Peroneal Nerve Injury Research Articles

Solving the enigma of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures, the clue protocol

The study aim is to evaluate functional and radio- logical outcomes following a suggested protocol based on the four-column classification for management of posterolateral column tibial plateau fractures. A prospective cohort study was performed in level I academic center on 42 patients with mean age of 36 years (22-59). Eleven patients had isolated posterolateral column fractures whereas 31 patients had associated columns fractures. According to the suggested protocol, all cases of isolated posterolateral column fracture started treatment via arthroscopic evaluation of soft tissue injuries (menisci and liga- ments), arthroscopically assisted reduction and inter- nal fixation by rafting screws followed by ORIF if plating was needed. If associated with other columns fractures, columns were fixed sequentially in an anti-clockwise direction starting from anteromedial column. Average follow up was 26 months. Mean time to union was 16.3 (12-22) weeks. No radiological evidence of loss of coronal or sagittal alignment was detected at final follow up. Five patients had an average depression of 5 millimeters that did not need further intervention at this short-term follow up. Mean KOOS was 81 (72- 88). The average knee range of motion was (0° - 127°). One patient had temporary common peroneal nerve injury, one patient had deep infection and two had superficial wound infection. implementing the suggested protocol gives good to excellent radiological and functional results as regard posterolateral tibial plateau fracture. A larger study group with longer follow up is needed.

Characteristics of clinical application of electroacupuncture therapy for peripheral neuropathy based on data mining

To investigate the application characteristics of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, so as to provide a basis for clinical use of EA therapy. Keywords of "electroacupuncture""peripheral neuropathy" "facial paralysis" "trigeminal neuralgia" "sciatica" "common peroneal nerve injury" "diabetic peripheral neuropathy" "intercostal neuralgia" "gluteal epithelial neuritis" "ulnar nerve injury" "median nerve paralysis" "postherpetic neuralgia", and "great occipital neuralgia" were used to search articles in both English and Chinese published from 1999 to 2019 in databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Ovid, PubMed and Embase and related books such as electroacupuncture, and neurology, followed by establishing a database of "Electroacupuncture Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy". Then, the collected articles were put into statistical analysis after sorting, screening, input, checking, and data extracting by using data mining technology and statistical software EpiData. Of the searched 1 528 papers, 778 were eligible, involving 13 types of peripheral neuropathy which the facial paralysis and facial spasm were most frequently seen, followed by trigeminal neuralgia and sciatica, with an effective rate being above 90% for nearly all the 13 diseases. The acupoints employed were chiefly those close to the affected area and distribute along the nerve trunk.In addition, about the needling techniques, the penetration needling was frequently used, and the triple needling, quintuple needling and accompanied needling were also used. Regarding the related needle manipulations, the uniform reinforcing-reduction technique was most frequently used. The duration of EA was 30 min, with a highest stimulating frequency of 50 Hz. The acupoint injection was frequently supplemented, followed by moxibustion, and the treatment sessions were usually about 30 times. EA therapy is frequently used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, and has some characteristics in acupoint selection, stimulating parameters and some additional needling techniques.

Arthroscopic anatomy of the posterolateral corner of the knee: anatomic relations and arthroscopic approaches

IntroductionAlthough open-surgical techniques for the reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) are well established, the use of arthroscopic procedures has recently increased. When compared with open surgical preparation, arthroscopic orientation in the PLC is challenging and anatomic relations may not be familiar. Nevertheless, a profound knowledge of anatomic key structures and possible structures at risk as well as technical variations of arthroscopic approaches are mandatory to allow a precise and safe surgical intervention.Materials and methodsIn a cadaveric video demonstration, an anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) portal, as well as a transseptal approach (TSA) were developed. Key structures of the PLC were defined and sequentially exposed during posterolateral arthroscopy. Finally, anatomic relations of all key structures were demonstrated.ResultsAll key structures of the PLC can be visualized during arthroscopy. Thereby, careful portal placement is crucial in order to allow an effective exposure. Two alternatives of the TSA were described, depending on the region of interest. The peroneal nerve can be visualized dorsal to the biceps femoris tendon (BT), lateral to the soleus muscle (SM) and about 3 cm distal to the fibular styloid (FS). The distal attachment of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) can be exposed on the lateral side of the fibular head (FH). The fibular attachment of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) is exposed at the tip of the FS.ConclusionArthroscopy of the posterolateral recessus allows full visualization of all key structures of the posterolateral corner, which provides the basis for anatomic and safe drill channel placement in PLC reconstruction. A sufficient exposure of relevant anatomic landmarks and precise portal preparation reduce the risk of iatrogenic vascular and peroneal nerve injury.

