Functional long-term outcome of the shoulder after antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral diaphyseal fractures

Intramedullary nailing is one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Once an intramedullary fixation technique has been selected, the choice between antegrade or retrograde approach remains controversial. Forty patients with humeral diaphyseal fracture treated with Seidel antegrade intramedullary nailing through an "danterior deltoid incision" (ADI) were evaluated after an average period of 62 months. Clinical and functional evaluation of the shoulder was performed using the Constant Score. Results were excellent in 33 patients, good in 5 and acceptable in 2. Radiological assessment was performed using antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) radiographs of the humerus and AP and Neer radiographs of the shoulder. Radiographic findings demonstrated good consolidation of all fractures; nail and locking proximal screw malpositioning were detected in 2 cases (2 patients with acceptable results). The positive results obtained for shoulder function correlate with patient age and demonstrate that antegrade intramedullary nailing is a valid option for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures, as long as it is performed through ADI access and with the appropriate surgical technique. Surgical technical errors will lead to functional problems of the shoulder, which in some cases will not be completely eliminated even after nail removal.     

TREATMENT OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES WITH THE SEIDEL INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL

Background: The use of intramedullary nails for the management of humeral shaft fractures has been controversial. Recently, the Seidel nail has become available. The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with the Seidel nail. Methods: A retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 25 consecutive patients treated with Seidel intramedullary humeral nail was performed. The nail was used for non-union in 10 patients, delayed union in four, acute fracture in eight and pathological fracture in three. Eighteen of the 19 survivors were clinically reviewed at an average of 15 months (range 8–25). Pain, function, satisfaction, shoulder power, range of motion and clinical outcome were graded using the UCLA shoulder score. Results: Pain was present at the shoulder in four patients and at the fracture site in nine. Average shoulder abduction was 99° and nine patients could not abduct the shoulder past 90°. Sixty-six per cent of patients reviewed were graded as only fair or poor using the UCLA shoulder score. In three patients rotational control was not achieved with the distal locking device at the time of surgery. Complications included non-union in 10 patients and three intra-operative fractures. Conclusions: Non-union was more likely to occur if rotational control was not obtained, or if the patient had the nail inserted for a previous non-union. Use of the Seidel nail frequently leads to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The distal locking device is unreliable and predisposes to non-union. We do not recommend the continued use of the Seidel nail.     

可吸收髓内针在四肢长骨干骨折中的应用

目的观察可吸收髓内针在四肢长骨干骨折中应用的疗效。方法23例四肢长骨干骨折应用可吸收髓内针内固定。其中,胫骨干骨折18例,肱骨干骨折5例;胫骨骨折中粉碎性骨折8例。结果随访8~31个月。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无切口感染及肿胀积液,无骨髓炎、畸形愈合及骨不连接发生,无毒性反应及副作用,患肢功能良好。结论可吸收髓内针是治疗四肢长骨干骨折较理想的一种内固定方法。     

Interlocking nailing with the Seidel nail in fractures of the humeral diaphysis in Paget's disease: a report on two cases

Three diaphyseal humeral fractures in two patients with polyostotic Paget's disease are presented. Two fractures were treated with closed intramedullary interlocking nailing using the Seidel nail, with good results.     

Intramedullary fixation using multiple Kirschner wires for forearm fractures: a developing country perspective

