Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Injury Research Articles

Progress of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injury

Anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) is one of the current representatives of minimally invasive fixation of injuries to the anterior pelvic ring. The nail insertion point of this technique is located at the anterior inferior iliac spinous screw, with an angle of 30° outward and 20° backward. Screw in at an angle, and note that the screw head should be above the deep fascia and maintain a safe distance of 20 to 25 mm from the bone surface. Its improved versions include 3 or 4 nails INFIX with added pubic tubercle screws, unilateral INFIX, short-rod INFIX, and double INFIX. These improvements further enhance stability. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is relatively easy to be damaged during anatomy, so special attention should be paid during the operation. Biomechanical stability has advantages over external fixation, and its application is flexible. It is not limited to pubic ramus fracture, symphyseal separation, etc. It also plays an important role in combined anterior and posterior ring fixation. It can be combined with posterior sacroiliac screws, iliac lumbar screws, etc. Fixed etc. Good clinical results have also been reported in children, pregnant women, and people with contraindications for subcutaneous connecting rods. In addition, the current application of robots, reduction frames and other technologies has greatly reduced the difficulty of reduction and improved the quality of closed reduction, making it possible to fix complex pelvic fracture. This technique has high reduction quality and is as effective as traditional steel plates. A common complication is LFCN injury. Careful exposure and adjustment of the position and depth of internal fixation during surgery can effectively avoid this complication.

Incidence and clinical outcome of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury after periacetabular osteotomy.

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury is a complication after periacetabular osteo-tomy (PAO) using an anterior approach, which might adversely affect the outcome. However, no prospective study has assessed the incidence and severity of this injury and its effect on the clinical outcomes over a period of time for longer than one year after PAO. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of the symptoms of LFCN injury for ≥ three years after PAO and report its effect on clinical outcomes. A total of 40 hips in 40 consecutive patients who underwent PAO between May 2016 and July 2018 were included in the study, as further follow-up of the same patients from a previous study. We prospectively evaluated the incidence, severity, and area of symptoms following LFCN injury. We also recorded the clinical scores at one year and ≥ three years postoperatively using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ) scores. A total of 20 patients (50%) had symptoms of a LFCN injury at one year after PAO. At ≥ three years postoperatively, the symptoms had completely resolved in seven of these patients and 13 (33%) had persistent symptoms. The severity and area of symptoms did not significantly differ between one and ≥ three years postoperatively. The JHEQ showed significant differences in the patient satisfaction and mental scores between those with and those without sypmtoms of LFCN injury at ≥ three years postoperatively, while there was no significant difference in the mean SF-36 scores. The incidence of LFCN injury after PAO using an anterior approach is high. The outcome of PAO, ≥ three years postoperatively, is poorer in patients with persistent symptoms from a perioperative LFCN injury, in that patient satisfaction and mental health scores are adversely affected.

139 Alternative Anatomical Landmarks for the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve: Cadaveric Study With Implications for Difficult Decompressive Cases

INTRODUCTION: During decompressive procedures, localizing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) using only the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) can be difficult due to variations in nerve course and specific patient anatomy, e.g., body habitus. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed to provide additional landmarks for localizing this nerve. METHODS: The LFCN was dissected in 30 adult cadavers (60 sides). The nerve was exposed distal to the ASIS in the proximal thigh and along an imaginary line connecting the ASIS to the midpoint of the patella with the lower limb in a neutral position. RESULTS: The main trunk of the LFCN was identified deep to the fascia lata on all sides, 5-8 cm distal to the ASIS along the ASIS-patella line. The nerve was bordered by the sartorius muscle superficially and medially, the tensor fasciae latae muscle laterally, and the proximal rectus femoris tendon on its deep surface. Proximal to this triangular region, the LFCN was found to cross superficially to the proximal sartorius muscle on 58 sides and through the muscle on two sides. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest an alternative method for identifying the LFCN, which could help locate the nerve during challenging cases and reduce the incidence of iatrogenic LFCN injuries resulting from inadequate anatomical landmarks.

Meralgia Paresthetica-An Approach Specific Neurological Complication in Patients Undergoing DAA Total Hip Replacement: Anatomical and Clinical Considerations.

