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Abstract Temporomandibular joint dislocation is a common challenge in dental care, but it can be promptly addressed through manual realignment, making it standard procedure in the realm of oral health. Nonetheless, effectively preventing and treating chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), characterized by prolonged dislocation, remains a significant challenge. Hence, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 10 patients diagnosed with chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis details. CPMD tends to be more prevalent among the elderly population, with an average age of 67.2±11.9 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:9. All diagnosed patients presented with bilateral anterior dislocation, each requiring diverse pre-treatment approaches. The most significant risk factor contributing to CPMD was unconsciousness resulting from nervous system injury, which delayed the perception of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint dislocation. 90% of CPMD patients experienced successful treatment through manual reduction, while a refractory CPMD cohort, resistant to manual reduction, necessitated surgical intervention for resolution. All patients underwent treatment involving elastic intermaxillary traction, which served as the primary means of achieving reduction. Subsequent analysis of CT data revealed that condylar displacement beyond the zygomatic arch served as an indication for surgical reduction. Consequently, manual reduction under general anesthesia combined with elastic intermaxillary traction proved effective for managing CPMD cases. However, cases displaying excessive vertical displacement beyond the zygomatic arch should be considered for surgical intervention based on CT findings.

Temporomandibular joint dislocation is a common challenge in dental care, but it can be promptly addressed through manual realignment, making it standard procedure in the realm of oral health. Nonetheless, effectively preventing and treating chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), characterized by prolonged dislocation, remains a significant challenge. Hence, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 10 patients diagnosed with chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis details. CPMD tends to be more prevalent among the elderly population, with an average age of 67.2±11.9 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:9. All diagnosed patients presented with bilateral anterior dislocation, each requiring diverse pre-treatment approaches. The most significant risk factor contributing to CPMD was unconsciousness resulting from nervous system injury, which delayed the perception of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint dislocation. 90% of CPMD patients experienced successful treatment through manual reduction, while a refractory CPMD cohort, resistant to manual reduction, necessitated surgical intervention for resolution. All patients underwent treatment involving elastic intermaxillary traction, which served as the primary means of achieving reduction. Subsequent analysis of CT data revealed that condylar displacement beyond the zygomatic arch served as an indication for surgical reduction. Consequently, manual reduction under general anesthesia combined with elastic intermaxillary traction proved effective for managing CPMD cases. However, cases displaying excessive vertical displacement beyond the zygomatic arch should be considered for surgical intervention based on CT findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dissociation of the knee joint, or knee dislocations (KD), can lead to severe complications, often resulting in multiligament injuries. A subset of these injuries are irreducible by closed reduction and require open reduction. Identifying KDs that necessitate surgical intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes. While previous studies have explored various risk factors, the influence of associated fractures is less understood. Materials and Methods: We queried the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database from 2017 to 2021, for non-congenital closed knee dislocations requiring surgery. Demographic variables were collected, and ICD-10 codes were used to identify associated tibia, femur, acetabular, and fibula fractures. ICD-10 codes were also used to identify nerve injuries and vascular injuries. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors influencing the need for surgical reduction (SR). Results: A total of 1,467 patients with KDs were included in the study, of which 411 (28.0%) underwent open surgical reduction (SR) while 1,056 (72.0%) were treated with nonsurgical closed reduction (nSR). Factors associated with SR included concomitant tibia fracture (OR = 1.683, C.I: 1.255-2.256, p < 0.001) and fibula fracture (OR = 1.457, C.I: 1.056-2.011, p = 0.022). Vascular injury had lower odds of SR (OR = 0.455, C.I: 0.292-0.708, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that KDs presenting with concomitant tibia and/or fibula fractures are more likely to require SR. The difficulty posed to closed reduction may be due to the influence of these fracture patterns on surrounding soft tissue as well as the lack of a stable bone structure necessary for achieving proper reduction. Physicians should be aware of the potential risk of this fracture pattern when caring for patients with KDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Intussusception is the most frequent cause of bowel obstruction in infants and toddlers; idiopathic intussusception occurs predominantly under the age of 3 and