Soft Tissue Scarring Research Articles

Total knee arthroplasty after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a narrative review.

Knee replacement following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be demanding due to altered anatomy, soft tissue scars, bone loss, extensor mechanism complications, and knee instability. This narrative review summarizes the strategies and approaches to managing operative challenges in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following ACL reconstruction. Studies reporting outcomes of patients who underwent TKA after ACL reconstruction were retrieved and assessed to be included in this review that synthesizes the available evidence highlighting the pitfalls encountered during surgery, the intraoperative challenges posed by ligament balancing and exposure, and the leading role of modular and retained implants. TKA following ACL reconstruction has a high rate of intra-operative complications such as instability, bone loss, difficult exposure and demanding soft tissue balancing, representing a revision surgery rather than routine primary knee arthroplasty and a revision-oriented skill set and modular components are recommended to significantly optimize both surgical strategy and patient outcomes. With a rising incidence of ACL injuries and growing reconstructions, anticipating an increase in TKA procedures, this review aims to provide a call for rethinking clinical approaches to ensure effective and patient-centric care. This narrative review seems to indicate that TKA after ACL reconstruction should be considered as revision surgery and modular components should be used. However, future prospective and high-quality studies are required to better clarify risk factors and give strong recommendations for this complex surgery.

VASCULARIZED LYMPH NODE TRANSFER FOR TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: INDICATIONS, DONOR SITES AND COMPLICATIONS

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is as a burden for patients treated for breast cancer. Despite its main ma­nagement being focused on conservative methods, mode­rate or severe cases may be resistant and require surgical treatment. One of the commonly used techniques is vas­cularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) which allows the relocation of normal lymph nodes to the affected limb to ensure proper lymph flow, thus relieving lymphedema. The donor site is chosen based on the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema and scarring. Despite the inguinal region has a great risk for donor site lymphedema, it is the most common donor site due to its well-hidden scar, defined anatomy, abundant lymph nodes and soft tissue. Other following donors sites by frequency are axillary-thoracic, supraclavicular, omental, and submental. Complications that often follow VLNT are donor site lymphedema, soft tissue infection, scarring, hematoma, and nerve injury.

Reconstruction Management for Neglected Tripod Fracture with Ophthalmic Injuries: A Case report

Introduction : Tripod fracture or zygomatico-maxillary complex fracture are among the most common injuries to facial structures, which can make reconstruction more difficult. This case highlights the reconstruction of neglected tripod fracture.
 Case Illustration : A 17-year-old male was presented with enophthalmos in his right eye. He had an accident three months prior and had received head surgery. After that, the patient came back with a pan-facial fracture. VA on RE was 1/300, limited movement upwards, 4 mm lagophthalmos, negative Bell’s phenomenon, infiltrates and cicatrices on the cornea. CT-scan examination showed tripod fractures. The surgery was performed by the reconstruction division with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Nineteen days after surgery, there has been some improvement in the orbital misalignment.
 Discussion : Delayed intervention in this case, increased the difficulty of surgical treatment and could lower the success rate of surgery. If the indication is obvious, an immediate intervention will give better results because soft tissue scarring is minimized and fractures are easily reduced. During the procedure, we released the orbital muscle entrapment and repaired the deviated bone and callus with an osteotome to achieve mobility. Therefore, the tripod fracture was fixed with three-point fixation, followed by reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible. The result after surgery showed some improvements in aesthetics but not in vision.
 Conclusion : Orbital reconstruction with mini-plate implants in three-point fixation as the management of orbital fractures is effective, but its accuracy is difficult to assess during surgery, especially when coupled with delayed intervention cases. Early reconstruction is recommended for a better cosmetic result.

