Pilon fractures. Treatment protocol based on severity of soft tissue injury

One hundred seven pilon fractures in 107 patients were treated according to a staged prospective protocol. All pilon fractures were stabilized immediately by the application of calcaneal traction. Open fractures or fractures in patients with multiple injuries were stabilized with traveling traction that was applied in the operating room. A distraction computed tomography scan was obtained before definitive treatment. Treatment groups were based on the degree of soft tissue compromise. Forty-one patients with Tscherne Grade 0 or Grade I injuries underwent open reduction and internal fixation (open plating) using contemporary techniques and low-profile implants. Sixty-four patients with Tscherne Grade II and Grade III closed injuries and all patients with open fractures underwent definitive treatment with limited open reduction and stabilization using small wire circular external fixators. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at an average 4.9 years after injury. For all fracture types (AO classification), 81% of the patients who were treated with external fixation and 75% of the patients who were treated with open plating had good or excellent results. For severe fracture patterns (Type C), patients in both groups had significantly poorer results than patients with Types A and B fractures. The patients in the open plating group had a significantly higher rate of nonunion, malunion, and severe wound complications compared with the patients who received external fixation for Type C fracture patterns. Because of the increased incidence of bony and soft tissue complications when treating open or closed Type C fractures, use of limited exposures and stabilization with small wire circular external fixators is recommended.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius

Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common problems treated by orthopaedic surgeons. The managementof unstable fractures is now almost routinely surgical, and multiple techniques have been developed to accomplish this including pins and plaster, external fixation, and internal fixation. Recent studies and classification systems have stressed the importance of identification of specific fracture fragments. Given that the goal of operative management of the fracture is an anatomic reduction and stable fixation, open reduction and internal fixation has been utilized recently to a greater degree. This allows direct reduction of the fracture with a stable construct. Advantages over external fixation or pins and plaster include a more anatomic reduction, establishment of early range of motion, and avoidance of complications associated with external pins. A dorsal or volar approach can be employed depending on fracture pattern and associated bony or soft tissue injuries. A variety of plating systems are now available, many of which are contoured specifically for the distal radius. Results of open reduction and internal fixation for distal radius fractures have generally shown greater than 80% good results. Complications can also occur including tenosynovitis, tendon rupture, and carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Humeral shaft split fracture around proximal humeral locking plates: a report of two cases

Locking plates increasingly are being used in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures. Such devices provide multiple fixed- angle anchorage points and improve fracture fixation stability in weak bone. We report two cases of early proximal humeral fracture fixation failure in osteoporotic bone by humeral shaft "fissure" or split fracture after open reduction and internal fixation with locking proximal humeral plates and screws. Each patient failed early in the postoperative period and was revised to fixation with compression plating techniques, with uneventful union.     

手术治疗跟骨塌陷性骨折

目的　评估跟骨塌陷性骨折手术治疗的效果。方法　 1996年 5月～ 2 0 0 0年 6月共手术治疗跟骨塌陷性骨折 15例 ,8例内固定 ,7例植骨 ,平均随访 14个月 ,参照AOFAS评分对患者有否疼痛、步态、距下关节活动 ,是否支架辅助、术后X线照片等加以评估。结果　两组结果无明显差异。 2例手术切口皮缘坏死 ,6例疗效为优 ,9例为良。结论　跟骨塌陷性骨折手术解剖复位能取得好的效果     

Temporary bridge plating of the medial column in severe midfoot injuries

Severe crush injuries to the midfoot often involve comminuted cuneiform or tarsal navicular fractures. Treatment principles for the bony injury of the crushed midfoot include maintenance of the medial column length and alignment, as well as appropriate stable fixation after open or closed fracture reductions. This is especially important because outcomes after midfoot injuries are related to the stability of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Treatment options include closed reduction and isolated K-wire fixation, limited open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires, screw fixation directed from the navicular to the cuneiforms, spanning external fixation between the talus and the first metatarsal, or combinations of these techniques. Limited internal fixation combined with external fixation may be difficult or impossible in comminuted fractures secondary to the small size and large number of bony fragments. Also, the external fixator is a potential source of pin tract infections. We propose a temporary internal bridge plating technique of the medial column of the foot using an 8- to 10-hole, 2.7-mm reconstruction plate between the talar neck and the first metatarsal, which may provide adequate temporary internal stabilization until bony healing occurs.     

Stabilization of acetabular fractures in elderly patients.

