Positive Trendelenburg Test Research Articles

Associations with a positive Trendelenburg Test and adolescent Hip Dysplasia

Associations with a positive Trendelenburg Test and adolescent Hip Dysplasia

Endoscopic gluteus medius partial tear repair with collagen patch augmentation. Clinical and imaging results

Introduction: Gluteus medius (GM) partial and total tears are often the cause of lateral hip pain. Non-surgical management is the first approach, however, open and endoscopic repair techniques have been described in refractory cases. The use of collagen patches has been proposed as an augmentation to enhance healing. This study aims to describe our technique for repairing partial tears of the GM tendon and present clinical and imaging results. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort on 15 hips with lateral hip pain and a positive Trendelenburg test, who had a partial thickness tear of the GM tendon on MRI. The patients had not responded to non-surgical treatment for at least 6 months and underwent endoscopic repair with a collagen patch augmentation between 2019 and 2022. The postoperative Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcomes Tool-12 (iHOT-12), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), patient satisfaction, Trendelembug test, and control MRI to assess healing at 3 months were obtained. Results: 100% female, mean age of 56.66 years. Mean follow-up was 11 (4-24) months. Median mHHS improved significantly from 68 to 82 points (p=0.001). The median iHOT-12 improved significantly from 70 to 83 points (p=0.001). Median VAS decreased significantly from 6 to 2 (p<0.001). All patients had a negative Trendelenburg test at the end of the follow-up, and all reported being satisfied. There were no complications and all cases showed healing. Conclusion: Our endoscopic technique has shown positive clinical outcomes for patients with partial ruptures, resulting in complete healing without short-term complications.

Hip Gluteus Medius Tears Are Associated With Lower Femoral Neck-Shaft Angles and Higher Acetabular Center-Edge Angles

1) To assess the possible relationship between the morphology of femur or acetabulum and the gluteus medius pathology. 2) To analyze the outcome of isolated arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) for patients with radiographic gluteus medius tear. We performed a retrospective study of FAI patients who underwent arthroscopy between January 2016 to December 2019. Demographic data, such as sex, age, body mass index (BMI), symptom duration, were collected. Radiographic parameters, including alpha angle, lateral center-edge angle (LCEa), femur neck-shaft angle (NSa), gluteus medius pathology, were also collected. Exclusion criteria were previous hip conditions, such as osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade > 1), rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, snapping hip, previous surgery on the ipsilateral hip, or incomplete data. We followed up these patients with radiographic gluteus medius tear. No surgical procedure for gluteus medius was performed. The minimum follow-up period was 13 months. Patient-reported outcomes, such as modified Harris Hip score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS), and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), as well as physical examination data, including tenderness at the greater trochanter, abductor weakness, limping gait, and positive Trendelenburg sign or test, were gathered preoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 569 hips (314, 55.2% male) were collected eventually, with a mean age of 36.5 ± 10.4 years (range: 13.0 to ∼65.0). Gluteus medius pathology was found in 209 (36.7%) hips, including 41 (7.2%) partial-thickness tears and 10 (1.8%) complete tears. The NSa of the normal, tendinosis, partial tear, and complete tear groups was 133.8 ± 4.7°, 130.6 ± 3.8°, 129.4 ± 3.9°, and 129.6 ± 3.4°, respectively (P < .001). The LCEa of each group was 31.7 ± 35.7°, 33.3 ± 6.5°, 34.9 ± 6.8°, and 33.7 ± 8.1°, respectively (P= .004). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower NSa and higher LCEa were identified as risk factors for developing gluteus medius pathology (P < .001). For patients with gluteus medius tear, two cases were lost to follow-up and two cases had incomplete data. The mean follow-up period of the remaining 47 hips was 29.5 ± 12.9 (range: 13 to 59) months. The mHHS improved from 54.8 ± 19.1 to 90.1 ± 6.7 points (P < .001), and VAS decreased from 6.8 ± 1.6 to 3.0 ± 1.6 points (P < .001). Forty-two cases met the threshold of PASS, with a rate of 89%. The abductor strength increased from 4.1 ± 1.00 to 4.6 ± .7 grades (P= .002). However, for patients with a completely torn gluteus medius, improvement of abductor strength was not significant statistically (3.4 ± .9 to 3.9 ± .9, P= .234). There was a correlation between lower NSa/higher LCEa and gluteus medius pathology. Isolated arthroscopic treatment of FAI for patients with radiographic gluteus medius tear can gain satisfactory patient-reported outcomes. Therapeutic case series, IV.

