Noncontiguous fractures of the femoral neck,femoral shaft,and distal femur

BACKGROUND: Multifocal fractures of the femur are uncommon injuries and present unique management challenges. Combined ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft and femoral neck or the femoral shaft and distal femur have been described. The combination of noncontiguous ipsilateral femoral neck, femoral shaft, and distal femoral articular injuries, however, has not been described. The purposes of this report are to document the incidence and characteristics of this injury and to present a treatment rationale. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at a Level I trauma center. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 1639 adult patients with femur fractures were definitively managed at the authors' institution. Five male and two female patients (average age, 43.3 years) sustained ipsilateral, noncontiguous fractures of the femoral neck, femoral shaft, and distal femoral articular surface (0.43%). All femoral neck fractures were vertically oriented. All distal femoral injuries were unicondylar. A variety of fixation methods were used, dependent on individual fracture characteristics. The femoral neck fractures were prioritized in all cases. Stabilization of the distal femoral articular surface was then performed before diaphyseal fixation in patients with sagittally oriented condylar fractures. Patients were followed for an average of 19.3 months. All fractures healed without the need for secondary procedures. CONCLUSION: This injury constellation is rare. Open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced femoral neck fracture should be the primary focus of orthopedic management, followed by stable reduction and fixation of displaced distal femoral articular injuries. The diaphyseal fracture should be treated with a technique that does not jeopardize either the proximal or the distal fractures. Patients who are critically ill can be managed in a similar sequence over the course of several days, depending on their overall condition.     

Clinical outcomes and affecting factors of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures - Multination,multicenter analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures and identify the risk factors associated with missed diagnosis of femoral neck fractures and clinical outcomes of this fracture.MethodsThe ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures from seven centers were retrospectively reviewed. Data on injury mechanism, fracture pattern, and fracture classification; surgical factors including fixation method; and timing of detection of femoral neck fracture were analyzed. The clinical outcomes, complications, and the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) were reviewed. Risk factors for missed femoral neck fracture and complications were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 74 patients with an average age of 43.6 years were included. Of the femoral shaft fractures, 56.8% were type A, 21.6% were type B, and 21.6% were type C. Sixteen patients had an open fracture of the femoral shaft. Femoral neck fracture was initially missed in 27% patients and the timing of delayed diagnosis was at an average of 11.1 days after injury. For detecting femoral neck fractures, minimal displacement of the femoral neck fracture was a risk factor, whereas computed tomography (CT) was a protective factor. The incidence of AVNFH was 6.8% at an average of 36.8 months after injury. The AVNFH group had more displaced femoral neck fractures at the time of surgery, but there was no difference in the timing of diagnosis compared to non-AVNFH group. The femoral shaft showed considerable healing problems, with an average union time of 29.7 weeks and a 20.2% nonunion rate.ConclusionIpsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures had a high rate of missed diagnosis, especially in minimally displaced fractures; however, CT was a protective factor. AVNFH occurred in 6.8% and was related to femoral neck fracture displacement, but not delayed diagnosis. The femur nonunion rate was high, which warrants attention.     

Reverse distal femoral locking compression plate a salvage option in nonunion of proximal femoral fractures

Background:When primary fixation of proximal femoral fractures with implants fails, revision osteosynthesis may be challenging. Tracts of previous implants and remaining insufficient bone stock in the proximal femur pose unique problems for the treatment. Intramedullary implants like proximal femoral nail (PFN) or surface implants like Dynamic Condylar Screw (DCS) are few of the described implants for revision surgery. There is no evidence in the literature to choose one implant over the other. We used the reverse distal femur locking compression plate (LCP) of the contralateral side in such cases undergoing revision surgery. This implant has multiple options of fixation in proximal femur and its curvature along the length matches the anterior bow of the femur. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this implant in salvage situations.Results:All fractures exhibited union without any complications. Union was assessed clinically and radiologically. One case of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture required bone grafting at the second stage for delayed union of the femoral shaft fracture.Conclusions:Reverse distal femoral LCP of the contralateral side can be used as a salvage option for failed fixation of proximal femoral fractures exhibiting nonunion.     

