Average Functional Outcome Research Articles

Fractura-luxación del complejo distal del codo, ¿es la tétrada terrible una nueva entidad?

ObjectiveTo describe the terrible tetrad and treatment algorithm in patients and cadaver models to differentiate it from other entities that affect the distal elbow complex and the differences in their treatment. Material and methodologyWe studied 7 patients (5 women and 2 men) with a mean age of 51 years, who had had posterior or posterolateral elbow dislocation associated with fracture of coronoid process, radial head and olecranon. We reproduced the lesional association tetrad in 3 cadaveric specimens. Treatment included the reduction and stabilization of the coronoid process. We appreciate the clinical results with Broberg and Morrey scales and DASH. ResultsOf the 7 patients who underwent surgery, 4 had to be re-operated. The average functional outcome with Broberg and Morrey scale was fair, 77 (96-38) points, and the DASH was 30 (78-10). The range of flexion and extension was 96° (range 120-45°) and pronosupination of 126° (range 150-40°), mean supination of 57° (range 70-40°) and pronation 48.5° (range 60-30°). ConclusionIn the terrible elbow tetrad the main challenge is the correct preoperative diagnosis and good results are obtained with a stable elbow through proper surgical planning, individualizing rebuilding and repairing articular surfaces and ligamentous structures in a single approach.

Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population

AimsThis review was designed in order to study the percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population. We present a comprehensive description of clinical, functional outcomes, complications, with emphasis on patients’ level, and time of return to sports. MethodsWe proceeded to a systematic search of Medline (PubMED), Cochrane, and Scopus databases using keywords “Achilles Tendon”, “Percutaneous Repair”, “Percutaneous suturing”, “Subcutaneous repair”, “Subcutaneous suturing”, “Athletes”, and “Athletic” to identify articles or abstracts written in English. ResultsThirteen studies, including 670 patients, could be identified. A variety of percutaneous repair techniques were performed. Re-rupture rate was very low. The most frequent complication was sural nerve damage. Average functional outcomes were satisfying. Up to 91.4% continued practicing sports after surgery. Furthermore, 78–84% returned to the same or higher sports level. Average time of return was 18 weeks in 9 studies. ConclusionPercutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture is an excellent perspective for athletic population. Low re-rupture rate and impressing level of return to sports allow athletes to continue their recreational activities or careers.

Isolated pelvic ring injuries: functional outcomes following percutaneous, posterior fixation.

To characterize pelvic-specific functional outcomes in patients with isolated, partially unstable (AO/OTA 61-B), pelvic ring injuries treated with posterior only percutaneous screw fixation of the pelvic ring. Between September 2007 and October 2011, 16 subjects (mean age 42.4years; range 18-90years) with isolated, partially unstable pelvic ring injuries (AO/OTA 61-B) were treated with percutaneous, posterior pelvic ring fixation. Subjects underwent an evaluation of pelvic ring function with a modification of Majeed's pelvic functional outcome assessment tool. Subjects were excluded if they sustained a concomitant long-bone fracture, visceral injury requiring surgery, spinal cord injury, and an injury to the anterior pelvic ring or acetabulum requiring additional fixation. Mean follow-up was 30.8 (range 14-55) months. Eleven subjects sustained unilateral posterior ring injuries, and five subjects sustained bilateral posterior ring injuries. All fractures healed uneventfully, and no hardware failures were noted. Average pelvic functional outcome score at final follow-up was 85.3% (good). All but subjects required assistive walking devices and gait and sitting comfort scored "excellent." High rates of sexual dysfunction and persistent difficulty with daily activities were noted in this series. This series demonstrates that activity-specific dysfunction persists years after definitive percutaneous posterior fixation of isolated pelvic ring injuries. Radiographic outcomes were excellent as were subjects' ability to ambulate independently and sit comfortably without pain. Many complained of persistent discomfort with both daily activities and sexual activity, suggesting persistent pathology to the non-osseous structures about the pelvis.

Does the benefit of salvage amputation always outweigh disability in drug-failure mycetoma?: a tale of two cases.