The method of medical anisotropy in the diagnosis of the pathological process of scarring of soft tissues after inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region

The presented article is devoted to the diagnostic method of anisotropy in assessing the formation of the type of pathological scar in patients after surgical treatment of acute inflammatory diseases.
 Pathological scar deformities in a significant area cause changes in aesthetics, lead to anxiety and depressive states, and sometimes cause severe functional disorders

Outcomes of radiocarpal pinning to facilitate nerve repair in wrist level ulnar nerve injuries with defect.

The ideal scenario for ulnar nerve repair is primary end-to-end neurorrhaphy in a tension-free environment. However, this could be complicated by soft tissue loss, scarring and neuroma formation in a delayed injury, creating a nerve defect. With a wrist level nerve defect, a flexion position can help shorten the nerve gap. However, maintaining the position can be challenging intraoperatively and postoperatively. We proposed our method previously of using a 1.6mm K wire for radio-lunate-capitate pinning of the wrist in flexion to minimize the nerve gap, thereby facilitating neuroma excision and end-to-end neurorrhaphy in delayed ulnar nerve injury. In this study, we elaborate our method and present our case series. From October 2018 to July 2020, 5 patients (mean age: 48.2 years; mean delay from injury to surgery: 84.6 days; mean follow-up: 17.5 months) were retrospectively reviewed. The mean flexion fixation angle was 52 degrees and the K wire was removed at an average of 5.1 weeks postoperatively. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. All patients achieved M4 and S3 or S3+ neurologically (according to the criteria of the Nerve Injuries Committee of the British Medical Research Council). The mean Disabilities Arm Hand and Shoulder score was 14.1. The mean grasp and pinch strengths were, respectively, 76.8% and 63.6% of the contralateral hand. All wrist range-of-motion returned to normal within 12 weeks. No complications were noted intraoperatively or postoperatively. Our study showed that radiocarpal pinning of the wrist in flexion was safe and convenient to minimize the nerve gap and to facilitate end-to-end neurorrhaphy in limited-sized wrist-level ulnar nerve defects.

Arthroscopic management of large subchondral talar cyst: a novel treatment strategy

Subchondroplasty is a novel and minimally invasive technique used to treat large subchondral talar cysts. It avoids soft tissue scarring, the need for osteotomies, bone grafting and its associated complications as seen with conventional approaches. Subchondroplasty involves arthroscopically approaching the cyst and injecting it with calcium phosphate paste injection, which undergoes an endothermic process and crystallizes in a manner that resembles cancellous bone to fill the defect. This case series presents two patients who underwent subchondroplasty: a 44-year-old female nurse with atraumatic right ankle pain of 2years with a CT scan revealing a large subchondral cyst over the medial talar dome and a 55-year-old male chemical plant worker with left ankle pain following a biking accident 6years ago whose CT scan too showed a large subchondral cyst in the medial talus. Both tolerated the surgery well, with significant reductions noted in MOXFQ scores at the 1-year follow-up.

A novel 3D-printed laryngoscope with integrated working channels for laryngeal surgery.

For the surgical treatment of early-stage laryngeal cancer, the use of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) has emerged as the gold standard. However, this procedure requires a straight line of sight to the operating field. Therefore, the patient's neck needs to be brought into a hyperextended position. In a considerable number of patients, this is not possible due to anomalies in the cervical spine anatomy or soft tissue scarring, e.g., after radiation. In these cases, adequate visualization of relevant laryngeal structures cannot be ensured using a conventional rigid operating laryngoscope, which may negatively affect the outcome of these patients. We present a system based on a 3D-printed prototype of a curved laryngoscope with three integrated working channels (sMAC). The curved profile of the sMAC-laryngoscope is specifically adapted to the nonlinear anatomy of the upper airway structures. The central working channel provides access for flexible video endoscope imaging of the operating field while the two remaining channels provide access for flexible instrumentation. In a user study (n = 11), visualization and reachability of relevant laryngeal landmarks as well as the feasibility of basic surgical procedures with the proposed system were examined in a patient simulator. In a second setup, the system was evaluated for its applicability in a human body donor. All participants of the user study were able to visualize, reach and manipulate the relevant laryngeal landmarks. Reaching those took significantly less time in the second attempt compared to the first one (27.5 s ± 5.2 s vs. 39.7 s ± 16.5 s, p = 0.008) indicating a significant learning curve for handling the system. Instrument changes were performed quickly and reliably by all participants (10.9 s ± 1.7 s). All participants were able to bring the bimanual instruments into position for a vocal fold incision. Relevant laryngeal landmarks could be visualized and reached in the human body donor setup. Possibly, the proposed system may develop into an alternative treatment option for patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer and restricted mobility of the cervical spine in the future. Further improvements of the system could include finer end effectors and a flexible instrument with a laser cutting tool.