Ipsilateral fractures of femoral neck and shaft

Thirteen cases of ipsilateral intracapsular femoral neck and shaft fractures were seen. All cases occurred in young adults, with the mechanism of injury in all instances being high-energy trauma. The diagnosis of the femoral neck fracture was missed initially in four cases. The patients were divided into four groups according to treatment protocol: group 1 (two cases), both fractures treated nonoperatively; group 2 (four cases), femoral neck fracture treated nonoperatively, open reduction and internal fixation of femoral shaft fracture; group 3 (three cases), McMurray's osteotomy for femoral neck fracture and internal fixation for the femoral shaft fracture; and group 4 (four cases), open reduction and internal fixation of both fractures. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 10.1 years. There was a nonunion of one femoral neck fracture, while all shaft fractures united. The best results were seen in group 4 cases. It is also recommended that routine high-quality X-ray films of the hip should be done in all cases of femoral shaft fracture to decrease the high incidence of missed femoral neck fractures in ipsilateral injuries of the femur.     

Unusual combination of femoral head dislocation associated acetabular fracture with multipart femoral fractures: Case report

IntroductionTraumatic hip dislocation associated with femur intertrocanteric fracture is a rare and severe injury and it frequently occurs following a high energy trauma, Associated acetabular fractures with this injury are even more rare and potentially cause devastating consequences including avascular necrosis of the femoral head and subsequent early secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint.Presentation of caseIn this case report, we present a 20 year old polytraumatized patient with traumatic hip dislocation associated with ipsilateral acetabulum fracture and simultaneous fractures of the ipsilateral femur.DiscussionTraumatic hip dislocation associated with femur intertrochanteric fracture is a rare and severe injury and it frequently occurs following a high energy trauma. In polytraumatized patients, musculoskeletal injuries are the most common lesions requiring surgical intervention frequently presenting challenging scenarios in terms of functional outcome and quality of life. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a serious and unpredictable complication that may occur after displaced femoral neck fracture and traumatic hip dislocation due to the disturbed blood supply of the femoral head.ConclusionA staged treatment strategy may be useful managing an unstable polytraumatized patient or a patient who requires prolonged transfer to receive definitive care.     

Delayed recognition of an ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture leading to preventable subsequent complications: a case report

Background

Ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures are rare injuries, affecting mostly young patients who sustained high-energy traumas. In 19–50% of cases, the femoral fracture is misdiagnosed or overlooked at the initial presentation, with reportedly increased risk of complications such as non-union and avascular necrosis. We present a case of an ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture, which was missed at initial presentation despite radiographic and computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation.

Case presentation

A 56-year old female was admitted to our institution following a high-energy trauma (fall from 6 m). Initial radiographic and CT scan evaluation revealed a displaced femoral shaft fracture but no other femoral fractures were detected. Closed reduction and external fixation of the femoral shaft fracture was performed in the emergency setting. Follow-up radiologic evaluations revealed an ipsilateral laterally displaced femoral neck fracture. Despite cephalomedullary nail fixation of both fractures performed on the third day from the initial injury, the patient developed a non-union of the femoral neck fracture, which led to cut-out of the lag screw with associated varus failure of the femoral neck fracture requiring surgical revision and implant of a bipolar hemiarthroplasty at one year follow up. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient had a full long-term recovery.

Conclusion

This case report exemplifies the need to maintain the highest level of suspiciousness for the concomitant presence of an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture when treating polytraumatized patients who sustained a femoral shaft fracture as a consequence of a high-energy trauma. Furthermore, the pre-operative standardized radiological evaluation (plain x-ray and CT scan) might not always help in ruling out these fractures. It is therefore necessary to adopt additional standardized radiographic protocols not only in the pre-operative but also in the intra-operative and immediate post-operative settings.

     

Evaluation of osteosynthesis with dual fibular bone grafting for neglected femoral neck fractures

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in young adults is an unsolved problem and neglected femoral neck fractures presents more challenge to the orthopaedics surgeon if femoral head salvage is attempted. We reviewed the operative results of neglected femoral neck fractures in young adults with fixation with dual fibular bone grafting Purpose of study was evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, functional, rehabilitative outcome and complications in such patients.MethodsTwentyeight patients in age group 18–50 years were operated having fracture neck femur by dual fibular bone grafting in the Department of Orthopaedics, S.N. Medical College, Agra in (May 2005–February 2008) and divided into two groups. Group A: comprised of 8 patients treated by dual fibular bone grafting alone and Group B: comprised of 18 patients treated by dual fibular bone grafting with single cancellous hip screw.ResultsAll the patients of the present series were having neglected intracapsular fracture, neck femur which were treated by dual fibular bone grafting with or without cancellous hip screw fixation. Majority of the patients had good to fair result according to Larson method with average time of union 16 weeks. All patients had useful range of movement at hip. Satisfactory union was achieved in all patients except two.ConclusionDouble bone grafting is a simple and cost effective modality of treatment for late femoral neck fracture with good results. It is a stable and biological method of fixation with preservation of natural femoral head with fewer complications.     

