Treatment of Acute Jones Fracture with Ilizarov External Minifixator: Case Series of Six Elite Athletes

No consensus has been reached about the optimal treatment of Jones fractures, especially in elite athletes. Furthermore, only limited experience with external fixation of acute Jones fractures in these patients is available. The aim of the present retrospective study was to report the clinical evaluation of a series of 6 patients—elite athletes—with unilateral acute Jones fracture, who underwent external fixation of the fracture with an Ilizarov minifixator. Treatment success and the intervals to union and the return to full athlete activity were measured for each patient. The mean follow-up duration was 48 (range 24 to 72) months. The average period from surgery to clinical healing of the fracture was 4.1 (range 4.0 to 4.2) weeks, and the interval from surgery to radiographic consolidation of the fracture was 5.8 (range 5.4 to 6.4) weeks. The patients had returned to full athletic activity by 6.7 (range 6.4 to 6.9) weeks postoperatively. No major complications developed. No cases of treatment failure (nonunion, delayed union, or refracture) were observed during the follow-up period. Our results have shown that the Ilizarov external minifixator is a reliable surgical option for the treatment of acute Jones fractures in elite athletes, allowing an early return to full competitive athletic activity. Application of this apparatus is fast and relatively simple, with a percentage of radiographic consolidation and clinical healing comparable to that with screw fixation techniques.     

Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation of Phalanx Fractures

Background: Phalanx fractures are common, and plate fixation can be used to treat difficult fractures. Major complications have been reported in up to 64% of phalanx fractures treated with plate fixation, with stiffness being the most common. Low-profile anatomic plates (LPAP) have been designed to decrease soft tissue irritation and postoperative stiffness. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of LPAP has decreased complications in plate fixation of phalanx fractures. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with phalanx fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using LPAP at a single institution from January 1, 2010, to January 25, 2018. Twenty-three patients with 23 phalanx fractures treated with LPAP were included. The primary outcome was the presence of a complication. Results: Of the 23 patients, 12 patients (52.2%) had a postoperative complication. Nine patients (39.1%) required return to the operating room, with 7 (30.4%) returning for removal of hardware and tenolysis/capsulotomy. Two patients (8.7%) had superficial infections, one requiring irrigation and debridement. The other infection resolved clinically after 2 courses of oral antibiotics, with the fracture going on to nonunion. One patient had delayed wound healing treated prophylactically with cephalexin; although the wound healed, the patient developed a boutonniere deformity requiring surgery. There were 2 malunions (8.7%), one requiring revision surgery and the other electing for nonoperative management. All but one fracture progressed to union. Conclusions: ORIF with LPAP consistently achieves fracture union for phalanx fractures, but it does not appear that LPAP reduce the high complication rate.     

Fractures of the proximal phalanx and metacarpals in the hand: preferred methods of stabilization

Treatment of fractures of the proximal phalanx and metacarpals is based on the presentation of the fracture, degree of displacement, and difficulty in maintaining fracture reduction. A wide array of treatment options exists for the variation in fracture patterns observed. Inherently stable fractures do not require surgical treatment; all other fractures should be considered for additional stabilization. In general, of the many combinations of internal fixation possible, Kirschner wires and screw-and-plate fixation predominate. Early closed reduction typically is successful for unicondylar fractures of the head of the proximal phalanx. Bicondylar proximal phalanx fractures usually are treated with plate fixation. Transverse and short oblique proximal phalanx fractures generally are treated with Kirschner wires, although a stable short oblique transverse shaft fracture can be managed with an intrinsic plus splint. Plate fixation is used in comminuted proximal phalanx as well as comminuted metacarpal fractures, and lag screws in spiral long oblique phalanx shaft fractures and metacarpal head fractures. Kirschner wire fixation is successful in metacarpal neck fractures as well as both short and long transverse oblique shaft fractures.     

