Vol 29, No 2 (2023)

Background. Treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is accompanied by a number of organizational and tactical problems related to the multidisciplinary nature of the disease. Therefore, the use of classifications determining treatment tactics is necessary. The evaluation of treatment outcomes and efficacy should be conducted in accordance with the classification type of the lesion and decisions made based on the tactical algorithm.

Aim of the study — to identify the dependence of long-tenn treatment outcomes of vertebral osteomyelitis on the type of lesion according to the modified Russian version of the E. Pola classification and the methods of treatment used.

Methods. The study analyzed the treatment results of 266 patients with vertebral osteomyelitis from 2006 to 2019. Type A lesions accounted for 24.1% (n = 64), type B — 47.0% (n = 125), type C — 26.3% (n = 70), and lesions of vertebral processes — 2.6% (n = 7). Neurological disorders were detected in 53 observations (type C). Conservative treatment, debridement, and reconstructive surgeries were perfonned. The evaluation of results was carried out a year or more after discharge.

Results. The maximum effectiveness of conservative treatment was noted in uncomplicated courses and minor bone destruction. Conservative treatment of type A lesions led to recovery in 97.4% of cases compared to reconstructive operations (p = 0.002) and recurrences (p = 0.034). Mortality was higher after reconstructive interventions (p = 0.001). The highest number of fatal outcomes after debridement of the focus was observed in type B lesions — 15.8% (p = 0.022). Analysis of type C lesions did not reveal significant differences between the methods of treatment used. The maximum number of unsatisfactory results was registered in patients with sepsis: mortality was 17.4%, and in its absence — 4.9% (p = 0.039), recurrences — 21.7% versus 7.8% (p = 0.043), recovery — 56.6% versus 83.5% (p = 0.004), respectively. There were no significant differences in the assessments according to the ODI, NDI, SF-36 scales in the long tenn. The overall survival rate was 84.4%, and the long-tenn one was 90.4%, which increased with conservative treatment compared to reconstructive interventions (p = 0.045).

Conclusion. Conservative treatment and extra-focal fixation of the spine showed maximum effectiveness in low-destructive and uncomplicated lesions (type A). Reconstructive interventions lead to an increase in the number of recurrences and fatal outcomes. Debridement of the focus in septic course of type В lesions leads to an increase in hospital mortality. There were no statistically significant differences between the results of different treatment methods for type C lesions.

Background. Osteoporosis is a common metabolic disorder characterised by decreased bone mass and weakened micro-architecture of bone tissue. After 50 years of age, one in three women and one in five men experience osteoporotic fractures. This is projected to cause a yearly loss of 5.8 million healthy life years to disability. The number of patients who attend the outpatient clinic and emergency department of Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics with fragility fractures has been increasing, hence to know the prevalence of osteoporosis in the general population who were asymptomatic, we decided to conduct a study in the rural areas of south India.

Aims: 1) to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis among the population above 50 years in rural areas of south India; 2) to determine the correlation between common secondary risk factors for osteoporosis like tobacco consumption, alcohol, diabetes, and hypertension.

Results. The prevalence of osteoporosis in the rural population was more in females at 42.2%, whereas the males had a prevalence of 32.5%. Among the population with habits of tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption, the prevalence was 78% and 30.6% respectively. 20.2% of non-smokers and 39.7% of non-alcoholics were osteoporotic. Among the population with comorbidities, 53.6% of diabetes and 55.4% of hypertensives were osteoporotic. 33.7% of non-diabetics were osteoporotic, and 29.5% of hypertensives were osteoporotic. The correlation between osteoporosis and the individual risk factors ranged between weak negative to moderately positive (r = -0.2 to 0.5). The correlation between the combination of all the four risk factors and osteoporosis is weakly positive (r = 0.339), which is highly significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that addictive habits such as tobacco and alcohol consumption may have a significant impact on bone health, with a higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis observed in individuals with these habits. Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were also found to be associated with a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention of addictive habits and comorbidities to reduce the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the complex relationships between sociodemographic factors, addictive habits, comorbidities, and bone health.

