Outcome after fractures of the femur in Paget's disease.

We reviewed ninety-three patients who had one hundred and seven complete fractures of the femur between them and were treated over a twenty-five year period in Western Australia and South Australia. Operative surgical management of complete fractures in the middle and distal thirds was usually successful. In contrast, fractures proximal to the middle third were regularly associated with non-union, implant failure and requirement for revision surgery. In view of this significant difference in outcome after fracture of the pagetic femur in different sites, a comprehensive surgical management strategy is recommended in order to avoid complications.     

FAST- Fixator Assisted Submuscular plating Technique-A simplified technique of submuscular plating in paediatric femur fractures

The surgical management of paediatric femur fractures has evolved over the last few decades. Intramedullary stabilization with titanium elastic nail (TENS) is the preferred surgical management for length stable and mid diaphyseal femur fractures in children between 5-11 years of age. However, TENS is not preferred in length unstable fractures and in proximal or distal metaphyseal femur fractures due to higher incidence of angulation and shortening at fracture site. In such scenarios, submuscular plating has come up as an alternative surgical treatment modality which avoids these complications and provide good functional outcome. Many authors have suggested different surgical variations in techniques of submuscular plating for paediatric femur fracture. We have devised a technique of submuscular plating with help of external fixator (FAST) in paediatric femur fractures which minimises the surgical time and simplifies the procedure.     

Flexibility in fixation: an update on femur fractures in children

Although non-operative strategies remain a viable option for the management of some children's femur fractures, surgical management has become more popular and predictable, with potential complications better recognized and thus more easily avoided. This paper addresses the operative management of children's femur fractures highlighting the multiple techniques available to treat the spectrum of pediatric femur fractures. We present the applications of Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing and Locked intramedullary nailing, sub-muscular or open plating, and external fixation, and discuss the relative advantages and shortcomings of each technique. Cases are presented for illustration.     

The value of megaprostheses in non-oncological fractures in elderly patients: A short-term results

IntroductionThe management of both hip and distal femur fractures as well as periprosthetic fractures can be challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. The use of megaprosthetic implants could provide substantial advantages in elderly population affected by complex fractures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of megaprosthetic implants for treating hip and distal femur fractures as well as periprosthetic fractures in elderly.Material and MethodsFrom January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2019, patients treated for proximal or distal femoral fractures with severe bone loss or failure of previous surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two group based on diagnosis: proximal femur fractures (group A) and distal femur fractures (group B). Subsequently, patients underwent hip (group A) or knee (group B) megaprosthesis. Self-assessed questionnaires were administered to all patients pre and postoperatively. Primary outcome was the Activity Daily Living. Secondary outcomes were: Instrumental Activity Daily Living, Short Form-12, Oxford knee or hip score, complications. Charlson score, Harris classification for hip or Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute score and complication were recorded. All patients underwent a radiological follow up to rule out implant loosening and mobilization. Pre and postoperative functional score comparisons in each group were undertaken. Significance was set p ≤ 0.05.ResultsTwelve patients were finally included in the study. There were 6 male and 6 females, the mean age was 72,9 years old (± 7,4); the mean BMI was 29,8 points (± 4.5). The mean follow-up was 2.9 years (± 1.4). No differences could be found between pre and postoperative evaluation in each group. No aseptic loosening, dislocation, mobilization or radiolucency were recorded during the follow-up. In group A, two surgical site infections (2/6 patients) and one pneumonia (1/6 patients) were recorded. In group B, two surgical site infections occurred (2/6 patients). All patients were treated by antimicrobial oral therapy with complete regression.ConclusionThe use of hip and knee megaprosthetic implants in traumatology is a safe and viable option in elderly patients.     

