Proximal Femoral Plate,Intramedullary Nail Fixation Versus Hip Arthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture in the Elderly: A Meta-analysis

IntroductionMultiple operative modalities are available for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures. This meta-analysis was conducted to find out if there is superiority of surgical fixation by proximal femoral plate or surgical fixation by intramedullary nail over hip arthroplasty for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly.MethodsA search for relevant studies that published from January 2000 to November 2018 through the electronic literature database of Cochrane library, Medline, Trip Database and Wiley online library.ResultsA total of 19 studies including 14 prospective RCTs, and five retrospective studies. This meta-analysis showed that nail group had shorter operative time than plate group (P < 0.0001), and less blood loss than the plate and arthroplasty groups (P < 0.0001), cut-out was higher in nail group than the plate group (P < 0.0001), mortality rate was higher in hip arthroplasty compared to other groups (P < 0.0001), Harris hip score within 6 months of the operation was higher in the arthroplasty group compared with the nail and plate groups, while within 1 year of the operation, nail group had higher Harris hip score than arthroplasty group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggested that the intramedullary nail fixation method is a preferred method for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly over hip arthroplasty and proximal femoral plate fixation.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00426-1.     

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。     

弹性髓内钉固定与外固定支架治疗儿童股骨干骨折疗效比较

目的：比较弹性髓内针与外固定支架治疗儿童股骨干骨折的疗效。方法：2002年9月至2008年8月治疗儿童股骨干骨折共67例,使用弹性髓内针治疗儿童股骨干骨折36例,男23例,女13例,年龄5～11岁,平均（7.1±1.6）岁;外固定支架治疗31例,男19例,女12例,年龄3～12岁,平均（6.5±2.3）岁。所有病例均为闭合复位,对两种不同内固定术后骨折愈合时间、术后并发症进行比较分析。结果：全部病例均获随访,时间9～24个月,平均（12±3）个月。弹性随内针组治疗小儿股骨骨折在骨折临床愈合时间和骨性愈合时间均短于外固定支架组（P〈0.05）。外固定支架组,继发钉道感染5例,骨折延迟愈合3例,再骨折2例,螺钉断裂1例;弹性髓内针组钉尾激惹3例。结论：弹性髓内针治疗儿童股骨干骨折有很大优势,而对高能量骨折及多发伤的病例外固定支架则不失为一种良好的选择,股骨近端和远端骨折尽量避免使用弹性髓内针固定。     

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。     

器械辅助复位联合带锁髓内钉内固定术治疗复杂股骨干多段骨折

目的:探讨复杂股骨干多段骨折实施微创小切口、器械辅助复位联合带锁髓内钉固定术的手术疗效。方法:2013年1月至2016年1月采用器械辅助复位联合带锁髓内钉内固定术治疗32例股骨干多段骨折患者,男22例,女10例;年龄17~68岁,平均45岁;受伤距手术时间5~10 d,平均7 d;入院后视情况常规行胫骨结节或股骨髁上骨牵引术,对患者全身情况进行评估,术中记录手术时间、术中出血量。依据Thorsen股骨骨折术后形态评估标准及Hohl膝关节功能评价标准对术后疗效进行评价,观察术后骨折愈合、并发症发生及患肢功能恢复情况。结果:所有病例获得随访,时间6~24个月,平均12个月;手术时间48~76 min,平均67 min;术中出血量150~400 ml,平均220 ml;手术切口均达甲级愈合,骨折均达临床愈合标准,骨折愈合时间4.2~10.8个月,平均5.7个月;无骨不连、切口感染及内固定断裂、失效等并发症发生;依据Thorsen股骨骨折术后形态评估标准:优28例,良3例,可1例;依据Hohl膝关节功能评价标准:优30例,良2例。结论:器械辅助复位联合带锁髓内钉内固定术治疗复杂股骨干多段骨折,具有创伤小、固定可靠、恢复快、术后可早期行功能锻炼等优点,符合BO固定原则,是治疗股骨多段骨折的一种有效方法。     

