Fractures of the distal radius. Current concepts for treatment

The authors review the treatment of fractures of the distal radius, based on their experience and from data in the literature. The choice of a treatment for any given fracture must take into account first of all the stability of the fracture. The best results are achieved in stable fractures. Only minimally displaced distal radius fractures can be treated functionally. However, a plaster cast for one week is indicated for the comfort of the patient. In displaced but stable fractures both closed reduction and percutaneous fixation are indicated. In case of closed reduction, the plaster cast should be applied for 5 to 6 weeks with an above-elbow cast for 3 weeks. Percutaneous fixation gives the best results in extraarticular fractures in younger patients. Because of its simplicity however, it should not be ignored in the elderly osteoporotic patients. In the authors' experience, both techniques were only used for extraarticular fractures. Good and excellent results were found in the closed reduction and plaster cast group in 74% of the patients; the Kapandji technique gave 75% good and excellent results. These results are in line with other findings which show that, for simple fracture types, the Kapandji technique and closed reduction seem to give similar results. External fixation is widely used for intra-articular comminuted fractures. Dynamic external fixation does not show any advantage over static devices. Additional K-wires or bone grafting may be necessary. External fixation gives superior results to plate and screw fixation. Internal fixation should be reserved for fractures with ventral comminution or severe displacement with unacceptable reduction by closed or minimally invasive techniques.     

Treatment of supracondylar fractures following prosthetic arthroplasty of the knee

Fifteen supracondylar fractures of the femur in patients with ipsilateral total knee arthroplasties were treated between 1975 and 1982. Three groups were identified for analyzation of treatment and end result. The average follow-up period after fracture was 18 months, with a range of ten to 48 months. Group I had four patients treated by closed reduction, cast immobilization, and early weight-bearing. At follow-up evaluation, three had a decrease in knee rating score, and one required a corrective osteotomy. Group II had eight patients treated by traction followed by cast or cast-brace immobilization. Four patients had a decrease in the knee rating because of malunion or loss of motion, and there was one nonunion requiring surgical treatment. Group III had three patients treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. All three groups had functional arthroplasties following union of the fracture. Closed reduction and skeletal traction are recommended for the initial treatment. Open reduction and internal fixation, when technically feasible, is recommended when closed reduction and skeletal traction cannot maintain satisfactory alignment.     

Cast brace treatment of proximal tibia fractures. A ten-year follow-up study

The long-term outcome of tibial plateau fractures treated by cast bracing was observed in 29 patients sustaining 30 tibial plateau fractures more than ten years after injury. Clinical and roentgenographic evaluation was performed and showed 61% good results overall. Range of motion averaged 117 degrees. Iowa knee score averaged 71 of 100 possible points. Thirty-two percent of the patients developed moderate or severe roentgenographic posttraumatic degenerative arthritis. Minimally displaced fractures were observed to do very well clinically without roentgenographic evidence of degenerative joint disease after a ten-year follow-up period. Seventy percent of displaced bicondylar fractures developed degenerative joint disease in clinical and roentgenographic evaluation. Cast bracing of minimally displaced fractures gave satisfactory results, whereas cast bracing of more complex fractures produced variable functional results.     

Percutaneous stabilization of unstable fractures of the humerus.

Forty-eight of fifty-four patients who had had closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of an unstable fracture of the proximal end of the humerus were available for clinical and roentgenographic follow-up at an average of three years (range, two to seven years) after the operation. According to the point-scale of Saillant et al., the result was good or excellent in thirty-four patients, fair in ten, and poor in four. Four patients had loss of fixation and had repeat fixation with percutaneous pinning after a second closed reduction. Only one of them had a poor result because of malunion. Four patients had a superficial pin-track infection and loosening of pins, one patient had a deep infection, and two had a non-union. Complete avascular necrosis with collapse of the humeral head developed in only two patients. However, eight patients had localized avascular necrosis with transient cyst formation and sclerosis in the humeral head that resolved over one to two years; these were thought to represent subtotal avascular necrosis. Although closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a technically demanding procedure, it offered results in our patients that were comparable with or superior to those after previously described operative methods for the treatment of unstable fractures of the proximal end of the humerus.     

