Browsing by Author "Maqungo, Sithombo"
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- ItemOpen AccessAmputation rate following tibia fractures with associated popliteal artery injuries(2017) Roussot, Mark; Maqungo, Sithombo; Roche, StephenObjectives: 1. Determine the amputation rate; and 2. identify risk factors in patients with tibia fractures and associated popliteal artery injuries. Intervention: Amputation or limb salvage. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Patients: Thirty popliteal artery injuries with ipsilateral tibial fractures. Outcome measures: Primary and delayed amputation rates were determined. Risk factors tested for significance (Fischer's Exact) included: mechanism of injury, signs of threatened viability, compartment syndrome, fracture pattern, surgical sequence, and time delay from injury or presentation to revascularization. Results: The study group consisted of 22 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 31 years. Motor vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds constituted the mechanism in 17 and 11 patients respectively. Twenty-one were polytrauma victims. Intra/extra16 articular metaphyseal fractures (OTA 41 A-C) were recorded in 19 and diaphyseal (OTA 42 A-C) in 7 patients. Primary amputation was performed in 7 and delayed in 10 patients (overall rate 57%). No individual risk factors were predictive of amputation; however, the "miserable triad" of a proximal tibia fracture (OTA 41) with signs of threatened viability, and delay to revascularization ≥ 6 hours from injury or ≥ 2 hours from presentation was predictive of amputation (p = 0,036 and p = 0,018 respectively). Conclusions: We should aim to intervene within 6 hours following injury or 2 hours following presentation to reduce the risk of amputation. This provides a target for trauma teams even with uncertain time of injury. Level of Evidence: III.
- ItemOpen AccessAnterior-posterior view by full-body digital X-ray to rule out severe spinal injuries in Polytraumatized patients(2021-03-05) Häckel, Sonja; Hofmann, Elena; Anwander, Helen; Albers, Christoph E; Basedow, Jasmin; Bigdon, Sebastian F.; Exadaktylos, Aristomenis K; Keel, Marius J B; Dunn, Robert N; Maqungo, Sithombo; Benneker, Lorin M; Held, Michael; Hoppe, SvenBackground Spinal injuries are present in 16–31% of polytraumatized patients. Rapid identification of spinal injuries requiring immobilization or operative treatment is essential. The Lodox-Statscan (LS) has evolved into a promising time-saving diagnostic tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries with an anterior-posterior (AP)-full-body digital X-ray. Methods We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy and the interrater reliability of AP-LS to detect spinal injuries in polytraumatized patients. Therefore, within 3 years, AP-LS of polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16) were retrospectively analyzed by three independent observers. The sensitivity and specificity of correct diagnosis with AP-LS compared to CT scan were calculated. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by using the area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) for sensitivity and specificity. Interrater reliability between the three observers was calculated using Fleiss’ Kappa. The sensitivity of AP-LS was further analyzed by the severity of spinal injuries. Results The study group included 320 patients (48.5 years ±19.5, 89 women). On CT scan, 207 patients presented with a spinal injury (65%, total of 332 injuries). AP-LS had a low sensitivity of 9% (31 of 332, range 0–24%) and high specificity of 99% (range 98–100%). The sensitivity was highest for thoracic spinal injuries (14%). The interrater reliability was slight (κ = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.03). Potentially unstable spinal injuries were more likely to be detected than stable injuries (sensitivity 18 and 6%, respectively). Conclusion This study demonstrated high specificity with low sensitivity of AP-LS in detecting spinal injuries compared to CT scan. In polytraumatized patients, AP-LS, implemented in the Advanced Trauma Life Support-algorithm, is a helpful tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries. However, if spinal injuries are suspected, performing a full-body CT scan is necessary for correct diagnosis.
