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Management of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia by excision of the pseudarthrosis, onlay grafting, and intramedullary nailing.

Fourteen skeletally immature children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were treated by excision of the pseudarthrosis, double onlay autogenous cortical bone grafting, and intramedullary nailing. Union was achieved in 12 patients, and no refractures occurred at the site of the original pseudarthrosis. In three patients, a fresh pseudarthrosis developed at a different site; these united after repeat onlay grafting. Five skeletally mature patients were treated by excision of the pseudarthrosis, compression at the site, and limb lengthening by callotasis. Union was achieved in three. Gain in tibial length ranged from 6 to 13 cm, with no significant complications during lengthening. The authors conclude that union can be achieved and refractures prevented in a significant proportion of skeletally immature children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia by excision of the pseudarthrosis, dual onlay bone grafting, and intramedullary nailing. Any residual shortening of the limb can be treated at skeletal maturity.

Adolescent↗

Management of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children under 3 years of age: effect of early surgery on union of the pseudarthrosis and growth of the limb.

The study was undertaken to determine whether the results of treatment of pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children under age 3 are so poor as to recommend that surgery be deferred until after 3 years of age. Radiographs and case records of 26 consecutive patients with Crawford type IV congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia who were treated operatively were reviewed. Growth abnormalities of the tibia, fibula, and femur of the affected limb at presentation were identified. The outcome of treatment, in terms of union of the pseudarthrosis, refracture rate, and limb length, in 13 children treated operatively before age 3 years was compared with those operated on later. Union of the pseudarthrosis occurred in 12 of 13 children (92%) who were treated before 3 years of age by excision of the pseudarthrosis, intramedullary rodding, and dual-onlay cortical bone grafting. Union occurred in only five of seven children who underwent the same procedure between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The extent of shortening of the limb at the time of surgery was least in children younger than 3 years. The limb length discrepancy remained virtually static in 11 children who had transarticular Rush rodding before age 3. Growth abnormalities of the fibula, tibia, and femur were less pronounced in children operated on early. The study suggests that there is no need to defer surgery for pseudarthrosis of the tibia until the child is older than 3 years.

Child↗

Development of a New Zealand white rabbit model of spinal pseudarthrosis repair and evaluation of the potential role of OP-1 to overcome pseudarthrosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Posterolateral lumbar fusions were performed in nicotine-exposed, New Zealand white rabbits. Animals that developed a pseudarthrosis were then regrafted with no graft, autograft, or osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). OBJECTIVES: To establish a model of pseudarthrosis repair and to evaluate the ability of OP-1 to induce fusion in this model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: OP-1 has been shown to have a 100% fusion rate in an established rabbit fusion model, even in the presence of nicotine, which is known to inhibit fusion. METHODS: Forty-four New Zealand white rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with iliac crest autograft. To maximize the incidence of pseudarthroses, nicotine was administered to all rabbits. At 5 weeks, the spines were explored, and all pseudarthroses were redecorticated and grafted with no graft, autograft, or OP-1. At 10 weeks, the rabbits were killed and fusions masses were assessed with manual palpation, radiography, computed tomography, and/or histology. RESULTS: Nine rabbits (20%) were lost to complications. Thirty-four (94%) had pseudarthroses on exploration at 5 weeks. By manual palpation at 10 weeks, 1 of 10 (10%) pseudarthroses that received no graft fused, 5 of 12 (42%) pseudarthroses that received autograft fused, and 9 of 11 (82%) pseudarthroses that received OP-1 fused. Computed tomography and histology further characterized the fusion masses. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a model for treatment of pseudarthroses. OP-1, which has previously been shown to have 100% fusion rate in animal models, outperformed autograft and induced fusion in 82% of rabbits.

Animals↗

Pseudarthrosis of the rabbit tibia: a model for congenital pseudarthrosis?