Bilateral femur fractures are associated with concomitant femoral neck fracture

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of femoral neck fractures in patients who have sustained bilateral femur fractures compared to unilateral femur fractures.

Design and setting

A retrospective review of an institutional trauma database was completed at a single level 1 trauma academic medical center.

Patients

All patients treated for a femur fracture between May 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were included.

Results

Twenty-one patients sustained bilateral femur fractures (11%) and 166 sustained unilateral femur fractures. Fifteen associated ipsilateral femoral neck fractures were identified. Eight of the 15 (53%) associated femoral neck fractures were observed in patients who sustained bilateral femur fractures. Eight of the 21 patients with bilateral femur fractures, 42 fractures in total, had an associated ipsilateral femoral neck fracture (38% of patients; 19% of fractures, respectively), while only seven of the 166 patients (4%) with a unilateral femur fracture had an associated femoral neck fracture (p < 0.001). Of the 208 femur fractures, 19 (9%) were open fractures. Ten of the 21 patients with bilateral femur fractures, 42 fractures in total, were identified to have an open femur fracture (48% of patients, 24% of fractures), while only nine of the 166 (5%) unilateral femur fractures were open (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate an association between bilateral femur fractures, open femur fractures, and associated femoral neck fractures. Surgeons treating these injuries should maintain a high index of suspicion for associated ipsilateral proximal.

     

弹性髓内钉治疗儿童双侧股骨干骨折

目的:探讨弹性髓内钉闭合复位内固定治疗儿童双侧股骨干骨折的疗效及并发症。方法:自2005年2月至2008年3月采用弹性髓内钉闭合复位治疗儿童双侧股骨干骨折7例,男5例,女2例,年龄3～13岁,平均8.3岁。车祸伤6例,高处坠落伤1例。合并伤:肺挫伤2例,颅脑损伤3例,膀胱损伤1例,跟骨骨折1例,无神经血管损伤及骨筋膜室综合征,均为闭合性骨折。2例患者术后采用石膏辅助外固定。结果:7例患者均获得随访,时间21～37个月,平均30.3个月,无一例发生切口感染,无继发骨折移位及内固定物失效或断裂。7例患者14侧骨折全部愈合,骨愈合时间7～12周,平均8.7周。无延迟愈合,骨不连,旋转畸形,髋、膝关节的功能障碍。1例患者出现双下肢不等长(长度差5 mm)。根据Flynn提出的评分标准,结果均为优。结论:采用弹性髓内钉治疗儿童股骨干骨折符合生物学固定原则,创伤小,并发症少,是治疗儿童高能量损伤股骨骨折的较好选择。     

Retrograde nailing with subsequent screw fixation for ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures

Introduction Although ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures are difficult to treat, there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment of this complex injury. We report the results of treating the 17 fractures with a standard protocol of retrograde nailing for diaphyseal fractures and subsequent screw fixation for the femoral neck fractures. Materials and methods Seventeen injuries (16 patients) sustained femoral shaft fractures, which were treated with retrograde intramedullary nails and subsequent screw fixation. Femoral neck fracture was noted before the operation in all patients except one. A femoral shaft fracture was always addressed first with unreamed retrograde nailing. Then, the femoral neck fracture was treated by cannulated screws or dynamic hip screw according to the level of fracture. Results The average time for union of femoral shaft fractures was 27.3 (14–60) weeks. Nonunion occurred in five patients, who required bone grafts or changes of fixation. The average time for union of femoral neck fractures was 11 (8–12) weeks. All united, except for one case of nonunion with avascuar necrosis, which was a Garden stage IV fracture. Functional results using Friedman–Wyman criteria were good in 16 cases, and fair in one. The only fair result was nonunion of the femoral neck, which had the joint arthroplasty. Conclusion Retrograde nailing of femoral shaft fractures can provide an easy fixation and a favorable result for ipsilateral femoral neck fractures.This study was conducted at Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea. The authors have and will not receive any financial benefit in association with the present paper.     

