The locking compression plate in periprosthetic humeral fractures A review of two cases.
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PURPOSE: To develop a system for refined motor control of artificial hands based on multiple electromyographic (EMG) recordings, allowing multiple patterns of hand movements. METHODS: Five subjects with traumatic below-elbow amputations and 1 subject with a congenital below- elbow failure of formation performed 10 imaginary movements with their phantom hand while surface electrodes recorded the EMG data. In a training phase a data glove with 18 degrees of freedom was used for positional recording of movements in the contralateral healthy hand. These movements were performed at the same time as the imaginary movements in the phantom hand. An artificial neural network (ANN) then could be trained to associate the specific EMG patterns recorded from the amputation stump with the analogous specific hand movements synchronously performed in the healthy hand. The ability of the ANN to predict the 10 imaginary movements offline, when they were reflected in a virtual computer hand, was assessed and calculated. RESULTS: After the ANN was trained the subjects were able to perform and control 10 hand movements in the virtual computer hand. The subjects showed a median performance of 5 types of movement with a high correlation with the movement pattern of the data glove. The subjects seemed to relearn to execute motor commands rapidly that had been learned before the accident, independent of how old the injury was. The subject with congenital below-elbow failure of formation was able to perform and control several hand movements in the computer hand that cannot be performed in a myoelectric prosthesis (eg, opposition of the thumb). CONCLUSIONS: With the combined use of an ANN and a data glove, acting in concert in a training phase, amputees rapidly can learn to execute several imaginary movements in a virtual computerized hand, this opens promising possibilities for motor control of future hand prostheses.
Primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is an infrequent condition typically managed by some form of debridement. There is no comment in the literature regarding prosthetic replacement for this condition. We report 5 patients (mean age, 68), with a minimum assessment of 3 years (range, 37-125 years) after total elbow arthroplasty. Complications in 4 patients included subluxation, fracture of a humeral component with particulate synovitis, heterotopic ossification, recurrent osteophyte formation, and transient ulnar neuropathy. Although revision was required in 2 of the 5, currently all experience had satisfactory outcomes. While replacement has proven ultimately to be a successful option for this high-demand patient group because of the high complication rate, we do not recommend replacement unless alternate operative options are deemed unacceptable.
One hundred fifty-eight primary Souter elbow arthroplasties were done on 134 patients (121 women) with severe joint destruction (Larsen Grade 5) or large bone defects or both. Joint replacement operations were done at our institution from 1985-1997. The study group comprised 156 joints in 132 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other variants of chronic inflammatory joint disease, one in a patient with osteoarthritis, and one patient with posttraumatic arthrosis. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 57 years (range, 26-81 years) and the mean disease duration was 27 years (tinge, 2-70 years). Radiographically, severe bone defects were detected in 100 humeri and 134 ulnas. Retentive (snap-fit) ulnar components were implanted in 110 joints, and bone grafts were used on 26 humeri and 14 ulnas. Major complications led to five early and 16 late reoperations in 19 patients. Four reoperations were done because of dislocation and eight because of aseptic loosening. One reoperation was done because of early infection and five were done because of late infection. One patient had reoperation because of superficial infection in the bursa olecrani and one triceps tendon rupture also was repaired. One patient had wound repair because of marginal necrosis. In the survival analysis, the cumulative success rate without revision for aseptic loosening at 5 years followup was 97%. Despite the demanding nature of these arthroplasties, the primary results are encouraging. Technically, it is possible to do elbow replacement, even on elbows where the humeral condyles or olecranon or both are missing, if there is sufficient bone left on the diaphyseal areas for primary stem fixation. However, in these extreme cases, the poor general condition of the patient or the difficult soft tissue problems in the elbow region may prove to be a contraindication for joint replacement.
We reviewed 21 patients with Mason type-III fractures of the radial head treated by resection, evaluating the results at 16 to 30 years by a standard questionnaire and clinical and radiological examination of the elbow and wrist. Seventeen patients had an excellent result, three were good and one fair. Resection of the radial head is a satisfactory method of treatment of such fractures. Prosthetic replacement seems to be indicated only when there is valgus instability of the elbow.
The advantage of inoculating blood culture bottles (BCB) with a bulk volume of joint fluid was studied by analyzing results for 155 positive specimens cultured in parallel in BCB and on conventional solid media. The specimens came from both natural and artificial joints of 89 patients treated in 1975-1994. One third of the specimens from patients not on antibiotics and half of the specimens from patients on antibiotics were positive by BCB culture only. Some fastidious or slow-growing organisms were detected exclusively by this method. Additional contaminants were also picked up, but the inconvenience was relatively minor. Alternative procedures for detecting microbes in joint specimens are discussed.
