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Introduction. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice in patients with symptoms and radiological signs of femoroacetabular impingement. Objective. Our experience and early results of surgical treatment of patients with signs of femoroacetabular impingement and early hip osteoarthritis are reported. Methods. The results of treatment of 21 patients aged 23-54 years with different types of femoroacetabular impingement are presented. Safe open surgical dislocation of the hip was performed in all patients. Before and after surgery, the WOMAC score was performed, clinical and radiographic data of the operated hips were evaluated and t-tests were used for statistical analyzes of data. Results. The WOMAC score improved from 70.5 points ( range 56.3 to 89.8 points) to 90.3 points (range 70.3 to 100 points) at one year of follow-up (p

Introduction. Femoral neck axis plotting is of great significance in measuring parameters that define femoral head-neck junction sphericity in the group of patients with the femoroacetabular impingement. Literature methods of femoral neck axis determination have weaknesses associated with the risk of obtaining inaccurate values of certain parameters. Objective. Method of plotting of the femoral neck axis by two parallel lines that belong to the medial quarter of the femoral neck is proposed. Method was tested on the anatomic specimens and the respective radiograms. Methods. A total of 31 anatomic specimens of the proximal femur and respective radiographs were used, on which three axes of the femoral neck were plotted; accordingly, alpha angle value was determined and tested with corresponding parametric tests, with the measurement error of less than 5% and the strength of the applied tests of 80%. Results. Alpha angle values obtained by plotting femoral neck axis using the literature and methods we have proposed were not significantly different in our series, and, in more than a half of the specimens, the two axes overlapped each other. Conclusion. The advantage of the proposed method does not depend on the position of the femoral head rotation center in relation to the femoral neck, which favors proposed method for measuring the angles of femoral head sphericity in patients with the femoral head translation. Disadvantage of the study is a small sample size for valid conclusions about the applicability of this method in clinical practice.

Introduction. Congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia is a rare congenital deformity with progressive evolution. Treatment is vague and difficult, and many methods have been used - from once mandatory early amputation to contemporary operative (Ilizarov method, free microvascular fibular graft) and adjuvant methods (electrostimulation, biphosphonates, bone morphogenetic protein). We present the usage of once popular method of homologous graft insertion and intramedullary fixation. Case Outline. This is a case report of male patient with pseudarthrosis involving both crural bones (Boyd type 5), diagnosed in neonatal age. Early conservative treatment was unsuccessful, so child never initiated gait. At the age of three and a half years, operative treatment was applied: resection of pseudarthrosis on both tibia and fibula, and osteoplasty of tibia using cylindric homologous graft and intramedullary fixation with transtarsal Steinman pin, followed by long leg cast immobilization. Pin was removed after ten months, and physical therapy was initiated 1.5 year after surgery, with initial to partial weight bearing and short leg cast throughout another year. Two and a half years after surgery complete union of graft was documented, and then full weight bearing was allowed. At final visit, five years and three months after surgery, shin axis was correct, leg lengths were equal, and child had normal walk with full range of motion. X-ray showed complete union of both tibia and fibula. Conclusion. Despite bad prognostic factors (young age, severe deformity), utilization of obsolete and almost forgotten treatment methods can provide excellent result. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41004]

Introduction. Modified, reversal technique of fixation in digital replantation using K-wires was analyzed. The results obtained from the standard technique and reversal technique of fixation using K-wires were compared. Objective. The aim was to compare the results of osteofixation using K-wires in digital replantation when either standard or reversal, modified technique was used. Methods. A retrospective study included 103 replanted fingers in 72 patients. The first group included standard fixation using K-wires and the second group included fixation using K-wires, but with a modified technique. Modification consisted of the opposite order of moves during the phalanges fixation compared to the standard technique: first, K-wire was introduced intramedullary in the proximal phalanx and the top of the wire was drawn out through the skin in proximal part of the finger or hand. Second, distal part of the wire was introduced in the phalanx of the amputated part of the finger intramedullary until the wire entered the cortex. Results. Duration of bone healing after digital replantation was shorter in cases where reversal technique was used in comparison with standard technique (7.2 weeks compared to 7.5 weeks). Conclusion. The comparison of standard and reversal technique of phalangeal fixation with K-wires in digital replantation shows that both techniques are useful. Reversal technique expands the choice of operative techniques for bone fixation during the replantation. It shows some advantages and enables avoidance of vein injuries. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41004 i br. 175095]

Introduction. Perthes disease is idiopathic avascular osteonecrosis of the hip in children, with unknown etiology. Inflammation is present during development of Perthes disease and it is known that this process influences bone remodeling. Objective. Since genetic studies related to inflammation have not been performed in Perthes disease so far, the aim of this study was to analyze the association of frequencies of genetic variants of immune response genes, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), with this disease. Methods. The study cohort consisted of 37 patients with Perthes disease and 50 healthy controls. Polymorphisms of well described inflammatory mediators: TLR4 (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) and IL-6 (G-174C, G- 597A) were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results. IL-6 G-174C and G-597A polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. A statistically significant increase of heterozygote subjects for IL-6 G-174C/G-597A was found in controls in comparison to Perthes patient group (p=0.047, OR=2.49, 95% CI=1.00-6.21). Also, the patient group for IL-6 G-174C/G- 597A polymorphisms was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No statistically significant differences were found between patient and control groups for TLR4 analyzed polymorphisms. A stratified analysis by the age at disease onset also did not reveal any significant difference for all analyzed polymorphisms. Conclusion. Our study revealed that heterozygote subjects for the IL-6 G-174C/G-597A polymorphisms were significantly overrepresented in the control group than in the Perthes patient group. Consequently, we concluded that children who are heterozygous for these polymorphisms have a lower chance of developing Perthes disease than carriers of both homozygote genotypes. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III41004]

Introduction. Femoral neck fractures in children and adolescents are rare. However, their complications are frequent - avascular necrosis, femoral neck pseudoarthrosis, premature physeal closure with consequent growth disturbance and coxa vara deformity. Case Outline. A 9.5­year­old boy was injured in a car accident, and femoral neck fracture was diagnosed. Prior to admission at our hospital he was surgically treated several times. He was admitted at our hospital eight months following the accident. On the X­ray transcervical pseudoarthrosis of the femoral neck was found, as well as coxa vara deformity and metaphyseal avascular necrosis. He was operated at our hospital; all previously placed ostefixation material was removed, valgus osteotomy of 30 degrees was done as well as additional local osteoplasty using the commercial osteoindactive agent (Osteovit®). Postoperatively, we applied skin traction, bed rest and physical therapy. At the final follow­up, the patient was recovered completely. He is now painless, the legs are of equal length, range of movements in the left hip is full, life activity is normal. The X­ray shows that the femoral neck pseudoarthrosis is fully healed. Conclusion. This case is presented in order to encourage other colleagues to challenge the problematic situation such as this one. Also, we would like to remind them what one should think about and what should be taken into consideration in the primary treatment of femoral neck fractures in children. Valgus femoral osteotomy, as a part of the primary treatment of femoral neck fracture in children (identically as in the adults) can prevent the occurrence of femoral neck pseudoarthrosis.

