Die kombinierte Humerusschaft- und proximale Gelenkfraktur

Introduction and question

Intramedullary nailing is finding increasing acceptance for humeral shaft fractures. Recently, nailing systems have also been used for proximal metaphyseal humeral fractures. Which possibilities and clinical results are offered by intramedullary nailing of combined proximal and diaphyseal fractures of the humerus with titanium locking nails?

Materials and methods

A prospective study with a standardized protocol was carried out with respect to the “unreamed humeral nail (UHN) with spiral blade” and its possible complications and clinical results between 1^st October 2000 and 31^st December 2005. There were 87 combined shaft and proximal humeral fractures in 28 male and 59 female patients with a median age of 69 years. Results were analyzed 1 year postoperatively in 72 patients according to the Constant-Murley score and x-rays.

Results

Significant complications were bolt or spiral blade perforation of the articular surface (n=3), implant-related pain (n=2), fragment dislocation (n=1), non-union (n=1), humeral head necrosis (n=1) but no wound infection (n=0). The Constant-Murley score showed a median value of 71.2 for the injured side compared to 88.4 for the non-injured side, 1 year after the operation.

Discussion

The combination of diaphyseal and proximal-metaphyseal humeral fractures is a special challenge for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon, as even now the treatment of isolated proximal humeral fractures is not satisfactorily resolved in all cases. Open treatment such as plate osteosynthesis in general needs a long and invasive approach with corresponding biological disadvantages. Low invasive approaches for plates also have high risks on the humerus due to the specific neurovascular topography. In our study closed nailing showed good clinical and radiological results with low invasive approaches and complications mostly occurred in C-type fractures. If the use of additional cerclage wires for the diaphyseal component in nailing is deemed necessary, the biological benefits over plate osteosynthesis become less clear.     

Outcome of elastic nailing of diaphyseal forearm fractures in adolescents after failure of conservative management

Purpose

This is a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of elastic nails for the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures after failure of conservative management.

Method

In 35 patients with a mean age of 15.3 years (14–17 years), elastic nails were used for the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures after failure of conservative management. In 32 patients (91.4%), we performed closed reduction. In the remaining 3 (8.6%), closed reduction failed and an open reduction, through a minimal approach, was required before nailing.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 24–48 months), 20 (60%) patients had an excellent result 10 (34.3%) patients had a good result, and two (5.7%) patients had fair result. The mean time of union was 12 weeks (range 8–15). The mean time in cast was 8.5 weeks (range 7–11). Full range of elbow movement was regained in all cases; however, supination and pronation were limited in two patients. One patient had a superficial infection at the site of entry of the ulnar nail which was successfully treated with oral antibiotics and daily dressing. Neurapraxia affecting superficial branch of the radial nerve in one patient was resolved over a period of time. One case with partial rupture of extensor pollicus longus tendon was reported. There was one case of delayed union. No cases of refracture were reported after removal of the implant.

Conclusion

In adolescents, intramedullary fixation by using elastic nail plus cast immobilization provides effective treatment for diaphyseal forearm fracture when closed management has failed. However, it is of special importance to follow the right indication and to pay attention to correct technical procedure.     

Intramedullary nailing without interlocking screws for femoral and tibial shaft fractures

Background

Intramedullary fixation is the treatment of choice for diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia. Locking the implant can sometimes be cumbersome and time consuming. In our institution, fractures with axial and rotational stability are treated with intramedullary nailing without interlocking.

Methods

All consecutive patients presented in the University Medical Center Utrecht from October 2003 to August 2009 with acute traumatic diaphyseal fractures of the tibia or femur that were considered axial and rotational stable were included. They underwent internal fixation using intramedullary nails without interlocking. Patient records were evaluated for duration of surgery, perioperative complications, consolidation time and re-operations.

Results

Twenty-nine long bone fractures were treated in 27 patients: 20 men and 7 women, with an average age of 28.9 years (range 15.6–54.4). There were 12 femoral fractures and 17 tibial fractures. Sixteen fractures were closed and 13 were open (10 Gustilo 1, 3 Gustilo 2). The mean operating time was 43 min (range 18–68 min) for tibial fractures and 55 min (range 47–150 min) for femoral fractures. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients. Two patients (three fractures) were lost to follow-up. Healing occurred in 25 of the 26 remaining fractures (96 %) without additional interventions. One tibia was secondarily converted to a standard locked nail because of axial and rotational instability. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity.

