Overview on Causes, Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries in Children and Adolescents: Review Article

This review aimed to summarize the updates in the causes, diagnosis and management of knee injuries in children and adolescents. Knee injuries are common and are often the result of multiple forces: varus, valgus, hyperextension, hyperflexion, internal rotation, external rotation, anterior or posterior translation, and axial loading. Certain combinations of force are known to cause specific patterns of injury. A knee injury can affect any ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround the knee joint, as well fas the bones, cartilage, and ligaments that make up the joint itself. ACL injuries are one of the most common types of knee injuries, including a torn meniscus that is common in sports that require jumping jacks, patellar fractures, and knee bruises. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to more fully evaluate knee injuries. Radiologists can accurately identify individual lesions and combinations of lesions. Surgical and non-surgical treatments are performed depending on the case.

A Prediction Modeling Based on the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score for Poor Postoperative Functional Prognosis of Elderly Patients with Patellar Fractures

Background. The main aim of this study was to develop a nomogram prediction model for poor functional prognosis after patellar fracture surgery in the elderly based on the hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee score. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 168 elderly patients with patellar fractures was performed to collect demographic data, knee imaging, and functional prognosis preoperatively and during the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Good functional prognosis of knee joint was defined as the percentage of HSS knee scores on the injured side relative to the uninjured side ≥ 80 % at six-month postoperative review. Multifactorial linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were then used to identify risk factors of functional prognosis and develop the nomogram prediction model. Furthermore, the validity and accuracy of the prediction model were evaluated using C-index, area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analyses. Results. The final screening from the 12 potential risk factors yielded three high-risk factors which were included in the nomogram prediction model: advanced age (OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.11-0.67), P = 0.005 ), sarcopenia (OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.05-0.26), P < 0.001 ), and low albumin level (OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.02-1.29), P = 0.025 ). The model had a good predictive ability with an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI (0.783-0.929)) for the training group and a C-index of 0.836 for the overall sample. In addition, the decision analysis curve indicated that the model had good clinical applicability. Conclusion. Our predictive model is effective in predicting the risk of poor functional prognosis after patellar fracture surgery in the elderly by assessing high-risk factors such as advanced age, sarcopenia, and serum albumin levels. This prediction model can help clinicians to make individualized risk prediction, early identification of patients at high risk for poor functional outcome, and appropriate interventions.

Multifragmentary patellar fracture has a distinct fracture pattern which makes coronal split, inferior pole, or satellite fragments

The present study aimed to map the location and frequency of fracture lines on the coronal articular and sagittal planes in multifragmentary patellar fractures. 66 multifragmentary patellar fractures were digitally reconstructed using the 3D CT mapping technique. The coronal articular surface and midsagittal fracture maps were produced by superimposing each case over a single template. Each fracture line was classified based on the initial displacement and orientation. We evaluated the frequency and direction of the fracture line, coronal split fragment area, and satellite and inferior pole fragment presence. Coronal articular surface fracture mapping identified primary horizontal fracture lines between the middle and inferior one-third of the articular surface in 63 patients (95.4%). Secondary horizontal fracture lines running on the inferior border of the articular facet were confirmed (83.3%). Secondary vertical fracture lines creating satellite fragments were mostly located on the periphery of the bilateral facet. Midsagittal fracture mapping of primary and secondary horizontal fracture lines with the main coronal fracture line revealed a predominantly X-shaped fracture map. The consequent coronal split fragment and inferior pole fracture were combined in most cases. In conclusion, the multifragmentary patellar fracture has a distinct pattern which makes coronal split, inferior pole, or satellite fragments.

Outcome of Transverse Patella Fractures Fixed With Cannulated Screws and Stainless Steel Tension Band Wiring

Background: Tension band supplemented by K-wires has long been the definitive technique for patellar fractures fixation. However, it is not without drawbacks. The stainless streel cable-cannulated screw tension band technique, may shorten healing time, decrease the complications and provide early range of knee motion. Herein, the current study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcome of this surgical modality. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 21 patients (13 males and 8 females) with transverse fracture patella from June 2017 to April 2021. The surgical fixation consisted of two 4.0-mm parallel partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws with a figure-of-eight stainless steel tension band wiring. Follow-up was at least 10 months. Assessment criteria included the Lysholm score for knee function, ROM, VAS for pain, fracture reduction, fracture healing time, and complication rates. After 3 postoperative weeks, slab was removed and immediate rehabilitation were commenced.Results: The average Lysholm scores were 82.9 ± 4.4 SD, 87.8 ± 5.3 SD, and 92.7 ± 3.6 SD after 3, 6, and 10 months, respectively. VAS scores for pain were 2.6 ± 3.0 SD, 1.4 ± 2.6 SD, and 0.5 ± 2.3 SD at 3, 6 and 10-month, respectively. The patients had gained total ROM after 3, 6 and 10 months. The mean fracture healing time was 2.1 months (range, 1.5 - 3.1 months). Two patients experienced skin irritation by wire tails.Conclusion: The stainless steel cannulated screws and tension band construct provides a good alternative in treatment of transverse patellar fractures. It could yield stable fixation, low complication rate while providing early mobilization and accelerated rehabilitation.

Current approaches to treatment of patients with closed fractures of the patella

Introduction Treatment of patients with acute fractures of the patella is the task of the trauma and orthopedic service and should provide restoration of the integrity of the bone tissue and the extensor apparatus of the knee joint for its early mobilization. There is an opinion that conservative treatment cannot meet requirements of patients’ quality of life, and therefore, most traumatologists are inclined to surgically treat patellar fractures. Purpose Based on the available literature data, to determine the most rational way to treat patients with patellar fractures Materials and methods Available studies published in the last 10 years were analyzed. The databases NCBI Pubmed, Healio Orthopedics, Medline were searched. Results Such osteosynthesis methods as patella suture, osteosynthesis with plates, special internal devices, external fixation devices, Kirschner wires and wire cerclage, various screws were covered. The question of clinical application of patellectomy was touched upon; the contribution of the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Urgent Surgery of the Krasnov Samara State Medical University to the development of operative techniques of osteosynthesis of the patella, the basic concepts of scientific research, and also the most optimal ways of treating patients with patellar fractures were described. Conclusion The conservative method of treating patients with patellar fractures is most relevant if there are contraindications to surgery. It inevitably leads to persistent arthrogenic contracture. The best functional results of treatment have been achieved with surgical treatment due to the possibility of early mobilization of the knee joint. According to the data of available studies, plates and screws as well as osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires and wiring cerclage show maximum stability. There is evidence of a direct correlation between the risk of developing infectious complications and pain in the postoperative period and the number of elements of subcutaneous metal implants. Thus, the most optimal way to treat closed fractures of the patella is osteosynthesis with the use of wires and wire cerclage according to the tension band principle.