Metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fracture of distal humerus in children

Six metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures of distal humerus and 182 supracondylar fractures of humerus treated in our institute over a period of 5 years were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data regarding child's age, neurovascular status, mechanism of injury, mode of treatment, and ultimate clinical outcome were collected for both these fractures and a comparison was made. Oblique (n=2), comminuted (n=3), and transverse types (n=1) of fracture patterns were identified at distal humeral metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction. The oblique and comminuted fractures were managed by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast, whereas the only transverse fracture was treated by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. In contrast, 125 patients of supracondylar fractures were treated by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast and the remaining 57 fractures needed Kirschner wire fixation after closed reduction. Assessment by Flynn criteria after 1 year after of injury revealed better functional outcome in metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures. Although transverse fractures are unstable and may require surgical fixation; oblique and comminuted fractures at the metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction of distal humerus can be managed conservatively.     

An unusual injury of pediatric both forearm fractures: Distraction epiphysiolysis: A case report

Introduction and importancePediatric both forearm fractures are one of the common traumas we encounter in clinical practice. We aimed to show a complication not shown in the literature, its possible cause and management of this complication in the surgery of these fractures.Case presentation9 years old girl applied to emergency orthopedics unit after fall. Both forearm fracture was appeared after X-ray. Due to reduction loss in the control X-ray of the first week, closed reduction and intramedullary K wire were planned. The prebent K-wire was tried to be sent as intramedullary. While attempting to advance the K-wire, loss of intramedullary resistance was felt. When controlled with fluoroscopy, type 1 epiphysiolysis was observed in the distal radius. Open anatomical reduction was performed on distal radius epiphysis. Two K wires were placed so that crossed the physis line. In 2-year follow-up, there was no length discrepancy or limitation of movement between the left and right radius.Clinical discussionIntramedullary fixation is first choice for surgery in pediatric both forearm fractures. There are 2 opinions for K-wire entering point: proximal and distal of physis. The biggest concern about transphyseal transmission of the K wire is that this conduction may cause physeal damage or arrest. However, physeal damage or arrest could not be shown in the literature. On the other hand, transphyseal application provides convenience in terms of surgical applicability.ConclusionIn our opinion, it will be more appropriate and safe to send the K wire transphyseal over the styloid for pediatric population have both forearm fractures.     

Transradioulnar single Kirschner-wire fixation versus conventional Kirschner-wire fixation for unstable fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children

The purpose of this study was to introduce transradioulnar single Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation technique for unstable fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children and to evaluate the differences in clinical and radiographic results of osteosynthesis between this method and conventional K-wire fixation. Forty-one patients (20 conventional K-wire fixation, 21 transradioulnar single K-wire fixation) were reviewed who underwent a closed or mini-open reduction with K-wire fixation for fractures of both of the distal forearm bones. Their mean age at operation was 10.7 years (range, 8-16 years). Surgical intervention was indicated (1) when in addition to a complete ulnar fracture, the radius showed a 50% of displacement or greater, or 20-degree angulation or greater, (2) when in addition to an incomplete ulnar fracture, the radius was completely displaced, and (3) when reangulation was 15 degrees or greater in any direction at follow-up. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Bony union was achieved in both groups at approximately 7 weeks after surgery, and there were no significant differences in the operative time, duration of hospitalization, and duration of external support between the 2 groups. There were no major complications such as nonunion, radioulnar synostosis, premature physeal closure, or redisplacement or reangulation. Transradioulnar single K-wire fixation technique was a relatively simple procedure with comparable outcomes compared with conventional K-wire fixation technique. In addition, physeal injuries could be avoided, and there was no need for passing across the fracture line. Thus, it is suggested that transradioulnar single K-wire fixation technique can be a good alternative method for high-risk fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children.     

Phalangeal neck fractures in adults

The author investigated the pattern of injury and outcome of management in 11 adults with phalangeal neck fractures. The mean age was 40 years. The fracture occurred at the neck of the proximal phalanx of the thumb in seven cases and at the neck of the middle phalanx of the fingers in the remaining four cases. One patient had an undisplaced (Type I) fracture and was treated with splinting; the final result was graded as excellent. Nine patients had Type II fractures (the displaced distal fragment maintaining bone-to-bone contact with the proximal fragment) and all patients were treated with closed reduction and single K-wire fixation. The final outcome of Type II fractures was considered good in eight patients and fair in one patient. One patient had a Type III fracture (the displaced distal fragment was rotated 180 degrees with no bone-to-bone contact with the proximal fragment). The fracture required open reduction and K-wire fixation and the final result was poor.     