194. The use of Modified patient-specific implant design for treatment of delayed zygomaticomaxillary and orbital floor fracture – A case report and literature review

The repair of delayed zygomaticomaxillary and orbital floor fractures are surgically challenging due to bony malunion, loss of normal anatomical landmarks and tethered scar tissue. Functional disturbances occur not only due to soft tissue entrapment and scar related tethering but alteration in bony volume and position resulting in hypoglobus and enophthalmos. The use of patient-specific implants (PSI) has been gaining popularity to improve the accuracy of orbital reconstruction. We present a modification in our ORBITAL PSI design to avoid extensive zygomatic osteotomies while still accurately reconstructing the orbit.

Arthroscopic Management of Kienböck Disease

Wrist arthroscopy represents the most recent development in the diagnosis and treatment of Kienböck disease. Through direct visualization of lunate and adjacent carpal articulations, a more accurate diagnosis can be obtained and, ultimately, a more precise treatment decision. Treatments that are based on bypassing, fusing, or excising "nonfunctional" articulations can be done with less morbidity than traditional open techniques by using arthroscopy. Given the minimal capsular and soft tissue scarring, this potentially improves early pain and functional recovery. Although technically demanding, long-term outcomes studies have shown that the benefits of an arthroscopic approach may be worth the learning curve.

Application of Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethyl-Methacrylate Bone Cement for the Treatment of Infected Cranioplasties: Initial Experience.

Management of infected cranioplasty implants remains a surgical challenge. Surgical debridement, removal of the infected implant, and prolonged antibiotic therapy are part of the acute management. In addition, cranioplasty removal poses the risk of dural tear. Reconstruction of the cranial defect is usually delayed for several months to years, increasing the difficulty due to soft tissue contraction and scarring. The aim of the study was to propose an alternative to delayed reconstruction in the face of infection with a dual purpose: treat the infection with a material which delivers antibiotic to the area (polymethyl-methacrylate antibiotic) and which functions as a temporary or permanent cranioplasty. We reviewed the records of 3 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage polymethyl-methacrylate antibiotic salvage cranioplasty. All patients underwent debridement of infected tissue. Titanium mesh was placed over the bony defect. Polymethyl methacrylate impregnated with vancomycin and tobramycin was then spread over the plate and defect before closure. Patients also received extended treatment with systemic antimicrobials. Early outcomes have been encouraging for both cosmesis and treatment of infection. Benefits of this treatment strategy include immediate reconstruction rather than staged procedures and delivery of high concentrations of antibiotics directly to the affected area in addition to systemic antibiotics.

Patella baja after intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures, using an infrapatellar/transtendinous approach, predicts worse patient reported outcome