One‐Stage Closed Intramedullary Nailing for Delayed Femoral Fracture in Multiple Injured Patients

ObjectiveTo tackle the challengeable dilemma of delayed femoral fracture, a technique of fixator‐assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nailing at one stage was introduced herein and its clinical results were investigated.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on delayed femoral shaft fracture between February 2008 and January 2017. The multiple injured patients aged from 18 to 60 years with delayed femoral fracture was included. All patients were treated by one‐stage internal fixation technique and followed up for more than 1 year. Outcome measures including the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and limb alignment, healing time of fracture, visual analog scale (VAS), and range of knee motion were recorded and evaluated.ResultsA total of 13 patients (16 sides) with a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 32.77 ± 9.98 (range, 19 to 52) participated in the investigation. The median length of time‐after‐fracture was 38 days (range, 21 to 110 days). The average shortening distance of the fracture ends was 35.48 ± 19.24 mm (range, 10.00 to 79.00 mm). The average surgery time was 192.19 ± 29.38 min for unilateral femoral fracture, with blood loss of 587.50 ± 232.02 ml. The postoperative discrepancy of lower limb was 3.87 ± 2.52 mm. No patient had vascular and neurologic complications due to the lengthening. All fractures healed successfully with a mean time of 2.98 ± 0.57 months. The mean VAS and maximal knee flexion were 1.63 ± 1.09 and 131.25° ± 5.32° at final follow‐up, respectively.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that fixator‐assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nailing at one stage is an effective treatment for delayed femoral fracture with satisfactory functional recovery.     

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。     

Clinical Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Limb Long Bone Fractures in Children

ObjectiveThe aim of the present paper was to investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for long bone fractures in children.MethodsA total of 350 children with limb fractures from June 2012 to June 2018 were recruited and randomized into two groups: an ESIN group (n = 175) treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing, and an MPIF group (n = 175), treated with metal plate internal fixation. Both groups received the same physical examination and routine medication. Operation related indexes, clinical efficacy, complications, and postoperative quality of life scores were analyzed and compared.ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, and fracture healing time in the ESIN group were 43.74 ± 4.96 min, 8.14 ± 1.34 mL, 5.97 ± 1.88 days, and 55.89 ± 5.61 days, respectively, which were all significantly less than those in the MPIF group (all P < 0.001). In terms of common complications after limb fracture treatment, there were 6 cases of osteomyelitis, 5 cases of skin irritation response, and 7 cases of inflammatory granuloma in the MPIF group. There were 2 cases of skin irritation response and 5 cases of inflammatory granuloma in the ESIN group. The incidence of postoperative complications in the ESIN group was 4.00%, which was significantly lower than that in MPIF group (10.29%) (P < 0.05). The effective rate for recovery condition in the ESIN group (93.71%) was significantly higher than that in the MPIF group (P < 0.001). The quality of life scores after treatment in both groups were improved, while the score in the ESIN group was significantly higher than that in the MPIF group (79.43%) (P < 0.001). The postoperative satisfaction rate in the ESIN group (94.29%) was significantly higher than that in the MPIF group (86.29%) (P < 0.05). The quality of life scores after treatment in both groups were improved, while the score in the ESIN group was significantly higher than that in the MPIF group (P < 0.001). The postoperative satisfaction rate and the acceptance rate for adjacent joint function in the ESIN group (100%) were significantly higher than those in the MPIF group (92.00%) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionElastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive procedure for long bone fractures in children. It can effectively improve the operation‐related indicators and postoperative quality of life and reduce the incidence of complications.     