Corrective osteotomy for humerus varus

PURPOSE: Humerus varus caused by growth arrest of the medial proximal humeral physis is associated with upper limb length discrepancy and limitations in shoulder motion. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of proximal humeral valgus osteotomy for the treatment of humerus varus in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: Six patients were treated at our institution between 1994 and 2006. The average age at the time of surgery was 13 years (range, 9-17 years). The causes of humerus varus were posttraumatic physeal arrest (n = 2), infection (n = 2), acquired physeal arrest secondary to a benign bone cyst (n = 1), and idiopathic cause (n = 1). All patients underwent proximal humeral valgus osteotomy with tension-band fixation. The average clinical and radiographic follow-up period was 21 months (range, 3-81 months). RESULTS: All patients achieved bony union. Mean forward flexion improved from 76 degrees preoperatively (range, 45-100 degrees) to 148 degrees postoperatively (range, 100-180 degrees) (P = 0.01). Mean abduction improved from 63 degrees preoperatively (range, 30-100 degrees) to 116 degrees postoperatively (range, 90-160) (P = 0.02). Radiographically, the mean humeral neck-shaft angle improved from 95 degrees preoperatively (range, 75-105 degrees) to 130 degrees postoperatively (range, 112-160 degrees) (P = 0.001). Two patients had soft tissue irritation from the tension-band pins, which resolved with subsequent pin removal. CONCLUSIONS: Valgus osteotomy with tension-band fixation is an effective means of improving shoulder function and humeral neck-shaft angle in skeletally immature patients with proximal humerus varus.     

Fractures of the distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction in children

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there is no report in the English-language literature of metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus in children. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with this uncommon fracture. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2004, 422 displaced supracondylar humerus fractures underwent operative reduction and fixation at our institution. A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs revealed that 14 (3.3%) of these fractures occurred at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction just proximal to the olecranon fossa. In 8 patients, the fracture line was oblique (group A), and in 6 patients, the fracture line was transverse (group B). RESULTS: Average age at the time of fracture was 4.9 years (range, 1.5-10 years). All patients were treated by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation and had at least 1-year follow-up. In group A, operative time for reduction and fixation was significantly increased in comparison to the 408 remaining supracondylar humerus fractures. However, the clinical course in group A was uncomplicated, and no loss of fixation at follow-up was noted. The operative time in group B was even longer. These fractures were more problematic as loss of fixation occurred in 5 of the 6 patients, 4 occurring in the sagittal plane. In addition, multiple complications arose in group B including reoperation, cubitus varus, pin migration, and prolonged loss of motion. CONCLUSION: Metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus in children are rare but can be problematic. The transverse fracture pattern requires additional attention in the operating room with optimal pin fixation. Close postoperative follow-up is necessary. The oblique fracture pattern, while requiring increased time in the operating room for reduction and fixation, is typically stable with the usual fixation used for supracondylar humerus fractures. In summary, metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus are uncommon elbow fractures in children that should be differentiated from the more common supracondylar humerus fracture for optimal outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level 4 (case series).     

Ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture and Monteggia lesion: a case report

Two to 13% of supracondylar humerus fractures in children are associated with an ipsilateral forearm fracture, most of which are distal radius fractures. We present an unusual case of a 2-year-old girl with an ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture and a Monteggia lesion. Our management consisted of percutaneous K-wire fixation of the supracondylar humerus fracture and percutaneous insertion of an intramedullary K-wire for stabilization of the ulna fracture. Our patient had an excellent result, and we would recommend this method of fixation for similar injuries.     

