Capitellum Fracture Fragment Excision: a Case Series

Background

Fractures of the capitellum are rare injuries, and few studies have reported the results of fragment excision.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to determine range of motion and short-term clinical outcomes for patients treated with capitellum excision.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients with an isolated capitellum fracture who underwent excision as definitive treatment at our institutions. Mechanism of injury, associated elbow injuries, type of capitellum fracture, complications, and postoperative outcomes including final elbow range of motion (ROM), elbow instability, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were recorded.

Results

Four patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. All patients were female with an average age of 69 years (range 42–85). Based on the Bryan and Morrey classification system, three (75%) fractures were classified as type I and one (25%) fracture as type III. The average clinical follow-up was 11 months. Final examination demonstrated a mean elbow range of motion from 14° (range 0–30) of extension to 143° (range 130–160) of flexion. All patients had full forearm rotation, and there was no clinical evidence of elbow instability. The average DASH score was 18.3 (12.5–24.2) at final follow-up.

Conclusion

Excision of the capitellum, much like excision of the radial head, results in acceptable short-term outcome scores and elbow range of motion in patients with fractures that are not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-015-9452-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Augmented osteosynthesis with tensor fascia latae muscle pedicle bone grafting in neglected femoral neck fracture

Background:

Neglected intracapsular femoral neck fracture in young patients may fail to unite because of the excessive shearing strain at the fracture site and it is a surgical challenge to any orthopedic surgeon. The problem is compounded by resorption of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head. There is no satisfactory solution available in the management of femoral neck fracture as far as the union of the fracture and AVN of femoral head are concerned. Muscle pedicle bone grafting has been advocated to provide additional blood supply to the femoral head. We report a retrospective analysis of 48 cases of neglected femoral neck fracture treated by internal fixation and tensor fascia latae based muscle pedicle bone grafting.

Materials and Methods:

48 patients with femoral neck fractures with age varied from 20 to 53 years (average age 32.9 years) with male to female ratio of 2:1 were enrolled. All fractures were more than 3 weeks old with mean delay being 86 days (22–150 days). Open reduction and internal fixation along with tensor fascia latae muscle pedicle bone grafting was done in all cases. It was supplemented by multiple drilling and cortico-cancellous bone grafting. Fracture fixation was done with three parallel 6.5-mm AO cannulated cancellous lag screws and the graft fixed with a 4-mm cancellous screw to provide a secure fixation. During the followup period of 2-6.8 years (average 4.4 years) the results were assessed clinically by modified Harris hip scoring system and radiologically by the evidence of signs of fracture union.

Results:

Union was achieved in 41/48 (85.41%) cases which were followed for an average period of 4.4 years (2–6.8 years) with good functional results and ability to squat and sit cross-legged. Results were assessed according to modified Harris Hip Scoring system and found to be excellent in 19, good in 22, fair in 5, and poor in 2 patients. Complications were nonunion, (n=3) avascular necrosis (n=2), and coxa vara deformity (n=2).

Conclusion:

Internal fixation with muscle pedicle bone grafting is a suitable option to secure union in neglected femoral neck fractures in physiologically active patients with late presentation.     

Closed reduction, internal fixation with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting in displaced femoral neck fracture

Background:

Management of femoral neck fracture is still considered as an unsolved problem. It is more evident in displaced fractures where this fracture is considered as some sort of vascular insult to the head of the femur. We have used closed reduction, internal fixation and quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting in fresh displaced femoral neck fractures.

Materials and Methods:

From April 1996 to December 2004 we operated 73 consecutive patients of displaced femoral neck fracture in the age group of 24 to 81 years, mean age being 54.6 years. The patients were operated within one week of injury, the mean delay being 3.6 days. Closed reduction internal fixation along with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting was done in all cases. They were followed up for an average period of 5.6 years (range 2-11 years).

Results:

Results were assessed according to modified Harris Hip Scoring system and found to be excellent in 53, good in 12, fair in six and poor in two patients. Bony union occurred in 68 cases, no patient developed avascular necrosis (AVN) till date.

Conclusion:

For fresh displaced femoral neck fracture in physiologically active patients closed reduction, internal fixation and quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting is a suitable option to secure union and prevent development of AVN.     

