More than 20° posterior tilt of the femoral head in undisplaced femoral neck fractures results in a four times higher risk of treatment failure

Purpose In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between the preoperative posterior tilt of the femoral head and treatment failure in patients with a Garden type I and II femoral neck fracture (FNF) treated with the dynamic locking blade plate (DLBP). Methods Preoperative posterior tilt was measured in a prospective documented cohort of 193 patients with a Garden type I and II FNF treated with the DLBP. The correlation between preoperative posterior tilt and failure, defined as revision surgery because of avascular necrosis, non-union, or cut-out, was analyzed. Results Patients with failed fracture treatment (5.5%) had a higher degree of posterior tilt on the initial radiograph than the patients with uneventful healed fractures: 21.4° and 13.8°, respectively (p = 0.03). The failure rate was 3.2% for Garden type I and II FNF with a posterior tilt < 20° and 12.5% if the preoperative posterior tilt was ≥ 20°. A posterior tilt of ≥ 20° was associated with an odds ratio of 4.24 (95% CI 1.09–16.83; p = 0.04). Conclusion Garden type I and II FNFs with a significant preoperative posterior tilt (≥ 20°) seem to behave like unstable fractures and have a four times higher risk of failure. Preoperative posterior tilt ≥ 20° of the femoral head should be considered as a significant predictor for failure of treatment in Garden type I and II FNFs treated with the DLBP.

Delayed Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Following Septic Arthritis of a Hip: A Case Report

Introduction: Delayed slip of the capital femoral epiphysis is a rare entity in the setting of a septic hip. Case Report: A 13-year-old male presented with an inability to walk and pain around right hip and knee region with fever. On imaging evaluation, a diagnosis of septic hip and knee arthritis was made and both the joints were drained under general anesthesia by anterior approach and an empirical antibiotic therapy was started. On the initial radiograph, there was no sign of slippage of the capital femoral epiphysis. Although the limb was kept in an immobilized position in the 1st week of the surgical debridement, yet it did not prevent the subsequent development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Open reduction and screw fixation was done to stabilize the slippage. Healing took place with reduction of joint space with some restriction of the hip motion. Conclusion: SCFE is a disastrous complication in association with septic arthritis of a hip. Routine traction and immobilization may not prevent slippage. Disproportionate amount of pain on weight bearing in a post septic hip should raise the suspicion of SCFE. Prophylactic pinning may be considered in selective cases with antibiotic coverage. Keywords: Hip sepsis, septic sequelae, slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Migratory Bronchial Foreign Body: Role of Serial Radiographs and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Foreign body impaction in the airway poses a great challenge of management to any Laryngology facility. Prompt localization of the foreign body and its endoscopic removal are the panacea for the successful extraction of the foreign body Tracheobronchial foreign bodies depending on their size and site of initial impaction can migrate to other locations in the tracheobronchial tree making their identification and subsequent extraction more challenging for the endoscopist. We present here and review the literature on three cases that throw up such challenges that were successfully managed by the authors to highlight this. Serial radiograph can be useful in the management of such cases especially if delay occurred in its extraction after initial radiograph assessment.

Evaluation of Implant Survival by Analysing Dental Panoramic Radiographs: 10-Year Retrospective Study

SummaryBackground/Aim: Panoramic radiographs have been used widely for pre-implant evaluation and the preparation of treatment protocols. Panoramic radiography is often the first choice method for the implant placements because it gives information on the overall shape of the jaws, the position of the maxillary sinus floor and the nasal cavity floor, and vertical position of the mandibular canal and the mental foramen in relation to dental implants. The specific aim of the present study was to evaluate 10-year survival rate of dental implants by analysis of dental panoramic radiographs.Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 507 panoramic radiographs of 156 implant patients. Initial oral health status, proceedings of Restorative/Endodontic treatments before implant placement, missing number of teeth and edentulism types, finalization of implant related prosthetic treatments during controls, implant quality scorings at baseline/ controls and implant fails were analyzed.Results: The study results reveal statistically significant difference between the performed R/E treatment rates, according to the need for R/E treatments (p= 0.008). During the initial radiograph 96.1% of the implants were successful and 3.9% had satisfactory survival. At last control 86% of the implants were successful, 10.3% had satisfactory survival, 1% had impairment in survival and 2.8% were unsuccessful. The change in the last control compared to the initial radiograph is statistically significant (p= 0.000) regarding satisfactory survival.Conclusion: Long-term implant survival is not significantly affected by gender, age, type of edentulism, the presence of periodontal disease, R/E treatment needs, implant location, prosthesis type, and the presence of multiple implants.