Introduction: Mini-invasive surgical (MIS) approaches to total hip replacement (THR) are becoming more popular and increasingly adapted into practice. THR via the direct anterior approach (MIS DAA) has become a rather controversial topic in hip arthroplasty literature in the last decades. Our retrospective observational study focuses on the prevalence of one approach-specific complication-lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) iatrogenic lesion-and tries to clarify the possible pathogenesis of this injury. Methods: This is a retrospective single-cohort observational single-center and single-surgeon study. Our patient records were searched for the period from 2015 to 2017-after a safe period of time after the learning curve for MIS DAA. All intra- and post-operative lesions of the LFCN were recorded. Lesion of the LFCN was confirmed by a neurological examination. Minimum patient follow-up was 2 years. Results: This study involved 417 patients undergoing single-side THR via MIS DAA. Patients were examined on follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. There were 17 cases of LCFN injury at the 6 weeks early follow-up visit (4.1%). All cases of clinically presenting LFCN injury resolved at the 2-year follow-up ad integrum. Discussion: Possible explanations of such neurological complications are direct iatrogenic injury, vigorous traction, hyperextension, or extreme external rotation of the operated limb. Use of a traction table or concomitant spinal pathology and deformity also play a role. Prevention involves stepwise adaptation of the approach during the learning curve period by attending cadaver lab courses, rational use of traction and hyperextension, and careful surgical technique in the superficial and deep fascial layers. Dynamometers could be used to visualise the limits of manipulation of the operated limb. Conclusions: Neurological complications are not as rare but questionably significant in patients undergoing THR via the DAA. Incidental finding of LFCN injury has no effect on the functional outcome of the artificial joint. It can lead to lower subjective satisfaction of patients with the operation, which can be avoided with careful education and management of expectations of the patients.

Conventional versus lateral fasciotomy for prevention of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury in the non-fan-type nerve in total hip arthroplasty with direct anterior approach.

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury is a potential complication after the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (DAA-THA). The aim of this study was to determine how the location of the fasciotomy in DAA-THA affects LFCN injury. In this trial, 134 patients were randomized into a lateral fasciotomy (n = 67) or a conventional fasciotomy (n = 67) group. This study was a dual-centre, double-blind, prospective randomized controlled two-arm trial with parallel group design and a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint was the presence of LFCN injury, which was determined by the presence of numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, jolt-like sensation, or pain over the lateral aspect of the thigh, excluding the surgical scar, using a patient-based questionnaire. The secondary endpoints were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Assessments were obtained three months after surgery. The incidence of LFCN injury tended to be lower in the lateral fasciotomy group (p = 0.089). In the lateral fasciotomy group, there were no significant differences in the mean PROM scores between patients with and without LFCN injury (FJS-12: 54.42 (SD 15.77) vs 65.06 (SD 26.14); p = 0.074; JHEQ: 55.21 (SD 12.10) vs 59.72 (SD 16.50); p = 0.288; WOMAC: 82.45 (SD 6.84) vs 84.40 (SD 17.91); p = 0.728). In the conventional fasciotomy group, there were significant differences in FJS-12 and JHEQ between patients with and without LFCN injury (FJS-12: 43.21 (SD 23.08) vs 67.28 (SD 20.47); p < 0.001; JHEQ: 49.52 (SD 13.97) vs 59.59 (SD 15.18); p = 0.012); however, there was no significant difference in WOMAC (76.63 (SD 16.81) vs 84.16 (SD 15.94); p = 0.107). The incidence of LFCN injury at three months after THA was comparable between the lateral and conventional fasciotomy groups. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of these approaches.

Clinical study of modified INFIX combined with sacroiliac joint screws for pelvic instable injuries

ObjectiveThe INFIX technique is becoming one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures for anterior pelvic ring instability injuries. The purpose of this article is to compare the clinical outcomes of modified anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (M-INFIX) with conventional anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (C-INFIX) for anterior pelvic ring instability injuries.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis of 36 cases of unstable pelvic injuries treated operatively at our institution, 20 of which were treated with C-INFIX and 16 with M-INFIX. Data collected included age, gender, ISS score, fracture typing, operative time, operative bleeding, postoperative complications, fracture healing time, Matta score, Majeed score, and follow-up time. Statistical sub-folding of each variable between the two groups was performed.ResultsThere was no statistical difference between the C-INFIX and M-INFIX groups in terms of age, gender, ISS (Injury Severity Score), follow-up time, fracture typing, fracture healing time, and Majeed score (P > 0.05). the M-INFIX had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications than the C-INFIX group, especially in the incidence of Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury (P < 0.05). In contrast, the M-INFIX group had statistically higher operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and Matta score than the C-INFIX group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study was based on a modified application of the surgical experience with C-INFIX and showed better clinical outcomes in terms of complication rates and quality of repositioning than the conventional surgical approach. These findings indicate that further analytical studies of this study would be valuable.