Posterior fixation of type IV humeral capitellum fractures with fully threaded screws in adolescents

Purpose

Humeral capitellum fractures comprise approximately 1% of all elbow fractures. In this study, we examined the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following operative stabilization of Bryan and Morrey type IV fractures of the capitellum in adolescents. We applied headless cannulated screws in a posteroanterior direction without damaging the articular cartilage surface of the fractures.

Methods

Eight adolescent patients (six male, two female) with a mean age of 15 ± 2.1 years (range 13–18 years) were treated for type IV (McKee) humerus capitellum fractures. In the preoperative radiological evaluation, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images were performed. A lateral surgical approach was used, and cannulated fully threaded headless screws were applied in a posteroanterior direction as fixation materials in the fracture reduction. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was used in the evaluation of elbow joint functions.

Results

Patients were followed up for a mean of 24.6 months. Fracture union was achieved at a mean of 5 ± 0.92 weeks (range 4–6 weeks). The mean elbow extension flexion arc was 135° ± 13.47° (range 110°–150º) and the mean pronation supination arc was 156° ± 4.43° (150°–160°). In one patient, there was nonconformity in the humerus trochlea and in another patient, there was keloid formation on the surgical scar. All patients attained excellent results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

Conclusions

In the treatment of type IV capitellum fractures in adolescents, open reduction with a lateral surgical approach and fixation using posteroanterior directed, cannulated, fully threaded, headless screws is a reliable method to achieve a pain-free functional elbow joint.     

Comparison of Kirschner wires and AO cannulated screw internal fixation for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture in children

Purpose

This retrospective study compares Kirschner wires versus 3.5-mm diameter AO cannulated screw internal fixation in treatment for the displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.

Methods

The study included 62 patients (42 boys, 20 girls; mean age 6.93 years; age range two to 14 years) with displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures. All patients were treated by open reduction and Kirschner wires or cannulated screw fixation. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the criteria of Hardacre et al. The mean follow-up period was 39.4 months (range 21–95 months).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in clinical outcome between these two groups (P > 0.05). Five patients (16.7%) developed skin infection around K-wires, while no infection occurred in fracture with screws. An obvious lateral prominence occurred in 11 (36.7%) patients with K-wires and four (12.5%) patients with screws. Nine (30%) patients with K-wires and two (6.3%) patients with screws had a lack of 10° of extension of the elbow compared with the other side.

Conclusion

Both K-wires and cannulated screw fixation are effective in treatment for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture. K-wires can pass through the ossific nucleus of capitulum without damaging it, but a longer period of external fixation and local skin care will be required. The screws can reduce the possibility of lateral prominence and promote the function of elbow by continuously stabilising the fracture, but a second operation is need for screw removal.     

Bone impregnated hip screw in femoral neck fracture: Clinicoradiological results

Background:

Femoral neck fractures are treated either by internal fixation or arthroplasty. Usually, cannulated cancellous screws are used for osteosynthesis of fracture neck of femur. The bone impregnated hip screw (BIHS) is an alternative implant, where osteosyntehsis is required in femoral neck fracture.

Materials and Methods:

The BIHS is a hollow screw with thread diameter 8.3 mm, shank diameter 6.5 mm and wall thickness 2.2 mm and holes in the shaft of the screw with diameter 2 mm, placed in a staggered fashion. Biomechanical and animal experimental studies were done. Clinical study was done in two phases: Phase 1 in a group of volunteers, only with BIHS was used in a pilot study and phase 2 comparative study was done in a group with AO cannulated screws and the other group treated with BIHS.

Results:

In the phase 1 study, out of 15 patients, only one patient had delayed union. In phase 2, there were 78 patients, 44 patients in BIHS showed early union, compared to the rest 34 cases of AO cannulated screws Out of 44 patients with BIHS, 41 patients had an excellent outcome, 2 had nonunions and one implant breakage was noted.

Conclusions:

Bone impregnated hip screw has shown to provide early solid union since it incorporates the biomechanical principles and also increases the osteogenic potential and hence, found superior to conventional cannulated cancellous screw.     