改良弹性髓内钉技术治疗儿童股骨转子下骨折

目的:探讨改良弹性髓内钉技术治疗儿童股骨转子下骨折的疗效。方法:自2009年3月至2010年12月采用改良弹性髓内钉技术治疗儿童股骨转子下骨折16例,男12例,女4例;年龄7～15岁,平均9.8岁。骨折类型:稳定型骨折(横断或短斜型)9例,非稳定型骨折(粉碎性骨折或长斜型骨折)7例。对患儿的放射学结果和并发症资料进行回顾性研究,采用Flynn评判标准对术后骨折愈合情况进行评价。结果:16例患儿术后均获得随访,时间11～32个月,平均21个月。无切口感染、骨不连及内固定物失效或断裂。骨折愈合时间8～16周,平均10.1周。骨折愈合按照Flynn评判标准进行评估,优14例,良1例,差1例。结论:使用改良弹性髓内钉技术治疗儿童转子下骨折是一种安全有效的固定方法,有利于患儿早期活动,缩短住院时间和减少并发症。     

Surgical Treatment of Internal Fixation Failure of Femoral Peritrochanteric Fracture

ObjectiveTo investigate the factors, surgical treatment methods and clinical effect of internal fixation failure of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.MethodsFrom June 2015 to May 2019, arthroplasty and internal fixation revision were used to treat 18 cases of internal fixation failure of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. There were 10 males and eight females, with an average age of 67.3 years (38–92 years). The 16 cases of initial intertrochanteric fractures were classified according to AO/OTA:13 cases of A2 and 3 cases of A3, the other 2 cases were subtrochanteric fractures (Seinsheimer type IV). The internal fixation failure was treated with total hip arthroplasty (6 cases), bipolar hemiarthroplasty (4 cases), revision with proximal femoral lockingplate (4 cases) and extend intramedullary nail (4 cases).ResultsAll patients were followed up for an average of 24.7 months (range, 12 to 36 months). The average operative time was 111.4 min (range, 72 to 146 min) and the average intraoperative blood loss was 403.6 mL (range, 200 to 650 mL). The average time of fracture union was 6.9 months (range, 5 to 9 months) for cases of internal fixation revision. The operative time of the arthroplasty group was shorter than the revision group (P < 0.001), and the intraoperative blood loss of the arthroplasty group was less than the revision group (P = 0.001). The affected limb shortening of postoperative (0.21 ± 0.19 cm) was better than preoperative (2.01 ± 0.60 cm) (P < 0.001), while the limb shortening of the arthroplasty group (0.11 ± 0.21 cm) was less than the revision group (0.33 ± 0.09 cm) (P = 0.015). At the last follow‐up, all injured limbs regained walking function, and the Harris hip score was 81.3 ± 9.4 points. The Harris score of postoperative was better than preoperative (33.4 ± 5.9 points) (P < 0.001), while there were no significant differences between the arthroplasty group and the revision group at 3 months (76.5 ± 8.5 vs 71.1 ± 10.6, P = 0.249), 6 months (80.9 ± 7.9 vs 78.9 ± 12.9,P = 0.687) postoperative and the last follow‐up (80.5 ± 8.3 vs 82.3 ± 11.7, P = 0.716) respectively.ConclusionFor internal fixation failure of peritrochanteric fractures, young patients could accept internal fixation revision to restore normal anatomical structure, correct varus deformity and autograft; while elderly patients and patients with damaged femoral head could be treated with arthroplasty to restore walking function.     

踝背伸位桥式钢丝夹板外固定在低龄儿童股骨干骨折的应用

目的：探讨低龄儿童股骨干骨折应用踝背伸位桥式钢丝夹板外固定的治疗方法及临床疗效.方法：借鉴拱桥力学原理及结构形式设计踝背伸位桥式钢丝夹板,并于2006年6月至2012年6月应用于45例低龄儿童股骨干骨折的治疗.其中男31例,女14例;年龄8个月～5.5岁,平均3.2岁;股骨上1/3骨折14例,中1/3骨折26例,下1/3骨折5例;横形骨折20例,斜形骨折14例,螺旋形骨折6例,粉碎性骨折5例.定期复查X线片,随访观察影像学改变、并发症及临床疗效.结果：45例患几随访6～21个月,平均12个月,骨折均在固定后5～7周（平均6周）达临床愈合.7例出现患肢软组织并发症,包括臀部压疮,足背及跟腱部表皮坏死等,经局部换药及拆除外固定后均愈合.随访期间原重叠、成角及倒方移位者经自身塑形改造,患肢均恢复正常力线关系及骨结构.根据Flynn临床疗效标准,优35例,良8例,可2例.结论：踝背伸位桥式钢丝夹板外固定治疗低龄儿童（6岁以内）股骨干骨折安全可行,操作简单,疗效满意,值得基层医院推广运用.     