Clinically derived biomechanical criteria for the Trendelenburg test

BackgroundThe Trendelenburg test has been used to assess hip abductor muscle function. A standardized evaluation of the test requires an assessment of both pelvis and trunk coronal plane alignment as the patient stands on one leg for 30 s. Coronal plane biomechanics using motion analysis allows for development of objective criteria to grade the test response. The aim of this study was to develop biomechanical criteria of the pelvis and trunk coronal plane kinematics. MethodsThe video of 39 subjects with acetabular hip dysplasia performing the test while instrumented with a full-body modified Plug-In-Gait marker set for three-dimensional kinematic analysis, were evaluated by two orthopedic surgeons and one senior level biomechanist. Reviewers as a group assessed whether the subject had a positive test and noted the reason using guidelines outlined in the literature. Coronal plane trunk and pelvic angles of all subjects were analyzed and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used to determine optimal kinematic cutoff values for each positive Trendelenburg test reason. FindingsThere were 26/39 patients who reviewers identified as having a positive test. Area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve for trunk and pelvis mean/minimum were greater than 0.75. The curve was used to identify the optimal cut-offs of trunk lean and pelvic obliquity mean/minimum. InterpretationThe biomechanical criteria developed includes clinically derived coronal plane kinematic cut-offs of the pelvic and trunk angles. The criteria can be used within a motion capture setting for the standardization of the grading of the test response.

Do Postoperative Results Differ in a Randomized Trial Between a Direct Anterior and a Direct Lateral Approach in THA?

The direct lateral approach to THA provides good exposure and is associated with a low risk of dislocations, but can result in damage to the abductor muscles. The direct anterior approach does not incise muscle, and so recovery after surgery may be faster, but it has been associated with complications (including fractures and nerve injuries), and it involves a learning curve for surgeons who are unfamiliar with it. Few randomized trials have compared these approaches with respect to objective endpoints as well as validated outcome scores. The purpose of this study was to compare the direct anterior approach with the direct lateral approach to THA with respect to (1) patient-reported and validated outcomes scores; (2) frequency and persistence of abductor weakness, as demonstrated by the Trendelenburg test; and (3) major complications such as infection, dislocation, reoperation, or neurovascular injury. We performed a randomized controlled trial recruiting patients from January 2012 to June 2013. One hundred sixty-four patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were included and randomized to either the direct anterior or direct lateral approach. Before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, a physiotherapist recorded the Harris hip score (HHS), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and performed the Trendelenburg test directly after the 6MWD. The patients completed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the EQ-5D. The groups were not different at baseline with respect to demographic data and preoperative scores. Both groups received the same pre- and postoperative regimes. Assessors were blinded to the approach used. One hundred fifty-four patients (94%) completed the 2-year followup; five patients from each group were lost to followup. There were few statistical differences and no clinically important differences in terms of validated or patient-reported outcomes scores (including the HHS, 6MWD, OHS, or EQ-5D) between the direct anterior and the lateral approach at any time point. A higher proportion of patients had a persistently positive Trendelenburg test 24 months after surgery in the lateral approach than the direct anterior approach (16% [12 of 75] versus 1% [one of 79]; odds ratio, 15; p = 0.001). Irrespective of approach, those with a positive Trendelenburg test had statistically and clinically important worse HHS, OHS, and EQ-5D scores than those with a negative Trendelenburg test. There were four major nerve injuries in the direct anterior group (three transient femoral nerve injuries, resolved by 3 months after surgery, and one tibial nerve injury with symptoms that persist 24 months after surgery) and none in the lateral approach. Based on our findings, no case for superiority of one approach over the other can be made, except for the reduction in postoperative Trendelenburg test-positive patients using the direct anterior approach compared with when using the direct lateral approach. Irrespective of approach, patients with a positive Trendelenburg test had clinically worse scores than those with a negative test, indicating the importance of ensuring good abductor function when performing THA. The direct anterior approach was associated with nerve injuries that were not seen in the group treated with the lateral approach. Level I, therapeutic study.

