Avulsion Type Research Articles

Poster 154: Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair With Side-to-Side Sutures for Full-Thickness Transtendinous Supraspinatus Tears Yields Excellent Outcomes and Low Retear Rates Similar to Traditional Tendon-to-Bone Fixation at Mean Follow Up of 4 Years

Objectives: Full-thickness transtendinous supraspinatus tears involve a large portion of the tendon that remains attached to the footprint that often leaves insufficient medial tissue for tension free footprint restoration with traditional suture anchor repair. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and failure rates for arthroscopic side-to-side suture repair for transtendinous tears to traditional double-row repair for more common tendon avulsions. We hypothesized poorer objective and subjective outcomes as well as higher retear rates for side-to-side suture repair. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 18 consecutive patients with full-thickness transtendinous supraspinatus tears repaired with arthroscopic side-to-side sutures (Group 1) compared to 36 matched controls with classic tendon avulsion from the footprint repaired with double-row knotless transosseous equivalent (TOE) repairs (Group 2). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Demographics and prospectively collected patient reported outcomes (PROs) were collected including postoperative active range of motion (AROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Failure defined as a symptomatic re-tear diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or need for revision surgery was also determined. Preoperative tear size and Goutallier stage were recorded from MRIs. Results: There were no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding mean follow-up (49 months vs. 52.4 months, p = 0.640) and age (68.7 ± 6.8 vs. 67.1 ± 9.6, p = 0.550). With respect to clinical outcomes and PROs, there were no differences in postoperative VAS for pain score (1 ± 1.54 vs 1.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.537), SSV score (92.2 ± 9.1 vs 87.1 ± 10.9, p = 0.086), or ASES score (90.8 ± 9.9 vs 83.1 ± 23.9, p = 0.377). No differences were identified for postoperative AROM forward flexion (153 ± 14 vs 156 ± 16, p= 0.194), external rotation (53 ± 6 vs 51 ± 9, p= 0.498) and internal rotation score (6.4 ± 1.8 vs 7.2 ± 1.2, p=0.244). There was no statistically significant difference in failure rates between cohorts (11.1% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.255). Regarding preoperative tear characteristics, fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus (1.2 ± 1 vs 1.5 ± 0.7, p= 0.307) and anteroposterior tear size were similar (21.3 ± 9.3 vs 24 ± 8, p = 0.322), although lower grades of fatty infiltration in the infraspinatus was present in Group 1 (0.3 ± 0.6 vs 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Arthroscopic side-to-side suture repair for supraspinatus tears yields excellent outcomes with low failure rates comparable to tendon-to-bone double suture anchor repair for typical avulsion type tears. Retention of the large tendon stump on the greater tuberosity with side-to-side repair also allows restoration of anatomy without undue tension in this uncommon scenario.

Fracture Line Morphology of Greater Tuberosity Fragments of Neer Three- and Four-Part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

In complicated Neer three- and four-part proximal humerus fracture (PHF), greater tuberosity (GT) fragments are often comminuted, and the currently widely used locking plate may not fix GT fragments effectively. A further understanding of morphological characteristics of the GT fragments may help explore new fixation devices. This study aimed to determine the fracture line morphology of the GT fragment of Neer three- or four-part PHF and analyze the location relationship between the locking plate and the GT fragment. Seventy-one three-dimensional computed tomography scans of Neer three- and four-part PHF were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and June 2019. Fracture fragments were reconstructed and virtually reduced in the Mimics software, and fracture lines of GT fragments were depicted on a humerus template in the 3-matic software and then were superimposed altogether. The common sites of the GT fracture were identified, and the location relationship between the locking plate and GT fragments was analyzed in a computer-simulated scenario. The fracture line morphology of GT fragments was similar between Neer three- and four-part PHF. The overall morphology of GT fragments was in a fan shape, which could be summarized as anterior, superior, posterior, and middle lines. Of these, we identified 51 split and 29 avulsion type GT fragments based on the Mutch classification, and they could occur simultaneously in a PHF. The overall morphology of split type fragments was in a fan shape, and avulsion type fragments showed a quite distinguishable distribution pattern. A GT fragment could be classified as anterior-split, posterior-split, complete-split, anterior -avulsion, and posterior-avulsion type based on its morphology and location. The median percentage of fragment area covered by the plate was 32.3% in all of the fragments, and it was 69.4%, 23.0%, 37.2%, 21.8%, 0.0% in anterior-split, posterior-split, complete-split, anterior-avulsion, and posterior-avulsion type GT fragments. We defined the posterior-split, anterior-avulsion, and posterior-avulsion type GT fragments as the risky GT fragments, and they occurred in 43 (60.6%) Neer three- and four-part PHFs. The fracture line morphology of GT fragments of Neer three- and four-part PHF was in a fan shape. GT fragments could be classified based on their location and morphology. The extent of GT fragment coverage provided by the locking plate differed in various fragment types, and we identified the anterior-avulsion, posterior-avulsion, and posterior-split type fragments as the risky GT fragments with a high incidence rate in Neer three- and four-part PHFs.

Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament: Diagnosis and Management.

The most common type of humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is a purely ligamentous avulsion involving the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL), but other variants are seen, including posterior lesions and those with an osseous avulsion. A central lesion between the intact anterior and posterior bands of the IGHL is gaining recognition as a distinct clinical entity. HAGL lesions are most commonly seen in patients with anterior instability without a Bankart tear or in those with persistent symptoms despite having undergone a Bankart repair. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive imaging modality. An arthrogram is helpful with subacute and chronic lesions when the joint is not distended. Arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis. While some have reported success with nonoperative management, surgical repair with either arthroscopic or open techniques has provided a high rate of successful outcomes; however, the literature is limited to mostly Level-IV and V evidence.

The association of bone bruising and grade of MCL injury in patients sustaining isolated MCL injuries.

To investigate the incidence of bone bruising with isolated medial collateral ligament injury and to assess whether the presence of bone bruising is related to the injury grade. Patients who sustained an acute isolated medial collateral ligament injury demonstrated on knee MRI between 2016 and 2020 were included in this study. Patient's characteristics and injury classification (clinical and radiological) were reviewed from clinical notes and imaging. The patients were divided into two groups, based on the presence of bone bruising. Fisher's exact test was used for dichotomous variables and odds ratios were computed in areas of clinical significance. Sixty patients with a median age of 37.6 ± 13.8 were included. Twenty-eight (46.7%) had bone bruising demonstrated on MRI scan. The bone bruising group were 7 times (95% CI [1.4;36.5]) more likely to have a complete disruption of the superficial medial collateral ligament and MRI grade III injury. Injury to the deep medial collateral ligament was more often observed in this group (p < 0.05). The most common location of bone bruising was the lateral femoral condyle (57.1%, 16/28) and/or the medial femoral condyle (57.1%, 16/28). The incidence of bone bruising with isolated medial collateral ligament injury is significant and is more common with radiologically higher grade injuries. There was no statistically significant difference between the anatomical location of bone bruise and the grade of MCL injury. Bone bruising patterns can help determine the mechanism of injury, with a valgus impact or avulsion type injury most commonly seen.

Morphology of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture by Intraoperative Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to clarify the morphology of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) according to intraoperative evaluation. The morphology of 220 cases was evaluated retrospectively from intraoperative findings from June 2014 to December 2015. We noted 3 characteristics of rupture. First, we divided the ruptures into complete or partial type. Second, according to the level of rupture, we classified them into muscle-tendon junctional type, mid-substantial type, or calcaneal insertional avulsion type. Lastly, on the basis of the pattern of rupture, we divided them into transverse pattern, double-layer pattern, or Z-shaped pattern. All ruptured tendons were repaired with surgical procedures on the basis of the classification of rupture type or pattern. Of the total of 220 cases, 217 were complete ruptures (98.7%) and 3 partial ruptures (1.3%). Regarding the level of rupture, 5 cases were of the muscle-tendon junctional type (2.3%), 209 cases of the mid-substantial type (95%), and 6 cases of the calcaneal insertional avulsion type (2.7%). In terms of the pattern of rupture, there were 198 cases of the transverse pattern (90%), 10 cases of the double-layer pattern (4.5%), and 12 cases of the Z-shaped pattern (5.5%). There was significant gender difference only in the mid-substantial type. Although the morphology of a typical acute ATR was complete, of mid-substance type, and with transverse pattern, other types of ATR were recognized from the intraoperative investigation.