Operative treatment of acute distal femur fractures: systematic review of 2 comparative studies and 45 case series (1989 to 2005)

BACKGROUND: The incidence of distal femur fractures is approximately 37 per 100,000 person-years. Typically, distal femur fractures are caused by a high-energy injury mechanism in young men or a low-energy mechanism in elderly women. Managing these fractures can be a challenging task. Most surgeons agree that distal femur fractures need to be treated operatively to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The articular fracture component is usually treated with open reduction and internal lag screw fixation or external tension wire fixation (Illizarov). However, there is no consensus on the type of implant for the fixation of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal fracture component. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically summarize and compare the results of different fixation techniques (traditional compression plating, antegrade nailing, retrograde nailing, submuscular locked internal fixation, and external fixation) in the operative management of acute nonperiprosthetic distal femur fractures (AO/OTA type 33A and C) and the characteristics of the fractures for each treatment (articular/nonarticular and open/closed). Additionally an attempt was made to evaluate the impact of surgical experience on nonunion rate, fixation failure rate, deep infection rate, and secondary surgical procedure rate. In the context of this article compression plating relates to techniques/implants that require compression of the implant to the femoral shaft-it does not relate to interfragmentary compression.     

Diaphyseal Femur Fracture in Pycnodysostosis Treated with Pennig Wrist External Fixator: a Case Study

Abstract Background: Although an increased tendency towards pathologic fractures has been described in patients with pycnodysostosis, little data is available with respect to fracture management in this unique group of patients. Case Study: Our case study illustrates the technical difficulties and possible alternatives in the management of a diaphyseal femur fracture in a 6-year-old child with pycnodysostosis. Conservative management with plaster cast and surgical treatment with elastic stable intramedullary nailing both failed. A wrist external fixation device (Pennig, Rx medical) proved to be adequate and led to complete union of the fracture. Conclusion: The Pennig wrist external fixation device offers an excellent treatment option in children with pycnodysostosis who develop a transverse diaphyseal femur fracture.     

The management of segmental femur fractures: the radiographic 'cover-up' test to guide decision making

BackgroundSegmental femur fractures often pose management challenges regarding the optimal fixation choice and sequence of surgical events.MethodsRetrospective review of clinical records and radiographic data of adult patients with segmental femur fractures treated by a conceptual radiographic cover-up test to determine the ideal fixation method between January 2019 and December 2020.ResultsForty patients with 84 individual fractures underwent fracture fixation. The most consistent fracture combinations were intertrochanter-diaphysis (AO31A-AO32) fractures (25%, n = 10) and femur neck-diaphysis (AO31B-AO32) fractures (20%, n = 8). Compared to evidence-based fracture management, the gold standard treatment was used for the fixation of 78 fractures (93%). One patient required revision for fixation failure of a diaphyseal fracture, and two fractures, both open diaphysis injuries, developed fracture-related infections.ConclusionAnatomical alignment and high union rates are possible for segmental femur fractures treated by evidence-based fracture fixation principles. A conceptual radiographic cover-up test assists in matching the best possible implant for each fracture.     

Cephalomedullary fixation for femoral neck/intertrochanteric and ipsilateral shaft fractures: surgical tips and pitfalls

Objective:Surgical management options for femoral shaft fracture and ipsilateral proximal femur fracture vary from single-implant to double-implant fixation.Cephalomedullary fixation in such fractures ...     

An unusual way of intramedullar fixation after a periprosthetic supracondylar femur fracture

Periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures after a total knee arthroplasty are difficult surgical problems. We report a case of an 84-year-old woman with an osteoporotic fracture that was not deemed amenable to conventional treatment. In this case, a complete consolidation was achieved by using a proximal femur nail antirotation nail upside down and through the fracture for fixation.     

与双膦酸盐类药物相关的非典型股骨骨折的研究进展

双膦酸盐类药物是治疗骨质疏松症的常用药物之一。它们的应用大大降低了骨质疏松症相关的椎体、非椎体骨折的发生率。然而,近年来美国食品药品监督管理局发布安全警告:长期使用双膦酸盐可能导致下颌骨坏死、心房颤动、非典型股骨骨折等。最近关于长期应用双膦酸盐与非典型骨折的关系越来越受到关注。这些低能量性骨折也称为脆性骨折。其多发生于股骨转子下或股骨干。目前认为双膦酸盐可能通过长期严重地过度抑制骨转换,导致骨重塑受损,骨微损伤累积,骨脆性增加,从而诱发自发性骨折。女性、亚裔、西班牙裔人种、体重指数、长期应用糖皮质激素、长期应用双膦酸盐且无药物假期被认为是非典型股骨骨折的危险因素。美国骨与矿物质研究学会推荐非典型骨折患者应立即停用双膦酸盐类药物,并予以钙剂、维生素D及特立帕肽治疗;对于完全性骨折患者,建议行股骨全长髓内钉内固定以保护整个股骨。总之,与经典的高能量性骨折相比,非典型股骨骨折具有独特的病理生理学特点、临床表现及影像学特征等。这里我们基于近期研究及文献检索做一综述。     

Treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose  Children with cerebral palsy may have low bone density stemming from various etiologies and are, thereby, at risk for fractures. The treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy may need to be tailored to address the management of spastic muscle tone and multiple medical co-morbidities. Methods  Our study is a retrospective review that evaluates the treatment of 47 femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Results  Thirty-two fractures in non-ambulators were treated non-operatively, 11 of which resulted in malunions and five developed pressure sores. Six fractures in non-ambulators were treated operatively, one of which resulted in a malunion. In ambulators, five fractures were treated non-operatively; one of these fractures lost reduction after 2 weeks and required surgical intervention. One of four fractures in ambulators treated operatively developed a malunion. Conclusion  Our study results suggest that femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy can be treated non-operatively; however, because of the high risk of malunion in this patient population, fracture alignment needs to be followed closely during healing. Careful attention during casting is necessary to prevent pressure sores. Strong consideration should be given to initial operative treatment in ambulatory patients in order to preserve function.     

Paediatric conjoint bicondylar Hoffa fracture with patellar tendon injury: An unusual pattern of injury

Epiphyseal injuries of distal femur are rare with an incidence of 1%e6% among all physeal injuries. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment is crucial to achieve satisfactory functional outcomes. A conjoint bicondylar coronal split (Hoffa) fracture with complete transaction of ipsilateral patellar tendon has been reported in a 12 year old child. The injury was managed by open reduction and internal fixation and bone to tendon repair. This case emphasizes the need of accurate intraepiphyseal fixation for the management of these fractures in skeletally immature patients.     

Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma patients using Mitkovic type internal fixator

Polytrauma remains a major social, economic and medicine affliction. Successful surgical treatment of polytrauma patient's requires an approach predicated on prioritizing injuries. An isoleted fractures rarely poses any threat but in association with multiple injuries, a fractures assumes greater significance. Proper management of femur fractures in po-lytrauma can gretly reduce the mortality and morbidity. In this work the results of the operative treatments of the femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma patients using Mitkovic type internal fixator (14 patients) and Kuntscher nail (9 patients) are compared. The average patients age was 28.43 years (range 16 to 61). Internal fixation using Mitkovic type internal fixator can be method of choose in treatment of femur fractures in polytrauma patient's. Its application is relatively simple. It doesn't damage the periosteal and meduullary bone vascularization, which favors osteosynthesis and provides considerable contribution in osteogensis.     

The role of MRI in the diagnosis of proximal femoral fractures in the elderly

The diagnosis of an undisplaced hip fracture cannot always be made on plain radiographs alone. The use of MRI scanning in detecting occult hip fractures is well documented. However, no previous studies have suggested which specific patient group would benefit most from this investigation. Thirty-five patients with hip pain and normal plain radiographs underwent MRI scanning. Pathology was detected in 29 of the patients, of which 21 involved a neck of femur fracture. Patients were divided into two groups based on age. In patients over 70 years, pathology detected resulted in surgical intervention in 13 cases. This is in contrast with those below the age of 70 years, in whom no neck of femur fractures were found and no surgical intervention was indicated (p<0.001). We recommend that an MRI scan be performed on such patients, above 70 years of age. These are the patients in whom management is significantly altered due to the imaging process used.     

