Establishment and validation of standardized animal models of spinal cord injury by normal external force-caused fracture dislocation

The duplication of animal models plays a key role in spinal cord injury research; however, there has been limited study into normal, external force-derived fracture dislocation. This study adopted experimental devices, designed in-house, to construct standardized ventral and dorsal spinal cord injury animal models of 6 g and 17 g falling from a height of 2, 4, and 10 cm, and 15, 30 or 50 g transversal compression on the spinal cord. The results showed that gradual increases in the degree of histopathological injury led to decreased Tarlov and Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores for the behavioral test, and increased Ashworth scores for the hind limb. Furthermore, there was a gradual decline in the slope test in the rats with dorsal spinal cord injury that correlated to increases in the falling substance weight or falling height. Similar alterations were observed in the ventral spinal cord injured rats, proportional to the increase in compression weight. Our experimental findings indicate that the standardized experimental rat models of dorsal and ventral spinal cord injury are stable, reliable and reproducible.

THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF SPINAL FRACTURE-DISLOCATION WITHOUT NEUROLOGIC DEFICITS

To evaluate the results of operative treatment of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits. Methods.Eighteen patients with spinal fracture dislocation were neurologically intact at the time of injury, and all were treated operatively. The fracture sites were:8 cases in cervical spine, 3 cases in thoracic spine, and 7 cases in lumbar spine. Eight patients with cervical injuries had variant degrees of forward slide and kyphotic deformity. Of the 10 thoracic and lumbar fractures, one had lateral dislocation, 4 cases with kyphotic deformities, 5 cases with spinal canal compromise averaged 50% (ranging from 40% to 70%). Results.The average period of follow up was 4.4 years with a range of 11 months to 13 years. All the patients returned to full time work. No patient developed neurologic deterioration. Kyphotic deformity was corrected in the 4 cases, and no progressive kyphosis was noted. There was no operation related complication. The averaged post operative hospitalization time was 13 days. Conclusions. Despite the rare incidence of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits, we suggested that kind of fracture be considered unstable fracture because of its potential risk of delayed neurologic deterioration and kyphotic deformity, and be treated operatively to restore the sagittal alignment and the stability of the spine.

Characterization of Hydraulic Fracture with Inflated Dislocation Moving Within a Semi-infinite Medium

Hydraulic fracturing is accompanied by a change in pore fluid pressure. As a result,this may be conveniently represented as inflated dislocation moving within a semi-infinite medium. Theory is developed to describe the pore pressures that build up around an inflated volumetric dislocation migrating within a saturated porous-elastic semi-infinite medium as analog to hydraulic fracturing emplacement. The solution is capable of evaluating the system behavior of both constant fluid pressure and zero flux surface conditions through application of a superposition. Characterization of horizontal moving dislocation processes is conducted as an application of these techniques. Where the mechanical and hydraulic parameters are defined,a priori,type curve matching of responses may be used to evaluate emplacement location uniquely. Pore pressure response elicited at a dilation,subject to pressure control is of interest in representing hydraulic fracturing where leak-off is an important component. The effect of hydraulic fracturing on fracture fluid pressure is evaluated in a poroelastic hydraulic fracture model utilizing dislocation theory. A minimum set of dimensionless parameters are defined that describe the system. Pore fluid pressures recorded during hydraulic fracturing of a well in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California is examined using the proposed model. The estimated geometry of the hydraulic fracture is matched with reasonable fidelity with the measured data.