Temporary Proximal Tibial Epiphysiodesis for Correction of Leg Length Discrepancy in Children—Should Proximal Fibular Epiphysiodesis Be Performed Concomitantly?

The need for concomitant proximal fibular epiphysiodesis (PFE) when correcting leg length discrepancy (LLD) with temporary proximal tibial epiphysiodesis (PTE) in children is controversially discussed. This single center, retrospective cohort study analyzes proximal fibular growth in patients treated by PTE with and without concomitant PFE. Radiographic measurements were conducted before implantation and at implant removal. The position of the fibular head in relation to the tibia was assessed with recently established radiographic reference values. All patients (n = 58, 19 females) received PTE to treat LLD at a mean age of 12.2 years (range 7 to 15). In 27/58 (47%) concomitant PFE was performed. Mean follow-up was 36.2 months (range 14.2 to 78.0). The position of the proximal fibula at implant removal was within physiological range in 21/26 patients (81%) with PFE and in 21/30 patients (70%) without PFE. Proximal fibular overgrowth newly developed in 2/26 patients (8%) treated with PFE and in 5/30 patients (17%) treated without PFE (p = 0.431). Peroneal nerve injury or discomfort due to proximal fibular overlength was not reported. The position of the proximal fibula should be critically assessed preoperatively under consideration of reference values before PTE. In consequence of this study, the authors do not routinely perform PFE concomitantly with PTE for correction of moderate LLD in children if the proximal fibula is localized within physiological radiographic margins determined by the established reference values.

Arcuate sign-fibular head avulsion fracture and associated injuries in the pediatric and adolescent population.

To describe the first "arcuate sign" case series in the pediatric population, radiologic features of the associated injuries, management, and how they compare with the adult population. Retrospective study included patients under 18 years of age with a classic "arcuate sign" on radiographs. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and management. Radiographs and advanced imaging (MRI, CT) were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists in a blinded fashion and findings recorded. Seven patients (4 males, 3 females) with mean age 15 years (range 14-17 years) were included in the study. All 7 injuries were related to sports, 5/7 (71%) being non-contact injuries. Five patients had MRI done-1 LCL injury, MPFL sprain, and MCL sprain were reported; 3 popliteofibular ligament and popliteus sprains were seen; and 3 bone contusions were present on imaging. None of the patients had meniscus or cruciate ligament tears. One patient had an additional fracture of the lateral tibial plateau at the ilio-tibial band attachment and an associated peroneal nerve injury. Five out of seven (71.4%) were treated non-operatively and were able to return back to activity at a mean of 7.2 weeks from injury. Two out of seven (28.6%) needed operative intervention for the fracture but not arthroscopic repair. Pediatric patients with a radiographic arcuate sign tend not to have ACL, PCL, or meniscal injuries, and treatment is predominantly non-operative in contrast to literature reported in adults.

Establishment of a Sheep Model for Hind Limb Peripheral Nerve Injury: Common Peroneal Nerve.

