Stress fractures in the gapped area of a two implant construct: a case report

The concomitant occurrence of femoral shaft and hip fractures are not rare. The ideal management of ipsilateral intertrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures is still controversial and needs to be addressed. Cephalomedullary nail fixations of both the fractures have been described with excellent results. Similar results have been published with two implant constructs treating both of these injuries separately. We report the case of a stress fracture, in the gapped area above the proximal interlocking screw of a retrograde femoral nail placed for a segmental femur fracture and a trochanteric fracture treated with a sliding hip plate screw construct, 9?months after initial injury. The gapped area of a two implant construct is of concern and biomechanical studies have shown that the proximal end of the nail and the interlocking screws may act as a stress riser in the femur. A stress fracture in the gapped area of a two implant construct has not been described earlier, although a cadaveric study had shown that the area of the proximal screw hole of the retrograde nail is a common site for a fracture, on loading. Kissing or overlapping instrumentation increases the load to failure and creates a biomechanically stable construct.     

股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折

目的探讨应用股骨重建钉内固定治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效.方法 10例使用股骨重建钉内固定治疗,对采用闭合穿钉或小切口复位穿钉手术的疗效进行回顾性分析.结果患者均获得随访,时间6～24个月.股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折平均愈合时间为5.1个月,股骨干骨折平均愈合时间为7个月,髋膝关节活动良好,无股骨头坏死征象.结论股骨重建钉是目前治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折有效的方法.     

股骨干骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折的诊断与治疗

[目的]探讨股骨干骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折的临床特点、漏诊原因和治疗方法。[方法]1999～2005年本院收治股骨干骨折伴同侧股骨颈骨折患者12例，回顾性分析这12例患者的临床资料。术前诊断股骨颈骨折7例，术中诊断2例，术后发现合并股骨颈骨折3例。其中3例采用股骨重建髓内针同时固定股骨干和股骨颈骨折，2例采用动力髋螺钉（DHS）固定，1例采用空心钉固定股骨颈骨折，再行闭合复位逆行带锁髓内钉固定股骨干骨折，2例采用顺行带锁髓内钉（UFN）结合空心钉固定，1例合并股骨髁上骨折，采用LISS—DF固定股骨干和股骨髁上髁间骨折，空心钉固定股骨颈，3例采用钢板固定2～3d后发现股骨颈骨折，再行空心钉固定。[结果]术后随访1～6年，平均3．4年，股骨干骨折均愈合，股骨颈骨折愈合11例，其中1例畸形愈合，不愈合1例，股骨头坏死1例。[结论]股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折相对较少，漏诊率较高，对于高能量损伤患者应提高警惕，常规摄骨盆前后位X线片，必要时行CT检查，治疗应根据股骨干骨折的部位和股骨颈骨折的移位程度来确定内固定方式。     

Treatment of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures with reconstructive intramedullary interlocking nail

Objective: To evaluate the results of reconstructive intramedullary interlocking nail in the treatment of ipsllateral hip and femoral shaft fractures. Methods: From August 1997 to November 2001, 13 patients were treated with the reconstructive intramedullary interlocking nail. Nine patients were associated with ipsllateral femoral neck fractures, three with ipsilateral intertrochanteric fractures, and one with subtrochanteric fracture. Results: The follow-up time was from 6 to 38 months with an average of 14 months. All the femoral shaft and hip fractures healed up well. There was no nonunion of the femoral neck, and only one varns malunion. No patient had avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The average healing time for femoral neck fracture was 4.6 months and for shaft fracture 5.8 months. The joint movement and other functions were fairly resumed. Conclusions: The reconstructive intramedullary interlocking nail, with less trauma, refiable fixation, and high rate of fracture healing, is an ideal method of choice in the treatment of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures.     

扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合

目的　总结使用扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨骨折不愈合、延迟愈合的临床经验。方法　回顾自 1999年 4月～2 0 0 1年 6月使用扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗股骨干、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合病人 2 1例 ,其中股骨 8例 ,胫骨 13例 ,钢板固定术后 ,股骨 3例 ,胫骨 6例。普通髓内针股骨 5例。外固定架胫骨 2例。石膏固定胫骨 3例 ,骨牵引股骨 2例。均采用有限切口切开复位顺行扩髓 ,静力锁定加植骨术。结果　随访半年以上 18例 ,骨折均愈合 ,临近关节功能达正常。无感染、断钉等并发症。结论　采用有限切口切开复位、扩髓、静力锁定治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合 ,具有骨折稳定性可靠、有利于骨折愈合和早期关节活动的优点 ,是治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折不愈合、延迟愈合的有效方法之一。     

Retrograde Marknagelung bei periprothetischen Frakturen des distalen Femurs

Objective

Intramedullary stabilization of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures by interlocking nailing. Closed reduction by retrograde nail can be combined with the use of transmedullary support screws (TMS principle of Stedtfeld).

