Evaluation of Surgical Treatment of Distal Humeral Fractures in Adults

Introduction: Fractures of the distal end of the humerus are becoming increasingly frequent in young subjects because of the increase in road traffic accidents, and in elderly subjects because of osteoporosis related to aging populations. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, monocentric study from January 2018 to December 2020 involving 14 patients who received and were treated surgically for distal humeral fractures and followed up. Results: We collected 14 patients, including 11 men (78.57%) and 3 women (21.43%), with a sex ratio of 3.7. The mean age was 36.41 years. The circumstances of onset were dominated by road traffic accidents, with 12 cases (85.71%). The dominant side was right-handed, with 11 cases (78.57%). Standard elbow radiography revealed 8 cases of type A fractures (57.14%), 4 cases of type B and 2 cases of type C fractures of the AO. We performed Lecestre plate osteosynthesis in 12 patients and external fixator in 2 others, using the trans-olecranial and transtricipital approaches. Elbow stiffness was the most frequent complication, with 6 cases (42.86%). After six months’ follow-up, our results were excellent and good in 78.57% of cases (MEPS). Conclusion: Surgical treatment with posterior approaches enabled us to achieve restitution of the articular surfaces, solid restraint and early mobilization of the elbow with satisfactory functional results.

Surgical Management of Recent Traumatic Epiphyseal Fractures-Detachments of the Distal Femur at Gabriel TouréUniversity Hospital

Traumatic epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal end of the femur are a rare lesion whose severity is linked to disabling sequelae such as limb length inequality or most often axial deviation. In this report, surgical treatment aims to reconstruct the anatomy of the distal femur, to avoid secondary displacements and to allow early mobilization of the knee. Surgery carried out mainly by the technique of plugging in or screwing, opened or better still closed, can be a source of complications including migration of pins, infections, knee stiffness, and growth disorders. The aim of this work was to describe their epidemiological, anatomo-clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects in the Department of Orthopedics-Traumatology at the CHU Gabriel TOURE. It was a retrospective study over 30 months from July 2019 to December 2021. In fact, it concerned 42 patients with traumatic epiphyseal detachment of the distal femur occurring within 21 days or less, on a healthy knee with cartilage fertile treated surgically and followed in the department. However, the diagnosis of traumatic epiphyseal detachment of the distal femur was retained thanks to the clinical examination and supplemented by radiographic images of the knee from the front and from the side. The treatment was surgical. The functional results were evaluated according to the functional criteria of the Eastern Orthopedic Traumatology Society (SOTEST). Forty-two patients included 32 boys and 10 girls of average age of 12 years with extremes of 8 years and 16 years. The lesions were classified according to the Salter Harris classification. We noted 24% type I (n = 10), type II 71% (n = 30), type III 2% (n = 1), type IV 2% (n = 1). Union was achieved in all patients within an average of 6 weeks with extremes of 4 and 12 weeks. The functional result was considered good in 20% of cases and very good in 80%. Traumatic epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal end of the femur are a rare lesion whose severity is linked to disabling sequelae such as limb length inequality or most often axial deviation. Surgical treatment aims to reconstruct the anatomy of the distal femur, to avoid secondary displacements and to allow early mobilization of the knee.

Clinical outcomes of cemented distal femur replacements with allpolyethylene tibial components for oncologic indications