Volar plating for intra-articular fracture of the base of the proximal phalanx

Comminuted fractures involving the articular surface of the base of the proximal phalanx are relatively rare and pose a challenging problem for hand surgeons because of the difficulty in achieving an accurate reduction and secure fixation of the articular surface. These fractures usually comprise a volar base fracture associated with a central depression of the articular surface. We describe a technique for open reduction and plate fixation of intra-articular fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx through a volar A1 pulley approach. Compared with the dorsal approach, this technique offers the advantages of direct visualization of the volar base fragment and the depressed central fragment, allowing for a more accurate reduction and rigid internal fixation using a volar buttress plate. In addition, there is no interference with extensor apparatus. Although our experience is limited to 4 patients, we have had a positive experience with this technique. The technique is useful for internal fixation of intra-articular fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx.     

Screw fixation for certain fractures of the phalanges and metacarpals.

Twenty-one patients with fractures of the bones of the hand were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with compression screws. The firm fixation allowed range-of-motion exercises in most patients to be begun on the third postoperative day. On follow-up mild restriction in digital motion was seen in only one patient, and significant disturbance in joint function was not encountered. In spite of these advantages, the method is indicated in only a small percentage of such fractures. Usually traditional methods of open reduction and internal fixation are preferred when an open procedure is needed. However, oblique and spiral fractures of the proximal phalanx, some fractures with large single articular fragments particularly involving the proximal interphalangeal joint, and appropriate Bennett's fractures are suitable for screw fixation.     

Jones fractures in the elite football player

The Jones fracture, defined as a proximal junctional metaphyseal/diaphyseal fracture of the fifth metatarsal, presents a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon, especially in the competitive athlete. The purpose of this study is to characterize the Jones fracture in the elite athletic community and review the variety of treatments for these fractures in the National Football League (NFL). Between 1988 and 2002, 4758 elite collegiate football players participated in the NFL Combine. All athletes were evaluated clinically and radiographically. There were 86 Jones fractures identified in 83 athletes (incidence of 1.8%). Fifty-three percent (46 of 86) of the fractures were treated surgically. Eighty-nine percent (41 of 46) healed without complications and 7% (3 of 46) developed a nonunion. Twenty percent (8 of 40) of the fractures treated nonoperatively developed a nonunion while 80% (32 of 40) healed. The NFL injury surveillance system was also studied and revealed 17 Jones fractures occurred during the seasons 1996--2001. All of these fractures were treated with intramedullary screw fixation. The union rate was 94% (16 of 17 fractures). A questionnaire was also sent to all NFL team physicians regarding their experience with these fractures. The concensus was that this is not a common injury, but when it occurs, surgical treatment is recommended (77%) over nonsurgical treatment (23%). After reviewing the data, it was found that intramedullary screw fixation of Jones fractures is the treatment of choice for most physicians who treat elite collegiate and professional football athletes.     

Navicular Stress Fracture Outcomes in Athletes: Analysis of 62 Injuries

The optimal treatment modalities for navicular stress fractures in athletes is currently unknown for this season-ending injury. The present study evaluated factors that might be significant and affect healing outcomes, specifically focusing on the return to activity (RTA) time and a decreased desired activity (DDA) after treatment in athletes. Such considerations included previous navicular stress fractures, patient demographic data and type of sport, and initiation time of treatment. The data from 59 patients with 62 fractures were prospectively analyzed from May 2005 through July 2016. The results showed a significant correlation between a previous navicular stress fracture and decreased desired activity. The average duration of symptoms before receiving definitive treatment was 8.8 months. Computed tomography as the initial imaging modality correlated positively with a correct diagnosis (1.00). In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging, when used initially, was only 71% accurate. Runners constituted most of the cohort at 38 (61.3%). Ten other athletes were involved in jumping sports. Of the 62 injuries, 21 (33.9%) were in elite or professional athletes, all of whom were able to RTA, with 1 patient, a 38-year-old world record holding runner, having a DDA. Seven refractures (11.2%) occurred an average >5 years after the initial injury, predominantly in those aged <21 years, none with previous surgery. Eight patients (12.9%) developed postinjury arthrosis, including 1 with DDA. Patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation had a RTA of 4.56 months compared with those who had undergone nonoperative treatment, who had an average RTA of 3.97 months. Seven patients (11.2%) underwent screw removal and required a longer RTA. Overall, of the 62 injuries, the patients with 57 of the injuries (91.9%) were able to RTA at their preinjury level.     

