Peroneal nerve damage by oblique proximal locking screw in tibial fracture nailing: a new emerging complication?

Interlocking intramedullary nailing currently is the preferred treatment for most tibial fractures requiring operative treatment. Good results with a relative low complication rate have been reported in large clinical series, as well as in comparative series. The reported incidence of neurological complications after tibial nailing varies, involving mainly the peroneal nerve. The mechanism of peroneal nerve damage in tibial fracture nailing is usually indirect, caused by leg traction or compartment syndrome. Direct peroneal nerve damage related to the proximal locking screw seems to be very rare since we were able to identify only one report in the English literature. We report a case of partial peroneal nerve damage caused by a long oblique proximal locking screw. Removal of the proximal locking screw leaded to a gradual improvement of the nerve function and a complete resolution at one year. This seems to be a new emerging iatrogenic complication related to nails designed with oblique proximal locking screws. We feel that the placement of the oblique proximal screw from medial to lateral side needs an extra care. Even fluoroscopy, does not give enough safety due to the spatial geometry of the proximal tibia and the known problems of viewing oblique interlocking screws with a two-dimensional image-intensifier.     

Anatomical study of the placement of proximal oblique locking screws in intramedullary tibial nailing

Intramedullary tibial nailing was performed in ten paired cadavers and the insertion of a medial-to-lateral proximal oblique locking screw was simulated in each specimen. Anatomical dissection was undertaken to determine the relationship of the common peroneal nerve to the cross-screw. The common peroneal nerve was contacted directly in four tibiae and the cross-screw was a mean of 2.6 mm (1.0 to 10.7) away from the nerve in the remaining 16. Iatrogenic injury to the common peroneal nerve by medial-to-lateral proximal oblique locking screws is therefore a significant risk during tibial nailing.     

The relationship of proximal locking screws to the axillary nerve during antegrade humeral nail insertion of four commercially available implants

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the proximity of proximal interlocking mechanisms in 4 current antegrade humeral nails to the axillary nerve and its branches. DESIGN: Cadaveric study. SETTING: Anatomy laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Anatomic relationships. METHODS: Four humeral nail designs (labeled SS, SL, SZ, and SN) were each inserted in successive antegrade fashion in 10 cadaveric upper extremity specimens. Three variables were measured: from acromion to the axillary nerve, from acromion to entry sites of proximal locking devices, and from locking devices to axillary nerves and their branches. RESULTS: In nail SS, the proximally directed oblique locking screw came into contact with the ascending branch of the axillary nerve in 6 of 10 specimens. Mean distance from spiral blades in nails SS and SL were 26 mm to the axillary nerve and 16 mm to its ascending branch. Interlocking screws for nails SZ, SN, and SL did not violate the axillary nerve or its branches in any specimen. Mean distance from lateral acromion to the axillary nerve measured 58.7 mm. CONCLUSION: Nail SS's oblique locking screw may injure the ascending branch of the axillary nerve. Three of the 4 nails tested did not endanger the axillary nerve. However, when transverse proximal locking screws are inserted from a lateral-to-medial direction, they may endanger an arborized axillary nerve. Blunt dissection should be performed with a visible path to bone before instrumentation to reduce the risk of axillary nerve injury.     

Failure of femoral nailing in the elderly

Failure of fixation of a fracture of the mid-shaft of the femur in a 73-year-old male occurred 4 weeks after insertion of a reamed Grosse-Kempf nail. The oblique locking screw had cut out, despite having been correctly sited at the primary operation. A satisfactory result was obtained following open nailing using an AO nail. Two transverse proximal locking screws provide more certain fixation in osteoporotic bone of elderly patients.     

Comparison of two intramedullary nails for tibiotalocalcaneal fusion: anatomic and radiographic considerations