Long proximal femoral nail in ipsilateral fractures proximal femur and shaft of femur

Background:

Ipsilateral fractures of the proximal femur and femoral shaft are extremely uncommon injuries which occur in young adults who sustain a high energy trauma. A variety of management modalities have been tried to treat this complex fracture pattern ranging from conservative approach to recently introduced reconstruction nails. All these approaches have their own difficulties. We studied the outcome of long proximal femoral nail (LPFN) in the management of concomitant ipsilateral fracture of the proximal femur and femoral shaft.

Materials and Methods:

We analysed the prospective data of 36 consecutive patients who had sustained a high energy trauma (30 closed fractures and 6 open shaft fractures) who had concomitant ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft associated with proximal femur fractures treated with LPFN between December 2005 and December 2011. The mean age was 39 years (range 28-64 years). Twenty nine males and seven females were enrolled for this study.

Results:

The patients were followed up at three, six, twelve, and eighteen months. The mean healing time for the neck fractures was 4.8 months and for the shaft fractures was 6.2 months. The greater trochanter was splintered and widened in two cases which eventually consolidated. Two patients had superficial infection, two patients had lateral migration of the screws with coxa vara which was due to severe osteoporosis detected during the followup. We had two cases of nonunion of shaft fracture and one case of nonunion of neck fracture. Two cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head were detected after 2 years of followup. No cases of implant failure were noted. Limb shortening of less than 2 cms was noted in four of our patients. The functional assessment system of Friedman and Wyman was used for evaluating the results. In our series 59.9% (n = 23) were rated as good, 30.6% (n = 11) as fair, and 5.5% (n = 2) as poor.

Conclusion:

Long PFN is a reliable option for concomitant ipsilateral diaphyseal and proximal femur fractures.     

股骨干骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折治疗的临床观察

目的：探讨股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗特点和不同固定方法的疗效。方法：股骨干骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折27例,男22例,女5例;年龄14～65岁,平均35岁。动力髋螺钉（DHS）固定3例,加压钢板加空心加压螺钉固定12例,重建钉固定8例,顺行髓内钉加空心加压螺钉固定4例。13例固定术前用克氏针临时固定股骨颈骨折。结果：术后随访36～75个月,平均44个月。25例股骨颈骨折平均愈合时间4.5个月,2例股骨颈骨折不愈合。27例股骨干均愈合,平均愈合时间6个月。未用克氏针临时固定股骨颈骨折14例中,2例出现股骨颈不愈合,3例轻度髋内翻畸形。结论：股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折有许多固定方法可供选择,加压钢板加空心加压螺钉固定简便易用,在实施固定术前用克氏针临时固定股骨颈骨折可避免股骨颈骨折再移位和损伤。     

Outcome of intramedullary nail for fixation of osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures in the elderly above 60

IntroductionIntramedullary nailing is an acceptable treatment option for femoral shaft fracture in young patients but not extensively studied in the elderly with osteoporotic fractures. Plate fixation for osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures have a high rate of complications and delayed healing time, and the most acceptable treatment is intramedullary nailing. This study evaluated the healing time and incidence of complications in osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures after intramedullary nailing.Patients &MethodsThis was a retrospective study that included 16 patients above 60 years old with osteoporotic femoral shaft fractures operated between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients with metastatic fractures or with atypical fractures were excluded. Thirteen patients had low-energy injuries such as a simple fall from standing height or lower and twisting injuries. The remaining 3 patients sustained high-energy-mechanism of injury. No patient received bisphosphonate except 2 patients received oral bisphosphonate for a period of 6 and 8 months, respectively.ResultsSixteen patients (12 females and 4 males) with mean age 69.5 ± 3.7 presented with femoral shaft fracture were operated with intramedullary nail, 10 patients were fixed with trochanteric entry nails with proximal neck screws, and 6 patients were fixed with piriformis entry nails. In 9 patients, closed reduction of fracture was achieved while 7 patients required open reduction, of which 5 fracture required cerclage wire addition. The mean bone healing time was 5.35±1.2 months. Intraoperative extension of femoral fractures during intramedullary nail insertion was observed in two cases that required open reduction and addition of cerclage wires around the fracture. The overall incidence of complications was 18.7%.ConclusionsIntramedullary nailing for osteoporotic femoral shaft fracture is a good acceptable option in elderly patients with reasonable healing time with no major complications.     

