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Acute Medicine & Surgery 2024Traumatic pneumocephalus is commonly encountered after basal skull fractures and rarely associated with blunt chest trauma. Here, we report a case of pneumocephalus...
BACKGROUND
Traumatic pneumocephalus is commonly encountered after basal skull fractures and rarely associated with blunt chest trauma. Here, we report a case of pneumocephalus caused by traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 20-year-old male was admitted to our hospital following a motorcycle accident with complete paralysis of the right upper limb. 2 days later, follow-up computed tomography revealed a slight right pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum around the neck, and intracranial air without skull fracture. Air migrates into the subarachnoid space through a dural tear caused by a brachial plexus avulsion. The pneumocephalus immediately improved after the insertion of a chest drain.
CONCLUSION
Pneumothorax combined with brachial plexus avulsion could lead to pneumocephalus. Immediate chest drainage might be the best way to stop the migration of air; however, care should be taken to not worsen cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
PubMed: 38765777
DOI: 10.1002/ams2.956 -
Cureus Apr 2024A Segond fracture is a specific type of avulsion fracture involving the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia adjacent to the tibial plateau. Segond fractures are...
A Segond fracture is a specific type of avulsion fracture involving the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia adjacent to the tibial plateau. Segond fractures are indicative of ligamentous injury in the knee. In this case report, a 29-year-old male delivery driver presented to the ED with acute onset right knee pain after losing control of his motorbike at low speed. Examination revealed significant effusion and medial and lateral joint line tenderness. An anterior-posterior radiograph of the knee showed a Segond fracture. Subsequent MRI confirmed a full-thickness anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear. Despite surgical reconstruction options, the patient chose conservative management. At eight-week follow-up, he demonstrated satisfactory progress. This case highlights the diagnostic significance of Segond fractures in identifying ligamentous damage in the knee without the availability of MRI. It also highlights the feasibility of non-operative management in some instances.
PubMed: 38765369
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58588 -
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za... May 2024To explore the mechanism, surgical method, and effectiveness of proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of the flexor digitorum...
OBJECTIVE
To explore the mechanism, surgical method, and effectiveness of proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of the flexor digitorum tendon.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4 patients with proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of flexor digitorum tendon admitted between May 2018 and September 2022. The patients were all male, the age ranged from 26 to 52 years, with an average of 33 years. The injured fingers included 1 case of middle finger and 3 cases of ring finger. The causes of injury were rock climbing of 2 cases and carrying heavy objects of 2 cases. Preoperative anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT examination of the fingers showed a lateral avulsion fracture of the proximal phalanx, with a fracture block length of 15-22 mm and a width of 3-5 mm. The total active range of motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (148.75±10.11)°. The grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (15.50±2.88) kg, which was significantly lower than that of the healthy side (50.50±7.93) kg ( =-8.280, <0.001). The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days, with an average of 3.5 days. One Kirschner wire with a diameter of 1.0 mm was used for direct fixation through the fracture block, while two Kirschner wires with a diameter of 1.0 mm were used for compression fixation against the fracture block. The fracture healing was observed, and the TAM of the injured finger and the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers were measured. The finger function was evaluated according to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society.
RESULTS
The incisions all healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 6-28 months, with an average of 19 months. X-ray films showed that all avulsion fractures of proximal phalanx reached bony union, and the healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks, with an average of 4.6 weeks. At last follow-up, the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (50.50±7.76) kg, which significantly improved when compared with preoperative one ( =-8.440, <0.001). The TAM of the injured finger reached (265.50±2.08)°, and there was a significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( =-21.235, <0.001). According to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, the finger function was all evaluated as excellent in 4 cases.