Surgical treatment of avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament and postoperative management

BACKGROUND: Avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament have long been regarded as rare injuries. In the past, it was common practice to use cast immobilization as an external adjunct after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures. METHODS: Sixteen patients with displaced avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament were treated with open reduction and internal fixation between August 1989 and July 1993. Malleolar screws were chosen as fixation devices in 14 patients. In the other two, pull-through sutures were used because the size of the fractured fragments was too small to obtain purchase of screws. The postoperative management protocol evolved from an initial regimen of 6 weeks' immobilization in a cast with the knee flexed to 40 degrees for the first five patients (group I), to 4 weeks' immobilization in a cast for the next six patients (group II), to the present protocol of immediate postoperative range of motion (40-70 degrees) with muscle-strengthening exercises in a functional brace for the last five patients (group III). The average follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24-58 months). Hughston's criteria were used to assess the clinical results. RESULTS: Overall, there were 12 (75%) good and 4 fair (25%) results. There was no poor result. CONCLUSION: Avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament should be treated with open reduction and stable internal fixation if any displacement is seen on initial radiographs at presentation. With the use of functional brace and aggressive postoperative rehabilitation program (i.e., immediate range of motion of 40-70 degrees with muscle-strengthening exercises), satisfactory results can be expected and achieved.     

Flexion-type supracondylar elbow fractures in children.

SUMMARY: Flexion-type supracondylar elbow fractures are uncommon in children. Minimally displaced fractures were treated in plaster cast in 7 children, and 22 children with a displaced fracture were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Results after an average follow-up of 6.3 years showed that the treatment of choice yielded excellent or good results in 86.2% of the patients. All patients were satisfied with the end result and had normal use of their elbow.     

经皮空心钉治疗纵行髌骨骨折

目的探讨闭合复位经皮空心钉治疗纵行移位髌骨骨折的疗效。方法采用闭合复位经皮空心螺钉内固定治疗21例纵行髌骨骨折患者,术后早期功能锻炼。结果失访4例,17例获得随访,时间12~24个月。无螺钉松动、断裂、骨折分离、感染及排斥反应等并发症。患者术后膝关节屈曲0°~135°。采用Bostman髌骨骨折功能评分标准:优15例,良2例。结论闭合复位经皮螺钉固定治疗纵行髌骨骨折操作简单,创伤小,固定牢靠,恢复快,疗效满意。     

Anterior and posterior marginal fracture-dislocations of the distal radius. An analysis of the results of treatment

Anterior and posterior marginal fractures of the distal end of the radius associated with dislocation of the carpus are rare injuries. The results of 20 patients with 12 anterior and eight posterior marginal fracture-dislocations of the distal radius were reviewed. Eleven patients had closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization, including three with external fixation, while nine patients required surgery and internal fixation. At a mean of 3.2 years, 40% were rated as excellent, 45% as good, 5% as fair, and 10% as poor. There was roentgenographic evidence of posttraumatic arthritis in 13 patients (65%). Major factors affecting the clinical results were accurate articular realignment and the presence of ipsilateral carpal injuries. There were no significant differences in results between anterior and posterior marginal fractures or between closed or operative methods of treatment when the radiocarpal articular surface was restored to less than 1 mm residual displacement. Restoration of articular congruency is the primary goal of management of these fractures.     

Korreliert der Grad der Dislokation mit dem Therapieverfahren bei suprakondylären Humerusfrakturen im Kindesalter?

Hundred and twenty-eight supracondylar fractures of the humerus were studied retrospetively after an follow-up time of 4.3 years (1 to 17.8 years). In 87 cases (68%) the operative procedure was the closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pin fixation for 19 fractures type III (56%), 22 fractures type II (76%) and 46 fractures type I (85%), whereas 41 fractures were treated by open reduction and crossed-pin fixation. The findings were evaluated according to “Flynn’s criteria” leading to the following results: “excellent” 77 times (60.2%), “good” 44 times (34.4%) “fair” 3 times (2.3%) and “poor” 4 times (3.1%). Our results show that with approximately 50% of all fractures type III the treatment by closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pin fixation leads to a very good long-term result. On the other hand, rotated or interponated fractures type I and II require an open reduction and crossed-pin fixation. Independent of the type of fracture, the closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pin fixation should always be taken into consideration. Exceptions are open fractures and those with multiple fragments.     