股骨干顺行髓内钉固定后同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗

目的：探讨股骨干骨折行顺行髓内钉固定后发现同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析2000年1月至2010年1月股骨干骨折行顺行髓内钉固定后术中或术后发现同侧股骨颈骨折的患者12例,全部以2枚螺钉分别自髓内钉前后方固定股骨颈骨折,定期随访,评估骨折愈合及功能恢复情况。结果：术后随访10—36个月,平均16．5个月。股骨颈骨折平均愈合时间3．6个月,股骨干骨折平均愈合时间5．4个月,无股骨头坏死发生。按Harris评分标准髋关节功能：优7例,良3例,可2例。结论：股骨干骨折顺行髓内钉固定后发现同侧股骨颈骨折,以2枚螺钉分别自髓内钉前后方固定股骨颈骨折方法可行,固定可靠,手术创伤小,骨折愈合率高。     

Management von Kombinationsfrakturen des Femurschafts und des proximalen Femurs

Purpose

The combination of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures remains a treatment challenge in orthopedic surgery because both fracture types constitute separate entities and require specific treatment concepts.

Material and methods

In a case control study, incidence, treatment strategies, and outcomes of this injury were analyzed. All patients with femoral fractures treated between 1 January 2001 and 31 July 2007 at a level I trauma center were included in the study.

Results

Twenty-one out of 1,935 patients (1.1%) sustained 22 combined fractures of the femoral neck and shaft. Also considering the combination of femoral shaft fractures with fractures of the acetabulum and the distal femur (knee), the proportion of chain injuries of the femur was 3.1%. The rate of multiply injured patients in the group of patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures was 64%. The majority of the patients could be treated with a single implant for both fracture components. The leading fracture component was the femoral neck fracture in eight cases. All fractures consolidated after 4.7 months on average; one pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck was observed. All fractures were discovered in the course of primary diagnostic measures; in 73% of the patients, a computed tomography (CT) body scan was done. Fifty-nine percent of the patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures received primary definitive operative care. Complications included two torsional failures that needed correction and one case of postoperative infection that was easily treated.

Conclusion

Treatment of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures is still demanding, but diagnosis has improved with regular use of CT body scans in the management of multiply injured patients. Furthermore, possibilities for operative treatment have been advanced by the introduction of the long proximal femoral nail and the antegrade femoral nail, two implants supporting stabilization of these fracture entities.     

Bilateral femoral neck fracture following a convulsion in the presence of chronic kidney disease. A case report

Introduction and importanceBilateral femoral neck fractures in young adults are a rare entity. It is usually associated with pre-existing metabolic diseases, such as osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, or hypocalcemic seizures. Hence, it is essential in such cases to look for other associated injuries following a traumatic event. Missing associated injuries may lead to significant morbidities and poor functional outcomes.Case presentationA 37 years old male, who had chronic renal failure secondary to hypertension, and presented to the emergency room following a seizure episode, in which he developed a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion secondary to electrolyte imbalances with metabolic acidosis. As a result, he developed bilateral neck of femur fracture.Intervention and outcomeThe medical team optimized electrolytes imbalance and then the patient underwent surgical stabilization of both femur neck fracture, 1 year following the surgical fixation the patient had full range of motion of both hips with radiological evidence of complete healing of the fracture.ConclusionIn cases of fractures secondary to metabolic conditions, bilateral femoral neck fractures should be suspected and investigated; especially in young patients who develop a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The etiology is multifactorial, and the treating surgeon should be aware of predisposing factors which may affect bone quality, thereby raising the risk of fractures even with low-energy atraumatic events. Hip preservation should always be the primary target when treating these patients.     

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.     