The purpose of this study was to create a rabbit model of a pseudarthrosis of the tibia by passively constricting circumferential diaphyseal growth. A circumferential strip of Marlex mesh was placed around both tibiae of eight growing rabbits. It was sutured as a circumferential tube on the experimental tibia and not sutured together on the control side. The experimental tibiae developed significant narrowing, cystic changes, and sclerosis. Five of 11 experimental tibiae went on to pathological fracture, compared to no fractures in the eight control tibiae. The mesh was sutured together around both tibiae in another six rabbits. Release of the band 6 weeks later allowed healing of the narrowed tibiae, with or without an experimentally produced fracture. We conclude a passive constriction phenomenon may contribute to the development of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Removal of the band improved the chances of healing, which has implications for the treatment of children.

Animals↗

Pseudarthrosis in primary fusions for adult idiopathic scoliosis: incidence, risk factors, and outcome analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and Scoliosis Research Society Instrument-24 (SRS-24) outcome scores of pseudarthrosis in adult idiopathic scoliosis primary fusions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The healing of spinal fusion is complex and difficult to study in a clinical setting. There are no detailed reports on pseudarthrosis in primary fusion for adult idiopathic scoliosis since the introduction of "modern" segmental fixation techniques. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiographic review of 96 patients (average age 42.2 years; range 18.2-62.9 years) with adult idiopathic scoliosis undergoing first time (primary) spinal instrumentation and fusion with a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 5.9 years; range 2-16.8 years) treated at a single institution between 1985 and 2001 were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had pseudarthroses (17%). Fifty-nine percent of the pseudarthroses occurred between T9 and L1, and 81% presented with multiple levels involved (2-6 levels). The site of crosslinks or dominoes correlated with pseudarthrosis site in 69%. Pseudarthroses were detected radiologically at 32.4 months (range 12-67 months) postoperatively. Patient age at surgery more than 55 years significantly correlated with pseudarthrosis (P = 0.007). The number of fused levels more than 12 vertebrae is also significantly correlated with pseudarthrosis (P = 0.03). Smoking history and comorbidity did not increase the pseudarthrosis rate (P = 0.71 and 0.19, respectively). A larger preoperative Cobb angle (> or =70 degrees) and a greater thoracic kyphosis (T5-T12 >40 degrees) did not correlate with a higher pseudarthrosis rate (P = 0.76 and 0.73, respectively). Thoracolumbar kyphosis (T10-L2 > or =20 degrees) correlated with a significantly higher pseudarthrosis rate (P < 0.0001). Preoperative global sagittal and coronal imbalance did not increase the pseudarthrosis rate (P = 0.45 and 0.62, respectively). Patients with pseudarthrosis had lower SRS-24 scores than those without (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION.: The incidence of pseudarthrosis following adult idiopathic scoliosis primary fusion was 17%. The pseudarthrosis was most likely to occur at the thoracolumbar junction. Older patients (>55 years), longer fusion (>12 vertebrae), and those with thoracolumbar kyphosis (> or =20 degrees) demonstrated increased risk for pseudarthrosis. Patients' outcomes as measured by the SRS-24 were "negatively" affected by the pseudarthrosis.

Adolescent↗

Revision strategies for lumbar pseudarthrosis.

Revision surgery for pseudarthrosis remains costly and complicated. Local and systemic factors should be corrected or improved before further surgery is performed. Careful evaluation is mandatory, and patients' expectations should be addressed fully by the surgeon before undertaking any surgical procedure. The single most important factor in achieving a successful clinical outcome in revision spine surgery is patient selection. Pseudarthrosis is still one of the most difficult conditions to assess as a source of symptoms, and not surprisingly the outcome from repair of pseudarthrosis is the most difficult to predict. In evaluation of a solid fusion, the preliminary test includes plain radiographs that include flexion and extension films. More definitive evaluation of pseudarthrosis usually requires CT with two-dimensional and possibly three-dimensional reconstruction. Adjacent levels and the status of neural structures may be evaluated via MRI scanning, discography, and myelography. After determining the presence of pseudarthrosis and ascertaining through clinical examination and evaluation the level of symptomatic pseudarthrosis, operative intervention may be considered once conservative management has failed. Posterior procedures for revision of a failed lumbar fusion have not yielded reliably successful results; however, this approach does have a significant role in the appropriately selected candidate. A combined anteroposterior approach may be more effective in restoring sagittal balance and enhancing fusion rates. The use of posterior instrumentation in light of an anterior pseudarthrosis or anterior support in light of a posterior pseudarthrosis is a viable option for treatment in these circumstances. Several osteoinductive growth factors, referred to as bone morphogenetic proteins, have been shown to induce transformation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells into chondroblasts and osteoblasts, which results in the formation of de novo bone. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the superiority of bone morphogenetic proteins over autogenous bone grafts in various orthopedic settings. Bone morphogenetic protein (by itself or in conjunction with autogenous bone) has been shown repeatedly to produce a better quality of spine fusion in a decreased interval of time when compared with the use of autogenous bone alone. These materials, however, remain investigational and currently are not widely used. Prevention of pseudarthrosis is the most successful treatment, although this is not always possible. Appropriate patient selection, surgical techniques, and the use of biologic implants and gene therapy in the near future will make spinal fusion a more predictable procedure to perform. Undoubtedly there is great difficulty in performing satisfactory and statistically verifiable conclusions from the available published studies. Better prospective outcomes studies are needed to improve our knowledge regarding overall patient satisfaction, function, residual pain, and health impact of the treatment of lumbar spine pseudarthrosis.