Satisfactory clinical outcomes using a novel arthroscopic technique for fixation of tibial spine avulsion fractures: technical note

This research aims to present a novel arthroscopic fixation technique that uses a double-row suture anchor for tibial spine avulsion and to evaluate its short-term clinical outcomes. The surgical technique is described and a retrospective case series is presented. Patients who presented with tibial spine avulsion type III and IV fractures according to the Meyers and McKeever classification and received the same surgical treatment from 2013 to 2018 in two specialised hospitals in Medellín City were included. All interventions were performed by an experienced surgeon. To determine outcomes during clinical follow-up, the Lysholm score and objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores were obtained before and at least 12 months after surgery. A total of 24 patients were followed, with a mean age of 31 years; 12 patients were female. The median time between trauma and surgical fixation was 12 days (IQR=7–23), with a median follow-up period of 13.5 months (IQR=9.5–31.5). When comparing patients’ state initially and during the postoperative period, statistically significant differences were found in all the scores analysed (p<0.05). Likewise, there were no complications and no reinterventions performed during follow-up, and all patients were satisfied with the outcomes of the procedure. Fixation of tibial spine avulsion fractures using the double-row suture anchor technique results in improvement in patients’ function, pain and activity level. The main conclusion is that the procedure is an anatomical technique that requires minimal access and leads to satisfactory clinical evolution of patients.Level of evidence: Level V, case series.

LATERAL HUMERAL CONDYLAR FRACTURE IN A PAEDIATRIC MONTEGGIA TYPE III EQUIVALENT

Monteggia fracture dislocations can be classic or equivalents. Equivalents, also known as Monteggia like lesions, are very rare especially type III and IV, which have been added to the literature after Luis Bado presented the original classification system of Monteggia fracture dislocations. Type III equivalent is classically defined as a proximal ulna fracture associated with a fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus. In the literature only seven such cases have been reported so far. Here we present two such cases where one eight-year-old boy had a complex type of injury with a shear type fracture of the lateral humeral condyle and other a seven-year-old boy who had a plastic deformity of the ulna with an avulsion type fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. We also try to describe a novel mechanism of injury, known as, “Barzulla circle”, for the classical as well as equivalent type III Monteggia fracture dislocations.

Type of levator ani muscle avulsion as predictor for the disappearance of avulsion.

The objective of our study was to establish whether the type of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion diagnosed 6 months after delivery influences the integrity of the LAM at 1 year after delivery and determine its influence on the levator hiatus area. This observational prospective cohort study included 192 primiparous women with vaginal delivery. Transperineal ultrasound examinations were performed at 6 months and 1 year postpartum. Levator hiatus measurements (anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and area) were performed in the plane of minimal dimensions. Complete avulsion was defined based on maximum contraction in multislice mode. Type I LAM avulsion was present when most lateral fibers of the pubovisceral muscle were observed at its insertion at the pubic level (the arch of the elevator remained intact). Type II LAM avulsion was defined as a complete detachment of the pubovisceral muscle from its insertion at the pubic level. In total, 192 patients were recruited after delivery; 48 patients were diagnosed with complete LAM avulsion, and 13 patients with avulsion did not attend the second ultrasound follow-up at 1 year after delivery. Thirty-five patients with complete LAM avulsion were included in the study. At 6 months after delivery, 51 LAM avulsions were observed in 35 patients (including bilateral LAM avulsion in 16 cases), of which 54.9% were right avulsions and 45.1% left avulsions. Furthermore, 11 (five right and six left) were type I LAM avulsions at the 6-month assessment, and all of these had disappeared 1 year after delivery. However, none of the type II LAM avulsions (23 right and 17 left) observed at 6 months had disappeared at the second ultrasound examination. There were no differences between the LAM areas detected at the first and second ultrasound examinations (10.2 ± 3.3 vs 9.3 ± 1.8; P = .404). The type of LAM avulsion observed at 6 months after childbirth predicts LAM persistence at 1 year postpartum.