双摇杆技术在成人股骨干骨折复位内固定术中的应用

目的:探讨双摇杆技术在成人股骨干骨折复位内固定术中的应用价值.方法:自2010年9月至2013年6月,采用双摇杆技术克氏针辅助复位交锁髓内钉内固定治疗成人股骨干骨折患者34例,男24例,女10例;年龄17～65岁,平均41岁.病程3～7 d,平均5d.按AO分型,32A型5例,32B型20例,32C型9例.左侧18例,右侧16例.术后随访观察骨折愈合及并发症发生情况,并按照Thorsen股骨骨折术后形态评估标准评价疗效.结果:患者手术时间40～110 min,平均75 min;术中出血200～300 ml,平均250 ml.术中所有骨折获得了良好复位.术后所有患者获随访,时间12～24个月,平均18个月.骨折均愈合,愈合时间4～8个月,平均5个月.均无断钉、感染、骨筋膜室综合征、再骨折、骨折畸形愈合等并发症发生.按照Thorsen股骨骨折术后形态评估标准评定疗效,优30例,良3例,可1例.结论:在成人股骨干骨折复位内固定术中采用双摇杆技术,可使骨折获得良好的复位,缩短手术时间,创伤小,骨折愈合率高,并发症少,患肢功能恢复好,值得临床推广应用.     

Incidence and risk factors of knee injuries associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures: A multicentre retrospective analysis of 429 femoral shaft injuries

A femoral shaft fracture is usually a high-energy injury and, thus, is likely to be accompanied by an injury of adjacent joints such as a knee ligament injury. However, these associated injuries are often neglected because of severe pain and deformity. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the incidence, type and risk factors of ipsilateral knee injuries associated with femoral shaft fractures.A total of 429 femoral shaft fractures were included in this study from January 2010 to September 2015. There were 320 males and 109 females, with mean age of 40.7 years (range, 15–88). Exclusion criteria were skeletally immature patients and patients with metabolic bone disease such as osteoporosis, atypical femoral fractures, and pathologic fractures. The incidence and type of knee injury were identified, and the injury mechanisms, AO/OTA classification of the femoral shaft fractures, were analysed for assessment of risk factors for knee injuries combined with femoral shaft fractures.Knee injuries were found in 131 cases. Knee ligament injuries were identified in 87 cases. There were 20 posterior cruciate ligament injuries, 11 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, 16 medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, 8 lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, and 32 multi-ligament injuries. In 24 cases, ligament injuries were not detected before internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Average time of diagnosis for ligament injury after fixation in these neglected cases was about 10.6 weeks (range, 1–32).Fractures around the knee joint were identified in 69 cases; there were 32 patellar fractures, 14 distal femoral intra-articular fractures, 14 tibia plateau fractures, 3 proximal fibular fractures, and 6 combined fractures.Male sex, type C fracture of AO/OTA classification, and motor vehicle accidents were identified as risk factors for associated ipsilateral knee injuries in femoral shaft fractures.Knee injuries were identified in approximately 30% of femoral shaft fractures. About 30% of ligament injuries were not detected before internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Care should be taken since knee injuries can be accompanied by ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures.     

The burden of femoral shaft fractures in Tanzania

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and are associated with femur fractures that lead to long-term disability. Information about these injuries is crucial for appropriate healthcare resource allocation. The purpose of this study is to estimate the incidence of femoral shaft fractures in Tanzania and describe the unmet surgical burden.MethodsStudy sites included six government hospitals across Tanzania. Investigators collected data from hospital admission and procedural logbooks to estimate femoral shaft fracture incidence and their treatment methods. Semi-quantitative interviews were conducted with relevant hospital personnel to validate estimates obtained from hospital records. Investigators gathered road traffic incident (RTI) statistics from national police reports and calculated femur fracture:RTI ratios.ResultsFemoral shaft fracture annual incidence rate ranged from 2.1 to 18.4 per 100,000 people. Median low and high femur fracture:RTI ratio were 0.54 and 0.73, respectively. At smaller hospitals, many patients (5–25%) were treated with traction, and a majority (70–90%) are referred to other centers. Barriers to surgery at each hospital include a lack of surgical implants, equipment, and personnel.ConclusionsThe incidence rate is similar to previous estimations, and it is consistent with an increased femoral shaft fracture incidence in Tanzania when compared to higher income countries. The femur fracture:RTI ratio may be a valid tool for estimating femur fracture incidence rates. There is an unmet orthopaedic surgical burden for femur fractures treatment at rural hospitals in Tanzania, and the barriers to treatment could be targets for future interventions.