Background. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) typically associated with moderate to severe post-operative pain that resolves quite slowly. Therefore, injectable forms of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs became the key element of multi-modal analgesia in early post-operative period.

Aim of the study — to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ketorolac vs. ketoprofen for relief of postoperative pain in patients after TKA.

Methods. 100 end-stage osteoarthritic patients (mean age 66,6 years, 80 women and 20 men) that consecutively admitted for primary uncomplicated TKA were randomized in two groups. Ketorol Express (10 mg oral, 4 times per day) used for post-op pain management in the first (49 patients) while Ketonal (100 mg oral, twice a day) — in the second (51 patients). The outcomes assessed by numeral rating scale (NRS), visual analog scale (VAS), pain diaries, comorbidities, peri-operative characteristics, knee function (Oxford Knee Score — 12), adverse effects, drug tolerance and usability, overall satisfaction of treatment. Both groups had no significant gender, age, clinical, radiological, functional or intra-operative differences.

Results. The NRS and VAS ratings showed the similar tendency in both groups: the next day after surgery the pain increased up to moderate, followed by 2 times reduction at day four. There were no differences in average, minimal and maximal pain both in rest and movement as well as amount of daily moderate to severe pain and speed of analgesic effect after oral drug intake. The similar number of patients needed additional analgesics in both groups: on average 3,57 and 4,41 injections correspondently. However, in ketorolac group at day 3 & 4 the percentage of such patients was significantly lower: by 30% at day 3 (p<0,05) and 50% at day 4 (p<0,05). Reported side effects were comparable in both groups but the high level of overall satisfaction was two times more in the patients who took ketorolac.

Conclusion. Oral administration both of ketorolac and ketoprofen proved to be highly effective for pain management after TKA with appropriate tolerance therefore could be used instead of injections since early post-op period.

Background. The problem of improving the functional characteristics of implanted devices and materials used in traumatology and orthopedics is a topical issue.

Aim of the study — to study biocompatibility of bovine bone matrix xenomaterials modified by zoledronic acid and strontium ranelate when implanted into the bone defect cavity.

Methods. The study was performed on 24 male rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla breed. Test blocks of bone matrix were implanted into the cavity of bone defects of the femur. Group 1 animals (n = 8, control group) were implanted with bone xenogenic material (Bio-Ost osteoplastic matrix). Group 2 animals (n = 8) were implanted with bone xenogenic material impregnated with zoledronic acid. Group 3 animals (n = 8) were implanted with bone xenogeneic material impregnated with strontium ranelate. Supercritical fluid extraction technology was used to purify the material and impregnate it with zoledronic acid and strontium ranelate. Radiological, pathomorphological, histological and laboratory (hematology and blood biochemistry) diagnostic methods were used to assess biocompatibility. Follow-up period was 182 days after implantation.

Results. It was found out that on the 182^nd day after implantation the median area of the newly-formed bone tissue in the defect modeling area in Group 1 was 79%, in Group 2 — 0%, in Group 3 — 67%. In Group 2 the maximum area by this period was filled with connective tissue — 77%. Median relative area of implanted material fragments in Group 1 was 4%, in Group 2 — 23%, in Group 3 — 15%. No infection or material rejection was observed in animals of all groups. There were no signs of intoxication or prolonged systemic inflammatory reaction. Laboratory parameters did not change significantly over time. One animal in each group experienced one-time increase in C-reactive protein level against the background of leukocytosis. Two animals in Group 1 had a slight migration of implanted material under the skin, one animal developed arthritis of the knee joint.

Conclusion. Osteoplastic materials based on bovine bone xenomatrix and filled with zoledronic acid and strontium ranelate have acceptable values of biocompatibility including their safety profile.

Background. The prevalence of tibial plateau fractures reaches 51.7 per 100,000 population per year, accounting for approximately 1% of all fractures, and is associated with the development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis in 25-45% of cases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the regional features, including frequency, structure, and outcomes, of S82.1 fractures.