Introduction. Blount disease is developmental disorder of the lower leg, manifested by multiplanar deformity. Surgical treatment includes corrective osteotomy, lateral hemiepiphisyodesis, distraction of the proximal tibial physis, physeal bar resection and elevation of the medial tibial plateau. Case Outline. A case of a 4-year-old girl with bow legs is presented. Condition was recognized as Blount disease, type five. Both lower legs were operated by medial methaphyseal semi-osteotomy of the proximal tibia with the elevation of the medial tibial plateau. Prospectively, bilateral proximal hemiepiphysiodesis was done. Total follow-up period was eighteen years. The patient has no disturbances, clinical and radiographic findings are excellent. Improvement of the femoro-tibial angle is 22° on the right side, and 21° on the left side. Improvement of the varus angle is 7° on the right side, and 27° on the left side. Medial plateau depression is completely bilaterally reduced; improvement on the right side is 46°, and 51° on the left side. Conclusion. It is known today that multiplanar deformity is a part of the disease; varus, antecurvatum and internal rotation of the lower leg. By elevation of the medial plateau varus of the lower and antecurvatum component of deformity can be solved, while internal torsion cannot be solved. This deformity has to be either skillfully neglected, or corrected by an additional osteotomy by the elevation of the medial tibial plateau. Lateral hemiepiphysiodesis serves as extra stabilisator of the achieved result, and it is recommended to be done in combination with surgical elevation of the medial tibial plateau and derotative corrective osteotomy of the tibia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 41004]

Introduction. Pelvic ring injuries usually result from high­energy trauma, and cranial and abdominal multiple injuries are frequently present. Malgaigne fracture is referred to pelvic ring disruption at two sites, and is often treated surgically for its instability. We present a case of nonoperative treatment of Malgaigne pelvic fracture. Case Outline. A 17­year­old girl sustained a Malgaigne fracture falling off a horse. After ruling out urgent multiple trauma in local hospital, she was then transferred to Pediatric Orthopedic and Trauma Service at the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery «Banjica» Belgrade, with provisional cutaneous traction of 2 kg applied to her right leg. After the status evaluation, the supracondylar femoral traction was applied for three months, combined with pelvic cradle for first 73 days. Weight of traction was gradually adjusted according to x­ray check­up, ranging from 1­16 kg (1/4 of body weight). Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered for 10 days, and thromboprophylaxis for two months. After the removal of traction, physical therapy was applied and the patient achieved full weight bearing four months after the injury. Treatment outcome was a symmetric and stable pelvic ring, equal leg length, full range of motion in both hip joints and normal walking. Conclusion. Traction therapy, combined with gravitational suspension in pelvic cradle, resulted in excellent clinical result. Although significantly longer and more loaded than usual, normal weight bearing and walking were promptly achieved using intensive physical therapy. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41004]

Chiari pelvic osteotomy is a surgical procedure having been performed for almost sixty years in patients with the insuffcient coverage of the femoral head. It is most frequently used in young patients with dysplastic acetabular sockets as a part of developmental hip dysplasia. Even though performance of the Chiari osteotomy is associated with positive therapeutical results, above all, its main goal is to delay inevitable degenerative changes. Original surgical technique has been modified and improved over time. Nevertheless, the basic idea has remained unchanged - increasing of the femoral head coverage by medial displacement of the distal part of the pelvis along with capsular interpositioning. Given the complexity of operation, the complication percentage is rather low. Chiari pelvic osteotomy has lost its actuality and importance during this past six decades. The role of Chiari pelvic osteotomy has been considerably taken over by other more efficient and more lasting surgical procedures. Nonetheless, Chiari pelvic osteotomy is still present in modern orthopedic practice, above all as „salvage“ osteotomy. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 41004]

Introduction. Nuss procedure is a minimal invasive surgical technique based on retrosternal placement of a metal plate to correct pectus excavatum chest deformity. We are presenting our five­year (2006­2011) institutional experience of 21 patients. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics and advantages of minimal invasive surgical approach in correcting deformities of the chest. Methods. Surgical procedure, named after its author Nuss, involves the surgical placement of a molded metal plate, the so­called pectus bar, behind the sternum under thoracoscopic view whereby immediate controlled intraoperative corrections and stabilizations of the depression can be made. The great advantage of this method is reflected in a significant shortening of operative time, usually without indications for compensation in blood volume, and with a significantly shortened postoperative recovery that allows patients to quickly return to their normal activities. Results. In the period 2006­2011, 21 patients were operated by the Nuss procedure. The pectus bar was set in front or behind the muscles of the chest. Among the complications listed were inflammation of wounds in three patients, dislocation (shifting) of the bar requiring a reoperation in two patients, an occurrence of a pericardial effusion in one patient, and allergic response to foreign body in one patient. Five patients required extraction of the bar two years later, and three patients after three years, all with excellent results. Conclusion. Minimally invasive Nuss procedure is safe and effective. It currently represents the primary method of choice for solving the chest deformity pectus excavatum for patients of all ages. Modification of thoracoscopic control allows a safe field of operation. Postoperative results are excellent with very few complications that can be attributed to the learning curve.

Introduction .Tibia fracture caused by high velocity missiles is mostly comminuted and followed by bone defect which makes their healing process extremely difficult and prone to numerous complications. Case Outline. A 34-year-old male was wounded at close range by a semi-automatic gun missile. He was wounded in the distal area of the left tibia and suffered a massive defect of the bone and soft tissue. After the primary treatment of the wound, the fracture was stabilized with an external fixator type Mitkovic, with convergent orientation of the pins. The wound in the medial region of the tibia was closed with the secondary stitch, whereas the wound in the lateral area was closed with the skin transplant after Thiersch. Due to massive bone defect in the area of the rifle-missile wound six months after injury, a medical team placed a reconstructive external skeletal fixator type Mitkovic and performed corticotomy in the proximal metaphyseal area of the tibia. By the method of bone transport (distractive osteogenesis), the bone defect of the tibia was replaced. After the fracture healing seven months from the secondary surgery, the fixator was removed and the patient was referred to physical therapy. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of wounds, external fixation, performing necessary debridement, adequate antibiotic treatment and soft and bone tissue reconstruction are essential in achieving good results in patients with the open tibial fracture with bone defect caused by high velocity missiles. Reconstruction of bone defect can be successfully treated by reconstructive external fixator Mitkovic. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41017 i br. III 41004]

Introduction. Associated bone tissue defect and infection, commonly result in non-healing, i.e. by the development of infected tibial nonunion. Objective. The aim of the paper was to present experiences acquired in the treatment of this problem by the application of the Ilizarov method. Methods. The analyses enrolled 16 patients diagnosed with infected tibial nonunion. The Ilizarov method was used in all the patients, of type bilocal synchronous compressive-distractive or bilocal alternating compressive-distractive. Bone and functional results were classified as excellent, good, fair and poor. Total follow-up period of the patients was 48.77±41.57 months on the average. Results. Fifteen (93.75%) cases of nonunions were successfully healed. According to the laboratory findings of inflammation, the same patients were also successfully treated for local infection. The inequality of the lower limbs was also resolved by new bone formation of average length of 5.75±3.29 cm. Poor result was verified in one (6.25%) patient only. The patient satisfaction was scored 3.73±1.33 and physician’s satisfaction 4.33±1.11. Conclusion. The Ilizarov method with bone transport, because of being capable to solve simultaneously a local infection and tibial malalignement, and by substituting bone and soft tissue defects, thus enabling healing of until then unhealed bone, has shown as the best method in the treatment of this complex problem, infected tibial nonunions.