BACKGROUND: Retrograde intramedullary nailing is an established procedure for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. This study was conducted to see whether, and if so to what extent, nail design modifications would influence the risk to anatomic structures and the bony coverage of the nail base. METHODS: Six pairs of thawed fresh-frozen cadaver legs received two different intramedullary nails (N1: straight nail, lateral-medial tip locking; N2: valgus-curved nail, medial-lateral tip locking) under simulated operative conditions. The specimens were dissected; distances between the at-risk structures and the hardware were measured. The hindfoot axis and the volume of the intracalcaneal nail portion were determined with CT. RESULTS: At the plantar entry site, N2 was significantly farther from the flexor hallucis longus tendon (p=0.047), the medial plantar artery (p=0.026), and the lateral plantar nerve (p=0.026) than N1. The lateral-medial calcaneal locking screw of N1 damaged significantly more often the peroneus brevis tendon (p=0.03) than N2. The proximal tip-locking screw, N2, was significantly farther from the anterior tibial artery (p=0.075) and the deep (p=0.047) and superficial peroneal nerves (p=0.009) than N1; N1 was significantly farther from the great saphenous vein (p=0.075) than N2. The distal tip-locking screw, N1. damaged significantly more often the extensor digitorum longus (p=0.007), the anterior tibial artery(p = 0.04), and the deep and superficial peroneal nerves (p=0.03) than N2. CT did not show any significant changes in the hindfoot axis with either device; intracalcaneal nail volumes were similar. CONCLUSIONS: A curved nail can increase the distance to at-risk plantar structures. Medial-lateral nail-tip locking appears to have less risk to neurovascular structures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Safer retrograde intramedullary nailing for tibiotalocalcaneal fusion requires knowledge of the structures at risk and appropriate operative technique.     

Nerve repair at different angles of attachment: experiment in rats

Sixteen rats underwent two procedures to test the efficacy of oblique vs. transverse nerve repair. On the left, the peroneal nerve was transected at an oblique angle (30-degree) with subsequent oblique end-to-end repair performed. On the right, the peroneal nerve was transected at a transverse angle (90-degree) with subsequent end-to-end repair. At 3.5 months postoperatively, the moist muscle weight of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and tetanic force were measured, and axons were counted in donor and recipient nerves. Muscle volume, tetanic force, and moist weight of EDL muscles were statistically significantly higher on the left side (oblique) than on the right (transverse). Histologic analysis with nerve axon counting of the recipient peroneal nerve revealed significantly more regenerated nerve fibers on the left than on the right. The authors concluded that oblique nerve repair enhances nerve-fiber sprouting from the proximal donor nerve by increasing the coapted surface area, thus improving muscle recovery.     

A comparison of mechanical strength of the femoral neck following locked intramedullary nailing using oblique versus transverse proximal screws

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine whether the 130-degree oblique or transverse proximal locking technique significantly enhances or diminishes the strength of the intramedullary nail-to-bone construct in a "stancelike" loading configuration. DESIGN: Six paired fresh frozen femora were randomized to locked intramedullary nailing with either the 130-degree proximal locking technique or the transverse locking technique and tested in axial compressive loading. Torsion, shear, and impact loading were not tested. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Six paired adult fresh frozen cadavers. INTERVENTION: An unreamed eleven-millimeter by thirty-eight-centimeter intramedullary nail was placed under direct visualization in each femur. Proximal locking was randomly performed on each pair with either two transverse screws or a single oblique screw. Each femur was loaded to failure at a rate of 50.8 millimeters per minute (two inches per minute) by using an Instron tensiometer. Radiographs after nail insertion and after failure were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Load to fracture and fracture pattern. RESULTS: A significant difference between load to fracture was observed across femora of different donors (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in paired femora from the same donor when using either 130-degree or transverse proximal locking (p > 0.05). This result was based on nonanatomical axial loading that approximated loading during stance, without hip abductor loads to help stabilize the femur. CONCLUSION: Neither technique preferentially predisposed the construct to failure for the loading pattern tested. The mode of failure was the same in all cases, with failure beginning at the nail insertion site.     

锁定钢板定位连接器的研制与临床应用

目的设计一种锁定钢板的定位连接装置,探讨其在应用MIPPO技术治疗中的优越性。方法将自制锁定钢板定位连接器应用于40例下肢骨折患者手术中,其中胫腓骨骨折18例,股骨近端骨折12例,股骨远端骨折10例。结果 40例手术均顺利完成,术中未发生定位偏差;切口长度7.3～16.5(12.2±2.24)cm,术中出血量80～310(110±25)ml,术后住院时间3～12(6±2.1)d。患者均获随访,时间6～26(12±2.4)个月。骨折均骨性愈合,时间5～7个月。1例术后出现腓浅神经麻痹。结论锁定钢板定位连接器的应用能准确定位皮下钢板钉孔,减小手术切口和术中出血量,缩短患者住院时间,是锁定钢板微创手术中一个实用小工具。     