Step-cut osteotomy of the anterior superior iliac spine for increased visualisation in the Levine approach for Bernese periacetabular osteotomy surgery.

Hip dysplasia can lead to pain and dysfunction in the young adult. Acetabular undercoverage leads to abnormal joint loading and results in joint degeneration, accelerating need for arthroplasty in this patient population. Conceptually, treatment focuses on increasing acetabular coverage in the form of periacetabular osteotomy. The procedure can be performed through the iliofemoral approach, and performing an anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) osteotomy can enhance the visualisation in this approach. Several techniques have been described for ASIS osteotomy. The purpose this study was to report on step-cut technique for ASIS osteotomy during the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy procedure to enhance visualisation when utilising the iliofemoral approach. This step-cut technique enhances stability at the osteotomy site, and minimises soft tissue dissection to reduce pain and assists with maintaining a stable fixation construct postoperatively. There were no nonunions and minimal morbidity to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury in cohort of 86 patients while utilising this technique. We recommend using this step-cut ostetomy of the ASIS during Bernese periactetabular osteotomy for benefit of increasing exposure while maintaining a low complication profile.

Comparison of two preserved cartilage iliac crest cortical-cancellous bone blocks graft harvesting techniques in children: A prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial

PurposeTo compare donor-site morbidity for alveolar bone grafting results following cartilage-preserving outer and inner cortico-cancellous iliac crest (OCIC and ICIC) bone block grafting in children. Materials and methodsPatients were randomly divided into two groups and prospectively reviewed. In the OCIC and ICIC groups, cortico-cancellous bone blocks were harvested at outer and inner iliac crest respectively. Patient characteristics and surgical parameters were compared; pain intensity and duration, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, gait disturbance, scar and contour satisfaction were analysed postoperatively. ResultsForty-nine consecutive patients (OCIC, 24; ICIC, 25) were included. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or donor-site surgical parameters. The mean pain score on the first post-operative day was significantly lower in the OCIC group (3.75±1.70) than in the ICIC group (5.20±2.08) (p=0.012). The pain duration was similar in the two groups (median: 5 days). Temporary LFCN injury only occurred in 3 patients in the ICIC group. Postoperatively, the duck and circle gaits were observed in the OCIC and ICIC groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the claudication duration, scar and contour satisfaction between the groups. ConclusionOCIC bone graft harvesting is marginally advantageous in children due to less early postoperative donor-site pain and a lower risk of nerve damage.

A nerve-to-implant distance as a novel predictor for lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries after anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation.

Although anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation is a valuable tool for the reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation by the implant is the most common complication. This study aimed to investigate the association between the nerve-to-implant distance and the postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve symptom. Patients who underwent anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve status was defined as follows: not identified, nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, and ≥13 mm. The proportion of patients who experienced postoperative nerve disorders was compared using the nerve status. Nerve-to-implant distances were compared using the presence or absence of postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve disorders. The predictive value of a nerve-to-implant distance of 13 mm for postoperative nerve disorders was assessed. Overall, 26 lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were included. Ten patients had postoperative nerve disorders, of which seven had an nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, while the other three occurred in patients whose nerves were not identified. A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm was significantly associated with a decreased risk of postoperative nerve disorder compared to a nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm (p = 0.017). A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm had a perfect sensitivity (100%) and modest specificity (58.3%). Nerve-to-implant distance was ≥13 mm. Nerve disorders were frequently observed when the nerve-to-implant distance was <13 mm or the nerve was not identified intraoperatively. Efforts to identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may be useful to avoid internal fixation-related nerve disorders.

INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL OUTCOME OF LATERAL FEMORAL CUTANEOUS NERVE INJURY AFTER PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE THREE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is one of the known complications after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) using anterior approach. We previously reported that the incidence of LFCN injury was 48% at 1 year after PAO. However, there was no study examining the sequential changes of LFCN injury status. In this study, we performed a prospective over 3-year follow-up study as to the incidence of LFCN injury as well as its clinical outcomes.This study included 40 consecutive hips in 40 patients (3 males and 37 females) who underwent PAO from May 2016 to July 2018. The mean age at surgery was 36.7 years (17 to 60). The mean observation period was 47.3 months (36 to 69). The incidence and severity of LFCN injury was evaluated, while clinical scores, including the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), were also investigated.At 3 years after PAO, LFCN injury was observed in 13 of 40 (33%) patients, in which 7 patients who had a symptom at 1 year have completely recovered. There was no significant difference in the HHS and SF-36 between patients with and without LFCN injury at 3 years. Regarding the JHEQ, a significant difference was recognized in the patient satisfaction and mental score between patients with and without LFCN injury, but there were no significant differences in the other clinical scores.The incidence of LFCN injury gradually decreased to 33% at 3 years after CPO. LFCN injury did not influence the clinician-reported outcome, while it had a negative impact on patient satisfaction and mental score based on the patient-reported outcome.

Scooping Technique to Acquire Cancellous Bone for Grafting in the Masquelet Procedure: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundThe Masquelet procedure is effective in overcoming large bone defects; however, the limited number of cancellous bone and donor site complications remains a challenge. We developed a scooping technique to harvest sufficient cancellous bone from iliac crests for grafting during the Masquelet procedure. We hypothesized that this method would be efficient and safe.MethodsThis retrospective study included 13 patients who underwent the Masquelet procedure with cancellous bone grafting using the scooping technique. The following parameters were observed: (1) duration and total volume of cancellous bone extraction; (2) amount of bleeding and drainage fluid, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of pain at the donor site during different periods; and (3) complications and bone regeneration at the ilium at the final follow-up.ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 17 months. There were 3 unilateral and 10 bilateral extraction sites. The mean total amount extracted, extraction duration, bleeding, and drainage were 39 mL, 23 min, 49 mL, and 44 mL, respectively. Only three patients felt pain (VAS score: 1 point) at the final follow-up. Postoperatively, one case each of hematoma and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury supervened, and no infections or other complications occurred. The last computed tomography examination showed varying degrees of bone regeneration in the ilium.ConclusionThe scooping technique for the iliac crest produced a substantial amount of autogenous cancellous bone using a small incision. It retained the appearance and morphology of the ilium with few complications. We believe it is a successful and safe option for treating bone defects.

Unusual causes for meralgia paresthetica: systematic review of the literature and single center experience.

Meralgia paresthetica is often idiopathic, but sometimes symptoms may be caused by traumatic injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) or compression of this nerve by a mass lesion. In this article the literature is reviewed on unusual causes for meralgia paresthetica, including different types of traumatic injury and compression of the LFCN by mass lesions. In addition, the experience from our center with the surgical treatment of unusual causes of meralgia paresthetica is presented. A PubMed search was performed on unusual causes for meralgia paresthetica. Specific attention was paid to factors that may have predisposed to LFCN injury and clues that may have pointed at a mass lesion. Moreover, our own database on all surgically treated cases of meralgia paresthetica between April 2014 and September 2022 was reviewed to identify unusual causes for meralgia paresthetica. A total of 66 articles was identified that reported results on unusual causes for meralgia paresthetica: 37 on traumatic injuries of the LFCN and 29 on compression of the LFCN by mass lesions. Most frequent cause of traumatic injury in the literature was iatrogenic, including different procedures around the anterior superior iliac spine, intra-abdominal procedures and positioning for surgery. In our own surgical database of 187 cases, there were 14 cases of traumatic LFCN injury and 4 cases in which symptoms were related to a mass lesion. It is important to consider traumatic causes or compression by a mass lesion in patients that present with meralgia paresthetica.