Hallux valgus deformity is a complex chronic progressive disease primarily characterized by a lateral great toe deviation and deformity of the first metatarsophalageal joint. Numerous etiological factors are related with the expression of this disease, and they are divided into two categories: endogenous and exogenous. Complexity of the hallux valgus deformity is reflected with the progression of the disease that gives rise to numerous forefoot deformities. The diagnosis is first of all affirmed by clinical examination and x-ray of the feet in a standing position. Treatment could be either operative or conservative. Conservative treatment has shown to be totally unsuccessful. Before decision making on the type of operative treatment, the patient’s complaints, age, profession, clinical and x-ray findings must be taken into consideration. Until now, over two hundred different operative procedures have been described, which clearly supports the observation that there is no single method which could resolve all clinical varieties of this deformity. Therefore, today, when making a choice on the surgical procedure of hallux valgus deformity, the utilization of surgical algorithm is recommended. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41004]

Introduction. The missiles of modern firearms can cause severe fractures of the extremity. High velocity missile fractures of the tibia are characterized by massive tissue destruction and primary contamination with polymorphic bacteria. Treatment of these fractures is often complicated by delayed healing, poor position healing, nonhealing and bone tissue infection. Case Outline. We present the management of tibial nonunion after wounding by high velocity missile and primary treatment by external fixation in a 25-year-old patient. The patient was primarily treated with external fixation and reconstructive operations of the soft tissue without union of the fracture. Seven months after injury we placed a compression-distraction external fixator type Mitkovic and started with compression and distraction in the fracture focus after osteotomy of the fibula and autospongioplasty. We recorded satisfactory fracture healing and good functional outcome. Conclusion. Contamination and devitalization of the softtissue envelope increase the risk of infection and nonunion in fractures after wounding by high velocity missile. The use of the compression-distraction external fixator type Mitkovic may be an effective method in nonunions of the tibia after this kind of injury. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 41004]

Total hip arthroplasty is most common reconstructive hip procedure in adults. In this surgery we replace some parts of the upper femur and acetabulum with biocompatible materials. The main goal of this surgery is to eliminate pain and regain full extent of joint motion, maintaining hip stability. Surgical technique, biomaterials, design of the prosthesis and fixation techniques have evolved with time adjusting to each other. After total hip arthroplasty patients’ quality of life should be improved. There are many various postoperative complications. Some of them are fatal, and some are minor, which may become manifested years after surgery. Each next surgical procedure following previous hip surgery is associated with considerably lower chances to be successful. Therefore, in primary total hip arthroplasty, preoperative evaluation and preparation of patients are essential. Every orthopaedic surgeon needs to improve already adopted surgical skills applying them with precision and without compromise, with the main goal to achieve long-term durability of the selected implant. The number of total hip arthroplasties will also increase in future, and newer and higher quality materials will be used.

Introduction. Open segmental fractures of the tibia are rare but severe injuries. In these fractures the wide zone of injury (damage of all structures of the lower leg) creates very unsuitable biological conditions for healing of the fracture. Objective. The aim of our work was to present the results of treatment of patients with segmental open fractures of the tibia treated by external fixation. Methods. We analyzed treatment results of 21 patients with open segmental tibial fractures who were treated using the method of external fixation at the Clinical Center Niš from January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2010. The average age of the patients was 53 years; the youngest patient was 27 years and the oldest one 80 years. According to the Gustilo open fracture classification, there were 3 (14.3%) type I, 6 (28.6%) type II, 8 (38.1%) type IIIA, and 4 (19.0%) type IIIB. All the patients were treated by a unilateral type Mitković external fixator by Traffix Company. Results. Union was attained in 16 (76.2%) fractures without severe complications (pseudoarthrosis, chronic osteitis and angular deformities of over 10 degrees). Among severe complications associated with open segmental tibial fractures, in two cases we registered septic pseudoarthrosis, in one aseptic pseudoarthrosis and in two large angular deformities of the tibia after union, with a valgus of over 10 degrees and extremity shortening of over 2 cm which required additional surgery. Conclusion. External fixation by the use of Mitković external fixator is one of the methods of choice in the treatment of open segmental tibial fractures, which incorporated with antibiotic therapy provides good biomehanical conditions for segmental fracture healing that enables good stability of the segmental tibial fracture and decreases the risk of deep infections. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 41017: Virtuelni koštano­zglobni sistem čoveka i njegova primena u pretkliničkoj i kliničkoj praksi]

Introduction. Shooting injuries of shoulder with destruction of proximal humerus are rare and severe orthopaedic injuries. Case Outline. A 74-year-old patient was wounded at close range by a shotgun. He was wounded in the left shoulder and suffered a massive defect of the proximal humerus and soft tissue. The neurocirculatory finding of the injury extremity was normal. After a short resuscitation, x-ray of the thorax and the left shoulder registered a complet destruction of humeral head. After the primary treatment of the wound under general endotracheal anesthesia, the shoulder was stabilized with an external fixator type Mitkovic, with convergent orientation of the pins, where two pins were placed in the neck of scapula and two in the humeral shaft, because the left scapular acromion was fractured by shotgun projectiles. Conclusion. After radical wound debridement, external fixation is the method of choice for shoulder stabilisation in shooting injury of shoulder with bone defect. If this is not possible, pins of the left external skeletal fixator should be placed into the coracoid process and acromion. The pins can be also placed into the humeral shaft, as done in the presented case, and by which a good stability of the injured proximal humerus, easy approach to the wound for bandaging and reconstructive surgery can be achieved.

Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur have a special place because of a significant number of complications following treatment. Powerful loading forces asymmetrically acting to this bone segment, as well as poor vascularization interfere with bone union. There are basically two current approaches in the fixation of subtrochanteric fractures; the first involves a plate with a compression screw and another one is intramedullary (IM) nail, with two options: centromedullary (standard interlocking femoral nail) and cephalomedullary femoral nail with two modifications, reconstructive and trochanteric. All IM nails may be used by open technique or closed minimal invasive method. IM nailing is favoured in view of a shorter operative time, shorter hospitalisation and complications. Indirect fracture reduction and knowledge of biology of bone fracture may result in full success without any bone graft.