Humans↗

Spinal fusion after revision surgery for pseudarthrosis in adult scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE.: To decipher the incidence, characteristics, functional outcomes, and complications of spinal fusion after revision surgery for recurrent pseudarthrosis in adult patients with scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: While the rate of spinal fusion has been examined in the past, there have been no studies that have examined the incidence, characteristics, functional outcomes, and complications of spinal fusion after pseudarthrosis repair in adult patients with scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 patients with failed spinal fusion surgery for adult scoliosis and painful pseudarthroses were studied. Each patient had an average of 3.7 spinal surgeries before undergoing revision at our institution. In addition to clinical assessment and imaging studies, pseudarthrosis was confirmed intraoperatively in all patients. All patients underwent reinstrumentation and fusion along with adjunctive procedures as needed. Spinal fusion was assessed clinically and radiographically after surgery for a minimum of 40 months. Subjective functional outcomes and complications associated with the procedures were also studied. RESULTS: The overall incidence of spinal fusion after revision surgery for pseudarthrosis in adult scoliosis was 90%. There was a propensity for pseudarthrosis to recur at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions. Increasing thoracolumbar kyphosis and loss of sagittal balance were significant risk factors for recurrent pseudarthrosis after revision surgery (mean thoracolumbar kyphosis of 23 degrees and mean sagittal balance of 7.9 cm anteriorly associated with persistent pseudarthrosis). Additionally, patients with multiple preoperative sites of pseudarthroses were at a higher risk for continued pseudarthrosis after surgery. Cigarette smoking, age, and surgical approach did not have any significant correlation with pseudarthrosis. Seventy-two percent of patients were satisfied with the outcome and 80% would have chosen to undergo surgery again if necessary. Thirty-three percent of patients who underwent surgery had some complication related to the surgery. CONCLUSION: Revision surgery for pseudarthrosis repair in adult scoliosis is most successful at attaining fusion when thoracolumbar and overall sagittal alignment are restored as much as possible.

Adult↗

Anterior cervical pseudarthrosis. Natural history and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of long-term clinical outcomes in 48 patients with pseudarthroses after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. OBJECTIVES: To determine the natural history, risk factors, and treatment outcomes in a large population with documented pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent reports suggest that pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion adversely affects clinical outcome. Little data regarding cervical pseudarthroses have been published, and conclusions have been drawn from reports with small patient populations and short-term follow-up periods. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with radiographically documented pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were studied. Patients were examined and radiographs made at regular intervals (mean follow-up, 66 months). Clinical results were based on patients' assessment of pain, prescription drug use, activity level and Odom's criteria. Clinical outcomes in patients who underwent surgical repair of the pseudarthrosis are reported. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 32 (67%) with pseudarthroses were symptomatic at latest follow-up or at the time of further surgery. Of the 32 patients, 9 had a symptom-free period of at least 2 years after the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion before redeveloping cervical symptoms after a traumatic episode. Of 48 patients with pseudarthroses, 16 (33%) remained asymptomatic at a mean of 5.1 years after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. A younger age at the time of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion increased the likelihood of the pseudarthrosis becoming symptomatic. After multiple level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, the caudal-most operated level accounted for 82% of the pseudarthroses. Sixteen patients had an anterior repair of the pseudarthrosis, and fusion was achieved in 14. Six patients underwent posterior pseudarthrosis repair, and all healed. In patients in whom fusion was achieved with a second cervical operation, the results were excellent in 19 and good in 1. CONCLUSION: A pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is frequently associated with a poor clinical outcome. Surgical repair of the pseudarthrosis with an anterior or posterior approach seems to have a high likelihood of a successful clinical outcome.