Epidemiological Analysis of Avulsion Fractures in Dogs

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological data of canine appendicular avulsion fractures from three academic veterinary hospitals in the United States. Study Design A total of 114 avulsion fractures that presented to three study centres (teaching hospitals in New York, California, and Michigan) between 2008 and 2018 were analysed for avulsion type, breed, sex, body weight, age and affected side. Results The mean age for avulsion fractures was 1.6 years (±2.3 standard deviation), and side and sex were comparable (53% females and 54% left sided, only 2% bilateral). Tibial tuberosity fracture was the most common type, comprising 54% of all avulsion fractures, significantly more prevalent in younger and lighter dogs (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in avulsion type, breed, sex, weight, age and affected side among three study centres (p = 0.66). Conclusion The most common avulsion fractures were tibial tuberosity fractures, which tend to occur in young, small dogs. There is no sex or side predilection for avulsion fractures noted in this study, although the effect of neuter could not be determined. There were no differences in fracture characteristics among the three different geographical locations in the United States.

Biomechanical comparison of anterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation versus anterior cruciate ligament repair without augmentation

BackgroundNewer repair techniques of anterior cruciate ligament tears, including augmentation with internal brace, have shown promising clinical results. Few biomechanical studies exist comparing anterior cruciate ligament repair only versus repair with internal brace. The purpose of this study was to compare the load to failure and stiffness of anterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation versus repair-only. MethodsProximal femoral avulsion type anterior cruciate ligament injuries were created in 20 cadaver knees. Anterior cruciate ligament repair-only or repair with internal brace was performed using arthroscopic tools. Load to failure and failure modes were collected, with calculations of stiffness and energy to failure performed. FindingsThe average load to failure for the internal brace group was higher than the repair-only group: 693 N (SD 248) versus 279 N (SD 91), P = .002. The stiffness and energy to failure values were higher for the internal brace group than the repair-only group: 83 N/mm versus 58 N/mm, P = .02 and 16.88 J (SD 12.44) versus 6.91 J (SD 2.49), P = .04, respectively. Failure modes differed between groups (P = .00097) with 80% failure in the repair-only due to suture pull through the anterior cruciate ligament and 90% failure in the internal brace group due to suture button pull through the femur. InterpretationThere was higher load to failure, stiffness, and energy to failure for the internal brace group compared to the repair-only group, and a high positive correlation between bone density and load to failure for the internal brace group. Clinical significanceAnterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation demonstrates significantly higher load to failure. It may be a useful adjunct to protect the anterior cruciate ligament repair from failure during the early stages of healing.

Replantation of the total skin-only avulsions of fingers

Skin-only avulsion is a particular type of avulsion surgery. In this type of injury, tendons, bones, and joints maintain their integrity. In this report, we aimed to report the promising results of replantation in seven fingers with total skin-only avulsions. From 2007 to 2015, 6 patients with a mean age of 34.6 (20–52) who underwent replantation surgery for total skin-only avulsion injuries distal to metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint were evaluated according to the injury type, etiology, level of repair, and the repaired structures. Seven fingers of 6 patients were evaluated. The mean repaired artery and vein number were 1.5 (1–2) and 3.8 (3–5), respectively. The mean percentage of partial necrosis in the three fingers and an amputated finger was 25.70%. Three fingers survived completely, whereas three developed partial necrosis which were managed by debridement and full thickness skin grafting. Mean static and dynamic two-point discriminations were 6 mm and 3.83 mm, respectively. The mean ROM degree of PIP/IP joints and DIP joints was 74.1 (60–85) and 56.6 (40–70) degrees, respectively. The mean follow-up was 28.3 months (24–36). Skin-only avulsions are a particular type of avulsion injury and very challenging to treat. In order to avoid from the partial necrosis due to the vascular deprivation of perforating branches of the proper digital artery, we recommend repairing both arteries in this type of avulsion. Skin-only replantation results can be successful when several technical details are observed. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Survival rates and risk factors for failure using an interposition vein graft for fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects

This study aimed to compare survival rates and risk factors of replantation failures using an interposition vein graft in fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects with those using simple end-to-end anastomosis in amputations. Between 2004 and 2015, 776 (647 males and 129 females) with single Zone I or II amputations of digits underwent replantation. Among these, simple end-to-end anastomosis was performed in 698 replantations, while interposition vein grafts were used for either arterial or venous repair or both in 78 amputated fingertips. The survival rate was compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors predicting replantation failure in all study subjects. Among 776 replantations, 713 (91.9%) survived. At latest follow-up, of 698 cases in the simple anastomosis group, 650 (93.1%) survived; of 78 cases in the vein graft group, 63 (80.8%) survived (p > .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that avulsion type (odds ratio [OR] 3.121; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.211-8.064; p = .018) and zone II amputation (OR, 2.370; 95% CI, 1.382-4.065; p = .002) were significant risk factors for replantation failure. This study demonstrates that the survival rate (80.8%) of the vein graft in fingertip amputation with segmental vessel defects was shown to be a possible option to increase the survival rates in case with segmental vessel defects where simple anastomosis could not be performed. However, avulsion type and zone II amputation are important risk factors of replantation failures.

The incidence of occult and missed surgical neck fractures in patients with isolated greater tuberosity fracture of the proximal humerus

BackgroundOccult and missed surgical neck fractures can be found in patients diagnosed with isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fracture during the follow up period. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the incidence rate of occult and missed surgical neck fractures in those initially diagnosed with isolated GT fracture.MethodsRecords of patients diagnosed as having an isolated GT fracture were retrieved from a database in a medical center. Two senior orthopedic surgeons blindly reviewed all images of these patients three times to classify GT fracture types (split, avulsion and depression types), and recorded any surgical neck fractures found. Then a meeting was help to confirm the fracture types and presence of surgical neck fracture.ResultsOccult surgical neck fractures were found in 5 out of 68 (7.4%) patients, whereas missed surgical neck fractures were found in 3 out of 68 (4.4%) patients. In total, 32 patients had split type GT fracture, 32 had avulsion type and 4 had depression type. For those with occult surgical neck fractures, 7 had the split type GT fracture, while the remaining one had the avulsion type. Although the proportion of occult surgical neck fracture was higher in the split-type GT fracture (21.9%) than in the avulsion-type GT fracture (3.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.056).ConclusionOccult humeral surgical neck fractures occurred in 7.4% of isolated greater tuberosity fractures after re-evaluation, while missed humeral surgical neck fractures occurred in 4.4%.

Posteromedial Fracture Fragment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Closer Look

Category:Ankle, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:To date, there have been no studies describing the characteristics of posteromedial fragment in the posterior malleolus fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of posteromedial fracture fragments in trimalleolar fractures to enable better surgical planning.Methods:In our department, data on all ankle fractures treated surgically are prospectively collected on our internal database. We collated data from August 2014 to October 2018 for this study. All Mason and Molloy type 2B fractures from our database were identified to analyse the preoperative computed tomography scan. The morphology of the fracture fragment was categorized on whether the fracture appeared to be an intraarticular pilon fragment (i.e. caused by impaction of the talus) or an avulsion extraarticular fracture (i.e. caused by the pull of a ligament). The fracture fragment characteristics were analysed for both the posteromedial and posterolateral fragments.Results:The fracture patterns of the posteromedial fragment were investigated in 47 cases (mean age, 46.6; 11 male, 36 female). Morphologically, the fracture could be divided into 2 subtypes, 1) a large pilon type intra-articular fragment (mean of X axis: 32.97 mm, Y: 30.69 mm, Z: 31.74 mm) present in 29 cases with mean Interfragmentary angle of 32.09 and back of tibia angle of 32.66 degrees. This was seen in 25 out of 27 cases with supination injury pattern. 2) A small extra-articular avulsion fragment (mean of X axis: 9.56 mm, Y: 13.22 mm, Z: 11.53 mm) present in 18 cases with mean Interfragmentary angle of 10.97 and back tibia angle of 10.06 degrees. It was seen in 80% of pronation injuries.Conclusion:The posteromedial fragment of posterior malleolus fracture can be morphologically subtyped into an avulsion type and pilon type variants. The avulsion type is more common in pronation injuries, likely the result of the pull of the inter-malleolar ligament, and the pilon type is more common in supination injuries, likely the result of the rotating talus impaction. Due to the intra-articular involvement, the pilon type should undergo fixation to achieve articular congruity, unlike the avulsion type whose function is only a secondary syndesmotic stabiliser.

Comparison of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography and Radiography in the Diagnosis of Long-Bone Fractures.