Safety and efficacy of surgical hip dislocation in managing femoral head fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Femoral head fractures(FHFs)are considered relatively uncommon injuries;however,open reduction and internal fixation is preferred for most displaced fractures.Several surgical approaches had been utilized with controversial results;surgical hip dislocation(SHD)is among these approaches,with the reputation of being demanding and leading to higher complication rates.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of SHD in managing FHFs by reviewing the results reported in the literature.METHODS Major databases including PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify studies reporting on outcomes of SHD utilized as an approach in treating FHFs.We extracted basic studies data,surgery-related data,functional outcomes,radiological outcomes,and postoperative complications.We calculated the mean differences for continuous data with 95%confidence intervals for each outcome and the odds ratio with 95%confidence intervals for binary outcomes.P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS Our search retrieved nine studies meeting our inclusion criteria,with a total of 129 FHFs.The results of our analysis revealed that the average operation time was 123.74 min,while the average blood loss was 491.89 mL.After an average followup of 38.4 mo,a satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved in 85%of patients,ranged from 30%to 86%,with avascular necrosis,heterotopic ossification,and osteoarthritis being the most common complications occurring at an incidence of 12%,25%,and 16%,respectively.Trochanteric flip osteotomy nonunion and trochanteric bursitis as a unique complication of SHD occurred at an incidence of 3.4%and 3.8%,respectively.CONCLUSION The integration of SHD approach for dealing with FHFs offered acceptable functional and radiological outcomes with a wide range of safety in regards to the hip joint vascularity and the development of avascular necrosis,the formation of heterotopic ossification,and the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis;however,it still carries its unique risk of trochanteric flip osteotomy nonunion and persistent lateral thigh pain.

Management of Subtalar Fractures-Dislocations at Ségou Hospital in Mali: A 7 Cases Series

Introduction: Subtalar or peritalian dislocation is rare;it represents 15% of peritalian injuries. The aim of this study was to describe the radioclinical and therapeutic characteristics and to assess the functional result. Patients and Methods: This study is about a continuous descriptive and prospective study over a period of 5 years. It has been conducted from March 2013 to February 2018 at the Ségou Hospital, a second referral hospital in Mali. The functional results were evaluated by the score of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results: Seven cases of subtalar dislocation fractures were diagnosed in six male patients with an average age of 38 years (36 to 47 years old). In five cases the etiology of the trauma was a motorcycle accident and a fall from height. The lesion was bilateral in one case. The average time to care was 3 hours (1 to 9 hours). There was one case of open dislocation fracture with talus enucleation. The dislocation was medial in 6 cases and lateral in one case. It was pure in three cases. The treatment was orthopedic in 2 cases and surgical in 5 cases. The post-operative complications were complicated by an infection of the operative site in one case. The average length of hospital stay was 4 days. The functional result was excellent in 2 cases;good in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor for 1 case. Conclusion: Subtalar dislocation is a rare and serious lesion of the posterior tarsus. The long-term prognosis depends on the earliness of treatment and the severity of the associated injuries.

Use of oral ketamine for analgesia during reduction/manipulation of fracture/dislocation in the Emergency Room: An initial experience in a low-resource setting

Background: The use of ketamine for relief of procedure-related pain is limited in our environment. Ketamine, a phencyclidine derivative commonly used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, is administered routinely via the intravenous and intramuscular routes. One of the concerns while using ketamine for analgesia via these two routes is that the drug may produce anaesthesia, rather than analgesia alone. Aims and Objectives: We sought to find out if ketamine given via the oral route could be used to provide analgesia during minor orthopaedic procedures in the emergency room. We also wanted to find out if there were side-effects peculiar to the oral route. Methods: A prospective observational pilot study in consecutive patientswith fractures/dislocation in our Emergency Room was recruited into the study. All patients gave informed consent. Reduction of fractures was done 15 minutes following the administration of ketamine 5 mg/kg orally. The patients were observed during and after the procedure and the findings entered into a proforma. The data obtained were analyzed using simple statistical methods and the results presented in a table. The findings are discussed. Results: There were 9 males and 2 females with an age range of 4 yrs to 48 yrs. Pain levels were assessed using verbal rating scales. Seven patients (64%) had severe pain before administration of ketamine while 2 patients (18%) each had mild and moderate pain respectively. Four patients had Colle’s fracture only and 1 patient had a Colle’s fracture with a supracondylar femoral fracture. Two patients had tibial fractures, one patient had a complete knee dislocation, while 2 others had ulnar/radial fractures. One other patient had humeral and tibial fractures. For up to 15 minutes after the procedures all but one patient were pain-free. Five (5) patients (45.5%) were noticed to have drowsiness, 3 patients (27%) were sedated while 2 patients (18%) had no side-effects at all. Five (5) patients (45.5%) reported excellent analgesia while 6 patients (64%) said the intra and post procedure analgesia was very good. Conclusions: Oral ketamine may be useful in providing analgesia for minor procedures in the emergency room. Ketamine when sweetened with a soda drink appears to be palatable with a rapid onset of action and few side effects. Thus ketamine given orally may be a cheaper and more accessible option for effective pain-relief in the emergency room. There is a need to conduct more studies on a larger number of patients.