Severely displaced proximal humeral epiphyseal fractures

The purpose of this study was to document the late outcome of a group of patients with Neer grade III/IV proximal humeral physeal fractures who were treated with reduction of the fracture and maintenance of reduction until fracture consolidation. A total of 28 patients treated between 1984 and 1999 at a large children's hospital were included in this study. Nineteen of the 28 patients were 15 years or older (range 5-16 y). All patients were treated in the operating room with closed reduction followed by immobilization (n = 3), closed reduction and pin fixation (n = 20), open reduction and screw fixation (n = 3), or open reduction and pin fixation (n = 2). Postoperatively, all had Neer grade I or II displacement, which was maintained until fracture union. No operative or postoperative complications occurred. At an average follow-up of 4 years, all patients had near-normal glenohumeral motion and excellent strength and uniformly reported regaining full preinjury functional use of the involved extremity. Achieving and maintaining reduction in Neer grade III/IV proximal humeral epiphyseal fractures can be safely performed and results in excellent long-term shoulder function. This is of particular significance in the older adolescent who has minimal remodeling potential.     

Radialer externer Fixateur zur geschlossenen Behandlung problematischer suprakondylärer Humerusfrakturen Typ III und IV bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

Objective

Closed, anatomical reduction and reliable fixation of type III and IV supracondylar fractures that are either difficult or impossible to treat with conventional methods.

Indications

According the Pediatric Comprehensive AO Classification for long bones this technique is preferred for type III and IV supracondylar fractures that cannot be reduced using closed standard manipulative techniques, where stable fixation using standard percutaneous wire configurations cannot be achieved, when severe swelling, open fracture, primary neurological or vascular problems (“pulseless pink hand”) or multiple injuries indicate that optimal management of the injured limb should be free from cast. In patients with comorbidities (e.g., seizures or spasticity) requiring more stable fixation.

Contraindications

In principle there are no contraindications.

Surgical technique

Prior to reduction of the fracture, fluoroscopically controlled insertion of a single Schanz screw into the lateral (radial) aspect of the distal fragment, which is defined by bulls eyeing the capitellum in the perfect lateral radiographic projection of the epiphysis, parallel to the physis. For very distal fractures this screw may be intra-epiphyseal, although usual placement is in the metaphysis just distal to the fracture line. After obtaining perfect lateral radiographic projection of the distal humeral metaphyseal–diaphyseal junction, a second Schanz screw is inserted independently into the proximal fracture fragment at the proximal end of the lateral supracondylar ridge in the sagittal plane perpendicular to the long axis of the humeral diaphysis. By bringing the screws parallel to each other in the coronal and transverse planes direct manipulations of the fragments and anatomical reduction using the so-called joystick technique is achieved. Fracture reduction can then be adjusted anatomically under fluoroscopic control and through clinical assessment. Once reduction is achieved the fragments have to be secured with a so-called “anti-rotation” K-wire. This wire significantly enhances stability and prevents pivoting of the fracture fragments around the Schanz screws in the sagittal plane and assists in prevention of medial collapse of the reduced fracture.

Postoperative management

No additional plaster cast fixation required; mobilization of the upper limb as comfort allows.

Results

The majority of children have a normal range of motion at the time of external fixator removal. At follow-up (40 months), 30 of 31 children had normal function and a normal, anatomical axis as judged against the contralateral upper limb.     

Luxationsfrakturen des proximalen Humerus-Ergebnisse nach operativer Behandlung

167 patients with fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus—operated upon between 1970 and 1980—were followed up on an average 43.2 months after the accident. Fractures were classified according to Neer in two-part-(n=24), three-part-(n=60) and four-part-fractures (n=61) as well as fractures of the articular surface (n=21). 20.4% of all fractures were complicated by a neurological lesion. In 31% of all cases a good or excellent result was obtained. The functional result and the rate of avascular head necrosis were dependend on the type of fracture, that means the number of displaced parts. Results after 23 head prostheses were disappointing. The analysis of functional results and the rate of avascular head necrosis after different types of operation proved that minimal fixation with K-wire or tension-band was slightly superior to plate fixation.     

Isolierte und additive Kirschner-Draht-Osteosynthese der distalen Radiusfraktur

Internal fixation with K-wires is a safe and economical technique in selected cases of distal radius fracture (AO 23 A2/A3 fractures). However, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis and in patients with complicated fractures, the usefulness of this method is limited. The main problems are secondary dislocation associated with loss of reduction, sintering in the area of the fracture, the necessity for immobilisation of the fracture in a forearm cast and the fact that a second operative intervention is always necessary to remove the K-wire. The pros and cons of this technique must be carefully considered with reference to the type of fracture and the patient’s overall condition in each case.     