BACKGROUND Endoprosthetic distal femoral replacement(DFR)is a well-established salvage procedure following resection of malignant tumors within the distal femur.Use of an all-polyethylene tibial(APT)component is cost-effective and avoids failure due to locking-mechanism issues and backside wear,but limits modularity and the option for late liner exchange.Due to a paucity of literature we sought to answer three questions:(1)What are the most common modes of implant failure for patients undergoing cemented DFR with APT for oncologic indications?(2)What is the survivorship,rate of all-cause reoperation,and rate of revision for aseptic loosening of these implants?And(3)Is there a difference in implant survivorship or patient demographics between cemented DFRs with APT performed as a primary reconstruction vs those performed as a revision procedure?AIM To assess outcomes of cemented DFRs with APT components used for oncologic indications.METHODS After Institutional Review Board approval,a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent DFR between December 2000 to September 2020 was performed using a single-institutional database.Inclusion criteria consisted of all patients who underwent DFR with a GMRS®(Global Modular Replacement System,Stryker,Kalamazoo,MI,United States)cemented distal femoral endoprosthesis and APT component for an oncologic indication.Patients undergoing DFR for non-oncologic indications and patients with metal-backed tibial components were excluded.Implant failure was recorded using Henderson's classification and survivorship was reported using a competing risks analysis.RESULTS 55 DFRs(55 patients)with an average age of 50.9±20.7 years and average body mass index of 29.7±8.3 kg/m2 were followed for 38.8±54.9 mo(range 0.2-208.4).Of these,60.0%were female and 52.7%were white.The majority of DFRs with APT in this cohort were indicated for oncologic diagnoses of osteogenic sarcoma(n=22,40.0%),giant cell tumor(n=9,16.4%),and metastatic carcinoma(n=8,14.6%).DFR with APT implantation was performed as a primary procedure in 29 patients(52.7%)and a revision procedure in 26 patients(47.3%).Overall,twenty patients(36.4%)experienced a postoperative complication requiring reoperation.The primary modes of implant failure included Henderson Type 1(soft tissue failure,n=6,10.9%),Type 2(aseptic loosening,n=5,9.1%),and Type 4(infection,n=6,10.9%).There were no significant differences in patient demographics or rates of postoperative complications between the primary procedure and revision procedure subgroups.In total,12 patients(21.8%)required a revision while 20 patients(36.4%)required a reoperation,resulting in three-year cumulative incidences of 24.0%(95%CI 9.9%-41.4%)and 47.2%(95%CI 27.5%-64.5%),respectively.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates modest short-term survivorship following cemented DFR with APT components for oncologic indications.Soft tissue failure and endoprosthetic infection were the most common postoperative complications in our cohort.

Surgical Treatment of Recent Traumatic Epiphyseal Detachments of the Distal Femur in the Orthopedic and Traumatological Surgery Department of the CHU Bocar Sidy Sall de Kati: About 20 Cases

Introduction: To our knowledge, no scientific study has been conducted at the university hospital of Kati on recent traumatic epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal femur. However, every day, children present in consultation for knee trauma. Conjugal plate fractures are by definition single to children. Any break in any solution of continuity of this plate is called an epiphyseal fracture or detachment. Objectives: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of traumatic epiphyseal in detachments of the distal femur recent in children and adolescents. Patients and Method: This was a 13-month prospectively collected longitudinal descriptive study from September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017. We identified and reviewed 20 medical records of recent traumatic epiphyseal detachments of the distal femur. The parameters studied were sociodemographic, lesion, surgical technique and evolutionary. Results: During the study period, the most affected group age was 12 to 17 years (85%) with an average of 14.65 ± 1.61 years (6 and 20 years). The victims were male (95%). The most frequent etiology was road traffic accident (95%), with a mean time to care of 26.42 ± 10.21 hours and Type II was frequently encountered (85%) with 35% of immediate complications. Cross-bracketing was the most commonly used surgical technique (85%). The result was good (65%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to observe a significant hospital incidence of epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal femur. Cross pinning was the most commonly used surgical technique with fewer complications (35%) and a satisfactory result in 90% of cases.

Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture Combined with Distal Acupoint Selection in the Treatment of Vascular Headache Caused by Hyperactivity of Liver-Yang

The clinical effect of acupuncture on vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang has been shown, but the specific mechanism is not yet clear. This paper is intended to discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang and the mechanism of acupuncture, so as to provide a certain reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of scalp acupuncture treatment of vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang.

Management of a rare giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: A case report

BACKGROUND Aggressive giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is so rare that no consensus on a surgical strategy has been reached.Thus,an appropriate treatment strategy is still important to discuss.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man who had been experiencing progressive swelling of the left lateral malleolus accompanied by pain for half a year was presented at our hospital.He had never been treated prior to coming to our hospital.Preoperative imaging revealed a 10 cm×6 cm mass located in the body of the distal fibula.Pathological biopsies confirmed it was a giant cell tumor.Preoperative examination revealed he had dilated cardiomyopathy with class 3 cardiac function.The cardiologist and anesthesiologist determined that he could tolerate the operation,but the operation should be as short and minimally invasive as possible.With the patient’s consent,we performed a tibiotalar fusion and followed up with him for 2years,finding no recurrence and a satisfactory recovery.CONCLUSION Tibial talus fusion is an effective method for the treatment of distal fibula tumors.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of volar plate internal fixation versus closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of adult distal radius fractures

