Background Kienböck’s disease is idiopathic lunate avascular necrosis, which may lead to lunate collapse, abnormal carpal motion and wrist arthritis. The current study aimed to assess the outcomes of treating stage IIIA Kienböck’s disease by a novel technique of limited carpal fusion via partial lunate excision with preservation of the proximal lunate surface and scapho-luno-capitate (SLC) fusion. Materials and methods We conducted a prospective study of patients with grade IIIA Kienböck’s disease managed with a novel technique of limited carpal fusion comprising SLC fusion with preservation of the proximal lunate articular cartilage. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting and K-wires fixation were used to enhance the osteosynthesis of the SLC fusion. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were utilized for the evaluation of patient residual pain and functional assessment, respectively. A digital Smedley dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength. The modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) was used for monitoring carpal collapse. The radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, and the modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio were used for the assessment of carpal bones alignment and ulnar translocation of carpal bones. Results This study included 20 patients with a mean age of 27.9 ± 5.5 years. At the last follow-up, the mean range of flexion/extension range of motion (% of normal side) improved from 52.8 ± 5.4% to 65.7 ± 11.1%, P = 0.002, the mean grip strength (% of normal side) improved from 54.6 ± 11.8% to 88.3 ± 12.4%, P = 0.001, the mean Mayo Wrist Score improved from 41.5 ± 8.2 to 81 ± 9.2, P = 0.002, and the mean VAS score reduced from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 0.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.004. The mean follow-up MCHR improved from 1.46 ± 0.11 to 1.59 ± 0.34, P = 0.112. The mean radioscaphoid angle improved from 63 ± 10º to 49 ± 6º, P = 0.011. The mean scapholunate angle increased from 32 ± 6º to 47 ± 8º, P = 0.004. The mean modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio was preserved and none of the patients developed ulnar translocation of the carpal bones. Radiological union was achieved in all patients. Conclusions Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with partial lunate excision and preservation of the proximal lunate surface is a valuable option for treating stage IIIA Kienböck’s disease, with satisfactory outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV. Trial registration Not applicable.

Background Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents should be surgically managed only if conservative measures have failed. The aim of this study was to assess functional and radiological results of tibialis anterior rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy as s single-stage reconstruction of symptomatic flexible flatfoot. Methods The current study was a prospective study of patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot treated by single-stage reconstruction in the form of tibialis anterior tendon rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) was utilized to evaluate the functional outcomes. The evaluated radiological parameters included the standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, talar head coverage angle, and calcaneal pitch angle. Results  The current study included 16 patients (28 feet) with a mean age of 11.6 ± 2.1 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean AOFAS score from 51.6 ± 5.5 preoperatively to 85.3 ± 10.2 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean AP talar head coverage angle from 13.6 ± 4.4° to 3.9 ± 3°, the mean AP talo-first metatarsal angle from 16.9 ± 4.4° to 4.5 ± 3.6°, and the mean lateral talo-first metatarsal angle from 19.2 ± 4.9° to 4.6 ± 3.2°, P < 0.001. Additionally, the mean calcaneal pitch angle increased significantly from 9.6 ± 1.9° to 23.8 ± 4.8°, P < 0.001. Superficial wound infection occurred in three feet and was treated adequately by dressing and antibiotics. Conclusion  Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents can be treated with combined lateral column lengthening and tibialis anterior rerouting with satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV.

Background Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) requires surgical treatment when diagnosed. The surgical management of moderate to severe SCFE remains an area of controversy among pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The severity of slippage, the viability of the femoral epiphysis, and the method of surgical management determine the long-term clinical and radiographical outcome. This study sought to evaluate the mid-term results of subcapital realignment of chronic stable slipped femoral epiphysis with open physis using surgical hip dislocation. Materials and methods This study was a prospective case series of adolescents with moderate or severe degrees of chronic SCFE who had undergone subcapital osteotomy using the surgical hip dislocation technique. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess functional outcomes at 6 years of follow-up. A HHS of ≥ 80 points was considered satisfactory. Postoperative radiological outcomes were evaluated using epiphyseal-shaft angles and alpha angles. Postoperative complications were observed. Results This study included 40 patients, 32 (80%) males and 8 (20%) females, with a mean age of 14.1 ± 1.8 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean HHS from 45 ± 12.3 preoperatively to 91.8 ± 11.6 points at 6 years of follow-up. The mean epiphyseal-shaft angle reduced from 60.5 ± 15.3° preoperatively to 10.3 ± 2.4° postoperatively, P < 0.001. The mean alpha angle reduced from 72.5 ± 10.1° preoperatively to 40.4 ± 6.4°, P < 0.001. Four (10%) patients showed femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN). Conclusions Subcapital realignment of chronic SCFE can achieve satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes, but femoral head AVN remains a risk. Level of evidence Level IV.

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