A 23-year-old patient with secondary tumoral calcinosis: Regression after subtotal parathyroidectomy

Introduction: Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare disorder defined by hyperphosphatemia and ectopic calcifications in various locations. The most common form of TC is associated with disorders such as renal insufficiency, hyperparathyroidism, or hypervitaminosis D. The primary (hereditary) TC is caused by inactivating mutations in either the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), the GalNAc transferase 3 (GALNT3) or the KLOTHO (KL) gene. Presentation of case: We report here a case of secondary TC in end-stage renal disease. The patient was on regular hemodialysis and presented with severe painful soft-tissue calcifications around her left hip and shoulder that had been increasing over the last two years. Initially, she was treated with dietary phosphate restriction and phosphate binders. Because of high phosphate blood levels, which were not yet managed with dialysis and medical therapy, a subtotal parathyroidectomy (sP) was performed. This approach demonstrated significant response. Three months after surgery a rapid regression of the tumors was observed. Disscusion: Regardless of the etiology, the two types of TC do not differ in their radiologic or histopathologic presentations but need to be diagnosed correctly to initiate targeted and effective treatment. Considering the primary TC, primary treatment is early and complete surgical excision. In case of secondary TC surgical excision of the tumoral masses should be avoid because of extensive complications. These patients benefit from sP. Conclusion: After initial conservative therapy chronic kidney disease patients with TC might benefit from sP to avoid prolonged suffering and potential mutilations

Necrotizing fasciitis and the midterm outcomes after survival

Background and Aims: Radical surgical intervention is necessary to save patients’ lives in cases of necrotizing fasciitis. This leads to persistent disabilities and most likely to a deteriorated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes after survival of necrotizing fasciitis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 69 patients, treated for necrotizing fasciitis between 2003 and 2012. The patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) code M 72.6. Of the 50 survivors, 22 patients completed the Short Form 36 and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaires as a postal survey. The follow-up averaged 59 months (range: 6–128 months). Results: The average age at the time of necrotizing fasciitis was 60.0 years. The body mass index average was 29.7. The patients had a significantly decreased physical component summary score of 33.3 compared to a normative group (p < 0.001) (Short Form 36). They further showed a significantly decreased dysfunction and bother indices (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment) (p < 0.001). An increased age (⩾70 years) was associated with an inferior role emotional (p = 0.048) and physical functioning (p = 0.011) as well as social functioning (p = 0.038) (Short Form 36). The majority of patients (16, 72.7%) complained of pain at the final follow-up and 50% of patients required an assistive device on a regular basis. Conclusion: Patients who survived necrotizing fasciitis suffer from functional impairment and changed body appearance. Assistive devices or pain medication are often required, and the patients present with significantly decreased physical, social, and emotional functioning at the midterm follow-up. The patient’s age is a critical factor regarding functional or mental outcome parameters. Further research on the post-hospital course and long-term multidisciplinary care is required to improve the outcomes of these patients

Instability and results after non-operative treatment of large anterior glenoid rim fractures

$\bf Introduction$ There is little data available on non-operative treatment of anterior glenoid rim fractures (GRF). Nothing is known about fracture size and displacement in comparison to clinical outcomes and instability in a mainly middle-aged patient population. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the results of non-operative treatment in anterior glenoid rim fractures with the special focus on potential instability/recurrence. $\bf Methods$ The inclusion criteria were non-operatively treated anterior GRF of at least $\geq$ 5 mm width using the age- and gender-matched Constant/Murley score (a.-/g.-CMS) and the Western Ontario Instability Index (WOSI). Radiographic parameters (fracture morphology, displacement, major tuberosity fractures and Hill–Sachs lesion using initial CT and radiographs) and the proportion of the fractured glenoid were detected (2D-CT-circle-method) and osteoarthritis (A.P. and axial radiographs) was classified according to Samilson/Prieto. Proportion of fractured glenoid and medial displacement were correlated with the recurrence rate and the clinical scores. $\bf Results$ $\it N$ = 36 patients could be followed-up after a mean of 4.4 years [12–140 month, average age: 58 ($\pm$ 13, 33–86) years]. The a.-/g.-CMS was 93 ($\pm$ 11, 61–100) points, and the WOSI was 81% ($\pm$ 22%, 35–100%) on average. The mean intraarticular displacement was 4 mm ($\pm$ 3 mm; 0–14 mm). The 2D-circle-method showed a mean glenoid fracture involvement of 21% ($\pm$ 11, 10–52%). Two cases of frozen shoulders and one case with biceps pathology were associated with the trauma. Within the followed-up patient group re-instability has occurred in $\it n$ = 2 patients (6%) within the first two weeks after trauma. Osteoarthritis was found in $\it n$ = 11 cases. There was no correlation between the scores and the fracture size/displacement [(a.-/g.-CMS vs. displacement: $\it r$ = − 0.08; $\it p$ = 0.6; vs. size: $\it r$ = − 0.29; $\it p$ = 0.2); (WOSI vs. displacement: $\it r$ = − 0.14; $\it p$ = 0.4; vs. size: $\it r$ = − 0.37; $\it p$ = 0.06)], but very large ($\geq$ 21%) fractures with displacement $\geq$ 4 mm showed slightly worse results without significant difference (a.-/g.-CMS $\it p$ = 0.2; WOSI $\it p$ = 0.2). The apprehension test was negative in all patients at final follow-up. $\bf Conclusion$ Non-operative treatment of anterior GRF was associated with overall good results within a mainly middle-aged larger patient group. Re-instability is rare and is not associated with fragment size but can occur in the first weeks after trauma. Size and dislocation of the fracture is not a criterion for the prognosis of potential instability. $\textbf {Level of evidence}$ Level IV, retrospective case series

Necrotizing fasciitis and the midterm outcomes after survival

$\textbf {Background and Aims}$: Radical surgical intervention is necessary to save patients’ lives in cases of necrotizing fasciitis. This leads to persistent disabilities and most likely to a deteriorated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes after survival of necrotizing fasciitis. $\textbf {Materials and Methods}$: A retrospective analysis of 69 patients, treated for necrotizing fasciitis between 2003 and 2012. The patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) code M 72.6. Of the 50 survivors, 22 patients completed the Short Form 36 and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaires as a postal survey. The follow-up averaged 59 months (range: 6–128 months). $\bf Results:$ The average age at the time of necrotizing fasciitis was 60.0 years. The body mass index average was 29.7. The patients had a significantly decreased physical component summary score of 33.3 compared to a normative group (p < 0.001) (Short Form 36). They further showed a significantly decreased dysfunction and bother indices (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment) (p < 0.001). An increased age (⩾70 years) was associated with an inferior role emotional (p = 0.048) and physical functioning (p = 0.011) as well as social functioning (p = 0.038) (Short Form 36). The majority of patients (16, 72.7%) complained of pain at the final follow-up and 50% of patients required an assistive device on a regular basis. $\bf Conclusion$: Patients who survived necrotizing fasciitis suffer from functional impairment and changed body appearance. Assistive devices or pain medication are often required, and the patients present with significantly decreased physical, social, and emotional functioning at the midterm follow-up. The patient’s age is a critical factor regarding functional or mental outcome parameters. Further research on the post-hospital course and long-term multidisciplinary care is required to improve the outcomes of these patients