Indications

Supracondylar fractures above stable knee arthroplasty (Rorabeck types I and II), femoral shaft fractures ipsilateral of stable hip and/or knee arthroplasty, contraindications for antegrade nailing

Contraindications

Closed box design of femoral implant, intercondylar distance of the femoral component smaller than nail diameter, more than 40° flexion deficit of the knee, inability to place two bicortical distal interlocking screws. Relative contraindication: insufficient overlap with proximal implants

Surgical technique

Supine position and knee flexion of approximately 45°. Fluoroscopy should be possible between the knee and hip. Longitudinal skin incision into the pre-existing scar over the patellar tendon which is then split. The nail entry point is located in the intercondylar groove at the deepest point of Blumensaat’s line, often predetermined by the femoral arthroplasty component. Reaming is rarely necessary. Transmedullary support screws may correct axial malalignment during nail insertion. Static interlocking in a direction from lateral to medial by the aiming device. Insertion of locking cap.

Postoperative management

Retrograde nailing normally allows full weight bearing. Range of motion does not need to be restricted.

Results

Out of 101 fractures treated between 2000 and 2013 with a Targon RF nail (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) 10 were periprosthetic, all were classified as Rorabeck type II and of these 6 fractures were metaphyseal and 4 were diaphyseal. In four cases proximal implants were present. The mean operative time for periprosthetic fracture fixation did not significantly differ from that for normal retrograde femoral nailing. There were no postoperative infections, fixation failures or delayed unions. There was one revision for secondary correction of maltorsion.     

External fixation of ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia

In five patients with ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures the Hoffmann apparatus was used to stabilize the fractures of both the femur and tibia. The patients walked early and there were no disturbances of fracture healing. The pin track became infected in three patients. It is suggested that in patients with ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia external fixation is indicated for the tibia and that the fracture of the femur should be stabilized by closed medullary nailing. If the patient is critically ill or if there is gross comminution of the femur external fixation is indicated for this fracture as well.     

Ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck, shaft and distal end: long-term outcome of five cases

Out of 52 cases of ipsilateral femoral fractures treated at a level I trauma centre between June 1994 and March 2008, the diaphyseal fracture was accompanied by a intracapsular neck fracture in only 20 cases. In the rest of the cases, the diaphyseal fracture was combined with either an extracapsular or pertrochanteric fracture. Five of these patients also had fractures of the distal femur. In three of those patients we began treatment with osteosynthesis of the femoral neck and shaft, using a reconstruction nail, then stabilized the distal fracture with a 95° blade plate or with lag screws. In the other two cases, initial treatment dealt with the distal femoral fracture, stabilizing it with a 95° blade plate, which was also used for stabilization of the diaphyseal fracture. In these patients, the proximal fracture was treated using dynamic hip screws (DHS). All fractures healed, two after initial treatment, while the other three needed one reoperation. The follow-up period was 2–13 years after the injury. The order in which fractures are treated is best left to the discretion of the physician and the circumstances. In our experience, two implants are sufficient for osteosynthesis, one for stabilizing one end of the femur together with the shaft, and the other is used for treating the other end of the femur.     

