Inverted reamer technique for bone grafting of the acetabulum: technical note

Background Socket fixation with bone grafting for dysplastic hips is technically demanding, and inadequate coverage of the socket may cause poor results in patients with severely dysplastic hips. An accurate technique to form a bone graft to fit into the defect is necessary. We aim to introduce the simple method of bone grafting, “inverted reamer technique” in cemented total hip arthroplasty (cTHA). Methods After acetabular preparation with a normal acetabular reamer, the bone graft was prepared from the resected femoral head with the inverted reamer. The graft can be press-fit into the defect of the acetabulum with good compatibility through this method. Then, the bone graft was fixed with 1–3 screws and the socket was implanted with bone cement. Results The “inverted reamer technique” can easily and automatically create a well-fit graft. This method is simple and technically less demanding; it can be performed by every surgeon, including trainee and inexperienced surgeons. Conclusion This method can improve the outcome of cTHA for dysplastic hips by preserving bone stock and increasing bone coverage of the socket implanted in the anatomic position.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head following an occult femoral neck stress fracture: A case report and mini-review

Introduction. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is an intractable disease that causes progressive femoral head collapse, severe pain, and gait disturbance. We report a case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head following an occult femoral neck stress fracture, which shows that early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Case report. A 55-year-old woman presented to our department with a chief complaint of low back pain that radiated into the left anterolateral thigh for 2 months Her left anterolateral thigh became progressively more painful over a period of about 2 weeks. No abnormal findings indicative of ONFH or an occult fracture of the femoral neck were detected by X-ray or computed tomography (CT), but an occult insufficiency fracture of the left femoral neck was identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The diagnosis of femoral neck stress fracture was delayed, resulting in femoral head necrosis. The fracture was treated with total hip arthroplasty and the resected femoral head was subjected to histopathology. Based on the histopathological findings, the final diagnosis of this case was ONFH with an occult fracture of the left femoral neck. Clinical symptoms were relieved postoperatively. Conclusion. In patients presenting with a suspected stress fracture of the femoral neck, early MRI examination is recommended to avoid femoral head necrosis due to a delayed diagnosis.

Segmental Femoral Ostectomy for the Reconstruction of Femoropatellar Joint in Dogs with Grade IV Medial Patellar Luxation

Objective The aim of this study was to describe a new surgical method of segmental femoral ostectomy for the reconstruction of the femoropatellar joint (FPJ) in dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) grade IV. Study Design The medical records of six dogs that underwent segmental femoral ostectomy to reconstruct the FPJ for MPL grade IV were retrospectively reviewed. The data included breed, age, body weight, comorbidities, history of orthopaedic abnormalities, pre- and postoperative radiographic findings, morphological indicators measured on three-dimensional computed tomographic multiplanar reconstruction images, surgical methods and postoperative complications. Outcomes Eleven hindlimbs with MPL grade IV in six dogs underwent segmental femoral ostectomy to reconstruct the FPJ with the four basic surgical procedures. Six stifle joints with femoral varus deformity were treated by closing wedge ostectomy and segmental ostectomy, while five stifle joints were treated by segmental ostectomy alone. The mean resected femoral length was 11.7 mm. The mean resected femoral length relative to the preoperative femoral length was 14.3%. The stability and congruity of the FPJ was markedly improved, with an increased range of motion in all dogs compared with their preoperative status. Conclusion Segmental femoral ostectomy was a useful treatment method for MPL grade IV with shortened quadriceps muscle length relative to the femoral length. Reconstruction of the FPJ is important for recovery of limb function.

Use of Vascularized Fibular Free Flap in the Reconstruction of the Femur in Pediatric and Adolescent Bone Sarcomas: Complications and Functional Outcome

Background Most reports on skeletal reconstruction using vascularized fibular free flap include patients with varying age groups and anatomic locations. This study has limited the inclusion criteria to pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with bone sarcoma of the femoral shaft. Methods Forty-one patients, diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor of the femoral shaft (21 Ewing's sarcomas and 20 osteosarcomas), were locally treated by joint sparing wide resection and reconstruction using a vascularized fibular free flap. All clinical and radiographic data were reviewed for graft healing and hypertrophy as well as oncologic and functional outcome. Results The mean follow-up period was 48.7 months (12–104 months). The mean age at presentation was 10.3 years (5–17 years). The average length of the resected femoral shaft was 19.2 cm (15–24 cm) and the average length of the harvested fibula was 17.4 cm (15–21 cm). The mean time to union was 4.8 months (1–6 months) and the mean hypertrophy index was 78% (15.5–184%). Complications included 12 fractures (33.3%), 5 non-unions (13.8%), and 5 failures of graft hypertrophy (13.8%). At the latest clinical evaluation, the mean MSTS score was 81% (56–100%) and the mean limb length inequality was 4.75 cm (3–11 cm). Conclusion Despite the high functional demand and deleterious effect of chemotherapy on bone healing, reconstruction of the femur by vascularized fibular free flap in pediatric bone sarcomas can lead to a good functional outcome. Complications, such as fracture and non-union, can be successfully treated by revision of fixation and autologous iliac crest grafting. Level of Evidence IV.

Patellar reconstruction following previous patellectomy: a review of the literature and a case series using distal femoral autograft during total knee arthroplasty

During total knee arthroplasty, the reconstruction of the patella following a previous patellectomy is challenging, and is undertaken to improve functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. In this case series, we have reconstructed the patella using a femoral condyle resected during total knee arthroplasty. The resected femoral condyle with best available bone stock is selected and secured to the extensor mechanism. We reviewed the preoperative indications and postoperative outcomes of two patients who underwent the above procedure at our Institute, and compared this to the literature. The cases include a 68-year old male (6 months follow-up) who sustained a multi-fragmentary fracture of his right patella and underwent a patellectomy 30 years previously, and a 45-year old female (4 years follow-up) who underwent a left-sided patellectomy 15 years previously following polytrauma. As a result of progressive osteoarthritis they required total knee arthroplasty, and simultaneous patella reconstruction with a femoral condyle autograft. Compared to their preoperative range of motion, both patients demonstrated an improvement post-operatively with successful pain-free knee function, with no radiological signs of graft resorption. In this limited, small series we have reported two patients who are clinically and functionally satisfied by the outcome of surgery, with comparable outcomes to alternative methods. We believe the use of a femoral condyle autograft for patellar reconstruction is a safe and simple technique that optimises knee kinematics, without associated donor morbidity.