Intramedullary nailing of open fractures of the femoral shaft

The cases of eighty-six patients in whom eighty-nine open fractures of the femoral shaft had been treated by intramedullary nailing with reaming were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-seven fractures were classified as grade-I open fractures; sixteen, as grade-II open fractures; and forty-six, as grade-III open fractures. Immediate intramedullary nailing was done for fifty-six fractures, and delayed stabilization (five to seven days after delayed closure of the wound) was done for thirty-three fractures. A prerequisite for immediate intramedullary nailing was that irrigation and debridement of the open wound be done within eight hours after injury. All fractures healed in an average of 5.2 months. No infections occurred in the sixty-two grade-I, grade-II, or grade-IIIA open fractures, regardless of whether immediate or delayed intramedullary nailing was performed. Of the twenty-seven grade-IIIB fractures, infection developed in three: in one after immediate intramedullary nailing and in two after delayed intramedullary nailing. We concluded that, if a thorough and timely debridement can be accomplished, immediate intramedullary nailing of grade-I and grade-II open fractures of the femoral shaft does not increase the risk of postoperative infection. Selected patients who have a grade-III open fracture may be candidates for immediate intramedullary stabilization, depending on the degree of the patient's associated injuries and the extent of disruption and contamination of the soft tissues of the thigh.     

Treatment civilian gunshot fractures of the femur shaft]

35 consecutive cases of fractures of the femoral diaphysis due to gunshot wounds (GSW) treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital of the University of Miami between January 1988 and February 1990 were reviewed. There were 32 low velocity and 3 high energy transfer wounds. The treatment protocol for low velocity GSW consisted of 3 days i.v. antibiotics, balanced skeletal traction (for logistic reasons) and delayed closed intramedullary nailing. There was no formal debridement performed. 3 out of 32 patients declined any operative intervention. The remaining 29 patients were treated according to the above protocol. 12 patients could be followed until complete osseous consolidation. In this group the only complication consisted of one late infection. 17 patients were lost to follow-up before complete consolidation. Out of this group, 8 showed advanced fracture callus formation on the last radiograph available, whereas 9 patients were lost to follow-up almost immediately after discharge. Since GSW victims were generally uninjured and treatment of indigent patients in the Miami area is declined by all other hospitals, we assume that there were non major complications even in the group of patients lost to follow-up. We therefore conclude, that intramedullary nailing of low velocity gunshot fractures of the femoral diaphysis without formal debridement is the treatment of choice under civilian circumstances.     

Retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral fractures

We treated 31 femoral shaft fractures in 28 children with a mean age of 6.7 (5-10) years with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing. There were 16 isolated fractures, while 12 children had associated injuries. The average time for union was 10.5 weeks and there were no delayed unions. There was one broken nail requiring change of treatment, but no infection or refractures. At follow-up after a mean time lapse of 27 months there was no limb-length inequality exceeding 1 cm and no malunion. We feel that femoral fractures in patients aged 5-10 years can be safely treated with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing with minimal risk of surgical complications.     

Conservative treatment of low velocity gunshot wounds.

A retrospective study of gunshot wounds of the extremities present 148 patients who had sufficient clinical and radiological follow-up data to assess the results. The routine treatment for this injury consisted mainly of cleansing the wound, introduction of systemic antibiotics in the emergency room followed by hospitalization. More extensive treatment and surgical debridement were done only when intraarticular or vascular injury occurred. Two patients developed infected wounds. In 6 displaced humeral shaft fractures, there were 2 non-unions and one delayed union. In 11 comminuted, displaced fractures of the femoral shaft, one non-union occurred.     

逆行和顺行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折的比较研究

目的比较逆行和顺行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折的愈合率和并发症。方法前瞻性地研究应用闭合扩髓交锁髓内钉技术治疗新鲜股骨干骨折72例，其中逆行钉治疗34例，顺行钉治疗38例。所有72例患者均进行了1次以上的随访，随访时间平均19个月（6～31个月）。结果逆行钉组中32例骨折愈合，延迟愈合3例，畸形愈合4例；顺行钉组35例骨折愈合，延迟愈合5例，畸形愈合3例。排除术前即有膝关节疼痛的病例，术后患侧膝关节疼痛者逆行钉组24例，顺行钉组9例；排除术前即有髋关节疼痛的病例，术后患侧髋关节疼痛者逆行钉组1例，顺行钉组6例。结论在骨折愈合方面，两种治疗方法无显著性差异。逆行钉治疗术后有较多的膝关节并发症而顺行钉治疗术后有较多的髋关节并发症。     

Locked intramedullary nailing of metacarpal fractures secondary to gunshot wounds