is rare after the age of 6 years; the highest incidence occurs in infants between 4 and 9 months; the gold standard for treatment of intussusception is non-operative reduction. This research will tackle the problem of pediatric intussusception in our center which is the largest tertiary center in our region. The primary outcome is to study the profile of intussusception; the secondary outcome is to assess the success rate of pneumatic reduction in the center’s pediatric population as well as to study the seasonal variation if present. Results During the study period, eighty-six (N=86) cases were identified, from which 10 cases were recurrent intussusception. Seventy-six (N=76) cases were included from the study period. N=68 (89%) were less than 3 years of age, and only N=2 (3%) were above 6 years. Seasonal variation was not significant; N=69 (91%) patients had successful pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy while thirteen patients N=13 (17%) needed operative intervention. Conclusion Ileocolic intussusception is one of the most common pediatric surgical emergencies that can be successfully managed non-operatively in our institute; 89% of the cases were below 3 years of age, and no seasonal variation was demonstrated. Operative intervention was required in 13 cases with the main reason being lead point. The fact that the pediatric surgeon performs the reduction might have contributed to a high success rate reaching 91% in our center. This study provides a valuable opportunity for future regional data comparisons and pooled data analyses.

Background: Acute treatment for distal radius fractures, the most frequent fractures in the pediatric population, represents a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Deciding on surgical restoration of the alignment or cast immobilization without reducing the fracture is a complex concern given the remodeling potential of bones in children. In addition, the lack of evidence-based safe boundaries of shortening and angulation, that will not jeopardize upper-extremity functionality in the future, further complicates this decision. Objective: The authors aim to measure functional outcomes, assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Physical Function v2.0 instrument. The authors hypothesize that outcomes will not be worse in children treated with cast immobilization in situ compared with those treated with closed reduction with or without percutaneous fixation. The authors also aim to compare the following as secondary outcomes: ulnar variance and fracture alignment in the sagittal and coronal planes, range of motion, pressure ulcers, pain control, radius osteotomy due to deformity, pseudoarthrosis cure, and remanipulation. Methods: This is the protocol of a randomized noninferiority trial comparing upper-extremity functionality in children aged 5 to 10 years, after sustaining a distal radius fracture, treated with either cast immobilization in situ or closed reduction with or without fixation in a single orthopedic hospital. Functional follow-up is projected at 6 months, while clinical and radiographic follow-up will occur at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months. Results: Recruitment commenced in July 2021. As of January 2022, 23 children have been randomized. Authors expect an average of 5 patients to be recruited monthly; therefore, recruitment and analysis should be complete by October 2024. Conclusions: This experimental design that addresses upper-extremity functionality after cast immobilization in situ in children who have sustained a distal fracture of the radius may yield compelling information that could aid the clinician in deciding on the most suitable orthopedic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), first described by Von Recklinghausen (1882), is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a spectrum of mutations in NF-1 gene. We reported a case of giant facial neurofibromas in 26 years old male patient without family history of neurofibromatosis type 1. Features typical of neurofibroma, including an enlarged nerve fascicle composed of elongated nuclei and scant cytoplasmic cells, were identified. Excision was performed with preservation of parotid duct. The mass weight was about 5,5 kg. There were some challenges during the procedure, such as bleeding, hypovolemia, and preservation of vital structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cranial luxation of the scapulohumeral has been rarely reported in dogs and there is limited information available regarding surgical management of this condition, particularly with respect to long-term functional outcomes. Case Description: This report describes the successful resolution of a chronic traumatic cranial scapulohumeral joint luxation in a dog which was stabilized by cranial transposition of the biceps brachii tendon of origin. At surgery, an osteotomy of the greater tubercle was performed and a trough was made in the exposed bed of the osteotomy. The transverse humeral ligament was incised, the bicipital tendon was levered into the trough and secured in that location by reattachment of the greater tubercle using multiple Kirschner wires and a figure-of-eight tension band wire. Post-operatively, the dog was maintained in a Spica splint for 2 weeks. Although surgical reduction was performed 4 months after the original injury, the luxation did not recur and the dog did not have appreciable lameness 14 months following surgery. Conclusion: Although cranial transposition of the bicipital tendon is an invasive procedure, this dog’s scapulohumeral luxation did not recur and the procedure yielded an excellent long-term functional outcome.