It is popularly believed that eumycetoma cases should be dealt with using surgical amputation for a better chance of cure especially when chemotherapy has failed. However, amputation leads to disability on one hand and on the other it may also fail to be curative. We present two cases with contrasting treatment options and outcome. In the eumycetoma case reported here, a 40-year-old male presented with right foot swelling for 16 years, from which Scedosporium apiospermum was isolated. He responded poorly to antifungal therapy and refused below-knee amputation 12 years ago. With counseling and wound care his condition improved, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score remained almost stable at 90% for 16 years, which is much better than the average functional outcome after amputation. Another 46-year-old female underwent below-knee amputation after receiving incomplete courses of antibiotics and antifungals for mycetoma of unknown etiology. She presented to us after recurrence of mycetoma on an amputated stump and was successfully treated by proper courses of antibiotics after detecting the causal agent, Actinomadura madurae. Her post-amputation disability and depression could have been avoided if the hasty decision of amputation had not been taken. In our opinion, living with drug-non-responsive mycetoma, supported by symptomatic management, may be a better option than amputation and its associated morbidities. So before taking the path of salvage amputation, we must consider many aspects, including patient's livelihood, psychological aspects and chances of recurrence even after the procedure.

Study of Functional Outcome in Calcaneal Fractures

Background: 75% of calcaneal fractures are intra articular. Treating calcaneal fractures is a challenge for orthopaedic surgeon due to the complex fracture pathology. A wide range of treatment options varying from non operative to operative methods are available. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional outcome of conservatively treated and operatively managed intra articular calcaneal fractures. Methods: 25 intra articular fractures have been classified as per Computerized Tomography based Sanders system.11 fractures were treated conservatively.11 fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting and plating. 3 fractures were treated with percutaneous screw fixation. Functional outcome was assessed using Modified Rowe score after following the cases over mean period of 24 months. Results: In conservatively managed 11 fractures, average functional outcome score was good in 6 Sanders Type-I fractures, average functional outcome score was satisfactory in 3 Sanders Type –II fractures and was poor in 2 Type-III Sanders fractures. In percutaneously fixed 3 cases of Sanders Type –II intra articular fractures by screws, average functional outcome score was good. In fractures fixed with open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting and plating, average functional outcome score was excellent in 6 Sanders Type-II fractures and good in 5 Sanders Type-III fractures. Conclusion: Sanders Type-I fractures can be treated conservatively with good functional outcome. Managing Sanders Type II and III conservatively results in satisfactory to poor outcome. Hence for Sanders Type-II and Type-III, Open reduction and internal fixation with plating and bone grafting has to be considered for achieving excellent functional outcome. Percutaneous screw fixation can also be considered which yields good functional outcome and less post operative complications.

Mid-term Results of Single-Radius Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty: Minimum 5 Year Follow-up

PurposeThe single-radius design of the knee implant was introduced to improve the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by reducing maximum extensor forces, and it also represents more physiologic quadriceps force pattern, which could have a positive effect on knee function after TKA. We studied mid-term results of single-radius designed cruciate retaining (CR) TKA.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the functional improvement and radiological osteolytic pattern after TKA using the single-radius Scorpio CR prosthesis. TKA was performed on 102 knees. The mean follow-up period was 73.8 months. For clinical assessment, the range of motion (ROM), Harris hip score, and functional outcome score were obtained preoperatively and at last follow-up.ResultsThe average ROM was 100.2° preoperatively and 121.7° at last follow-up. The average knee score was 59.2 points preoperatively and 92.9 points at last follow-up. The average functional outcome score was improved from 51.9 points preoperatively to 85.4 points at last follow-up. Radiolucency was observed in four knees but all were non-progressive lesions smaller than 2 mm.ConclusionsThe clinical outcome of TKA using the single-radius CR prosthesis was good during the mid-term follow-up and the incidence of osteolysis was very rare.

Revision of surgical correction of scoliosis in pediatric patients affected by neuromuscular pathology using Unit Rod instrumentation

The purpose of this study is to present a large consecutive series of pediatric patients affected by neuromuscular scoliosis treated with Unit Rod instrumentation. Retrospective review of 160 children treated with Unit Rod instrumentation between 2003 and 2010. This review analyzed complications, radiographic outcome, time surgery, average blood loss, hospital staying and functional outcome of patients and parents after surgery. The follow-up of 80 patients is at more than 5 years. Scoliosis was corrected from a mean of 56° range 21° to 76° Cobb (68 %). Pelvic obliquity was corrected from a mean of 24° to 5° (74 %). Major complications are not related to the technique but to the pathology. Unit Rod instrumentation is a common standard technique, is considerably less expensive than the other system, and remains a good indication for the treatment of the spinal deformity in children affected by neuromuscular disease.