The comparison of the Effect of double reverse traction repositor (DRTR) and traction table assisted Anterograde Intramedullary nail in treatment of femoral shaft fractures

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of DRTR (Double Reverse Traction Repositor, DRTR)and traction table in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures with the aid of AN-IMN (Antegrade intramedullary nailing).Patients and MethodsIn this study, patients with femoral shaft fractures admitted to the Department of Orthopedics at Zhaoqing First People’s Hospital from May 2018 to October 2022 were recruited. All patients were treated with anterograde intramedullary nailing, with 23 patients in the DRTR-assisted group and 21 patients in the traction table-assisted group. The demographic characteristics, fracture classification, intraoperative data, postoperative data, and prognostic indicators of the two groups were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. All procedures were performed by the same team of experienced physicians.ResultsAll the patients in the two groups were followed up for more than 12 months. Both traction methods could provide stable traction for the operator during AN-IMN, and there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and fracture classification. The intraoperative fluoroscopy times and opening reduction rate of the DRTR group were lower than those of the traction table group (P < 0.05), and the postoperative Harris Hip Score, as well as the Lyshol Lysholm knee function Score of the DRTR group, were significantly higher than the traction table group members (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications such as perineal soft tissue injury and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury occurred in the traction table group, but not in the DRTR group.ConclusionDRTR can safely and effectively provide continuous and stable traction in the femoral shaft fractures surgery, and outperforms the traction table in the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, opening reduction rate, reduction of complications, and postoperative joint function score.

Comparison of retrograde anatomy iliac bone flap grafting versus anterograde anatomy iliac bone flap grafting for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundIliac bone flap with deep circumflex iliac artery is a common option in the treatment of Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and dissection of iliac bone flap is the key step for successful operation. This paper aims to introduce a new operative technique for dissecting iliac bone flap with deep circumflex iliac artery based on analysis of its advantages.MethodsA total of 49 patients treated by retrograde anatomy and 52 patients treated by anterograde anatomy from January 2010 to December 2020 were recruited. The two groups were then compared in terms of the preoperative baseline conditions, intraoperative data, and postoperative Harris hip score (HHS).ResultsCompared with the retrograde anatomy group, the anterograde anatomy group had a significantly longer operating time, a significantly heavier intraoperative blood loss, a significantly higher rate of donor complication morbidity, a significantly higher rate of donor–recipient delayed healing, a significantly higher failure rate of iliac bone flap resection, a significantly higher rate of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, and a significantly higher rate of ectopic ossification. No difference was found in postoperative HHS score between the two groups.ConclusionAs a new operative technique that can accurately locate the nutrient vessels of the iliac bone flap and quickly dissect the iliac bone flap with deep circumflex iliac artery while maintaining a comparable clinical effect, retrograde anatomy exhibited distinct advantages over anterograde anatomy in terms of simpler intraoperative operation, safer dissection, shorter operation time, lower blood loss, and fewer donor complications.Level of evidenceIII, Retrospective.

Short-term outcomes of curved periacetabular osteotomy and factors influencing patient dissatisfaction.

This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes based on patient-reported outcome measures and to analyze factors influencing patient dissatisfaction at 1 year after curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO). This retrospective review involved 98 hips of 98 consecutive patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia who underwent CPO from March 2016 to June 2020. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Harris Hip Score. Patients were divided into satisfied and unsatisfied groups according to the 85th percentile cut-off on the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for dissatisfaction. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors impacting patient dissatisfaction after CPO; the explanatory variables were age, body mass index, postoperative Tönnis grade of ≥2, postoperative VAS score for pain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury and radiographic complications (non-union of the pubis, non-union of the ischium after posterior column fracture and ischial ramus stress fracture). The 85th percentile of the postoperative VAS score for dissatisfaction was 60 mm. The unsatisfied group comprised 15 patients at 1 year after CPO. The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed that the postoperative VAS scores for pain [odds ratio (OR), 1.064; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.026-1.104; P = 0.001] and LFCN injury (OR, 6.775; 95% CI, 1.308-33.256; P = 0.018) were associated with postoperative dissatisfaction. LFCN injury and the postoperative VAS score for pain independently impacted postoperative dissatisfaction at 1 year after CPO.

Modified internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws in treatment of Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture

To investigate the effectiveness of modified internal fixator (INFIX) to fix the anterior pelvic ring for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture by comparing with the traditional INFIX. The patients with Tile C1.3 pelvic fractures admitted between April 2018 and June 2021 were taken as the study objects. Of them, 55 cases were included in the study according to the selection criteria. During operation, the anterior pelvic ring was fixed with the modified INFIX in 30 cases (modified group) and with the traditional INFIX in 25 cases (control group). The posterior pelvic ring in 55 cases was fixed with sacroiliac screws. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and combined injury ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The X-ray film was taken to evaluate the reduction of the anterior pelvic ring after operation, grade the reduction according to the Matta scoring standards, and observe the fracture healing and healing time. The function was evaluated according to Majeed scoring standards during follow-up. The operation time of the modified group was significantly longer than that of the control group ( Z=-3.837, P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( t=-1.831, P=0.076). All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). X-ray film reexamination showed that the excellent and good rate of Matta scoring for anterior pelvic ring reduction in the modified group was 88.00%, which was significantly better than that in the control group (63.33%) ( χ 2=4.373, P=0.037). All fractures healed, and the fracture healing time of the modified group and the control group was (12.04±3.59) and (14.83±4.83) weeks respectively, with a significant difference ( t=2.401, P=0.020). At last follow-up, the excellent and good rates of Majeed scoring were 80.00% in the modified group and 76.67% in the control group, with no significant difference ( χ 2=0.089, P=0.766). In the modified group, 2 cases (8%) had complications, all of which were incision infection above pubic symphysis. In the control group, 9 cases (30%) had complications, including 5 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, 2 cases of femoral nerve paralysis, and 2 cases of delayed fracture healing. The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the modified group than in the control group ( χ 2=4.125, P=0.042). Compared with the traditional INFIX, the modified INFIX to fix the anterior pelvic ring for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture has fewer complications, better stability, shorter fracture healing time, and lower risk of nerve injury.

Increased Risk of Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Injury in Patients With Previous Hip Arthroscopy Who Underwent a Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

To evaluate the rates of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury in patients who underwent a direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) with and without previous hip arthroscopy. We retrospectively investigated consecutive DAA THAs performed by a single surgeon. These cases were grouped into patients with and without a history of previous ipsilateral hip arthroscopy. LFCN sensation was assessed during the initial follow-up (6 weeks) and 1-year (or most recent) follow-up visits. The incidence and character of LFCN injury was compared between the 2 groups. In total, 166 patients underwent a DAA THA with no previous hip arthroscopy, and 13 had a history of previous arthroscopy. Of the 179 total patients who underwent THA, 77 experienced some form of LFCN injury at initial follow-up (43%). The rate of injury for the cohort with no previous arthroscopy was 39% (n= 65/166) on initial follow-up, whereas the rate of injury for the cohort with a history of previous ipsilateral arthroscopy was 92% (n=12/13) on initial follow-up (P < .001). In addition, although the difference was not significant, 28% (n= 46/166) of the group without history of previous arthroscopy and 69% (n= 9/13) of the group with a history of previous arthroscopy had continued symptoms of LFCN injury at most recent follow-up. In this study, patients who underwent hip arthroscopy before an ipsilateral DAA THA were at increased risk of LFCN injury compared with patients who underwent a DAA THA without a previous hip arthroscopy. At final follow-up of patients with initial LFCN injury, symptoms resolved in 29% (n= 19/65) of patients with no previous hip arthroscopy and 25% (n= 3/12) of patients with previous hip arthroscopy. Level III, case-control study.

Modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and anterior internal fixator technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe commonly used technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures with sacroiliac screws and anterior internal fixator (INFIX) is prone to complications, such as injury to the pelvic vasculature and nerves, life-threatening bleeding, lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and wound infection. This study investigated the clinical effects of using a modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and INFIX technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of minimally invasive internal fixation using modified incision of an anterior-ring INFIX application combined with modified percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was performed for 22 cases of unstable pelvic fractures from January 2017 to December 2018. Based on the Tile classification, there were 4 type B1, 7 type B2, 5 type B3 and 6 type C1 injuries. Preoperatively, the length and orientation of the internal fixation were computer-simulated and measured. On postoperative day 3, pelvic radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomograms were used to assess fracture reduction and fixation. All patients were regularly followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and annually thereafter. Fracture healing, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the quality of fracture repositioning and Majeed score were assessed during follow-up.ResultsAll patients were followed up for a mean of 25.23 ± 1.48 months. All fractures healed without loss of reduction and no patient showed evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Two years postoperatively, the mean VAS score was 0.32 ± 0.09 and the mean Majeed score was 94.32 ± 1.86.ConclusionThe modified percutaneous iliosacral screw technique increases the anterior tilt of the sacroiliac screw by shifting the entry point posteriorly to increase the safety of the screw placement. Downward modification of the INFIX incision reduces the risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. This technique is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients.

Novel Covert-Inferior Pelvic Approach with a Subpubic Plate for Anterior Pelvic Ring Fractures: Preliminary Results.