Objective:To compare the efficacy of open reduction and volar locking plate internal fixation with closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures by using meta analysis.Methods:The databases of CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,Chinese biomedical literature,Pubmed,Embase,and Cochrane Library were retrieved,and the randomized controlled studies that directly compared the efficacy of plate internal fixation and closed reduction external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures published publicly from the establishment of the database to April 2023 were collected.The two researchers independently screened the retrieved literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,used Cochrane risk bias assessment tool for quality assessment,and used RevMan 5.4 software for meta analysis.Results:A total of 10 randomized controlled trials were included,all of which were in English.There were 1042 patients in total,and 9 of them were rated as low risk.Meta analysis results showed that one year after the treatment of distal radius fracture with volar locking plate internal fixation,DASH score[MD=-5.64,95%CI(-7.21,-4.06),P<0.00001];One year later,PRWE score[MD=-5.90,95%CI(-8.88,-2.92),P=0.001];Palm flexion[MD=5.92,95%CI(1.29,10.55),P=0.01];Pronation[MD=2.48,95%CI(0.59,4.36),P=0.01];Postrotation[MD=4.73,95%CI(2.15,7.31),P=0.0003];Grip strength[MD=0.61,95%CI(0.12,1.10),P=0.02];palmar tilt angle[MD=9.84,95%CI(5.66,14.02),P<0.00001];Radial inclination[MD=4.33,95%CI(2.97,5.69),P<0.00001]was superior to closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation.One year later,the European Five dimensional Health Scale(EQ-5D-5L)score[MD=0.02,95%CI(-0.01,0.05),P=0.27];Back extension[MD=2.22,95%CI(-4.15,8.59),P=0.49];Ulnar deviation[MD=3.49,95%CI(-0.80,7.78),P=0.11];Radial deviation[MD=2.05,95%CI(-2.39,6.50),P=0.37];Ulnar variance[MD=-1.14,95%CI(-3.16,0.88),P=0.27];There was no significant difference in complications[MD=0.77,95%CI(0.54,1.10),P=0.16](P>0.05).Conclusion:Based on the current clinical data,internal fixation with volar locking plate is more conducive to mid-term DASH score and grip strength recovery than closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation,but there is no significant difference in the quality of life and complications of patients.For adult distal radius fractures,surgical indications should be carefully grasped,and non operative treatment should be given priority.

Effectiveness of a new approach to minimally invasive surgery in palliative treatment of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Palliative endoscopic biliary drainage is the primary treatment option for the management of patients with jaundice which results from distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).In this group of patients,decompression of the bile duct(BD)allows for pain reduction,symptom relief,chemotherapy administration,improved quality of life,and increased survival rate.To reduce the unfavorable effects of BD decompression,minimally invasive surgical techniques require continuous improvement.AIM To develop a technique for internal-external biliary-jejunal drainage(IEBJD)and assess its effectiveness in comparison to other minimally invasive procedures in the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed,which included 134 patients with DMBO who underwent palliative BD decompression.Biliary-jejunal drainage was developed to divert bile from the BD directly into the initial loops of the small intestine to prevent duodeno-biliary reflux.IEBJD was carried out using percutaneous transhepatic access.Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD),endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting(ERBS),and internal-external transpapillary biliary drainage (IETBD) were used for the treatment of studypatients. Endpoints of the study were the clinical success of the procedure, the frequency andnature of complications, and the cumulative survival rate.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the frequency of minor complications between the studygroups. Significant complications occurred in 5 (17.2%) patients in the IEBJD group, in 16 (64.0%)in the ERBS group, in 9 (47.4%) in the IETBD group, and in 12 (17.4%) in the PTBD group.Cholangitis was the most common severe complication. In the IEBJD group, the course ofcholangitis was characterized by a delayed onset and shorter duration as compared to other studygroups. The cumulative survival rate of patients who underwent IEBJD was 2.6 times higher incomparison to those of the PTBD and IETBD groups and 20% higher in comparison to that of theERBS group.CONCLUSIONIEBJD has advantages over other minimally invasive BD decompression techniques and can berecommended for the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.

Distal margin distance in radical resection of locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy

Colorectal cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate in China, with the majority of cases being middle and low rectal cancer. Surgical intervention is currently the main treatment modality for locally advanced rectal cancer, with the common goal of improving oncological outcomes while preserving function. The controversy regarding the circumferential resection margin distance in rectal cancer surgery has been resolved. With the promotion of neoadjuvant therapy concepts and advancements in technology, treatment strategies have become more diverse.Following tumor downstaging, there is an increasing trend towards extending the safe distance of distal rectal margin. This provides more opportunities for patients with low rectal cancer to preserve their anal function.However, there is currently no consensus on the specific distance of distal resection margin.