Staged Versus Acute Definitive Management of Open Distal Humerus Fractures

Open distal humerus fractures are associated with soft tissue and bony injury. This study compares the results of a staged protocol using initial joint spanning external fixation and delayed definitive fixation to acute definitive fixation. Treated open distal humerus fractures were retrospectively reviewed, with patients examined at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks after definitive surgery. Outcomes were determined radiographically by union rate and clinically by range of motion, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, Short Form-36, and Mayo Elbow Performance Index. Fourteen treated patients with open AO/OTA type 13-C3 distal humerus fractures, with average patient age 52.7 years and average follow-up 98.6 weeks, were identified. All fractures were treated with initial irrigation and debridement emergently and either spanning external fixation in eight patients or primary definitive internal fixation in six patients. All fractures healed, with average time to osseous healing, in 25.7 weeks versus 23.4 weeks (p=0.7) in staged versus primary definitive treatment, respectively. Elbow range of motion on final follow-up was 73.75° versus 94.17° (p=0.22). Complications included nonunions, heterotopic ossification, infection, and persistent ulnar nerve deficit. Average functional outcomes scores for staged management versus primary internal fixation were Short Form-36, 50.2 versus 68.2 (p=0.065); Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, 33.5 versus 12.5 (p=0.078); and Mayo Elbow Performance Index, 55.6 versus 84.2 (p=0.011), respectively. Open distal humerus fractures had poor outcomes relative to normative functional scores; however, this is possibly due to more severe soft tissue injuries that were felt better managed with staged management at the time of presentation.

Anterior Cervical Microforaminotomy for Cervical Radiculopathy – Results and Review

Analysis of anterior cervical microforaminotomy performed at the North Staffordshire University Hospital along with a review of literature of this minimally invasive procedure is presented. A retrospective-prospective study was performed on 34 patients (24 males, 10 females) with cervical disc disease who had been surgically treated with anterior cervical microforaminotomy between 1999 and 2005. Age ranged from 37 to 75. MRI findings were disc prolapse in 28 and additional osteophytes in six. Microforaminotomy was performed according to the published technique. Single level operations were performed in 22 patients (21 unilateral, 1 bilateral) and multi-level operations were performed in 12 patients (7 unilateral and 5 bilateral). The short-term outcomes were excellent in 65% (i.e., complete resolution of all symptoms), good in 29% (relief of radiculopathy but some non-radicular discomfort persists), and fair in 6% (mild residual radiculopathy with or without non-radicular symptoms). Postoperative complications include one patient with partial C6 root damage, which was identified intraoperatively, but had excellent results at 2 months post operation. Long-term follow-up (using the cervical spine research society questionnaire) ranged from 2-48 months. The average pain score, neurological outcome and functional outcome improved after this operation. RE-OPERATION: One patient, who had 2 level bilateral surgeries, needed discectomies with fusion for new onset myelopathy 18 months later. Appropriate patient selection is cardinal in achieving good outcome in anterior microforaminotomy.

Reconstruction of complex oral defects using bi-paddle pectoralis major flap - technical modifications and outcome in 54 cancer patients

Reconstruction of locally advanced oral cancer presents a great challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The main goal of reconstruction is to provide intraoral lining and soft tissue cover. We discuss the use of Bipaddle pectoralis major myoculaneous flap (PMMF) and its modifications for reconstruction of complex oral defects following radical resection. Retrospective analysis of prospective oral cancer data base. Tertiary Care Regional Cancer Center. Three hundred and ten patients were operated for oral carcinoma in this unit between 1993 and 2001. The oral cancer patients who required soft tissue reconstruction for lining and cover were analyzed. Patients in whom bipaddle PMMF were utilised were studied in terms of surgical technique, morbidity, function and cosmetic outcome. Ninety-one (29.4 %) oral cancer patients required reconstruction for lining as well as cover. Of these, 54 (17.4 %) patients underwent a bipaddle PMMF flap reconstruction. Two horizontal skin islands were used in patients with lateral defects and two vertical islands in patients with central defects. There was no complication in 41 (76%) patients. Complete flap loss was seen in only one patient and differential flap loss in 2 patients (4 %) while seven (13 %) patients had only minor complication. All the patients received post-operative Radiotherapy. Good to average functional and cosmetic outcome was observed in 90% patients. Bipaddle PMMF offers an effective and leliahle reconstructive option for complex oral defects. By using certain technical modifications, majority of complex oral defects can be managed successfully using a Bipaddle PMMF. In a developing country like India with a large oral cancer disease burden Bipaddle PMMF should he used routinely for complex oral defects in view of its simplicity, versatility and reliability.