Treatment of isolated distal ulnar shaft fractures with below-elbow plaster cast

In a prospective study 52 patients with an isolated fracture of the distal ulna were treated with a below-elbow plaster cast. The histories of 46 patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (ranging from 10 months to 7 years). Forty-three fractures united. There were two non-unions. One fracture displaced while in the plaster, so that there was no longer any bone contact between the fragments. The fracture was consequently treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The type of fracture, the initial displacement (all fractures had bone contact) or the initial angulation (maximum 10 deg) was not found to influence the final clinical results. Below-elbow plaster cast appeared to produce satisfactory results in 89% of the patients.     

A prospective, randomized study of the management of severe ankle fractures

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with a closed grade-4 supination-external rotation or pronation-external rotation ankle fracture (Lauge-Hansen classification) who were seen in the emergency room of the University of Chicago Hospitals were entered into a randomized study of the results of various methods of treatment. Ninety-six patients with satisfactory initial closed reduction were randomized between continued closed treatment in a plaster cast and open reduction with rigid internal fixation according to the techniques of the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (ASIF). Forty-two patients with unsatisfactory closed reduction were randomized between open reduction with internal fixation of only the medial malleolus and open reduction with rigid internal fixation according to the ASIF techniques. Of the 138 patients who were admitted to the study, only seventy-one (51 per cent) could be followed for an average of 3.5 years (a typical return rate of urban trauma centers). The outcomes were evaluated by a scoring system that included clinical, anatomical, and arthritis scores. Statistical analysis of the data showed that, of the patients with initial satisfactory closed reduction, the ones treated by open reduction and rigid internal fixation had significantly higher total scores, particularly the patients who were more than fifty years old and those with a medial malleolar fracture. The small number of patients with unsatisfactory closed reduction who were treated by one of the two types of open reduction and internal fixation and were available for follow-up precluded drawing any conclusions about the superiority of one method of internal fixation over the other in that group. The difference in the talocrural angle between the injured and normal sides was the only statistically significant radiographic indicator of a good prognosis.     

Intra-articular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal. A clinical and radiographical study of 64 cases.

The treatment of 64 intra-articular fractures at the base of the fifth metacarpal was studied. 11 fractures with minimal displacement had been immobilised in a plaster cast without reduction. The position was improved in five of 25 fractures treated by closed reduction and a plaster cast, six of nine fractures after percutaneous pinning, and 12 of 19 fractures after open reduction and internal fixation. At follow-up after a median of 4.3 years, 19 of 50 patients answering a questionnaire had intermittent pain, especially on firm grip. 43 patients were re-examined clinically and radiographically: 21 (49%) had decreased grip power, and 28 had radiographical signs of osteoarthrosis.     

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.     

Fracture of the tibia complicated by acute compartment syndrome

A consecutive series of 32 patients with tibia fractures complicated by compartment syndrome was treated with fasciotomy. One group was also treated with closed reduction of the fracture and cast immobilization and compared with a comparable group treated with internal fixation without case immobilization after fasciotomy. All other patients were treated with fasciotomy and reduction followed with either external skeletal fixation, pins and plaster, or skeletal traction. Care of the open fasciotomy incisions, observation of the neurovascular status of the limb, and rehabilitation of the extremity were facilitated by internal fixation operations without subsequent external cast immobilization. The anatomic and functional results in this group were better than those treated with fasciotomy and cast immobilization. All fractures were united by 20 weeks. Complications in both groups were similar, although one deep infection, which was resolved with appropriate treatment, occurred in the group treated with internal fixation. Six open tibia fractures were treated with external skeletal fixation after fasciotomy; the results were less satisfactory, but the initial injuries were also more severe in this group. Patients with closed tibial fractures complicated by compartment syndromes should be treated expeditiously with fasciotomy, followed by stable internal fixation.     