Knee Osteoarthritis Progression after Distal Femur Closing Wedge Osteotomy

Background: Despite the conservative treatment of tibio-femoral osteoarthritis through realignment osteotomies, the rate of total knee replacements following an osteotomy is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis after a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy. Methods: Hospital-based observational study on 20 patients who underwent a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy evaluating the progression of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren and Laurence classification. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the variation in the progressive stage of the Kellgren and Laurence classification of knee osteoarthritis preoperatively and at the final follow up. Univariate analysis made it possible to determine the factors associated with progression. The final significance threshold for statistical tests was set at 5% (p Results: Overall, the mean follow-up of 46 months ± 6.6 months, with a mean age of 43 years (range: 27 - 69 years) and a female predominance (M: F = 3/7). The progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis following a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy is associated with valgus or varum malalignment been a moderate valgus (OR 6.2 [1.5 - 42.7] at 95% CI;p-value = 0.02), a correction of the mechanical deviation angle with a valgus alignment (OR 2.7 [0.9 - 8.3] at 95% CI), and loss of correction (OR 3.8 [1.3 - 11.6] at 95% CI;p -value) for the lateral compartment while varus alignment (OR 1.7 [0.9 - 8.3] 95% CI, p-value = 0.05) and with rupture of the lateral cortex (OR 2.8 [1.7 - 11.5] 95% CI, p-value = 0.02) were those of the medial compartment. Conclusion: Distal femur closing wedge osteotomy does not definitively interrupt the progression of valgus knee osteoarthritis. The factors associated with the progression of this pathology are modifiable. Taking them into account when performing this surgical technique could improve the osteotomy survival curve.

Hemiarthroplasty for irreparable distal radius fractures in the elderly:A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND Elderly patients maintaining functional independence can now be candidates for primary wrist hemiarthroplasty to manage acute irreparable distal radius fractures(DRFs).However,further investigation with long-term follow-up is required to validate these initial findings.AIM To review the literature on the outcomes of distal radius hemiarthroplasty with available implants to assess its viability as a treatment option.METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic databases,including PubMed,Medline,and Scopus.The search terms employed were"distal radius fracture","hemiarthroplasty","wrist arthroplasty",and related terminology.The search was restricted to articles published in English from 1980 until June 2023.Inclusion criteria encompassed cases or case series of DRF treated with hemiarthroplasty,providing clinical or radiographic outcomes,and published in peer-reviewed journals.RESULTS A total of 2508 articles from PubMed and 883 from Scopus were identified initially.Following screening and removal of duplicates,13 articles met the inclusion criteria.These articles,predominantly clinical retrospective studies,provided insights into hemiarthroplasty outcomes,including functional improvements and complications.Hemiarthroplasty was a treatment option for complex DRF,particularly those cases with severe comminution,intraarticular involvement,or severe osteoporosis.Functional outcomes demonstrated improvements in pain relief,wrist mobility,and grip strength,with variability across studies.Complications included implant loosening,infection,nerve injury,and stiffness,with varying incidence rates influenced by surgical techniques and implant choice.Long-term outcomes were inadequately documented,warranting further research.CONCLUSION Hemiarthroplasty is a promising treatment for irreparable DRF in the elderly.Long-term outcomes and complications require further study.

Anisotropy of Trabecular Bone from Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, the anisotropic properties of trabeculae located at ultra-distal radius were investigated by using the trabecular bone scores (TBS) calculated along directions parallel and perpendicular to the forearm. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were studied retrospectively. A DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed on each subject to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) value at the location of ultra-distal radius, and an X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day. The values of trabecular bone score along the direction perpendicular to the forearm, TBSx, and along the direction parallel to the forearm, TBSy, were calculated respectively. The statistics of TBSx and TBSy were calculated, and the anisotropy of the trabecular bone, which was defined as the ratio of TBSy to TBSx and changed with subjects’ BMD and age, was reported and analyzed. Results: The results show that the correlation coefficient between TBSx and TBSy was 0.72 (p BMD and age was reported. The results showed that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with deceased BMD and increased age in the subject group. Conclusions: This study shows that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with decreased BMD and increased age.