PurposeAfter intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures using an infrapatellar/transtendinous approach, several patients suffer anterior knee pain. We suspect that the approach is associated with soft tissue scars and the development of a postoperative patella baja. The goal of the study is to investigate whether the development of patella baja is associated with worse subjective outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients in our orthopedic trauma department between 2011 and 2020 who underwent tibial fracture fixation via intramedullary nailing via an infrapatellar/transtendinous approach. Pre- and postoperative lateral knee x-rays were evaluated by measurement of the Insall-Salvati Index, and nail tip position. All patients were asked to answer the self-assessment Kujala questionnaire and Lysholm questionnaire.ResultsWe included 78 patients (age: 44 ± 18 years) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Mean follow up was 59 ± 25 months. We included 50 male and 28 female patients. Patella baja detected by Insall-Salvati Index could be observed in 8 (10.3%) patients. Patients with patella baja showed significant worse function measured by the Kujala score 54 ± 18 vs. 80 ± 14 (p < 0.01). Likewise, Lysholm score did show significant differences between both groups (60 ± 24 vs. 86 ± 11; p < 0.01). Nail tip position was not associated with worse subjective function.ConclusionsPatella baja in patients after tibial intramedullary nailing via an infrapatellar/transtendinous approach, is associated with worse subjective function and increased pain.

Graft Materials and Canine Vertical Position Associated with Alveolar Bone Graft Outcomes Assessed by 3D Cone Beam CT

The introduction of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) into the alveolar bone grafting protocol now allows surgeons to look at pre- and postoperative bony structures to determine surgical success. Until recently, pre- and postoperative assessment have been determined by 2-dimensional (2D) periapical and panoramic radiographs. CBCTs can now be used to volumetrically assess defects. Yet to date, no scale has been standardized to classify alveolar bone grafting levels postoperatively to determine the success of the procedure. This study aims to analyze pre- and postoperative cone bean CBCT scans to determine if variables such as cleft size, canine position, and bone grafting material can help predict surgical outcomes. A total of 79 patients (average 10.4 years) with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate had been treated with ABG and bone morphogenetic protein-2 with demineralized bone matrix (BMP2/DBM) versus iliac crest bone (ICB) were compared. Preoperative CBCT scans (n = 27) were available to determine the cleft width. The postoperative CBCT was analyzed by the Bergland scale score. A novel method for categorizing canine eruption separated post-graft patients into 5 groups. The cleft width might be correlated with bone graft outcomes, but limited to the sample size, with no statistical significance (n = 27, R2 = 0.378, P > .05). In total, 21 (26.6%) patients have supernumerary or impacted teeth in the cleft, but not related to bone graft outcomes. There is no statistical difference between the 4 surgeons’ cleft repair. The 2D modalities traditionally used to interpret SABG results possess inherent limitations of structure overlapping and distortion of the relationship of anatomy. Since the advent of the CBCT, 3D volumetric analysis has largely accounted for these errors. Yet to date, no scale standardized to the CBCT has been developed to assess SABG results.The authors' results suggest that graft outcomes correlate with pre-graft canine positions. An unerupted, high permanent canine vertical position will yield poor results, likely due to previously documented growth-inhibiting scarring of soft tissue, and the ideal timing of SABG may be when two-thirds of the canine crown is located below the palatal plane with the adjacent premolars not fully erupted. This may be due to the optimal timing for the canine to complete its eruption into the grafting site to influence the maintenance of the graft and periodontal support of the adjacent teeth. In a patient with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, iliac crest bone graft tended to have better graft outcomes than BMP2/DBM in this sample. This may be attributed to BMP2/DBM's osteoconductive properties vs. ICB's osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. There was no evidence that cleft width correlates with the grafting outcome. However, results were limited to sample size.