Eighteen patients who were sixty years or older and had an acute displaced fracture of the acetabulum were managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The average age of the patients was sixty-seven years (range, sixty to eighty-one years). Nine fractures were a result of a motor-vehicle accident, and nine occurred in a fall. Nine patients had multiple associated injuries, and most (sixteen patients) had other complex acetabular fractures. All of the patients had open reduction and internal fixation with either the ilioinguinal approach (thirteen patients) or the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (five patients). All patients were managed postoperatively with early mobilization and physical therapy. All fractures united, and only one patient had a partial loss of reduction. Four patients who had a concentric reduction had a gap of as much as three millimeters in the articular surface due to comminution of the fracture. The complications included two pulmonary emboli, which resolved with anticoagulation, and one undetected intra-articular fragment, which led to an additional operation. No infections or iatrogenic nerve injuries were noted. Seventeen of the eighteen patients were followed for at least two years (average, thirty-one months). These patients had an average Harris hip-score of 90 points postoperatively. The treatment was regarded as having failed in only one patient. Open reduction and internal fixation of selected displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly can yield good results and may obviate the need for early and often difficult total hip arthroplasty.     

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.     

Fractures of the forearm resulting from low-velocity gunshot wounds.

Thirty-seven extraarticular fractures of the forearm resulting from low-velocity gunshot injuries were treated by cast immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plates. All patients received 72 h of intravenous antibiotics. There were 14 isolated ulna fractures, 17 isolated radius fractures, and six both-bone (radius and ulna) fractures. Cast immobilization was used in 22 of 23 nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures and eight of 14 displaced fractures. The remaining seven fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All fractures united within 16 weeks of injury regardless of the method of treatment. Poor clinical results related to the fracture occurred in six patients, five of whom were treated by cast immobilization. Fourteen patients had nerve palsies; eight resolved spontaneously and six had permanent neurologic deficits. There were two compartment syndromes and one ulnar artery transection. There were no infections. We conclude that displaced fractures of the radius, and both bone fractures, are best treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All patients should be closely monitored for 24 h for compartment syndrome, regardless of the fracture type or pattern. Early dynamic splinting is important when associated nerve injuries are present.     

Salvage of failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Most intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with internal fixation heal. If nonunion or early loss of fracture fixation occurs, treatment options include prosthetic replacement and revision internal fixation. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the results of revision internal fixation and bone grafting for salvage of failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Between 1981 and 2000, 20 patients with 20 intertrochanteric fractures who had initial internal fixation that failed were treated with revision open reduction and internal fixation and bone grafting. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range, 21-86 years). The mean clinical followup was 27 months (range, 3-120 months), and mean radiographic followup was 22 months (range, 3-120 months). Eleven patients were treated with an angled blade plate (seven, 95 degrees; two, 90 degrees; one, 110 degrees; and one, Harris blade plate), five with a dynamic hip screw, three with a dynamic condylar screw, and one with a Zickel nail. Autograft bone was used in 17 patients and allograft bone was used in three patients. Nineteen of 20 nonunions healed (95%). Sixteen of the 19 patients who achieved healing reported no pain and three had mild pain (related to retained hardware); all were ambulatory. Two patients had perioperative complications (10%): one wound dehiscence, and one severe hyponatremia. In properly selected patients, revision internal fixation with bone grafting for failed open reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures can provide a high rate of union and good clinical results with a low rate of complications.     

The management of tibial fractures in acute spinal cord injury patients

Of 34 tibia fractures in 28 acute spinal cord injuries, 13 patients had complete and 15 had incomplete neurologic lesions. Tibia fractures were divided into three groups: Group I, nonoperative treatment; Group II, early open reduction and internal fixation; and Group III, Type III open injuries. Group I included 17 fractures, of which nine (53%) had delayed union, malunion, or nonunion. The average time to union was 6.5 months. Seven patients had pressure sores and pulmonary emboli. Eleven fractures were noted in Group II. One delayed union (9%), one superficial wound infection that healed uneventfully, and one deep vein thrombosis were noted. The average time to union was 12 weeks. All six Group III tibias had delayed and nonunions, regardless of treatment. Nonoperative fractures healed at a prolonged rate, while open reduction and internal fixation enhanced the rate and time to union. Fractures treated with early open reduction and internal fixation, excluding Group III patients, had the least orthopedic and medical complications. Open reduction and internal fixation is a justifiable alternative to nonoperative treatment in the uncomplicated tibia fracture regardless of neurologic lesion for improved medical and fracture care.     