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment results of intramedullary fixation using multiple Kirschner wires for diaphyseal forearm fractures. METHODS: Between January 2001 and January 2004, 184 patients (122 men and 62 women) with 288 displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures underwent intramedullary fixation using multiple Kirschner wires. The wires were inserted by opening the fracture site because radiographic facility for closed pinning was unavailable. The time to union, functional recovery, and the complication rates were assessed. RESULTS: 11 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 173 whose data was analysed. In 167 (97%) of the patients the fractures united, and in 14 (8%) of them union was delayed. The mean time to union for closed fractures was 13 (range, 7-16) weeks and for open fractures it was 15 (range, 12-22) weeks. The mean time in cast was 6 (range, 3-14) weeks. In all, 34/173 (20%) had complications: superficial infection (n=13), deep infection (n=4), cross-union between bones (n=4), open fracture 'needing' a skin graft (n=2), radial nerve palsy (n=3), paraesthesia (n=1), and non-union (n=7). Among the 173 analysed patients, the infection rate was 10% and the non-union rate was 4%. 130 (75%) of the patients had the wires removed; no re-fracture occurred after wire removal. Based on the Anderson criteria, 47 (27%) of the patients attained excellent, 78 (45%) satisfactory, and 39 (23%) unsatisfactory results. In 9 (5%) of the patients, union failed (7 plain non-union and 2 due to chronic osteomyelitis). CONCLUSION: Kirschner wires are much cheaper than plates and screws, and require minimal expertise for insertion and removal. They remain acceptable for stabilising displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in developing countries.     

闭合复位或有限切开复位交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折

目的探讨交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效。方法采用闭合复位或有限切开复位交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折43例。结果43例均获随访,时间8-18个月。40例骨折愈合;3例延迟愈合,行锁钉动力化后骨折愈合。骨折愈合时间10-32周。疗效参照Neer评分标准进行评价：优27例,良12例,可4例,优良率90.7%。结论交锁髓内钉固定牢靠,对骨折端血运影响小,是治疗肱骨干骨折较为理想的方法。     

Comminuted femoral-shaft fractures: treatment by roller traction, cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, or an interlocking intramedullary nail

In a retrospective study, we attempted to assess progress in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft at Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1978 to 1983. Seventy-nine comminuted femoral-shaft fractures were available for follow-up: thirty-two treated by roller traction, twenty-three treated by cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, and twenty-four treated by an interlocking intramedullary nail. Using the classification of Winquist and Hansen, Grade-III and IV comminuted fractures accounted for 69 per cent of those treated by roller traction, 68 per cent of those treated by nailing and cerclage wires, and 96 per cent of those treated by an interlocking nail. The frequency of multiple injuries was 38 per cent in the patients treated by roller traction, 39 per cent in those treated by nailing and cerclage wires, and 58 per cent in those treated by an interlocking nail. The average hospitalization times were thirty-one days for roller traction, sixteen days for cerclage wires and an intramedullary nail, and 19.5 days for an interlocking nail. The average length of follow-up was 132 weeks after roller traction, 115 weeks after cerclage wiring and an intramedullary nail, and sixty weeks after insertion of an interlocking nail. All fractures were followed until after union; the average times to union were 18.4 weeks after roller traction, thirty-four weeks after open reduction and intramedullary nailing with cerclage wires, and 13.8 weeks after insertion of an interlocking nail. For the purposes of this study, treatment was assumed to have failed if a change in treatment was necessary, an unplanned reoperation was performed, femoral shortening exceeded 2.5 centimeters, angulation was more than 15 degrees, non-union or a deep infection developed, motion of the knee was less than 70 degrees of flexion, or a refracture occurred. By these criteria, the frequency of failure after roller traction was 66 per cent (secondary to malalignment and shortening); after insertion of an intramedullary nail with cerclage wires, 39 per cent (secondary to unplanned surgery, non-union, shortening, and infection); and after use of an interlocking nail, 4 per cent (secondary to shortening). Currently, at our institution, an interlocking intramedullary nail is the treatment of choice for comminuted femoral-shaft fractures because it encourages early union with maintenance of length and alignment and the results are predictable.     

Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉微创技术临床应用

目的探讨应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨干骨折的手术疗效。方法2005年7月至2007年3月，应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗前臂骨折32例，其中男18例，女14例；年龄26～71岁，平均42岁。前臂尺、桡骨双骨折17例，尺骨骨折8例，桡骨骨折7例。32例中多段骨折7例，陈旧性骨折骨不连2例。结果术后随访3～21个月，平均7个月。术后无病例发生伤口感染及出现髓内钉断裂或松动，32例患者均完全骨性愈合，愈合时间平均为4个月。按Anderson评分标准评定，优28例，良4例。肘关节伸屈活动功能丧失5°～30°，平均17．5°；前臂旋前功能丧失10°～35°，平均21．6°；旋后功能丧失10°～40°，平均27．5°。结论应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨干骨折．具有手术损伤小、固定牢固等优点，是治疗前臂骨折较理想的手术方法。     

Fracture of an elastic humeral nail. A case report

The use of elastic intramedullary nails for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus has been associated with few complications. We report a fracture of an elastic Marchetti-Vicenzi nail used to treat a pathological fracture of the humerus. The failure of the intramedullary nail followed low-energy trauma and was presumably the end result of metal fatigue, as the original fracture had only healed after 13 months.     

旋转臂自锁式髓内钉在下肢骨折中的应用

目的探讨旋转臂自锁式髓内钉(rotating-arm self-locking intramedullary nail,RSIN)在股骨干骨折和胫骨干骨折治疗中的效果。方法应用RSIN治疗下肢长骨骨折43例,其中股骨干18例,胫骨干25例。结果36例获得随访,随访时间8～20个月,平均13.6个月。15例股骨按Klemm评定标准,优13例,良1例,可1例,优良率93.33%。21例胫骨按Johner-Wruhs评定标准,优18例,良2例,可1例,优良率95.24%。1例股骨髓内钉尾螺帽脱落,1例术后膝关节疼痛,2例术后前后轻度成角,4例出现延迟愈合。结论RSIN具有可靠性、简便性和实用性的优点,适用于下肢股骨干骨折和胫骨干骨折的治疗。     

Intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures

Summary Humeral shaft fractures can be treated either conservatively or operatively. Plating of the humerus is the established operative method, but recently interest has also been focussed on intramedullary nailing. Fifty-nine cases of humeral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (Seidel/Marchetti-Vicenzi/Prévot) from January 1991 to December 1995 (44 fractures after trauma, 11 pathological fractures, 3 pseudarthroses, 1 re-fracture). Closed reduction in 55/59 cases. One infection (soft tissue); 2/48 pseudarthrosis (indication for nailing: pseudarthrosis!). No iatrogenic palsy of the radial nerve. Functional postoperative treatment in all 44 cases of humeral fractures after adequate trauma. One poor functional result: periarticular ossification after retrograde nailing, possibly connected with long-term respiratory treatment after trauma. Treatment of humeral shaft fractures by intramedullary nailing is favoured in our clinic (low complication rates, excellent or good functional results, limited approaches, small scars). Proximal fractures should be treated by the Seidel nail (stable interlocking of the proximal fragment); very distal fractures need Prévot nailing (reaming of condylar canals). All other fractures of the humeral shaft can be treated by each of the implants used in our clinic. Pathological fractures are an excellent indication for intramedullary stabilization. These patients benefit from stable fixation without intense surgical trauma. Pseudarthrosis, according to our limited experience, seems to require plating plus bone grafting. Plating is also recommended if revision of the radial nerve becomes necessary.      

Telegraph antegrade nailing in the treatment of humeral fractures with rotator interval split technique

Twenty-four proximal humeral fractures were treated by surgical internal fixation with a locked antegrade intramedullary nail. The purpose of this paper was to assess the clinical outcomes of proximal epiphyseal and diaphyseal humeral fractures treated with an antegrade humeral nail implanted after an interval rotator split. We treated six proximal epiphyseal fractures and seven bifocal fractures of the epiphysis and shaft and eleven diaphyseal fractures. The mean follow-up was 23 months (range 12 to 34 months). Twenty patients were available for follow-up. All but two fractures progressed to healing. The Mean Constant score was 80%, Relative Constant score was 95.5%. We divided the clinical outcomes by fracture pattern to define the best surgical indication. There were good clinical outcomes in all three groups, but the clinical score was highest in the shaft fracture group. An intramedullary antegrade nail inserted through the interval rotator without penetrating the rotator cuff had a good clinical outcome and with certain fracture types can be an effective and satisfactory device.     