Expandable self-locking nail in the management of closed diaphyseal fractures of femur and tibia

Background:

Intramedullary fixation is the treatment of choice for closed diaphyseal fractures of femur and tibia. The axial and rotational stability of conventional interlocking nails depends primarily on locking screws. This method uses increased operating time and increased radiation exposure. An intramedullary implant that can minimize these disadvantages is obviously better. Expandable intramedullary nail does not rely on interlocking screws and achieves axial and rotational stability on hydraulic expansion of the nail. We analyzed 32 simple fractures of shaft of femur and tibia treated by self-locking expandable nail.

Materials and Methods:

Intramedullary fixation was done by using self-locking, expandable nail in 32 patients of closed diaphyseal fractures of tibia (n = 10) and femur (n = 22). The various modes of injury were road traffic accidents (n = 21), fall from height (n = 8), simple fall (n = 2), and pathological fracture (n = 1). Among femoral diaphyseal fractures 16 were males and six females, average age being 33 yrs (range, 18- 62 yrs). Seventeen patients had AO type A (A1 (n = 3), A2 (n = 4), A3 (n = 10)) and 5 patients had AO type B (B1 (n = 2), B2 (n = 2), B3 (n = 1)) fractures. Eight patients having tibial diaphyseal fractures were males and two were females; average age was 29.2 (range, 18- 55 yrs). Seven were AO type A (A1 (n = 2), A2 (n = 3), A3 (n = 2)) and three were AO type B (B1 (n = 1), B2 (n = 1), and B3 (n = 1)). We performed closed (n = 27) or open reduction (n = 5) and internal fixation with expandable nail to stabilize these fractures. The total radiation exposure during surgery was less as no locking screws were required. Early mobilisation and weight-bearing was started depending on fracture personality and evidences of healing. Absence of localised tenderness and pain on walking was considered clinical criteria for union, radiographic criteria of union being continuity in at least in three cortices in both AP and lateral views. Patients were followed for at least one year.

Results:

The average operative time was 90 min (range, 55-125 min) for femoral fractures and 53 min (range, 25-115 min) for tibial fractures. Radiation exposure was minimum, average being 84 seconds (range, 54-132) for femoral fractures and 54 seconds (range, 36-78) for tibial fractures. All fractures healed, but few had complications, such as infection (one case with tibial fracture) bent femoral nail with malunion (n = 1), and delayed union (n = 3; 2 cases in femur and 1 case in tibia). Mean time of union was 5.1 months (range, 4-10½ months) for femoral fractures and 4.8 months (range, 3-9 months) for tibial fractures.

Conclusion:

We found the nail very easy to use with effective fixation in AO type A and B fractures in our setting. Less surgical time is required with minimum complications. The main advantage of the expandable nail is that if affords. satisfactory axial, rotatory, and bending stability with decreased radiation exposure to operating staff and the patient.     

Biomechanical efficacy of monoaxial or polyaxial pedicle screw and additional screw insertion at the level of fracture, in lumbar burst fracture: An experimental study

Background:

Use of a pedicle screw at the level of fracture, also known as an intermediate screw, has been shown to improve clinical results in managing lumbar fracture, but there is a paucity of biomechanical studies to support the claim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding intermediate pedicle screws at the level of a fracture on the stiffness of a short-segment pedicle fixation using monoaxial or polyaxial screws and to compare the strength of monoaxial and polyaxial screws in the calf spine fracture model.

Materials and Methods:

Flexibility of 12 fresh-frozen calf lumbar spine specimens was evaluated in all planes. An unstable burst fracture model was created at the level of L3 by the pre-injury and dropped-mass technique. The specimens were randomly divided into monoaxial pedicle screw (MPS) and polyaxial pedicle screw (PPS) groups. Flexibility was retested without and with intermediate screws (MPSi and PPSi) placed at the level of fracture in addition to standard screws placed at L2 and L4.

Results:

The addition of intermediate screws significantly increased the stability of the constructs, as measured by a decreased range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, and lateral bending in both MPS and PPS groups (P < 0.05). There was neither any significant difference in the ROM in the spines of the two groups before injury, nor a difference in the ROM between the MPSi and PPSi groups (P > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between MPS and PPS in flexion and extension in the short-segment fixation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The addition of intermediate screws at the level of a burst fracture significantly increased the stability of short-segment pedicle screw fixation in both the MPS and PPS groups. However, in short-segment fixation group, monoaxial pedicle screw exhibited more stability in flexion and extension than the polyaxial pedicle screw.     