Introduction. A Monteggia lesion is a dislocation of the radial head associated with a fracture with the proximal third of the ulna. It is rare in children and the dislocation of the radial head is often missed at the time of injury. There are a lot of described treatment methods: open reduction of the radial head and reconstruction of the annular ligament combined with ulnar osteotomy, the same method without reconstruction of the annular ligament, gradual lengthening and angulation of the ulna by Ilizarov method without the opening of radiocapitelar joint. Case Outline. A 14-year-old boy had been diagnosed with Monteggia lesion type Bado II three years before the admission to hospital. Previously nonoperatively treated, the missed radial head dislocation Bi-phase treatment had been done. Firstly, the distraction Ilizarov device was placed on the forearm, corticotomy of the ulna was done, distraction lasted fifteen days. Secondly, after achieving 1.5 cm of new bone and good level of the radial head, a reduction mechanism was incorporated into the Ilizarov device. The radiocapitelar joint was not opened, the reconstruction of the annular ligament was not done. After the radial head reduction and new bone maturation (1.5 months), the Ilizarov device was taken off. Conclusion. The described method of treatment has several important advantages: radial head reduction may be done without the joint opening, the recovery is very fast and easy after that; the elbow and forearm appear cosmetically very well after the operation; the treatment process is short, the arm is in use all the time, the absence from school is not needed, the achieved result is permanent.

Femoroacetabular impingement is an undesirable contact between acetabular rim and femoral neck and presents abnormality of proximal femoral part and acetabulum, as well. Two forms may appear: cam impingement and pincer impingement. Femoroacetabular impingement related to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease may be caused by various reasons, as the consequence of the disease itself, and as the consequence of its treatment. Coxa magna deformity (large femoral head and neck) and coxa brevis deformity (shortened femoral neck) may produce cam femoroacetabular impingement during hip flexion. After the disease, the flattened femoral head (coxa plana) may persist. Chiari pelvic osteotomy is the only treatment option for such femoral head deformity. Acetabular labrum squeezed continuously between the femoral head and the non-articular part of the cut iliac bone lead to cam femoroacetabular impingement, as well. If Salter or triple pelvic osteotomy is used that may cause a very large iatrogenic acetabular retroversion, we can also refer to radial type pincer femoroacetabular impingement. Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease should be conducted according to the natural course of the disease and prognosis. Treatment should start on time, well before a crushed femoral head develops, because it is the easiest way to establish hip spherical congruency at the end of treatment. This is the best option to prevent secondary hip arthrosis caused by femoroacetabular impingement or by insufficient head coverage at the end of remodelling. In each case of delayed hip pain, followed by a limited range of movements, femoroacetabular impingement should be taken into consideration, confirmed, and treated by some of the available therapeutic methods.

Introduction. SWOT analysis is a managerial tool used to evaluate internal and external environment through strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Objective. The aim was to demonstrate the application of the SWOT analysis on the example of the Department for Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery 'Banjica' in Belgrade. Methods. Qualitative research was conducted during December 2008 at the Department for Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery 'Banjica' by applying the focus group technique. Participants were members of the medical staff and patients. In the first phase of the focus group brainstorming was applied to collect the factors of internal and external environment, and to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, respectively. In the second phase the nominal group technique was applied in order to reduce the list of factors. The factors were assessed according to their influence on the Department. Factors ranked by the three point Likert scale from 3 (highest impact) to 1 (lowest impact). Results. The most important strengths of the Department are competent and skilled staff, high quality of services, average hospital bed utilization, the Department providing the educational basis of the School of Medicine, satisfied patients, pleasant setting, and additional working hours. The weaknesses are: poor spatial organization, personnel unmotivated to refresh knowledge, lack of specifically trained personnel, inadequate sanitary facilities, and uncovered services by the Insurance Fund, long average hospital stay, and low economic status of patients. The opportunities are: legislative regulations, formed paediatric traumatology service at the City level, good regional position of the Institute, and extension of referral areas. The threats are: absent Department autonomy in the personnel policy of the Institute, competitions within the Institute, impossibility to increase the Department capacities, inadequate nutrition, low opportunities for expert training of the personnel, outdated equipment, and presence of informal payments. Conclusion. SWOT analysis is a frequently used managerial instrument, which enables the systematic approach in decision making process.

Introduction. Femoral neck fractures are very rare in young patients and are frequently complicated by femoral head osteonecrosis and femoral neck nonunion. Case Outline. A 19-year-old girl with hip dislocation following the treatment of the femoral neck fracture is presented. The femoral neck fracture was initially treated by open reduction and three-screw fixation. After detecting the nonunion of femoral neck, valgus osteotomy was done. Secondary, iatrogenic, hip dislocation appeared. The patient had pains, and in clinical findings a shorter leg and limited range of motion in the hip - altogether 40 degrees. She was then successfully treated by open reduction, together with Chiari pelvic osteotomy and joint transfixation. Transfixation pin was removed three weeks following the operation. After that, the patient was put into the abduction device and physical therapy was started. The mentioned regimen lasted four months after the surgery, then the abduction device was removed and walking started. Full weight bearing was allowed eight months after surgery. Conclusion. As we have not found the literature data concerning the above mentioned problem, we solved it in the way that we usually do for the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip in adolescence.

Introduction. Hip dysplasia is the elementary form of the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The diagnosis may be made by the ultrasound examination (types II a-, II b). Objective. The aim of the authors was to define the congenital structural neonatal hip dysplasia, and to differentiate hip hypoplasia, hip dysplasia and teratogenic anomalies. Methods. In all the cases, the uniform clinical and ultrasound tests were performed. All the patients were examined in the neonatal period of life (the first six weeks). The following clinical tests were used: Le Damany-Ortolany, Coleman-Barlow-Palmen and Weissman-Strinović. For the ultrasound examination, the Graph’s method was used. Results. The investigation was performed in the period 2007- 2008. 2,878 neonates were included. The distribution of the sonotypes, according to Graph, was as follows: Ia in 16.17%. Ib in 65.08%; IIa+ in 18.17%, IIc in 0.28%, IId in 0.19%; IIIa in 0.009%, IIIb in 0.02%; and IV in 0.01%. It was found that DDH was 8 times more frequent in girls; located more frequently at the left side than bilaterally. Conclusion. Hip sonoscreening has to be performed in all newborns in the first 72 hours. The suggested follow-up period is six weeks: for the diagnosis - the first three weeks, and for the prevention and treatment - all six weeks.

Introduction Aircraft cluster bombs can cause severe fractures characterized by extensive destruction of affected tissues and organs. Case Outline We present the methods and results of treatment of multiple fractures (left supracondilar humeral fracture, comminuted fracture of the distal right tibia, fracture of right trochanter major without dislocation and fracture of the right second metacarpal bone) in a 24-year old soldier after multiple wounding by a cluster bomb. After short pre-operative preparation a surgical debridement of all wounds was done in general anesthesia and the fractures of the humerus and tibia were stabilized with the Mitkovic-type external fixator after adequate reposition. For the reconstruction of bone defect of the tibia we used the method of bone transport using the Ilizarov external fixator. Conclusion Radical wound debridement, abundant rinsing, leaving the wound open, administration of antibiotics and antitetanus immunization, external fixation and early reconstruction of soft tissue and bone defects are the basic elements of the treatment of serious fractures caused by war injuries and aimed at saving the extremities. .