Femoral nailing with transverse locking screws through the femoral neck

We treated 55 patients with subtrochanteric or comminuted femoral fractures with a transverse locking femoral nail (Alta, Howmedica). This nail was positioned more cephalad than usual so that at least one fixation screw was located in the femoral neck or head. Forty-seven fractures (20 subtrochanteric and 27 diaphyseal) were available for follow-up averaging 12 months (3-35). The time to radiographic healing averaged 7 months (3-21). There was one delayed union, one non-union, two superficial infections, one broken proximal screw, one compartment syndrome of the thigh, and one peroneal nerve palsy. There were no femoral neck fractures, avascular changes of the femoral head, or gluteal irritation at the most recent follow up. The described technique appears safe and effective, is technically easy, and avoids intra-articular screws.     

Anatomic location of the peroneal nerve at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia: Gerdy's safe zone

BACKGROUND: Injury to the peroneal nerve is one of the most serious complications in orthopaedic surgery. Because percutaneous procedures at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia are becoming increasingly popular, it is critical to have a thorough knowledge of the trajectory of the peroneal nerve and its main branches at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia. This anatomic study was conducted in an attempt to (1) define the anatomy of the common peroneal nerve and its branches in a three-dimensional fashion and (2) identify an anatomic landmark on the surface to help define a safe area that is void of the main nerve and its branches. METHODS: Thirty-one adult unembalmed cadaveric legs were dissected. The peroneal nerve was identified at the level of the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and was dissected distally to the level of its intramuscular branches. The relationship between the peroneal nerve and Gerdy's tubercle was explored, and the distances from the nerve and its branches to the tubercle were measured and recorded in millimeters. The average distances and standard deviations from Gerdy's tubercle to the neural structures were calculated. RESULTS: The course of the common peroneal nerve trunk and its anterior recurrent branch defined an arc with a circumference having an average radius of 45 mm. This circumferential trajectory was seen to be centered at the most prominent aspect of Gerdy's tubercle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The path of the common peroneal nerve and its proximal branch were notable in two regards: their circular nature and their consistent relationship to the most prominent aspect of Gerdy's tubercle. With Gerdy's tubercle used as a landmark, the trajectory of the peroneal nerve can be easily defined at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia and marked prior to the placement of devices and instrumentation, thereby avoiding damage to the peroneal nerve and its branches.     

The functional results of tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nail compressed by proximal tube

Nailing of tibial shaft fractures is considered the gold standard surgical method by many surgeons. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcome of tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nails compressed by proximal tube and conventional intramedullary interlocking nails. Fifty-seven patients with tibial shaft fractures, treated with intramedullary nails compressed by proximal tube (n = 32) and the conventional interlocking nails (n = 25), were reviewed. All fractures except for one were united without any additional surgical intervention in the proximal compression tube nail group, whereas in the conventional interlocking nail group, six patients needed dynamization surgery (p = 0.005) and three cases of nonunion were recorded. In the proximal compression tube nail group, faster union occurred in 20 ± 2 (16–24) weeks (mean ± SD; range) without failure of locking screws and proximal nail migration, whereas in the conventional interlocking nail group, union occurred in 22 ± 2.5 (17–27) weeks (p = 0.001) with two failures of locking screws and two proximal nail migration. The proximal compression tube nail system is safer than the conventional nailing methods for the treatment for transverse and oblique tibial shaft fractures with a less rate of nonunion, proximal locking screw failure and proximal nail migration.     

The relationship of the Phantom® Lapidus Intramedullary Nail System to neurologic and tendinous structures in the foot: An anatomic study

BackgroundThe purpose of our cadaveric study was to determine the proximity of nail insertion and interlocking mechanisms in the Phantom® Lapidus Intramedullary Nail System to neurologic and tendinous structures in the foot.MethodsWe used 10 fresh-frozen human lower-extremity specimen cadavers. For each specimen, the Nail System was inserted as described in the published technique guide. We then performed dissection on the tibialis anterior tendon, extensor hallucis longus tendon, and medial dorsal cutaneous branch of the superficial peroneal nerve and we measured and averaged the distances from each of these structures from the nail.ResultsThe tibialis anterior tendon was in closest proximity to the insertion of the proximal medial interlock K-wire with an average distance of 0.4 mm from the tendon. The extensor hallucis longus tendon was in closest proximity to nail insertion with an average distance of 1.2 mm. The medial dorsal cutaneous branch of the superficial peroneal nerve was in closest proximity to the distal interlock K-wire with an average distance of 7.5 mm.ConclusionsThe tibialis anterior tendon, extensor hallucis longus tendon, and the medial dorsal cutaneous branch of the superficial peroneal nerve are at risk with the insertion of the nail system. Blunt dissection should be performed using this system with a path to bone before instrumentation to reduce the risk of nerve and tendon injury in the foot.     