CONCLUSION
Using Kirschner wire fixation through bone blocks and external compression fixation of bone blocks for treating proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlear injury of the flexor digitorum tendon can achieve good effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Bone Wires; Fractures, Avulsion; Finger Phalanges; Middle Aged; Tendon Injuries; Finger Injuries; Hand Strength; Treatment Outcome; Range of Motion, Articular; Fractures, Bone
PubMed: 38752245
DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202402073 -
Swiss Dental Journal Apr 2024This study, the first to analyze accident data from a major compulsory Swiss health insurer (Concordia), reviewed 5,063 dental accident reports of 122,370 children under...
This study, the first to analyze accident data from a major compulsory Swiss health insurer (Concordia), reviewed 5,063 dental accident reports of 122,370 children under the age of 16. The predominant cause of injury was a "fall," with "playing" being the foremost activity mentioned and "ground" identified as the primary object of impact. The analysis of the involved objects showed that dental injuries occur most frequently with scooters, bicycles, and stairs. In 2019, 8.14% of children aged one and insured by Concordia suffered a dental injury. By age 16, 58.8% of all children had experienced a dental injury. 0.72% had suffered a primary dentition crown fracture with pulp involvement. Regarding their permanent teeth, 0.21% suffered an avulsion, 0.84% another luxation injury, 0.65% a crown fracture with pulp involvement, and 0.16% a root fracture. A significant increase in injuries per day was observed after the summer holidays. On weekends, there were 28% fewer injuries per day on average than on weekdays. Despite differences among the cantons, the dataset can be considered to be representative for Switzerland. Accident descriptions were often too brief for detailed prevention strategies. Detailed accident information is essential for effective structural measures, which are more effective than promoting behavioural changes. A detailed recording could also be used to draw up a list of the objects frequently involved in accidents. An updated insurance form with an improved nomenclature, the option of digital submission, photo uploads and AI-supported data recording could greatly improve the quality and interpretability of injury data.
Topics: Humans; Switzerland; Child; Child, Preschool; Tooth Injuries; Infant; Adolescent; Female; Male; National Health Programs
PubMed: 38739772
DOI: 10.61872/sdj-2024-02-06 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery May 2024To analyze the causes of failure after a Latarjet procedure and to evaluate the results of revision surgery.
AIM
To analyze the causes of failure after a Latarjet procedure and to evaluate the results of revision surgery.
METHODS
Single-cohort, retrospective, observational study. Fifteen patients, 13 males, mean age at revision failed Latarjet 38.9 years (range, 20-57), with anterior glenohumeral instability who underwent a revision surgery for a failed Latarjet procedure were reviewed. Failure was defined as subluxation or dislocation. Demographic features, the reason for failure, type of lesions observed, and postoperative clinical and functional status were recorded. Functional status was assessed with the Rowe score. Subjective clinical evaluation was performed using the WOSI Index and subjective shoulder value (SSV).
RESULTS
Recurrence occurred in the first year following the Latarjet procedure in 11 (73.3%) patients. The causes of failure were graft avulsion in 3 cases, fracture in 1, coracoid misposition in 2 cases, graft non-union in 1, advanced osteolysis in 4 cases and persistence of an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion in one. In 3 cases no identifiable cause of failure, but patients generalized severe hyperlaxity was found. Regarding revision surgery after the Latarjet procedure, 8 patients underwent an arthroscopic Eden-Hybinette procedure and in 3 patients the graft was repositioned. In the remaining 4 patients an extraarticular capsular reinforcement was performed. Regarding the latter, one patient suffered new dislocations and required an additional revision surgery consisting of an Eden-Hybinette procedure. All patients remained stable after the revision surgery at the latest follow-up, except two who reported subluxations after an arthroscopic Eden-Hybinette and an extraarticular capsular reinforcement, but no additional surgical procedure was required. Functional status after revision surgery was satisfactory, with a Rowe mean score noted at 78 (10-100), WOSI score at 829 (225-1425) and a subjective shoulder value scale at 67 points (40-90).