Transfracture abduction osteotomy: A solution for nonunion of femoral neck fractures

Background:

Nonunion and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head remains one of the major complications following femoral neck fractures. Despite various surgical techniques and internal fixation devices, the incidence of nonunion and AVN has remained unsolved. Neglected nonunion of femoral neck fracture is common in the developing world. Treatment options include rigid internal fixation with or without bone grafting, muscle pedicle bone graft, valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur with or without bone graft, valgus osteotomy or hip arthroplasty. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cases of nonunion of femoral neck fracture treated by transfracture abduction osteotomy (TFAO).

Materials and Methods:

Over a period of 35 years (1974-2008), 30 patients with nonunion of femoral neck fractures were treated with TFAO over a period of 35 years (1974-2008), All patients were less than 50 years of age. Absence of clinical and radiological signs of union after four months was considered as nonunion. Patients more than 50 years of age were excluded from the study. Union was assessed at 6 months radiologically. Limb length was measured at six months. The mean duration of femoral neck fracture was 19 months (range 4 months 10 years). Results were analyzed in terms of radiological union at six months. Average followup was five years and six months.

Results:

Consistent union was noted at the followup after six months in 29 cases. One case was lost to followup after five and one-half months postoperatively. However, the fracture had united in this case at the last followup. Average shortening of the limb at six months was 1.9 cm. Average neck shaft angle was 127° (range 120-145°). Five cases went into AVN but were asymptomatic. Two cases required reoperation due to back out of Moore''s pins. These were reopened and cancellous screws were inserted in the same tracks.

Conclusions:

Consistent union of nonunion femoral neck fracture was noted at the followup after six months in 29 cases. The major drawback of the procedure is immobilization of the patient in the hip spica for eight weeks.     

Role of intraoperative Iso-C based navigation in challenging spine trauma

Background:

Pedicle screw fixation is the most preferred method of stabilizing unstable spinal fractures. Pedicle screw placement may be difficult in presence of fractured posterior elements, deformed spine, gross instability and spinal pathology. Challenging spine-fracture fixation is defined as the presence of one or more of the following: 1) obscured topographical landmarks as in ankylosing spondylitis, 2) fractures in occipitocervical or cervicothoracic regions and 3) preexisting altered spinal alignment. We report a series of pedicle screw insertion with guidance of navigation in difficult fixation problems..

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen patients [hangman''s fracture (n=3), odontoid fracture (n=4), C1C2 fracture (n=1) and spinal fracture with coexistent ankylosing spondylitis (n=6)] underwent posterior stabilization. Intraoperatively after surgical exposure, images were acquired by Iso-C 3D C-arm and transferred to navigation system. Instrumentation was performed with navigational assistance. Postoperatively, placements of pedicle screws were evaluated with radiographs and CT scan.

Results:

Sixty-seven pedicle screws (cervical, n=33; thoracic, n=6; lumbar, n=26; sacral n=2) and 15 lateral mass screws were inserted with navigation guidance. The average time of image data acquisition by Iso-C 3D C-arm and its transfer to workstation was 4 minutes (range, 2-6 minutes). Postoperative CT scan revealed ideal placement of screws in 63 pedicles (94%), grade 1 cortical breaches (<2 mm) in 3 pedicles (4.5%) and grade 2 cortical breach (2-4 mm) in one pedicle (1.5%). There were no neurovascular complications. Deep infection was encountered in one case, which settled with debridement.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative Iso-C 3D C-arm based navigation is a useful adjunct while stabilizing challenging spinal trauma, rendering feasibility, accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement even in difficult situations.     

Biomechanical evaluation of a transcondylar screw from the dorsolateral plate support on the stabilization of orthogonal plate configuration in distal humeral fracture

Introduction

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures involving both columns require double-plate fixation. In orthogonal plate fixation, screws from the medial plate reach the radial column, while screws from the dorsolateral plate run posterior–anterior, not creating interdigitation. The Synthes LCP-DHP system has an orthogonal plate configuration that enables dorsolateral plating with support, as the radial and ulnar columns are linked via interdigitation of the distal screws. We hypothesized that the transcondylar screw from the posterolateral plate, which interdigitates with screws from the medial plate, enables more rigid stabilization of orthogonal plating in distal humeral AO type C fractures.