交锁髓内钉在治疗肱骨干骨折中对肩关节功能的影响

目的　报告 1996～ 1998年间应用多种型号的交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折 2 5例的疗效。方法　对肱骨干骨折 2 5例采用交锁髓内针治疗。得到随访 2 1例。随访时间 8～ 32个月 ,平均 17个月。伤者年龄 18～ 70岁 ,平均 39岁。骨折类型 :横断形9例 ,粉碎形 2例 ,斜形 5例 ,螺旋形 5例。肱骨上 1/3骨折 4例 ,中 1/3骨折 16例 ,下 1/3骨折 1例。结果　按Neer评分法测定肩关节功能 ,13例 (6 2 % )合并有不同程度的功能障碍。结论　认为目前的交锁髓内针在治疗肱骨干骨折时会损伤到肩袖 ,因此在选用时应慎重。     

Vascular injury involving proximal medial-to-lateral oblique locking screw insertion in tibial intramedullary nailing

Orthopaedic surgeons have reported increased neurologic complications with the employment of next-generation tibial nail fixation with variable proximal and distal locking options. However, vascular injury due to oblique screw placement has not been documented. We describe a case in which a medial-to-lateral oblique locking screw led to significant vascular injury. The judicious use of these screws and their relative contribution to fracture stability should be carefully considered for individual cases. Additionally, drill penetration through the far tibial cortex may not be obvious and utilizing oscillation or reverse drilling techniques may be of benefit. Lastly, the forward thrust of the popliteal artery with the use of a positioning bump in the popliteal fossa may place the vascular structure at increased risk of injury. Employing means to avoid these injuries and minimize risks in pertinent patients is of utmost importance.     

Contributory factors and etiology of sciatic nerve palsy in total hip arthroplasty

Twenty-three peroneal and sciatic nerve palsies occurred in 21 patients following hip arthroplasty. Apparent risk factors included revision operations, being female, and significant lengthening of the extremity. The amount of lengthening was correlated with the development of either a peroneal palsy or sciatic nerve palsy. In cases of peroneal palsy the average lengthening was 2.7 cm (1.9 cm-3.7 cm) in comparison with 4.4 cm (4.0 cm-5.1 cm) for sciatic nerve palsies. Seven of these nerve palsies occurred among 614 consecutive patients treated at one institution during the period 1983-1985. This corresponded to an overall incidence of 1.1%. Electromyography demonstrated that peroneal stretch palsies originated primarily at the level of the neck of the fibula with some diffuse but lesser involvement along the proximal course of the peroneal division of the sciatic nerve.     

旋入式自锁髓内钉的研制及临床研究

目的　为临床治疗长骨干骨折提供快捷、有效的治疗方法。设计一种组合式髓内钉———旋入式自锁髓内钉 (旋入钉 ) ,方法　旋入钉是以旋转进钉、髓内填充式纵向交锁为设计特点的髓内固定系统 ,其结构由主钉和锁针组成 ,1994年 6月至2 0 0 0年 6月已应用该钉治疗长骨干骨折共 98例、 10 4侧骨折。采用闭合复位固定 36例 ,占 36 % ;6个月以上随访 6 4例。结果　骨折全部愈合 ,平均愈合时间 16周 ,半年内骨折愈合率 95 % ,畸形愈合 2 % ,感染 2 % ,功能恢复优良率 94 6 % ,无继发骨折短缩分离和金属断裂发生。结论　旋入钉具备轴向加压、抗短缩、抗分离和抗扭转的功能 ,其结构简单 ,手术操作简便、创伤小 ,疗效可靠 ,具有广泛的适应证及临床应用前景 ,尤其是手术可以不需X线设备     