Adult↗

Pseudarthrosis in long adult spinal deformity instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum: prevalence and risk factor analysis of 144 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of and risk factors for pseudarthrosis in long adult spinal instrumentation and fusion to S1. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies on pseudarthrosis in long adult spinal instrumentation and fusion to S1 exist. METHODS: A clinical and radiographic assessment of 144 adult patients with spinal deformity (average age 52.0 years; range 21.1-77.6) who underwent long (5-17 vertebrae, average 11.9) spinal instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum at a single institution between 1985 and 2002, with a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 3.9; range 2-14) was performed. RESULTS: Of 144 patients, 34 (24%) had pseudarthroses. There were 17 patients who had pseudarthroses at T10-L2 and 15 at L5-S1. A total of 24 patients (71%) presented with multiple levels involved (2-6). Pseudarthrosis was most commonly detected within 4 years postoperatively (31 patients; 94%). Factors that statistically increased the risk of pseudarthrosis were: thoracolumbar kyphosis (T10-L2 > or = 20 degrees vs. < 20 degrees, P < 0.0001); osteoarthritis of the hip joint (P = 0.002); thoracoabdominal approach (vs. paramedian approach, P = 0.009); positive sagittal balance > or = 5 cm at 8 weeks postoperatively (vs. < or = 5 cm, P = 0.012); age at surgery older than 55 years (vs. 55 years or younger, P = 0.019); and incomplete sacropelvic fixation (vs. complete sacropelvic fixation, P = 0.020). Fusion from upper thoracic spine (T2-T5) did not statistically increase the pseudarthrosis rate compared to lower thoracic spine (T9-T12) (P = 0.20). Patients with pseudarthrosis had significantly lower Scoliosis Research Society 24 outcome scores (average score 71/120) than those without (average score 90/120; P < 0.0001) at ultimate follow-up. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of pseudarthrosis following long adult spinal deformity instrumentation and fusion to S1 was 24%. Thoracolumbar kyphosis, osteoarthritis of the hip joint, thoracoabdominal approach (vs. paramedian approach), positive sagittal balance > or = 5 cm at 8 weeks postoperatively, older age at surgery (older than 55 years), and incomplete sacropelvic fixation significantly increased the risks of pseudarthrosis to an extent that was statistically significant. Scoliosis Research Society 24 outcomes scores at ultimate follow-up were adversely affected when pseudarthrosis developed.

Adult↗

Management of symptomatic lumbar pseudarthrosis with anteroposterior fusion. A functional and radiographic outcome study.

STUDY DESIGN: An independent retrospective review of 37 patients undergoing 39 anteroposterior lumbar fusions for lumbar pseudarthrosis repair between 1984 and 1990. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate radiographically and functionally the results of the combined anteroposterior fusion for the management of symptomatic lumbar pseudarthrosis, and to assess risk factors for functional failure after the procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Most reported techniques of pseudarthrosis repair involve posterior fusion with no instrumentation, posterior fusion with instrumentation, or anterior fusion alone. The results of lumbar pseudarthrosis repair are poor. Fusion rates range from 30% to 70%, with only a 30% to 50% rate of functional success. METHODS: Thirty-nine procedures were assessed in 37 patients. The outcomes were assessed radiographically (solid fusion vs. pseudarthrosis) and functionally (success vs. failure). Radiographs were assessed at follow-up examination for consolidation of fusion anteriorly and posteriorly. Functional outcome was graded by using multiple instruments, including data from chart review and the follow-up outcome questionnaire. A functional failure score that took into account 10 items was developed. RESULTS: In this patient population (37 patients, 59% with a smoking history, 71% with compensation or legal claims), there was a 10% pseudarthrosis rate. Pseudarthrosis was defined when one or more levels were involved and when it occurred anteriorly and posteriorly. In 12 patients (35%), the outcome was rated as functional failure. The presence of one or more abnormal neurologic findings and significant narcotic use before surgery significantly increased the chance of a patient's outcome being functional failure. Workmen's Compensation or legal status before surgery also increased the chance of functional failure, though this correlation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A combined anterior and posterior approach for the management of symptomatic lumbar pseudarthrosis is a viable alternative to posterior fusion alone. In fact, this procedure affords a higher fusion rate based on radiographic assessment. Functional failure rates may be decreased by using caution for those patients using narcotics regularly before surgery or in those with unexplained preoperative neurologic abnormal findings.