Forearm fractures in the head-injured adult

Forty-seven of 661 head-injured adults sustained 50 forearm fractures. Eight extremities exhibited elbow flexion contractures greater than 55 degrees. Traumatic heterotopic ossification at the elbow developed in ten (20%) extremities: four with Monteggia fractures, two with olecranon fractures, and four with no known trauma. Only two of 18 (11%) extremities treated by plaster immobilization achieved good or excellent results, while 17 of 32 (53%) extremities treated by open reduction and internal fixation achieved good or excellent results. Union of fractures of one or both bones occurred at the same rate as for the normal population. There were no nonunions or deep infections, and there was only one delayed union. Calcification occurred in the interosseous membrane in 12 extremities (24%). In nine forearms (18%) a complete synostosis developed. One isolated radial fracture treated by open reduction and internal fixation and one isolated ulnar fracture treated by plaster incurred a synostosis. Seven of 21 (33%) fractures of both bones developed synostosis. Five of 16 (31%) fractures of both bones treated by open reduction and internal fixation developed a synostosis. These observations corroborate reports demonstrating that head injury predisposes to heterotopic ossification in forearm fractures.     

Malleolar fractures: nonoperative versus operative treatment. A controlled study

Ninety-two intra-articular ankle fractures were randomly selected for either open reduction and internal fixation or closed reduction and plaster cast. The patients were followed for an average of seven years. The initial course was more favorable in surgically reduced fractures. However, follow-up examinations showed little difference in results between the two forms of treatment.     

微创治疗儿童肱骨髁上不稳定骨折

目的 探讨以生物学固定及间接复位技术为基础,微创治疗儿童肱骨髁上不稳定骨折的临床疗效.方法 对86例儿童肱骨髁上不稳定骨折采用闭合复位,部分加内侧小切口,然后经皮克氏针交叉固定辅加石膏托外固定进行治疗.结果 术后随访时间为6个月至5年(平均2.5年),骨折全部愈合,平均愈合时间为1.2个月.参照Flum临床功能评定标准评定:优78例,良6例,可2例;优良率为98%.结论 以微创为原则闭合复位,经皮交叉克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上不稳定骨折,该方法 符合生物学固定的观点,创伤小,并发症少,恢复快,疗效满意.     

Long-term results of treatment of fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children

BACKGROUND: The treatment of isolated, displaced fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children is controversial. Both plaster cast immobilization without reduction and open reduction and internal fixation have been advocated. The purpose of this long-term retrospective study was to analyze the functional and radiographic results of both nonsurgical and surgical management of these injuries. METHODS: Forty-two patients who had had an isolated fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle with displacement of >5 mm at an average age of twelve years (range, eight to fifteen years) were evaluated at an average age of forty-five years (range, thirty to sixty-one years). The patients were divided into three groups that were comparable with regard to the amount of fracture displacement, age at the time of the fracture, age at the time of follow-up, sports activities and occupation, and duration of follow-up. In Group I (nineteen patients), the fracture had been treated with a long-arm plaster cast without reduction of the displaced medial epicondyle. In Group II (seventeen patients), open reduction and internal fixation with either Kirschner wires or a T-nail had been performed. In Group III (six patients), the epicondylar fragment had been excised with suture reattachment of the tendons and the medial collateral ligament. RESULTS: According to a functional grading scale, there were sixteen good and three fair results in Group I. All but two patients were seen to have nonunion of the fragment on follow-up radiographs, but all had a normal result on valgus stress-testing of the elbow. The range of motion of the elbow was either normal or minimally decreased, and the grip strength of the ipsilateral hand was normal. There were fifteen good and two fair results in Group II. All patients had union of the medial epicondyle, with various radiographic deformities of the medial epicondyle, but the functional results were similar to those of the Group-I patients. The Group-III patients had four poor and two fair results. Four had constant pain at the elbow and paresthesias in the distribution of the ulnar nerve. One patient had a restricted range of motion of the elbow, four patients had an unstable elbow, and three patients had decreased grip strength of the ipsilateral hand. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, nonsurgical treatment of isolated fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle with between 5 and 15 mm of displacement yielded good long-term results similar to those obtained with open reduction and internal fixation. The nonunion of the epicondylar fragment that was present in most patients who had been treated only with a cast did not adversely affect the functional results. Surgical excision of the medial epicondylar fragment should be avoided because the long-term results are poor.     