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of fixation of 10 metacarpal shaft fractures secondary to low-velocity gunshot wounds with locked intramedullary nails. METHODS: We reviewed the results of 10 patients with locked intramedullary nailing of the metacarpal for low-velocity gunshot wounds. Autogenous bone grafting was used in 9 of the 10 fractures. The follow-up period averaged 26 months. The parameters evaluated included angulation, rotational alignment, shortening of the digit, postoperative metacarpophalangeal (MCP) range of motion, and time to union. RESULTS: Nine of 10 fractures showed corticocancellous bone autograft incorporation in the midshaft of the metacarpal on radiographs 3 months after surgery; the single fracture without bone grafting did not unite and required an additional procedure with bone grafting to achieve union. The MCP flexion averaged 81 degrees. All MCP joints attained full extension except for 2 that had a 10 degrees extension lag. One metacarpal required an extensor tendon tenolysis and an MCP capsulotomy. No malrotation of the digits was noted and none of the patients developed an infection. The average shortening was 1.2 mm and 1 metacarpal had an angulation of 6 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Locked intramedullary nailing of the metacarpal with autogenous iliac crest bone graft is an effective technique for treating low-velocity gunshot metacarpal fractures associated with bone loss and comminution. The locked implant maintains satisfactory alignment, length, and rotation of the metacarpal until graft incorporation and bone healing occurs.     

Less invasive percutaneous wave plating of simple femur shaft fractures: A prospective series

In developing nations, fixation of femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary (IM) nails can pose significant challenges. Use of IM implants is commonly limited by availability, funds or patient's physique. Conversely, traditional compression plates are usually readily available at a much lower cost, making bridge plating of femur fractures a frequently used surgical technique. We hypothesised that less invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) of femoral shaft fractures has a similar outcome compared to IM nailing.The study is designed as a prospective case series at a Level 1 university trauma centre. Fifty-seven patients with simple femur shaft fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type A) were enrolled between April 2001 and December 2005 and followed up for a minimum of 1 year or until fracture union. Primary outcome measures included union rate and time to union. Secondary outcome parameters were hardware failure, malalignment, infection and need for revision surgery.The mean age of the study cohort was 24.7 years. Fifty-four patients sustained associated systems injury. Primary union occurred in 54 patients in an average time of 13 weeks. Two patients presented with implant failure, and one patient displayed signs of delayed union. Six patients developed valgus deformities, whereas five patients displayed external rotation malalignment. One patient developed a superficial wound infection, and another presented with a deep infection.Bridge wave plating represents a safe and efficacious treatment alternative to IM nailing for simple femoral shaft fractures in countries where IM nails are limited by availability, costs and patient's physical characteristics.     

Intra- and periarticular heterotopic ossification in the knee after a low-velocity gunshot wound treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing of the femur

This is a case of a 32-year-old man who developed intra- and periarticular heterotopic ossification (HO) after sustaining a low-velocity gunshot wound to the femur treated with intramedullary nailing of the fracture using a retrograde technique. The association between HO after a high-velocity gunshot wounds is well established. In addition, there have been two case reports of intra-articular HO after retrograde intramedullary femoral nailing. However, HO in and around the knee after a low-velocity gunshot wound has not been reported and may be more common than initially thought.     

股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折适应证探讨

目的探讨股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折的手术适应证。方法根据入选标准和排除标准,回顾2001年1月至2011年1月收治的股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折病例15例,其中男14例,女1例;年龄21~64岁,平均35.5岁。通过比较术前、术后即刻、术后1、3、6和12个月的临床和影像学随访结果,评估骨折愈合情况和并发症,分析股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折的最佳适应证。结果全部病例获得随访,随访时间14~48个月,平均27.8个月。13例股骨干骨折一期获得骨性愈合,愈合时间(6.2±4.1)个月,14例股骨颈骨折一期获得骨性愈合,愈合时间(5.4±2.9)个月。合并症:1例股骨远端骨折由于狭部限制,重建钉过细,局部旋转不稳定,并发肥大性骨不连;1例股骨中段骨折延迟愈合;2例股骨干旋转畸形愈合;1例股骨颈头下型骨折不愈合。末次随访时进行Friedman-Wyman评定,优12例,良2例,差1例,优良率93.3%。结论股骨重建钉适用于绝大部分股骨干骨折合并髋部骨折,尤其是股骨颈基底部骨折合并股骨干近端或狭部骨折。但对于股骨颈头下型、难复位的股骨颈骨折合并股骨干远端骨折,股骨重建钉并非最佳的治疗方案。     

