Mid-term results of sub-trochanteric valgus osteotomy for symptomatic late stages Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

BACKGROUND

The treatment of late stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is controversial. Although the concept of femoral head containment is a well-established technique of treatment, its use remains debatable in the late stages of the disease, as it does not improve symptoms in terms of limb length discrepancy and gait.

AIM

To assess the results of subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy in symptomatic patients with late-stage Perthes disease.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2007, 36 symptomatic patients with late stage of Perthes disease were surgically treated with subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and followed-up for 8 to 11 years using the IOWA score and range of motion (ROM) variables. The Mose classification was also assessed at the last follow-up to reflect possible remodeling. The patients were 8 years old or older at the time of surgery, in the post-fragmentation stage, and complaining of pain, limited ROM, Trendelenburg gait, and/or abductor weakness.

RESULTS

The preoperative IOWA score (average: 53.3) markedly improved at the 1-year post follow-up period (average: 85.41) and then slightly improved at the last follow-up (average: 89.4) (P value < 0.05). ROM improved, with internal rotation increased on average by 22° (from 10° preoperatively to 32° postoperatively) and abduction increased on average by 15.9° (from 25° preoperatively to 41° postoperatively). The mean Mose deviation of femoral heads was 4.1 mm at the end of the follow-up period. The tests used were the paired t-test and Pearson correlation test, where the level of significance was a P value less than 0.05.

CONCLUSION

Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy can be a good option for symptomatic relief in patients with late-stage of LCPD.

[A rare case of bilateral femoral neck fracture in a 5-year-old girl with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type 2]

The rare case of a 5‑year-old girl with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type 2, who suffered metaphyseal fractures of the femoral neck on both sides within 6 months is described. On the right side, the diagnosis was made 3 months after the onset of symptoms, so that a coxa vara occurred. The treatment was surgically treated through a valgus osteotomy with fixation of the femoral head with K‑wires. Three months after the operation, the girl complained of a painful restriction of movement on her left side. Radiologically, a metaphyseal femoral neck fracture without coxa vara was diagnosed and in situ fixated with 2 K wires. Two months after the second operation, there was a symmetrical free range of motion of the hips with no symptoms. The metaphyseal femoral neck fracture with verticalization of the growth plate is a serious disease in autosomal dominant osteopetrosis due to the development of a coxa vara, which, if diagnosed at an early stage, can be treated well with in situ fixation. If the coxa vara has already developed, a valgus osteotomy should be performed despite the risk of delayed bone healing.

Gait analysis and knee joint kinematics before a and 6 month after of corrective valgus osteotomy at patients with medial knee arthritis

PURPOSE

A varus deformity (VD) of the lower limbs results in greater loading of the medial compartment of the knee joint (KJ), leading to its degenerative changes and, eventually, to progressive osteoarthritis (OA) of the joint. The aim of the study was to investigate the mid-term changes in gait biomechanics and clinical symptoms in patients with VD of KJ and OA before and six months after surgical correction.

METHODS

The study enrolled 25 patients with medial OA of grade 2-3 according to Kellgren-Lawrence and a VD of > 3°, who underwent arthroscopic lavage and debridement of the knee joint followed by corrective osteotomy. The control group included 20 healthy adults. Clinical and biomechanical assessments were done twice: immediately prior to and six months after the surgical treatment. Biomechanical parameters of gait were recorded using an inertial sensor system.

RESULTS

According to our findings, there was a statistically significant post-operative increase in the knee extension amplitude by 1.4° in female patients and an insignificant extension increase in male patients. The mean postoperative KOOS score was 66.7 points (46 to 91) in the patient group, 67.1 points (54 to 91) in males, and 59.5 points (46 to 64) in females. As early as six months after a valgus osteotomy, we already observed improved biomechanics of the KJ motions compared to pre-operative data. By that time, the swing flexion amplitude of the affected KJ had increased and became symmetrical, which had not been the case before surgery. We observed a total of three changes in the KJ kinematics after surgery: increased swing flexion amplitudes in both KJs, a decreased extension amplitude in the affected KJ, and increased first flexion amplitudes in both KJs.

