Orthopedics
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Hematoma of the ligamentum flavum is a rare cause of neural compression, for which treatment has consisted of excising the hematoma via open surgical approaches, including total laminectomy or bilateral partial laminectomy. This article presents the first report of a microscope-assisted endoscopic decompression to resect a hematoma of the ligamentum flavum. A 52-year-old man presented with back and leg pain, as well as difficulty initiating micturation. ⋯ Surgical decompression in these patients was accomplished with a standard open approach through hemilaminectomy (n=11), total laminectomy (n=10), or laminectomy followed by posterior fixation (n=3). The literature review did not identify any case of hematoma of the lumbar ligamentum flavum that was treated endoscopically. We expect our case may expand the indications for the endoscope in spine surgery.
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Case Reports
Treatment of focal osteochondral defects of the acetabulum with osteochondral allograft transplantation.
To our knowledge, treatment of focal osteochondral defects of the acetabulum with osteochondral allograft transplantation has not been described. As with osteochondral lesions of other weight-bearing surfaces, these defects may lead to disabling pain and early degenerative changes. In older patients who fail nonoperative treatment, hip arthroplasty is a reliable option to obtain pain relief and restore function. ⋯ Both patients' Hip Outcome Scores were 100 points each. Osteochondral allografts allow large areas to be resurfaced without donor site morbidity, and these grafts provide an immediate functional joint surface. Although it has not been proven in terms of long-term follow-up, we believe that osteochondral allograft transplantation for focal osteochondral defects of the acetabulum in young, active patients is a feasible option to restore joint congruity.
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Giant cell tumor of bone is locally aggressive and occurs in the meta-epiphyseal region of long bones. Because of its high recurrence rate, local adjuvant therapies such as phenol or liquid nitrogen have been recommended. In the present study, zoledronic acid, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, was administered locally as an adjuvant during a biopsy. ⋯ Histologic examination revealed massive tumor cell death in the lesion in which both stromal cells and osteoclast-like giant cells were necrotic. Curettage was performed and the defect was filled with a commercial preshaped hydroxyapatitetricalcium phosphate bone substitute. Eighteen months after curettage, the patient had regained full range of motion and good function of the knee, and radiographs at 18 months after curettage revealed no recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Do microfractures improve high tibial osteotomy outcome?
The aim of this study was to determine if microfractures improve the outcome of high tibial osteotomy in patients with medial compartmental osteoarthritis in genu varum. Forty patients presenting with Outerbridge grade III and IV chondropathies on the femoral and/or the tibial joint surface underwent high tibial osteotomy with Puddu plates (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, Florida) for primary medial compartment osteoarthritis in genu varum at our institution. Patients were randomly assigned to either the high tibial osteotomy plus microfractures group (A; n=20) or the high tibial osteotomy alone group (B; n=20). ⋯ Regarding the satisfaction score, there were no differences between the 2 groups in terms of preoperative self-assessment (P>.05), whereas postoperative subjective satisfaction at 5-year follow-up was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P=.0036). Our study results provide further evidence that medial tibial osteotomy is an effective surgical option for treating a varus knee associated with medial degenerative arthritis in patients wishing to continue accustomed levels of physical activity. In particular, patient satisfaction was higher among those who underwent the combined treatment involving high tibial osteotomy to correct femorotibial angle and microfractures.