Performance Evaluation of Two Series Vertical Flow Filters for Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

This paper evaluates the efficacy of two sequential vertical flow filters (VFF), FV1 and FV2, implanted with Typha, in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system. FV1 comprises three cells (FV1a, FV1b, and FV1c), while FV2 consists of two cells (FV2a and FV2b), each designed to reduce various physicochemical and microbiological pollutants from wastewater. Quantitative analyses show significant reductions in electrical conductivity (from 1331 to 1061 μS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 from 655.6 to 2.3 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD from 1240 to 82.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (from 188 to 37.3 mg/L), and phosphates (from 70.9 to 14.6 mg/L). Notably, FV2 outperforms FV1, particularly in decreasing dissolved salts and BOD5 to remarkably low levels. Microbiological assessments reveal a substantial reduction in fecal coliforms, from an initial concentration of 7.5 log CFU/100mL to 3.7 log CFU/100mL, and a complete elimination of helminth eggs, achieving a 100% reduction rate in FV2. The study highlights the impact of design parameters, such as filter material, media depth, and plant species selection, on treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that the judicious choice of these components is critical for optimizing pollutant removal. For instance, different filtration materials show varying efficacies, with silex plus river gravel in FV1c achieving superior pollutant reduction rates. In conclusion, VFFs emerge as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of design optimization to enhance system efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of treatment practices are imperative to ensure water quality, allowing for safe environmental discharge or water reuse. The research advocates for ongoing improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, considering the environmental challenges of the current era. The study concludes with a call for further research to maximize the effectiveness of VFFs in water management.

Quantification of In Vivo Epidermal Keratinocyte Architecture Associated with the Signs of Skin Aging and the Skin Benefit Evaluation by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera)-Containing Skin Care Product

Background: Aged skin exhibits visual alterations such as wrinkles, rough texture, pore dilation, and dull skin tone, as well as physiological aging, namely, decreased hydration and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Recent advances in coherence tomography have also revealed that skin aging affects in vivo epidermal keratinocyte architecture. However, the interconnectivity between spatial architectural aging and visual/physiological aging parameters remains largely unknown. Purpose: To elucidate whether the tomographic keratinocyte architectural aging is correlated with visual and physiological skin aging parameters and to quantitatively evaluate the improvements of the architectural, visual, and physiological aging parameters by the daily treatment of the skin care formula containing Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF, 8X PiteraTM). Method: We measured the in vivo keratinocyte cellular architecture with two-photon stereoscopic tomography obtaining by-layer epidermal section images in 78 Asian females of various ages. Visual aging parameters were analyzed using a portable image capture system. Hydration and TEWL were also assessed. The anti-aging effects of GFF-containing skin moisturizer (SK-II LXP CreamTM) were also examined in two studies after twice-daily application for 2 (N = 35) and 4 (N = 32) weeks. Results: As for the keratinocyte cellular architecture, skin aging was significantly associated with decreased cell density and increased cell uniformity. These architectural aging parameters were significantly correlated with visual and physiological aging parameters, namely, rough texture, wrinkles, pore dilation, dull skin tone, dehydration, and increased TEWL. The strong interconnectivity allowed us to develop formulae to estimate the keratinocyte architecture from visual aging parameters. Moreover, twice-daily application of SK-II significantly improved the keratinocyte architecture associated with multiple skin aging visual and physiological parameters. Conclusion: Skin aging is a process involving mutual interconnections among epidermal keratinocyte cellular architecture, visual, and physiological parameters. The GFF-containing moisturizer SK-II effectively improves spatial architecture of keratinocytes in epidermis and these evaluated skin aging parameters in a new trajectory over the course of treatment. .

Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: A prospective randomised controlled trial

AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.

Management of distal humeral coronal shear fractures

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare,complex fractures that can be technically challenging to manage. They usually result from a low-energy fall and direct compression of the distal humerus by the radial head in a hyper-extended or semi-flexed elbow or from spontaneous reduction of a posterolateral subluxation or dislocation. Due to the small number of soft tissue attachments at this site, almost all of these fractures are displaced. The incidence of distal humeral coronal shear fractures is higher among women because of the higher rate of osteoporosis in women and the difference in carrying angle between men and women. Distal humeral coronal shear fractures may occur in isolation, may be part of a complex elbow injury, or may be associated with injuries proximal or distal to the elbow. An associated lateral collateral ligament injury is seen in up to 40% and an associated radial head fracture is seen in up to 30% of these fractures. Given the complex nature of distal humeral coronal shear fractures, there is preference for operative management. Operative fixation leads to stable anatomic reduction, restores articular congruity, and allows initiation of early range-of-motion movements in the majority of cases. Several surgical exposure and fixation techniques are available to reconstruct the articular surface fol owing distal humeral coronal shear fractures. The lateral extensile approach and fixation with countersunk headless compression screws placed in an anterior-to-posterior fashion are commonly used. We have found a two-incision approach(direct anterior and lateral) that results in less soft tissue dissection and better outcomes than the lateral extensile approach in our experience. Stiffness, pain, articular incongruity, arthritis, and ulnohumeral instability may result if reduction is non-anatomic or if fixation fails.

