Modified Combined Approach for Distal Humerus Shaft Fracture: Anterolateral and Lateral Bimodal Approach

Background

Due to the anatomical nature of the radial nerve, dissection and attainment of an adequate operative field in mid to distal humerus fracture is dangerous and limited. We devised a combined anterolateral and lateral approach that ensures protection of the radial nerve. This is achieved by performing bimodal dissection of the proximal humerus anteriorly and the distal humerus laterally.

Methods

Thirty-five consecutive patients were treated using a combined anterolateral and lateral approach for a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. We analyzed time to bony union, time to return to daily work, range of motion, elbow joint function as assessed by the Mayo elbow performance index and complications.

Results

Radiologic bony union was observed at 11.2 weeks (range, 8 to 20 weeks) on average. Four cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy before surgery all recovered. Time to return to work was 10.2 weeks (range, 2 to 32 weeks) on average. The average range of motion of the elbow was 3.3° (range, 0° to 10°) of extension and 135.9° (range, 125° to 145°) of flexion. There were 21 cases of excellent and 13 cases of good or better recovery, comprising over 97.1% on the Mayo elbow performance index. There were no complications of radial nerve palsy, non-union, mal-union, or infection.

Conclusions

Our a modified combined anterolateral and lateral approach is a clinically effective surgical method of achieving protection of the radial nerve and securing easy and firm internal fixation.     

Comparison of Robot‐Assisted Percutaneous Cannulated Screws Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Calcaneal Fractures

ObjectiveAccurate placement of the screws is challenging in percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of calcaneal fractures, and robot‐assisted (RA) surgery enhances the accuracy. We investigated the outcome of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of Sander''s type II and III calcaneal fractures.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed clinical data of 26 patients with fresh closed calcaneal fractures (28 fractures) who were admitted to our center from January 2022 to July 2022. All fractures were divided into the RA group and the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group according to the surgeries performed. RA surgery was performed by closed reduction or open reduction combined with a tarsal sinus approach. Age, sex, operation time, preoperative waiting time, length of postoperative hospital stay, wound complications, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) at 3 months postoperatively were compared. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters (calcaneal length, width, height, Böhler angle, and fixation rate of the sustentaculum tali) were documented. The chi‐square test, one‐way analysis of variance, and Wilcoxon test were used for the comparison of categorical, normally distributed, and nonnormally distributed continuous variables, respectively.ResultsThe calcaneal width, height, and Böhler angle were significantly corrected postoperatively in both groups. The postoperative calcaneal lengths in both groups were also corrected. However, no significant difference was found. No significant differences in calcaneal length, width, height, and Böhler angle were observed between the two groups. The operation time (p < 0.001), preoperative waiting time (p < 0.001), and length of postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.003) in the RA surgery group were significantly shorter than those in the ORIF group. The fixation rate of the sustentaculum tali (p < 0.001) in the RA surgery group was significantly superior to that in the ORIF group. All wound complications occurred in the ORIF group. All fractures healed within 3 months. The AOFAS scores at 3 months postoperatively were not significantly different.ConclusionRA percutaneous screw fixation of the calcaneal fracture is a safe, effective, rapid, and minimally invasive surgical option for surgeons.     

Nonunion of a Pediatric Distal Radial Metaphyseal Fracture Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Abstract A boy, age 9, presented with deformation and pain of the left distal forearm, 1 year after a plate osteosynthesis for a distal radial metaphyseal fracture. This case showed a pediatric nonunion of a distal radial metaphyseal fracture which caused strong deformation of the left distal forearm. This is an extremely rare complication in children following an open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced distal forearm fracture. Key points of pediatric fracture healing are discussed and a review of the literature is given.     

Lateral Extensile Approach Versus Minimal Incision Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Meta-analysis

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this large meta-analysis was to report the outcomes of the lateral extensile approach versus the minimal incision approach including complications, anatomic reduction, functional outcomes, and timing and to report results when only randomized control trials were compared. Five electronic databases were searched for articles directly comparing the 2 above approaches. Inclusion criteria included articles published from January 2007 to April 2017, adults (>18 years old) with closed, Sanders type II or III fractures, mean follow-up time of ≥12 months, and ≥1 primary outcome reported. Seventeen randomized control trials and 10 retrospective studies were included. There were 2179 participants with 2274 fractures, and mean follow-up of 22.41 months. Our results revealed no statistically significant difference in Gissane's angle, calcaneal width, calcaneal length, deep infection, or subtalar stiffness. When taking into consideration only randomized control trials, there was no statistically significant difference between groups comparing postoperative Bohler's or Gissane's angle. There was a statistically significant difference in wound complications, superficial infection, sural nerve injury, visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, operative time, time to operating room, calcaneal height, and postoperative Bohler's angle (when all studies were considered), all in favor of the minimal incision approach. These results remained statistically significant when only the randomized controlled trials were compared, with the exception of Bohler's angle and VAS and AOFAS scores. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the minimal incision approach is a good alternative to the standard lateral extensile approach.     