Adult↗

Treatment of thoracic pseudarthrosis in the adult: is combined surgery necessary?

In deformity surgery in adults, pseudarthrosis remains an important cause of progressive deformity and postoperative pain. Revision surgery for pseudarthrosis in the lumbar spine is a difficult challenge with failure rates of as much as 50% using posterior surgery alone. Treatment of pseudarthrosis of the thoracic spine has not been well-described. The purpose of the current study was to review the long-term clinical and radiographic results of posterior-only surgery for the treatment of pseudarthrosis in the thoracic spine. Using a posterior extension osteotomy through the identified pseudarthrosis with reinstrumentation and autogenous bone grafting, an improvement of regional sagittal balance was shown and reliable clinical outcomes were obtained. A single-stage posterior revision surgery with extension osteotomies through the regions of pseudarthrosis coupled with rigid internal fixation and autogenous bone grafting is an effective technique for treatment of pseudarthrosis of the thoracic spine. This technique improves regional sagittal deformity and leads to reliable arthrodesis. Combined anterior and posterior surgery was not necessary for effective treatment of thoracic pseudarthrosis in this series.

Adolescent↗

An outcomes analysis of the treatment of cervical pseudarthrosis with posterior fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 33 consecutive patients treated with posterior fusion and selective nerve root decompression for the treatment of pseudarthrosis following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. OBJECTIVES: Use standardized outcome measures to evaluate the results of posterior fusion with selective nerve root decompression as a treatment option for symptomatic pseudarthrosis of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been recognized as a cause of continued cervical pain and unsatisfactory outcomes. Debate continues as to whether a revision anterior approach or a posterior fusion procedure is the best treatment for symptomatic cervical pseudarthrosis. To our knowledge, standardized outcome measures have not been used to evaluate the results of either surgical treatment option; therefore, it is difficult to evaluate outcomes in these patients, let alone compare surgical treatment options. Data on fusion rates in these two surgical treatment groups suggest a trend of a higher fusion rate with utilization of a posterior revision procedure, but the largest study to date includes the study of only 19 patients treated with a posterior fusion. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were treated with selective nerve root decompression and posterior fusion using iliac crest or local bone graft as well as posterior wiring and/or lateral mass plating. The average follow-up period was 46 months (range, 20-86 months). Patients were assessed using physical examination, flexion-extension lateral radiographs, and standardized outcome measures including the SF-36, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2, and Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire. RESULTS: All 33 patients (100%) demonstrated a solid fusion at their most recent follow-up, and all 33 patients noted significant improvement in their preoperative symptoms. No difference in fusion status was noted between those treated with iliac crest versus patients treated with local bone graft--all had a solid fusion; 72% of the patients were satisfied with the result of their surgery. Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire pain scales demonstrated 52% of patients reported mild or nopain at follow-up, whereas 20% described their pain as "discomforting" and 28% of the patients continued to report moderate to severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to our knowledge to use standardized outcome measures to assess clinical outcome in patients treated with posterior fusion for pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Patients and surgeons need to understand the potential for success with this revision procedure but also be aware of the relatively high rate of continued moderate to severe pain observed in this patient population even after a solid fusion is achieved. All of the patients in this study fused with a single posterior fusion procedure, further supporting the relatively higher fusion rates observed in the literature using posterior fusion as a treatment for cervical pseudarthrosis. Our results also support the ability of surgeons to use local bone graft without iliac crest in a posterior fusion for cervical pseudarthrosis and therefore avoid the morbidity associated with iliac crest bone graft harvest.