Telegraph antegrade nailing in the treatment of humeral fractures with rotator interval split technique

Twenty-four proximal humeral fractures were treated by surgical internal fixation with a locked antegrade intramedullary nail. The purpose of this paper was to assess the clinical outcomes of proximal epiphyseal and diaphyseal humeral fractures treated with an antegrade humeral nail implanted after an interval rotator split. We treated six proximal epiphyseal fractures and seven bifocal fractures of the epiphysis and shaft and eleven diaphyseal fractures. The mean follow-up was 23 months (range 12 to 34 months). Twenty patients were available for follow-up. All but two fractures progressed to healing. The Mean Constant score was 80%, Relative Constant score was 95.5%. We divided the clinical outcomes by fracture pattern to define the best surgical indication. There were good clinical outcomes in all three groups, but the clinical score was highest in the shaft fracture group. An intramedullary antegrade nail inserted through the interval rotator without penetrating the rotator cuff had a good clinical outcome and with certain fracture types can be an effective and satisfactory device.     

Intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of femoral fracture in children

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children. Methods We report the results of intramedullary K-wires nailing in 178 children with a mean age of 7.7 years (range, 4–14 years) from 2000 to 2005, retrospectively. A total of 184 diaphyseal femoral fractures were treated with both antegrade and retrograde nailing using the same principles of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The patients were followed for 12 months on average (range, 6–24 months). Results No major complication (limb length discrepancy >15 mm, non-union, avascular necrosis, knee joint stiffness) occurred during the observation period. All fractures healed within 7.1 weeks on average (range, 5–12 weeks). Associated injuries were seen in 16.9% of the cases. All but seven fractures were reduced by closed manipulation. Early mobilization and weight bearing was allowed. Intramedullary K-wires were removed after an average of 4.8 months (range, 3–12 months) without any complications. Conclusions In children, intramedullary fixation by using standard K-wires provides effective treatment for the diaphyseal femoral fracture that has excellent clinical results. Each intramedullary K-wire costs US $5, which adds a cost effective advantage to this method of treatment.     

Le risque de non-consolidation après enclouage à foyer fermé et alésage

The authors have studied a series of 1059 compound and closed fractures of the diaphysis of long bones treated by intramedullary nailing according to the technique of Kuntscher, to assess the incidence of non-union. Between January 1st 1967 and December 31st 1980, 503 fractures of the tibia, 440 of the femur and 116 of the humerus were so treated in both adolescents and adults. The fractures were mostly sustained in road traffic accidents. The risk of aseptic non-union was small, but occurred more readily when the skin was damaged and when the site of the fracture was at the junction of the lower two quarters of the tibia; the incidence was highest when the technique of nailing was incorrect or when the going was undertaken too late. The incidence of non-union and infection are compared with those of other series using the same closed technique and with reports describing insertion of the nail of the plate by opening the fracture. It is concluded that intramedullary nailing using the Kuntscher technique is the most reliable treatment for this type of injury for routine use in an acute fracture service. In this series the incidence of aseptic non-union was approximately 1%, of infection with non-union less than 0.5% and of early infection with eventual union less than 1.5%.     

新型交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨骨折

目的：设计出新型交锁髓内钉用于治疗肱骨骨折,方法：通过总结顺行及逆行肱骨交锁髓内钉及国人肱骨特点,设计出新型通用肱骨交锁髓内钉用于临床治疗肱骨骨折12例,结果：12例手术均获得成功,骨折全部愈合,肩－肘关节功能恢复正常,疼痛减轻或消失。结论：新型交锁髓内钉可应用于各型肱同骨折,尤其是多段,粉碎性肱骨骨折,骨不连和病理性骨折的治疗。     