Unusual capitate fracture with dorsal shearing pattern and concomitant carpometacarpal dislocation with a 6-year follow-up:A case report

BACKGROUND Isolated capitate fractures are rare carpal fractures.Following high-energy injuries,capitate fractures are usually associated with other carpal fractures or ligament injuries.The management of capitate fractures depends on the fracture pattern.Here,we report an unusual capitate fracture with a dorsal shearing pattern and concomitant carpometacarpal dislocation,with a 6-year follow-up.To the best of our knowledge,this fracture pattern and surgical management have not been previously reported.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old man presented with left-hand volar tenderness and decreased grip strength that persisted for one month after a traffic accident.Radiography showed a distal capitate fracture with carpometacarpal joint incongruence.Computed tomography(CT)revealed a distal capitate fracture with carpometacarpal joint dislocation.The distal fragment was rotated by 90°in the sagittal plane,and an oblique shearing fracture pattern was noted.Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)with a locking plate were performed using the dorsal approach.The imaging studies performed 3 mo and 6 years following surgery revealed a healed fracture,and the Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder,and Hand and visual analog scale scores were significantly improved.CONCLUSION CT can detect capitate fractures with dorsal shearing pattern and concomitant carpometacarpal dislocation.ORIF using a locking plate are possible.

Fracture-Dislocations of Lisfranc Joint in Lomé(Togo)

Introduction: The purpose of this prospective study was to describe the clinic pathological varieties of fracture-dislocations of Lisfranc joint and outcome of treatment. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 21 cases of fracture-dislocations of the Lisfranc joint treated in our orthopedics trauma unit from 2010 to 2013. We selected middle foot pure dislocations or associated with Lisfranc joint bone fractures. Classification of Myerson was used to characterize the lesions. The results assessment criteria were clinical and radiological for foot and Massari score. Results: Fourteen (14) patients were male. The average age was 34.7 years. Five (5) clinic pathological forms were met by relying on the classification of Myerson;4 cases of type A;5 cases of type B1;B2, 6 cases;4 cases of type C1 and 2 cases of type C2. There were eight cases of pure dislocation and 13 dislocations were associated with fractures (metatarsal in 11 patients, cuneiform in 5 patients, cuboid bone in 2 patients and enucleation fracture of the medial cuneiform in 2 patients). It was noted 10 cases of skin openings. Treatment consisted on open reduction in all patients and stabilization by pin complemented by a foot plaster for 6 weeks. Four (4) immediately arthrodeses were made. All patients were followed up 7 month to 4 years (mean, 30 month). According to the criteria of Massiri, treatment outcomes were excellent in 19% of cases, good in 28%, fair in 30% and poor in 23%. Conclusion: In our context, these lesions are often open and associated with fractures of Lisfranc joint skeleton and treated after a period more or less long and sometimes, we face lesions totally old. Immediately arthrodesis can be a lasting solution and should not be overlooked.

Radial Head Dislocation Associated with an Ipsilateral Open Type II Gustilo-Anderson Fracture of the Radial Shaft

Radial head dislocation associated with an ipsilateral radial shaft fracture is a rare lesion, even more so for open lesions. Few cases have been found in the literature. We report this case due to its exceptional nature and discuss the mechanism of onset. A twenty-five-year-old patient presented with a dislocation of the radial head associated with a GUSTILO ANDERSON type II open fracture of the radial shaft following an occupational accident. He was managed twenty-four hours after the trauma. The mechanism was a direct blow. The dislocation was reduced by external manoeuvre following open reduction of the radial shaft. The fracture was stabilized by two Kirschner wires following reduction. The result at 12 months was satisfactory from a clinical and radiological standpoint.

Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Fracture-Dislocation: About a Case

Bilateral anterior dislocations of the shoulder are rare lesions. They are even rarer when combined with a bilateral fracture of major tubercles. We report the case of a 28-year-old patient admitted to trauma emergencies after trauma by falling from the top of a stool. Clinical and radiographic findings revealed bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation associated with bilateral fracture of major tubercles. The patient was treated orthopedically by a reduction of dislocations under General Anesthesia, immobilization of the shoulders for 6 weeks followed by reeducation. The functional result after 12 months was satisfactory with a UCLA score of 30 points.

OPEN REDUCTION AND CANNULATED SCREW INTERNAL FIXATION OF TALUS FRACTURE-DISLOCATION THROUGH MEDIAL-ANTERIOR APPROACH

Objective To evaluate the role of open reduction through anterior-medial malleolar approachwith cannulated screw internal fixation in the treatment of displaced talus fractures. Methods 16 cases of Hawkin type Ⅱ - Ⅲ displaced talus fractures were treated by open reduction through single anterior medial malleolar approach with cannulated screw internal fixation. Results All the 16 cases of displaced talus fractures achieved bony heal in which 5 cases suffered talus aseptic necrosis. The whole excellence-good ratio reached 62. 5%. Conclusion Open reduction through anterior-medial malleolar approach with cannulated screw internal fixation is a less trauma, easy manipulation, effective method of treatment for displaced talus fractures.

Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture-Dislocation without Neurological Deficit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Thoracolumbar spine fracture-dislocations are very unstable and usually secondary to high energy trauma. Due to disruption of the entire vertebrae columns, the absence of neurological deficit is exceptional. Aim: The purpose of this work is to report our experience in the management of this entity in a context of limited resources and to make a review of the literature. Case presentation: A 30-year-old man was admitted with a severe low back pain after a traffic accident. Neurological functions were intact after examination. Radiological assessments revealed a complete L3-L4 fracture-dislocation. The patient underwent an open posterior reduction and internal long segment fixation. The post-operative was marked by a surgical site infection treated with surgical debridement and targeted antibiotic therapy. The neurological functions were preserved. Conclusion: Fracture-dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine are caused by high energy trauma and are remarkably unstable lesions. When they are associated with intact neurorological functions, reduction and stabilization of these fractures are a challenge.

Surgical Management of an Unstable Lumbar Fracture-Dislocation—A Case Report

The lumbar spine is the most common sites for fractures because of the high mobility of the lumbar spine. A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. A 32-year-old man presented to us after traffic accident. In our patient, unstable fracture-dislocation of the lumbar spine at the L2-L3 level due to traffic accident occurred. The vertebral bodies were fractured and the anterior dislocation happened without spinal cord injury. The patient was a candidate for an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The posterolateral approach was performed. After insertion of all the pedicle screws, the rods were transversally placed on L2-L3-L4 vertebral bodies and tightened. The reduction of the dislocations was carried out by pushing downwards (foreside) L2 and L4 vertebras and upwards (backside) L3 vertebrae, simultaneously. After securing the reduction of the dislocations, the rods were opened and placed along the spinal column and tightened. This technique is more effective when the pedicle of fractured vertebrae is intact.

Biepicondylar fracture dislocation of the elbow joint concomitant with ulnar nerve injury

In this article, we present a case of humeral biepicondylar fracture dislocation concomitant with ulnar nerve injury in a seventeen year-old male patient. Physical examination of our patient in the emergency room revealed a painful, edematous and deformed-looking left elbow joint. Hypoesthesia of the little finger was also diagnosed on the left hand. Radiological assessment ended up with a posterior fracture dislocation of the elbow joint accompanied by intra-articular loose bodies. Open reduction-Internal fixation of the fracture dislocation and ulnar nerve exploration were performed under general anesthesia at the same session as surgical treatment of our patient. Physical therapy and rehabilitation protocol was implemented at the end of two weeks post-operatively. Union of the fracture lines, as well as the olecranon osteotomy site, was achieved at the end of four months post-operatively. Ulnar nerve function was fully restored without any sensory or motor loss. Range of motion at the elbow joint was 20-120 degrees at the latest follow-up.