TIBIAL BONE NONUNION PLASTIC WITH THE USE OF MONOLOCAL OSTEOSYNTHESIS BY RING FIXATORS

Abstract. Actuality. Monolocal extrafocal osteosynthesis by ring fixators (RF) of tibial nonunion is not a generally accepted method, there are no systematic guidelines for its implementation. These issues need to be further studied. Task. Formulate situational predominant properties of RF; features of application in different condi-tions. To offer a method of nonunion plastics and features of monolocal osteosynthesis of RF and to study its efficiency. Materials and methods. The data of treatment of 16 patients with aseptic nonunion of tibia, who required complex comprehensive specialized medical care with a possible positive result (scores from 51 to 75 according to the evaluation system Non-Union Scoring System - NUSS). Implementation of monolocal extrafocal osteosynthesis of RF nonunion of shin bones after fractures was performed by us taking into account the features that distinguished it from that by fractures. The principal requirement of surgical intervention was the need to treat the center of nonunion, local stimulation of repara-tive processes. The technical features of all components of the intervention in the future were of great im-portance. The so-called blood-saving tactics were used, which were carried out using squeezing and hemostatic tourniquets, tranexamic acid. The results obtained. The results of treatment of victims with nonunion of the tibia with the use of RF in monolocal mode were as follows. Taking in consideration the severity of the lesion, we consider this result to be good. Given the insufficient number of observations, it is necessary to continue the use of the proposed method of treatment and to investigate its effectiveness. Conclusions. 1. The use of monolocal RF in patients with nonunion of tibia after fractures has the advantage of use in cases with episodes of septic inflammation in the past, extensive scarring of soft tissues, short distal fragment and osteoporosis. 2. The peculiarities of monolocal osteosynthesis of RF were the use of thick Ilizarov needles Ø 2.0 mm with their conduction at an angle of two planes. The obtained results of treatment of victims with nonunion of the tibia with the use of RF in the monolocal mode should be considered encouraging.

Complex nasal reconstruction for skin cancer and posttraumatic deformity using a modified frontonasal flap - Case report.

Introduction and importanceReconstruction of the nasal tip is challenging, especially when large defects are associated with compromised nasal soft tissues and framework. The frontonasal flap is an axial-pattern myocutaneous flap from the glabella and nasal dorsum that allows for various modifications in flap design to cover medium sized defects of the nasal tip.Case presentationA 66-year-old male patient presented with a large and ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal tip that was associated with substantial posttraumatic damage of the nasal soft tissue envelope and cartilaginous vault of the dorsum. Considering patient comorbidity, risk factors, and specific nasal condition, a single-stage tumor resection and reconstruction using a modified frontonasal flap was intended. While tumor excision resulting in a tip defect of 1.5 × 1.5 cm and flap coverage were initially achieved in a single stage, histologically incomplete tumor resection and individual patient requests mandated further surgery, including re-excision, cartilage grafting, and soft tissue contouring.Clinical discussionThe frontonasal flap allows for single-stage reconstruction of moderate size tip defects. Even in the case of prior soft tissue damage and scarring, the flap may be used safely pending individual adjustments in flap design. However, additional measures may be employed as needed to optimize the functional and aesthetic outcome in cases of complex nasal pathology.ConclusionIn a case with a combined tumor and posttraumatic nasal deformity, an individualized surgical concept incorporating a modified frontonasal flap with adjunct cartilage grafting and soft tissue contouring achieved an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.

Sonoelastography in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Values Compared With the Normative Population.

Sonoelastography (SEL) is widely used for assessing tissue stiffness and pathophysiology. It has also been used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the current criteria to diagnose CTS in SEL are diverse. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and assess the diagnostic value of SEL for CTS. A literature review was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library for primary research articles using the keywords sonoelastography and carpal tunnel syndrome. Data related to diagnostic and cutoff value were extracted. Bias assessment was performed. A total of 121 publications were reviewed. Nineteen primary case series met the inclusion criteria and were selected for full analysis. Different diagnostic approaches were identified, with units/expressions including kilopascals, conduct velocity, and strain ratio. The kilopascals and conduct velocity were measured using shear wave elastography, whereas strain ratio was calculated by relative compression quantification. A mean shear modulus cutoff value from 38.25 to 86 kPa and an acoustic radiation force impulse cutoff value of 3.0 to 3.23 m/s were used to diagnose CTS. Eight articles reported strain ratio between the median nerve and nearby tissues with diverse results due to different reference points. The other 3 additional diagnostic values were reported. Sonoelastography is a useful noninvasive and promising modality to diagnose CTS. It may reflect both the condition of soft tissue scarring and quantitative values for CTS and median nerve stiffness. A diversity of examination values was found in different modalities. A high level of evidence was absent.