Internal fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures with two one-third tubular plates

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures often results in poor functional outcome. We report a technique that provides improved rotational stability of the fracture and thus allows early functional treatment. METHODS: Seventy-one consecutive patients (67 +/- 18 years) with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus (two-part, n = 10; three-part, n = 41; four-part, n = 20) were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using two one-third tubular plates on the anterior and lateral aspects of the proximal humerus. Passive motion was started on the third postoperative day, followed by actively assisted exercises on day 6. RESULTS: Seven patients (12%) had complications (fracture redisplacement, avascular necrosis of the humeral head, frozen shoulder, subacromial impingement, and implant loosening) that required further surgical intervention. Sixty patients (85%) were available for follow-up evaluation 17 +/- 10 months after the injury. Using the Constant score, 34% of the patients had very good results, 29% had good results, 25% had fair results, and 12% had poor results. Age (< 60 years or > or = 60 years) and fracture type had no influence on functional outcome. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the high stability of internal fixation with two one-third tubular plates that allowed early mobilization of the shoulder in all patients and emphasize this technique as a preferred treatment option for displaced fractures of the proximal humerus.     

Displaced Salter-Harris Type I Distal Fibula Fractures: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature

Salter-Harris type I (SH-I) fractures of the distal fibula are commonly encountered in pediatric orthopedics. We describe 2 unique cases of adolescents with completely displaced SH-I distal fibula fractures that were treated operatively. In the first case, a closed reduction attempt failed and the patient required open reduction and internal fixation of the distal fibula and syndesmosis. The syndesmotic ligaments were avulsed from the distal fibular metaphysis. In the second case, closed reduction of the distal fibula fracture was partially successful, but anatomic reduction could not be achieved without open reduction. The distal fibula fracture was fixed with an intramedullary screw. We believe this pattern of injury represents a variant of the adolescent transitional ankle fracture. Because the distal tibial physes were nearing complete closure in these patients, the energy propagated through the distal fibular physis. To the best of our knowledge, this combination of injuries has not been previously reported. This type of physeal fracture raises concern for premature physeal closure, fibular growth disturbance, syndesmotic instability, and medial (deltoid ligament) injury. Both patients had excellent outcomes after anatomic reduction and fixation of the displaced SH-I distal fibula fractures at 1 and 6 years of follow up, respectively.     

双侧锁定钢板治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折

目的 探讨双侧锁定钢板治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析笔者所在医院2005年4月～2009年1月采用切开复位双侧锁定钢板内固定治疗C型肱骨远端骨折老年患者14例,评价其效果.结果所有患者随访13～32个月,平均28个月.无内固定失效,骨折均愈合.采用改良Cassbaum评分系统评价,11例患者术后功能恢复优良.结论 切开复位双侧锁定钢板内固定治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折能达到良好的临床效果.     

Periosteal entrapment in distal femoral physeal fractures: harbinger for premature physeal arrest ?

We report on two patients who sustained Salter-Harris II fractures of the distal femur with physeal widening after being tackled in football games. Preoperative MRI indicated entrapped periosteum at the physeal fracture site for both patients. Both patients underwent open reduction of the physeal fracture with removal of the entrapped periosteum and achieving an anatomic reduction. Follow-up MRI's revealed premature physeal arrest. Subsequent procedures were performed to address sequelae of premature physeal arrest. The presence of physeal widening and entrapped periosteum may reflect high-energy trauma to the physis. This can result in injury to both the epiphyseal blood supply and to the physeal cartilage (germinal zone) resulting in physeal arrest despite anatomic reduction after removal of the entrapped periosteum. Upon literature review, pre-operative MRI demonstrating entrapped periosteum has not been previously reported. We hypothesize that the presence of entrapped periosteum following distal femoral physeal fractures may be associated with an increased risk for premature physeal arrest.     

