Purpose To evaluate the effect of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) on shoulder balance in patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods Fifteen patients had a thoracic congenital scoliosis. The Cobb angles of the thoracic primary curves were measured. Preoperative measurements of the coracoid height difference (CHD; expressed in millimeters) and the clavicular tilt angle difference (CTAD; expressed in degrees) were performed for all patients. All of the patients were treated with VEPTR open wedge thoracostomy. Result There was a statistically significant improvement in thoracic Cobb angle. At the end of follow-up there was a significant improvement in CHD; all but three of the patients had CHD \ 9 mm. Preoperatively, CTAD was 8.9°. It improved to 4.4°postoperatively and significantly decreased to 3.9°by the end of follow-up. Complications included device migration (one patient), infection (one patient), and pedicle screw loosening or displacement (two patients). Conclusion VEPTR is able to produce a modest intraoperative correction of shoulder imbalance.

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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.

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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of operative treatment in patients with ipsilateral fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid.Between 2010 to 2014, seven patients were treated operatively for ipsilateral injuries involving distal end radius and scaphoid. Percutanous fixation of all scaphoid fractures was done first, using cannulated Herbert screw and fracture distal end radius was treated by open reduction and plate fixation.All fractures were united without any secondary procedures.The mean follow-up was24.5 months. Functionally 6 patients had excellent,and one had good outcome according to the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley. Conclusion:In spite of the small sample size due to rare nature of the injury, we can recommend Radial fracture be treated as one would treat an isolated injury on basis of fracture pattern,in addition percutanous fixation of scaphoid fracture.