偏心固定与髓内固定治疗股骨转子间骨折的病例对照研究

目的 :比较股骨转子间骨折采用偏心固定及髓内固定两种方法的疗效,为股骨转子间骨折治疗方法的选择提供理论依据。方法:2007年2月至2010年1月收治股骨转子间骨折患者82例,其中偏心固定组39例,男16例,女23例,年龄41~81岁,平均(62.68±10.69)岁,采用动力髋或股骨近端锁定钢板固定;髓内固定组43例,男15例,女28例,年龄43~78岁,平均(62.60±8.37)岁,采用PFN或PFNA固定。比较两组患者的切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量以及术后Harris评分情况。结果:两组伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,无手术并发症。82例患者均获得随访,时间12~28个月,平均18.3个月。两组切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量差异具有统计学意义。两组术后1个月Harris髋关节功能评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而术后12个月Harris髋关节功能评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。偏心固定组优良率为89.7%,髓内固定组优良率为90.7%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。偏心固定组骨折不愈合1例,动力髋主钉螺丝松动并继而发生髋内翻畸形。髓内固定组无防旋钉退出,髓内钉远端股骨再骨折1例。结论:两种方法治疗股骨转子间骨折均有良好疗效,但是髓内固定较偏心固定手术时间更短,出血量更少,适用于骨质疏松和不稳定型股骨转子间骨折的治疗。     

附加钢板治疗髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连

目的:探讨附加钢板治疗髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连的安全性和有效性。方法:自1998年4月至2008年6月,应用附加钢板治疗9例髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连,男8例,女1例;年龄21～54岁,平均32岁。1例为股骨上1/3,5例为股骨中1/3,3例为股骨下1/3。采用4～6孔钛合金限制接触性窄动力接骨板,4～6枚皮质骨螺钉固定。6例骨不连间隙大于5mm,4例采用单纯髂骨植骨,2例固骼生和髂骨混合植骨。3例小于5mm,1例植入固骼生,2例将修整的骨痂重新植入。术后保护性负重防止主钉断裂失效,逐渐恢复术前活动水平,术后1、3、6、12个月临床与影像学随诊。结果:6例取髂骨植骨或固骼生混合植骨患者,手术时间60～120min,出血量100～300ml;另3例单纯植入固骼生或骨痂植入患者,手术时间40～100min,出血量60～100ml。供骨区疼痛4例,3例1个月内缓解,1例3个月后缓解,无感染、钢板螺钉松动、断裂等。平均愈合时间8个月,5例术后6～11个月取出髓内钉和钢板。结论:附加钢板有效改善局部旋转不稳定,是治疗髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连的有效方法之一。     

钢板加异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合

目的:探讨采用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折交锁髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合的临床疗效.方法:分析自2006年2月至2013年6月21例股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后不愈合患者采用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗,男12例,女9例;年龄18～62岁,平均34.8岁.骨折不愈合时间9～18个月,平均12.8个月.术后采用Merchan标准评定临床疗效.结果:21例患者伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染、内固定物断裂、脂肪栓塞、旋转畸形及明显的短缩畸形等并发症.术后随访8～24个月,平均13.2个月.19例患者术后达到骨性愈合,平均愈合时间为6.2个月(4～9个月),2例出现骨折延迟愈合,经7～13个月观察获得骨性愈合.术后1年膝关节功能按Merchan标准评定:优13例,良6例,差2例.结论:应用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合具有治愈率高,并发症少,术后功能恢复良好的特点,能够提高骨折稳定性及促进骨痂生长.     