Ⅲ度开放性胫腓骨骨折外固定治疗策略

目的：探讨Ⅲ度胫腓骨开放性骨折早期的处理方法与技巧,总结外固定支架治疗、稳定骨折端的临床效果。方法：早期采用外固定支架治疗Ⅲ度胫腓骨开放性骨折120例,男86例,女34例;年龄18～67岁,平均36.8岁。结果：120例中111例优良,或通过Ⅱ、Ⅲ期手术,软组织修复及骨折愈合良好;1例患者因感染、骨折复位不良,骨折不愈合;8例Ⅱ期截肢。结论：对于Ⅲ度胫腓骨开放性骨折早期以外固定支架为主的治疗是一种理想的方法,术中良好的骨折复位、简单的内固定合并外固定支架为主的治疗,有利于日后软组织的修复及骨折愈合。     

Supracondylar femur fractures treated percutaneously

One hundred twenty-five supracondylar fractures in 118 patients treated with the Green-Seligson-Henry supracondylar intramedullary nail were evaluated. One hundred four patients (111 fractures) were followed up to fracture union. The percutaneous technique was compared with open reduction and internal fixation using the same device. The mean operative time was greater for the open reduction technique when compared with the percutaneous technique (176 minutes versus 76.6 minutes, respectively), as was the mean estimated blood loss (229 cc versus 96.2 cc). The incidence of delayed union was approximately the same for patients who were treated with both techniques. However, the nonunion rate was significantly higher in the patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation than the patients treated with the percutaneous technique (5.6% versus 2.6%). Twenty-nine (39%) patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation required bone grafting versus only three (7%) patients who were treated with the percutaneous technique. Additionally, the percutaneous technique did not produce a higher incidence of malalignment and resulted in a greater postoperative range of motion than the open technique. The current study shows that percutaneous treatment of supracondylar femur fractures is possible and can decrease operative times, blood loss, the need for bone grafting, increase rates of union, and improve functional outcomes.     

三种固定方法治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折的临床对照试验

目的:探讨不同固定方法治疗儿童移位肱骨髁上骨折临床疗效及其临床适应证。方法:137例儿童移位肱骨髁上骨折患者,男85例,女52例;年龄3~12岁。分别采用交叉克氏针内固定(A组)38例,小夹板外固定(B组)67例,石膏托外固定(C组)32例。观察3组骨折愈合时间、肘内翻的发生率及肘关节伸屈功能并进行比较。结果:本组随访6个月~5年,平均29个月,参照Flynn疗效评价标准:A组,优29例,良7例,差2例,优良率为94.74%;B组,优12例,良49例,差6例,优良率为91.04%;C组,优9例,良16例,差7例,优良率为78.13%。A组疗效分别与B、C组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);B组与C组疗效比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:三种固定方法以闭合克氏针固定疗效最佳,但三种固定方法各有其适应证:对无移位或轻度移位的肱骨髁上骨折可采用石膏托固定或小夹板固定;对严重移位或旋转,极不稳定型骨折可采用闭合交叉克氏针穿针固定或小夹板固定。临床应根据骨折类型、皮肤条件以及是否合并有神经血管损伤来合理选择最佳治疗方案。     

Tibial shaft fractures treated by rigid internal fixation: the early results in a 4-year series.