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Over the years, orthopedic surgery has become more involved in the care of the rheumatoid patient. A more active and aggressive attitude by orthopedic surgeons has thrown new light on the handling of the rheumatoid patient. Currently, the surgical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is evaluated not only by the outcome of a procedure on a single skeletal part but also by the generalized effects of the disease on the activity of the patient and the function of neighboring joints. Soft-tissue procedures, such as synovectomy and release operations, have been beneficial. Prosthetic surgery yields satisfactory results, and every effort should be made to give the rheumatoid patient as long a period as possible with relief of pain and increased mobility.
Radiation therapy to control heterotopic bone formation does not appear to be commonly used in sites other than hips where effective control is evident following arthroplasty. Reported are the results in 12 sites in 10 patients including three with treatment to the elbow, humerus, and ulna. Ten sites received a radiation dose of 10.00 Gy, one 16.00 Gy, and one was treated to 20.00 Gy, all delivered in 2.00 Gy fractions. Preoperative and follow-up x-rays were reviewed and graded. There was no clinically significant regrowth of heterotopic bone. Five sites (42%) demonstrated mild regrowth or persistence following surgery with the other seven (58%) showing no evidence of heterotopic bone. No complications were seen. Radiation therapy is effective for the prevention of heterotopic bone after total hip arthroplasties as well as surgery for fractures to other areas.
Thirty capitellocondylar unhinged implant arthroplasties were performed on 27 patients during the period from October 1976 through June 1981. The average patient age was 59.4 years, with a preoperative diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 28 elbows and osteoarthritis in two elbows. Follow-up periods averaged 39.9 months (range, 10-62 months). The indication for elbow arthroplasty were intractable pain, joint instability, failed synovectomy, or bilateral limitation of motion. Ranged of motion evaluations showed moderate increases in flexion, pronation and supination after operation, although there was no significant improvement in extension. Ewald functional evaluation scores improved significantly from the mean of eight points prior to operation to the postoperative mean of 85 points. The significant complications occurring were deep wound infections, necessitating removal of the prosthesis (6.6%), and subluxation (13.2%), which responded to conservative treatment by long-arm casting. One patient required reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament for subluxation. Ulnar nerve paresthesia developed in 10% of the patients. One patient required neurolysis and transposition of the nerve for relief of symptoms. The posterolateral approach was adopted to reduce the incidence of ulnar nerve complications.
Background. The treatment of radial head fractures that are not amenable to an open reduction and internal fixation, remains to be a difficult issue. A potential problem with prosthetic replacement of the radial head is the shape of current radial head prostheses. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the shape of the radial head on kinematics and load transfer of the elbow. Methods. Kinematics of the elbow and radiocapitellar force transmission were measured in 6 fresh frozen upper extremities. The effect of radial head shape was tested by rotating the head 90 degrees , with a custom-made 'native' radial head prosthesis. 3-D spatial orientation of the ulna showed an average difference in ulnohumeral laxity, between the nominal and 90 degrees conditions, of 0.1 degrees throughout the arc of motion with neutral forearm rotation (maximum: 2 degrees ). Findings. We found an average difference in ulnar axial rotation, of 0.1 degrees (maximum: 1.9 degrees ). No differences showed statistical significance. Radiohumeral joint force was measured and maximally showed a 32 times increase of force in the altered shape conditions. Interpretation. Our results show that the kinematics of the elbow was not affected by altering the shape of the radial head, but it did adversely affect the forces in the radiohumeral joint. This could possibly generate degenerative changes in the elbow.
The treatment of multifragmentary, intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus is difficult, even in young patients with bone of good quality, but is worse in elderly patients who have varying degrees of osteopenia. We have evaluated the functional outcome of primary total elbow replacement (TER) in the treatment of these fractures in ten elderly patients followed for a minimum of one year. There were no complications in regard to the soft tissues, bone or prosthesis. The mean range of flexion obtained was 125 degrees (110 to 140) and loss of extension was 23.5 degrees (0 to 50). The mean Mayo score was 94 points (80 to 100) and patient satisfaction was high. We feel that TER provides an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation in the management of these complicated fractures in the elderly.
The Ontario Crippled Children's Centre has completed a two-year research project designed to develop effective strategies for training the preschool child to use a myoelectric prosthesis. Two programmes were developed: one home-based with the parent as primary trainer, and the other Centre-based with a therapist as trainer. Seventeen children were successfully trained and fitted with myoelectric prostheses. Both training programmes appear to be equally effective, proving that informed parents can assume responsibility for the training of their children. Economic implications are self-evident. The functional assessment of the children's skill with the myoelectric prosthesis is very encouraging so far. However, long-term studies are indicated for adequate assessment of the cost-effectiveness of early myoelectric fitting. As a result of this study, effective training methods can now be used in routine clinical service; a manual is available to provide guidelines.