Introduction Injuries of the distal femur are rare in children; however, they are frequently associated with complications. They are almost always physeal, most frequently Salter-Harris type II epiphyseolysis. The treatment of such injuries is similar in all physeal injuries. It is intended to provide growth plate recovery by gentle reduction and stable fixation thus preventing secondary complications, and also to provide decompression of the segment to solve the compartment syndrome and recover the neurovascular structures. Case Outline A seven-year old boy presented with a right knee injury while sleigh riding. He was admitted three weeks following the injury with distal femoral epiphysiolysis associated with peroneal palsy. A day after admission to our Institute the reduction was performed using the Ilizarov device. Physical therapy was started immediately after surgery, as well as walking with weight bearing on the operated leg. Five months after surgery the patient was anatomically and functionally recovered. Conclusion The presented method is recommended in the treatment of such injuries because of several reasons; reposition is simple and complete, there is no need to open the fracture site, fixation is stable, the growth plate is preserved, there is no need for additional external immobilisation, and physical therapy involving walking with weight bearing on the operated leg may be started immediately after surgery. .

Introduction. Successful treatment of developmental displacement of the hip (DDH) depends on early diagnosis. Clinical screening of all newborns is a useful tool and should be encouraged in everyday practice, because DDH has a high prevalence and significant morbidity. Clinical exam is an important part of early diagnosis, but insufficient. Ultrasound exam is more sensitive in early diagnosis of DDH. Objective. Systematic struggle against DDH by means of early detection and treatment begins in neonatology units, and continues in primary healthcare centres. Methods. Methodology consists of personal history, clinical exam, ultrasonography and radiography. After these procedures, treatment is advised if necessary. Basically, DDH treatment is atraumatic involving abduction pillow, Von Rosen abduction device, Pavlik harnesses. Results. During 2007 and 2008, screening examination was performed in 769 boys (51.47%) and 725 girls (58.52%), born at the Medical Center “Veljko Vlahovic” in Vrbas. A total of 1,494 neonates or 2,988 hips were examined. Ultrasonographically, a normal type Ia was found in 406 hips (13.60%), intermediate type Ib in 2,014 hips (67.40%), immature type IIa+ in 374 hips (12.50%), unstable type IIg in 39 hips (1.30%), decentering IId in 52 hips (1.70%), and eccentric types III and IV in 35 hips (1.20%). Of 2988 examined hips, normal finding was detected in 2794 (93.50%) and pathological finding (DDH) was found in 194 (6.50%). Ultrasonographical findings were determined according to Graph classification. Conclusion. The frequency of DDH in the regions of Vrbas and Kula above 5% (6.50%) presents a social and medical problem in children of these locations. Eradication, early detection and treatment involve systematic examinations (clinical, sonographical and radiographical) in the first year of life. Treatment has to be initiated in a neonatal unit by atraumatic means. The team work including a gynaecologist, neonatologist and paediatric orthopaedic surgeon is crucial.

Introduction. Septic pseudoarthroses of the tibia represent a relatively frequent complication of open fractures with a large soft tissue damage. They may be localized: in the proximal metaphysis, between the proximal and middle thirds, between middle and distal thirds, in the distal metaphysis. Case Outline. A case of a 52-year-old man with open fracture of the left tibia is presented. He fell from the height of 30 meters. The external fixation according to Mitkovic was performed in another institution. The patient was referred to our hospital nine months after the accident, with clear clinical and radiological signs of septic pseudoarthrosis of the tibia. The resection of septic pseudoarthrosis was done two weeks after admission. Three weeks later, another operation was performed, bilocal alternating distractive-compressive osteosynthesis according to Ilizarov. After eleven months Ilizarov frame was removed, with clinical, radiological signs of healing of pseudoarthrosis and complete curing of the infection. Five months after removal of the frame, the patient was fully anatomically and functionally recovered. Conclusion. Being satisfied with the achieved results and encouraged with the data from the literature, we recommend this method as the method of choice for the treatment of pseudoarthrosis of the tibia. The advantage consists of curing the infection using the natural bactericide power of the tissue and curing the bone defect, at the same time, and finally, producing the equalization of the legs.

Introduction. Aircraft bombs can cause severe orthopaedic injuries. Tibia shaft fractures caused by aircraft bombs are mostly comminuted and followed by bone defects, which makes the healing process extremely difficult and prone to numerous complications. The goal of this paper is to present the method of treatment and the end results of treatment of a serious open tibial fracture with soft and bone tissue defects resulting from aircraft bomb shrapnel wounds. Case Outline. A 26-year-old patient presented with a tibial fracture as the result of a cluster bomb shrapnel wound. He was treated applying the method of external bone fixation done two days after wounding, as well as of early coverage of the lower leg soft tissue defects done on the tenth day after the external fixation of the fracture. The external fixator was removed after five months, whereas the treatment was continued by means of functional plaster cast for another two months. The final functional result was good. Conclusion. Radical wound debridement, external bone fixation of the fracture, and early reconstruction of any soft tissue and bone defects are the main elements of the treatment of serious fractures.

Coagulative disorders may result from a breakdown in the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. It is important to assess relative physiological states of coagulation and fibrinolysis related to operation. An ideal outcome in orthopedic surgical procedures is the achievement of adequate haemostasis without excessive bleeding despite transection of numerous blood vessels, a necessary part of any surgical procedure. Meticulous attention to secure intraoperative haemostasis is a surgeon's responsibility. The postoperative haemostatic response to injury must also lead to a hypercoagulable state and thrombosis because it is also accompanied by stasis and vessel injury, fulfilling Virchow's triad. For discussion of prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease and orthopedic surgical bleeding, the reader is referred to other articles. This paper discusses selected conditions leading to postoperative bleeding and thrombosis after orthopedic surgery as well as laboratory diagnosis.

Introduction. Ultrasound represents a method of examination of hips of newborn babies capable of defining hip condition and distinguishing stable and unstable hips based on morphological elements. It is accepted in a large number of countries as a method of examination of high risk newborns, or as a method of systematic screening. Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate correlation between ultrasonically estimated hip maturity and respective gestation maturity both in premature and term-born babies, and to investigate the influence of different delivery types on hips condition. Methods. In our study 2045 patients, 1141 males and 904 females, were examined in at the Institute of Neonatology over a period of 5 years. The average age was 34.04 gestation weeks. There were significantly more premature (1698 or 83.03%) than term-born babies (347 or 16.97%). Ultrasound hip examination, as a screening method, was carried out according to Graf. It was followed by clinical examination. Results were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods (χ2-test, one-way ANOVA, multifactor ANOVA). Results. The overall frequency of unstable hips was 3.2%, 1.88% in males and 4.87% in females (p

Orthopaedic procedures and anaesthesia are not physiological states. To prevent orthopaedic sequelae, laboratory diagnoses are of proven value in preoperative and postoperative complications as well as preoperative diseases. Laboratory analyses have an important contribution to early diagnosis of infection, haemostasis disorders, electrolyte disbalance, and acid-base disturbance. Laboratory analyses also have a role in monitoring the effect of therapy. Metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis affect many patients. Laboratory analyses are useful in evaluating the treatment for preventing fractures. This article discusses specific factors causing postoperative bleeding and thrombosis after orthopaedic surgery.