Conclusion

The use of intramedullary nailing without interlocking is associated with minimal complications in selected fractures. The advantages include a short operating time and the simplicity of its application.     

Humeral shaft fractures treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing: What are the consequences for the rotator cuff?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and sonographic impact on the rotator cuff (RC) of the use of the anterolateral approach for nailing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 48 patients treated for humeral diaphyseal fractures at the University Hospital of Parma between 2007 and 2011 was analysed. Inclusion criteria were (1) acute humeral shaft fractures treated with T2-proximal humeral nail (PHN) and (2) a minimum follow-up of one year. Exclusion criteria were (1) history of proximal and metaphyseal humeral fractures, (2) pathological fractures or open fractures of the humerus, and (3) RC lesions. Clinical assessment using the Constant score, simple shoulder test and through shoulder examination tests was carried out. The sonographic study investigated the integrity of the RC.

Results

Mean score on Constant’s scale was 78.21 points, with most patients achieving a good result (79 % obtained more than 65 points). One patient had a limited functional outcome (Constant’s score of 49 points). The sonographic findings described for supraspinatus tendon were a partial ruptures of less than 30 mm in three patients and a complete tendon rupture in one case.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the use of the anterolateral approach for antegrade humeral nailing ensures a good functional result with no significant clinical-sonographic impact on the rotator cuff and a satisfactory long term clinical outcome.     

Mit Marknagelimplantation assoziierte Frakturen

Classification

A classification of fractures that occur during implantation of intramedullary nails does not exist.

Literature available

Most data are available for the implantation of elastic intramedullary nails (ESIN) in children, the implantation of retrograde nails in the humerus, and the implantation of different types of intramedullary nails with a joint component in the osteosynthetic treatment of femoral fractures near the hip joint.

Characteristics

The defining characteristic of an implant-related fracture when intramedullary nailing is performed is their location in relation to the implant. If the stability of intramedullary stabilization can no longer be guaranteed, then the newly occurring fracture is a relevant intraoperative complication that leads to a change in the surgical strategy.

Therapy

The challenge for the trauma surgeon during the operation is the necessity to recognize the complication of an iatrogenic fracture and to treat it adequately. Different methods of intraoperative change to a longer implant or an additional bridging plate for adequate stabilization of the new fracture may be necessary. Postoperative immobilization of the operated limb should be avoided in order not to combine the complications of operative fracture treatment and additional conservative treatment.

Conclusion

The correct technical execution of nailing procedure is the key factor to avoid an additional intraoperative fracture. The principles of intramedullary fracture stabilization should be strictly considered.     

Winkelstabile Verriegelung von Markn?geln mit dem Angular Stable Locking System? (ASLS)

Objective

Greater stability in intramedullary osteosynthesis using angle-stable fixation with intramedullary nails and proximal locking screws. A novel screw-and-sleeve system (ASLS?, Synthes GmbH, Oberdorf, Switzerland) is applied using normal cannulated nails. Decisions can be made intraoperatively.

Indications

This technology widens the range of indications for intramedullary nailing: The smaller and less stable the fragment requiring fixation, the greater the indication for angular stable fixation of the proximal and/or distal fragment. Femoral, tibial and humeral fractures, intramedullary osteosynthesis in osteoporotic bone and ante- and retrograde nailing. Particularly in the case of retrograde nailing, sustained prevention of nail toggling is achieved.

Contraindications

None.

Surgical technique

Drill with the first drill bit, which has the same core diameter as the screw shaft. Drill the cortex to the external diameter of the sleeve. Place the sleeve on the tip of the screw. The screw?Csleeve combination is then advanced through the larger near hole until the sleeve-covered screw tip sits in the locking hole of the intramedullary fixation nail. Advance the screw. As the screw diameter becomes larger, the sleeve expands resulting in an angular stable locking effect. The screw is then advanced until the head of the screw sits on the exposed surface of the cortex. The hole is filled with the expanded part of the screw shaft beneath the screw head. The necessary 1?C3 turns are cut by the self-tapping flute on the screw.

Postoperative management

According to experience to date, this form of angle-stable fixation enables earlier and/or greater partial mobilization or earlier full mobilization. In all other respects, the guidelines for aftercare in intramedullary nailing apply.