- ItemOpen AccessDisplaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures: dislocation rate after total hip arthroplasty(2015) Shituleni, Sibasthiaan Gometomab; Maqungo, SithomboBackground: Dislocation is one of the most common orthopaedic complications after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The reported dislocation rate in elective THR is 5 - 8%. This number increases up to 22% for THA done for neck of femur fractures. Larger femoral head sizes increase the head-neck ratio and range of motion before impingement, therefore reducing the dislocation rate. Due to the reported increase in dislocation for trauma, some surgeons prefer to do a hemi-arthroplasty or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: A retrospective review of all THA done for neck of femur fractures during 2006 - 2012 was undertaken at a large referral hospital. Records were reviewed for patient related and surgical risk factors. We excluded all pathological fractures, extra-capsular fractures and failed ORIF. Results: A total of 96 cases were identified as suitable for analysis. Average age at surgery was 73.2 years (range 30 - 81). Delay to surgery was 5.3 days (range 1 - 63). Average follow up period was 18.3 months (range 3 months - 4.3years). Four patients (4.3%) had a confirmed dislocation. The four patients who had confirmed dislocation had the following characteristics, 28 mm femoral head size, age over 60 years, 2 posterior approaches and 3 females, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: The outcomes of THR in patients with neck of femur fractures can be favourable and provide good long-term prosthesis survival. We report on low dislocation rate post total hip replacement for intra-capsular neck of femur fractures.
- ItemOpen AccessFunctional outcomes and patient satisfaction after fasciotomy performed for chronic exertional compartment syndrome(2017) Marais, Christoff de Villiers; Maqungo, SithomboStudy Rationale: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome often forces patients to change their sporting activities or reduce their level of participation. Many undergo surgery with the aim to return to their activities symptom free. The aim of the study was to determine if fasciotomies for chronic exertional compartment syndrome are a reliable treatment option with a predictable outcome to allow patients to return to the same level of activities. Objective: The evaluation of the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction in an active population who had surgery, namely fasciotomies, for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower leg. Design: A retrospective descriptive cohort study with a telephonic follow-up interview. Patients: A consecutive series of 41 patients that were surgically treated for CECS by a single orthopaedic surgeon from July 2005 to October 2013. Main Outcome Measures: Patient records were reviewed to determine their presenting symptoms, diagnostic investigations and surgical procedures performed. A questionnaire was completed by each participant to assess pain and level of activity before and after surgery, level of improvement after surgery and patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Results: Twenty-one of the 41 patients that were included in the study were categorized as active sportsmen, participating at a competitive or a non-competitive level. The remaining 20 were experiencing symptoms during leisure activities. The majority of all the patients (63%) had to stop their activity due to their symptoms. After surgery 95% were able to return to participate in the same level of activities as before surgery. Ninety percent of the active sportsmen were able to return to participation at a competitive or non-competitive level, with 45% reporting an increase in the level of intensity that they could maintain. Overall satisfaction was reported by 80% of participants although only 46% were completely pain free. Conclusions: Fasciotomies are a viable surgical treatment option for chronic exertional compartment syndrome in active patients, including athletes. There is an 87% return rate to previous activities within 6 months and an 80% satisfaction rate reported by patients post-surgery. We do acknowledge that some of the data collected regarding symptomology is subject to recall bias due to the interval between surgery and completion of the questionnaire.