Adult↗

Pseudarthrosis in adult spinal deformity following multisegmental instrumentation and arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: There have been few detailed reports concerning pseudarthrosis following spinal instrumentation and arthrodesis in adults with spinal deformity since the introduction of modern segmental fixation techniques. The purposes of this study were to analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and outcome scores on the Scoliosis Research Society Instrument-24 associated with pseudarthrosis following instrumentation and arthrodesis for the treatment of spinal deformity in adults. METHODS: A clinical and radiographic assessment of 232 adults with spinal deformity who were treated surgically at a single institution was conducted. The average age of the patients was 40.8 years, and the operation was a primary procedure in 150 patients and a revision procedure in eighty-two patients. All patients who underwent a long (four vertebrae or more) spinal instrumentation and arthrodesis with a minimum follow-up of two years were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty patients had a pseudarthrosis. Factors that were found to be significantly associated with pseudarthrosis were preoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis of >20 degrees (p < 0.0001), an age of more than fifty-five years (p = 0.001), arthrodesis to S1 compared with arthrodesis to L5 or a cephalad level (p = 0.002), and arthrodesis of more than twelve vertebrae (p = 0.037). Patients with a pseudarthrosis had lower total outcome scores on the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire, on the average, than those without a pseudarthrosis (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pseudarthrosis following long arthrodesis with use of modern segmental spinal instrumentation for the treatment of spinal deformity in adults was 17%, and the clinical outcome in these patients can be negatively affected by the pseudarthrosis.

Adolescent↗

[Etiology and therapy of clavicular-pseudarthrosis (author's transl)].

The fracture of the clavicle is regarded as one of the most common fractures. Reports on Pseudarthrosis are very seldom. Our follow-up studies allowed us the following-conclusions: 1. In spite of insufficient immobilisation pseudarthrosis is seldom reported. 2. Healing of the pseudarthrosis can only be accomplished operatively. 3. In biologically active pseudarthrosis compression plating achieved best results. 4. Even with pseudarthrosis the functional result can be excellent. 5. Indications for surgery of clavicular pseudarthrosis should be determined a) in heavy labourers or active athletes, b) in cases of complications resulting directly from clavicular pseudarthrosis (e.g. Plexus irritation, stenosis of the subclavius vessels).

Adolescent↗

Comparison of the results of the Girdlestone pseudarthrosis with reimplantation of a total hip replacement.

A Girdlestone pseudarthrosis of the hip (resection arthroplasty) is nowadays mainly carried out for failed hip replacements. A decision may have to be made whether to reimplant a new hip prosthesis or to accept the result of a pseudarthrosis. We followed 2 groups of patients: 32 patients had a long standing pseudarthrosis; in the other group of 16 patients, a total hip replacement was reimplanted at an average of 3 years after a pseudarthrosis. The improvement in hip function after the reimplantation was marginal and the results were comparable to a good functioning pseudarthrosis. However, personal satisfaction and the activities of daily living were better in the reimplantation group, and their Harris hip score was 64 compared to 58 in those with a pseudarthrosis. The Girdlestone procedure still seems to be a reasonable salvage operation for some complications following hip surgery, but when there are the correct indications, reimplantation of a total hip prosthesis is recommended.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Hamartoma involving the pseudarthrosis site in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Congenital pseudarthrosis is a rare disease with variable clinical effects. The disease remains 1 of the most controversial pediatric entities in terms of etiopathogenesis, therapy, and prognosis. Between 0.5% and 2.2% of patients with neurofibromatosis demonstrate pseudarthrosis in any of the long bones. The exact origin of the lesion is even unclear; although several attempts have been made to determine the type of tissue involving the pseudarthrosis site, only fibrous tissue has been documented in different reports. We present 2 unrelated Mexican patients (male and female) with familial neurofibromatosis and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia and fibula. Histochemical and immunostain studies after surgical resection of the affected ends from the pseudarthrosis site of both patients showed a picture compatible with hamartoma. This is the first time when histologic evidence of hamartomatous tissue involving the pseudarthrosis site is presented.

Biomarkers↗