Thousands of people worldwide suffer from peripheral nerve injuries and must deal daily with the resulting physiological and functional deficits. Recent advances in this field are still insufficient to guarantee adequate outcomes, and the development of new and compelling therapeutic options require the use of valid preclinical models that effectively replicate the characteristics and challenges associated with these injuries in humans. In this study, we established a sheep model for common peroneal nerve injuries that can be applied in preclinical research with the advantages associated with the use of large animal models. The anatomy of the common peroneal nerve and topographically related nerves, the functional consequences of its injury and a neurological examination directed at this nerve have been described. Furthermore, the surgical protocol for accessing the common peroneal nerve, the induction of different types of nerve damage and the application of possible therapeutic options were described. Finally, a preliminary morphological and stereological study was carried out to establish control values for the healthy common peroneal nerves regarding this animal model and to identify preliminary differences between therapeutic methods. This study allowed to define the described lateral incision as the best to access the common peroneal nerve, besides establishing 12 and 24 weeks as the minimum periods to study lesions of axonotmesis and neurotmesis, respectively, in this specie. The post-mortem evaluation of the harvested nerves allowed to register stereological values for healthy common peroneal nerves to be used as controls in future studies, and to establish preliminary values associated with the therapeutic performance of the different applied options, although limited by a small sample size, thus requiring further validation studies. Finally, this study demonstrated that the sheep is a valid model of peripheral nerve injury to be used in pre-clinical and translational works and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve injury therapeutic options before its clinical application in humans and veterinary patients.

Prognostic factors in patients who underwent surgery for common peroneal nerve injury: a nest case\u2013control study

BackgroundCommon peroneal nerve (CPN) injury is one of the most common nerve injuries in the lower extremities and the motor functional recovery of injured common peroneal nerve (CPN) was often unsatisfactory, the mechanism of which is still controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prognostic factors in patients who underwent surgery for CPN injury and provide a tool for clinicians to assess the patients’ prognosis.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent neural exploration for injured CPN from 2009 to 2019. A total of 387 patients with postoperative follow-up more than 12 months were included in the final analysis. We used univariate logistics regression analyses to explore explanatory variables which were associated with recovery of neurological function. By applying multivariable logistic regression analysis, we determined variables incorporated into clinical prediction model, developed a nomogram by the selected variables, and then assessed discrimination of the model by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe case group included 67 patients and the control group 320 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that area (urban vs rural, OR = 3.35), occupation(“blue trouser” worker vs “white-trouser” worker, OR = 4.39), diabetes (OR = 11.68), cardiovascular disease (OR = 51.35), knee joint dislocation (OR = 14.91), proximal fibula fracture (OR = 3.32), tibial plateau fracture (OR = 9.21), vascular injury (OR = 5.37) and hip arthroplasty (OR = 75.96) injury increased the risk of poor motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength (OR = 0.18) and postoperative knee joint immobilization (OR = 0.11) decreased this risk of injured CPN. AUC of the nomogram was 0.904 and 95% CI was 0.863–0.946.ConclusionsArea, occupation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, knee joint dislocation, proximal fibula fracture, tibial plateau fracture, vascular injury and hip arthroplasty injury are independent risk factors of motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength and postoperative knee joint immobilization are protective factors of motor functional recovery of injured CPN. The prediction nomogram can provide a tool for clinicians to assess the prognosis of injured CPN.

Peroneal nerve injury after total knee arthroplasty: Uncommon complication of total knee arthroplasty case report