Methods. An anonymized sample was obtained from the region’s database, covering the period from 2017 to 2021, using the ICD-10 codes S82.1, Z47.0, M17.2, and M17.3. Data Science principles and software were applied for analysis.

Results. A total of 14,705 records were obtained. The average prevalence of tibial plateau fractures in the region was 24 per 100,000 population per year. The frequency of fractures was highest among the working-age population, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.02:1.00. There was a shift in the age group of knee osteoarthritis occurrence to individuals over 60 years old. Since 2018, a decrease in the number of fractures has been observed among elderly individuals. Out of the total sample, 1,017 patients were hospitalized, and 1,752 operations were performed. Open injuries accounted for 1.9% of cases, and the complication rate was 5.3%. Moderate correlations were found between open fractures, complicated course, and inpatient treatment costs (0.42>r>0.3). The probability of developing knee osteoarthritis within a five-year period was 0.0161. The average age of men with knee osteoarthritis was 51±7 years, while for women, it was 60±7 years. The younger age of osteoarthritis onset in men may be associated with a higher prevalence of severe fractures. The average cost of inpatient treatment increased from 26,533 rubles in 2017 to 34,682 rubles in 2021, significantly exceeding the cost of outpatient treatment.

Conclusion. Tibial plateau fractures (S82.1) predominantly occur among economically active men. The decrease in the proportion of elderly individuals with fractures in the years 2019-2021 may be explained by a decrease in the elderly population in the region and the impact of pandemic-related restrictions. The compulsory health insurance system incurs the highest costs during inpatient care. It is advisable to include classification features of fractures according to the OA/OTA system in databases to facilitate more accurate planning and differentiation of treatment expenses.

Background. Mycobacterial tenosynovitis of the hand and forearm is an extremely rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which can lead to permanent disability of patients.

Case presentation. We present a rare clinical case of generalized tenosynovitis of the tendons of all hand and finger flexors of the right upper extremity caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT). Patient complained of a lump on the palmar surface of the right hand with periodic spontaneous discharge in the form of rice grains. MRI revealed a peritendinal synovial cystic mass on the volar surface of the hand and wrist joint with the presence of multiple chondromal bodies, tendinitis and tenosynovitis of the flexor of IV and V fingers. Removal of the neoplasm, pathological tissues, and total synovectomy were performed. Intraoperative material was tested using PCR. DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected.

Conclusion. Presented case report demonstrates the importance of preoperative MRI examination in tenosynovitis of unknown etiology and the necessity of histological and bacteriological examination of intraoperative material. Transportation of obtained tissues for examination should be performed without the use of formalin in order to exclude false negative results. One should be vigilant against nonspecific infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, when treating patients with immunocompromising diseases. The presence of limb neuropathy, instrumental signs of the second or the third stage of tuberculous tenosynovitis according to Kanavel classification are indications for surgical treatment.

Background. Calcific tendinitis (CT) is a common disease characterized by the presence of calcific deposits in the tendons of the rotator cuff. CT has a wave-like course, and the formed calcification tends to be resorbed. The lysis of the calcium deposits is characterized by a strong pain syndrome, and the site of the calcification is replaced by collagen.

The aim — to demonstrate clinical observations in which the deposited calcification in the rotator cuff did not resorb but increased over time.

Cases presentation. We report on two rare clinical cases of an increase in calcification of the rotator cuff in patients aged 51 and 50 years old. Calcific tendinitis occurred with periods of remission and exacerbation. During exacerbations, conservative treatment was carried out, including courses of massage, physiotherapy, and pain relief therapy. In one case, a single injection of a hormonal drug was performed. Control X-rays and MRI during one of the exacerbations showed an increase in the size of the calcifications. Due to the lack of effect from conservative treatment and the detected increase in calcifications, a decision was made to perform surgical treatment. Arthroscopic removal of calcifications with re-fixation of the supraspinatus tendon and elimination of internal damage was performed on both patients. Good results were noted on the follow-up examination according to the ASES orthopedic score, as well as clinical examination data.