Benefícios da aplicação do bioestimulador de colágeno (ácido poli-l-lático) em face e pescoço – relato de caso

Biostimulators are products that aim to correct the loss of soft tissue, depressed and atrophied scars, asymmetries arising from systemic or local disease. Poly-L-lactic acid is a substance that has as one of its purposes the stimulation of collagen production, to improve the skin texture of the region where the product is applied, providing rejuvenation, and restoring the facial contour. This present case report aims to describe the performance and benefits of using PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid). It is one of the pre-packaged injectable fillers approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, being a biocompatible and biodegradable product. The result was extremely satisfactory from a professional and patient point of view, obtaining improved skin elasticity and support.

Dermatologic sequelae of breast cancer: From disease, surgery, and radiation

The care of breast cancer patients is important to dermatologists. Breast cancer's initial presentation, clinical progression, and its associated treatments can result in a variety of cutaneous complications. Dermatologists may be the first to identify a breast cancer diagnosis, as a subset of patients first present with direct extension of an underlying tumor or with a cutaneous metastasis. The surgical treatment of breast cancer also begets a variety of skin sequelae, including postoperative lymphedema, soft tissue infections, seromas, pyoderma gangrenosum, and scarring disorders. Moreover, breast cancer radiation treatment commonly results in skin changes, which can range from mild and temporary dermatoses to chronic and disfiguring skin ulceration, fibrosis, and necrosis. Radiation may also precipitate secondary malignancies, such as angiosarcoma, as well as rarer dermatologic diseases, such as radiation-induced morphea, lichen planus, and postirradiation pseudosclerodermatous panniculitis. Finally, breast cancer is also associated with an array of paraneoplastic phenomena, including Sweet's syndrome and the rarer intralymphatic histiocytosis. Herein, we review the dermatological manifestations of breast cancer, including conditions associated with its presentation, progression, and treatment sequelae. Chemotherapy-induced cutaneous side effects are beyond the scope of this review. This article provides a comprehensive review for dermatologist to be able to identify, diagnose, and manage breast cancer patients from initial presentation to treatment monitoring and subsequent follow-up.

Effect of Lateral Column Lengthening on Subtalar Motion in a Cadaveric Model.

Although lengthening of the lateral column through a calcaneal neck osteotomy is an integral component of flatfoot reconstruction in younger patients with flexible planovalgus deformities, concern exists as to the effect of this intra-articular osteotomy on subtalar motion. The purpose of this study was to quantify the alterations in subtalar motion following lateral column lengthening (LCL). The subtalar motion of 14 fresh-frozen cadaveric feet was assessed using a 3-dimensional motion capture system and materials testing system (MTS). Following potting of the tibia and calcaneus, optic markers were placed into the tibia, calcaneus, and talus. The MTS was used to apply a rotational force across the subtalar joint to a torque of 5 Nm. Abduction/adduction, supination/pronation, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion about the talus were recorded. Specimens then underwent LCL via a calcaneal neck osteotomy, which was maintained with a 12-mm porous titanium wedge. Repeat subtalar motion analysis was performed and compared to pre-LCL motion using a paired t test. No statistically significant differences in subtalar abduction/adduction (10.9 vs 11.8 degrees, P = .48), supination/pronation (3.5 vs 2.7 degrees, P = .31), or plantarflexion/dorsiflexion (1.6 vs 1.0 degrees, P = .10) were identified following LCL. No significant changes in subtalar motion were observed following lateral column lengthening in this biomechanical cadaveric study. Although these findings do not obviate concerns of clinical subtalar stiffness following lateral column lengthening for planovalgus deformity correction, they suggest that diminished postoperative subtalar motion, when it occurs, may be due to soft tissue scarring rather than alterations of joint anatomy.

