Reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the lower leg, foot and ankle is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. These defects commonly occur as a result of trauma, infection and tumor excision. Sural artery neurovascular island flap is a relatively thin, pliable and insensate flap with minimum donor-site morbidity and acceptable aesthetic outcome.A retrospective analysis of a case series was conducted, all operated by a single surgeon over a period of 25 years from July 1996 to February 2020. Data were collected through a structured proforma; the variables included were as follows: demographic data, mechanism of injury, defect site and size, size of flap, hospital stay, complications, outcome of flap and functional status of limb. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS version 25.0.We included 89 patients out of 106, with 92 distally based sural artery flaps. The flap coverage was divided in two groups: group I for leg (n=41) and group II for foot (n=51). The mean flap dimension in leg was 9.98 ± 2.2 cm and 12.15 ± 3 cm in foot. Postoperatively functional outcomes were assessed using a self-designed tool and graded as excellent in 79 cases (leg=38; foot=41), good in 10 cases (leg=2; foot=8), fair in 3 cases (leg=1; foot=2) and poor in zero cases. All flaps survived uneventfully.The reverse sural artery flap is versatile and reliable, and can be performed easily with good knowledge and using a microsurgical technique. It is useful for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the lower third of the leg, dorsum of the foot, malleoli and hind foot. The functional range of motion of the ankle is not compromised because of the flap's supple and pliable nature. The reverse sural artery flap is ideal for the coverage of the foot, ankle and lower one third of the leg. This flap is insensate and not suitable for the weight-bearing area of the heel.
To identify the effect of releasing a tourniquet before versus after wound closure in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on blood loss, functional outcome and postoperative complications.
Introduction: Pelvic fractures, encompassing a spectrum from minor to life-threatening injuries, pose challenges in trauma management. This study focuses on short-term outcomes, exploring morbidity and mortality within 30 days postoperative, among pelvic fracture patients at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The majority of pelvic injuries result from intense blunt trauma, with associated risks of concomitant injuries. Pelvic fractures are linked to early complications such as hemorrhage, thromboembolism, and infections, influencing mortality rates. Methodology: A prospective cohort study involving 53 surgically managed pelvic fracture patients was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Variables such as age, gender, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and presenting vitals were documented. Thirty-day morbidity included surgical site infections, hemorrhagic shock, nerve injuries, and others. Statistical analyses assessed associations between patient characteristics and morbidity. Results: The study revealed a median age of 37 years, with 77% male patients. Most fractures result from motor vehicle accidents. Morbidity occurred in 31.6% of cases, primarily associated with the presence of associated injuries. Postoperative complications included neurological deficits (15.1%) and pulmonary complications (9.4%). No 30-day mortality was reported. Discussion: The study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pelvic fractures, emphasizing the association between associated injuries and postoperative morbidity. Comorbidities did not significantly impact morbidity, emphasizing the traumatic nature's independent contribution. Timely presentation (median 20 hours) and efficient trauma systems are crucial for optimal outcomes. Conclusion: This research contributes insights into short-term outcomes following pelvic fracture fixation in a Pakistani tertiary care setting. By exploring a range of parameters, the study emphasizes the need for comprehensive management strategies to minimize complications and improve patient outcomes. Bridging critical knowledge gaps, this research informs clinical decision-making for pelvic fracture patients in this region.
To assess outcomes of FHL transfer and V-Y plasty for chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy.A case series of 12 patients was conducted between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2018. The patients had short flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer with gastrocnemius lengthening by V-Y plasty for Achilles tendon rupture. Patients were allowed full weight bearing at six weeks post-operatively, and were followed up at three months and six months post-operatively, when the range of motion of the ankle was examined, and the outcome was assessed using the EFAS score.Of the 12 patients in the study, the majority were males; the mean age was 50.6±8.96 years. A significant improvement in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was noted at the six-month follow-up compared to the three-month follow-up (P=<0.001 for both). When compared to the normal side, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the affected ankle were significantly less at three months but were comparable at six months post-operatively. A significant improvement was noted in the mean EFAS score at the six-month follow-up (25.5±5.71) compared to three months (18.6±0.90) post-surgery (P=0.001). Males were also noted to have significantly higher EFAS scores at their six-month follow-up than females (P=0.022). In contrast, a negative correlation was noted between the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score at the final follow-up and age (P=0.011).FHL tendon transfer with V-Y plasty in chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy is an effective procedure resulting in the restoration of the ankle range of motion and improvement in functional scores.
We conducted active surveillance for kala-azar and post–kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in a population of 24,814 individuals. Between 2002 and 2010, 1,002 kala-azar and 185 PKDL cases occurred. Median PKDL patient age was 12 years; 9% had no antecedent kala-azar. Cases per 10,000 person-years peaked at 90 for kala-azar (2005) and 28 for PKDL (2007). Cumulative PKDL incidence among kala-azar patients was 17% by 5 years. Kala-azar patients younger than 15 years were more likely than older patients to develop PKDL; no other risk factors were identified. The most common lesions were hypopigmented macules. Of 98 untreated PKDL patients, 48 (49%) patients had resolution, with median time of 19 months. Kala-azar patients showed elevated interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP9/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) ratio were significantly higher in PKDL patients than in other groups. PKDL is frequent in Bangladesh and poses a challenge to the current visceral leishmaniasis elimination initiative in the Indian subcontinent.