- ItemOpen AccessIntramedullary nailing of open tibia and femur fractures through the supra & infrapatellar approach. Is septic arthritis a real concern?(2025) Armas, Selma; Maqungo, Sithombo; Laubscher, MaritzBackground: A theoretical risk exists concerning the development of septic arthritis in the knee following the utilisation of intramedullary nailing techniques. These techniques encompass the supra/infrapatellar approach during tibial nailing and the retrograde approach during femoral nailing. This potential risk stems from the mechanical bridging of the knee joint in both methodologies. The susceptibility to this risk increases notably in cases involving open fractures, as all associated wounds are deemed contaminated. Consequently, the potential introduction of infection into the knee joint consistently remains a concern for the surgeon performing these procedures. Methods: All instances of open fractures involving the tibia and femur, categorised according to the Gustillo Anderson classification as grades 1 through 3C, within the timeframe spanning from January 2017 to December 2018, were identified. Inclusion criteria encompassed cases where fracture fixation was accomplished utilising the retrograde femur intramedullary nail (IMN) approach and the suprapatellar approach for tibial fractures. Recorded cases underwent a comprehensive 12-month follow-up period, during which clinical evaluation for evidence of union and any indications of infection at both the surgical and fracture wound sites (FRI) was conducted. Findings: The study included a total of 116 open fracture cases that met the inclusion criteria, comprising 34 cases of femur fractures and 82 cases of tibia fractures. No instances of septic knee arthritis were detected within this cohort. Conclusion: Within both the femur and tibia open fracture groups subjected to treatment involving the use of intramedullary nails via a through-the-knee surgical approach, the study found no reported septic knee arthritis cases. Revealing that septic arthritis of the knee post retrograde femur nailing and/or suprapatellar tibia nail fixation may not be a real concern.
- ItemOpen AccessThe management of fragility fractures of the hip: a quality assessment project(2017) Kauta, Ntambue; Maqungo, SithomboIntroduction: Fragility fractures of the hip (FFH) constitute the most serious complication of osteoporosis carrying a mortality rate of up to 20 – 30% in the first year after injury and are associated with post injury decay in patient's level of activity in more than 50% of the cases. It is also a predictor of future osteoporosis related fractures. Surgical fixation of the hip fracture within 48 of admission, multimodal pain management, deep vein thrombo-prophylaxis, early physical therapy, appropriate assessment and management of osteoporosis and frailty in a multidisciplinary approach are the standard of care for FFH to keep the mortality and morbidity rate as low as possible and prevent future fragility fractures. Aim: To assess the standard of care of FFH at our institution and determine areas of care which need more attention and improvement. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical and radiographic records of all patients admitted at our level 1 trauma unit for fragility fracture of the hip from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014. The waiting time from admission to surgical fixation of the hip fracture, pain control and thrombo-prophylaxis strategies, the rate of geriatric referrals and the extent of osteoporosis management were assessed. Results: We admitted 113 fragility fractures of the hip from 1st January to 31st December 2014. Ninety- eight clinical records and 98 pelvis radiographs were included in the study. The other 15 clinical records were incomplete and were therefore excluded. The average waiting time from admission to surgery was 49 hours (range 9 -120). Low dose morphine, paracetamol and tramadol were the only perioperative pain control medication used for all patients. All patients had low molecular weight heparin and compression stockings prescribed for thrombo-prophylaxis. Only 2 (2, 04%) of patients had some osteoporosis investigations ordered. There were no geriatric referrals made and no formal osteoporosis management in all reviewed records. Conclusion: While the waiting time from admission to surgery was largely within the recommended time frame, there were no signs of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of fragility fractures of the hip at our institution leaving osteoporosis and frailty largely untreated.
- ItemOpen AccessPaediatric and Adolescent civilian gunshot injuries: a 10 year epidemiological study(2025) Verfuss, Frances; Maqungo, SithomboIntroduction: In South Africa, the prevalence of violent crime, especially involving firearms, poses a significant public health challenge, particularly when it affects children. Previous studies showed a decrease in paediatric civilian gunshot injuries following the introduction of the 2004 Firearms Control Act. This study examines the epidemiological trends of gunshot injuries in children from January 2011 to December 2020. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on children aged 0-12 years presenting to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RXH) in Cape Town with gunshot injuries from January 2011 to December 2020. The data were drawn from the ChildSafe database and hospital records. We evaluated demographics, injury specifics, and orthopaedic outcomes. Results: The number of gunshot wounds(GSW) in the observational record showed an increasing trend of +2.69 (95%CI 1.05 – 4.33) patients per year with a total of 236 patients affected. There was a male predominance (56.8%), with the largest age group affected being children aged 5-9 years (44%). Orthopaedic injuries were prevalent in 69 patients (29.2%), including fractures and injuries to the peripheral nerves and spinal cord. A total of 71 fractures were recorded, with 54 occurring in the extremities and 17 involving the spine or pelvis. The lower extremities were most affected, necessitating surgical interventions such as external fixators and/or femur nails. Peripheral nerve injuries and spinal cord injuries resulted in significant long-term morbidities. The severity and complexity of all assessed injuries often required multiple surgical procedures and extended hospital stays, with an admission length of ~10 days, with some patients requiring intensive care (17.37% of cases). Morbidity included complications like wound infections and long-term disabilities such as paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. Conclusion: Despite legislative measures aimed at reducing such incidents, this study reveals an upward trend in gunshot injuries among children in Cape Town. Gunshot injuries remain a significant and increasing public health challenge among paediatric populations in Cape Town, with profound implications for morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and addressing the underlying social determinants of violence.