两种手术方法治疗Bennett骨折

目的：评价闭合复位经皮克氏针固定与微型钢板固定治疗Bennett骨折的临床疗效。方法2010年2月-2013年5月,对36例Bennett骨折患者采取闭合复位经皮克氏针固定和微型钢板内固定手术治疗,术后参照拇指腕掌关节功能评定标准进行疗效评定。结果本组优13例,良20例,可3例,优良率为91.7%,疗效满意。结论闭合复位经皮克氏针固定与微型钢板固定治疗临床效果均好,可有效降低术后关节疼痛、活动受限和创伤性关节炎的发生,是治疗Bennett骨折的有效方法。     

Treatment of flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children

PURPOSE: To assess the results of treatment for flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children. METHODS: The treatment of 14 children with flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture was reviewed. Severity was classified according to the Gartland system for extension-type fractures. Type-I fractures were treated with immobilisation in an extension cast. For type-II and -III fractures, closed reduction was first attempted followed by percutaneous pinning. If closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation was performed. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for at least one year (range, 14-36 months). Treatment results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 4, fair in 3, and poor in none. Patients were pain-free and satisfied and none suffered any activity restriction. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a good treatment option for type-II and -III flexion-type supracondylar humeral fractures.     

多方向不稳定的儿童肱骨髁上骨折的治疗

目的探讨急诊手术内固定治疗多方向不稳定的儿童肱骨髁上骨折的疗效。方法对26例多方向不稳定肱骨髁上骨折患儿采用闭合或切开复位克氏针内固定,术后肘关节屈曲20°～40°位石膏托固定3周后逐步进行功能锻炼。结果26例均得到随访,时间12～50个月,26例均临床愈合,骨折愈合时间4～6周。肘关节功能评价：优23例,良2例,可1例。无畸形愈合、感染、活动受限等并发症发生。结论闭合复位克氏针内固定是治疗多方向不稳定的儿童肱骨髁上骨折的有效方法,尽早复位及稳定固定骨折端,可有效减少或避免并发症的发生,利于肢体功能的恢复。     

闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折

目的：观察闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折的临床疗效。方法对采用闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗的12例新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折患者进行随访,采用修订后Mayo腕关节评分标准对临床效果进行评价。结果所有患者均获得随访,随访时间13~23个月（平均15个月）,无感染、螺钉松动、过敏排斥反应及关节炎的发生。所有患者骨折均愈合,骨折愈合时间为8~14周,平均10周。按修订后Mayo腕关节评分标准：优7例,良4例,可1例,优良率91.7%。结论闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折,具有操作简单,固定可靠,并发症少及能早期进行功能锻炼等优点。     

Cast immobilization versus percutaneous pin fixation of displaced distal radius fractures in children: a prospective, randomized study

Thirty-four patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized study comparing cast immobilization alone versus percutaneous pin fixation following closed reduction of distal radial metaphyseal fractures. Patients older than 10 years of age with greater than 30 degrees of dorsal angulation or with complete fracture displacement were eligible for enrollment. Average follow-up was 10.5 weeks. All fractures healed uneventfully without deformity, growth arrest, or functional limitations. Overall complication rates were similar between groups. Thirty-nine percent of patients treated with casting had subsequent loss of reduction requiring remanipulation; there were no cases of loss of reduction in patients treated with pin fixation. Thirty-eight percent of patients treated with pin fixation had pin-related complications; all resolved following pin removal without long-term sequelae. Cost analysis showed no significant difference in treatment charges between groups. Treating surgeons should be aware of the potential short-term complications of each treatment method and adjust their postoperative care appropriately.     

Evaluation of surgical stabilization of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of hand

Background:

Optimized functional results are difficult to achieve following hand injuries. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome after surgical stabilization of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five fractures of digits of hand in 31 patients were managed by surgical stabilization. Five fractures were fixed with closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation; 10 with external fixator; 26 with open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation; and four with open reduction and plate and screw or screw fixation.

Results:

Final evaluation of the patients was done at the end of three months. It was based on total active range of motion for digital functional assessment as suggested by the American Society for surgery of hand. Overall results were excellent to good in 87%. Better total active range of motion (excellent grade) was observed in metacarpal fractures (47%) versus phalanx fractures (31%); closed fractures (57%) versus open fractures (27%); and single digit involvement (55%) versus multiple digits (29%). Excellent total active range of motion was observed with all four plate and screw/ screw fixation technique (100%) and closed reduction and percutaneous kirschner wire fixation (60%). Twenty-two complications were observed in 10 patients with finger stiffness being the most common.

Conclusion:

Surgical stabilization of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of hand seems to give good functional outcome. Closed fractures and fractures with single digit involvement have shown a better grade of total active range of motion.     