Background and objectives: In this study, the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) was compared to radiography (XR) in the diagnosis of fractures, the determination of characteristics of the fractures, and treatment selection of fractures in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to trauma and suspected long bone (LB) fractures. Materials and Methods: The patients were included in the study, who were admitted to ED due to trauma, and had physical examination findings suggesting the presence of fractures in LB (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula). The patients were evaluated by two emergency physicians (EP) in ED. The first EP examined LBs with POCUS and the second EP examined them with XR. LBs were evaluated on the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral surfaces and from the proximal joint to the distal one (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joint) in both longitudinal and transverse axes with POCUS. Results: A total of 205 patients with suspected LB fractures were included in the study. LB fractures were determined in 99 patients with XR and in 105 patients with POCUS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of POCUS in determining the fractures were 99%, 93%, 93%, and 99%, respectively, compared to XR. Compared to XR, POCUS was able to determine 100% of fissure type fractures (kappa (κ) value: 0.765), 83% of linear fractures (κ: 0.848), 92% of fragmented fractures(κ: 0.756), 67% of spiral fractures (κ:0.798), 75% of avulsion type fractures (κ: 0.855), and 100% of full separation type fractures (κ: 0.855). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that POCUS has a high sensitivity in diagnosing LB fractures. POCUS has a high sensitivity in identifying fracture characteristics. POCUS can be used as an alternative imaging method to XR in the diagnosis of LB fractures and in the determination of fracture characteristics.

CT Analysis of the Posteromedial Fragment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture.

To date, there have been no studies describing the characteristics of posteromedial fragment in the posterior malleolus fracture. The aim was to investigate the variability of posteromedial fracture fragments to enable better surgical planning. All Mason and Molloy type 2B fractures, defined as fracture of both the posterolateral and the posteromedial fragments of the posterior malleolus, from our database were identified to analyze the preoperative computed tomography scan. The posteromedial fragment was investigated in 47 cases (mean age, 46.6 years; 11 male, 36 female). Morphologically, the fracture could be divided into 2 subtypes: (1) a large pilon intra-articular fragment (mean of X axis: 33.0 mm, Y: 30.7 mm, Z: 31.7 mm) presented in 29 cases with mean interfragmentary angle of 32.1 and back of tibia angle of 32.7 degrees (this was seen in 25 of 27 cases with supination injury pattern); and (2) a small extra-articular avulsion fragment (mean of X axis: 9.6 mm, Y: 13.2 mm, Z: 11.5 mm) present in 18 cases with a mean interfragmentary angle of 11.0 and back of tibia angle of 10.1 degrees. It was seen in 80% of pronation injuries. The avulsion type of the posteromedial fragment of posterior malleolus fracture was more common in pronation injuries, likely the result of traction by the intermalleolar ligament, and the pilon type was more common in supination injuries, likely the result of the rotating talus impaction. Because of the intra-articular involvement, we believe the pilon type should undergo fixation to achieve articular congruity, unlike the avulsion type which may only function as a secondary syndesmotic stabilizer. Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Complicated fingertip defects: Clinical approach to their reconstruction and the flaps that can be used in emergency settings

Aim: Numerous flaps have been described for the reconstruction of complicated defects of the fingertip. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience on flaps that can be used in emergency settings, and analyze the outcomes of these procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 81 patients, who presented to the emergency unit with complicated fingertip defects between 2009 and 2014 and in whom replantation was deemed unsuitable due to various reasons including crush or avulsion type of injury mechanism, absence of the amputated part, or unrepairable vascular injury in the amputate, was carried out. Results: Eighty-nine flaps were performed in 81 patients. The defects were repaired with V-Y advancement flaps in 57% (45 patients – 51 fingers) of the defects, kite flap in 15% (13 patients – 13 fingers), cross-finger flap in 12% (11 patients – 11 fingers), Kutler flap in 6% (4 patients – 5 fingers), digital artery perforator flap in 6% (4 patients – 5 fingers), and thenar flap in 4% (4 patients – 4 fingers) of the injuries. One patient operated with the digital artery perforator flap, and one other operated with the kite flap, developed partial flap necroses. There were no other complications. Conclusion: Functional and esthetic restoration of soft tissues in the fingers is possible with the use of appropriate flaps and meticulous surgical technique.