Mullerian adenosarcomas are rare and often low-grade mixed tumors that typically respond well to optimal surgical resection. However, adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth (ASSO) is a high-grade mixed tumor commonly associated with invasion, metastasis, and a poor prognosis. The health care providers herein report a case study of a patient diagnosed with ASSO who has maintained remission status for 19 months following radical surgical resection alone. The patient, a 24-year-old Caucasian female without significant medical history, initially complained of abdominal fullness, pelvic pressure, altered menses, and unintentional weight loss. A necrotic cervical mass was present on the exam; mass biopsy revealed spindle cell sarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, radical tumor debulking, and pelvic and periaortic lymph node dissection. Histopathological diagnosis of the resected specimen was consistent with ASSO, limited to 0.7 cm out of 2.0 cm of myometrial thickness, with negative lymph node and parametrial tissue, consistent with Stage IB disease. She did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation and has remained disease-free to date. Because of the rarity of ASSO and lack of abundant case study reports, uniform clinical guidelines for treatment following surgical resection of a high-grade adenosarcoma remain unclear. However, the case study below may suggest that radical surgical debulking of this disease with negative margins in young patients with early-stage disease can be sufficient in treating high-grade ASSO, despite their typical aggressive nature.

Background: Intussusception is the most frequent cause of bowel obstruction in infants and toddlers; idiopathic intussusception occurs predominantly under the age of 3 and is rare after the age of 6 years; the highest incidence occurs in infants between 4 and 9 months; the gold standard for treatment of intussusception is non-operative reduction. This research will tackle the problem of pediatric intussusception in our center which is the largest tertiary center in our region. The primary outcome is to study the profile of intussusception; the secondary outcome is to assess the success rate of pneumatic reduction in the center's pediatric population as well as to study the seasonal variation if present. Results: During the study period, eighty-six (N=86) cases were identified, from which 10 cases were recurrent intussusception. Seventy-six (N=76) cases were included from the study period. N=68 (89%) were less than 3 years of age, and only N=2 (3%) were above 6 years. Seasonal variation was not significant; N=69 (91%) patients had successful pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy while thirteen patients N=13 (17%) needed operative intervention. Conclusion: Ileocolic intussusception is one of the most common pediatric surgical emergencies that can be successfully managed non-operatively in our institute; 89% of the cases were below 3 years of age, and no seasonal variation was demonstrated. Operative intervention was required in 13 cases with the main reason being lead point. The fact that the pediatric surgeon performs the reduction might have contributed to a high success rate reaching 91% in our center. This study provides a valuable opportunity for future regional data comparisons and pooled data analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health crises in the USA. With fractures being amongst the most common reasons for a child to require surgical intervention and receive post-surgical pain management, characterisation of opioid prescription patterns and risk factors is critical. We hypothesised that the numbers of paediatric patients receiving opioids, or who developed persistent opioid use, are significant, and a number of risk factors for persistent opioid use could be identified.Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study. National claims data from the Truven Health Analytics® MarketScan database were used to (i) characterise opioid prescription patterns and (ii) describe the epidemiology and risk factors for single use and persistent use of opioids amongst paediatric patients who underwent surgical intervention for fracture treatment.Results: Amongst 303 335 patients, 21.5% received at least one opioid prescription within 6 months after surgery, and 1671 (0.6%) developed persistent opioid use. Risk factors for persistent opioid use include older age; female sex; lower extremity trauma; surgeries involving the spine, rib cage, or head; closed fracture treatment; earlier surgery years; previous use of opioid; and higher comorbidity burden.Conclusions: Amongst a cohort of paediatric patients who underwent surgical fracture treatment, 21.5% filled at least one opioid prescription, and 0.6% (N=1671) filled at least one more opioid prescription between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Understanding risk factors related to persistent opioid use can help clinicians devise strategies to counter the development of persistent opioid use for paediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileocolic intussusception is a consideration in young pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common pathologic lead point for intussusception in children and the appendix acting as the lead point is rare. In addition, management guidelines for recurrent ileocolic intussusception (RICI) are lacking. We present two cases of RICI in which the pathological lead point was the appendix. The first patient, a two-year-old with no medical history, had intermittent abdominal pain and non-bloody vomiting for a month. Ultrasound revealed ileocolic intussusception, successfully managed with pneumatic reduction. However, symptoms recurred and a repeat ultrasound showed partial intussusception of the appendix into the cecum. Laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy were then performed. Symptomatic intussusception recurred, and a second laparoscopic reduction with stump appendectomy resolved all symptoms. The second patient, a three-year-old with no medical history, had colicky abdominal pain for 24 hours. Ultrasound revealed ileocolic intussusception that was pneumatically reduced. As pain recurred, laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy were performed, revealing ileocolic intussusception with a dilated appendix as the pathologic lead point. Recurrent ileocolic intussusception (RICI) with the appendix as the lead point is common, but RICI with the appendix as the lead point is rare. These cases demonstrate the role of the appendix as a pathologic lead point, and a review of the literature supports the need for surgical reduction. While enema reduction is the first line for recurrent intussusception, surgical reduction is preferred when a pathological lead point is suspected., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Peramsetty et al.)

Background: Cranial luxation of the scapulohumeral has been rarely reported in dogs and there is limited information available regarding surgical management of this condition, particularly with respect to long-term functional outcomes. Case Description: This report describes the successful resolution of a chronic traumatic cranial scapulohumeral joint luxation in a dog that was stabilized by cranial transposition of the biceps brachii tendon of origin. At surgery, an osteotomy of the greater tubercle was performed and a trough was made in the exposed bed of the osteotomy. The transverse humeral ligament was incised, and the bicipital tendon was levered into the trough and secured in that location by reattachment of the greater tubercle using multiple Kirschner wires and a figure-of-eight tension band wire. Postoperatively, the dog was maintained in a Spica splint for 2 weeks. Although surgical reduction was performed 4 months after the original injury, the luxation did not recur and the dog did not have appreciable lameness 14 months following the surgery. Conclusion: Although cranial transposition of the bicipital tendon is an invasive procedure, this dog's scapulohumeral luxation did not recur and the procedure yielded an excellent long-term functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intussusception is among the most common acute abdominal emergencies in infancy, but only some cases need surgical reduction. This study assessed the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing surgical reduction of intussusception.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 568 pediatric patients who failed air-enema reduction and underwent surgical reduction for intussusception in our department between 2008 and 2017.Results: The series comprised 376 boys and 192 girls (2.0:1, male:female ratio) and most of the intussusceptions were primary, which is typical before the age of 1 year. The success rate of air-enema reduction in our hospital was 94.2%. Patients over 3 years old had the highest rate of surgical reduction (ca. 11.8%). The probabilities of primary and secondary intussusception were equal above 2 years old. Intussusception caused by intestinal malignant lymphoma was diagnosed above 2 years of age with atypical symptoms. Gender was irrelevant regarding the presence of bloody stools (P = 0.594), but the younger patients and children with complex/compound intussusception had a higher proportion of bloody stools (n = 148, 40.0%, P = 0.000) and intestinal necrosis (n = 44, 42.3%, P = 0.024). The occurrence time of bloody stools (OTBS) in complex/compound intussusception was shorter than for other types.Conclusions: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical features of patients undergoing surgical reduction for intussusception and summarized the characteristics and management of complex/compound intussusception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background/objectives An incidental appendectomy is performed by some surgeons during operative treatment for intussusception to eliminate future appendicitis as a diagnostic consideration. However, an appendectomy can increase the risk of infection and other noninfectious complications making an incidental appendectomy controversial. We examined outcomes for surgical intervention for intussusception with appendectomy (SWA) compared to surgical reduction alone (SRA). Methods The Pediatric Health Information System database, 8/2008–9/2015, was