Treatment outcomes of unstable proximal phalangeal head fractures of the finger in children

The authors reviewed 37 children presenting with closed, unstable fractures of the proximal phalangeal head. Fractures were classified as intra-articular (n = 15), including 14 unicondylar and 1 bicondylar, or extra-articular (n = 22), including 20 subcondylar and 2 comminuted subcondylar. Eighteen patients underwent closed reduction with K-wire fixation (n = 11) or dynamic skeletal traction (n = 7). Nineteen patients underwent open reduction with K-wire fixation (n = 14) or miniscrews (n = 5). Results were considered excellent when the active range of motion (ROM) of the proximal interphalangeal joint was > or = 90 degrees (n = 26); fair, active ROM, 70 to 89 degrees (n = 6); and poor, active ROM < 70 degrees (n = 5). The intra-articular fractures were rated 9 excellent, 5 fair, and 1 poor. The extra-articular fractures were rated 17 excellent, 1 fair, and 4 poor. The 18 closed reductions, K-wire fixation (n = 11) and traction (n = 7), were rated 16 excellent and 2 fair. The 19 open reductions, K-wire fixation (n = 14) and miniscrew fixation (n = 5), were rated 10 excellent, 4 fair, and 5 poor. Closed reduction showed better results than open reduction. Dynamic skeletal traction proved to be simple and effective in treating these injuries.     

Biodegradable fixation of distal humeral physeal fractures.

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) has been used worldwide as a biodegradable suture material since 1970. Biodegradable polyglycolide implants were introduced in osteofixation of cancellous bone fractures in 1985. From September 1987 to September 1989, 19 consecutive children with physeal fractures of the distal humerus necessitating open reduction and internal fixation were treated by transphyseal biodegradable fixation using 1.5 x 60-mm2 self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) pins. Included were nine displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle, five severe avulsions of the medial epicondyle of the humerus, four displaced fractures of the humeral capitellum, and one intraarticular fracture of the medial condyle of the humerus. After accurate reduction, two smooth Kirschner pins 1.5 mm in diameter were introduced across the growth plate for temporary fixation. The metallic pins then were removed one by one and subsequently replaced with the cylindrical SR-PGA pins 1.5 mm in diameter. After operation, a padded plaster splint was worn for four weeks. Neither secondary displacement nor signs of growth disturbance were seen during the 26-month follow-up time (mean, 17.2 months). Not only the reduction of the costs but also the psychological aspects should be considered when dealing with biodegradable fixation of physeal fractures in children. Transphyseal biodegradable fixation has established itself as a procedure of choice for handling simple physeal fractures.     

Physeal fractures,part I: histologic features of bone,cartilage, and bar formation in a small animal model

Physeal fractures and the formation of physeal bars can pose significant problems in skeletal development for the injured, growing child. Regrettably, little experimental attention has been directed toward this clinical disturbance. The current study documents early histologic changes (days 2-6) and subsequent alterations (day 21) following a physeal fracture in the rat proximal tibia model. The fracture plane was usually contained within the physis but could involve many regions of the physis. In some instances, the fracture plane extended to the physeal epiphyseal border. When the fracture was contained within the physis, healing was uneventful. However, when the fracture extended through the physis to the epiphyseal physeal border, there was greater physeal disorganization and formation of vertical septa leading to physeal bars. Physeal bars appeared to form at sites of vertical fibrotic septa into which marrow cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts had migrated. Bar formation mediated by primary osteogenesis (rather than by endochondral bone formation) followed. This study examines the changes in the histologic features of the rat proximal tibial physis, epiphysis, and metaphysis after a physeal fracture and identifies key factors associated with physeal bar formation.     

Marked initial displacement predicts complications in physeal fractures of the distal radius: an analysis of fracture characteristics, primary treatment and complications in 109 patients

BACKGROUND: Factors predicting redisplacement in the cast and early complications in distal radial physeal injuries have not been analyzed before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 109 consecutive children with displaced physeal fractures of the distal radius treated by manipulation under anesthesia RESULTS: Acute carpal tunnel syndrome developed in 2 patients. Posttraumatic swelling necessitating trimming, splitting or removal of the primary circular cast occurred in one-sixth of the patients. Half of the fractures healed in malunion despite an anatomic primary reduction in 85% of the cases. According to logistic regression models, marked initial malposition of the fracture (< 50% displacement or < 20% angulation) was an independent risk factor for complications and redisplacement. Non-anatomic reduction of the fracture was an additional independent risk factor for redisplacement. INTERPRETATION: The risk of an acute carpal tunnel syndrome should be remembered in patients with marked primary displacement of the fracture. To avoid redislocation, pin fixation of the fracture in patients close to skeletal maturity should be considered if there is a marked initial malposition of the fracture, or if fully anatomic reduction cannot be achieved.