Intramedullary osteosynthesis of complex proximal femoral fractures with the Targon PF nail

We evaluated the performance of the Targon PF nailing system in the treatment of complex proximal femoral fractures with a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 94 patients with a complex proximal femoral fracture (subtrochanteric fracture or fracture with reversed fracture line pattern) treated with a Targon PF nail. There were no intra-operative femoral fractures. Late complications requiring reoperation were one femoral fracture and one fracture around the nail secondary to tumour. Seven nails had to be dynamised and a further six 'self-dynamised' at the site of the distal locking screw. One patient required revision of the distal locking. Only one other patient required secondary surgery for a wound haematoma. There were no cases of implant cut-out or non-union. The Targon PF nail represents a progressive development in the design of intramedullary nails for proximal femoral fractures and the results compare favourably with other intramedullary systems used to treat complex proximal femoral fractures.     

两种手术方法治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较股骨重建钉与逆行髓内钉加空心钉治疗股骨于合并同侧股骨颈骨折的疗效,探讨各自的手术适应证.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2010年5月收治的21例股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折患者资料,采用股骨重建钉固定10例(股骨重建钉组),逆行髓内钉加空心钉固定11例(逆行髓内钉加空心钉组).两组患者术前一般资料差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),具有可比性.术后1、3、6、9、12个月及以后每年随访1次,通过临床和影像学评估骨折愈合情况和并发症的发生情况.结果 21例患者术后获12 ～48个月(平均27.1个月)随访.两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、住院时间、股骨干骨折愈合时间、股骨颈骨折愈合时间及Friedman-Wyman功能评定结果等方面差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).股骨重建钉组住院费用高于逆行髓内钉加空心钉组,差异有统计学意义(t=16.710,P=0.016).两组股骨干骨折愈合率(9/10 vs.10/11)、股骨颈骨折愈合率(9/10 vs.11/11)差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).股骨重建钉组4例发生并发症,逆行髓内钉组7例发生并发症.结论 股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗应采取个体化原则.股骨重建钉更适用于股骨颈基底部骨折合并狭部及狭部以近的股骨干骨折;对于头下型、难复位的股骨颈骨折合并同侧股骨干远端骨折或需要同时处理的膝关节内损伤、关节周围骨折的患者,逆行髓内钉加空心钉更为理想.     

Anterograde femoral nailing with a reamed interlocking titanium alloy nail

Intramedullary nailing has become the gold standard for treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures. Between March 1995 and December 1998 we performed 40 intramedullary nailings using the ACE femoral nail (De Puy). The patients were followed for an average of 27.9 months (range: 6-54 months). The mean age was 33.2 years (range: 17-87 years); the sex distribution was 33 males and 7 females. All fractures were unilateral (right 18, left 22). Most of the fractures were caused by traffic accidents (35), the others originated from sports, work and gunshot (1). Thirty-five fractures were closed and 5 were open: 1 was grade I, 2 were grade II and 2 grade IIIa according to Gustilo's classification. According to the AO classification 18 fractures were type A, 13 type B and 9 type C. The majority of patients had associated injuries: neurotrauma 2, chest trauma 2, and other fractures e.g. of the clavicula, lumbar spine, patella, tibia. Immediate surgery was performed in 34 cases, delayed surgery in 6 cases. All fractures were treated on a fracture table, with closed reduction, reaming of the intramedullary canal, proximal and distal locking and intraoperative control of rotation and length. The mean time to healing was 17.85 weeks (range: 18-50 weeks). The following complications were observed: 3 delayed unions, which united after dynamisation, one malunion, which required corrective osteotomy, and one nonunion, which healed after exchange nailing. We encountered no rotational deformity and no clinically relevant shortening. Six nails were removed due to irritation by locking screws. These results are comparable with those of larger series in the literature with other types of interlocking nails. The union rate in this series was 97.5%.     

Grading system for gunshot injuries to the femoral diaphysis in civilians

One hundred patients had surgical treatment for a gunshot injury to the femur at the authors' hospital. Each injury was classified (Grade 1-3) based on clinical and radiographic signs of deep soft tissue necrosis. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months (average, 18 months; range, 6 months-72 months). Grade 1 injuries are defined by small entry and exit wounds (< 2 cm) and the absence of high-energy characteristics on plain radiographs. Grade 2 gunshot injuries have small wounds (< 5 cm) and radiographic evidence of a high-energy injury. Grade 3 gunshot injuries are diagnosed by physical examination whenever necrotic muscle is present at the fracture site. Radiographs show extensive superficial and deep soft tissue disruption and segmental bone destruction. Seventy-nine patients with Grade 1 fractures had intramedullary nailing without wound exploration; all fractures united without infection. Seven patients with Grade 2 injuries had wound exploration; a necrotic cavity was discovered in five patients and three (43%) patients had deep infection develop. Fourteen patients with Grade 3 injuries had one or more debridements followed by skeletal stabilization, and seven patients (50%) had deep infection develop. Important decisions regarding wound debridement and fracture stabilization are determined by examination of the wound and radiographs, and not by determining muzzle velocity.     