BACKGROUND: Posterior dislocation of the elbow with associated fractures of the radial head and the coronoid process of the ulna has been referred to as the "terrible triad of the elbow" because of the difficulties encountered in its management. However, there are few published reports on this injury. METHODS: Eleven patients with this pattern of injury were evaluated after a minimum of two years. The radial head fracture had been repaired in five patients, and the radial head had been resected in four. None of the coronoid fractures had been repaired, and the lateral collateral ligament had been repaired in only three patients. All eleven patients returned for clinical examination, functional evaluation, and radiographs. RESULTS: Seven elbows redislocated in a splint after manipulative reduction. Five, including all four treated with resection of the radial head, redislocated after operative treatment. At the time of final follow-up, three patients were considered to have a failure of the initial treatment. One of them had recurrent instability, which was treated with a total elbow arthroplasty after multiple unsuccessful operations; one had severe arthrosis and instability resembling neuropathic arthropathy; and one had an elbow flexion contracture and proximal radioulnar synostosis requiring reconstructive surgery. The remaining eight patients, who were evaluated at an average of seven years after injury, had an average of 92 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 130 degrees ) of ulnohumeral motion and 126 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 170 degrees ) of forearm rotation. The average Broberg and Morrey functional score was 76 points (range, 34 to 98 points), with two results rated as excellent, two rated as good, three rated as fair, and one rated as poor. Overall, the result of treatment was rated as unsatisfactory for seven of the eleven patients. All four patients with a satisfactory result had retained the radial head, and two had undergone repair of the lateral collateral ligament. Seven of the ten patients who had retained the native elbow had radiographic signs of advanced ulnohumeral arthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Elbow fracture-dislocations that involve a fracture of the coronoid process in addition to a fracture of the radial head are very unstable and prone to numerous complications. Identification of the coronoid fracture is therefore important, and computed tomography should be used if there is uncertainty. With operative treatment, the surgeon should attempt to restore stability by providing radiocapitellar contact (preserving the radial head when possible and replacing it with a prosthesis otherwise), repairing the lateral collateral ligament, and perhaps performing internal fixation of the coronoid fracture.
Heterotopic ossification is becoming increasingly recognized as a phenomenon that can complicate trauma to the head and spinal cord. It can be a disabling accompaniment of thermal injury, and it may seriously compromise results in hip arthroplasty and the treatment of acetabular fractures. Etiologic factors, which are imprecise and incompletely understood, vary with the clinical situation. The five cases reported here illustrate the radiologic appearances, complications, and diagnostic problems, including the difficulty in determining the timing of surgical resection. Reported for the first time are cases of neurogenic heterotopic ossification associated with bilateral shoulder involvement and bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Heterotopic ossification may mimic acute arthritis.
OBJECTIVE: To maintain concentric reduction of an unstable elbow and to allow active exercises after the treatment of complex elbow injuries or their sequelae. INDICATIONS: Recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the elbow after repair or reconstruction of bony, capsuloligamentous, and/or musculotendinous stabilizers. Tenuous fixation of large coronoid fractures due to fragmentation or osteopenia. Stabilization of the joint after fascial arthroplasty or debridement for infection, if the debridement destabilizes the elbow. Relative indication: maintenance of range of motion after release of contractures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Absent patient compliance. Lack of familiarity of surgeon with elbow anatomy and function as well as with hinged external fixation techniques. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Preferably posterior longitudinal midline incision. Placement of axis pin in the center of rotation of the distal humerus. Application of the fixator over this wire. Placement of Schanz screws into humerus und ulna taking care to protect the radial and ulnar nerves. Removal of axis pin. Rechecking of entire frame and tightening. RESULTS: The authors' experience with the Compass Hinge Fixator documents restoration of stability and excellent motion after relocation of a chronic simple elbow dislocation, a useful role in reconstructing acute and chronic elbow instability after fracture-dislocation, and a limited role in restoring mobility after severe contracture release.
Patients with upper-extremity amputations necessitated by burn injury have frequently faced delays in prosthetic fit. At the Regional Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee, seven patients required amputations because of burns. These injuries were electrical in four cases, thermal and crush in one case, thermal in one case, and steam and crush in one case. Five patients had below-elbow amputations, one had a bilateral below-elbow amputation, and one had a bilateral above-elbow amputation. All patients were fitted with prostheses within 30 days of the last definitive surgery on the amputated extremity. All patients continued to wear a prosthesis and no patient exhibited skin breakdown. Patients returned to independence with self care within 2 weeks and to preamputation activities within an average of 2.5 months.