A retrospective analysis of loss of reduction in operated supracondylar humerus fractures

Background:

Loss of reduction following closed or open reduction of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children varies widely and is considered dependent on stability of the fracture pattern, Gartland type, number and configuration of pins for fixation, technical errors, adequacy of initial reduction, and timing of the surgery. This study was aimed to evaluate the factors responsible for failure of reduction in operated pediatric supracondylar fracture humerus.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively assessed loss of reduction by evaluating changes in Baumann''s angle, change in lateral rotation percentage, and anterior humeral line in 77 consecutive children who were treated with multiple Kirschner wire fixation and were available for followup. The intraoperative radiographs were compared with those taken immediately after surgery and 3 weeks postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by STATA 10.

Results:

Reduction was lost in 18.2% of the patients. Technical errors were significantly higher in those who lost reduction (P = 0.001; Odds Ratio: 57.63). Lateral pins had a significantly higher risk of losing reduction than cross pins (P = 0.029; Odds Ratio: 7.73). Other factors including stability of fracture configuration were not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusions:

The stability of fracture fixation in supracondylar fractures in children is dependent on a technically good pinning. Cross pinning provides a more stable fixation than lateral entry pins. Fracture pattern and accuracy of reduction were not important factors in determining the stability of fixation.     

Management of ��floating elbow�� in children

Background:

Supracondylar fractures associated with ipsilateral forearm fractures, aptly termed as “floating elbow” is a rare injury in children after a fall from height. The various authors have reported their results with conservative treatment of one or both injuries to aggressive emergency operative fixation of both components.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of three years, the author managed four cases of floating elbow in children. All cases were managed by closed reduction and pinning of both components of the injury.

Results:

All patients recovered full elbow range of motion at three months followup and were rated as excellent as per modified Flynn''s criteria. None of the patients developed cubitus varus deformity, complications related to the pins or delayed union.

Conclusions:

Early closed reduction and K wire fixation of both components of this injury gives better stability and prevents development of complications like compartment syndrome and elbow deformities.     

Comparative study of fresh femoral neck fractures managed by multiple cancellous screws with and without fibular graft in young adults

Objectives

Aim of our study was to assess the role of addition of fibular strut graft to multiple cancellous screws in functional outcome, union and complications associated with those managed by only multiple cancellous screws in fresh femoral neck fractures.

Methods

A randomized control trial study was conducted on the patients of femoral neck fractures managed with multiple cancellous screws (group A) and multiple cancellous screws with fibular graft (group B). Patients aged between 20 and 50 years, having Gardens type III or IV fracture with duration of injury less than two weeks were included in the study.

Results

Eighty seven cases were analysed n = 45 were in group A and n = 42 in group B. Functional outcome (Harris hip score) was excellent in 30 patients in group A as compared to 12 in Group B which was statistically significant favouring group A. The time of full weight bearing, union and non union rates showed no statistical significance (p > 0.05). On statistical grounds none of the procedures proved to be better than other.

Conclusions

Fresh femoral neck fracture in young adults managed with multiple cancellous screws fixation with fibular graft has no added advantage over multiple cancellous screws fixation alone.     

Internal fixation and muscle pedicle bone grafting in femoral neck fractures

Background:

The treatment of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture is still an unsolved problem. Non-union and avascular necrosis are the two main complications of this fracture, especially if patient presents late. Muscle pedicle bone grafting has been advocated to provide additional blood supply. We present analysis of our 32 cases of displaced femoral neck fracture treated by internal fixation and quadratus femoris based muscle pedicle bone grafting.