股骨远端骨折的外科治疗

目的:探讨股骨远端骨折手术治疗的方法和临床疗效。方法选择股骨远端骨折手术治疗37例,根据AO/A S IF分型,A型8例,B型9例,C型20例,分别采用股骨髁支持钢板、L-梯形钢板、逆行带锁髓内钉、拉力螺钉进行固定,术后随访6个月~8年。结果6例骨折不愈合、3例出现化脓性骨和膝关节感染、3例出现钢板断裂。根据K olm enrt股骨远端功能评定标准,优17例,良14例,一般2例,差4例,优良率83.7%。结论手术治疗股骨远端骨折能最大限度获得骨折复位和膝关节功能的恢复,临床疗效满意,是治疗股骨远端骨折较理想的方法。     

Extreme complications of Fixion nail in treatment of long bone fractures

The authors present their experience related to extreme complications in treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the long bones with application of the Fixion expansion intramedullary nail in a total of 48 surgeries. We have encountered six (12.5%) extreme complications in the management of fractures of 3 humeral, 2 tibial, and 1 femoral bones during its application procedure and postoperative follow-up. Of six cases, two with humeral and tibial fractures developed nonunion and rotational instability because of failure of inflation of the Fixion nail. One of the Fixion nail in humerus was broken spontaneously, and one of the Fixion nail deflated at the follow-up and pseudoarthrosis developed in this patient. In a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta, during the inflation of the nail for the treatment of femur fracture, a new longitudinal fracture occurred and conventional non-locking intramedullary nail was inserted. In a patient with a tibia fracture that was treated with the Fixion nail, new fracture occurred due to its bending after weight bearing in the postoperative period. The Fixion nail application is a new technique for the intramedullar fixation of long bones. It is considered as an effective method for the selective fracture types of long bones. Application may need special training. Since the Fixion has not got rotational stability and rigidity as conventional nailing systems, bending and breaking of the nail may occur during postoperative period in patients with over obesity and hyperactivity. In patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, it may not be the first choice as a nailing system.     

Comparison of the use of the humerus intramedullary nail and dynamic compression plate for the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. A randomised controlled study

The aim of this study was to compare the results of the humerus intramedullary nail (IMN) and dynamic compression plate (DCP) for the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. Forty-seven patients with diaphyseal fracture of the shaft of the humerus were randomised prospectively and treated by open reduction and internal fixation with IMN or DCP. The criteria for inclusion were grade 1 or 2a compound fractures, polytrauma, early failure of conservative treatment and unstable fractures. The patients with pathological fractures, grade 3 open fractures, refractures and old neglected fractures of the humerus were excluded from the study. Twenty-three patients underwent internal fixation by IMN and 24 by DCP. Reamed antegrade nailing was done in all cases. DCP was done through an anterolateral or posterior approach. The outcome was assessed in terms of the union time, union rate, functional outcome and the incidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' Score (ASES). On comparing the results by independent samples t test, there was no significant difference in ASES scores between the two groups (P>0.05). The average union time was found to be significantly lower for IMN as compared to DCP (P<0.05). The union rate was found to be similar in both groups. Complications such as infection were found to be higher with DCP as compared to IMN, while shortening of the arm (1.5-4 cm) and restriction of shoulder movements due to impingement by the nail were found to be higher with IMN as compared to DCP. However, this improved in all patients following the removal of the nail once the fracture had healed. This study proves that IMN can be considered a better surgical option for the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus as it offers a short union time and lower incidence of serious complications like infection. However, there appears to be no difference between the two groups in terms of the rate of union and functional outcome.     

肱骨干骨折内固定的选择及应注意的问题

目的正确选择肱骨干骨折手术内固定.方法对107例肱骨干骨折分别进行交锁髓内钉(34例)、加压钢板(29例)、Y型钢板(38例)、螺钉(6例)等内固定,并随访比较分析. 结果所有病例均得到随访,平均随访6.3个月.交锁髓内钉、螺钉内固定组全部愈合;加压钢板内固定组愈合26例,伴桡神经损伤2例;Y型钢板内固定组全部愈合,伴肘关节僵硬2例. 结论根据肱骨干骨折的部位和类型选用适当的内固定方法,骨折愈合良好,可有效的减少并发症的发生.