Medial malleolar stress fracture secondary to chronic ankle impingement

BACKGROUND: Medial malleolar stress fractures are uncommon even in the sporting population. We believe that stress fractures of the medial malleolus may be the end stage of chronic anteromedial ankle impingement in elite running and jumping athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present five cases of elite athletes who presented to our institution with stress fractures of the medial malleolus over a 3-year period (2004 to 2007). In each case preoperative imaging revealed an anteromedial bony spur on the tibia. All fractures were internally fixed and at the same sitting had arthroscopic debridement of the bony spur. RESULTS: All fractures united without further intervention, average time to union was 10.2 (range, 6 to 16) weeks. At most recent review (average, 18 months; range, 8 to 37 months), all patients had resumed sporting activity to their previous level. No patient had suffered a recurrent fracture of the medial malleolus. CONCLUSION: We believe this region of impingement to be important in the development of the stress fracture and should be addressed at the time of fracture fixation.     

Guide wire placement for fifth metatarsal intra-medullary screw fixation: A technical tip

Treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures in elite athletes or delayed/non unions often requires operative fixation. However, this can cause technical difficulties and we present an operative tip to avoid complications is presented.     

Soft tissue sleeve approach to open reduction and internal fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures

Proximal phalangeal fractures often lead to motion loss at the proximal interphalangeal joint primarily because of adhesions between the zone 4 extensor tendon and the fracture site. This most commonly manifests as an extensor lag at the proximal interphalangeal joint, but can also include incomplete recovery of flexion range. The occurrence of the fracture alone likely generates some degree of insurmountable motion loss. Additional motion loss may be iatrogenic based on the specific surgical technique and rehabilitation strategy. It has been promoted that percutaneous pinning methods, as opposed to open fixation methods, produce less of a motion deficit. Although percutaneous pinning solves many fractures of the proximal phalanx, some fracture patterns will not be adequately treated by percutaneous pinning and will benefit from direct open reduction and internal fixation. Spiral fractures with a significant rotational deformity are well treated by lag screws. Comminuted fractures are well treated by plate fixation. When performing such fixations, the soft tissue approach to the fracture site plays a substantial role in determining the ultimate functional recovery. This article covers the specific technical details of optimizing soft tissue management when performing open fixation for proximal phalanx fractures.     

微型钢板放置指骨背侧与侧方在治疗近节指骨骨折的临床对比

目的 分析比较微型钢板治疗近节指骨骨折放置指骨背侧与侧方对恢复手功能的临床效果.方法 2009年6月-2011年6月,对62例71指近节指骨骨折患者行切开复位内固定治疗.A组：40例45指近节指骨骨折,切开复位微型钢板固定在指骨背侧;B组：22例26指近节指骨骨折,切开复位微型钢板固定在指骨侧方.术后对骨折愈合时间、并发症及术后手功能恢复情况进行比较分析.结果 术后随访4～24个月,平均11个月.按TAM系统评价法评定：A组优12指,良15指,中12指,差6指;优良率为60％.B组优18指,良6指,中2指,差0指;优良率为92％.两组在骨折愈合时间、感染率上差异无统计学意义.结论 治疗手指近节指骨骨折将微型钢板放置在指骨侧方,肌腱粘连和伸指功能障碍明显减少,手指功能恢复良好;缺点是生物稳定性较放在指骨背侧差.     