带锁髓内钉治疗新鲜四肢长骨干骨折1224例疗效分析

目的总结带锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干、股骨干、股骨髁上、胫骨干和转子间骨折的疗效。方法自1996年10月至2004年6月间使用带锁髓内钉治疗的有完整资料的新鲜四肢骨折1224例,男778例,女446例;平均年龄39岁(16￣92岁)。骨折位于肱骨干92例,股骨转子间210例,股骨干488例,股骨髁上92例,胫骨342例。闭合骨折按AO分型:A型642例;B型364例;C型218例。开放骨折15例(GustiloⅠ型8例,GustiloⅡ型7例)。受伤至手术时间平均为8d(3h￣33d)。闭合复位1203例,切开复位23例;扩髓409例,非扩髓815例。结果平均随访时间为24个月(6￣70个月)。1204例骨折愈合,愈合率为98.2%,平均愈合时间为5个月(3￣12个月)。骨折不愈合22例,其中肱骨4例,股骨8例,股骨髁上4例,胫骨6例,总不愈合率为1.8%。术后无急性感染发生,3例发生晚期深部感染,总感染率为0.2%。术中16例发生严重骨折劈裂,4例为肱骨逆行髓内钉固定,4例Gamma钉固定,9例为股骨逆行髓内钉固定,占1.3%。6例发生医原性神经损伤,占0.4%。股骨髓内钉主钉断裂1例,锁钉断裂9例(0.6%)。晚期髓内钉末端骨折3例,占0.2%。53例主诉髓内钉尾端部位不适,占4.3%。结论闭合复位带锁髓内钉治疗骨干骨折在骨折愈合率、感染率、出血量、功能恢复情况和早期活动方面均较满意,是治疗骨干骨折较好的方法,但     

股骨髁上交锁髓内钉治疗股骨髁上骨折

目的总结股骨髁上交锁髓内钉治疗股骨髁上骨折的疗效.方法对13例股骨髁上交锁髓内钉治疗股骨髁上骨折进行回顾性分析.结果13例均在4～8个月愈合,无交锁钉松动、折弯、断裂情况,患肢膝关节功能恢复满意.结论股骨髁上交锁髓内钉治疗股骨髁上骨折具有骨折复位好、固定坚强、可早期活动关节及骨折愈合率高等优点,是一种较为理想的方法.     

Subtrochanteric fractures after retrograde femoral nailing

Secondary fractures around femoral nails placed for the management of hip fractures are well known. We report, two cases of a fracture of the femur at the interlocking screw site in the subtrochanteric area after retrograde femoral nailing of a femoral shaft fracture. Only a few reports in the existing literature have described these fractures. Two young men after sustaining a fall presented to us with pain, swelling and deformity in the upper thigh region. On enquiring, examining and radiographing them, peri-implant fractures of subtrochanteric nature through the distal interlocking screws were revealed in both patients who also had histories of previous falls for which retrograde intramedullary nailing was performed for their respective femora. Both patients were managed with similar surgical routines including removal of the existing hardware, open reduction and ace cephallomedullary antegrade nailing. The second case did show evidence of delayed healing and was additionally stabilized with cerclage wires. Both patients had uneventful postoperative outcomes and union was evident at the end of 6 mo postoperatively with a good range of motion at the hip and knee. Our report suggests that though seldom reported, peri-implant fractures around the subtrochanteric region can occur and pose a challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. We suggest these be managed, after initial stabilization and resuscitation, by implant removal, open reduction and interlocking intramedullary antegrade nailing. Good results and progression to union can be expected in these patients by adhering to basic principles of osteosynthesis.     

Russell-Taylor重建钉内固定治疗股骨干多节段骨折并同侧股骨颈骨折

目的 探讨使用Russell-Taylor股骨重建钉内固定治疗股骨干多节段骨折并同侧股骨颈骨折的临床疗效、手术要点和围手术期注意事项。方法 对1998年6月～2002年10月使用股骨重建钉静力固定治疗7例的疗效进行回顾性分析。手术采用闭合穿钉、小切口切开复位。结果 平均股骨颈骨折临床愈合时间5.2个月、股骨干骨折7.3个月,一期骨折愈合率达到71.4％(5/7),其中2例术后12、15个月远端骨折段骨延迟愈合改为动力固定,4～6个月后骨折愈合。无股骨头坏死征象。1例浅表感染。结论 股骨颈骨折强调不切开复位,并争取解剖复位;股骨干骨折则常规闭合穿钉、小切口复位、有限扩髓、静力固定。认为股骨重建钉是目前治疗股骨干多节段骨折并同侧股骨颈骨折的最佳方法。     

What is the risk of stress risers for interprosthetic fractures of the femur? A biomechanical analysis

Purpose

Due to increasing life expectancy we see a rising number of joint replacements. Along with the proximal prosthesis in the femur, more and more people have a second implant on the distal ipsilateral side. This might be a retrograde nail or a locking plate to treat distal femur fractures or a constrained knee prosthesis in the case of severe arthrosis. All these constructs can lead to fractures between the implants. The goal of this study was to evaluate the risk of stress risers for interprosthetic fractures of the femur.