Evaluation of the Function and Quality of Life after Total Hip Arthroplasty by Different Approaches

To assess the function and quality of life in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty distinguishing two surgical approaches (posterior / anterolateral) used by the Orthopedics department of Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Retrospective study of 94 patients subject to unilateral hip replacement surgery, using the 'Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score' (HOOS LK 2.0) questionnaire, the Trendelenburg test and evaluation of muscle strength of the hip abductor muscles with dynamometer. Patients were evaluated at six months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months after surgery. The study revealed that 97.9% patients completed the rehabilitation program. The postoperative evolution (six to 24 months) does not appear to have any differences in results when comparing both approaches. At six months the patient operated by the anterolateral approach showed worse results when compared with the posterior approach, in particular in Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain, in Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms and Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score activities of daily living. After 24 months, no differences between the two surgical approaches were found. Of the 94 patients evaluated, the Trendelenburg test was positive in 31% of patients of which 81.9% corresponds to patients operated by the anterolateral approach. Muscle strength of the abductors of the operated hip was clearly lower in the anterolateral approach at six months, 12 months, and 24 months. This study showed that, in the first six months after total hip arthroplasty, the patients operated by the posterior approach were, according to the HOOS questionnaire, less symptomatic, and presented with better quality of life and less impact on activities of daily living and in sport and leisure when compared with the patients operated by the anterolateral approach. However, these differences were matched over the 24 months. Moreover, the results of muscle strength of the abductor muscles of the hip were clearly superior in patients operated by the posterior approach at six months, at 12 months and at 24 months compared to the patients operated by the anterolateral approach. After 24 months post total hip arthroplasty there are no differences between the two approaches with regard to function or quality of life. However, the patients operated by the anterolateral approach had greater muscle strength deficits and higher percentage of positive Trendelenburg test.

Intermediate to Long-term Results of Femoral Neck Lengthening (Morscher Osteotomy).

Femoral neck lengthening and transfer of the greater trochanter were introduced by Morscher as treatment for patients with coxa breva and overgrowth of the greater trochanter. In this study we evaluated intermediate and long-term results of this operation. We reviewed clinical and radiographic results of 18 patients (20 hips) who were treated by Morscher osteotomy. Ten patients had Perthes disease, 4 had developmental dysplasia of the hip, and 4 had avascular necrosis of the hip. The median age at surgery was 16 years [interquartile range (IQR): 14 to 17.5]. The median follow-up period was 7 years (IQR: 4.5 to 10). All patients were evaluated clinically by means of Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and after surgery. Preoperative clinical examination revealed that all patients had a limp and a positive Trendelenburg test. Median HHS was 72.5 (IQR: 69 to 83). Postoperatively, the Trendelenburg test was negative in 14 hips and positive in 6 hips. Postoperative median HHS was 94.5 (IQR: 89 to 96). Radiographic examination showed progression of osteoarthritis in 3 patients. One operation failed and was converted to total arthroplasty (total hip replacement) after 4 years. Two hips required total hip replacement 10 years after the operation. Leg length discrepancy was reduced in 17/20 hips. Overall patient satisfaction level was good-excellent in 12 patients, fair in 4, and bad in 2 patients. Postoperative complications included blade migration (1 patient (and wire breakage (2 patients). Morscher osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of patients with short femoral neck and overgrowth of the greater trochanter with a positive Trendelenburg test and mild leg length discrepancy. A congruent nonarthritic hip joint is a prerequisite for the success of the operation. Level IV.