Stress fractures of the medial malleolus--review of the literature and report of a 15-year-old elite gymnast

Stress fracture of the medial malleolus is rare and not reported in children. We report a case of a 15-year-old elite gymnast with open physes sustaining a medial malleolar stress fracture. The patient was treated initially by rest and gradually returned to sport with full recovery. Two months later she developed a complete fracture of the medial malleolus of the same side. This was treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with a cancellous screw and soon after the operation she returned to full activities. Emphasis is given to the suspected mechanism which led to this unique fracture and to the hormonal aspects in the professional adolescent gymnast. We recommend surgical treatment of stress fracture of the medial malleolus especially for elite athletes, leading to early recovery and return to sports activities.     

Functional outcome after operative treatment for ankle fractures in young athletes: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND: No reports describe the outcome for distal fibula and tibia fractures in athletes, although 10 to 15% of all athletic injuries occur around the ankle joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven competitive or recreational athletes with ankle fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Thirty-six met the inclusion criteria, of which 27 returned for clinical and radiographic exams and also completed validated surveys and a subjective questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 27 were male. The average age of all patients was 18.1 +/- 5.9 years. The final evaluations occurred 12 months to 3.7 years after surgery. Injuries occurred in 13 different sports, of which football had the most (n = 10). Bimalleolar fractures were the most prevalent (n = 10) followed by isolated lateral malleolar fractures (n = 6), syndesmosis injury (n = 4), Salter-Harris (n = 4), medial malleolar fracture (n = 2) and pilon fracture (n = 1). The patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures returned to competition soonest (6.8 +/- 2.4 weeks) while patients with isolated medial malleolus fractures took the longest to return at a mean of 17.0 +/- 9.9 weeks. Scores for function and pain on the Lower Limb Core Module and for pain on the Foot and Ankle module were all greater than 90. CONCLUSION: Athletes who undergo ORIF followed by early motion and early weightbearing are able to return to their pre-injury level of competition within 2 to 4 months with minimal functional morbidity or pain.     

Low-back pain in athletes

While most occurrences of low-back pain in athletes are self-limited sprains or strains, persistent, chronic, or recurrent symptoms are frequently associated with degenerative lumbar disc disease or spondylolytic stress lesions. The prevalence of radiographic evidence of disc degeneration is higher in athletes than it is in nonathletes; however, it remains unclear whether this correlates with a higher rate of back pain. Although there is little peer-reviewed clinical information on the subject, it is possible that chronic pain from degenerative disc disease that is recalcitrant after intensive and continuous nonoperative care can be successfully treated with interbody fusion in selected athletes. In general, the prevalence of spondylolysis is not higher in athletes than it is in nonathletes, although participation in sports involving repetitive hyperextension maneuvers, such as gymnastics, wrestling, and diving, appears to be associated with disproportionately higher rates of spondylolysis. Nonoperative treatment of spondylolysis results in successful pain relief in approximately 80% of athletes, independent of radiographic evidence of defect healing. In recalcitrant cases, direct surgical repair of the pars interarticularis with internal fixation and bone-grafting can yield high rates of pain relief in competitive athletes and allow a high percentage to return to play. Sacral stress fractures occur almost exclusively in individuals participating in high-level running sports, such as track or marathon. Treatment includes a brief period of limited weight-bearing followed by progressive mobilization, physical therapy, and return to sports in one to two months, when the pain has resolved.     

Unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fracture treatment with screws and plates