CONCLUSION

According to our study, the midterm outcomes after a valgus osteotomy showed clinical improvements based on the VAS and KOOS scores, which were however less pronounced than in similar studies with a longer assessment term after surgery. We also found a significant increase in the amplitude of joint extension, but only in females. As the function of the operated joint is concerned, valgus osteotomy restored the kinematics of walking movements to a nearly normal gait with increased first and second flexion amplitudes. The function of KJ becomes symmetric though the non-operative side. Thus, the healthy and functionally more capable side is copying the movement pattern of the affected side. Hence, the non-operative leg is functioning less efficiently than it is required by the walking pace.

Valgus osteotomy for atypical interprosthetic femoral fracture with lateral bowing of the femur

Introduction

In recent years, it has been reported that periprosthetic femoral fractures in the form of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are found occasionally as difficult-to-treat conditions. To date, there have been no reports of interprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFFs) having the form of AFFs. We report a case of an atypical IPFF with breakage of the plate due to abnormal femoral alignment.

Case report

A 70-year-old woman was admitted. She underwent left knee replacement and left hemi-arthroplasty at ages 61 and 60. And she had been taking bisphosphonate for 5 years. A plain X-ray revealed IPFF. The fracture was a complete transverse fracture with circumscribed thickening of the lateral cortical bone ("beak sign") at the fracture site. She underwent surgery. A reversed condylar locking compression plate (LCP) was used for internal fixation. Subsequently, she could walk without particular pain. Five months after the operation, she heard the snap of a bone breaking, and had difficulty walking. Plain X-ray revealed a re-fracture of the fracture site and breakage of the plate at the same high position. She underwent re-operation. A valgus osteotomy was performed at an angle of 15°. A reversed condylar LCP was used on the lateral side of the femur. A bone grafting was performed focusing on the fracture site. In addition, a short-LCP was fixed anteriorly to the femur. The bone union 1 year and 6 months postoperatively. She could walk, with no impairment being noted regarding ADL.

Conclusions

We performed osteosynthesis for an IPFF having the characteristics of AFF, but the patient suffered breakage of the plate and re-fracture. Bone union was achieved as a result of re-operation that consisted of valgus osteotomy of the fracture site in combination with autologous bone grafting and double orthogonal plating.

Experience of valgus osteotomy for neglected and failed osteosynthesis in fractures neck of femur

PURPOSE

There is vast literature supporting valgus osteotomy in fracture neck of femur. However, little or no distinction has ever been made to evaluate the success of the procedure in these two different scenarios-non-unions due to failed osteosynthesis and neglected fractures neck of femur. The aim of our study was to compare the results of valgus osteotomy in neglected neck femur fractures and non-union fractures of neck of femur.

METHODS

This is a single tertiary centre-based retrospective study. The records of all patients aged less than 45 years who underwent valgus osteotomy for neck of femur fractures from 2012 to 2017 were evaluated. Patients with fracture neck of femur of over one month's duration, where no previous surgical intervention was undertaken were placed in neglected fracture group. Patients with failed primary osteosynthesis surgery, either cannulated cancellous screw or dynamic hip screw, were placed in fixation failure group. There were 23 patients in neglected group and 17 patients in fixation failure group. Demographical details, fracture patterns, and preoperative radiograph, surgery time, blood loss, post-operative complications, union time, and non-unions were studied in both groups.

RESULTS

Osteotomy site united in mean time of 11 weeks in fixation failure group and 11.3 weeks in neglected group (p = .434). Time to radiological union of fracture was 16 weeks (12-23 weeks) for neglected fracture group compared to 25 weeks (20-32 weeks) for fixation failure group which was statistically significant (p = .02). Seven out of 17 fractures did not unite in fixation failure group compared to one non-union out of 23 patients in neglected group. (p = .004) There were two loss of fixation with implant failure in fixation failure group compared to none in neglected group (p = .174). Neither of the groups had any surgical site infection.

