A study of the arterial supply of the human acetabulum using a corrosion casting method

Unconventional Obturator Artery Nutrient Branch: Image of an Anatomical Variation

Variations in vascular anatomy are of great concern to surgeons, as proper identification of aberrant arteries can reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and improve patient outcomes. Several studies have highlighted the irregular branching pattern of pelvic arteries, with a recent focus on the obturator artery (OA). The OA has an inconstant origin from the internal iliac artery, external iliac artery, or inferior epigastric artery. Within the pelvis, the OA can give off muscular branches and nutrient vessels to the ilium and pubis. Though occasionally described in text, few resources employ images of human donors that depict branches arising from the OAs. Out of the 34 hemisected pelves studied, we identified 1 individual with a substantial nutrient vessel branching unilaterally from the OA. Herein, we present the first image of this unconventional nutrient artery. This vessel should be highlighted given that its size and course make it particularly vulnerable during intrapelvic surgeries such as pelvic lymph node dissection or in procedures requiring arterial embolization of the OA.

Imaging of developmental dysplasia of the hip: ultrasound, radiography and magnetic resonance imaging

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a broad spectrum of developmental abnormalities of the hip joint that are traditionally diagnosed during infancy. Because the development of the hip joint is a dynamic process, optimal treatment depends not only on the severity of the dysplasia, but also on the age of the child. Various imaging modalities are routinely used to confirm suspected diagnosis, to assess severity, and to monitor treatment response. For infants younger than 4 months, screening hip ultrasound (US) is recommended only for those with risk factors, equivocal or positive exam findings, whereas for infants older than 4-6 months, pelvis radiography is preferred. Following surgical hip reduction, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is preferred over computed tomography (CT) because MR can not only confirm concentric hip joint reduction, but also identify the presence of soft-tissue barriers to reduction and any unexpected postoperative complications. The routine use of contrast-enhanced MR remains controversial because of the relative paucity of well-powered and validated literature. The main objectives of this article are to review the normal and abnormal developmental anatomy of the hip joint, to discuss the rationale behind the current recommendations on the most appropriate selection of imaging modalities for screening and diagnosis, and to review routine and uncommon findings that can be identified on post-reduction MR, using an evidence-based approach. A basic understanding of the physiology and the pathophysiology can help ensure the selection of optimal imaging modality and reduce equivocal diagnoses that can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Avascular Necrosis of Acetabulum: The Hidden Culprit of Resistant Deep Wound Infection and Failed Fixation of Fracture Acetabulum - A Case Report

Introduction:

Chances of avascular necrosis of acetabulum are rare as it enjoys a rich blood supply. But cases of post - traumatic avascular necrosis of acetabulum following fracture of posterior column have been well documented. Importance of identifying and suspecting the avascular necrosis of acetabulum is essential in cases of failed fixation of fracture acetabulum, previously operated using extensile approach to acetabulum; either extended anterior ilio - femoral or tri - radiate approach. Such patients usually present with repeated deep bone infection or with early failure of fixation with aseptic loosening and migration of its components. We present a similar case.

Case Presentation:

40 years female presented with inadequately managed transverse fracture of left acetabulum done by anterior extended ilio-inguinal approach. The fixation failed. She presented 6 months later with painful hip. Cemented total hip replacement was performed with reconstruction of acetabulum by posterior column plating. Six months postoperatively patient presented with dislodgement of cup, pelvic discontinuity and sinus in the thigh. Two stage revision surgery was planned. First implant, removal; debridement and antibiotic spacer surgery was performed. At second stage of revision total hip replacement, patient had Paprosky grade IIIb defect in acetabulum. Spacer was removed through the posterior approach. Anterior approach was taken for anterior plating. Intra-operatively external iliac pulsations were found to be absent so procedure was abandoned after expert opinion.

Postoperatively digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a chronic block in the external iliac artery and corona mortis was the only patent vascular channel providing vascular to the left lower limb. Thus, peripheral limb was stealing blood supply from the acetabulum to maintain perfusion. Patient was ultimately left with pelvic discontinuity, excision arthroplasty and pseudoarthrosis of the left hip.

Conclusions:

Avascular necrosis of acetabulum is a rare entity & often not recognized. One should be suspicious about diagnosis of avascular necrosis of acetabulum in select cases of failed acetabular fixation, previously operated via extensile anterior ilio - inguinal approach. Angiographic evaluation is essential in revision cases of failed acetabular fixation. Corona mortis (crown or circle of death) can sometimes act as a savior of limb.