Factors Associated with Femoral Neck Shortening After Closed or Open Reduction and Screw Fixation

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the incidence of femoral neck shortening (FNS) after the treatment of displaced and non-displaced femoral neck fractures with closed or open reduction internal fixation, and determine the independent factors associated with this condition.MethodThe study included 81 patients who underwent internal fixation by closed or open reduction with multiple screws between 2013 and 2018 due to femoral neck fracture (FNF) and were followed up for at least 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups as with and without FNS. The patient, fracture, and surgical parameters compared between the two groups, and the factors affecting development of FNS were investigated.ResultsInternal fixation was applied by closed reduction in 56 patients (69.1%) and open in 25 (30.9%). FNS was detected in 41 patients (50.6%), with the mean shortening 6.3 ± 6.4 mm. Fracture union achieved in 72 patients (89%). The mean time to fracture union was 4.3 ± 2.3 months.No statistically significant relationship found between FNS and the parameters of gender, age, smoking, reduction type, number, type and orientation of screws, Singh index, and Garden fix index (p > 0.05).However, there was significant difference between two groups regarding energy of the fracture, fragmentation, coronal angulation, Garden type, and fixation with medial buttress plate (p < 0.05)ConclusionFNS is an expected condition in FNF fixed by screws. Patients with high-energy traumas and advanced Garden types are more likely to have FNS. The use of medial plate may be effective in preventing FNS.     

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.     

Minimally invasive treatment of old femoral fractures in adults

ObjectiveExtensive incision associated with large-scale callus exfoliation and internal fixation is the common therapeutic approach employed by the majority of orthopaedists in the treatment of old femoral fractures. Inspired by the surgical techniques of intramedullary fixation and reduction by traction, the present study attempted to treat old femoral fractures with minimally invasive methods utilising the principles of biological osteosynthesis (BO).MethodsA retrospective analysis involving 16 patients with old femoral fractures treated with combined traction, small incision, limited callus treatment, reduction by leverage and intramedullary fixation was conducted. The operative effect was evaluated by the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, bone grafting, healing time of fractures during follow-up, VAS score, and Harris hip score.ResultsIntraoperative observation revealed an average operation time of 1.53 ± 0.34 h and average blood loss of 268.13 ± 97.29 ml without bone grafting in all patients. All enrolled patients had outcomes resulting in effective fixation restoration of limb alignment. Of the 16 enrolled patients, 13 patients completed follow-up with an average follow-up time of 7.42 ± 3.29 months. The average healing time for proximal femoral fractures was 3 months. The average healing time of femoral shaft fractures was 4 ± 1.09 months; two of these cases took 4 months to heal, whereas 1 case demonstrated a delayed healing time of 6 months. The VAS score was 1.15 ± 1.70, 1 patient experienced sciatica, and the Harris hip score was 92.92 ± 5.42. There were no complications of malunion, nonunion or infection among any of the patients who completed follow-up.ConclusionsMinimally invasive treatment is feasible for most patients with old femoral fractures of the trochanter and femoral shaft. This finding is consistent with BO principles, thereby providing a possible new method for the treatment of old femoral fractures.     

Distal femoral fractures: A comparison between single lateral plate fixation and a combined femoral nail and plate fixation

ObjectivesDistal femoral fractures occur in patients with osteoporotic bone and also as a consequence of high energy trauma. The recognised treatment options include closed or open reduction of the fracture and fixation using a locking plate or a femoral nail. Both these fixation modalities have some drawbacks. There is a risk of metalwork failure with single lateral locking plates and limited distal fixation with intramedullary nails. Since January 2018, we started using augmented fixation of distal femoral fractures using a combination of a retrograde femoral nail and a lateral locking plate. This study compares the outcomes of single lateral femoral plating (SLP) and combined nail-plate fixation (NPF).MethodsThis is a single centre retrospective case control study including all patients who sustained distal femoral fractures (OTA 33-A2, 33-A3, 33-C, 33-V3B and 33-V3D) over the study period. Outcomes for SLP were compared to NPF. The principal outcome measure was fracture union. Secondary outcome measures were reoperation rate, mortality and post-operative weight bearing status.Results67 distal femoral fractures were included in the study. 19 patients had peri?prosthetic fractures. 40 were treated by SLP, 27 were managed with NPF.  23 (58%) patients in the SLP group were given instructions to non-weight bear or Toe touch weight bear for 6 weeks post-surgery compared to 1 (4%) in the NPF group (p = 0.000004). 7 (18%) patients treated with SLP had metalwork failure due to a non-union compared to none treated with NPF (p = 0.04). 11 fractures in the SLP group failed to unite compared to no non-unions in the NPF group (p = 0.01). These differences were magnified when assessing older (>50 years old) patients.ConclusionsAugmented fixation of distal femoral fractures using a nail plate fixation provided significantly higher union and enabled early weightbearing compared to single plate fixation. We recommend nail plate fixation for the treatment of distal femoral fractures, particularly in osteoporotic fractures.     