Perioperative management of distal pancreatectomy

Recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have markedly reduced operative morbidity after distal pancreatectomy(DP).However,some questions remain regarding the protocol for the perioperative management of DP,in particular,with regard to the development of pancreatic fistula(PF).A review of DP was therefore conducted in order to standardize the management of patients for a favorable outcome.Overall,operative technique and perioperative management emerged as two critical factors contributing to favorable outcome in DP patients.As for the operative method,surgical and closure techniques exhibited differences in outcome.Laparoscopic DP generally yields more favorable perioperative outcomes compared to open DP,and is applicable for benign tumors and some ductal carcinomas of the pancreas.Robotic DP is also available for safe pancreatic surgery.En bloc celiac axis resection offers a high R0 resection rate and potentially allows for some local control in the case of advanced pancreatic cancer.Following resection,staple closure was not found to reduce the rate of PF when compared to hand-sewn closure.In addition,ultrasonic dissection devices,fibrin glue sealing,and staple closure with mesh reinforcement were shown to significantly reduce PF,although there was some bias in these studies.In perioperative management,both preoperative and postoperative treatment affected outcome.First,preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting may be an effective prophylactic measure against fistula development following DP in selected patients.Second,in postoperative management,a multifactorial approach including prophylactic antibiotics improved high surgical site infection rates following complex hepato-pancreatobiliary surgery.Furthermore,although conflicting results have been reported,somatostatin analogues should be administered selectively to patients considered to have a high risk for PF.Finally,careful drain management also facilitates a favorable outcome in patients with PF after DP.The results of the review indicate that laparoscopic DP coupled with perioperative management influences outcome in DP patients.

Coronal shear fractures of distal humerus: Diagnostic and treatment protocols

Coronal shear fractures of distal humerus involving the capitellum and the trochlea are rare injuries with articular complexity, and are technically challenging for management. With better understanding of the anatomy and imaging advancements, the complex nature of these fractures is well appreciated now. These fractures involve metaphysealcomminution of lateral column and associated intraarticular injuries are common. Previously, closed reduction and excision were the accepted treatment but now preference is for open reduction and internal fixation with an aim to provide stable and congruent joint with early range of motion of joint. Various approaches including extensile lateral, anterolateral and posterior approaches have been described depending on the fracture pattern and complexity. Good to excellent outcome have been reported with internal fixations and poor results are noted in articular comminution with associated articular injuries. Various implants including headleass compression screws, minifragment screws, bioabsorbable implants and column plating are advocated for reconstruction of these complex fractures. Inspite of articular fragments being free of soft tissue attachments the rate of osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis is reported very less after internal fixation. This article summarizes the diagnostic and treatment strategies for these rare fractures and recommendations for management.

Management of chronic disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis

Disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is frequently accompanied by rotational ankle fracture such as pronation-external rotation and rarely occurs without ankle fracture.In such injury,not only inadequately treated or misdiagnosed cases,but also correctly diagnosed cases can possibly result in a chronic pattern which is more troublesome to treat than an acute pattern.This paper reviews anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the distal tibiofibular joint,the mechanism of chronic disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis,radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis,and surgical treatment.

Arguments for an individualized closure of the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatic resection

AIM:To analyze risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) rate after distal pancreatic resection(DPR).METHODS:We performed a retrospective analysis of 126 DPRs during 16 years.The primary endpoint was clinically relevant pancreatic fistula.RESULTS:Over the years,there was an increasing rate of operations in patients with a high-risk pancreas and a significant change in operative techniques.POPF was the most prominent factor for perioperative morbidity.Significant risk factors for pancreatic fistula were high body mass index(BMI) [odds ratio(OR) = 1.2(CI:1.1-1.3),P = 0.001],high-risk pancreatic pathology [OR = 3.0(CI:1.3-7.0),P = 0.011] and direct closure of the pancreas by hand suture [OR = 2.9(CI:1.2-6.7),P = 0.014].Of these,BMI and hand suture closure were independent risk factors in multivariate analysis.While hand suture closure was a risk factor in the low-risk pancreas subgroup,high BMI further increased the fistula rate for a high-risk pancreas.CONCLUSION:We propose a risk-adapted and indication-adapted choice of the closure method for the pancreatic remnant to reduce pancreatic fistula rate.