Anterior pelvic ring injuries can be treated via Pfannenstiel, modified Stoppa, or ilioinguinal approaches, but these require exposing the abdominal soft tissues and may damage pelvic organs. The scar on the abdominal wall is also unacceptable for some patients. The minimally invasive anterior pelvic ring internal fixator (INFIX) is not ideal for thin patients with easily irritated skin, and it is associated with complications such as femoral nerve palsy, vascular occlusion, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. In this study, we designed a new external pelvic approach for the treatment of an anterior pelvic ring fracture. We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with 36 pubic ramus fractures that had been treated via the covert-inferior pelvic approach. All patients underwent a surgical procedure between August 2019 and January 2021. According to the Nakatani classification, there were 6 cases of type-I fracture, 25 cases of type-II fracture, and 5 cases of type-III fracture. Operative time, blood loss, and postoperative radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings were recorded. Patients were followed for fracture healing time, functional status, esthetic satisfaction, and complications. A total of 27 patients had follow-up for at least 12 months (range, 12 to 29 months). Postoperative radiographs and CT scans showed well-positioned plates and screws. The mean preoperative time was 9.4 ± 3.8 days, the mean operative time was 61.3 ± 22.67 minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 63.6 ± 42.62 mL, the mean fracture healing time was 4.1 ± 1.6 months, and the mean Majeed score was 89.74 ± 8.07. There were no complications of nonunion, internal fixation failure, vascular injury, nerve palsy, or hernia. All of the patients were esthetically satisfied with the scar. The covert-inferior pelvic approach combined with a subpubic plate effectively fixed Nakatani type-I, II, and III fractures. The advantages of this method include rapid recovery after the surgical procedure, safety, simplicity, a short learning curve, no damage to abdominal soft tissue, no effect on pubic symphysis micromotion, and esthetic benefits. It may be another option for anterior pelvic ring fractures and can supplement other approaches. Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Short-term effectiveness of structural bone graft and total hip arthroplasty through direct anterior approach in lateral decubitus position for Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with acetabulum structural bone grafting using autogenous femoral head through direct anterior approach (DAA) in lateral decubitus position in the treatment of Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between June 2016 and July 2020, 12 patients with Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ DDH were treated with THA with acetabulum structural bone grafting using autogenous femoral head through DAA in lateral decubitus position. There were 2 males and 10 females with an average age of 60.2 years (range, 50-79 years). Crowe classification was type Ⅲ in 10 hips and type Ⅳ in 2 hips. The preoperative Harris score of hip joint was 48.8±7.5, the difference in length of both lower extremities was (3.0±0.7) cm, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score during activity was 7.2±0.9. The surgical incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded; the position and press-fitting of acetabulum and femoral prosthesis were observed after operation, and the difference in length of both lower extremities was measured; the horizontal coverage of acetabular cup and bone graft were measured, the healing with the host bone and the loosening of the prosthesis were evaluated; Harris score was used to evaluate hip joint function, and VAS score was used to evaluate patients' pain during activity. The average surgical incision length was 9.3 cm, the average operation time was 117 minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 283 mL. Two patients (16.7%) received blood transfusion during operation. There was no acetabular and femoral fractures during operation. All incisions healed by first intention, without dislocation, periprosthetic infection, sciatic nerve injury, deep venous thrombosis, and other complications. One patient had lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury after operation. X-ray films at discharge showed a total acetabular cup level coverage of 93%-100%, with an average of 97.8%, and a bone graft level coverage of 25%-45%, with an average of 31.1%. All the 12 patients were followed up 22-71 months, with an average of 42.2 months. At last follow-up, the Harris score of hip joint was 89.7±3.9, the difference in length of both lower extremities was (0.9±0.4) cm, and the VAS score during activity was 1.1±0.6, which were significantly different from those before operation (P<0.05). During follow-up, there was no patient who needed hip revision surgery because of prosthesis loosening. At last follow-up, there was no translucent line between the graft and the host bone, the graft was fused, the position was good, and there was no obvious movement. One patient had one screw fracture and bone resorption at the outer edge of the graft, but the bone graft did not displace and healed well. THA with acetabulum structural bone grafting using autogenous femoral head through DAA in lateral decubitus position in the treatment of Crowe type Ⅲ and Ⅳ DDH is safe and reliable, and has satisfactory short-term effectiveness.