Does digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy increase complications in treatment of complex acetabular fractures

Objective To observe the short-, mid- and long-term surgical complications of complex acetabular fractures treated by the Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach combined with digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy (DTFO). Methods We reviewed the 40 cases of complex acetabular fracture that were treated at our department from December 2009 through December 2013. They were 34 men and 6 women, from 17 to 73 years of age (average, 47.6 years) . Of them, 19 were treated by K-L approach combined with DTFO, including 17 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 44.7±11.7 years. The other 21 controls were treated simply through the K-L approach, including 17 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 42.8±14.4 years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of intraoperative results, postoperative outcomes and surgical complications like infection, sciatic nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, femoral avascular necrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Results The 40 cases were followed up for an average of 29.7 months (range, from 18 to 59 months) . The operation time for the DTFO group (248.2±123.2 min) was significantly shorter than that for the control group (276.1±50.6 min) , the satisfactory reduction rate for the DTFO group (100.0%) was significantly higher than that for the control group (90.5%) , the hip intorsion (19.7°±3.5°) , hip extorsion (26.1°±4.3°) , and hip abduction (40.5°±4.7°) at one year postoperation in the DTFO group were significantly superior to those in the control group (14.3°±6.0°, 21.0°±7.2°, 31.9°±10.8°, respectively) , and the hospital stay for the for the DTFO group (19.0±7.1 d) was significantly longer than that for the control group (13.6±4.9 d) (P 0.05) . Infection or iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury occurred in none of the patients. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of positive Trendelenburg test, hip function, heterotopic ossification, femoral avascular necrosis, or post-traumatic arthritis at the last follow-ups (P>0.05). Conclusions In the surgical treatment of complex acetabular fractures, especially those involving the acetabular dome area and the femoral head, K-L approach combined with DTFO can obtain larger surgical exposure field, good fracture reduction and functional recovery, without obviously increasing surgical complications. This technique only slightly increases intraoperative bleeding and transfusion, and results in longer hospital stay. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Osteotomy; Postoperative complications

Solitary Amyloidoma Related to THA

Amyloidoma of soft tissues is rare, and no previously published reports describe it in relation to hip prostheses. This article presents the case of a 78-year-old woman with a medical history of myelodysplasia and mild renal failure who underwent a right-sided metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty in 2003. She presented to the outpatient clinic with a 1-year history of right anterior thigh pain. On examination, a large proximal anteromedial lump was palpable and was nontender, nonpulsatile, and firm. She had a positive Trendelenburg test but good hip range of motion. Plain radiographs showed signs of osteolysis around the hip prosthesis. Serology showed mildly raised liver function and renal function but a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell count. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large mixed-signal soft tissue mass directly opposing the anterior cortex of the right femur, related to the hip prosthesis, measuring 16×10×7 cm. Associated destruction of the underlying cortex existed. Histological staining of a biopsy of the mass confirmed that the mass contained AL-type amyloid seen in primary amyloidosis. Mean patient age at diagnosis for amyloid tumors of soft tissues is 66 years. By definition, they start as solitary lesions. The types are important: AA type is related to infection and AL type is a primary process. Patients with AL amyloidomas have a poorer prognosis because they have a higher chance of malignancies. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term serious consequences of this condition.

Does Trochanteric Transfer Eliminate the Trendelenburg Sign in Adults?

Premature closure of the proximal femoral growth plate results in coxa brevis, which usually is associated with insufficiency of the hip abductors. Distal and lateral transfer of the greater trochanter sometimes is recommended to correct this problem. Most of what is known arises from studies of children and adolescents. We asked whether this procedure in adults with coxa brevis would eliminate hip abductor insufficiency and would improve their hip function based on the Harris hip score (HHS). We prospectively followed 11 patients, aged 19 to 55 years (mean, 40 years) who had distal and lateral trochanteric transfer. All patients had pain and a positive Trendelenburg test before surgery. This test was performed at the latest followup by three observers and the interobserver reliability was determined by the kappa coefficient. The HHS was obtained before surgery and at the latest followup. The minimum followup was 25 months (mean, 52 months; range, 25-77 months). Insufficiency of the hip abductors was eliminated in seven (according to two observers) and eight (according to one observer) of the 11 patients after surgery; the kappa coefficient ranged from 0.79 to 1.0. The mean HHS improved from 64 points preoperatively to 76 points at the final followup. The two patients with preexisting severe osteoarthritis of the hip had the worst final scores and persisted with a positive Trendelenburg test at the final followup. Distal and lateral transfer of the greater trochanter can eliminate insufficiency of the hip abductors and improve joint function in adult patients with coxa brevis and we believe should be considered for patients without severe osteoarthritis of the hip. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Relationship Between Hip-Abductor Strength and the Magnitude of Pelvic Drop in Patients With Low Back Pain