Minimal invasive treatment of proximal femur fractures with the long gamma nail: indication, technique, results

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of complex unstable proximal femur fractures from the trochanteric region to the middle shaft area is difficult and often highly invasive, especially in older patients with osteoporotic bones. METHODS: In 1993, we began to treat all unstable proximal femur fractures from the trochanteric region to the middle third of the shaft with the long gamma nail (LGN) and allowed the patients immediate full weightbearing after surgery. Perioperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: During a 3-year period, we treated 37 patients with unstable proximal femur fractures with the LGN. Five of the patients had sustained pathological fractures, and four patients had sustained multiple trauma. The 37 operations were performed by 22 different surgeons with varying degrees of experience. The LGN implantations through maximal 40-mm skin incisions were performed in a mean skin-to-skin operation time of 125 minutes (range, 65-200 minutes) without any further complications. Thirty-one of the 37 patients were allowed immediate full weightbearing after the second postoperative day. The six patients who were not allowed full weightbearing were the ones who had multiple trauma (4) and those who were unable to walk before surgery (2). Three postoperative complications were as follows: one deep infection 4 months after surgery, one superficial infection 3 weeks after surgery, and one deep vein thrombosis 2 weeks after discharge. All three complications occurred in the group of patients who had sustained only one trauma. All traumatic fractures (n = 32) healed without any bone grafting, which means a union rate of 100%. Although immediate full weightbearing was allowed, there were no implant dislocations, implant failures, or other problems. The 30-day mortality was 0%. The follow-up examinations after a mean time of 6 months were very satisfying. All traumatic fractures were healed. The patients had symmetrical functional findings to the opposite side or before surgery, respectively, except for two patients with a leg shortening of 2 cm, two patients with an external malrotation of 10 degrees, and one patient with a hip extension deficit of 10 degrees after a pathological fracture. CONCLUSION: The LGN is, after appropriate introduction and training, a safe and easy implant for the treatment of complex proximal femur fractures from the trochanteric region to the middle shaft area. The minimal invasive technique with low risks and minimal complications and the possibility of immediate full weightbearing sets a new standard, especially for older patients with osteoporotic bones.     

Role of Ilizarov external fixator in the management of proximal/distal metadiaphyseal pediatric femur fractures

Given the constraints of a short metaphyseal fragment and adjacent growth plates, there are limited options for operative fixation of metadiaphyseal fractures of the femur in children. This article outlines the surgical technique and reports early results of metadiaphyseal pediatric femur fractures treated with an Ilizarov external fixator by a single surgeon. Ten skeletally immature males with 5 proximal and 5 distal metadiaphyseal femur fractures underwent closed reduction and application of an Ilizarov external fixator. Time in the fixator averaged 138 (range, 104-180) days. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, there were no cases of loss of reduction, refracture, malalignment, leg length inequality, or loss of knee and hip mobility. Although superficial pin tract infections were common, no patient developed deep infection or required premature pin removal. One patient developed a transient foot drop after external fixation for a distal metadiaphyseal fracture, which recovered after revision of the pin construct. A low profile Ilizarov fixator can be effective in the management of certain metadiaphyseal pediatric femur fractures that may be difficult to manage by traditional methods.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee after ipsilateral femur fracture

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize the nature of internal knee derangement associated with ipsilateral femur fractures. DESIGN: A prospective consecutive investigation with the musculoskeletal radiologist being blinded to the clinical examination. SETTING: A certified Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: All adult (skeletally mature) patients with femur fractures resulting from blunt traumatic injury were included. Patients with penetrating, periprosthetic, pathologic, or previous femur fractures were excluded. In addition, all patients with previous knee injuries or previous knee surgery were excluded. Of the fifty-one patients with diaphyseal femur fractures originally enrolled in this investigation, fifteen were excluded by protocol and eleven were unable to obtain timely MRI studies. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were evaluated initially according to Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol. When appropriate, skeletal traction was used as provisional fracture stabilization. In most cases, however, operative fixation was performed immediately. In one case open reduction internal fixation was performed. In the remainder, fracture fixation with an anterograde ( = nineteen) or retrograde ( = seven) intramedullary nail was used. OUTCOME MEASURE: After surgical fixation, twenty-five patients with twenty-seven knees were examined clinically and with an MRI. RESULTS: Five anterior cruciate ligament and two posterior cruciate ligament injuries were discovered (19 percent and 7 percent, respectively). Four complete (Grade 3) medial meniscus tears (15 percent) and seven complete lateral meniscus tears (26 percent) were identified by postoperative MRI studies. The medial collateral ligament was injured in eleven knees (41 percent), with five (19 percent) identified as complete (Grade 3) injuries. The lateral collateral ligament was also injured in eight knees (30 percent); in half (15 percent) the injury was complete. Bone contusions (periarticular infractions of cortical and medullary trabecular bone) were noted in eight (30 percent) tibia (equally divided between medial and lateral compartments) and in 17 (63 percent) femurs (also equally divided between medial and lateral condyles). CONCLUSION: Given the large number of soft tissue injuries about the knee, it would be prudent to emphasize the importance of a thorough intraoperative examination once the femur fracture has been stabilized. Additionally, there should be a low threshold to obtain an MRI if the postoperative clinical examination suggests an associated knee injury. Bone bruises, which can only be identified by MRI studies, are increasingly being acknowledged as a source of persistent symptoms.     

