PURPOSE: Conventional instruments are known to result in high numbers of outliers in restoring femoral component rotation primarily due to fixed degree of external rotation resection relative to the posterior condylar line (PCL). Outliers can be reduced by determining the patient specific posterior condylar angle (PCA) preoperatively or intraoperatively. There is a paucity of methods that can be used during surgery for determining the PCA. We propose two simple, real-time methods to determine the PCA and hence to measure the axial anatomical variation during surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted using axial computed tomography (CT) scans of the knees of 26 patients. The commercial software K-PACS and our proposed two methods (trigonometric and protractor) were used to measure the angle between the transepicondylar axis and PCL, i.e., PCA. Statistical comparison between the mean angles obtained by K-PACS and our methods were done. RESULTS: The three methods resulted in similar PCAs. The mean PCA measured by the three methods were similar. The mean PCA value measured by the K-PACS, trigonometric method and protractor method was 6.27degrees (range, 0degrees to 12degrees), 6.23degrees (range, 0degrees to 11.11degrees) and 6.31degrees (range, 0degrees to 12degrees), respectively. There were significant correlations between the K-PACS measured PCA and trigonometrically or protractor measured PCA. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel, simple, easily reproducible, real-time and radiation-free PCA measurement methods obviate the need for preoperative CT scan for identification of patient specific PCA.
Arthroplasty ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Humans ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Schatzkter type-I tibial plateau fracture is a split fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in sagittal plane, consequent to valgus impaction caused by low velocity of trauma. However, a deep understanding of the different columns of the tibial plateau and patho-mechanisms of the injury led to the unmasking of atypical fractures around the tibial plateau. We have encountered 2 cases with unusual fracture pattern of the lateral tibial condyle caused by road traffic accidents. The fracture pattern and severity of injury deviate from the original description of Schatzker type 1; in view of dual plane split, there is rotation of the posterolateral column fragment along its sagittal plane plus grade-III medial collateral ligament injury. The patients were initially treated with knee spanning external fixator and after a latency of 5 days, definitive fracture specific fixation was done, combined with repair of grade-III medial collateral ligament injury. At the 6 months follow-up both the patients achieved satisfactory knee functions (knee society score case 1: 100 and case 2: 92) and returned to their jobs. The severity of fracture pattern and displacement as described should prompt for examination of associated ligament injury. Because of timely diagnosis, early and appropriate care promised an excellent function outcome even in such a severe nature of knee injury. To prompt the description of injury pattern we coined the name "dual split and dislocation" of lateral tibial plateau, as a complex injury variant of split fracture of lateral tibial plateau fracture.
External Fixators ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; Knee Injuries ; Tibial Fractures/surgery*

OBJECTIVEManagement of Rockwood type 3 acromioclavicular disruptions is a matter of debate. Should we adopt conservative or operative measures at first presentation? It is not clear but most of the evidences are in favour of conservative management. We present our experience in managing these patients surgically.

METHODSWe present a prospective series of eight cases of chronic Rockwood type 3 acromioclavicular joint disruptions treated surgically. Anatomical reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament was done by artificial braided polyester ligament prosthesis.

RESULTSAll the patients were able to perform daily activities from an average of the 14th postoperative day. All patients felt an improvement in pain, with decrease in average visual analogue scale from preoperative 6.5 points (range 3-9 points) to 2.0 points (range 0-5 points), Constant score from 59% to 91% and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score from 65 to 93 points postoperatively. These results improved or at least remained stationary on midterm follow-up, and no deterioration was recorded at an average follow-up of 46 months.

CONCLUSIONThis midterm outcome analysis of the artificial ligament prosthesis is the first such follow-up study with prosthesis. Our results are encouraging and justify the further use and evaluation of this relatively new and easily reproducible technique.

Acromioclavicular Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Adult ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Joint Prosthesis ; Ligaments ; surgery ; Male ; Pain Measurement ; Prospective Studies ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis (PSOC) is a rare but clinically significant cause of morbidity especially in the male population. Surgery is the primary treatment of choice, but the recurrence rate is reported to be high. Moreover, the presence of widespread loose bodies makes it a cumbersome procedure. The complete removal of the disease is tough at times and results in early recurrence. Radiosynovectomy is an established technique for treating various joint arthropathies. The role of radiosynovectomy in case of PSOC has not yet been explored. This case report described the case of a young male with PSOC of the knee joint who was treated with radiosynovectomy for pain relief. The patient reported complete relief from the pain along with significant improvement in joint mobility. The post-therapy three-phase bone scan also validated the reduction in joint inflammation. The patient was taken for surgical removal of the redundant loose bodies after a significant improvement in the pain and reduction in inflammation. Post-therapy radiation fibrosis of the synovium also helped in the en bloc removal of the disease. The role of radiosynovectomy in PSOC needs to be further explored concerning its potential role as an adjuvant to surgical procedures.
Chondromatosis, Synovial ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Knee ; Male ; Radiation Pneumonitis ; Recurrence ; Synovial Membrane