retrospectively analyzed for patients under the age of five who required an operative intervention for intussusception without bowel resection. Demographic data and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Available data included need for postoperative enema, subsequent small bowel obstruction, recurrent intussusception, length of stay (LOS), and adjusted total cost (ATC). Results Fifty-seven percent (748/1312) of patients had appendectomy performed during surgical reduction, 564 (43%) did not. ATC ($10,594 vs. $8939, p < 0.001) and LOS (3.0 vs. 2.48, p < 0.001) are higher in the SWA group. Rates of readmission are similar, but post-operative small bowel obstruction may be higher in the SWA group (1.3% vs. 0.35%, p = 0.06). Conclusion There is a higher mean LOS and ATC in the SWA group. This study suggests that appendectomy during surgery for uncomplicated intussusception should be reconsidered and requires further investigation. Type of Study retrospective comparative study. Level of Evidence III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrodactyly of the foot is an extremely rare congenital malformation characterized by an increase in the size of all the elements or structures of a digit or digits. Most sources indicate that macrodactyly affects the hand more often than the foot. This rare medical condition usually requires surgical intervention with a precise preoperative plan and postoperative rehabilitation. We present a case of macrodactyly of the right foot in which surgical reduction of the foot under assistance of 3-dimensional image technology was performed with satisfying cosmetic and functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect and its management remains an issue. We performed a review of the literature to summarize its evaluation, management and outcome and we describe a new type of surgical reduction performed in our center without anesthesia (GA), immediately after birth, in the delivery room. Between January 2002 and March 2013, we enrolled all live born infants with gastroschisis referred to the third-level Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology "San Camillo" of Rome. Two groups of infants were identified: group 1 in which gastroschis reduction was performed by the traditional technique and group 2 in which reduction was immediately performed after birth in the delivery room without GA. Twelve infants were enrolled in group 1, and seven infants in group 2. Statistical significance was observed between the groups regarding the hospital stay, for the duration of parenteral nutrition and full oral feeds (p = .004). Survival was similar between two groups. The reduction without GA performed immediately after birth in a delivery room encourages the relationship between the mother and her child and appears to be a safe and feasible technique in a selected group of patients with simple gastroschisis defect; for this reason, it could represent a valid alternative to traditional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mandibular fractures are classified according to location, variety, and fracture line direction. Mandible fracture is described as an uncommon complication after mandibular retromolar trigone surgery, being associated with iatrogenic damage requiring surgical correction. Objectives: Report the case of a patient undergoing an emergency surgical reduction with bone fixation, intermaxillary blockage of a simple fracture of the mandible after a dental procedure. Resumed report: Male, 54 years old. Reports procedure by a dentist in the topography of the lower right third molar for bone graft removal. 5 days after the procedure, when ingesting food of rigid consistency, the patient reported toothache, associated with trismus. Contrasted tomography of the skull showed a simple fracture of the angle of the mandible, probably due to iatrogenesis. Urgent surgical procedure. Findings and description of the procedure: Subperiosteal dissection with a dissector tip and identification of a mandibular angle fracture with a bone defect in the anterior region. Maxillomandibular immobilization was performed with 6 IMF locking screws. Fracture reduction. Applied 2 plates with 4 holes 2.0 in distal and proximal regions of the fracture, fixed with 8 screws through a trocar. Removed blockage and screws with occlusion testing maneuver. Intra and extra oral sutures. Post-op was uneventful and with full recovery. Conclusion: Mandibular fracture due to iatrogenic damage after procedures on the mandibular third molar has low prevalence and high severity, the ideal approach should occur as early as possible through surgical reduction with bone fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine are rare. Therefore, evidence-based treatment guidelines do not exist. The therapeutic options are either conservative treatment or surgical intervention. The decision depends on grade of dislocation, age of the patient, and his sportive demands and competitive requirements.Materials and Methods: We present the cases of two young athletes suffering from traumatic avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine. In both cases, the musculotendinous unit (sartorius muscle