Surgical treatment of bone sarcomas of the fibula Analysis of 19 cases

Nine patients with Ewing's sarcomas and seven patients with osteosarcoma of the fibula were treated surgically. The bone defect after tumour resection ranged from 5 to 25 cm (median 14 cm). Ten sarcomas were located in the proximal and six in the diaphyseal or distal fibula. Nine of ten patients with sarcomas located in the proximal fibula underwent a resection of the tumour including the common peroneal nerve. In one patient with a tumour in the proximal fibula, the peroneal nerve was preserved; however, this patient underwent amputation because of surgery with an intralesional margin. In five patients with a tumour in the distal fibula, the peroneal nerve was preserved. However, two of these five patients underwent amputation as an adequate surgical margin could not be achieved during resection. All ten patients in whom the peroneal nerve was resected achieved satisfactory function by wearing a peroneal brace. In patients with Ewing's sarcoma of the proximal fibula, preservation of the common peroneal nerve may be chosen as an alternative possibility of resection.     

Intramedullary osteosynthesis of complex proximal femoral fractures with the Targon PF nail

We evaluated the performance of the Targon PF nailing system in the treatment of complex proximal femoral fractures with a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 94 patients with a complex proximal femoral fracture (subtrochanteric fracture or fracture with reversed fracture line pattern) treated with a Targon PF nail. There were no intra-operative femoral fractures. Late complications requiring reoperation were one femoral fracture and one fracture around the nail secondary to tumour. Seven nails had to be dynamised and a further six 'self-dynamised' at the site of the distal locking screw. One patient required revision of the distal locking. Only one other patient required secondary surgery for a wound haematoma. There were no cases of implant cut-out or non-union. The Targon PF nail represents a progressive development in the design of intramedullary nails for proximal femoral fractures and the results compare favourably with other intramedullary systems used to treat complex proximal femoral fractures.     

Proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation associated with tibial shaft fractures – 7 Cases

ObjectiveLower leg fractures of the tibia with or without fracture of the fibula are very common. Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) dislocation is a very rare injury that can occur together with a tibia shaft fracture. As there is only scarce literature about this injury available, we would like to present our experience with the treatment of this entity.MethodsWe present a small case series of seven patients. In most cases, the tibia fracture was nailed in a closed technique. After distal locking the proximal fibula was exposed by a lateral approach exposing and preserving the peroneal nerve. After anatomical reduction into the corresponding articular facet of the proximal tibia, the fibula was transfixed to the tibia with a positioning screw. This indirectly provided a correct length and rotation of the tibia, which could finally be locked to the nail by inserting the proximal locking bolts. The positioning screw was removed after six weeks prior to full loading. Six of seven patients had been followed up by at least 7 months post-treatment.ResultsOut of 663 prospectively collected tibia shaft fractures treated at our institution from 1/2001 to 7/2014, we found seven patients with associated PTFJ dislocation. All except one had been caused by a high energy trauma. After one year, five patients showed excellent results with full range of motion and returning to their sporting activities as before the accident. Two patients have impaired function due to associated injuries. None complained of persistent pain or instability of the PTFJ.ConclusionPTFJ dislocation with tibia shaft fracture can easily be overlooked if one is not familiar with this injury. It is important to diagnose and treat this uncommon dislocation anatomically to achieve good results. Otherwise, as the literature shows, it can lead to chronic instability of the proximal fibula with snapping, proximal fibular pain and even peroneal nerve palsy. Furthermore in complex tibial fractures correct length and rotation only can be restored after referencing with the fibula. We recommend a high index of suspicion of this injury with high energy tibia shaft fractures especially in cases with intact fibula.     

Management of comminuted proximal ulna fracture-dislocations using a multiplanar locking intramedullary nail

Intramedullary nails have been used for the fixation of olecranon fractures in an attempt to reduce the soft tissue irritation and resulting need for hardware removal seen with plating and tension banding. Further benefits include preservation of vascular supply, and increase stability and improved compression over some alternative techniques. Most intramedullary nails have been limited to simple olecranon fractures or osteotomies. One novel multiplanar, locking intramedullary nail, however, is indicated to stabilize all fracture patterns of the proximal ulna, including the coronoid. This particular locking nail has screws that radiate in multiple planes and form a fixed-angle lattice throughout the bone. The nail also has fixed-angle screws dedicated to the 3 parts of the coronoid: process tip, medial facet, and medial wall. This allows the nail to secure multiple fragments regardless of the fracture pattern's extent of instability. The objective of this article is to illustrate the recommended steps in reducing and stabilizing a comminuted proximal ulna fracture-dislocation using this multiplanar locking intramedullary nail.