Prospective investigation of the relationship between dorsal tilt, carpal malalignment, and capitate shift in distal radial fractures

Aims Carpal malalignment after a distal radial fracture occurs due to loss of volar tilt. Several studies have shown that this has an adverse influence on function. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of dorsal tilt that leads to carpal malalignment, whether reduction of dorsal tilt will correct carpal malalignment, and which measure of carpal malalignment is the most useful. Methods Radiographs of patients with a distal radial fracture were prospectively collected and reviewed. Measurements of carpal malalignment were recorded on the initial radiograph, the radiograph following reduction of the fracture, and after a further interval. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and carpal malalignment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify which values of dorsal tilt led to carpal malalignment. Results A total of 250 consecutive patients with 252 distal radial fractures were identified. All measures of carpal alignment were significantly associated with dorsal tilt at each timepoint. This relationship persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and the position of the wrist. Capitate shift consistently had the strongest relationship with dorsal tilt and was the only parameter that was not influenced by age or the position of the wrist. ROC curve analysis identified that abnormal capitate shift was seen with > 9° of dorsal tilt. Conclusion Carpal malalignment is related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Reducing the fracture and improving dorsal tilt will reduce carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is easy to assess visually, unrelated to age and sex, and appears to be the most useful measure of carpal malalignment. The aim during reduction of a distal radial fracture should be to realign the capitate with the axis of the radius and prevent carpal malalignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):137–143

Use of Multislice CT for Investigation of Occult Geriatric Hip Fractures and Impact on Timing of Surgery

Introduction: The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the first-line investigation for radiographically occult hip fractures, if available within 24 hours. In our department, however, multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) is instead used as a first-line investigation due to significant delays associated with obtaining MRI. Our aim was to determine the validity and practicality of MSCT for diagnosis of occult hip fractures and its impact on timing of surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records and imaging for consecutive patients who underwent MSCT to investigate occult hip fractures between January 2014 and October 2016. We reviewed subsequent imaging and reattendances for patients with negative MSCT to exclude initially missed fractures. Results: Two hundred six patients underwent MSCT to investigate occult hip fracture during the study period. Hip fractures were identified in 59 patients, comprising 35 (59.3%) subcapital, 12 (20.0%) intertrochanteric, 8 (13.6%) transcervical, and 4 (6.8%) basicervical fractures. One missed hip fracture was identified: a patient with a negative MSCT was further investigated with MRI that demonstrated acute subcapital hip fracture. Multislice computerized tomography was obtained within 24 hours of initial radiograph in 145 (70.4%) patients. A total of 44.5% of occult hip fractures had surgery within the nationally recommended 36 hours of admission (hospital average for all hip fractures was 76.4% over the same period). Discussion and Conclusions: Multislice computerized tomography is a pragmatic approach to investigate the majority of occult hip fractures in a timely manner and minimize associated delay to surgery. However it cannot completely exclude the diagnosis, especially in abnormal anatomy. The lack of a true gold standard comparison (ie, MRI) means a true sensitivity and specificity cannot be calculated, although can be cautiously estimated by lack of subsequent reattendance or investigation. Further prospective randomized CT versus MRI trials are required.

Evaluation of odontometric methods in immature permanent teeth: Research for a better practise

Background/Aim. Determination of correct working length is one of the keys to success in root canal treatment. It provides efficient canal cleaning and shaping, a three-dimensional chermetic obturation and an optimal healing procees following root apex formation. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the accuracy and applicability of working lengths determined in permanent immature teeth in vivo using different clinical methods. Methods. The research was conducted at the Dental Clinic of Vojvodina in Novi Sad, the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. A sample of 30 canals of young permanent teeth were selected for the research. Inclusion criteria were: a need for endodontic treatmant, young permanent teeth, teeth with incomplete apex formation according to Demirijans stages F and G determined on radiography. Exclusion criteria: more than 3 years from eruption, pathological and iatrogenic resorption of the apex. The canal lenght was measured first on the initial radiograph used later as the parameter for comparison with various clinical methods. Results. The greatest average difference of measured working lengths was found by using electroodontometry and the paper point method afterwards. Regarding individual measurements, the most unprecise reading was with electroodontometry and tactile method up to 5 mm difference, and 4.6 mm was the maximal deviation for radiographic method. A deviation was defined by matching the measurements with a canal length measured on the initial radiograph. Our results showed that there was a difference between observed methods, although there was no statistical significance. Conclusion. The radiographic method and tactile method stand out as dominant methods for odontometry in permanent immature teeth, thanks to highly accurate readings, while the electroodontometry is considered the most unreliable method for determining working length in immature permanent teeth.