CONCLUSION
The causes of failure after a Latarjet procedure were poor bone graft due to mispositioning, avulsion, fracture or resorption, generalized hyperlaxity, and incomplete restoration of the glenoid track. Our study demonstrates that when the cause of failure is identified and addressed, stability is restored, and clinical and functional scores improved.
PubMed: 38735635
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.045 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery... Jun 2024Volar fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are rare injuries caused by an axial force on a flexed digit resulting in an avulsion fracture of the... (Review)
Review
Volar fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are rare injuries caused by an axial force on a flexed digit resulting in an avulsion fracture of the dorsal lip of the middle phalanx with volar dislocation of the joint. This volar subtype is analogous to the more common dorsal subtype with a mirror image fracture on the dorsal lip of the middle phalanx. The main significance in this type of injury lies in the disruption of the extensor mechanism at the central slip. The goals of treatment, apart from restoring a congruent and stable joint, is to restore the extensor mechanism to prevent a boutonnière deformity. In this article, we summarise the current literature and discuss the principles for treatment of this uncommon injury. Level V (Therapeutic).
Topics: Humans; Finger Joint; Finger Injuries; Fracture Dislocation; Joint Dislocations; Fracture Fixation, Internal
PubMed: 38726496
DOI: 10.1142/S2424835524300020 -
Cureus Apr 2024A calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fracture occurring simultaneously with a rupture of the Achilles tendon, although occurring through similar mechanisms, is a rare injury...
A calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fracture occurring simultaneously with a rupture of the Achilles tendon, although occurring through similar mechanisms, is a rare injury pattern to see in combination and presents a unique challenge to the surgeon. The patient we present was initially found to have a type II fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity. However, during surgical fixation of the fracture, a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon was noticed. The technique used in this case was the fixation of the fracture fragment with two 5 mm fully threaded screws. The tendon was then reattached to the calcaneus using two Mitek anchors (DePuy Mitek Inc., MA, USA) with a modified Bunnell technique. There are a number of techniques suggested in the literature, including, among others, K-wires (DePuy Mitek Inc., MA, USA) and screw fixation. Our patient recovered well and has now been discharged from further orthopaedic follow-up.
PubMed: 38725765
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57914 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... May 2024To describe the successful surgical management of a previously unreported Salter-Harris type I fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the successful surgical management of a previously unreported Salter-Harris type I fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog.
ANIMAL
An 11-week-old intact female Golden Retriever-Poodle cross presented with a history of a marked left forelimb lameness following a suspected fall from a height.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
On physical examination, the patient demonstrated a severe left forelimb lameness and pain on palpation and range of motion of the left carpus. Orthogonal radiographs of the distal left forelimb demonstrated a type I Salter-Harris fracture of the accessory carpal bone with proximal displacement of the palmar fragment.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation wherein the fracture was reduced and stabilized with two 1.1-mm Kirschner wires. Postoperatively, the patient was initially managed with a carpal flexion bandage for 2 weeks and then a soft padded bandage was maintained until 4 weeks postoperatively. The patient recovered well and was walking and weight-bearing comfortably following removal of the carpal flexion bandage. Repeat radiographs performed 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated adequate fracture healing but showed mild proximocaudal implant displacement. Implant removal was not performed, as the patient was doing well at home and the implant migration appeared static and was not causing clinical morbidity.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
To the authors' knowledge, this was the only reported case of a Salter-Harris fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog and the only described case of successful surgical stabilization.
PubMed: 38718819
DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.03.0198 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Apr 2024A lateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population. However, it is unclear how the clinical condition evolves during...
PURPOSE
A lateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population. However, it is unclear how the clinical condition evolves during the period after the injury and what proportion of patients develops chronic symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the evolution of patient-reported outcome measures after a first time lateral ankle sprain.