Soft tissue defects over the foot and ankle region are most challenging in reconstructive surgery. Sural artery and supramalleolar flaps have been commonly used for the reconstruction of non-weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. This article aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome comparisons between a sural artery and Supramalleolar flap in the reconstruction of extensive defects of foot and ankle only.Between 1996 and 2020, a retrospective analysis of 53 fasciocutaneous flaps (27 sural and 26 Supramalleolar) used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of foot and ankle were reviewed in this study. The parameters included were demographics data, causes, site and size of the defect, flap size, hospital stay, complications, and outcomes in a pre-structured proforma. The clinical outcome was assessed by a Self-Designed Tool based on flap survival, coverage of defect, weight-bearing status, functional activities of daily living, and cosmetic appearance. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 25.Among 53 flaps, the major cause of the defect was Trauma (60.4%). The maximum flap size harvested was 25*10 for sural and 20*8 cm for supramalleolar. Complications were seen in 8 (15%) cases in both flaps. Flap tip necrosis and venous congestion were seen in 4 cases. 2 each in Supramalleolar whereas 1 partial necrosis, 1 venous congestion, and 2 infections were seen in the sural artery flap. The flap survival rate in both flaps was 96.2%. Based on the self-designed Tool, flaps were graded Excellent in 43, Good in 8, and Fair in 2 cases. There was no case of Poor in both flaps.Compared with the sural artery flap, the lateral supramalleolar flap demonstrated higher rates of functional outcomes although flap tip necrosis was higher in Supramalleolar.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great impact on orthopedic surgery with a significant curtailment in elective surgeries which is the major bread and butter for orthopedic surgeons. It was also observed that the spectrum of orthopedic trauma injuries has shifted from more severe and frequent road traffic accidents (high energy trauma) to general, low energy house-hold injuries like low energy fractures in the elderly, pediatric fractures, house-hold sharp cut injuries and nail bed lacerations. The aim of this study is to appraise the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic surgical practice, both inpatient and outpatient facility.This is a retrospective cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. We collected data of patients admitted from February 1, 2020 to 30th April 2020 in the orthopedic service line using non-probability consecutive sampling. This study population was divided into pre-COVID and COVID eras (6 weeks each). The data included patient demographic parameters like age, gender and site of injury, mechanism of injury, diagnosis and procedure performed and carrying out of COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in the COVID-era.We observed that outpatient clinical volume decreased by 75% in COVID era. Fifty percent of surgical procedures decreased in COVID era as compared to pre-COVID era. Trauma procedures reduced by 40% in COVID era. Most common mechanism of injury was household injuries like low energy falls. A significant reduction in elective surgeries by 67% was observed in the COVID era.The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the spectrum of orthopedic injury. More household injuries have occurred and are anticipated due to the ongoing effects of lockdown.
Covid-19 has adversely impacted the health care organizations by over burdening with Covid patients and suspending the elective surgeries and clinics. Hospitalization during pandemic may increase health cost of patients for elective and emergency procedure due to extra cost of covid testing and isolation. A single center retrospective study was conducted to quantify losses due to postponement of elective surgeries and extra cost for procurement of PPEs. The secondary objective was to see the effect of Covid -19 on the total costs of inpatient care during Covid era.We included all the patients admitted in orthopedic section for operative intervention of fractures and elective procedures from January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. We divided this period into two halves; the first half was from January first to March 15 named as PreCovid Era and second half was from March 16, to May 31, 2020, termed as Covid Era. The total number of trauma procedures and elective procedures were compared in both eras. We compared six procedures each from upper and lower limit for cost analysis and length of stay. We also analyzed the extra cost for procurement of PPEs.A total 625 patients were admitted during study period; 417 in precovid and 208 in covid era. There was 50% reduction in patients admissions during Covid era. There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender of both groups. A total of 840 (591in preCovid era and 251 in Covid era) procedures were performed on these 625 patients. Elective and emergency procedures were significantly reduced in Covid era. There was 55.7% drop in the collective revenue generated in covid era as compared to that of Precovid era. The average length of stay was decreased in Covid era. No statistically significance difference was found in inpatient hospital charges of both groups except for two procedures ankle and proximal humeral fractures; that was significantly reduced in Covid era. There was significantly increase in use of PPE in covid era.The financial income of our service decreased more than 55% due to postponement of elective work. The number of elective and procedures related to musculoskeletal trauma also decreased. The cost for inpatient care did not increase during covid era. There was significant reduction in inpatient hospital stay during covid era. The hospital management had to spent additional expenses on procurement of PPEs.
To evaluate early experience with helical hip system in osteoporotic elderly patients with per-trochanteric fractures.The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients having low-velocity pertrochanteric fractures who were fixed with spiral blade Dynamic Helical Hip Systemfrom July to December 2014 and were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. Demographic variables and clinical outcomes were noted from the medical records whereas operative details were recorded from the operative note. Radiological variables and outcomes were assessed by viewing appropriate pre-operative, post-operative and follow-up radiographs.Of the 32 patients in the study, 14(44%) were men and 18(56%) were women, with an overall mean age of 77.81±7.04 years and mean body mass index of 25.99±4.13 kg/m2. Of the total, 1(3.13%) patient had implant cut-out, 1(3.13%) had myocardial infarctionand 2(6.2) expired.The introduction of spiral blade dynamic hip screw manifested favourable results and good clinical and radiological outcomes with low cut-out rates.
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