It has been theorized that a positive Trendelenburg test (TT) indicates weakness of the stance hip-abductor (HABD) musculature, results in contralateral pelvic drop, and represents impaired load transfer, which may contribute to low back pain. Few studies have tested whether weakness of the HABDs is directly related to the magnitude of pelvic drop (MPD). To examine the relationship between HABD strength and MPD during the static TT and during walking for patients with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) and healthy controls (CON). A secondary purpose was to examine this relationship in NSLBP after a 3-wk HABD-strengthening program. Quasi-experimental. Clinical research laboratory. 20 (10 NSLBP and 10 CON). HABD strengthening. Normalized HABD strength, MPD during TT, and maximal pelvic frontal-plane excursion during walking. At baseline, the NSLBP subjects were significantly weaker (31%; P = .03) than CON. No differences in maximal pelvic frontal-plane excursion (P = .72), right MPD (P = 1.00), or left MPD (P = .40) were measured between groups. During the static TT, nonsignificant correlations were found between left HABD strength and right MPD for NSLBP (r = -.32, P = .36) and CON (r = -.24, P = .48) and between right HABD strength and left MPD for NSLBP (r = -.24, P = .50) and CON (r = -.41, P = .22). Nonsignificant correlations were found between HABD strength and maximal pelvic frontal-plane excursion for NSLBP (r = -.04, P = .90) and CON (r = -.14, P = .68). After strengthening, NSLBP demonstrated significant increases in HABD strength (12%; P = .02), 48% reduction in pain, and no differences in MPD during static TT and maximal pelvic frontal-plane excursion compared with baseline. HABD strength was poorly correlated to MPD during the static TT and during walking in CON and NSLBP. The results suggest that HABD strength may not be the only contributing factor in controlling pelvic stability, and the static TT has limited use as a measure of HABD function.

Femoral Shortening in Total Hip Arthroplasty for High Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

When reconstructing a hip with developmental dysplasia with a high dislocation, placing the acetabular component in the anatomic position can result in a prosthetic hip that is difficult to reduce. Subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy and shortening makes reduction easier but can be associated with complications (eg, limp, sciatic nerve injury, nonunion of the osteotomy) or compromise long-term stem survival. We therefore evaluated (1) the short-term complication rate, (2) functional scores, and (3) survivorship of prostheses in patients with high developmental dysplasia of the hip reconstructed with femoral shortening. We prospectively followed 46 patients (65 hips) operated on from 1990 to 2000. There were 34 females and 12 males with a mean age of 48 years (range, 16-79 years). Before surgery, all patients had a positive Trendelenburg test. The minimum followup was 8 years (mean, 13 years; range, 8-18 years). One patient experienced recurrent dislocation and two peroneal nerve palsies, one of which partially recovered and one of which was permanent. In one patient, the stem subsided and after 8 months was replaced by a larger stem that stabilized. One patient had a nonunion but was functioning well and did not have additional surgery. At followup, 12 of the 65 hips (18%) had a positive Trendelenburg test. The mean muscle strength of the abductors was 4 (range, 3-5). The mean Harris hip score was 87 (range, 59-100) and the mean visual analog scale pain score 81 (range, 35-100). At followup, all stems were well fixed with no obvious signs of radiographic loosening. Ten cups were revised because of aseptic loosening. Our data suggest femoral osteotomy and shortening at the subtrochanteric level predictably allows a stable reduction in patients with high developmental dysplasia of the hip and does not lead to any reduction in long-term survival. Level II, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest as a possible consequence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report