CONCLUSION

Valgus osteotomy results in excellent union rates for neglected fractures of neck of femur. However, the union rates of valgus osteotomy are lower in neck femur fractures with failed implants compared to neglected fractures and the procedure should be cautiously used in such circumstances.

Transfixing Kirshner wires for fixation of intertrochanteric valgus osteotomies in management of pediatric coxa vara

Background

Coxa vara is a radiological term describing a decrease in the neck–shaft angle to 120° or less. Coxa vara is associated with pathomechanical changes that can manifest clinically. If left untreated, coxa vara can affect the normal development of the pediatric hip. Valgus osteotomy is the standard surgical treatment for coxa vara, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal osteotomy technique and fixation method. The work reported here aimed to highlight transfixing wires as a fixation method for valgus osteotomy applied as treatment for various types of pediatric coxa vara.

Materials and methods

This study included 16 cases of pediatric coxa vara with different etiologies in 9 patients with a mean age of 39.9 ± 15.2 months. Radiological and clinical evaluations and scoring of the condition of each patient according to the Iowa Hip Score were performed pre- and postoperatively. Transfixing wires and a protective spica were used for the fixation of a V-shaped, laterally based, closing-wedge valgus osteotomy in all cases. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 14 to 102 months, with a mean duration of 33.3 ± 27.7 months.

Results

The mean Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (HEA) was corrected from 81.7 ± 2.2° to 24.3 ± 3.5° and the mean femoral neck–shaft angle (FNSA) was improved from 86.9 ± 4.2° to 138.6 ± 3.5°. No recurrence of the deformity was observed during the follow-up periods considered here. The osteotomy site united after an average of 11.7 ± 2.2 weeks with no secondary displacement, and in cases of developmental coxa vara there was progressive ossification of the neck defect with no surgery-related complications. Clinical results were markedly improved by the osteotomy, with a mean postoperative Iowa Hip Score at last follow-up of 95.06 ± 2.6, compared to a mean preoperative score of 57.4 ± 3.6.

Conclusions

Transfixing wires protected in a hip spica cast represent a simple, easy, and reliable fixation method for valgus osteotomies performed to correct pediatic coxa vara. It assures stable fixation and rapid healing of the osteotomy without loss of the achieved correction, it completely avoids the femoral neck affording marked protection to the growth plate.

Level of evidence

IV.

Long-term results of valgus osteotomy for terminal-stage osteoarthritis of the hip

INTRODUCTION

Pauwels' femoral osteotomy is a classical and joint-preserving method for osteoarthritis of the hip caused by acetabular dysplasia and/or subluxation. However, its application for terminal-stage osteoarthritis of the hip, and the long-term results, have not yet been reported. We herein aim to investigate the long-term results of valgus osteotomy for terminal-stage osteoarthritis of the hip.

METHODS

Eighty-two hips of 75 patients (74 women and 1 man, mean age: 48.1 years) classified as having terminal-stage osteoarthritis by Kellgren and Laurence were indicated for valgus osteotomy from 1984 to 1993. Sixty-three hips of 57 patients were followed for more than 20 years (mean: 298 months). Follow-up rate was 77%.

RESULTS

Preoperative mean hip score (Harris Hip Score) was 46.4 points. Thirty-two hips were later converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) (mean: 185 months after surgery). Of the hips without conversion to THA, 31 hips scored 72.8 points on average, and 21 hips scored 70 or more points at the final follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis revealed that 40% of the hips, classified as non-atrophic type (according to Bombelli's classification) at the time of operation, maintained their joint space width for 20 years (endpoint: less than 1 mm at the weight-bearing segment, i.e., recurrence of osteoarthritis) and also revealed that 60% of the hips were not converted for 20 years after the initial operation (endpoint: conversion to THA). Cox's proportional hazard model revealed that those with the atrophic type had a hazard risk 24 times greater than those with the non-atrophic type of osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the long-term results of osteotomy for terminal-stage osteoarthritis of the hip showing satisfactory results with a lengthy follow-up period. Pauwels' valgus femoral osteotomy for terminal-stage osteoarthritis, excluding atrophic type, could be an acceptable alternative to THA.