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with left knee pain for 6 years, and left knee osteoarthritis was diagnosed by physical examination and radiography. She had a prior history of the right knee osteoarthritis and underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). After we performed TKA on her left knee, drop foot and sensory impairment were observed in the ward postsurgery, complicated with common peroneal nerve injury.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of common peroneal nerve injury in acute and subacute posterolateral corner lesion: a retrospective study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate qualitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for injury of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) in patients with acute or subacute injuries in the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, as well as to evaluate the reproducibility of MRI evaluation of CPN alterations.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 38 consecutive patients submitted to MRI and diagnosed with acute or subacute injury to the PLC of the knee (patient group) and 38 patients with normal MRI results (control group). Two musculoskeletal radiologists (designated radiologist A and radiologist B, respectively) evaluated the images. Nerve injury was classified as neurapraxia, axonotmesis, or neurotmesis. Signal strength was measured at the CPN, the tibial nerve (TN), and a superficial vein (SV). The CPN/TN and CPN/SV signal ratios were calculated. The status of each PLC structure, including the popliteal tendon, arcuate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and biceps tendon, was classified as normal, partially torn, or completely torn, as was that of the cruciate ligaments. For the semiquantitative analysis of interobserver agreement, the kappa statistic was calculated, whereas a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for the quantitative analysis.ResultsIn the patient group, radiologist A found CPN abnormalities in 15 cases (39.4%)-neurapraxia in eight and axonotmesis in seven-whereas radiologist B found CPN abnormalities in 14 (36.8%)-neurapraxia in nine and axonotmesis in five. The kappa statistic showed excellent interobserver agreement. In the control group, the CPN/TN signal ratio ranged from 0.63 to 1.1 and the CPN/SV signal ratio ranged from 0.16 to 0.41, compared with 1.30-4.02 and 0.27-1.08, respectively, in the patient group. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the CPN/TN signal ratio at a cutoff value of 1.39 had high (93.3%) specificity for the identification of nerve damage, compared with 81.3% for the CPN/SV signal ratio at a cutoff value of 0.41.ConclusionCPN alterations are common in patients with PLC injury detected on MRI, and the level of interobserver agreement for such alterations was excellent. Calculating the CPN/TN and CPN/SV signal ratios may increase diagnostic confidence. We recommend systematic analysis of the CPN in cases of PLC injury.

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques for determining the kinematic patterns for hindlimb obstacle avoidance during sheep locomotion

ABSTRACT: Analysis of locomotion is often used as a measure for impairment and recovery following experimental peripheral nerve injury. Compared to rodents, sheep offer several advantages for studying peripheral nerve regeneration. In the present study, we compared for the first time, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) hindlimb kinematics during obstacle avoidance in the ovine model. This study obtained kinematic data to serve as a template for an objective assessment of the ankle joint motion in future studies of common peroneal nerve (CP) injury and repair in the ovine model. The strategy used by the sheep to bring the hindlimb over a moderately high obstacle, set to 10% of its hindlimb length, was pronounced knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal flexion when approaching and clearing the obstacle. Despite the overall time course kinematic patterns about the hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal were identical, we found significant differences between values of the 2D and 3D joint angular motion. Our results showed that the most apparent changes that occurred during the gait cycle were for the ankle (2D-measured STANCEmax: 157±2.4 degrees vs. 3D-measured STANCEmax: 151±1.2 degrees; P<.05) and metatarsophalangeal joints (2D-measured STANCEmin: 151±2.2 degrees vs. 3D-measured STANCEmin: 162 ± 2.2 degrees; P<.01 and 2D-measured TO: 163±4.9 degrees vs. 3D-measured TO: 177±1.4 degrees; P<.05), whereas the hip and knee joints were much less affected. Data and techniques described here are useful for an objective assessment of altered gait after CP injury and repairin an ovine model.

Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for lateral malleolus fractures

Background Lateral malleolus fracture is one of the most common fractures that may occur as a part of ankle joint trauma. Open reduction and internal fixation is considered as the state of the art for displaced lateral malleolar fractures in order to obtain congruent ankle mortise. But in certain conditions, soft-tissue status together with patient comorbidities may impede this technique. Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) for lateral malleolus may be a suitable solution for ankle fractures with soft-tissue problems. Patients and methods Through the period between May 2012 and May 2016 in Ain Shams University hospitals, a prospective study on 51 patients with displaced lateral malleolus fractures as a part of ankle trauma with bad soft-tissue condition has been managed through the MIPPO approach. All patients have been evaluated as regards the grade of soft-tissue injury, timing of surgery from trauma, duration of the procedure, time to union, postoperative ankle function, and reported superficial peroneal nerve injury. Open fractures, associated pilon fractures, and established Charcot neuropathic joints had been excluded from the study. Results The minimum follow-up for all the patients was 12 months and maximum was 25 months with a mean of 13.7 months postoperatively. Thirty patients (58.8%) were grade III according to Tscherne classification of closed soft-tissue injury. Mean time of surgery from trauma was 45.9 h (12 h to 6 days). The average procedure time was 56 min (20–80 min). The average time to union was within 7 weeks (5–10 weeks), all patients had good-to-excellent ankle function with a mean of 89.9 according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, and no superficial peroneal nerve injury was documented. Conclusion MIPPO for lateral malleolus is an effective and safe technique, provided that ankle mortise congruity is obtained.