Indirect reduction and bridge plating of supracondylar fractures of the femur

Between October 1995 and December 1998, 16 patients with A-O type A3, C2 or C3 supracondylar femoral fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using indirect reduction and bridge plating. Seven (44%) patients had open fractures. The patients were followed for a mean of 46 months (range 24-71). All fractures healed. The average time for fracture healing was 18.5 weeks (range 12-28). Four primary bone grafts and three secondary bone grafts were performed. By using the modified Schatzker rating scale, the result of 13 patients (81%) were rated as excellent or good. Complications included two implant failures that were due to full weight bearing before bone healing, and one superficial delayed wound healing. No deep infections were found in this series. The open fracture group needed longer time to heal and had a higher rate of receiving bone grafts. We conclude that indirect reduction and bridge plating with a 95 degrees dynamic condylar screw (DCS) or condylar blade plate can produce favourable results for complex distal femoral fractures. We suggest primary bone grafts or early secondary bone grafts for comminuted open fractures using an indirect reduction technique.     

Treatment of complex tibial periarticular fractures using percutaneous techniques

Open reduction and internal fixation typically is reserved for the treatment of patients with articular or periarticular tibia fractures, or other tibial injuries that are treated inadequately with intramedullary nailing. This approach can result in extensive dissection and tissue devitalization. By modifying the method of fixation, the plating of tibial fractures has been expanded using a percutaneous technique. Using this approach, the fracture is reduced indirectly and plates are placed through subcutaneous or submuscular tunnels through limited incisions. Between 1992 and 1998, 17 patients with tibial shaft fractures and associated severe soft tissue injury, were treated using a percutaneous plating technique. Followup was available in 14 patients. Six patients required bone grafting procedures for delayed union or nonunion, although four of these patients had significant bone loss related to their injury. There were no malunions. Three patients had superficial infections related to external fixator pin sites and one patient had osteomyelitis develop. Percutaneous plating of the tibia offers an alternative method for stabilizing complex fractures with severely compromised soft tissues, especially those injuries with periarticular extension. This technique is thought to cause no increase in the risk of infection or soft tissue damage and permits rapid mobilization of the limb and patient. When using this treatment for patients with significant bone loss, bone grafting should be considered.     

Reduction and temporary stabilization of Tile C pelvic ring injuries using a posteriorly based external fixation system

Tile C pelvic ring injuries are challenging to manage even in the most experienced hands. The majority of such injuries can be managed using percutaneous reduction techniques, and the posterior ring can be stabilized using percutaneous transiliac–transsacral screw fixation. However, a subgroup of patients present with inadequate bony corridors, significant sacral zone 2 comminution or significant lateral/vertical displacement of the hemipelvis through a complete sacral fracture. Percutaneous strategies in such circumstances can be dangerous. Those patients may benefit from prone positioning and open reduction of the sacral fracture with fixation through tension band plating or lumbo-pelvic fixation. Soft tissue handling is critical, and direct reduction techniques around the sacrum can be difficult due to the complex anatomy and the fragile nature of the sacrum making clamp placement and tightening a challenge. In this paper, we propose a mini-invasive technique of indirect reduction and temporary stabilization, which is soft tissue friendly and permits maintenance of reduction during definitive fixation surgical.     

儿童严重型肱骨髁上骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨儿童严重型肱骨髁上骨折的手术治疗及其疗效评价. 方法 回顾性分析2001年6月至2006年6月手术治疗的316例儿童严重型肱骨髁上骨折,男215例,女101例,年龄1～14岁,平均7岁.左侧167例,右侧149例.全部采用切开复位克氏针内固定,术后石膏固定,2～4周后进行功能训练. 结果 随访316例,随访时间6个月～5年,平均2年10个月.按Flynn标准对术后肘关节功能恢复情况进行评价:优253例,良34例,可25例,差4例,优良率90.8%.发生肘内翻27例. 结论 儿童严重型肱骨髁上骨折手法复位失败、开放性骨折、神经血管损伤及影响肘关节功能等严重病例应采用手术治疗,解剖复位骨折断端、克氏针内固定,术后早期进行肘关节功能锻炼,对于提高手术治疗效果、防止或减少肘内翻畸形等并发症的发生有重要意义.     