Research in the field of pediatric pulmonology, especially asthmology, has been intensified for the last couple of years. A large number of studies describe early wheezing episodes, risk factors, natural course of early childhood asthma. Besides this, literature shows a growing interest in epidemiology, genetics and virusology as predictive factors for development and clinical course of childhood asthma. In this paper, the authors are providing a review of recently published articles on asthma therapy based on phenotypes in terms of better understanding of asthma and asthma-like syndromes. Pediatric respiratory experts worldwide are equally positive in the following statements: real diagnosis leads to real therapy as soon as possible; inhaled corticosteroids are not recommended in very young infants especially if a positive effect is missing; long-term therapy with inhaled corticosteroids has to be scrutinized.

The authors define adolescence and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Special attention is paid to pathological findings characteristic of DDH in adolescence (unrecognized and untreated DDH; treated DDH, but non-terminated treatment; DDH diagnosed with delay, inadequately treated, with complications). The authors emphasise that DDH treatment has to be successfully terminated well before the adolescence; possibilities are explained on management modes at the time of adolescence, and possible persons guilty for the persistence of later hip problems are indicated. Based on the authors' experience and having in mind all surgical possibilities for the treatment (pelvic osteotomies, femoral osteotomies, trochanteroplasties, leg length equalization procedures) the authors propose treatment protocols. The intention is to provide better treatment results and to prevent secondary hip arthrosis. Furthermore, how to improve the struggle against DDH is suggested.

Introduction. Insufficient femoral head coverage is found in a variety of diseases, with acetabular dysplasia as the most frequent disorder and triple pelvic osteotomy as the most recently introduced surgical treatment. Objective. This study analyses pre- and postoperative pathoanatomic characteristics of triple in comparison to Salter and Chiari osteotomies, with a logistic regression analysis of outcome predictor and effect explanator factors in relation to the chosen type of operation. Methods. The study involved 136 adolescents treated with Salter and Chiari osteotomies or a triple pelvic osteotomy at the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery 'Banjica' in Belgrade. The patients were between 10-20 years old at the time of operation. We collected and analyzed data from all the patients: illness history, operative parameters, preoperative and postoperative pathoanatomic data. The data was statistically processed using the statistical software SPSS, defining standard descriptive values, and by using the appropriate tests of analytic statistics: t-test for dependent and independent variables, χ2-test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon's test, parameter correlation, one-way ANOVA, multi-factorial ANOVA and logistic regression, according to the type of the analyzed data and the conditions under which the statistical methods were applied. Results. The average CE angle after triple pelvic osteotomy was 43.5°, more improved than after the Salter osteotomy (33.0°) and Chiari osteotomy (31.4°) (F=16.822; p

The treatment of a patient with slipped capital femoral epiphysis begins with an early diagnosis and accurate classification. On the basis of symptom duration, clinical findings and radiographs, slipped capital femoral epiphysis is classified as pre-slip, acute, acute-on-chronic and chronic. The long-term outcome of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is directly related to severity and the presence or absence of avascular necrosis and/or chondrolysis. Therefore, the first priority in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is to avoid complications while securing the epiphysis from further slippage. Medical treatment of patients with acute and acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis, as well as those presented in pre-slip stage, is the safest, although time-consuming. Manipulations, especially forced and repeated, are not recommended due to higher avascular necrosis risk. The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy to assist in the placement of internal fixation devices has markedly increased the success of surgical treatment. Controversy remains as to whether the proximal femoral epiphysis in severe, chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis should be realigned by extracapsular osteotomies or just fixed in situ. The management protocol for slipped capital femoral epiphysis depends on the experience of the surgeon, motivation of the patient and technical facilities.

Introduction. The Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery 'Banjica' in Belgrade provides tertiary healthcare services on national level. After decades of constant development, a recent decline coincided with the decade of great social and governmental disturbance, the transition period after the dissociation of former Yugoslavia. Objective. In order to overcome the crisis, we used modern management methods to define problems in the institution management, and to propose appropriate strategies. Methods. A survey that included 100 employees (17.67%) was carried out, followed by descriptive statistical analysis, PEST and SWOT analyses. Results The impact of political fluctuations, ageing of population, financing model, obsolete medical technology was evaluated. Various personal and interpersonal factors were assessed: the quality of medical service (3.59±0.76, mark 1-5); relations among health service participants (3.39±0.78); occupational conditions (not good-91%); human, financial and other resources; professional cooperation, stimulation; rivalry and mobbing (declared in 56%); public informing, institution image (rank 3.70±0.88) and PR activities (new to 78%). 93% declared to give maximum effort at work. Conclusion. Using these results, we defined several strategic objectives. These include strengthening scientific activities, general orientation to specific and exclusive pathological conditions and treatment methods, improvement of management transparency, introduction of quality-based stimulation of workers, support of promotional and PR activities.

Introduction Spondylitis is a rare bone and joint infection. It is a disease with long clinical history. Often, it is difficult to recognise symptoms at a proper time, and, due to the complex clinical outcome of spondylitis, a clinician may think about other problems in the body. Case Outline A case report of a 59-year-old male patient with thoracic spine spondylitis is presented, formerly treated as pulmonary thromboembolism with pericarditis. Only after neurological disorder such as paraplegia and orthopaedic consultative examination, real diagnosis was established. After that, the patient was hospitalized and operated on. Conclusion A therapeutic approach to spondylitis is based on surgery, antibiotic drugs and symptomatic therapy. Due to the frequent occurrence of neurologic disorders, therapy could be prolonged and uncertain. .

INTRODUCTION Injuries of the medial meniscus of the knee are constantly present in sports, but also in common life activities. Diagnostic procedures which are available today in the diagnosis and estimation of the severity of intraarticular knee structures are numerous, but they are not available, plausible and valid at the same manner. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic validity of clinical and ultrasound examination related to arthroscopy in acute injury of the medial meniscus of the knee. METHOD This prospective study analyzed 198 hospitalized patients, treated from 2004 to 2006 at the Belgrade Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery “Banjica" and Belgrade Special Orthopedic Surgery Hospital “Decedra", who underwent arthroscopy. Before the arthroscopy, clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed. RESULTS The values of sensitivity (91.1%), specificity (80.0%), positive predictive value (83.6%) and negative predictive value (88.9%) of ultrasound examination of acute injury of the medial meniscus are proportionately lower as compared to the values of sensitivity (97.2%), specificity (90.2%), positive predictive value (86.0%) and negative predictive value (98.2%) of ultrasound examination in chronic injuries of the medial meniscus of the knee. CONCLUSION Ultrasound examination is a more useful method in the detection of lesions of the medial meniscus of the knee as related to clinical tests used in their detection in this study.