Retrospective analysis on treatment methods and curative effects of reducing the disability rate of multiple ligament injuries and dislocations of the knee joint

To investigate the clinical effects of individualized repair and reconstruction surgery for multiple ligament injury and dislocation of knee joint based on stage classification diagnosis. From January 2018 to January 2019, 42 patients with multiple ligament injury and dislocation of the knee joint were treated. There were 27 males and 15 females, aged from 30 to 63 (47.35±11.90) years old, including 17 left knees, 23 right knees and 2 bilateral knees. All patients with multiple ligament injuries and dislocations of the knee joint were classified by stages and improved Schenck diagnosis. Among them, 23 cases were in acute stage (≤3 weeks), 19 cases were in old stage (>3 weeks), 27 cases were type Ⅲ dislocation and type Ⅳ dislocation. There were 9 cases of dislocation and 6 cases of type Ⅵ dislocation. The corresponding repair methods such as closed manipulation and open release reduction, direct suture of ligament, anchor suture, bone penetrating suture, and routine ligament reconstruction were performed. The corresponding "progressive progressive excitation" rehabilitation program was adopted after the operation. After 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks and 3, 6, 9, 12 months after operation, the outpatient consultation and evaluation of knee joint function and stability were completed. The knee joint stability, excellent and good rate, disability rate and complication rate were compared before and after operation. Internation Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade, IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score and Tegner score were used to evaluate knee joint function. All patients completed the outpatient follow-up and follow-up on schedule. All patients had gradeⅠwound healing, 4 patients had lower extremity venous thrombosis after operation, and there were no serious complications after anticoagulant treatment; 5 patients with common peroneal nerve injury were treated with release surgery and active postoperative rehabilitation, and neurological function gradually recovered. At 12 months after operation, the muscle strength of the affected limb reached grade Ⅴ and the active and passive range of motion recovered to more than 120 degrees. In the acute stage, the IKDC subjective scores were 20.46±12.61, 22.58±16.83, 0.71±1.14, 69.55±16.57, 77.73±15.14 and 3.14±1.67, respectively. One year after operation, IKDC subjective score was 67.04±19.07, Lysholm was 74.87±14.58, Tegner was 3.06±1.70, and 6 of them were grade A. After 12 months, the knee function scores of all patients were significantly improved compared with those before operation(P<0.01). According to the classification of multiple ligament injuries and dislocations of the knee joint, the corresponding surgical repair and reconstructiontreatment were adopted, and the corresponding rehabilitation program was adopted after the operation. The patients achieved good clinical treatment effect 12 months after operation, and the patients' satisfaction was high, which improved the excellent and good rate of treatment and reduced the disability rate.

Relationship between fabella and posterolateral knee pain and common peroneal nerve injury