Stabilization of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures with flexible intramedullary nails (a technique paper).

The indications for surgical stabilization of a pediatric diaphyseal femur fracture are expanding. Children with multiple system injuries, a head injury, and/or multiple fractures have fewer local and distant complications if the femur fracture is treated operatively. Other indications include a pathological fracture in osteoporotic bone, a fracture in a child with a preexisting condition that prevents the application of a spica cast, a child older than 10 years of age, or a child less than 10 years of age who cannot be kept adequately aligned using conventional (traction/casting) methods of fracture management. Here we describe a technique of stabilizing pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures using flexible intramedullary nails (Ender). This technique can be used in children of all ages and with all patterns of diaphyseal fractures.     

Femoral fracture during non-cemented total hip arthroplasty

A study of the data on 1,318 consecutive non-cemented total hip-replacement arthroplasties revealed thirty-nine intraoperative fractures of the femur (3 per cent), only half of which were diagnosed intraoperatively. The fractures occurred in the proximal region of the femur or at the tip of the stem of the prosthesis. Most were incomplete and minimally displaced, and they did not jeopardize the stability of the femoral component. All complete proximal fractures were stabilized with a four-fifths-coated or fully coated prosthesis to provide distal fixation, and, when diagnosed intraoperatively, were fixed with cerclage wiring. When an incomplete fracture near the tip of the stem was discovered postoperatively and the posterior part of the femoral cortex was intact, a spica cast was applied, and the patient was instructed in protected weight-bearing. For a complete fracture at the tip of the stem, we recommend open reduction and internal fixation. No statistical difference was found with respect to residual pain, the score for walking, or the stability of the implant when we compared the results for the patients who had a fracture with those for the patients who did not. Modifications in surgical technique resulted in a decrease in the incidence of fractures (p less than 0.05).     

Complete distal femoral metaphyseal fractures: a harbinger of child abuse before walking age

BACKGROUND: Next only to burns and bruises, fractures are the second most common sign of the physical form of child abuse. Although there is not a pathognomonic fracture pattern associated with child abuse, distal femur "corner" fractures are often considered a clue to diagnosis, particularly in children younger than 1 year old. We contend that complete metaphyseal fractures of the distal femur are a potential harbinger of child abuse in children before walking age. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at 2 level 1 pediatric trauma centers. Query of a trauma database in a 10-year period yielded 29 children that sustained complete metaphyseal fractures of the distal femur. Medical charts and radiographs were reviewed. Data collection included age, sex, side, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, child protective services evaluation, and primary pediatrician notes. RESULTS: Of the 29 fractures, 20 occurred in children 1 year old or younger (before walking age) and formed the final studied group. The average age for the 14 boys and 6 girls was 6 months 10 days (range, 5 days to 1 year). Ten cases (50%) were confirmed to be a result of child abuse, and another 5 cases (25%) were highly suspicious for abuse. In all, 15 of the 20 children (75%) with complete distal femoral metaphyseal fractures were potentially victims of child abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, we recommend that when evaluating children before walking age with a complete distal femur metaphyseal fracture, further inquiry for possible etiology of child abuse should be performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV--case series, diagnostic.