Trochanteric Fracture of a Congenital/Developmental Dislocation of the Hip in an Elderly Woman: A Case Report

An 87-year-old woman with a residual dislocated hip suffered a trochanteric fracture on the ipsilateral side. The fracture was treated by open reduction and internal fixation surgery with good results. To treat a proximal femoral fracture of the residual dislocated hip in an elderly patient, the patient’s overall status, pre-fracture ability, hip joint configuration, and fracture pattern should be considered.

Posterior Positioning of a Clavicle Hook Plate Is a Risk Factor for Acromial Fractures after Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Purpose: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is commonly treated using a clavicle hook plate (HP). However, previous reports have indicated that acromial fractures may occur after HP fixation. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for acromial fractures. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 39 patients with AC joint dislocation who were treated using clavicle HP fixation in our hospital between 2006 and 2017. Related parameters, including Rockwood classification, hook angle, the degree of reduction, the coverage of the hook under the acromion, and the anteroposterior position of the hook under the acromion, were evaluated to identify risk factors for acromial fractures. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.7 (range 19 - 81) years;34 were men and 5 were women. Injury occurred on the right side in 18 patients and on the left side in 21. Injuries were categorized as follows: 24 were Rockwood type III, one was type IV, and 14 were type V. Four of the 39 patients (10%) experienced acromial fractures. Statistical analyses indicated that the degree of reduction at the final follow-up was moderately correlated with the Constant score. Posterior positioning of the hook was the only identified risk factor for acromial fractures. Hook angle and the degree of reduction at the time of surgery were not significantly associated with acromial fractures. Conclusions: Postoperative shoulder function was associated with the degree of reduction at the final follow-up, suggesting that anatomical reduction is recommended for AC joint dislocation. Posterior positioning of the hook is a risk factor for acromial fractures;however, clavicle HP fixation provides a positive outcome for AC joint dislocation. Therefore, careful positioning of the hook is required for preventing acromial fractures.

Treatment of Fracture Dislocation of the Femoral Head in a Resource Limited Country (Burundi)

Introduction: Fractures of the femoral head are rare injuries which generally follow a traumatic dislocation of the hip or in a poly-trauma scenario. A fracture dislocation of the femoral head is an orthopedic emergency. The most frequent complications after a fracture of the femoral head are osteonecrosis, post traumatic arthritis and heterotopic ossification. Objective: To focus on the therapeutic aspect of fracture-dislocations of femoral head and their short- and long-term prognoses. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Kamenge teaching hospital and Rohero Christian medical and surgical clinic from January 2013 to August 2020. All patients diagnosed with fracture-dislocations of the femoral head were included in this study. Results: Five patients were admitted for fracture dislocation of the femoral head. The mean age was 40.4 years and varied between 25 and 55 years. The dashboard injury was the most common mechanism and was found in four patients (80%). A standard x-ray was performed for the five patients as well as CT scans in two cases. All patients had posterior iliac dislocations with fractures of the femoral head classified as Pipkin I in three patients and Pipkin III in two patients. Closed reduction under general anesthesia within six hours was possible in one among the five patients and within 12 hours in two patients. These three cases were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via anterior approach with screw fixation of the femoral head fragment. In the two remaining patients reduction was not possible and for one of them there was a femoral neck fracture following closed manipulation, making the fracture Pipkin III. The two patients with Pipkin III injuries were managed with total hip replacement. With an average follow up of five years, standard x-rays of the three patients who had ORIF showed fracture union without avascular necrosis, posttraumatic arthritis or heterotopic ossification. The functional results for the five patients with an average follow up of four years were very good (3/5) and good (2/5). Conclusion: The diagnosis of fracture dislocations of the femoral head was based on clinical, radiographic and computed tomography criteria. Early reduction and internal fixation can restore the natural anatomy of the hip joint, especially in young adults with a good long-term prognosis. Sometimes total hip replacement is necessary for management of fracture dislocations of the femoral head.

