1.Arthrofibrosis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Rushdi I ; Sharifudin S ; Shukur A
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2019;13(3):34-38
Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a frequent injury and its reconstruction is among the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgical procedures. ACL reconstruction generally yields good results. However, its recovery can be hampered by the development of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to review complications following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction done in Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh and Hospital Teluk Intan, Perak with the emphasis on arthrofibrosis. Arthrofibrosis is defined as a loss of 15 degrees extension or more, with or without flexion loss compared to the contralateral knee. Materials and Methods: The study is based on a series of retrospective cases, on which medical records of 200 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgeries between March 2007 and December 2014 were reviewed. Follow-up treatment records were available for 166 patients (83%). The data was analysed to identify the risk factors for developing complications with an emphasis on arthrofibrosis. Results: Eight patients (5%) developed arthrofibrosis in the post-operative period. Early surgical intervention, preoperative limited range of motion and female gender are the risk factors correlate with arthrofibrosis. However, the type of graft used and meniscal procedure do not have a significant correlation with the development of arthrofibrosis. Other complications encountered are local infections, hypertrophic scar and chronic regional pain syndromes. Conclusion: The 5% incidence of arthrofibrosis following an ACL reconstruction in our centres can be reduced with proper preventive measures which include thorough preoperative evaluation, proper patient selection, restoration of ROM prior to surgery and proper timing of surgery.
2.Surgical Management of Distal Tibia Fracture: Towards An Outcome-based Treatment Algorithm
Rushdi I ; Che-Ahmad A ; Abdul-Ghani KAH ; Mohd-Rus R
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2020;14(No.3):57-65
Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are frequently associated
with an extensive soft tissue injury which then leads to a
higher risk of complications such as infection, non-union and
eventually poor overall outcome. The purpose of this study is
to measure the outcome of distal tibia fractures treated with
internal fixation, external fixator or Ilizarov external
fixator(IEF). We aim to propose an algorithm for
management of distal tibia fractures by evaluating the
treatment options, outcomes and risk factors present.
Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study
of all distal tibia fractures treated surgically in Tengku
Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang from 1st January 2016 till
30th June 2018. Patient records were reviewed to analyse the
outcomes of surgical treatment and risk factors associated
with it.
Results: Ninety-one patients were included with a mean age
of 41.5 years (SD = 16.4). Thirty-nine cases (42.9%) were
open fractures. Thirty-eight patients (41.8%) were treated
with internal fixation, 27 patients (29.7%) were treated with
IEF and 26 patients (28.6%) were treated with an external
fixator. Among open fractures cases, no significant finding
can be concluded when comparing each surgical option and
its outcome, although one option was seen better than the
other in a particular outcome. Initial skeletal traction or
temporary spanning external fixator in close fractures
reduced the risk of mal-alignment (p value=0.001). Internal
fixation is seen superior to IEF and external fixator in close
fractures in term of articular surface reduction (p value =
0.043) and risk of mal-alignment (p value = 0.007).
Conclusion: There is no single method of fixation that is
ideal for all pilon fractures and suitable for all patients. This
proposed algorithm can help surgeons in deciding treatment
strategies in the challenging management of distal tibia
fractures to reduce associated complications.