Outcome of limb reconstruction system in tibial infected non-union and open tibial diaphysial fracture with bone loss

IntroductionIncidence of open fractures of the long bones is increasing due to the increase in road traffic accidents (RTA) which leads to an increased incidence of complex non-unions of long bones. Patients are usually operated many times for fracture fixation (and healing) or to eradicate infection, which causes soft tissue scarring and devitalization of any surviving bone. ObjectiveIn this study, we assess the outcome of the Limb reconstruction system in tibial infected non-union and open tibial diaphyseal fracture with bone loss. MethodIt is a prospective study conducted on 15 patients and patients included in this study having compound fractures of shaft tibia with bone loss classified by Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification. With the defect in the distal tibia, proximal corticotomy 1.5 cm distal to the last screw in the proximal clamp and proximal to distal transports were done and vice versa. All patients were evaluated with the ASAMI scoring system into bone results and functional results. ResultsIn the majority of patients, the injury was caused by road traffic accidents 80% of cases. Out of 15 cases, 2 belong to the upper 3rd, 9 cases belong to the middle 3rd and 4 cases belong to the lower 3rd of shaft tibia. The union time ranges from 4 to 11 months but the maximum union was achieved in 7–9 months in 8 (53.33%). Pin tract infection was reported in two (13.33%) patients who became better with regular dressing. Ankle stiffness was present in one case (6.67%), most probably due to improper physiotherapy.According to ASAMI Criteria excellent radiological results were present in 11 (73.33%) cases, good results were found in 4 (26.67) cases and excellent functional results were observed in 7 cases (46.67%) and good results were found in 8 (53.33%) cases. Infection was cured in all patients and did not recur till the last follow-up. ConclusionsAdvantages of rail fixator include less invasive surgery, early weight-bearing, less infection, less blood loss, prevention of diffuse osteoporosis and atrophy, preservation of limb function, no need for bone grafting, correction of deformity during the process of healing, thus no need for a second surgery. Non-union, bone defect, and deformity can be corrected simultaneously. Hence, we recommend the use of this system (rail fixator) especially for infected non-union of long bones and compound fractures with bone loss.

Analysis of treatment methods for children with bilateral complete cleft of the lip and palate in mixed bite

Relevance. According to the World Health Organization, it was found that cleft lip and palate cases ranges from 0.6 to 1.6 cases per 1000 newborns. According to the severity of the lesion, bilateral cleft lip and palate takes the first place, however, it occurs much less common – 15-25%.Purpose – to analyze methods of treatment in children with bilateral cleft lip and palate during the period of the mixed dentition.Materials and methods. An analysis of 51 sources Russian and foreign articles for the period from 1951 to 2019 was carried out. The features of the development of occlusion in children with bilateral cleft lip and palate during the period of a changeable occlusion, as well as methods of treating this pathology, are considered.Results. It was found that the main anatomical features of the maxillofacial region in children with bilateral cleft lip and palate during the period of a changeable bite are -narrowing of the upper and lower jaws, the presence of soft tissue scars. The main methods of treatment for such children are reconstructive surgery, including the closure of a hard palate defect using a mucoperiosteal flap cut out in the lateral part of the hard palate, as well as orthodontic treatment methods, the main purpose of which is to expand and extend the dentition using single jaw removable plate apparatuses, fixed plate apparatuses.Conclusions. Taking everything into account, surgical reconstructive operations, as well as complex orthodontic treatment, the main purpose of which is to expand and extend the upper and lower jaws, are the integral methods of treating such children. Orthodontic treatment should be aimed at eliminating myofunctional disorders with the helpof orthodontic trainers and elastopositioners. Conducting a comprehensive surgical and orthodontic treatment can reduce the rehabilitation time of children with bilateral cleft lip and palate.