Methods

Thirty human cadaveric femurs were divided into five groups: (1) femurs with a prosthesis on the proximal side only, (2) hip prosthesis on the proximal end and a distal femur nail, (3) femurs with both a hip prosthesis and a constrained knee prosthesis, (4) femurs with a hip prosthesis on the proximal side and a 4.5-mm distal femur locking plate; the locking plate was 230 mm in length, with ten holes in the shaft, and (5) femurs with a proximal hip prosthesis and a 4.5-mm distal femur locking plate; the locking plate was 342 mm in length, with 16 holes in the shaft.

Results

Femurs with a hip prosthesis and knee prosthesis showed significantly higher required fracture force compared to femurs with a hip prosthesis and a distal retrograde nail. Femurs with a distal locking plate of either length showed a higher required fracture force than those with the retrograde nail.

Conclusions

The highest risk for a fracture in the femur with an existing hip prosthesis comes with a retrograde nail. A distal locking plate for the treatment of supracondylar fractures leads to a higher required fracture force. The implantation of a constrained knee prosthesis that is not loosened on the ipsilateral side does not increase the risk for a fracture.     

Ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures: are cephalomedullary nails appropriate?

A retrospective review was conducted to examine rates of malreduction and nonunion in ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures using different fixation strategies. Twenty-two consecutive patients with 23 fractures were identified. Participants were treated with various fixation strategies for ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. Cephalomedullary devices were used in 13 cases, while cannulated screws and a retrograde femoral nail were used in nine cases. One patient was treated with cannulated screws and external fixation of the femoral shaft. Radiographic assessment of the quality of reduction and union of both fractures was evaluated. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was available in 20 fractures (87%) with a mean of 12 months (range 3-50). Two femoral neck nonunions occurred; both had fair reductions of the fractures obtained by closed maneuvers, and two-device fixation was used in each. One femoral shaft nonunion occurred in a fracture treated with a cephalomedullary nail. All three united after revision surgery. No cases of osteonecrosis or conversion to hip arthroplasty were noted. A combination of retrograde femoral nailing and screw fixation of the femoral neck or placement of a cephalomedullary nail can provide excellent reduction and rate of union in the treatment of this injury pattern. Excellent reduction of the femoral neck fracture is key to preventing femoral neck nonunion.     

Treatment of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures with the Russell-Taylor reconstructive nail.

Twenty-seven ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures were treated with the Russell-Taylor reconstructive nail. Follow-up ranged from 6-48 months (average: 23.6 months). Femoral neck fractures healed within an average of 3.7 months and femoral shaft fractures healed within an average of 4.8 months. Complications included one case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a varus healing of one femoral neck fracture, and a rotational malalignment of the femoral shaft in another case. There were no cases of hardware failure. The Russell-Taylor reconstructive nail allows concomitant hip and shaft fractures to be fixed with a single implant.     

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of supracondylar femur fractures above total knee arthroplasty: A preliminary report of four cases

Four supracondylar fractures of the femur in three patients with total knee arthroplasties were treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing using an interlocking reamed nail (GSH Nail, Smith and Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN) specifically designed for fractures of the distal femur. Three cases were acute fractures and one was a refracture through a screw hole of a previously plated supracondylar fracture. All fractures healed and there were no complications. The procedure is performed by closed nailing using fluoroscopic guidance with the nail placed through the intercondylar notch of the femoral prosthesis and interlocking to the fracture fragments with a percutaneous targeting device. The advantages are that the procedure is performed by closed techniques that preserve the fracture hematoma and reduce operative blood loss, the fracture is stabilized by a load-sharing nail, and immediate motion with limited weight bearing is possible.     

股骨重建钉治疗同侧股骨颈、干骨折

目的 探讨使用股骨重建钉内固定治疗同侧股骨颈、干骨折的临床疗效、手术要点和围手术期注意事项。方法 对12例使用股骨重建钉治疗的疗效进行回顾性分析。手术采用闭合穿钉、闭合或小切口切开复位，用三维瞄准器锁定远骨折端，股骨颈保持15。前倾角置人2枚拉力螺纹钉。结果 11例获得随访，随访平均时间12．3个月(6～58个月)。远期疗效按马元璋评定标准：优5例，良4例，可2例，优良率81．8％，平均股骨颈骨折临床愈合时间5．2个月、股骨干骨折临床愈合时间6．7个月，一期骨折愈合率达到72．7％，其中3例术后10，12，15个月远骨折段骨延迟愈合，改为动力固定，4～6个月后骨折愈合。无股骨头坏死征象。结论 股骨颈骨折强调不切开复位，并争取解剖复位；股骨干骨折则常规闭合穿钉、小切口复位、有限扩髓、静力固定。股骨重建钉是目前治疗股骨干粉碎性骨折伴同侧股骨颈骨折的有效方法。     