Results

A multi-center pilot study has shown the technique to be reproducible and simple. There have been no complications using this technique to date. Biomechanical laboratory studies have demonstrated that stability with respect to axial and torsional loading is statically and dynamically higher than with conventional nailing. Device failure occurs later. Further applications as well as results of a prospective randomised study currently under way will show how great the clinical advantages ultimately prove to be.     

Minimal-invasive Plattenosteosynthese proximaler Humerusschaftfrakturen mittels langer PHILOS-Platte

Objective

Closed reduction and minimally invasive stabilization of proximal humeral shaft fractures with long PHILOS plates. The presented technique enables stable extramedullary fixation of the fractures without affecting surrounding nerves.

Indications

Proximal humeral shaft fractures that may not be fixed by intramedullary nailing because of a narrow, deformed or occupied intramedullary canal or because of open growth plates.

Contraindications

Fractures that may not be reduced adequately by traction or with percutaneous techniques. Furthermore, fractures with delayed or nonunion and pseudarthrosis should not be treated with this technique.

Surgical technique

An anterolateral delta split approach is used to create an epiperiosteal tunnel along the humeral shaft from proximally to distally. A second incision is made distally at the lateral border of the biceps muscle. The brachialis muscle is dissected longitudinally. The PHILOS plate is twisted so that the proximal part of the plate can be placed laterally and the distal part anterolaterally at the humeral shaft. The plate is inserted into the epiperiostal tunnel and fixed with percutaneous screws.

Postoperative management

The arm is immobilized in a Gilchrest bandage until wounds are healed. Active-assisted physiotherapeutic mobilization without loading starts on the first postoperative day. Active mobilization starts 8–12 weeks postoperatively. In cases of soft tissue irritation the PHILOS plate may be removed after 1 year.

Results

Between 2005 and 2011 a total of 16 patients (8 women and 8 men) were treated with the presented technique. The patients mean age was 61 years. According to the AO classification, five fractures were classified as type A, eight as type B and three fractures as type C. All patients had clinical and radiological follow-up examinations after a mean of 24 months (12–38 months). All fractures showed complete bony consolidation at the final follow-up. The mean Constant-Murley score was 81 points representing 84% of the Constant-Murley score of the healthy contralateral shoulder. The average DASH score was 33 points and the mean SF36 was 85 points.     

Augmentative locking compression plate fixation for the management of long bone nonunion after intramedullary nailing

Objective

Intramedullary nailing is widely used in the treatment of long bone fractures. But some patients suffer from nonunion after receiving intramedullary nailing. This paper investigates the methods and effects of locking compression plate (LCP) in the treatment of long bone nonunion after intramedullary nailing.

Methods

A total of 6 patients (4 males, 2 females) with long bone nonunion were enrolled. All these patients had previously undergone intramedullary nailing for fractures of long bones (4 femurs, 2 tibiae). The average time from injury to LCP treatment was 12.2?months. The locking compression plate was applied over the intramedullary nail, and unicortical purchase achieved with locking head screws due to underlying nails. Autologous bone grafting was done in all cases.

Results

Six patients were followed up for 12–20?months (mean 14.2?months). X-ray imaging showed bone callus at the broken ends of the fracture at 3–7 (mean 4.5)?months after surgery. All patients did not have any complications such as infection, breaking or loosening of the LCPs.

Conclusion

LCP can be used for the treatment of long bone nonunion after intramedullary nailing for its convenience, minimal invasion and curative effect.     

Factors affecting the closed reduction of diaphyseal fractures of the femur

Introduction

This level II prospective study investigates patient and fracture-related factors likely to affect closed reduction time in the surgical treatment of femur fractures, and the effect these factors have on closed reduction time.

Patients and methods

Seventy-nine diaphyseal femur fractures of 75 patients were included in the present study. All fractures were treated with indirect closed reduction by manual traction using antegrade nailing and static, locked, reamed intramedullary nails. The three variables considered to influence the duration of closed reduction, that is, the type of fracture, BMI, and the preoperative period (time from injury to surgery), were evaluated either separately or in a combination of two or three of the variables. Their influence on the closed reduction time was analyzed and evaluated.

Results

In this study according to the outcomes, a preoperative period ≤24 h had a significant effect in shortening the reduction time. The reduction time was not significantly affected by the type of fracture. The reduction time was prolonged in overweight patients, but the difference was not significant. When the three variables BMI, preoperative period, and fracture types were evaluated together, the common effect of these three variables was not significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on these results, we think that closed reduction should certainly be aimed for in femur fractures in which intramedullary nailing is planned. Also, early surgical intervention appears to have a beneficial effect on the success of closed reduction.     