To analyze the incidence and characteristics of fabella in the Chinese population and its correlation with pain in the posterolateral region of the knee joint and common peroneal nerve palsy. Total 732 patients including 405 males(450 knees) and 327 females(383 knees) who underwent unilateral or bilateral knee MR imaging from September 2015 to July 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The basic information of all patients was extracted from the hospital's his system. The patient's medical records were checked by telephone follow-up or his system, and the number of patients with posterolateral knee pain and common peroneal nerve paralysis were recorded. The overall prevalence of fabella was 48.38%, 23.53% in men and 24.85% in women, there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). All the subjects were divided into five age groups. The prevalence of fabella was significantly different among different age groups:6.6% in 20 year-old group, 33.8% in 21 to 34-year-old group, 53.5% in 35 to 44-year-old group, 57.5% in 45 to 59-year-old group and 73.9% in ≥ 60-year-old group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the prevalence of fabella and the age of patients. With the increase of patients' age, the prevalence of fabella in knee joint also showed an obvious upward trend (P<0.001). According to the presence of fabella in the knee joint, 232 cases of knee joint pain were found, accounting for 57.57% of the patients with fabella, accounting for 27.85% of the total data(P<0.01). The correlation score analysis was R=1.546, P<0.01;when the presence of fabella in the knee joint, a total of 44 cases of common peroneal nerve paralysis occurred in the knee joint, accounting for all knees 28% of the total knee joint, and 29 cases of common peroneal nerve palsy (3.48% of the total knee joint) were found when there was no fabella in the knee joint(P<0.05). The correlation score analysis was performed with R=1.695, P<0.05. The prevalence of fabella us in Chinese population is 48.38%. There is no relationship between the incidence of gastrocnemius and gender, but the incidence of fabella is positively correlated with age, pain in the posterolateral region of the knee joint and the occurrence of common peroneal nerve symptoms.

Postoperative Common Peroneal Nerve Injury of Seven Patients Within 2 Months: Case Reports and Analysis

Common peroneal nerve injury was a low incidence in the event of serious consequences. But seven consecutive cases of peroneal common nerve injury were occurred in our hospital within 2 months which aroused our attention, we report and analyze the reason of these cases in order to reduce or even avoid associated clinical complications in future. We present seven cases of postoperative common peroneal nerve injury. There was no significant correlation related to sex or age in seven patients. All patients were undergoing orthopedic surgery which was no significant difference between surgeons and anesthesiologists, but three patients had lumbar history and two had diabetes history. In the aspect of anesthesia, three cases were general anesthesia and other four cases were spinal anesthesia. There was no statistical difference in anesthesia method or medication; only one case had postoperative analgesia. Two cases had tourniquet in operation. Common peroneal nerve injury was showed in 1 to 3 days after surgery and all improved after conservative treatment. The occurrence of common peroneal nerve injury is the result of multifactorial combination. The factors of orthopedic surgery, previous history of lumbar, or diabetes maybe important influencing factors. However, spinal anesthesia and intraoperative use of tourniquet have no correlation with its occurrence.

Distal biceps femoris avulsions: Associated injuries and neurological sequelae

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe associated injuries in cases of distal biceps femoris avulsions (DBFA) as well as the incidence of neurological injury and radiographic abnormalities of the common peroneal nerve (CPN). MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to our office or trauma center with DBFA injuries. Demographic data was obtained as well as mechanism of injury. Assessment of concomitant injuries and presence of neurologic injury was completed via chart review and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review. The CPN was evaluated for signs of displacement or neuritis. ResultsSixteen patients were identified (mean age-at-injury 28.6 years, 87.5% male) with DBFA. Three patients (18.8%) sustained their injuries secondary to high energy trauma while 13 (81.3%) had injuries secondary to lower energy trauma. Nine patients (56.3%) initially presented with CPN palsy. All patients presenting with CPN palsy of any kind were found to have a displaced CPN on MRI and no patient with a normal nerve course had a CPN palsy. ConclusionsThis case series demonstrates a strong association between DBFA and CPN palsy as well as multi-ligamentous knee injury (MLKI). These injuries have a higher rate of CPN palsy than that typically reported for MLKI. Furthermore, these findings suggest that CPN displacement on MRI may be a clinically significant indicator of nerve injury.LOE: IV.