Closed reduction of hip dislocation associated with ipsilateral lower extremity fractures:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Traumatic hip dislocation usually occurs following high-velocity trauma.It is imperative that the dislocation be reduced in a timely manner,especially in a closed manner,as an orthopedic emergency.However,closed reduction can hardly be achieved in patients who also have ipsilateral lower extremity fractures.Herein,we focus on hip dislocation associated with ipsilateral lower extremity fractures,excluding intracapsular fractures(femoral head and neck fractures),present an early closed hip joint reduction method for this injury pattern,and review the literature to discuss the appropriate closed reduction technique for this rare injury pattern.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 37-year-old male who sustained a left acetabular posterior wall fracture,an ipsilateral comminuted subtrochanteric fracture and dislocation of the hip.The hip dislocation was reduced urgently in a closed manner using the joy-stick technique with a T-shaped Schanz screw.The fractures were reduced and fixed as a 2nd-stage surgery procedure.At the 17-month postoperative follow-up,the patient had full range of motion of the affected hip.CONCLUSION Closed reduction of a hip dislocation associated with ipsilateral lower extremity fractures is rarely achieved by regular maneuvers.Attempts at closed reduction,by means of indirectly controlling the proximal fracture fragment or reconstructing the femoral leverage rapidly with the aid of various external reduction apparatuses,were shown to be effective in some scenarios.Mandatory open reduction is indicated in cases of failed closed reduction,particularly in irreducible dislocations.

Early reoccurrence of traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without fracture:A case report

BACKGROUND In general,atlantoaxial dislocation is rare due to the stability of the C1-C2 complex.Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocations are usually anterior and accompanied by odontoid fractures.Posterior atlantoaxial dislocations are rare,and complete posterior dislocation without associated fracture is even more rare.A case of early recurrence of posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without fracture being in therapy of first closed reduction and then open reduction has not been previously reported.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female presented with traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation(TPAD)of C1-C2 without associated fractures,and Frankel Grade B spinal cord function.She was successfully managed by immediate closed reduction under skull traction.Unexpectedly,17 d later,re-dislocation was discovered.On day 28,closed reduction was performed as before but failed.Then,open reduction and posterior internal fixation with autologous iliac bone grafts was performed.By 6 mo after surgery,atlantoaxial joint fusion was achieved,and neurological function had recovered to Frankel Grade E.At 12 mo follow-up,she had lost only 15°of cervical rotation,and atlantoaxial complex instability in joint flexing and extending were no longer observed under fluoroscopy.CONCLUSION Early assessment of transverse ligament is critical for TPAD without fracture avoiding re-dislocation after closed reduction.

Lunate dislocation with avulsed triquetral fracture: A case report

BACKGROUND Lunate dislocation is an uncommon traumatic wrist injury that require prompt surgical management.Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment often leads to a poor outcome.Open reduction and surgical repair of disrupted ligaments are done in most cases to prevent long-term joint dysfunction.However,this method has certain limitations that include partial functional improvement,which poses a high risk for degenerative arthritis and wrist instability.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department of our hospital following a motorcycle accident.Physical examination revealed swelling and tenderness of the right hand and wrist.The patient was initially misdiagnosed with a wrist contusion by an emergency physician,but was eventually diagnosed with lunate dislocation associated with a triquetral avulsed fracture,indicated for open reduction and ligament repair.We performed closed reduction and two Kirschner wire fixations following Tavernier’s method.The injured hand was protected with a standard short-arm orthosis for one month.The patient returned to normal daily work without discomfort at five months postoperatively.Encouragingly,there was no lunate necrosis or arthritis in the latest radiologic examinations.CONCLUSION This case provides evidence that the closed reduction technique for addressing such cases can reduce soft tissue destruction.