Abstract Coxa vara is an abnormality of the proximal femur with a decreased neck-shaft angle and resulting leg-length discrepancy, has been associated with conditions such as congenital coxa vara, traumatic injury, sepsis, rickets, vascular damage, or metabolic disorders; however its possible relationship with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recently reported. A full term girl was born with a total infradiaphragmatic anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, at the age of 12 days, an anastomosis of the pulmonary venous trunk with the left auricle and closure of the auricular septal defect was performed; during this procedure extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used during 104 minutes, no neonatal sepsis was developed. She had no orthopedic issues until she was 3 years and 10 months old, when she presented with limp related to the right lower limb, with no pain. She had a leg-length discrepancy of 2 cm (right - left), limited right hip abduction to 25°, and internal rotation to 5°, also had a positive Trendelenburg test. No flexion/extension abnormalities. Anteroposterior radiographs and magnetic resonance revealed coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest. A valgus osteotomy with greater trochanteric epiphysiodesis was performed. At the eight month follow-up, she had no hip pain, better hip range of motion, no difficulties with recreational activities and the osteotomy healed. Another four similar cases had been reported with similar outcome, we think that it will be recommendable to take images in patients with this background and limb leg-length discrepancy or abnormal range of motion.

Coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest as a possible consequence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report

Coxa vara is an abnormality of the proximal femur with a decreased neck-shaft angle and resulting leg-length discrepancy, has been associated with conditions such as congenital coxa vara, traumatic injury, sepsis, rickets, vascular damage, or metabolic disorders; however its possible relationship with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recently reported.A full term girl was born with a total infradiaphragmatic anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, at the age of 12 days, an anastomosis of the pulmonary venous trunk with the left auricle and closure of the auricular septal defect was performed; during this procedure extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used during 104 minutes, no neonatal sepsis was developed. She had no orthopedic issues until she was 3 years and 10 months old, when she presented with limp related to the right lower limb, with no pain. She had a leg-length discrepancy of 2 cm (right - left), limited right hip abduction to 25°, and internal rotation to 5°, also had a positive Trendelenburg test. No flexion/extension abnormalities. Anteroposterior radiographs and magnetic resonance revealed coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest. A valgus osteotomy with greater trochanteric epiphysiodesis was performed. At the eight month follow-up, she had no hip pain, better hip range of motion, no difficulties with recreational activities and the osteotomy healed.Another four similar cases had been reported with similar outcome, we think that it will be recommendable to take images in patients with this background and limb leg-length discrepancy or abnormal range of motion.

Trendelenburg Position: A Tool to Screen for the Presence of a Low CSF Pressure Syndrome in Daily Headache Patients

To test the hypothesis that the Trendelenburg position is an accurate screening investigation for the presence of a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure syndrome in patients with daily headache. The Trendelenburg position causes a rapid increase in intracranial CSF pressure. In a patient with a known CSF leak who overtime had less improvement in the supine position, being placed in Trendelenburg rapidly alleviated her daily headache. This suggested that the Trendelenburg position might be a good screening tool for low CSF pressure syndromes. Case reports. All patients were placed in the Trendelenburg position (10 degrees -20 degrees head-down tilt) for 5 minutes. A patient was considered to have a positive Trendelenburg test if they experienced complete pain freedom or substantial improvement in baseline head pain in the Trendelenburg position. Case patients are presented for 3 clinical scenarios: Scenario 1: Daily headache with or without a positional component with a positive response to the Trendelenburg position and subsequent evidence of an underlying low CSF pressure syndrome. Scenario 2: Daily headache with a strong positional component but no improvement in the Trendelenburg position and a negative evaluation for a low CSF pressure syndrome. Scenario 3: Trendelenburg position proves the existence of a post-lumbar puncture headache in patients with near-daily headaches. The Trendelenburg position appears potentially useful as a clinical tool to screen for the presence of a low CSF pressure syndrome in patients with daily headache.