A clinical multi-center registry study on digital nerve repair using a biodegradable nerve conduit of PGA with external and internal collagen scaffolding.

In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of a biodegradable nerve conduit constructed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) tube with external and internal collagen scaffolding for digital nerve repair. A multi-center registry study was conducted in 11 locations between July 2013 and May 2016. Multiple mechanisms of injury included clean-cut (12 patients), crush (5 patients), and avulsion (3 patients) types of injuries. These patients underwent nerve repair with a biodegradable nerve conduit, with 9 patients having a primary repair and 11 patients having delayed repair. Average nerve gap was 16.7 mm (range: 1-50 mm). An average of 13 months follow-up (range: 12-15 months) was available including sensory assessments. Improved s2PD was found with less severe injury as in clean-cut (7.5 ± 1.5 mm), which was statistically significant in comparison to those in crush (9.8 ± 1.9 mm, P = .0384) and in avulsion (10.7 ± 4.7 mm, P = .0013) type injuries. A meaningful recovery (S3+ or S4) was observed in 90% of the 20 digital nerve repairs with a biodegradable nerve conduit of PGA with external and internal collagen scaffolding. Avulsion injuries had significantly lower levels of meaningful recovery (67%) in comparison to those of clean-cut (P = .0291) and crush (P = .0486) types of injury. No adverse effects were reported postoperatively. These results indicate that a biodegradable nerve conduit of PGA with external and internal collagen scaffolding is suitable for digital nerve repair of short nerve gaps with high levels of sensory recovery as measured by two-point discrimination.

Evaluation of the Extent of Vessel Avulsion Injury: An Experimental Study Using a Rabbit Model.

Determining the extent of damage in vascular avulsion type injuries still represents a challenge for the microsurgeon. Excision of the damaged section is critical for the success of anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to determine which among vascular endothelial and adventitia damage findings is most effective in determining the extent of avulsion injury. Varying degrees of avulsion were applied to the aorta of 12 (n = 12) adult female New Zealand rabbits. Avulsion was first determined using adventitial findings and then with endothelial findings. The definitive extent of damage was determined histopathologically. The mean area of the histopathological sections was 16.7 ± 6.9 mm. The extent of damage measured from the adventitia was 15.8 ± 7.9 mm (the difference in histopathological examinations was not significant, p = 0.590, paired t-test), while the extent of damage from the lumen was 13.3 ± 8.2 mm (the difference in histopathological examinations was significant p = 0.004, paired t-test). Excision based on adventitia findings is more effective in case of avulsion injury.

Association between pelvic organ prolapse types and levator-urethra gap as measured by 3D transperineal ultrasound.

To evaluate the association between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) types and levator-urethra gap (LUG) as measured by 3-dimensional transperineal tomographic ultrasound. A retrospective study was carried out on 98 women with symptomatic POP. Three-dimensional transperineal tomographic ultrasound images and POP quantification coordinates were reviewed. Each vaginal compartment was staged for the degree of prolapse, and total number of involved compartments identified. LUG was measured on 3-dimensional tomographic sonograms as the distance between the center of the urethra and the levator insertion bilaterally. Based on prior studies, an abnormal LUG of 25 mm or greater indicated levator avulsion. The LUG and the presence or absence of unilateral/bilateral avulsions was analyzed with reference to the clinical diagnosis of prolapse (single versus multicompartment, and mild [stage II] versus severe [stage III-IV]). Generalized logit models were used to evaluate the association between avulsion and prolapse type and stage. The LUG was substantially larger in women with multicompartment compared to single-compartment POP (28.9 ± 4.1 mm versus 22.7 ± 4.1 mm, P < .01). Similarly, LUG was substantially larger in women with severe (stage III-IV) compared to mild (stage II) POP (28.8 ± 4.7 mm versus 23.3 ± 4.5 mm, P < .01). Women with severe prolapse were 32 times more likely than women with mild prolapse to have bilateral levator avulsion. Those with POP involving all 3 vaginal compartments were 76 times more likely than single-compartment POP to have bilateral levator avulsions. Bilateral levator ani avulsion as diagnosed by LUG measurements of 25 mm or greater at rest is associated with multicompartment, severe prolapse.