Plate and screw fixation of the metacarpals and phalanges has limited indications but can provide crucial assistance to the reconstructive hand surgeon in the treatment of complex fractures. Screws are indicated for unstable, long oblique or spiral fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges, intraarticular fractures with articular surface involvement in excess of 25% with or without comminution, and intraarticular condylar, T-condylar, and Y-condylar fractures. Plates at the metacarpal level are indicated for segmental defects with substance loss, fractures with extreme comminution, and unstable short oblique or transverse diaphyseal fractures. Plate fixation of phalangeal fractures is seldom necessary but helpful in treating segmental defects or extreme comminution of diaphysis or metaphysis as well as intraarticular T- or Y-condylar fractures. Screw and plate fixation at the metacarpal levels, when appropriately applied, renders rigid osteosynthesis while inflicting little to no interference on the surrounding soft tissues. Screws can be applied with little to no soft tissue interference throughout the proximal phalanx and proximal and distal aspects of the middle phalanx. Plate fixation for middle phalangeal fractures is limited to salvage situations for preservation of skeletal length. The essentials for successful use of implants are a hand surgeon well versed in a variety of internal fixation techniques including the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (ASIF) technique of screw and plate fixation, a meticulous respect for, and protection of, the soft tissues, and a facility for delivery of functional aftercare.     

Acute surgical management of Jones' fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical management for acute Jones' fractures and Torg types I and II proximal diaphyseal stress fractures presenting acutely in both athletes and nonathletes. Twenty-two patients underwent intramedullary screw fixation between 1994 and 1999. Immediate intramedullary screw fixation of acute Jones' fractures and type I stress fractures resulted in a 100% union rate with an average time to union of 6.2 weeks. Fixation of type II stress fractures had a union rate of 100% with a mean time to union of 8.3 weeks. The overall complication rate was 9%. Surgical intervention allowed an earlier return to weight-bearing with a more rapid and predictable union rate. The authors recommend intramedullary fixation as a treatment of choice for the management of fifth metatarsal fractures distal to the tuberosity in nonathletes as well as athletes.     

Closed reduction and internal fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures

Displaced fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx can lead to marked deformity and disability when poor results are obtained. Despite the attention popular concepts of open reduction and internal fixation have received, a less invasive technique has been our standard approach. A prospective study of closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in 100 consecutive fractures yielded good or excellent results in 90% of cases when treated within 5 days of injury.     

Anatomical attachments to the proximal phalangeal base--a case for stability.

Transverse midshaft fractures of the proximal phalanx are often unstable and require open reduction and internal fixation. In contrast, fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx are occasionally amenable to conservative treatment in the form of manipulation and a graded mobilisation programme. This stability may be the result of splinting of the fracture by the surrounding anatomical structures, but to our knowledge this has not been previously elucidated anatomically. In this study we define the extent of attachment of the various anatomical structures to the base of the proximal phalanx. The contribution of the joint capsule, collateral ligaments, accessory collateral ligaments, interosseous muscles, and volar (palmar) plate may confer stability to fractures in the proximal 6-9 mm range at the base of the proximal phalanx, once they are reduced and immobilised in the correct positions.     

块状植骨内固定治疗内生性软骨瘤合并骨折

目的探讨内生性软骨瘤合并病理性骨折的治疗方法。方法对手掌、指骨内生性软骨瘤合并病理性骨折8例病人，施行了手术治疗，彻底刮除病灶后取自体髂骨块植入，用钢板或交叉克氏针内固定。结果本组8例病人，术后随访8～30个月，骨折愈合良好，无复发，关节功能恢复良好。结论内生性软骨瘤合并病理性骨折行块状植骨内固定，骨折愈合好，不需外固定，关节可早期活动，手功能恢复良好。是一种较好的方法。     

ANATOMICAL ATTACHMENTS TO THE PROXIMAL PHALANGEAL BASE - A CASE FOR STABILITY

Transverse midshaft fractures of the proximal phalanx are often unstable and require open reduction and internal fixation. In contrast, fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx are occasionally amenable to conservative treatment in the form of manipulation and a graded mobilisation programme. This stability may be the result of splinting of the fracture by the surrounding anatomical structures, but to our knowledge this has not been previously elucidated anatomically. In this study we define the extent of attachment of the various anatomical structures to the base of the proximal phalanx. The contribution of the joint capsule, collateral ligaments, accessory collateral ligaments, interosseous muscles, and volar (palmar) plate may confer stability to fractures in the proximal 6-9 mm range at the base of the proximal phalanx, once they are reduced and immobilised in the correct positions.