Materials and Methods:

Open reduction and internal fixation with muscle pedicle grafting was done in 32 patients. The age of patients varied from 14-62 years (average age 45 years) with male to female ratio of 13:3. Twenty-nine fractures were more than three weeks old. All the cases were treated by Meyers'' procedure. The fracture was internally fixed after open reduction and then a muscle pedicle graft was applied. It was supplemented by cancellous bone graft in seven cases. Fixation was done by parallel cancellous lag screws (n = 19), crossed Garden''s screws (n = 7), parallel Asnis screws (n = 5) and Moore''s pin (n = 1).Quadratus femoris muscle pedicle graft was used in 32 cases. In the initial 12 cases the graft was fixed with circumferential proline sutures, but later, to provide a secure fixation, the graft was fixed with a cancellous screw (n = 20). Postoperative full weight bearing was deferred to an average of 10 weeks.

Results:

Union was achieved in 26/29 (89.65%) cases which could be followed for an average period of 3.4 years, (2-8.5 years) with good functional results and had the ability to squat and sit cross-legged. Results were based on hip rating system given by Salvatti and Wilson. The results were excellent in 15 cases, good in four cases, fair in four cases and poor in six cases. Complications were avascular necrosis (n = 2), transient foot drop (n = 2), coxa-vara (n = 1) and temporary loss of scrotal sensation (n = 1).

Conclusion:

Muscle pedicle bone grafting with internal fixation is a viable treatment option in displaced femoral neck fractures with late presentation.     

A reduction clamp for an aiming component in associated acetabular fractures

Background:

The treatment of acetabular fractures is complex and requires specialized equipment. However, all currently available instruments have some disadvantages. A new reduction clamp that can firmly enable reduction and not hinder subsequent fixation procedures for some special fracture types is needed.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we introduce a new acetabular clamp and its preliminary clinical application in three T-shaped acetabular fractures.

Results:

This new clamp can successfully pull the posterior column back to the anterior column and firmly maintain the reduction. This clamp''s aiming plate can facilitate the insertion of long lag screws. The clamp is also easy to assemble and use.

Conclusion:

This reduction clamp is a useful instrument that can facilitate open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures.     

Percutaneous fixation with Schanz screws for displaced two- and three- part fractures of the proximal humerus in patients above fifty years of age

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether two 3.0 mm Schanz screws in two-part proximal humeral fractures (plus one additional Schanz screw or K wire in three-part fractures) can provide enough stability to allow early mobilization until healing occurs in elderly patients.

Settings and Design:

This prospective study was performed in the Orthopaedic Department of our University Hospital.

Patients and Methods:

We performed closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for thirty-three patients with proximal humerus fractures. Twenty-seven patients were available for the final follow-up. Of those 27 patients, 17 had two-part surgical neck fractures; while 10 had three-part fractures. For fixation, we used two 3.0 mm Schanz screws in patients with two-part fractures plus one additional Schanz screw or K wire in the 10 patients with three-part fractures.

Results:

The mean Constant score modified according to the age and sex was 89.8% (range: 77.3-97.2%). Fifteen patients had excellent results, 11 patients had good results, and one patient had a fair result.

Conclusion:

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with two Schanz screws for two-part surgical neck humeral fractures, plus an additional Schanz screw or K wire for three-part proximal humeral fractures is a useful and effective technique that provides enough stability to allow an early rehabilitation program till union occurs in elderly patients.

Level of Evidence:

IV; therapeutic study, case series.     

Early results of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning

Background:

Displaced supracondylar fractures are notorious for difficulty in reduction, maintenance of reduction and frequent involvement of neurovascular structures. No general agreement on the treatment is evident with controversy prevailing regarding the ideal timing of surgery, method of maintenance of reduction and configuration of the pin fixation. A crossed pin configuration, though believed by some to be mechanically more stable than the lateral pins alone, has the risk of ulnar nerve injury due to the medial pin. Lateral pins alone impart less rotational stability to the fracture although it has been attributed mainly to technical errors of pin placement. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of treatment of this fracture using one lateral and one trans-olecranon K-wires or lateral entry K-wires alone.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety cases of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 6.7 years (range 3–12 years). The male/female ratio was 5:1 and left side was involved in 70% whereas 30% had right sided injuries. The most common mode of trauma was fall from height with elbow in extension. All the 90 consecutively admitted patients had extension type injury with 73.3% fractures being Gartland type III and 26.7% were type II. Posteromedial displacement was noted in 70% whereas 30% fractures were posterolaterally displaced. In 60 cases, lateral entry wires alone were used whereas, in 30 cases, one lateral and another transolecranon transarticular K-wire was used. K-wires were removed at 3 weeks postoperatively and followup was done at 6 weeks and 12 weeks when they were evaluated according to the criteria described by Flynn. Chi-square test was used as a statistical test of significance to compare results among different variables.