Stable incidence of surgical treatment and hospitalisation for humeral shaft fractures among 0- to 16-year-old patients in Finland from 1987 to 2010

Background

Studies among children experiencing fractures report an increasing trend toward operative management. In the present study, we examined whether the same trend has occurred for humeral shaft fractures in accordance with increasing interest toward intramedullary nailing and other operative treatments. The number, incidence and treatment of all hospitalised 0- to 16-year-old patients with humeral shaft fractures in Finland was assessed over a recent 24-year period.

Method

The study included the entire adolescent (0–16 years) population in Finland during the 24-year period from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2010. Data on hospitalised patients who sustained humeral shaft fractures were obtained from the nationwide National Hospital Discharge Register (NHDR) of Finland.

Results

During the study period, there were a total of 1,165 hospitalisations with a main or secondary diagnosis of humeral shaft fracture. The incidence of hospitalisation due to humeral shaft fractures was 4.8 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence increased only slightly among girls from 3.3 per 100,000 person-years in 1987 to 5.3 per 100,000 person-years in 2010. The incidence of reposition and casting was 1.1 per 100,000 person-years and the incidence of reposition with osteosynthesis, including intramedullary nailing, was 1.4 per 100,000 person-years. The specific incidence of intramedullary nailing remained low with no signs of increased incidence, and the incidence was 0.3 per 100,000 person-years. There were no significant changes in the incidence of surgical treatment during the 24-year study period.

Conclusion

Despite an overall increasing trend toward operative management of fractures in children, conservative management remains the treatment of choice for humeral shaft fractures based on the low and steady incidence of surgical treatment during the 24-year study period. In addition, the incidence of hospitalisation for fractures remained low without a significant increase during the study period.     

Relationship between distal screws and femoral arteries in closed hip nailing on computed tomography angiography

Background

Iatrogenic vascular injury as a result of closed hip nailing is not common, but is a regularly reported complication after hip fracture surgeries.

Methods

To prevent vascular injury in closed hip nailing by identifying the range of distances and angles between deep and superficial femoral arteries (DFAs and SFAs) and distal screws.

Patients and methods

Forty subjects who underwent computed tomography angiographies were included in this study. Imaginary lines marking the distal screws (proximal femoral nail antirotation-II [PFNA-II], 180 and 300 mm; inter-trochanteric/sub-trochanteric nails [ITST], 200 and 300 mm) were drawn on the scout film. On arterial phase images, angles between distal screw lines and those marking DFAs or SFAs, as well as the distance between each artery and far cortex, were measured using the cross-reference capabilities of the picture archiving and communication system.

Results

The short nails (PFNA-II 200 mm and ITST 180 mm) were closest to the DFAs, indicating that these nails are most likely to cause injury (PFNA-II 200 mm: 11.2 ± 13.7° anterior and 9.87 ± 5.83 mm; ITST 180 mm: 22.56 ± 15.92° posterior and 9.24 ± 4.74 mm). The short nails were relatively distant from the SFAs, which were located posteriorly to the long nails (PFNA-II 300 mm and ITST 300 mm).

Conclusions

These data indicate that insertion of distal screws into intramedullary nails increases the risk of injury to vascular structures. Surgeons must take care in drilling or inserting screws to ensure the prevention of vascular injury.     

Biomechanical comparison of intramedullar versus extramedullar stabilization of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures

Background

Fractures of the proximal tibia occur very often and are a great challenge for trauma surgeons to stabilize. Although locked nails were developed to stabilize these fractures, this technique has not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically assess the stability of locked intramedullary nailing compared to locked plating.

Methods

16 fresh frozen human cadaveric tibiae were osteotomized in the meta-diaphyseal intersection with an osteotomy gap of 10 mm and a single osteotomy through the medial epicondyle to simulate a 41-C.2 fracture. Stabilization was performed with an angle stable locked Targon-TX nail (n = 8) and two additional canulated screws. The other testing group (n = 8) was treated with two canulated screws and a five-hole LCP-PLT. The bones were tested in a cyclic testing protocol with increasing loads under compression and a load sharing of 60 % through the medial tibial plateau and 40 % to the lateral side. Stiffness and fracture gap movement were measured and failure mode was assessed.