Determining the development stage of the ossification centers around the elbow may aid in deciding whether to use ESIN or not in adolescents’ forearm shaft fractures

Background and purpose — Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the preferred method of operative stabilization of unstable pediatric forearm shaft fractures. However, the decision whether to use ESIN or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in older children or teenagers is not always straightforward. We hypothesized that the development stage of the elbow would aid in evaluating the eligibility of the patient for ESIN.Patients and methods — All eligible children, aged <16 years who were treated with ESIN in Oulu University Hospital, during 2010–2019 were included (N = 70). The development stages of 4 ossification centers were assessed according to the Sauvegrain and Diméglio scoring. The proportion of impaired union vs. union was analyzed according to bone maturity, by using the optimal cutoff-points determined with receiver operating characteristics (ROC).Results — Development stage ≥ 6 in the olecranon was associated with impaired union in 20% of patients, compared with none in stages 1–5 (95% CI of difference 8% to 24%). Trochlear ossification center ≥ 4 was associated with impaired union in 17% of patients (CI of difference 7% to 36%) and lateral condyle ≥ 6 in 13% of patients (CI of difference 3.4% to 30%). Proximal radial head ≥ 5.5 was associated with impaired union in 18% of patients (CI of difference 7% to 39%).Interpretation — Recognizing the rectangular or fused olecranon ossification center, referring to stage ≥ 6, was in particular associated with impaired fracture healing. This finding may aid clinicians to consider between ESIN and plating, when treating forearm shaft fracture of an older child or teenager.

Pediatric forearm shaft fractures comprise 6% of all childhood fractures. They occur most frequently in children aged 5–14 years (Wall 2016, Joeris et al. 2017, Alrashedan et al. 2018). Most can be treated nonoperatively, and this is particularly recommended in children < 9 years (Zionts et al. 2005, Franklin et al. 2012). Older children are more prone to complications such as nonunion and redisplacement (Asadollahi et al. 2017). Their longer fracture healing time and less pronounced remodeling capacity have resulted in a trend toward operative management recently (Sinikumpu et al. 2012).Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the preferred method to fix forearm shaft fractures in children. The method spares periosteal blood supply and surgical wounds are usually far from the fracture. ESIN produces good angular and longitudinal stability (Wall 2016). In older children and teenagers open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is optional (Herman and Marshall 2006). Their fractures are more prone to complications and even minor displacement may result in shortening and angulation, thus decreasing pro- and supination, similarly to adult patients (Rehman and Sokunbi 2010). However, the calendar age of a patient does not always match the maturation of the skeleton, making it challenging to select between pediatric-like or adult-like treatment.Bone age of the patient would help the clinician when choosing between ESIN and plating in older children. Bone age could be assessed by additional radiographs of the hand or iliac spine. However, keeping in mind that there are several ossification centers in the elbow, which develop in a particular order in a growing child, we hypothesized that higher development stage of elbow ossification centers would be associated with impaired healing of forearm shaft fractures stabilized by ESIN. We aimed to find a method to predict impaired union of forearm shaft fractures treated by ESIN, by using the Sauvegrain classification system for bone age (Sauvegrain et al. 1962).