Results:

Results were graded according to Flynn''s criteria. Excellent results were achieved in 12 (13.3%), good in 54 (60%), fair in 15 (16.7%) while in nine patients (10%) poor results were obtained.

Conclusions:

Both lateral entry K-wires and lateral-trans-olecranon wire techniques provide stable fixation when observing the guidelines for wire placement and consistently satisfactory results can be obtained, both cosmetically and functionally with both the techniques.     

Lateral malleolus hook plate for comminuted Weber A and B fractures: A retrospective study

Background:

The goal of managing the comminuted fracture of lateral malleolus is to restore length, rotation and alignment which might be more challenging with extensive comminution around the area of the distal tip. The common osteosynthesis techniques such as the one-third tubular plate, tension band wiring, K-wires, screws, or intramedullary nail may be insufficient in cases with a comminuted lateral malleolus. The anatomical hook plate is an alternative implant in such cases. We present our results of the comminuted lateral malleolar fractures (Weber A, B), managed by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with an anatomical hook plate of lateral malleolus (Königsee Implant Company, Germany).

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients of comminuted fracture of distal lateral malleolus between 2008 and 2010. There were 12 males and 8 females, right side was involved in 18 patients and left in 2. The mean age was 51.9 years (range 18-75 years). The fractures were categorized by Denis-Weber classification type A (n=1), B1 (n=1), B2 (n=13) and B3 (n=5). Nineteen cases were of closed injury and one of open injury (Gustilo Anderson type II). These patients underwent ORIF with a lateral malleolus anatomical hook plate. Followup including radiographs and clinical examinations were performed. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scores were documented at followups.

Results:

The mean followup was 21.4 months (range 16-27 months). The average AOFAS score was 94.3 (range 78-100) points. A stable anatomic reduction and bony union were obtained in all the cases. The average time was 3.1 months (range 2.5-4 months). Four cases had complications like posttraumatic osteoarthritis, hardware impingement and superficial wound infection.

Conclusion:

A reasonably good stability can be obtained in distal most comminuted fractures of lateral malleolus with a lateral malleolus anatomical hook plate. We believe this method to be a reasonable treatment option for a distal lateral comminuted malleolar fracture when other common fixations are insufficient to fix the fragments.     

Triangular Fixation Technique for Bicolumn Restoration in Treatment of Distal Humerus Intercondylar Fracture

Background

Distal humerus intercondylar fractures are intra-articular and comminuted fractures involving soft tissue injury. As distal humerus is triangle-shaped, parallel plating coupled with articular fixation would be suitable for bicolumn restoration in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture.

Methods

This study included 38 patients (15 males and 23 females) who underwent olecranon osteotomy, open reduction and internal fixation with the triangle-shaped cannulated screw and parallel locking plates (triangular fixation technique). Functional results were assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Mayo elbow performance (MEP) scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs were assessed for reduction, alignment, fracture union, posttraumatic arthrosis, and heterotopic ossification, and computed tomography (CT) scans were used to obtain more accurate measurements of articular discrepancy.

Results

All fractures healed primarily with no loss of reduction. The mean VAS, MEP, and DASH scores of the affected elbow were not significantly different from those of the unaffected elbow (p = 0.140, p = 0.090, and p = 0.262, respectively). The mean degree of flexion was significantly lower in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow, but was still considered as functional (p = 0.001, > 100° in 33 of 38 patients). Two cases of articular step-offs (> 2 mm) were seen on follow-up CT scans, but not significantly higher in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow (p = 0.657). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only Association for Osteosynthesis (AO) type C3 fractures correlated with good/excellent functional outcome (p = 0.012). Complications occurred in 12 of the 38 patients, and the overall reoperation rate for complications was 10.5% (4 of 38 patients).

Conclusions

Triangular fixation technique for bicolumn restoration was an effective and reliable method in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture. This technique maintained articular congruency and restored both medial and lateral columns, resulting in good elbow function.