Results

No significant differences were found between the two implants regarding load until failure. The stiffness of the intramedullary nailing group (927 N/mm) was statistically significantly higher than the stiffness of the plating group (564 N/mm). No differences were found for fracture gap movement in the z-axis. However, differences were found for dislocation of the proximal-lateral and proximal-medial fragments, with absolute values of 0.099 mm in the plate group and 0.66 mm in the nailing group at 800 N. Prior to failure, fracture gap movement was 0.22 mm for the plating group and 1.66 mm for the nailing group, a difference that was also statistically significantly different. The nailing group failed by screw cut-out while the plating group failed by screw breakage.

Conclusion

Nailing of proximal tibia fractures leads to a stiffer implant-bone construct than plating. Since no adverse effects were found after nailing it seems to be a good alternative to plating for intra-articular proximal tibia fractures, especially in patients with soft tissue problems.     

Anwendung motorisierter Verlängerungsmarknägel am wachsenden Skelett

Background

Limb lengthening and deformity correction with motorized intramedullary lengthening nails is a more comfortable and equally safe procedure than the use of external fixators. While this treatment is a well-established method in adults, intramedullary nailing for skeletally immature patients remains a challenge and is the focus of current clinical investigations.

Objective

Elucidation of the indications for the application of femoral and tibial lengthening nails in skeletally immature patients, presentation of essential characteristics and limitations of the treatment.

Material and methods

Treatment of skeletally immature patients up to 16 years old who had a lengthening nail inserted was retrospectively clinically and radiologically evaluated (2016–2018).

Results

A total of 60 procedures were performed on 54 patients. Mean age at the time of surgery was 13.6 years and the mean follow-up time was 10 months. Different nailing approaches were used: antegrade femoral (n?=?42), retrograde femoral (n?=?10) and antegrade tibial (n?=?8). The average amount of lengthening was 45?mm. In 58 of the 60 cases (96.7%) the desired amount of lengthening was achieved, while 2 patients experienced complications that required interruption of the treatment. None of the patients developed growth disorders associated with the nailing approach.

Conclusion

Different approaches for intramedullary lengthening nails can be used in children and adolescents to correct leg length discrepancy with or without concomitant deformities. The treatment is limited by the size of the available nails, the residual growth and extent of the deformity. Larger trials will be needed to further validate the application of lengthening nails in skeletally immature patients.

     

Secondary radial nerve palsy after internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures

Objective and background

There was no agreement with regard to the treatment for secondary radial nerve palsy. This study aimed to investigate at what point should exploration of the nerve be considered.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-five patients with fracture of the diaphyseal humerus treated with internal fixation at our hospital from February 2000 to February 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. There were six cases of secondary radial nerve palsy occurred soon after humeral internal fixation. No recognized intraoperative injuries to the radial nerve were recorded. Initial conservative observation was carried out in all six cases.

Results

Follow-up period averaged 28 months (range 24–37 months). In four cases, the beginning of electromyography recovery averaged 3.5 months (range 1–5 months), the meantime of onset of clinical recovery was 4.8 months (range 1–6 months), and the average time to full recovery of wrist and finger extension was 8.5 months (range 3–12 months). In other two cases, nerve exploration was made when there was no nerve recovery 3 months after internal fixation of humeral fracture at the request of patients. There were no macroscopic lesions of the radial nerve. At 2-year follow-up, extension of wrist and finger recovered to nearly normal in these two cases.

Conclusions

For treatment for secondary radial nerve palsy, it seems reasonable to consider watchful waiting for about 5 months before nerve exploration if the decision as to the period of waiting was based on the clinical recovery onset time.     

Die elastisch stabile intramedulläre Osteosynthese der diaphysären Klavikulafraktur

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction versus closed reduction of midclavicular fractures using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in both groups.

Methods

Titanium elastic nails were used to treat 40 patients undergoing minimally invasive ESIN between December 2006 and July 2009. A total of 19 patients were treated with a closed reduction and 21 patients required open reduction.

Results

The Constant Score revealed no significant differences between the two groups (closed 87.4±9.0; open 85.3±7.1) nor did the DASH Score (closed: 5.0±6.5; open 5.8±7.3). The strength measurement of shoulder abduction was consistent in each group: 75.7±22.0 N in the closed reduction group and 74.2±26.0 N in the group with open treatment.

Conclusion

There was no difference comparing right- and left-sided injuries and the outcomes were consistent irrespective of the treatment method. When appropriately indicated open and closed intramedullary nailing are very successful modalities of treatment. There were no significant differences in shoulder function after either procedure.