The Pathoanatomy of Posterolateral Corner Ligamentous Disruption in Multiligament Knee Injuries Is Predictive of Peroneal Nerve Injury

Background: A description of the precise locations of ligamentous and myotendinous injury patterns of acute posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries and their associated osseous and neurovascular injuries is lacking in the literature. Purpose: To characterize the ligamentous and myotendinous injury patterns and zones of injury that occur in acute PLC injuries and determine associated rates of peroneal nerve palsies and vascular injuries, as well as fracture and dislocation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients treated for an acute multiligament knee injury (MLKI) at our level 1 trauma center from 2001 to 2018. From this cohort, all patients with PLC injuries were identified. Demographics, involved ligaments and tendons, neurovascular injury, and presence of fracture and dislocation were compared with the larger multiligament knee cohort. Incidence and location of injury of PLC structures—from proximal to midsubstance and distal injury—were recorded. Results: A total of 100 knees in 100 patients were identified as having MLKIs. A total of 74 patients (74%) had lateral-sided ligament injuries. Of these, 23 (31%) had a peroneal nerve palsy associated with their injury; 10 (14%), a vascular injury; and 23 (31%), a fracture. Patients with PLC injuries had higher rates of peroneal nerve injury as compared with those having acute MLKIs without a PLC injury (31% vs 4%; P = .005). Patients with a complete peroneal nerve palsy (n = 17) were less likely to regain function than those with a partial peroneal nerve palsy (n = 6; 12% vs 100%; P < .0001). Complete injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) occurred in 71 of 74 (96%) PLC injuries, with 3 distinct patterns of injury demonstrated. Fibular avulsion of the LCL was the most common zone of injury (65%), followed by femoral avulsion (20%) and midsubstance tear (15%). Location of injury to the LCL was associated with the rate of peroneal nerve injury, with midsubstance tears and fibular avulsions associated with higher rates of peroneal nerve injury. Conclusion: MLKIs with involvement of the PLC are more likely to suffer peroneal nerve injury. The LCL is nearly always involved, and its location of injury is predictive of peroneal nerve injury. Patients with a complete peroneal nerve palsy at presentation are much less likely to regain function.

Percutaneous bridge plating of extra-articular distal fibular fracture for the management of distal tibia type III open fracture

PurposeThe aim of this study is to conduct clinical and radiographic evaluations of the use of percutaneous bridge plating for distal fibular fractures combined with distal tibia type III open fractures. MethodsThirty-four patients with acute distal third fibular shaft fractures (4F2A(c) and 4F2B(c) according to the AO/OTA classification) combined with distal tibia type III open fractures were enrolled. Concurrent fibular fractures were fixed with the percutaneous bridge plating simultaneously, while distal tibia open fractures were temporally stabilized with a spanning external fixator. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the proportional length difference of the fibula, the talocrural angle, the union rate of the fibula and tibia, the operation time, and complications at the final follow-up. ResultsAll fibular fractures healed with an average bone healing time of 20.7 ± 6.3 weeks (range, 16–35). The mean proportional length difference was 0.492 ± 0.732% compared with that in the uninjured fibula. The functional assessment result according to the LEFS was 74.0 ± 3.70 points (range, 57–80). No cases of fibula fracture infection developed throughout the follow-up period in any of the patients. Iatrogenic postoperative superficial peroneal nerve injury was not found in any of the patients. ConclusionWith the perspective of minimizing soft tissue problems due to high-energy trauma, the application of percutaneous bridge plating for the treatment of distal fibular fractures can be an alternative to conventional treatment methods.

Abordaje transfibular modificado para fracturas del platillo tibial posterolateral. Serie de Casos

BackgroundFractures of the posterolateral tibial plateau require an approach that allows a good visualization of the articular surface for its anatomical restitution, restoration of height and an adequate space for the application of osteosynthesis material and stable fixation. There are several approaches described in the literature that do not provide the desired visualization or involve multiple limitations and / or complications. The purpose of this study is to describe a modification to the surgical technique of the fibula osteotomy for the management of posterolateral tibial plate fractures. MethodsWe present the clinical results of a retrospective case series of 15 patients with posterolateral tibial plate fractures that at the time of the study had an average follow-up of 6 months. ResultsFunctional results in Lysholm scale were excellent in 3 patients, good in 8 and regular in 4. Good results were obtained in all patients with a reduction of the tibia articular surface, without loss of height of the same, with alignment adequate, without symptoms of instability, all with consolidation of the fibula that did not delay rehabilitation, there were no peroneal nerve injuries or problems with the skin; There was a case of superficial infection that was managed with oral antibiotics without complications. DiscussionThe described approach facilitates a broad exposure of the articular surface, is technically easy and reproducible, allows the necessary reduction and fixation, with a lower risk of complications, with which the vascular supply of the proximal tibia is conserved, the damage is avoided to the proximal tibiofibular joint and a greater area of consolidation of the osteotomy is favored. This technique can be used alone or in combination with other approaches, for acute or chronic fractures with poor union.We consider that the approach with the described technique is an alternative for the management of posterolateral fractures, with encouraging results.Evidence Level: IV