Periacetabular osteotomy: a review of swiss experience

Symptomatic dysplasia of the hip and acetabular retroversion are possible causes of osteoarthritis in the young adult. Surgical management with reorientation of the acetabulum allows causal therapy of the deformity and preservation of the native hip joint. The Ganz' periacetabular osteotomy permits a free 3-dimensional reorientation of the acetabulum and respects the blood supply of the acetabular fragment. The posterior column remains intact with a stable fixation of the acetabular fragment and a preserved shape of the true pelvis. There is a significant learning curve with severe complications in up to 30 % of cases. Good results can be expected in the long-term follow-up if performed with correct indication at young age in hips with preserved joint cartilage and proper reorientation of the acetabular fragment. Overall survivorship is superior to the natural course of hip dysplasia with a preserved hip joint in 61 % after 20 years.

Capsular and pericapsular contributions to acetabular and femoral head perfusion

BACKGROUND

Capsular and pericapsular vessels are believed to contribute to acetabular and femoral head perfusion, but, to our knowledge, there is no anatomic study to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to describe the vascular anatomy of the hip with particular reference to the contributions of the capsular and pericapsular vessels.

METHODS

Twenty fresh cadavers were dissected twenty-four hours after intra-arterial injection of colored silicone. The arteries supplying the hip were followed by careful dissection from their origins outside the pelvis to their terminal branches. Particular attention was paid to the vessels traveling between the acetabulum and the capsule and the femoral head.

RESULTS

In all twenty specimens, the hip capsule received blood supply from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries proximally and from the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries distally. The contributory vessels entered the capsule peripherally and superficially. The circumflex arteries supplied the anterior capsule. The gluteal arteries supplied the posterior and posterosuperior aspect of the hip capsule, augmented by contributions from the circumflex arteries. Variable anastomoses were found between the gluteal and femoral systems on the capsular surface beneath the gluteus minimus and short hip external rotators. The medial femoral circumflex artery provided the dominant blood supply to the femoral head in eighteen specimens, and the inferior gluteal artery provided the dominant supply in two specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Capsular and pericapsular vessels that contribute to the blood supply of the acetabulum run on the posterior and posterolateral surface of the capsule. The dominant blood supply to the femoral head comes from vessels that approach the joint posteriorly and penetrate the joint near the femoral attachment of the capsule.

A modified periacetabular osteotomy with use of the transtrochanteric exposure

BACKGROUND

Periacetabular osteotomies are technically demanding surgical procedures. We developed a modified technique that uses a transtrochanteric approach. Our goal was to facilitate surgical exposure without compromising the results of surgery. The purpose of the present study was to review the early results in our initial group of patients who had this procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the results of a modified periacetabular osteotomy in thirty-eight consecutive patients (forty-six hips) at an average duration of follow-up of 4.2 years. The average age of the patients was thirty-one years (range, eighteen to fifty-eight years) at the time of surgery. We evaluated the results with use of serial radiographs and the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel hip-scoring system.

RESULTS

All osteotomies healed. Preoperatively, the average lateral center-edge angle was 3 degrees (range, -15 degrees to 12 degrees ), the anterior center-edge angle was 0 degrees (range, -20 degrees to 5 degrees ), the acetabular angle of Sharp was 57 degrees (range, 50 degrees to 68 degrees ), and the femoral head coverage was 53% (range, 40% to 66%). Postoperatively, the average lateral center-edge angle was 35 degrees (range, 23 degrees to 45 degrees ), the anterior center-edge angle was 32 degrees (range, 20 degrees to 55 degrees ), the acetabular angle of Sharp was 40 degrees (range, 37 degrees to 45 degrees ), and the femoral head coverage was 92% (range, 85% to 100%). The average amount of medialization of the femoral head was 6 mm. At the latest follow-up examination, improvement in the grade of osteoarthritis was noted in eight hips, while progression of osteoarthritis was seen in five hips. Functionally, the average Merle d'Aubigné and Postel hip score improved from 13.2 points preoperatively to 17.0 points postoperatively. No patient had a neurovascular complication.

CONCLUSION

Our early experience with a modified periacetabular osteotomy showed encouraging results in terms of the technical ease of the technique and the outcome in our patients.

Distinct intergender difference in the femoral artery ramification patterns found in the Turkish population: angiographic study

Using 600 bilateral femoral angiographies (300 male lower extremities and 300 female lower extremities), we observed configurations of the femoral origins of the medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA), lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and the deep femoral artery. The distinct intergender difference was found in the incidence of direct origin of the MCFA from the femoral artery (17.8% and 80.0% in male and female limbs, respectively). The LCFA also exhibited a marked difference between genders in the incidence of direct origin. The Turkish population seemed to be characterized by an intergender difference in specific somatic arterial morphology.