非扩髓交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫骨干骨折

目的:评估非扩髓交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫骨干骨折的疗效。方法:应用非扩髓交锁髓内钉治疗21例开放性胫骨干骨折。男18例,女3例,年龄23岁～59岁,平均36.3岁。AO/ASIF分类A型10例,B型9例,C型2例。Gustilo分类Ⅰ型9例,Ⅱ型11例,ⅢA型1例。结果:所有患者得到4～21个月随访(平均14.3个月)。所用髓内钉直径平均8.9mm。骨折平均愈合时间27周(13～34周)。采用Johner-Wruh评分,结果优14例,良6例,差1例,无感染,无断钉和骨不连。结论:非扩髓交锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫骨干骨折,只要严格掌握适应证和手术时机,彻底清创,熟练掌握操作技术,具有创伤小、能早期活动、骨折愈合率高和感染率低等优点。     

Cephalomedullary interlocked nail for ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures

A retrospective study of the management of 23 cases of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures, between January 1998 and December 2001, is presented. All except two cases were managed by a single implant, i.e. reconstruction nail. There was delayed diagnosis of femoral neck fracture in two cases where the "miss a nail" technique was used for fixation of the femoral neck fracture. All patients managed by reconstruction nail were simultaneously operated on for both fractures and operative treatment was executed as early as the general condition of the patient permitted. Delay in treatment was generally because of the associated injuries (head, chest or abdominal). There were 22 males and 1 female patient with an average age of 34.5 years. Average follow-up was 30.9 months. There was one case of non-union of the femoral neck fracture, one case of avascular necrosis and one femoral neck fracture united in varus. There were four cases of non-union and six cases of delayed union of femoral shaft fractures. Mean time for union of the femoral neck fracture was 15 weeks and for the shaft fracture was 22 weeks. In this series femoral shaft fracture determined the total union period. Complications involving the femoral shaft fracture were more common than those related to femoral neck fractures. Shaft complications were more manageable with or without secondary procedures as compared to femoral neck complications, which usually require more extensive procedures. This stresses the need to realise the significance and seriousness of both components of this complex injury, in evaluation, management and post-operative care. We conclude that, though technically demanding, reconstruction nail is an acceptable alternative for management of concomitant fractures of the femoral neck and shaft with acceptable rates of complications and good results.     

Interlocking intramedullary nailing for ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft and distal part of the femur.

A review of the data on 684 fractures of the femur that had been treated with intramedullary nailing led to the identification of twenty-three patients who had had a fracture of the shaft of the femur with an accompanying ipsilateral supracondylar fracture (twelve patients, group I) or a concomitant ipsilateral intercondylar fracture (eleven patients, group II). The group-I fractures had been treated with interlocking nailing without supplemental fixation. In group II, ten fractures were stabilized with interlocking nailing and supplemental screw fixation and one, with interlocking nailing and a supplemental plate and screws. The average time to union for all fractures was nineteen weeks (range, twelve to thirty-six weeks), and the average duration of clinical and radiographic follow-up was thirty months (range, nine to fifty-nine months). In group I, alignment of the femur was within 5 degrees of normal in ten of the twelve fractures. In group II, seven intra-articular fractures healed in anatomical alignment, three had slight articular displacement (1.0 to 3.0 millimeters), and one had displacement of more than 3.0 millimeters. The average range of motion of the knee at the most recent follow-up was 0 to 120 degrees in group I and 0 to 115 degrees in group II. Two patients (both in group II) needed a reoperation for a previously unrecognized fracture of a femoral condyle in the coronal plane; post-traumatic arthritis developed in both. No patient in either group had loss of fixation or failure of the implant. We concluded that ipsilateral diaphyseal, supracondylar, and intercondylar fractures of the femur can be adequately stabilized with interlocking nailing and supplemental intercondylar screw fixation. The presence of a fracture in the coronal plane of a femoral condyle (AO type-B3 and type-C3 injuries) is a relative contraindication to the use of this technique.