INTRODUCTION Paget disease, localized on thoracal vertebrae, presents a significant challenge in diagnostics and treatment. Presenting with progressive neurological symptoms, it has a broad differential diagnostic spectrum and requires additional radiological, neurological and endocrinological evaluation. Besides drug therapy, an operative decompression of nerve elements is performed when indicated. CASE OUTLINE We present a case of an older male patient complaining of chronic progressive pain localized at fourth and fifth thoracal vertebrae, with slight but progressive hypertonus and hyperreflection of leg muscles, including no plantar response. Vertebral biopsy indicated parathyreoid disturbance, excluded by further endocrinological analyses. At that point a corporectomy of fourth and fifth vertebrae and titanium cage spondylodesis of adjacent levels was performed, with pathological findings suggesting Paget disease. Postoperatively, there was initial significant neurological improvement; unfortunately, 2.5 years after the operation a relapse of the disease developed with gibbus deformity. Further treatment was surgical in two stages (first by decompression, and later by broad laminectomy), resulting in partial neurological recovery. CONCLUSION Spinal localization of Paget disease as a monoostotic form must be considered in all cases of progressive neurological impairment accompanied by biochemical disturbances in blood and urine, and with radiologically evident deformity, pathological fracture or neoplastic destruction of vertebra. A combination of medicamentous and surgical treatment should significantly improve neurological condition.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease represents avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a growing child. It commonly affects children aged 2-14 years, mostly boys, and has familiar pattern. The etiology of this disease is unknown. It is based on avascular necrosis due to variations of the femoral head vascular supply, trauma, coagulation of endocrine disturbances. The disease presents with limping and pain localized in the hip with projection to thigh and knee, frequently accompanied by the limitation of abduction and internal rotation, as well as slight limitation in flexion of about 20 degrees. Plain radiography is most informative additional diagnostic procedure, enabling assessment of the stage of disease, containment of the femoral head within the acetabulum, acetabular coverage and the extent of disease. Main treatment goal is obtaining the spherical congruity of the hip joint. This can be achieved by abduction bracing, varization femoral osteotomies and various innominate osteotomies (sometimes combined with femoral osteotomies). Children younger than four years of age, with minimal femoral head involvement, do not need any treatment. These children with a larger involvement, older than four years of age, with possible containment in hip abducion, should be treated by one of the following procedures: Salter innominate osteotomy, Salter innominate osteotomy with femoral shortening, or triple pelvic osteotomy. The patients with containment of the hip is not possible in abduction (related to subluxation and femoral head crush), should be treated by Chiari pelvic osteotomy.

Introduction A clinical examination of a newborn infant is indispensable, but certainly insufficient for a diagnosis of developmental deformity of the hip (DDH) to be made. The use of the ultrasound in the diagnostics of DDH, beside the visualization and making the respective clinical findings objective, made possible verification (still without a distinction of the tissues) of the two basic categories of the primary condition of a newborn baby hips. Objective The purpose of this study was to find out the optimal methodological procedure for the early detection of DDH in newborn infants and suckling. Method During 2002 and 2003, at the Neonatal Department of the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Novi Sad, as well as at the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica" Belgrade, there were 4016 newborn infants examined, i.e. 8032 hips clinically and by ultrasound. The standard Graf’s methodological procedure was applied completely, supplemented by the dynamic examination by pushing back and stretching femora along, that is by the techniques of Couture and Harcke. Results In order to categorize the condition of the hip of a newborn infant, the sonographic classification of R. Graaf, Th. Harcke and D. Pajić was used. The ultrasound analysis demonstrated a frequency of the sonotype Ia in 552 (13.08%) of the newborn infants, the sonotype Ib in 2934 (73.00%), the sonotype IIa+ in 481 (11.97%) and the pathological cases with sonotypes IIg 42 (1.04%), IId 17 (0.42%), IIIa 15 (0.37%) and IV 5 (0.12%). The total number of unstable critical, discentering and discentered cases of DDH was 79 (1.95%). The incidence of DDH was three times more frequent in girls, mostly bilateral; when unilateral, it was more frequent in the left one. The results of the early treatment were uniformly excellent, but in two cases there was established osteochondritis of the first degree (Pavlik’s harness 1, Von Rosen’s splint 1). Conclusion It has been proven that the clinical examination was inevitable, but insufficient for diagnosis of DDH. The standard sonographic examination should be supplemented by provocative dynamic diagnostic procedures in all immature, at risk and discentering hips. By doing so, it is possible to differentiate prognostically the hips evolving to a spontaneous normalization from those striving to a progredient decentralization. For a sonographic diagnosis, the first three weeks are essential, but for therapy, the crucial is the sixth week.

Coxa obliqua represents a special functional entity in the pathology of the child hip. Authors have confirmed the results of S.L. Weissman and B. Strinovic which claimed that the abductor contracture of the hip was a primary congenital condition that developed as a result of intrauterine malposition, leading later to the contralateral adductor contracture. Critical period for the development of complications was between 6 and 8 month after birth, adductor contracture might keep persisting together with the development of acetabular dysplasia, and later on with ipsilateral subluxation. This malformation has usually been diagnosed within 3 and 6 months of age. It could be connected with some other signs of malposition, such as plagiocephaly, torticollis or infantile thoracic C scoliosis. For the diagnosis of coxa obliqua, the examination of hips in the prone position was very important and the ultrasonic and radiological examinations were crucial. The applied treatment used to be exclusively physical rehabilitation. Wide diapering has been contraindicated. In this study, we included 2,500 newborns, 1,300 boys and 1,200 girls (5,000 hips). In 22 cases of coxa obliqua (10‰), the excellent results were obtained in 96% of cases. In two unsuccessfully treated cases, a contralateral dysplasia developed, and in one untreated, subluxation. The authors are advocating a systematic and early detection and treatment of the primary coxa obliqua. .

Introduction: The acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis can result in development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head which is very difficult condition to treat. Orthopedic surgeon can influence the development of avascular necrosis. Objective The main objective in our study was to identify factors influencing the development of avascular necrosis in nonoperative treated patients for the acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Method A total of 53 patients and 59 hips treated for the acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis at the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica" between 1968-2004 were studied. Necessary data were obtained from the accurate medical records. Results Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was diagnosed in 8 patients (13.56%). Six of them (75%) were treated by manipulative reduction in general anesthesia and spica cast immobilization. Fischer test, used for statistical data processing, found significant difference between two non-operative methods of treatment (p=0.0008). Conclusion Higher-degree epihyseal displacement as well as complete separation of the physis and metaphysis were found to be the risk factors of avascular necrosis. Every manipulation with the affected hip was also associated with higher percentage of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate epidemiologic features of Ewing sarcoma in children treated in the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica", as well as to establish relation of these features to clinical findings. Study involved 78 patients treated over 20-year period (1980-2000). Analysis included standard epidemiologic data (age, sex, tumor localization) and diagnostic clinical features on presentation (major symptoms, time elapsed between presentation and diagnosis, presence of metastases). Most of the patients were in the age group of 15-18 years (50.0%), predominantly males. In general, the results of our study were consistent with data reported in literature. Nevertheless, this investigation revealed slightly higher incidence in patients younger than four years of age (5.1%); localization on the upper extremity was found to be more frequent (upper to lower extremity ratio was nearly 3:1 in our study), and the time lost between presentation and diagnosis was markedly reduced (average time elapsed between presentation and diagnosis was 2.5 months). The results of our study may improve efficiency and success of treatment, thus providing the basis of better prognosis in management of such a serious illness.

