Selected aspects of proximal femoral epiphysis fixation in children with early stages of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

BACKGROUND: Epiphyseodesis of the femoral head in the early stages of slipped capital femoral epiphysis using auto-, allografts, and synthetic implant may result in deformities of the femur leading cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and dysfunction of the gluteal muscles. Most surgeons refused this intervention and favor in situ fixation of the epiphysis with modern metal instrumentation and, in particular, cannulated screws with proximal threading. However, the number of screws that provide stable fixation and how to reduce their negative effect on the enchondral growth of the femur remain controversial. AIM: To improve the results of surgical treatment in children with early stages of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiological results of surgical treatment of 40 patients (80 affected joints) aged from 11 to 14 years with slipped capital femoral epiphysis of stage 1 in one joint and stage 2 in the other joint were analyzed. 20 children were divided into two groups. In each group, the epiphysis was fixed with a 7.0 mm cannulated screw. In the first group, the screw head was held on the cortical layer. In the second group, the screw head was held 510 millimeters away from the cortical layer. Long-term results were evaluated at the age of 1718 years when no signs of enchondral and ecchondral growth of the proximal femur were noted. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The fixation of the epiphysis was stable in all 80 joints. The shape of epimetaphysis in the joints of stage 2 did not change in most patients by the end of femoral growth. However, the correction recorded in 32.5% of cases was more often observed in children of the second group. The shape of epimetaphysis in all 40 joints with stage 1 of the disease remained normal. The mean length of the epimetaphysis was greater in the second group than in the first group by the end of growth regardless of the stage of the pathologic process during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The considered method of proximal femoral epiphysis fixation, which excludes the compressive effect of a cannulated screw with proximal threading on the epiphyseal growth cartilage, provides reliable epiphysis retention in the early stages of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. It has a less negative effect on the enchondral growth of the femoral component of the joint.

Current Management of Femoral Neck Fractures (Literature Review)

Summary. Femoral neck fractures are a commonly encountered injury in orthopedic practice and result in significant morbidity and mortality. It is essential that surgeons are able to recognize specific fracture patterns and patient characteristics that indicate the use of particular implants and methods to effectively manage these injuries. The use of the Garden and Pauwels classification systems has remained the practical mainstay of femoral neck fracture characterization that help choosing appropriate treatment. Operative options include in situ fixation, closed or open reduction and internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and total hip arthroplasty. Recent reports demonstrate diversity among orthopedic surgeons in regard to the optimal treatment of femoral neck fractures and changing trends in their management.

Neglected Lateral condyle Humerus Fractures: Current Concepts and Practices

Neglected lateral condyle fractures present varied and difficult challenges to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. They have the potential to cause long term problems like deformities, stiffness, instability and tardy ulnar nerve palsy. The treatment of lateral condyle non-unions depend on the presence or absence of deformity, the duration of non-union, skeletal maturity of the child and the presence or absence of ulnar nerve palsy. Accordingly the treatment ranges from conservative management in neglected fractures with no deformity and no ulnar nerve palsy at one end, Open/mini-open or closed in-situ fixation for established non-unions with instability and corrective osteotomy with fixation of non-union and ulnar nerve transposition at the other end. In this article, the authors have endeavoured to go through the various aspects of clinical presentations and treatment modalities for this difficult fracture. Keywords: Neglected lateral condyle fractures, Cubitus valgus, Tardy ulnar nerve palsy, Instability.

Modified Dunn procedure versus percutaneous pinning in moderate/severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphyses

Background: The modified Dunn procedure (MDP) has risen enthusiasm in treating slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) due to the anatomic reduction and high patients’ satisfaction rates at long-term follow-up. Main aim of this study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of 2 cohorts with moderate to severe stable SCFE treated by MDP and in situ fixation. Methods: Medical records were analysed to collect demographic data, comorbidities and time from slip to surgery. The collected postoperative data were: avascular necrosis (AVN); complications; progression of osteoarthritis and subsequent procedures. Southwick angles (SA), alpha angles and Klein line were measured on the preoperative x-rays, on the immediate postoperative period and at the latest follow-up. Outcomes scores were recorded by the following questionnaires: the Harris Hip Score, the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve was calculated. Results: We compared 81 hips treated by MDP with 22 hips treated by in situ pinning (PS) for moderate/severe stable SCFE. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of age, BMI, comorbidities and preoperative slip angles. At the latest follow-up, postoperative anteroposterior mean slip angles were respectively 6.2 and 19.9° in MDP and PS group ( p = 0.3). Slip angles in frog lateral view were 11° in the MDP group and 39.7° in the PS group ( p = 0.2). MDP group achieved better correction angles on frog leg view (11° vs. 39.7°; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of AVN among both groups (19.7% MDP group vs. 31.8% PS group) ( p = 0.2). Conclusions: The MDP in treating severe stable SCFE showed the best deformities corrections in conjunction with the highest functional scores at long-term follow-up and similar rates of osteonecrosis compared to in situ fixation.