METHODS
A prospective clinical study assessed the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of a consecutive group of 100 patients during 1 year after a first lateral ankle sprain. The Karlsson score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT)-score was assessed at 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. The difference between the time points of all scores was analysed using the positive change over time (binomial test versus 50%) and the difference in score (signed rank test). The time to sustained excellent level was also assessed overall and in several subgroups: age, gender, degree of injury (2 or 3), avulsion fracture, use of crutches, use of cast. Differences between subgroups were assessed by a generalized log-rank test.
RESULTS
All clinical scores demonstrated an improvement up to 12 months after the sprain. The median Karlsson score (interquartile range) improved from 62 (50-80) at 6 weeks to 90 (72-100) at 3 months, to 97 (82-100) at 6 months to 100 (90-100) at 9 months, to 100 (100-100) at 1 year. The analysis of positive change over time demonstrated a significant positive change (P-value <.0005) between all time points except between 6 weeks and 12 weeks when using the FAOS quality score. The difference in score demonstrated a significant change (P-value <.01) between all time points except between 36 weeks and 48 weeks when using the FAOS pain and FAOS sports score. Age and presence of an avulsion fracture were correlated with a slower recovery and worse results. At 1 year, in total 13 patients (13%) had a worse outcome corresponding to a Karlsson score < 81 or CAIT score < 24.
CONCLUSION
The clinical condition after a first ankle sprain demonstrated a significant improvement in PROMs between the different time points in the first year. Twelve months after a first lateral ankle sprain 13% had a fair or poor outcome. Higher age and presence of an avulsion fracture were correlated with a slower recovery and worse results. This information is useful in clinical practice to predict further progression and inform patients. Moreover, it is valuable to improve treatment strategies.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II (prospective cohort study).
PubMed: 38714452
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.04.012 -
JSES International May 2024Treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures with bony avulsion of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments often warrants surgical fixation, yet a gold standard surgical...
Biomechanical evaluation of fixation of the coracoclavicular stand-alone cow-hitch suture reconstruction in comparison to two established techniques for highly unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer type V).
BACKGROUND
Treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures with bony avulsion of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments often warrants surgical fixation, yet a gold standard surgical technique is to be defined. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical fixation strength of a new fixation technique, the CC stand-alone cow-hitch suture reconstruction, and to compare this technique with a clavicle hook plate and a lateral locking plate with CC suture reconstruction.
METHODS
Simulated Neer type V distal clavicle fractures of the clavicle were created in 18 cadaveric shoulders, which were matched by age and gender in 3 groups: (1) clavicle hook plate (group HP), (2) lateral locking plate fixation with CC suture reconstruction (group LPCC), and (3) CC stand-alone suture reconstruction using the cow-hitch technique (group CH). After preconditioning with 25 N for 10 cycles, the specimens were cycled in the coronal plane for 500 cycles from 10N to 70N. Displacement and ultimate load to failure were documented and analyzed with the data acquisition system.
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the fracture displacement during cyclic loading between the LPCC group and the HP group (0.6 vs. 1.7 mm; = .02) and between the CH and HP groups (0.5 vs. 1.7 mm; = .004). Fracture displacement was not different between the LPCC and the CH groups ( = .544). The CH group and the LPCC group showed a significantly higher stiffness compared to the HP group ( < .001 and = .003, respectively). The CH group showed a significantly higher ultimate load to failure compared with the HP group (429 vs. 172 N; = .005) and showed a tendency toward higher ultimate load to failure when compared with the LPCC group (429 vs. 258 N; = .071).
CONCLUSION
The CC stand-alone cow-hitch suture reconstruction and the locking plate with CC reconstruction showed higher fixation strength compared with the hook plate for simulated Neer type V distal clavicle fractures. There was a tendency of higher ultimate load to failure with the cow-hitch technique compared with the lateral locking plate with CC suture reconstruction, and given the potential advantages of less soft tissue stripping, metal-free fixation, low costs, and simple surgical technique, clinical application of the all-suture CC reconstruction using the cow-hitch for Neer type V distal clavicle fractures appears warranted.
PubMed: 38707556
DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.11.022