When total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is performed, although tibial osteotomy is instructed to be perpendicular to long axis of tibia, there is no established index for the talar bone corrective osteotomy. Then, we have been deciding the correction angle at the plan for adjustment of the loading axis through whole lower extremities. We studied 17 TAA cases with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). X-ray picture of hip to calcaneus view (hip joint to tip of the calcaneus) defined to show more approximated loading axis has been referred for the preoperative planning. Furthermore, the data of correction angle has been reflected to pre-designed custom-made surgical guide. If soft tissue balance was not acceptable, malleolar sliding osteotomy was added. The distance between the centre of ankle joint and the axis (preD) was measured (mm) preoperatively, and the distance between the centre of prosthesis and the axis (postD) was measured postoperatively. Next, the tilting angle between tibial and talar components (defined as the index of prosthesis edge loading) were measured with X-rays during standing. Tibio Calcaneal (TC) angle was also measured pre and postoperatively.

TC angle was significantly improved from 8.3±6.0° to 3.5±3.6° postoperatively (P=0.028). PreD was 12.9±9.6mm, and that was significantly improved to 4.8±6.3mm (postD) (P=0.006). Within 17 cases, 8 cases showed 0–1mm of postD, 4 cases showed 1–5mm of postD, remaining 5 cases concomitant subtalar fusion with severe valgus and varus hindfoot deformity showed over 8mm of postD. All of the 12 cases showing within 5mm of postD indicated within 13mm of preD. The tilting angle between components was 0.17±0.37° postoperatively.

Taken together, pre-designed corrective talar osteotomy based on preoperative planning using hip to calcaneus view was useful to adjust the mechanical axis for replaced ankle joint in RA cases. Furthermore, after surgery, the hip to calcaneus view was useful to evaluate post-operative mechanical axis of whole lower extremities.

A total of 11 patients with combined traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus and spinal cord were reviewed retrospectively. Brachial plexus paralysis in such dual injuries tends to be diagnosed and treated late and the prognosis is usually poor. The associated injuries, which were all on the same side as the plexus lesion, were to the head (nine cases), shoulder girdle (five), thorax (nine) and upper limb (seven). These other injuries were responsible for the delayed diagnosis of brachial plexus paralysis and the poor prognosis was probably because of the delay in starting treatment and the severity of the associated injuries. When such injuries are detected in patients with spinal cord trauma, it is important to consider the possibility of involvement of the brachial plexus.

We developed a new type of bioactive bone cement, CAP (Hydroxyapatite composite resin; composed of 77% w/w hydroxyapatite granules and bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate-based resin) for bony defect filling. Elastic modulus of CAP is similar to a cortical bone, while it is injectable before hardening and physiologically bonding with bone in 4 to 8 weeks. We present a new method of treatment for unstable Colles’ fracture with this material in clinical use.

Experimental comminuted Colles’ fracture was produced in three fresh frozen cadavara. Fracture was reduced and fixed percutaneously with K-wires. 4.5mm drill hole was opened on the radial cortex 3cm proximal to the fracture site. Comminuted fragments were pushed-up to the subchondral area with a blunt rod and CAP was injected through the same way. After cement hardening, K-wires were removed. X-ray photos were examined before fracture, after fracture and after reconstruction with CAP, in order to evaluate the shape of the radius. CT was examined to evaluate the placement of CAP.

Radiographic parameters of radii were well recovered after reconstruction with CAP. Over correction of the radial length was observed in one bone but good reduction was generally achieved (Table). This means realignment of the distal radioulnar joint, which results in good outcome clinically. In transverse section of CT, 41 to 69% (average 55%) of subchondral area was filled with CAP. Filling of CAP was better in an osteoporotic bone. These results show the usefulness of this material for treatment of unstable Colles’ fracture especially in osteoporotic patients.