A comparison of external fixation and locked intramedullary nailing in the treatment of femoral diaphysis fractures from gunshot injuries

Introduction

We studied the safety and incidence of complications from the treatment of gunshot-induced femur diaphysis fractures with locked intramedullary nailing in comparison to external fixation.

Methods

Patients who had femoral diaphysis fracture operations due to gunshot injuries (107 femurs of 99 patients) between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed, and 66 femurs of 60 patients were place into two groups (Group A: intramedullary nailing—38 femurs of the 36 patients; Group B: external fixator—28 femurs of 24 patients). The mean follow-up was 76.3 months (22–131). The study outcomes were patient complications, infection rate, union time, need for secondary surgery, functional assessment with lower extremity functional scale, and radiological evaluation with orthoroentgenograms.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 37.3 ± 7.4 years in Group A and 39 ± 6.1 years in Group B. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender or follow-up. There were two deep infections (5.2%) in Group A and one deep infection (3.5%) in Group B. Delayed union was observed in four patients (10.5%) in Group A and in two patients (7.1%) in Group B. There was one non-union (2.6%) and one non-union (3.5%) in Group A and Group B, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in incidence of union, delayed union or deep infection. The mean union time was 3.1 ± 2.5 months in Group A and 5.8 ± 1.4 months in Group B. The union time was significantly lower in the intramedullary nailing group (p = 0.023). There were no significant differences between the two groups in regards to radiological and functional evaluation.

Discussion

This study showed similar complication rates and functional results both for external fixator and intramedullary nailing for the treatment of femoral diaphysis fractures due to gunshot injuries.

Level of evidence

Level 3 retrospective comparative clinical study.

     

Retrograde femoral nailing in elderly patients: outcome and functional results

Functional outcome after retrograde femoral intramedullary nailing was investigated in 35 patients older than 60 years (mean, 86 years) with 36 fractures, comprising 15 (41.7%) shaft and 21 (58.3%) distal fractures; overall, 7 (19.4%) periprosthetic fractures occured. Twenty-two (62.9%) of 35 patients were evaluated at a mean 16.5-month follow-up with the Lyshom-Gillquist score and the SF-8 questionaire. Primary union rate was 97.8%, with no significant differences in duration of surgery, bone healing, mobilization, and weight bearing among different fracture types; periprosthetic fractures revealed a significantly delayed mobilization (P=.03). Complications occured significantly more often among distal femoral fractures (P=.009), including all revision surgeries. The most frequently encountered complication was loosening of distal locking bolts (n=3). Lysholm score results were mainly influenced by age-related entities and revealed fair results in all fractures (mean in the femoral shaft fracture group, 78.1 vs mean in the distal femoral fracture group, 74.9; P=.69), except in the periprosthetic subgroup, which had good results (mean, 84.8; P=.23). This group also had increased physical parameters according to SF-8 score (P=.026). No correlation existed between SF-8 physical parameters and patient age or surgery delay, whereas a negative correlation existed between patient age and SF-8 mental parameters (P=.012). Retrograde femoral intramedullary nailing is commonly used in elderly patients due to reliable bone healing, minimal soft tissue damage, and immediate full weight bearing. It also offers a valid alternative to antegrade nailing in femoral shaft fractures.     

Subtrochanteric fractures after retrograde femoral nailing

Secondary fractures around femoral nails placed for the management of hip fractures are well known. We report, two cases of a fracture of the femur at the interlocking screw site in the subtrochanteric area after retrograde femoral nailing of a femoral shaft fracture. Only a few reports in the existing literature have described these fractures. Two young men after sustaining a fall presented to us with pain, swelling and deformity in the upper thigh region. On enquiring, examining and radiographing them, peri-implant fractures of subtrochanteric nature through the distal interlocking screws were revealed in both patients who also had histories of previous falls for which retrograde intramedullary nailing was performed for their respective femora. Both patients were managed with similar surgical routines including removal of the existing hardware, open reduction and ace cephallomedullary antegrade nailing. The second case did show evidence of delayed healing and was additionally stabilized with cerclage wires. Both patients had uneventful postoperative outcomes and union was evident at the end of 6 mo postoperatively with a good range of motion at the hip and knee. Our report suggests that though seldom reported, peri-implant fractures around the subtrochanteric region can occur and pose a challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. We suggest these be managed, after initial stabilization and resuscitation, by implant removal, open reduction and interlocking intramedullary antegrade nailing. Good results and progression to union can be expected in these patients by adhering to basic principles of osteosynthesis.     

