 18 patients with unilateral dysplastic hips aging > 18 months and followed them for a period of at least 12 months. The procedure of open reduction is described in detail. Two pediatric orthopedists carried out the operations from August 2014 to January 2019 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Intraoperatively, AP radiographs of the pelvis were obtained before and after capsulorrhaphy. The distance between the inferomedial edge of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the lateral edge of the obturator foramen was recorded. To determine if there were differences in medial joint space due to capsulorrhaphy, a generalized linear model was run on the study sample. All patients were followed for at least 12 months to determine the rate of re-dislocation. Results Mean age (±standard deviation) of the participants was 37.5 (±24.7) months. All cases underwent Salter osteotomy, 5 cases needed femoral shortening (27.8%) and none needed derotational osteotomy. Capsulorrhaphy lead to a statistically significant decrease in the mean medial joint space from 1.59 cm before (95% CI: 1.12–2.05) to 0.76 cm after (95% CI: 0.50–1.02) the capsulorrhaphy (P < 0.001). When we took the effect of age into account the corresponding figures were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.22–1.75) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.39–0.94), respectively (P < 0.001). After follow up periods of 1 to 5.5 years, none of the patients experienced instability or re-dislocation. Conclusions Capsulorrhaphy, independently, of age was associated with a 1-cm decrease in the mean medial hip joint space and a more deeply seated femoral head. Furthermore, this study presents a successful experience with capsulorrhaphy to prevent hip instability.