闭合复位经皮克氏针内固定治疗C型桡骨远端骨折

目的探讨闭合复位经皮克氏针内固定治疗C型桡骨远端骨折疗效。方法应用闭合性复位经皮克氏针内固定C型桡骨远端骨折33例。结果全部病例均随访1·5年以上,按改良Shea评定法进行疗效评定,优良率为81·82%。结论该术式创伤较小,操作简单安全,固定可靠,术后患者功能恢复满意。     

Open reduction via posterior triceps sparing approach in comparison with closed treatment of posteromedial displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures

The results of closed and open reduction via posterior approach with percutaneous pinning of posteromedial displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children were evaluated. Fifty-five consecutive patients with Gartland type III fractures were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 22 months (12-48 months). The closed reduction group consisted of 32 patients and the open reduction group with the posterior approach using the triceps-sparing method consisted of 23 patients. Both groups were stabilized with cross Kirschner wire fixation and followed the same protocol. In comparison with closed reduction, despite the fact that better bone alignment was obtained with open reduction, longer union time (7 vs. 5.8 weeks), significantly reduced range of motion of the elbow (12.3 degrees vs. 3.8 degrees), poorer functional outcomes and bad cosmetics because of hypertrophic scar tissue of the skin were found. The patients were analyzed according to their Bauman angle and Flynn criteria: good or excellent functional and cosmetic results were 91% in the closed reduction group but 52% in the open reduction group. On the basis of results of this study, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the posteromedial totally displaced fractures are preferable to open reduction with posterior approach.     

Closed reduction/percutaneous fixation of tibial plateau fractures: arthroscopic versus fluoroscopic control of reduction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate arthroscopic versus fluoroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures of AO/OTA Types 41.B1 to 41.B3. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: One hundred sixty-eight patients underwent operative treatment for a tibial plateau fracture from 1988 to 1995. Thirty-three of these patients had monocondylar fractures of the lateral plateau that were treated by percutaneous reduction and fixation techniques. In the first ten cases, arthroscopic control of reduction was used. The following twenty-three consecutive cases were treated by reduction and fixation solely under fluoroscopic control. The arthroscopy group was followed for a mean of fifty-two months and the fluoroscopy group for thirty-eight months. RESULTS: Nine of ten cases of the arthroscopy group had an excellent or good result in Rasmussen's knee score at follow-up. One patient with an unreduced anterolateral depression zone despite arthroscopic surgery required a total knee prosthesis after eighteen months. Sixteen cases in the fluoroscopy group met the follow-up criteria. Fifteen were graded good or excellent in Rasmussen's clinical score; sixteen were excellent or good in the radiological score. One patient claimed chronic medial joint line pain after a lateral split fracture and had arthroscopy revealing chondral degeneration on the medial side but had no pathological findings in the lateral compartment. No secondary meniscus or ligament surgery was performed in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau can be performed using arthroscopy as well as image intensification to control reduction of the joint surface. We were not able to demonstrate any significant benefit from arthroscopy compared with fluoroscopic reduction. Reduction under image intensification is technically easier in our practice, especially in serial fractures and multiply injured patients. We reserve arthroscopy for cases with significant ligament injuries and for children with fractures of the median eminence.     

桡骨远端C3型骨折不同治疗方法的回顾性研究

目的 探讨C3型桡骨远端骨折有效治疗方法.方法 对2017年6月-2018年7月收治的53例桡骨远端C3型骨折患者,分别采用闭合复位外固定架固定和切开复位锁定加压钢板内固定两种方法进行固定,其中外固定架组34例,内固定组19例,并按照两种治疗方法的复位标准和功能标准对优良率进行比较.结果 53例术后均获得随访,随访时间...     

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: analysis of the results in 142 patients

One hundred forty-two children who had supracondylar humerus fractures and who were treated either by open reduction and internal fixation or by closed methods were reviewed. There were 104 boys and 38 girls. Their ages ranged between 2 and 14 years, with an average age of 8 years. One hundred thirteen of the fractures were of the extension type and 29 were of the flexion type. Sixty-two patients were treated by manipulative reduction and immobilization in a plaster of Paris cast, and 20 were treated by overhead skeletal traction followed by the application of a plaster of Paris cast. The other 60 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The follow-up period ranged from 4 years to 11 years, with an average of 7.5 years. The results were evaluated based on the range of motion, the subsequent deformity, if any, and the carrying angle. In the overall series we had 72 (50.70%) excellent, 31 (21.83%) good, 13 (9.15%) fair, and 26 (18.30%) poor results.