Treatment of floating knee injuries through a single percutaneous approach

The current study is a review of 20 patients treated by percutaneous stabilization for a floating knee. All patients were treated with a retrograde femoral intramedullary nail and a small diameter tibial intramedullary nail through a 4-cm medial parapatellar tendon incision. The average Injury Severity Score was 19. Two patients died in the early postoperative period and one patient was lost to followup. The average time to union for the 17 remaining patients with femoral shaft fractures was 14.7 weeks. One patient required dynamization. Four of the 17 patients with tibia fractures required an exchange nailing procedure, one with bone graft, to achieve union. One patient required dynamization and one patient with bone loss required only a bone graft. The average time to union for the tibia fractures was 23 weeks. One patient achieved 115 degrees knee flexion and the remaining 15 patients had full knee motion by 12 weeks, which they were able to maintain. No patient had signs or symptoms of knee pain. This demanding surgical technique using a small incision has yielded good clinical results. Although it is an excellent treatment option for patients with ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures, the mortality and tibial fracture complication rates remain high.     

Flexible intramedullary nails for ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures

Between June 1981 and August 1983, six patients were treated with flexible intramedullary nails for both femoral and tibial fractures in six floating knees. All six patients were males averaging 26 years of age and all six were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Concomitant associated injuries were common. Two femoral and five tibial fractures were open. All fractures were stabilized within 24 hours of injury by closed intramedullary nailing with Ender nails. At final followup, there was one femoral and one tibial nonunion in the same patient. For the remaining patients, femoral union averaged 10.3 weeks and tibial union averaged 18 weeks. Five patients regained full motion at the hip, and four regained full motion at the knee and ankle. Four patients returned to their preinjury level of function; two were less active, one ambulating without the use of external assistive devices, and one using a cane.     

Elastic intramedullary nailing of paediatric fractures of the forearm: a decade of experience in a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom

We present the results of 90 consecutive children with displaced fractures of the forearm treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing with a mean follow-up of 6.6 months (2.0 to 17.6). Eight (9%) had open fractures and 77 (86%) had sustained a fracture of both bones. The operations were performed by orthopaedic trainees in 78 patients (86%). All fractures healed at a mean of 2.9 months (1.1 to 8.7). There was one case of delayed union of an ulnar fracture. An excellent or good functional outcome was achieved in 76 patients (84%). There was no statistical difference detected when the grade of operating surgeon, age of the patient and the diaphyseal level of the fracture were correlated with the outcome. A limited open reduction was required in 40 fractures (44%). Complications included seven cases of problematic wounds, two transient palsies of the superficial radial nerve and one case each of malunion and a post-operative compartment syndrome. At final follow-up, all children were pain-free and without limitation of sport and play activities. Our findings indicate that the functional outcome following paediatric fractures of the forearm treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing is good, without the need for anatomical restoration of the radial bow.     

The treatment of nonunions following intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of different surgical options in the treatment of nonunion of a femoral shaft fracture after initial intramedullary nailing. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a seven-year period a total of 278 skeletally mature patients with 280 fresh femoral shaft fractures were treated by intramedullary nailing. Of these patients, a subgroup of consecutive patients with nonunion of the fracture were subjected to a detailed analysis and were followed until the fracture was united (mean thirty-three months). Injury mechanism, fracture pattern using various established classifications, any possible concomitant injuries, complications, and subsequent surgical interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Of the total of 280 fractures, nonunion was observed in thirty-four patients with thirty-five fractures (12.5 percent). To achieve solid union, one reoperation was sufficient in twenty-five fractures, six fractures had to be operated on twice, and four needed three operations. There were five patients with autogenous bone grafting alone, and all five required a further reoperation for the nonunion. After a dynamization procedure, four of seventeen patients required a further reoperation. After eight exchange nailing procedures, further surgery for nonunion was necessary in only one case. Solid union was achieved within six months after the final successful reoperation. A marked shortening of the femur developed as a local complication in six cases, four of which had undergone dynamization as final treatment before solid union. CONCLUSIONS: Exchange nailing without extracortical bone grafting seems to be the most effective method to treat a disturbed union of a femoral shaft fracture after intramedullary nailing. Autogenous extracortical bone grafting alone proved to be insufficient. Dynamization predisposed to shortening of the bone.