Neglected Fractures of the Lateral Humeral Condyle in Children; Which Treatment for Which Condition?

Background: Neglected fractures of the lateral humeral condyle (LHC) are misdiagnosed or insufficiently treated fractures, presenting later than 3 weeks after injury. The management of neglected LHC fractures in children remains controversial. Methods: Twenty-seven children were included in this retrospective study. Charts and medical records were investigated for demographics, time interval between injury and treatment, and type of treatment. Baseline radiographs were assessed for fracture grading and displacement. Final radiographs were investigated for bone healing, avascular necrosis, elbow deformities and growth disturbances. Complications were classified by the Clavien–Dindo–Sink (CDS) system. Outcomes were assessed according to the Dhillon Score (DhiS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: The mean time from injury to presentation was 27 months. Treatments included nonoperative management (6 patients), “in-situ” fixation (7 patients), open reduction and internal fixation (11 patients) and corrective osteotomy (3 patients). The mean follow-up was 7 years (range: 2–16). Overall, we observed complications in 16 patients (59%); six complications were considered major (22%) and occurred in Weiss Grade 3 fractures, with lateral displacement ≥5 mm. At the latest follow-up, pain and functional scores improved in 23 of 27 patients (85%). Mean MEPS increased from an average of 62 points preoperatively to 98 points postoperatively, while mean DhiS improved on average from 5 to 8 points. CDS score and time interval between injury and treatment were independent predictors of MEPS and DhiS. Conclusion: Our study describes outcomes from a cohort of children undergoing different treatments for neglected LHC fractures. Prolonged time interval between injury and treatment and perioperative major complications negatively impacted the treatment outcomes. Our findings strengthen the requirement for widely agreed guidelines of surgical management in neglected LHC fractures.

Remodeling in Patients with in Situ Fixation for a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Objective: This study has investigated the amount of bone remodeling in patients with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated with in situ fixation until closure of the epiphysis and the factors affecting remodeling. Method: Patients who underwent surgery for SCFE between January 2010 and January 2015 were retrospectively screened: Twenty-four male and 7 female patients (mean age 12.6 ± 1.9 years) were included in the study. Gender, age, history, and laterality of trauma, duration of hip pain (acute, chronic, acute on chronic background), and hip radiographs were evaluated. The Southwick and alpha angles were measured, and the factors affecting remodeling were assessed. The statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY); 95% confidence levels were calculated and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The preoperative displacement angles measured on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were 15.03° ± 9.1° and 25.93° ± 14.1° and at the last follow-up they were 11.63° ± 8.7° and 21.6° ± 12.1°, respectively. The alpha angles measured on the lateral radiographs preoperatively and at the end of follow-up were 52.33° ± 11.6° and 47.87° ± 11.8°, respectively. Significant remodeling was reflected in the angles measured on the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray images. Greater preoperative displacement angle was associated with less remodeling. Conclusion: Preoperative displacement affects the degree of postoperative remodeling. In patients with severe epiphyseal displacement, open reduction is an option but in situ pinning should be considered in that it is less invasive and more physiological.

Femoral Neck Stress Fracture in Habitual Exercise Patient: A Case Report with Literature Reviews

Background: Femoral neck stress fracture (FNSF) is considered rare, and, as a consequence, is easily misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness. The initial presentation can be subtle, but serious sequelae, including avascular necrosis of the femoral head or non-union could occur without proper management. Case Report: A left FNSF in a regularly exercising postmenopausal woman treated by in situ fixation with multiple cannulated screws is presented. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan revealed osteopenic bone marrow density (BMD) T-score. Subcutaneous denosumab injection was prescribed immediately following the operation according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation. Successful radiographic union was observed after three months without complications, and the patient was able to return to sports activities after six months. Conclusion: An early and accurate diagnosis of FNSF is essential in returning to sport and preventing undesirable harmful consequences. Keywords: Femoral neck, Stress fracture, Exercise, Athlete, Osteoporosis

Enhanced Selective Removal of Cd(II) by an Amino-Functional Water-Retaining Agent Incorporating Nano Hydrous Manganese Oxide

An amino-functionalized water-retaining agent (PPM40-NH2) and a water-retaining agent lacking functionalization (PPM40) were prepared to investigate their selective Cd(II) removal properties. The affinity for Cd(II) was increased after introducing the amino functional group. The SFCd/Ca of PPM40-NH2 was 3–7 fold higher than that of PPM40 although the CCa was 100–1000 times higher than that of CCd. The chelating effect of –COOH and –NH2 in PPM40-NH2 corresponded well with the selective adsorption of Cd(II), as confirmed by simulations. A seed germination experiment demonstrated that PPM40-NH2 could act as a filter of heavy metals to supply “clean” water for the roots of the pakchoi plant. The leaching experiment indicated that PPM40-NH2 is an efficient in situ fixation agent for the remediation of agricultural soil contaminated with Cd(II) in the presence of high concentrations of Ca(II) salts.