Ninety-nine fractures of the shaft of the tibia in 98 patients were treated by rigid internal fixation over 4 years. One patient died after operation from myocardial infarction; and one patient went abroad. The healing course of the remaining 97 fractures is described, classified according to the type of fracture and the accuracy of operative reduction. Seventy-five fractures had a normal time to union, defined as the lasting achievement of full weight-bearing within 4 months. In 7 fractures the healing period was moderately delayed (full weight-bearing being achieved in 4-6 months) and in 5 it was seriously delayed, requiring 6-11 months after injury. Nonunion occurred in 4 cases and refracture in 6 cases. Osteitis developed in 2 cases and was successfully treated with antibiotics within 6 weeks. A second internal fixation was necessary in 12 patients. In 5 patients a plaster cast was applied to treat delayed union. Amputation was necessary in a 75-year-old man with senile dementia who developed infection after a second operation for refracture. One patient still has a pseudarthrosis after 2 years and 2 further operations. In the other 95 fractures union was the end-result. Of the 21 comminuted and open fractures only 13 healed within 4 months. We recommend a different approach in the treatment of badly comminuted and open 'high-energy' fractures. With this reservation, we find that the method of rigid internal fixation which we employ has given satisfactory early results. The frequency of both delayed healing and infection is reasonably low compared to the results in similar series.     

Method for manual reduction of displaced intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus: technique, indications and limitations.

One hundred and two cases of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus were treated using this method for manual reduction. All but three were treated within three days of injury. The average follow-up was seven years and three months (range three to 14 years). Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 76 years. Results were assessed by clinical outcome as well as roentgenographic appearance. Successful reductions were obtained in 92 cases. In the remaining 10 cases, the reduction was felt to be unsatisfactory and either percutaneous pinning or open reduction internal fixation was performed. In most cases fractures were reduced and treated successfully using this method of manual reduction. The use of this method does not preclude any further treatment options, and we therefore feel this method is the treatment of choice.     

Displaced fractures of the hip in children. Management by early operation and immobilisation in a hip spica cast

Fractures of the hip in children have been associated with a very high rate of serious complications including avascular necrosis (up to 47%) and coxa vara (up to 32%). Over a period of 20 years, we have treated displaced fractures by early anatomical reduction, internal fixation and immobilisation in a spica cast to try to reduce these complications. We have reviewed 18 patients who had a displaced non-pathological fracture of the hip when under 16 years of age. Their mean age at the time of the injury was eight years (2 to 13). They returned for examination and radiography at a mean follow-up of eight years (2 to 17). Each patient had been treated by early (" 24 hours) closed or open reduction with internal fixation and 16 had immobilisation in a spica cast. By Delbet's classification, there was one type-I, eight type-II, eight type-III, and one type-IV fractures. There were no complications in 15 patients. Avascular necrosis occurred in one patient (type-III), nonunion in one (type-II, one of the two patients who did not have a cast) and premature physeal closure in one (type-I). There were no cases of infection or complications as a result of the cast. Our treatment of displaced hip fractures in children by early reduction, internal fixation, and immobilisation in a spica cast gave reduced rates of complications compared with that of large published series in the literature.     

Treatment of open ankle fractures. Immediate internal fixation versus closed immobilization and delayed fixation

Thirty-one open ankle fractures were treated over a period of 11 years and retrospectively reviewed with an average follow-up period of 61 months. Fifteen were managed by closed immobilization and delayed internal fixation. Sixteen were treated with immediate open reduction and internal fixation. One case in each group became infected. Functional scores at follow-up examination were the same for both groups. The fractures treated with immediate open reduction and internal fixation showed less impairment of range of motion but had a greater incidence of chronic ankle swelling. The hospitalization time was significantly shorter for the patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of open ankle fractures speed recovery with no greater incidence of infection than encountered with conservative treatment.     

