Journal of Trauma and Injury

Case Reports

The SPAIRE (saving piriformis and internus, repair of externus) posterolateral approach in bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures: a case report: Nazim Sifi, Sorin Suba; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(3):268-272. Published online March 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0099

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Abstract PDF: Femoral neck fractures commonly occur in older patients and typically require surgical intervention to promptly restore mobility and minimize complications. While the anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches are frequently employed for hemiarthroplasty, each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Notably, the posterior approach has been linked to a higher risk of dislocation in some studies. The SPAIRE (saving piriformis and internus, repair of externus) technique is a modern adaptation of the traditional posterolateral approach. This less invasive, anatomically considerate method preserves the piriformis muscle tendon and the conjoint tendon of the superior gemellus, obturator internus, and inferior gemellus muscles. However, it involves sectioning the tendon of the obturator externus muscle. The technique is designed to maintain stabilizing muscular structures, decrease dislocation risk, and hasten functional recovery, including in patients with neurological conditions. This case report describes the treatment of a 79-year-old woman with a transcervical fracture of the right femoral neck. A bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed using the SPAIRE technique. The procedure effectively preserved the functional synergistic unit of the piriformis-conjoint tendon (quadriceps coxa) and included meticulous capsular and tendinous repair. The patient's postoperative recovery was characterized by an excellent functional outcome at the 3-month follow-up. This case highlights the advantages of the SPAIRE technique in enhancing joint stability and facilitating rapid recovery, especially in geriatric patients.; Summary

Acute irreducible anterior shoulder dislocation due to interposition of the subscapularis muscle and the lesser tuberosity: a case report: Nazim Sifi, Ahmad Madani, Mahdi Zeghdoud; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(1):38-43. Published online October 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0044

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Efforts to reduce an anterior shoulder dislocation can fail due to numerous mechanical obstructions caused by soft tissue interposition (long head of the biceps, rotator cuff muscles, labrum, musculocutaneous nerve) and/or bony elements (displaced fragment of a greater tuberosity or glenoid fracture, bone impaction such as a Hill-Sachs lesion fixed on the glenoid rim, a bony Bankart lesion). Herein, we report the case of a 35-year-old man who sustained an anterior shoulder fracture-dislocation of his left shoulder after a fall. Despite a postreduction radiological examination that appeared misleadingly reassuring, subtle signs of persistent subluxation raised concerns. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed subscapularis muscle entrapment along with avulsion of its bony insertion from the lesser tuberosity of the humerus, and a comminuted avulsion fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The patient underwent surgery using a deltopectoral approach. This involved releasing the entrapped subscapularis muscle and fixing the two fractured fragments. The lesser tuberosity was reduced and secured with two cannulated screws, and the comminuted fragment of the greater tuberosity was reattached using transosseous sutures. At 12-month follow-up, the patient achieved a Constant-Murley score of 85 of 100, with limitation in internal rotation at L3 but no signs of instability or new dislocation episode. This case underscores the importance of confirming shoulder reduction on at least two orthogonal views and paying close attention to the patient’s feedback about sensation in their shoulder. Additionally, it highlights the utility of CT or magnetic resonance imaging scans if doubt exists about the integrity of the reduction.

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Simultaneous Bilateral Lesser Tuberosity Fracture Fixation Using Suture Osteosynthesis in Porotic Bone: A Case Report
Nazim Sifi, Khalid Benokba, Nicolas Robial
Cureus.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Irreducible Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Caused by Soft Tissue Interposition: A Comprehensive Review
Ahmed Mohamed, Nabil Elmaleh, Usman Fuad, Adham Elsayed, Ahmed Genena, Marwa Harb, Jumanah Darwish, Ahmed Nagi
Cureus.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Relevance of the Watson-Jones anterolateral approach in the management of Pipkin type II fracture-dislocation: a case report and literature review: Nazim Sifi, Ryad Bouguenna; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):161-165. Published online June 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0004

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Femoral head fractures with associated hip dislocations substantially impact the functional prognosis of the hip joint and present a surgical challenge. The surgeon must select a safe approach that enables osteosynthesis of the fracture while also preserving the vascularization of the femoral head. The optimal surgical approach for these injuries remains a topic of debate. A 44-year-old woman was involved in a road traffic accident, which resulted in a posterior iliac dislocation of the hip associated with a Pipkin type II fracture of the femoral head. Given the size of the detached fragment and the risk of incarceration preventing reduction, we opted against attempting external orthopedic reduction maneuvers. Instead, we chose to perform open reduction and internal fixation using the Watson-Jones anterolateral approach. This involved navigating between the retracted tensor fascia lata muscle, positioned medially, and the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, situated laterally. During radiological and clinical follow-up visits extending to postoperative month 15, the patient showed no signs of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, progression toward coxarthrosis, or heterotopic ossification. The Watson-Jones anterolateral approach is a straightforward intermuscular and internervous surgical procedure. This method provides excellent exposure of the femoral head, preserves its primary vascularization, allows for anterior dislocation, and facilitates the anatomical reduction and fixation of the fracture.

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Pipkin fractures: fracture type-specific management
Axel Gänsslen, Richard A. Lindtner, Dietmar Krappinger, Jochen Franke
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery.2024; 144(10): 4601. CrossRef

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