One hundred nine obstetrical palsy patients with defective shoulder abduction and external rotation had subscapularis release and transfer of teres major to infraspinatus with or without pedicle transfer of the clavicular head of pectoralis major to deltoid. The age at surgery averaged 67 months (11-192) and follow-up averaged 36 months (12-80). Thirty-nine cases had follow-up CT scan of both shoulders. Improvement of abduction averaged 64 degrees and that of external rotation 50 degrees, 100% and 290% gain, respectively. Both negatively correlated with the age at surgery (P < 0.001), and were significantly higher in patients operated younger than 4 years. On computed tomographic scans, the degree of glenoid retroversion positively correlated (P < 0.001) with the age at surgery, and was significantly higher in patients operated older than 4 years. The degree of posterior subluxation showed no significant difference between different ages. There was no significant difference between the operated and normal sides in patients operated younger than 4years with regard to glenoid retroversion and in those operated younger than 2 years with regard to posterior subluxation. The operation is useful for correction of defective shoulder abduction and external rotation in obstetric palsy. It is best performed before the age of 2 to get maximal improvement in motion and prevent secondary bone changes. Between the ages of 2 and 4, it also resulted in significant improvement in motion and prevented glenoid retroversion, but not posterior subluxation. After the age of 4, the improvement in motion was not significant and secondary bone changes were not prevented.

Very limited literature described the use of the free anterolateral thigh (ALT) among other flaps for pediatric lower limb reconstruction. The aim of this study is to present our experience using the free ALT flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects over the dorsum of the foot and ankle in children. The study included 42 children aged 2.5-13 years with a mean of 6.18 years. Three children had crush injuries while the rest were victims of run over car accidents. All of the flaps were vascularized by at least two perforators; 88.23% were musculocutaneous and 11.77 were septocutaneous perforators. All flaps were raised in a subfascial plane. Initial thinning was performed in five flaps and 35% required subsequent debulking. Mean Flap surface area was 117.11 cm(2). The recipient arteries were the anterior tibial artery in 38 cases and posterior tibial artery in four cases. Venous anastomosis was performed to one vena commitant and in nine cases the long saphenous vein was additionally used. Mean ischemia time of the flap was 2 hours while total operative time averaged 6.3 hours. About 41% of donor sites were closed primarily while 59% required skin grafting. Primary flap survival rate was 92.8% (39/42 cases). Three flaps showed venous congestion. After venous reanastomosis, two flaps showed partial loss and one flap was lost completely. Post-operative hospital stay averaged 7.5 days. The free ALT flap could be as safe, reliable, and aesthetically appealing option for foot/ankle resurfacing in children after traumatic soft tissue loss.

There are several options for the treatment of traumatic tibial defects. Among these options, free vascularized fibula and Ilizarov bone transport are well-known and effective techniques. The differences between both techniques and the indications for each of them are not well studied in the literature. Between September 1995 and December 2004, Ilizarov bone transport and free vascularized fibula were used to treat 25 traumatic bone. Patients were divided into two groups, Ilizarov group (12) and free fibula group (13). Preoperative data, operative data, duration of treatment, functional outcome, range of motion loss, number of secondary procedures, and type and rate of complications were compared in both groups. All the cases were ultimately united in both groups. Operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the free fibula group. Although external fixation time was longer in the Ilizarov group, the overall duration of treatment was similar. Range of motion loss was less in the Ilizarov group, but the overall functional outcome was similar. There was no difference in complication rate, or number secondary procedures. Defect size was found to have the most significant effect on the results. Results were much better in the free fibula group when the defect length was 12 cm or more while the results were better in Ilizarov group when the defect length was less than 12 cm. We recommend using free vascularized fibula for traumatic tibial defects of 12 cm or more, whenever experience is available.

a b s t r a c tBackground: There has been controversy regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of TFCC tear. Different surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC are prescribed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of arthroscopic outside-in repair of the ulnar side TFCC tear with vertical mattress suture. Methods:In this study, arthroscopic outside-in repair of the ulnar side TFCC tear was done.37 patients with TFCC tear with failure of conservative treatment for a minimum of 6 months had surgery. Outcomes were assessed using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction criteria, and patient-related wrist evaluation score (PRWE), in addition to the range of motion and grip strength.Results: After arthroscopic surgery, overall satisfaction was extremely positive, and out of the 37 patients, 91.9% of the patients are satisfied. The mean score for pain improved from 7.6 to 2.9 points. The mean MMWS was improved from 62.1 to 91.2 points. DASH score also improved from 29.9 to 10.2 points and PRWE improved from 60 to 33 points. The ROM was improved from 85.8% to 92% of the normal side. The grip strength of the affected side improved from 82.5% to 89% of the normal side. All improvements are statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Arthroscopic outside-in repair of ulnar side TFCC tear with mattress suture is a reproducible method with a marked improvement in function within a short period.# 2015 Prof. PK Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier, a division of Reed Elsevier India, Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.* Corresponding author. E-mail address: mysarahalim2010@gmail.com (M.A. Bayoumy). Abbreviations: TFCC, triangular fibrocartilage complex; NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; DRUJ, distal radio-ulnar joint; MMWS, modified Mayo wrist score; DASH, Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand; VAS, visual analog scale; PRWE, patient related wrist evaluation; ROM, range of motion; ECU, extensor carpi ulnaris.

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