Anatomical and Functional Results Five Years After Remanipulated Colles' Fractures

During 1988 we recorded all Colles' fractures (n = 530) in a prospective study in the city of Bergen. According to defined criteria, the fractures were treated by immobilisation in plaster cast with or without reduction; reduction and immobilisation by a Hoffman external fixation device; or open reduction and internal fixation. Included in the present study were 26 patients with secondary displacement after immobilisation in a plaster cast (8% of the reduced fractures). The fractures were remanipulated and splinted in a new cast for four more weeks. The patients were followed up five years after the fracture, and underwent subjective, radiographic, and functional evaluation. The anatomical end result was significantly improved compared with the initial deformity. The dorsal angulation improved significantly compared with the slipped' position, whereas the radial length did not. The functional end result was excellent or good in 20 patients (77%). The total movement in all directions was correlated negatively with ulna plus, and the grip strength correlated negatively with the degree of osteoarthrosis. There were no other significant linear relationships between anatomical and functional variables. Total pronation and supination correlated with the initial radial length and dorsal angulation, and the total movement in all directions correlated with the initial radial length.     

Open tibial shaft fractures: a comparative analysis of different methods of fixation in southwestern Greece.

A change in the method of managing open-grade-III tibial shaft fractures provided a new opportunity for a comparative study. One series of patients was treated exclusively by internal fixation and compared with another series treated with external fixation solely as well as with a series treated initially by external skeletal fixation and later by "Sarmiento walking plaster." The latter method was found to be a successful treatment and a good alternative to internal fixation for open grade-II and grade-III tibial shaft fractures when soft-tissue healing was completed. The supplementary use of the Sarmiento walking plaster had dramatically decreased the duration of hospital stay, saving the patient from an additional operation. There were no nonunions in this series. In open grade-I-II tibial shaft fractures, the deep infection rate in the cases in which internal fixation was used was significantly higher (5.4%), than that observed in the cases treated with external fixation, in which there was no deep infection. The nonunion rate was higher (22%) in the external fixation group compared with the internal fixation group (9%). The functional impairment of the ankle joint of the affected limb was less (15%) by using internal fixation than that of either the external fixation group (20%) or the group where the external fixation was changed to a Sarmiento walking plaster (35%).     

Displaced intra-articular fractures of distal radius: a comparative evaluation of results following closed reduction, external fixation and open reduction with internal fixation

Fractures of the distal end of the radius are common injuries and are the commonest bony injury around the wrist. Management of these fractures has remained controversial as far as modality of treatment is concerned. In this study 90 adult cases of acute displaced intra-articular fractures of the lower end of the radius were classified according to Frykman's and AO classifications after obtaining radiographs in antero-posterior and lateral planes. These were randomly treated by one of three methods: (1) closed reduction and plaster immobilisation, (2) external fixation and (3) open reduction and internal fixation, and were followed for an average of 4 yr. In the final functional assessment (Sarmiento) the results were (1) plaster 43% good and excellent, 50% fair and 7% poor, (2) external fixator 80% good and excellent, 20% fair and poor results, (3) open reduction and internal fixation 63% good and excellent, 26% fair, 11% poor. We recommend that displaced severely comminuted intra-articular fractures should be treated with an external fixator.     

跟骨关节内骨折切开复位与撬拨复位治疗比较

目的评价跟骨关节内骨折切开复位与撬拨复位的疗效。方法我院自2005年1月至2009年12月收治85例共98足跟骨骨折,成功随访51例58足,其中撬拨复位24足,切开复位34足。按Maryland评分标准进行评价患者术后功能,术后X片Bohler角的恢复情况,患者术后踝关节的活动角度以及VAS疼痛评分法评价患者术后日常生活的自我舒适度。结果随访51例58足,随访率为62．4％;随访时间为3个月～4年,平均23个月。随访时切开复位内固定组及撬拨复位管型石膏固定组Maryland评分、术后踝关节的活动角度以及VAS疼痛评分,各指标比较显示切开复位内固定组均明显优于撬拨复位管型石膏固定组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论对于跟骨关节内骨折,特别是Sanders分型Ⅲ-Ⅳ型患者宜采取切开复位内固定治疗。