Fractures of the distal tibia: minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Unstable fractures of the distal tibia that are not suitable for intramedullary nailing are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation and/or external fixation, or treated non-operatively. Treatment of these injuries using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques may minimise soft tissue injury and damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. We report the results of 20 patients treated by MIPO for closed fractures of the distal tibia. Their mean age was 38.3 years (range: 17-71 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO system, and intra-articular extensions according to Rüedi and Allg?wer. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 12 weeks (range: 8-20 weeks) and to union was 23 weeks (range: 18-29 weeks), without need for further surgery. There was one malunion, no deep infections and no failures of fixation. MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia, avoiding the complications associated with more traditional methods of internal fixation and/or external fixation.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of tibial pilon fractures

Although it is evident that the fracture of the tibial plafond is a complex, often debilitating injury, its management is not clear. These injuries generally fall into one of two categories. The low-energy, rotational type of fracture has been shown to have excellent clinical and functional results with open reduction and internal fixation. The high-energy, compression type of fracture has had uniformly moderate results and historically high complication rates. Some authors think that bridging external fixation with or without limited internal fixation should be employed in high-energy fractures. Others believe that open reduction and internal fixation to avoid articular incongruence and development of axial malalignment is needed for good long-term outcome. The authors believe the latter. Staging the treatment of the patient can minimize development of soft tissue complications. The authors follow the recommendations of Patterson and Sirkin and believe that high-energy pilon fractures should be temporized with an external fixator with or without fibular plating to restore length. Any open would should be addressed at this time. Definitive fixation should be planned for between 10 and 14 days, by which time the soft tissue envelop is likely to be ready to accept the further insult of surgery. The surgical technique should be well planned for and include the use of meticulous soft tissue techniques and indirect reduction methods. With the proper attention to detail, long-term results will be maximized.     

Treatment of fractures about hip prostheses with compression plating.

Between 1984 and 1986, 10 patients who sustained a femur fracture about a hip prosthesis were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using compression plating. Nine of the 10 fractures healed in an average time of 5 months. Other than one nonunion, no significant complications were noted. Follow-up study, ranging from 13 to 44 months (average, 26 months), was obtained on all 10 patients. One had a loose femoral component, which was attributed to inadequate stem size. None of the other patients had either clinical or radiographic evidence of loosening. Based on Harris hip scores, there was no indication that plating significantly interfered with hip function. The authors believe that these results demonstrate that plating can be an effective method of treating femoral fractures about hip prostheses.     

髋关节骨折脱位22例报告

作者在1987年1月至1994年3月间收治髋关节骨折脱位22例,占同期收治62例髋关节后脱位的34.9%.按改良的Stward分型,Ⅰ型2列,Ⅱ型5例,Ⅲ型4例,Ⅳ型6例,Ⅴ型5例.新鲜伤16例,陈旧伤6例.均为闭合性.误漏诊3例.对Ⅰ、Ⅲ型采取保守治疗;对Ⅱ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ型大部分采取手术治疗.其中16例随访平均3年8个月,疗效11例满意,3例基本满意,2例不满意,满意与基本满意率为87.5%.对髋关节骨折脱位的分型、治疗方法及内固定方法进行了讨论,主张有选择和有节制的手法复位,手法复位失败及陈旧性者采取早期切开复位及内固定.介绍一种可吸收性聚乙交酯(SR—PGA)螺钉及固定棒治疗股骨头骨折,认为此种可吸收性材料不需二次手术取出,对关节内骨折经软骨内固定具有特殊的优越性.     

Isolated ulnar shaft fractures: Retrospective study of 46 cases

Retrospectively, we reviewed the treatment and outcome of 46 isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft. Of 18 fractures treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation, one open fracture became infected and failed to unite. Of 28 fractures treated closed, seven failed to unite. The factors prognostic of nonunion in closed treated fractures were (1) fracture in the proximal third of the ulna and (2) displacement 5 mm or more. In such cases, we recommend internal fixation.     

Isolated ulnar shaft fractures. Retrospective study of 46 cases

Retrospectively, we reviewed the treatment and outcome of 46 isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft. Of 18 fractures treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation, one open fracture became infected and failed to unite. Of 28 fractures treated closed, seven failed to unite. The factors prognostic of nonunion in closed treated fractures were (1) fracture in the proximal third of the ulna and (2) displacement 5 mm or more. In such cases, we recommend internal fixation.