Grisel Syndrome: Prompt Diagnosis, Prompt Management Equals Happy Ending

Grisel syndrome is a rare cause of torticollis resulting from subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint (C1-C2 vertebra) joint from surrounding soft tissue inflammation. Atlanto-axial joint injuries typically occur in the setting of trauma. However, here we report a case of a non-traumatic cause of atlanto-axial joint subluxation in a child. The child initially presented to our centre with 5 days history of torticollis preceded by a few days of upper respiratory tract symptoms. The initial radiograph of the cervical spine did not demonstrate any obvious abnormality. However, due to a high index of suspicion by the attending physician, a CT of the cervical spine was performed, which indeed revealed an atlanto-axial subluxation. The patient was put on cervical traction for a few days, and discharged well with soft collar and analgesia.

Outcomes following limb salvage after combat hindfoot injury are inferior to delayed amputation at five years

Objectives The surgical challenge with severe hindfoot injuries is one of technical feasibility, and whether the limb can be salvaged. There is an additional question of whether these injuries should be managed with limb salvage, or whether patients would achieve a greater quality of life with a transtibial amputation. This study aims to measure functional outcomes in military patients sustaining hindfoot fractures, and identify injury features associated with poor function. Methods Follow-up was attempted in all United Kingdom military casualties sustaining hindfoot fractures. All respondents underwent short-form (SF)-12 scoring; those retaining their limb also completed the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle (AAOS F&A) outcomes questionnaire. A multivariate regression analysis identified injury features associated with poor functional recovery. Results In 12 years of conflict, 114 patients sustained 134 fractures. Follow-up consisted of 90 fractures (90/134, 67%), at a median of five years (interquartile range (IQR) 52 to 80 months). The median Short-Form 12 physical component score (PCS) of 62 individuals retaining their limb was 45 (IQR 36 to 53), significantly lower than the median of 51 (IQR 46 to 54) in patients who underwent delayed amputation after attempted reconstruction (p = 0.0351). Regression analysis identified three variables associated with a poor F&A score: negative Bohler’s angle on initial radiograph; coexisting talus and calcaneus fracture; and tibial plafond fracture in addition to a hindfoot fracture. The presence of two out of three variables was associated with a significantly lower PCS compared with amputees (medians 29, IQR 27 to 43 vs 51, IQR 46 to 54; p < 0.0001). Conclusions At five years, patients with reconstructed hindfoot fractures have inferior outcomes to those who have delayed amputation. It is possible to identify injuries which will go on to have particularly poor outcomes. Cite this article: P. M. Bennett, T. Stevenson, I. D. Sargeant, A. Mountain, J. G. Penn-Barwell. Outcomes following limb salvage after combat hindfoot injury are inferior to delayed amputation at five years. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:131–138. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0217.R2.

The Rare Lesser Metatarsal Bipartite Sesamoid – A Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are several various accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones that can be seen throughout the foot and ankle, with reported incidence of 21.2% and 9.6%, respectively. Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones usually remain asymptomatic until an inciting event (trauma, overuse) occurs and can then cause pain or degenerative changes. They can also be found in routine imaging. One of these confusing findings are lesser metatarsal sesamoids, which are a rare occurrence. Here radiographically we demonstrate the first such case of a fifth metatarsal bipartite sesamoid. METHODS: A 31-year old female presented to the senior authors office for evaluation of the right foot after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). She was told she sustained a foot fracture at an outside emergency department. Her case was reviewed for presentation. RESULTS: Physical exam did not elicit any pain to the forefoot as all symptoms were in the patients ankle. The initial radiograph was reviewed which revealed a bipartite sesamoid of the fifth metatarsal. No pedal fractures to the foot or ankle were appreciatd. MRI was ordered and confirmed this diagnosis with no active pathology to the forefoot. CONCLUSIONS: number one at 7.6% and foot and ankle at 51.4%, respectively. One study found that initial emergency room diagnosis and final foot and ankle outpatient clinic diagnosis did not match in 21.4% of patients evaluated. Lesser metatarsal sesamoids are more common in the 2nd and 5th metatarsal and overall range between 0.2–15%. However, no literature to the authors knowledge exists demonstrating a bipartite lesser sesamoid, and more specifically to 5th metatarsal.