Non-union fracture neck femur in a toddler: Reconstructed by valgus osteotomy - A minimally invasive approach

BACKGROUND

Non-union is one of the devastating complications of fracture neck of femur. Though a very rarely encountered entity in a toddler (1-3 years paediatric age group), non-united femoral neck fractures are reported in developing countries because of mismanagement by quacks and delay in referrals. For operative treatment, many different procedures have been described, including close/open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires, cannulated screws, fibula or nails. There is no evidence in the literature that one or other implant influences the rate of postoperative complications, such as avascular femoral head necrosis or coxa vara. But, still the choice of fixation implant is debatable.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of 3-year-old child of non-union femoral neck fracture treated with valgus osteotomy. Choice of implant was kept to bare minimum to reduce the cost of implant and magnitude of surgery, which made the surgery minimally invasive, which is not the case in other studies. Two solid cancellous screws and a Kirschner wire (K-wire) were used to acheive fixation. Implant was removed after one year. The patient was followed up for 2 years and was found to be asymptomatic clinically with restoration of neck shaft angle and no signs of AVN.

CONCLUSION

Our method of intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy and internal fixation stabilized using K-wire and screws is a technically simple yet effective method of treating difficult fracture neck femur. Although a larger series and multicentric trails are needed, yet we would safely recommend extension of this technique to unstable fractures, to minimize the incidence of complications, cost and magnitude of surgery.

Managing failed fixation: valgus osteotomy for femoral neck nonunion

Femoral neck non union is a relatively uncommon complication following intracapsular hip fracture in the young patient. Almost all patients with femoral neck non union are symptomatic for which they will require some form of revision surgery. This review discusses the role of valgus osteotomy in managing the younger patient with femoral neck non union.

Evaluation of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy in neglected fracture neck femur in young adults

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fractures in young adults have always presented a difficult problem with high rates of non-union and avascular necrosis. At our centre we have been using the traditional Pauwels intertrochanteric osteotomy for neglected un-united femoral neck fractures in young adults. We have made certain modifications in this procedure to suit our resources and so we evaluated the outcome of this procedure at our institute.

METHODS

The study included fifty consecutive cases of neglected femoral neck fractures treated at our centre between February 1996 and October 2012. Patients in whom internal fixation had failed were excluded. The average age of the patients was 37 years (range: 17-55 years). Eleven of the patients were female & Thirty-nine were male. Fifteen patients belonged to Pauwels grade 1, Twenty-six patients belonged to grade 2, and nine belonged to grade 3. The interval between the injury and operation ranged from 1 to 12months (average: 4.3 months). The cases were operated on a normal table using a Watson Jones Approach. The fracture ends were freshened and fixed using a 6.5mm screw followed by a valgus osteotomy which was fixed by a double angle (120 degree) blade plate.

RESULTS

A fracture union rate of 90% (45 cases) was achieved. Two of the healed cases developed avascular necrosis. Results were graded using Askin and Bryan's criteria. Overall, an excellent result was seen in 35 patients, good in 5, fair in 5 and poor in 5. Of the five patients having poor result (3 non-union, 1 implant breakage, 1 implant cut out), two refused revision surgery. In remaining three, one underwent total hip arthroplasty and in two revision osteotomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

We believe that intertrochanteric osteotomy provides a good outcome for neglected femoral neck fractures. Performing the procedure on a routine table, with Watson Jones approach and fixing with double angle blade plate is a good option.