Surgical Techniques Development

How to treat proximal and middle one-third humeral shaft fractures: The role of helical plates

Giulia Nicolaci — 2021-06-23

Complex proximal third diaphyseal humeral fractures are uncommon patterns of injury mainly caused by high energy trauma. The anatomical shape of the humerus, the presence of the deltoid tuberosity and the close proximity of the radial nerve into the radial groove represent challenge elements to deal with. Historically, straight plates were manually twisted; subsequently, helical plates created for other anatomical sites (as distal tibia) were used in humeral fractures. In both these experiences surgeons observed several disadvantages. More recently, dedicated helical plates have been created. In this study, we expose our surgical technique for using helical humeral plates (A.L.P.S.® Proximal Humeral Plating System, Zimmer Biomet), with its advantages and operative recommendation.

From 2019 to 2021, nine patients who were admitted to our institution for humeral fractures involving the proximal third diaphysis have been treated with humeral helical plates. At one and six months after surgery, standard antero-posterior and lateral radiographs were obtained, and at last follow-up (fourteen months on average) clinical evaluation was performed through range of motion assessment, Constant score and DASH score questionnaires. At six months, all fractures have healed. At last follow-up (fourteen months on average, 6-22) the average range of motion were flexion 135° (90°-180°); abduction 124° (85°-180°); external rotation 52° (20°-80°), internal rotation at L3 (between scapulae-trochanter). Average Constant Shoulder Score was 70 (33-96), average Dash score was 21 (range 1,7-63). Three patients experienced temporary radial nerve palsy from injury, with subsequently improvement at EMG analysis within eight months from surgery. In our opinion this strategy avoids the deltoid tuberosity and reduces the risk of radial nerve injury, increasing the possibility of a rapid functional recovery after surgery.

Successful surgical treatment of intractable post-radiation rectal bleeding

Rezvan Mirzaei — 2022-01-13

Patients will typically present symptoms of chronic post-radiation colitis and proctitis 8-12 months after finishing their treatment. Endoscopic methods play the main role the treatment of bleeding caused by post-radiation colitis and proctitis. Surgical treatment is required for remained approximately 10% of patients. Here we present a 64 year old female with metastatic breast cancer, who was referred to us for intractable rectal bleeding. Total colonoscopy and rigid rectosigmoidoscopy revealed proctitis, rectal and sigmoidal telangiectasis, multiple necrotic ulcers between 15 to 30 cm from the anal verge, and also huge ishemic ulcer with patchy necrotic areas about 10 cm from the anal verge. This abnormal irradiated part was resected and then mucosectomy of the remnant rectum, both transabdominally and transanally was done. We performed pull-through technique of normal proximal colon to anal region through the remnant rectal wall and finally did coloanal anastomosis. Diverting stoma was not made because of anastomosis in anal region. With this technique we can achieve benefits such as avoidance of harsh dissection in a frozen pelvis and its consequences, we can avoid intra-abdominal anastomosis, there is no need to a diverting stoma and, most important of all, definite bleeding control.

Early or late recurrences of breast carcinoma are to be researched in relation to fat grafting

Egidio Riggio — 2019-05-20

Not available.

True orthodontic intrusion using three-piece intrusion arch for correcting excessive gingival exposure

Kavitha Odathurai Marusamy — 2018-10-26

The combination of proclined upper anteriors with high gingival exposure is challenging for the orthodontist. Correction of proclined upper anteriors sometimes leads to deepening of the bite and loss of posterior anchorage resulting in worsening of gingival exposure. Routinely correction of high gingival exposure was done prior to space closure resulting in increased treatment duration. However, application of sound biomechanical strategies can help us overcome these challenges without compromising treatment time. This presentation will describe the meticulous orthodontic biomechanics using a 3-piece intrusion arch to simultaneously correct excessive gingival exposure as well as accomplish space closure. The patient presented with Class I malocclusion with proclined upper anterior teeth, crowding in upper and lower arches and an excessive gingival exposure. Fixed orthodontic therapy was initiated with first premolar extractions and the primary strategies after correcting of the crowding was the effective use of a 3-piece intrusion arch for simultaneous intrusion and retraction of proclined anterior teeth. Biomechanics strategies utilizing the 3 piece intrusion arch effectively aided in closure of spaces, correction of high gingival exposure, intrusion of the upper anteriors and controlling posterior anchorage. All desired treatment outcomes were achieved without prolonging treatment time. Proper biomechanics strategies can effectively bring about true intrusion of the upper anteriors as well as correct the upper incisor proclination without prolonging treatment time. The use of threepiece intrusion arch to achieve orthodontic correction assures the attainment of predictable treatment results. Loss of anchorage is seldom observed because of the tip back moment on the posterior teeth. Another advantage of intrusion mechanics is the control of the vertical dimension.