A Porcine Model of Peripheral Nerve Injury Enabling Ultra-Long Regenerative Distances: Surgical Approach, Recovery Kinetics, and Clinical Relevance.

Millions of Americans experience residual deficits from traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Despite advancements in surgical technique, repair typically results in poor functional outcomes due to prolonged periods of denervation resulting from long regenerative distances coupled with slow rates of axonal regeneration. Novel surgical solutions require valid preclinical models that adequately replicate the key challenges of clinical PNI. To develop a preclinical model of PNI in swine that addresses 2 challenging, clinically relevant PNI scenarios: long segmental defects (≥5cm) and ultra-long regenerative distances (20-27cm). Thus, we aim to demonstrate that a porcine model of major PNI is suitable as a potential framework to evaluate novel regenerative strategies prior to clinical deployment. A 5-cm-long common peroneal nerve or deep peroneal nerve injury was repaired using a saphenous nerve or sural nerve autograft, respectively. Histological and electrophysiological assessments were performed at 9 to 12 mo post repair to evaluate nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Relevant anatomy, surgical approach, and functional/histological outcomes were characterized for both repair techniques. Axons regenerated across the repair zone and were identified in the distal stump. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed these findings and suggested regenerating axons reinnervated target muscles. The models presented herein provide opportunities to investigate peripheral nerve regeneration using different nerves tailored for specific mechanisms of interest, such as nerve modality (motor, sensory, and mixed fiber composition), injury length (short/long gap), and total regenerative distance (proximal/distal injury).

Long-Term Patient Reported Outcomes after Correction of Traumatic Foot Drop

Category:Trauma; AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:There is limited literature on patient reported outcomes after tendon transfer for traumatic foot drop. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term patient reported functional outcomes after posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) transfer in patients with foot drop resulting from a traumatic common peroneal nerve injury.Methods:Between August 2006 to January 2019, 31 patients underwent PTT transfer for foot drop secondary to a traumatic injury to their common peroneal nerve at our institution. The average follow-up was 14 months. A retrospective chart review was performed to document physical exam measures and to review postoperative radiographs for changes in foot alignment. There were 17 out of the initial 31 patients available at a mean follow-up of 5.9 years who responded to a phone questionnaire, including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, and questions on brace and assistive device use, activity level, and satisfaction with surgery.Results:Preoperatively, all patients had an equinus contracture with no dorsiflexion strength, abnormal gait, and used an ankle- foot orthosis (AFO) or pneumatic boot for ambulation. Postoperatively, the average ankle dorsiflexion strength was 4/5 with 28/31 patients reporting a normal gait and 26/31 not using a brace for ambulation. Postoperative radiographs did not show changes in alignment or progression to flatfoot deformity. For the subset of 17 patients who responded to the phone questionnaire, the mean FAAM ADL subscale score was 68.1 and the Sport subscale score was 52.1 at an average of 5.9 years after surgery. The majority of patients (76%) were very or quite satisfied with the outcome of surgery and 15/17 (88%) patients reported they would undergo the PTT transfer procedure again.Conclusion:Posterior tibialis tendon transfer for patients with foot drop secondary to a traumatic injury to their common peroneal nerve showed a high satisfaction rate and improvement in function after surgery without the need for brace or assistive device use at long-term follow-up at an average of 6 years. Additionally, there was no progression to flatfoot deformity after posterior tibialis tendon transfer at 1 year postoperatively.