- ItemOpen AccessTrain accidents: orthopaedic injury and management at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa(2021) Kontoghiorghe, Christina Niovi; Maqungo, SithomboIntroduction: There is a high incidence of patient presentation at our hospital following train accidents. The literature describing the pattern of injuries and management following these accidents is sparse. In addition, the literature looking specifically at orthopaedic injuries and their management is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographics of patients sustaining traumatic injuries following train accidents and to specifically analyse injury patterns and management of orthopaedic injuries. Furthermore, the mortality rates and the effectiveness of advanced surgical care have also been evaluated and the outcomes of newer limb salvage techniques compared to amputation, which has been widely used in the past. Methods This is a retrospective observational study of patients presenting to a Level I Trauma Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Prospectively collected data from January 2013 to July 2019 was reviewed retrospectively. All patients presenting with injury mechanism ‘train casualty' or ‘train-' were included in the study. Data was collected by one individual using a set proforma to ensure consistency. Patient folders were reviewed to ascertain specific details including mechanism of injury, types of injury and surgical intervention. Results Two hundred and twenty-two patients were identified through the trauma registers as presenting as train casualties to the Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) trauma department; 48 patients were excluded, leaving a total of 174 patients included in the study; 92 of these were orthopaedic referrals. The average age was 32 years and males accounted for 87% of the patients. Fifty-four patients were involved in violence, 38 were accidental falls and 15 had been jumping on or off a train. Eight patients (4.6%) in total died in the trauma unit. Most accidents occurred between the hours of 20:00 h and 05:00 h. Of the orthopaedic referrals, males accounted for 89% of patients and the average age was 33 years. Fortynine percent of patients sustained upper limb injuries and 49% sustained lower limb injuries. Spinal injuries were found in 27% of patients and pelvic injuries in 5%. Revised trauma score was calculable for 65 patients, with a mean score of 7.5. Each orthopaedic patient had on average injuries to 1.74 body parts. Thirty-five patients sustained open fractures (38%). Non- operative management was undertaken in 32% of patients. Operative management took place in 68% of patients. A total of 61 patients had surgery for orthopaedic injuries. Each patient underwent on average 2.38 operations. There were 145 theatre encounters for 172 procedures. There were 19 amputation procedures for 12 patients; 10 of these patients had sustained traumatic amputations. There were 10 postoperative complications in total. Conclusion The findings of this retrospective descriptive study provide an insight into train accident victims and their orthopaedic injuries and management with a large sample size. As could be predicted from previous studies, the victims of these accidents are young males from poor socioeconomic areas. The victims who make it to hospital have a good chance of survival and even limb salvage. However, in this day and age, more needs to be done in terms of controlling and preventing railway violence. Similarly, increased health and safety measures need to be implemented in order to minimise accidental injuries on the railways in Cape Town. Further research into the long-term outcomes of these patients and their surgeries would provide further evidence into the role for limb salvage procedures.
- ItemOpen AccessTuberculosis of the foot and ankle in children(2011) Maqungo, Sithombo; Hoffman, EBThe purpose of our retrospective study is to critically assess the long-term outcome of tuberculosis of the foot and ankle in children and to define an initial classification system that would relate to prognosis.