Damage to the Superior Gluteal Nerve after Direct Lateral Approach to the Hip

The superior gluteal nerve may be damaged during total hip arthroplasty. We prospectively studied 40 patients who had total hip arthroplasties using the Hardinge direct lateral approach to the hip to determine any correlation between superior gluteal nerve damage and abductor function. We used the Trendelenburg test to clinically evaluate abductor function preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. We evaluated superior gluteal nerve function by electromyography preoperatively and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks until its normalization over a maximum of 24 weeks postoperatively. The Trendelenburg test was positive in 20 patients (50%) preoperatively and in 10 patients (25%) 1 year postoperatively. Seventeen patients (42.5%) had damage to the superior gluteal nerve visible on the first electromyographic evaluation performed 4 weeks postoperatively; three (7.5%) of these patients showed changes when reevaluated 6 months postoperatively; only one of the three patients had a positive Trendelenburg test 1 year postoperatively. Nine of the 37 patients with normal electromyography results had positive Trendelenburg tests. Our results suggest there are frequent electromyographic signs of damage to the superior gluteal nerve using the direct lateral approach to the hip. However, the damage tends to improve spontaneously and does not seem to cause clinically apparent abductor insufficiency.

Avaliação da função e qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos a artroplastia de ressecção tipo Girdlestone

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a função e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes pós-artroplastia de Girdlestone e comparar os resultados entre os grupos Girdlestone unilateral e o grupo com prótese total de quadril contralateral. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal no qual foram avaliados 9 pacientes com Girdlestone unilateral e 3 com Girdlestone em um quadril e prótese total no quadril contralateral. A avaliação constitui-se em aplicar o questionário genérico de qualidade de vida SF-36 e um questionário funcional específico para o quadril, Harris Hip Score (HHS). A comparação dos grupos foi realizada usando-se o teste t- Student e o teste de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do grupo Girdlestone unilateral apresentaram maior quantidade de domínios do SF-36 classificados como elevados, embora 77,8% destes tenham obtido resultados ruins no HHS. Todos os pacientes apresentaram o teste de Trendelenburg positivo e discrepância de membros, o que levou à marcha claudicante em 11 dos 12 pacientes avaliados. Destes, apenas 6 submeteram-se a fisioterapia pós-operatória. CONCLUSÃO: A qualidade de vida e a função pós-operatória de Girdlestone, na população brasileira, ainda necessita ser mais pesquisada, pois estes resultados são indicações do comportamento das variáveis de estudo e não podem ser consideradas encerradas.

Damage to the superior gluteal nerve after the Hardinge approach to the hip.

We studied prospectively 81 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery using the Hardinge (1982) approach. The abductor muscles of the hip in these patients were assessed electrophysiologically and clinically by the modified Trendelenburg test. Power was measured using a force plate. We performed assessment at two weeks, and at three and nine months after operation. At two weeks we found that 19 patients (23%) showed evidence of damage to the superior gluteal nerve. By three months, five of these had recovered. The nine patients with complete denervation at three months showed no signs of recovery when reassessed at nine months. Persistent damage to the nerve was associated with a positive Trendelenburg test.

DAMAGE TO THE SUPERIOR GLUTEAL NERVE AFTER THE HARDINGE APPROACH TO THE HIP

We studied prospectively 81 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery using the Hardinge (1982) approach. The abductor muscles of the hip in these patients were assessed electrophysiologically and clinically by the modified Trendelenburg test. Power was measured using a force plate. We performed assessment at two weeks, and at three and nine months after operation. At two weeks we found that 19 patients (23%) showed evidence of damage to the superior gluteal nerve. By three months, five of these had recovered. The nine patients with complete denervation at three months showed no signs of recovery when reassessed at nine months. Persistent damage to the nerve was associated with a positive Trendelenburg test.

The direct lateral approach to the hip.

A direct lateral approach to the hip is described which allows adequate access for orientation of the implant, for the insertion ofthe cement and for the correction ofdiscrepancy in leg length. An anatomical observation was made that the gluteus medius muscle is inserted into the greater trochanter by a tendon and that the axis of the shaft of the femur lies anterior to the main bulk of the muscle which was left