Ewing’s tumor of bone is the second primary malignant bone tumor. Localized lesion is found in nearly 80% of cases and metastatic lesions are present in 20% at the time of diagnosis. Treatment protocols were analyzed, prognostic parameters were evaluated, and overall survival as well as survival until relapse of disease was studied. Prognostic features included age and sex, localization of tumor, type of applied surgical resection and treatment protocol, and presence of necrosis after neoadjuvant therapy as well as morphological characteristics of the tumor. Wide surgical resection (χ2=7.855; p

Authors reviewed their eight-year long experience with triple pelvic osteotomy. They explained the way of introduction of this procedure into everyday clinical practice. Seventy hips were operated using Tonnis-Vladimirov method in fifty nine patients of an average age of 15 years and one month. Treatment results were evaluated, both anatomically and functionally. Anatomic improvement was recorded by measuring the CE angle of Wiberg. Preoperatively, it ranged from -6 to 33 degrees (16.1±10.2 degrees), and at the end of treatment, it ranged from 15 to 68 degrees (43.1±11.1 degrees) - the difference proved to be highly significant (Student test t=-14.27, p

The paper presented the results of diagnostics and treatment of patients with diagnosis of chondroblastoma, treated at the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica", Belgrade. A total of 30 patients were analyzed, involving the period from 1975-2004. All important data were obtained using the complete medical documentation, physical examination, radiographic findings and available additional diagnostic procedures. The proximal part of tibia, the proximal part of humerus and the distal part of femur were the most common sites of tumor, accounting for 63% of cases. Higher incidence of chondroblastoma was found in male patients, especially in the second decade of life. Pathohistological tumor verification was done in all patients. The patients were then treated by different surgical procedures, both on account of primary lesion and recurrence. Curettage and osteoplasty using the auto- and homograft were carried out in 21 patients, wide resection in nine cases, and amputation was performed in three cases. One patient had radiotherapy due to recurrence of lesion, nevertheless malignant transformation of chondroblastoma occurred in time. Seven patients manifested local recurrence, and one of them even had relapse on two occasions and malignant transformation of chondroblastoma. Malignant lesions were found in three cases (10% of patients); one lesion was diagnosed as primary while other two malignancies were detected only after recurrence, and the treatment was completed by lower leg amputation.

INTRODUCTION Medial rotation deformity of the hip is a problem to patients who are handicapped by cerebral palsy but able to walk, because the knees point inward during gait („kissing patellae") and cause falls and frequent injuries. Knees and ankles are subject to stress and, therefore, they assume compensating positions. Lower legs assume position of valgus and external rotation, whereas feet rotate either inwards or outwards. Secondary deformities make gait more difficult and cause rapid tear of footwear. AIM The purpose of the paper was to retrospectively analyze the effects of transposition of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, a procedure introduced for the first time in our country in order to correct the deformity. A new method of binding the muscles by wire was described. There had been no previous experience with this method. METHOD This operation was indicated in patients with spastic form of cerebral palsy, who were able to walk, who had difficulties in gait and whose lateral rotation was less than 10° along with the medial rotation of over 70° of the hip on the side of the deformity. Additional prerequisite for the operation was the absence of flexion contracture of more than 15° of either the hip or the knee on the side of deformity, as there is possibility of aggravation of the flexion hip deformity due to transposed gluteal muscles (now in front of the hip joint). Fifteen hips of 10 patients were operated on. Five patients were operated on bilaterally at one time. The average age was 8 (6-12) years. The majority of patients, 8 (80%) were aged between 6 and 8. The average follow-up was 5 years (3-8). The assessment of the results was based on the comparison of rotational abilities of both hips before and after the operation (in unilateral and bilateral deformities), as well as on individual complaints before and after the operation. In patients with unilateral deformity, their „healthy" hips were the control hips. The analysis of the femoral neck anteversion before and after operation was performed. RESULTS Average values of medial and lateral rotation of the deformed hips before operation exhibited significant statistical difference when compared to control hips. The difference of average values of rotatory movements of control and operated hips was not statistically significant after operation. The difference of average preoperative values of the femoral neck anteversion in hips with deformity was statistically significant (49.40±4.63° compared to 32.8±3.1G). Postoperative average values of anteversion in operated and control hips were not statistically significant. The difference between average preoperative (49.40±4.63°) and postoperative (35.80±7.66°) values of the femoral neck anteversion was statistically significant. Excellent results were achieved in 5 (50%) patients, i.e. 8 (53.3%) hips; good results were achieved in 3 (30%) patients, i.e. 5 (33.3%) hips; poor result in 2 (20%) patients, i.e. 2 (13.3%) hips. All 5 patients who had undergone surgery of both hips had symmetric outcome. Three patients had excellent results, while two had good results. Patients with excellent and good results (80% of patients, 86.6% of hips) showed neither weakening of the operated hip abduction nor pelvic instability (positive Trendelenburgh hip test). No complications were recorded postoperatively. CONCLUSION Transposition of gluteal muscles can be recommended in patients under 10 years of age as there is still a chance for their femoral neck to change orientation, to decrease the anteversion and thus to achieve long-lasting effect. Fixation of transposed muscles by wire proved to be effective.

Introduction. Unreduced elbow dislocation is every elbow dislocation older than one week. It may be treated non-operatively (with prereduction traction) or surgically. The treatment goals are: to reduce pain, to establish joint stability and movements. There are a lot of techniques described in literature, series are relatively small, mostly case reports. Multicentric studies have not been done. That is why there are no precisely defined therapeutic protocols. Every contribution in the field is valuable. Case Outline. A 43-year-old patient was admitted for the treatment of a three-month old unreduced elbow dislocation. Treatment has been done by Ilizarov method, using the reduction mechanism. The reduction process lasted two weeks. The Ilizarov device was removed two months after the operation, then physical therapy was started. Normal anatomical and functional findings were established five months following the operation. Conclusion. The presented method of treatment has been found as very useful, having in mind that it may solve two problems: difficult reduction and redislocation. Reduction may be done without the joint opening, step by step; retention of the reduced joint may be easily done. Physical therapy may be started without Ilizarov device removal, movements of flexion and extension may be improved without any lateral instability. There is no iatrogenic intraarticular damage, so there are no secondary joint degeneration, pains and invalidity.

The authors describe flatfoot, as one of very frequent deformities in everyday medical practice. A special condition of the deformity associated with a calcaneal valgus position and complicated by a knee valgus position (as a consequence of non-treatment) is described. Also, the precise anatomy of the longitudinal foot arches (medial and lateral), definition and classification of the deformity, clinical findings and therapeutic protocols are proposed. The authors especially emphasise that the need for having extensive knowledge on the differences between a flexible and rigid flatfoot, having in mind that the treatment of flexible flat foot is usually not necessary, while the treatment of rigid flatfoot is usually unavoidable.