Conclusion. The presented case reports illustrate the possible increase in calcification, unlike the standard course of the disease, in which the calcification is resorbed. Further study of this pathology is necessary to establish the causes and mechanisms of calcification increase over time and its dependence on the phase of the disease.

The article “Migration of a Kirschner Wire into the Bladder: Case Report” describes a rather rare but serious complication after osteosynthesis of a medial femoral neck fracture performed with wires, that is a fatigue fracture of a Kirschner wire with migration of its proximal fragment into the bladder. It is stated in the commentary that such complications do occur and the results of their successful treatment have been published in the modern scientific literature. The author of the commentary draws attention to the tactical and organizational aspects of treating patients with femoral neck fractures related to this case. It is pointed out that there are standard replicable osteosynthesis techniques for fractures of a number of localizations that provide good clinical results. Proximal femur is one of these localizations, and the methods of surgical treatment of its fractures are described in details in current clinical guidelines. Possible reasons for the long-term persistence of pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck are also analyzed. Conclusions: when choosing a method of surgical treatment, it is necessary to follow the approved clinical guidelines to reduce the risks of nonunion of femoral neck fractures. Hip arthroplasty should be performed without delay in cases of fracture nonunion after osteosynthesis.

Background. Patellar instability is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, predominantly observed in physically active young individuals. It ranks third in the structure of knee joint injuries after anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries.

The aim of this review — to present modern perspectives on the diagnosis, principles, and surgical treatment techniques for patients with patellar instability based on an analysis of the literature.

Methods. Publications were searched in the PubMed/MedLine and eLIBRARY databases. A total of 112 foreign articles published between 1984 and 2023 and 12 domestic publications from 2011 to 2022 were found. During the analysis, 68 articles were selected, which had full texts or abstracts containing sufficient information on diagnostic methods, commonly used standard and modified surgical correction methods for patellar instability, and treatment protocols considering patient age structure, instability characteristics, and functional demands.

Results. A qualitatively new stage in the reconstructive and restorative surgery of patellar instability is the in-depth examination of patients to determine the extent of damage to the medial retinaculum and the presence of dysplastic changes in anatomical structures that provide normal biomechanics of the knee extensor apparatus. A strictly individual approach to the selection of surgical treatment methods considering risk factors contributing to the development of chronic patellar instability becomes of particular importance.

Conclusion. Precise restoration of the medial patellofemoral ligament, supplemented by the correction of identified dysplastic changes in anatomical formations of the knee joint area, allows for better functional outcomes in patients with acute and chronic patellar instability.

The frequency of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is estimated at 1% of the total volume of knee arthroplasties, according to contemporary literature. Recent studies analyzing this type of surgical intervention indicate that when performed with proper indications and technical accuracy, it is equally effective and safe as total knee arthroplasty. Potential advantages of partial knee replacement include reduced invasiveness compared to total knee arthroplasty, lower perioperative blood loss, faster patient rehabilitation, and preservation of native joint proprioception. However, it is important to consider that successful implementation of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty requires not only appropriate patient selection but also technical proficiency, advanced operating room equipment, and precise surgical techniques performed by experienced surgeons. Failure to meet these conditions can negate the potential benefits and may lead to early revision surgery. It is evident that unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is not simply a half-operation of total joint replacement, and the lateral compartment’s partial arthroplasty only shares general similarities with the more popular and established medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The differences lie primarily in the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral compartment, which present a challenging task even with the use of modern anatomically designed implants. The development of robotic surgery and personalized joint implants may help overcome these challenges more effectively. However, in our current routine practice, we rely on conventional instruments and strive to optimize our techniques. The authors of this article aim to provide an overview of the contemporary understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral compartment of the knee and the specific technical aspects related to partial lateral arthroplasty using a fixed tibial platform implant.