and tensor of the fascia lata) remained attached to the loose dislocated fragment. Both patients were treated by means of open reduction with a new surgical technique using suture anchors.Results: Both patients were pain-free 4 weeks after surgery and had full range of motion. They were able to return to their preoperative sportive activity levels 10 weeks after surgery. No complications were reported at final follow-up 18 months postoperatively.Conclusion: Operative treatment of avulsion fracture of the ASIS using suture anchors shows excellent clinical outcome and a short convalescence period. The patients achieve their preinjury sportive levels within 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We prospectively compared posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) used in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) after surgical reduction with pedicle screws.Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2010, 66 adult patients with single-level IS were randomly assigned to two groups treated using the PLIF technique (PLIF group, n = 34) and the TLIF technique (TLIF group, n = 32). Both groups were followed up for an average of 30.5 months (range 24-48 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) scores. Radiographic outcomes included percentage of vertebral slippage, focal lordosis and disk height. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: The average operative time and blood loss during surgery were significantly more in PLIF group than in TLIF group. Spondylolisthesis, disk height and focal lordosis were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. There was no obvious difference in clinical outcomes, as assessed using the VAS, ODI and JOA scores, and radiographic outcomes. In PLIF group, there were two cases of neuropathic pain after surgery.Conclusions: After instrumented reduction of adult IS, either PLIF or TLIF can provide good clinical and radiological outcomes. With a single cage, TLIF was superior to PLIF in terms of surgical time and blood loss, but these differences may not be clinically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study of 36-year-old male patient with chronic low back pain and non-responsive L5 bilateral radiculopathy. It mentions that his X-rays shows unbalanced isthmic spondylolisthesis of L5. It states that spondylolisthesis is the forward slippage of a vertebra that occurs in the lumbosacral region.

Tibial eminence fractures are a relatively uncommon injury, but most frequently occur in children and adolescents with open physes. Entrapment of the intermeniscal ligament or the meniscus itself can occur in the setting of a tibial eminence fracture and when present, poses a significant obstacle to successful closed or surgical reduction. Identification of these entrapped structures on preoperative imaging may be helpful to the physicians caring for these patients and assist with preoperative planning. We present a case of a 13-year-old male who sustained a tibial eminence fracture while playing football. Review by the orthopedic surgeon identified entrapment of the intermeniscal ligament. Subsequently, a closed reduction attempt under anesthesia prior to surgery was unsuccessful and arthroscopy was needed to remove the entrapped intermeniscal ligament and reduce the tibial eminence fracture. Pre-operative knowledge of entrapped soft tissue structures under the fracture plane, particularly the meniscus and intermeniscal ligament, provides the surgeon with valuable insight as to how to best counsel patients on the success of treatment options, how to best prepare for operative treatment, and can guide the surgeon during open reduction to maximize treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We prospectively compared surgical reduction or fusion in situ with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis in terms of surgical invasiveness, clinical and radiographical outcomes, and complications. Methods: From January 2006 to June 2008, 88 adult patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical treatment in our unit were randomized to reduced group (group 1, n = 45) and in situ group (group 2, n = 43), and followed up for average 32.5 months (range 24-54 months). The clinical and radiographical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The average operative time and blood loss during surgery showed insignificant difference ( p > 0.05) between two groups. The radiological outcomes were significantly better in group 1, but there was no significant difference between two groups of clinical outcomes, depicting as VAS, ODI, JOA and patients' satisfaction surveys. Incident rate of surgical complications was similar in two groups, but in group 1 the complication seemed more severe because of two patients with neurological symptoms. Conclusions: For the adult isthmic spondylolisthesis without degenerative disease in adjacent level, single segment of PLIF with pedicle screw fixation is an effective and safe surgical procedure regardless of whether additional reduction had been conducted or not. Better radiological outcome does not mean better clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]