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation by Volar Locking Plates and the “Poking Reduction” Technique in Distal Radius Fractures with Displaced Dorsal Ulnar Fragments: A Retrospective Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of distal radius fractures (DRFs) with displaced dorsal ulnar fragments treated with volar locking plate (VLP) and the “poking reduction” technique.MethodsBetween January 2014 and January 2019, 78 unilateral DRFs with displaced dorsal ulnar fragment (AO type C3) treated with VLP were conducted. According to the reduction technique of the dorsal ulnar fragment, the patients were divided into the conventional reduction (CRG) group (33 patients, 14 males and 19 females, mean age 57.2 ± 12.1 years old) and the “poking reduction” (PRG) group (45 patients, 11 males and 34 females, mean age 60.1 ± 12.4 years old). According to the AO classification, there were 21 cases of C3.1 and 12 of C3.2 in the CPG group, 27 cases of C3.1 and 18 of C3.2 in the PRG group. Clinical and radiographic data were extracted from the electronic medical record system. These data were reviewed for clinical outcomes (range of motion, grip strength), radiological outcomes (volar tilt, radial inclination, radial height, step of articular surface), and postoperative complications. The final functional recovery was evaluated by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score.ResultsThe mean duration of follow‐up was 27 months (range from 12 to 56). The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss did not significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative CT examination showed that the step of articular surface in CPG group (0.8 ± 0.3 mm) was larger than that in PRG group (0.5 ± 0.2 mm) (p < 0.001). The DASH score did not significantly differ between groups (26.1 ± 4.6 in CRG and 24.7 ± 4.0 in PRG, p > 0.05) at 3 months postoperatively. At 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, the DASH score was better in PRG group (11.8 ± 2.5 and 10.4 ± 2.0) than in CRG group (13.6 ± 2.7 and 12.2 ± 2.5) (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, respectively). At 12 months postoperatively, wrist range of motion did not significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in radiological parameters between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of complications was higher in the CRG group (7/33) than in the PRG group (2/45) (p = 0.009).ConclusionThe “poking reduction” technique is a wise option for reduction of dorsal ulnar fragment in DRFs. This innovative technique could restore smoothness of the radiocarpal joint effectively, and the dorsal ulnar fragment could be fixed effectively combined with the volar plate.     

桡骨远端C型骨折掌侧锁定钢板与外固定架的疗效比较

目的比较掌侧锁定钢板与外固定架治疗桡骨远端C型骨折的疗效。方法采用随机对照法,纳入2014年10月到2017年10月收治的桡骨远端C型骨折患者,随机分为两组,分别采用外固定架或者掌侧锁定钢板治疗。比较两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症发生率;比较末次随访时患者腕关节活动度、桡骨掌倾角、尺偏角;比较健、患侧握力比值和患侧腕关节Gartland-Werley评分。结果共纳入30例患者,其中外固定架组14例,掌侧锁定钢板组16例。两组患者术后均随访1年。结果显示,掌侧锁定钢板组手术时间长于外固定架组,术中出血量多于外固定架组,但末次随访时桡骨掌倾角、尺偏角恢复水平优于外固定架组(P<0.05);两组骨折愈合时间,末次随访时腕关节屈伸、旋转活动度,健、患侧握力比,患侧腕关节Gartland-Werley评分等,均未见明显统计学差异(P>0.05);两组患者均未发生术后并发症。结论对于桡骨远端C型骨折,外固定架治疗的手术风险小于掌侧锁定钢板,但会造成术后一定程度的复位丢失,然而这种复位丢失并不影响患者的腕关节功能恢复。     

Medial Buttress Plate and Allograft Bone‐Assisted Cannulated Screw Fixation for Unstable Femoral Neck Fracture with Posteromedial Comminution: A Retrospective Controlled Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation combined with medial buttress plate (MBP) and allograft bone‐assisted cannulated screw (CS) fixation for patients with unstable femoral neck fracture with comminuted posteromedial cortex.MethodsIn a retrospective study of patients operated on for unstable femoral neck fractures with comminuted posteromedial cortex from March 2016 to August 2020, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 48 patients treated with CS + MBP were compared with the outcomes of 54 patients treated with CS only. All patients in the CS + MBP group were fixed by three CS and MBP (one‐third tubular plates or reconstructive plates) with bone allografts. The surgery‐related outcomes and complications were evaluated, including operative time, blood loss, union time, femoral head necrosis, femoral neck shortening, and other complications after the operation. The Harris score was evaluated at 12 months after the operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 12–40 months. The average age of patients in the CS‐only group (54 cases, 22 females) and CS + MBP group (48 cases, 20 females) was 48.46 ± 7.26 and 48.73 ± 6.38 years, respectively. More intraoperative blood loss was observed in the CS + MBP group than that of patients in CS‐only group (153.45 ± 64.27 vs 21.86 ± 18.19 ml, t = 4.058, P = 0.015). The average operative time for patients in the CS + MBP group (75.35 ± 27.67 min) was almost double than that of patients in the CS‐only group (36.87 ± 15.39 min) (t = 2.455, P < 0.001). The Garden alignment index of patients treated by CS + MBP from type I to type IV was 79%, 19%, 2%, and 0%, respectively. On the contrary, they were 31%, 43%, 24% and 2% for those in the CS‐only group, respectively. The average healing times for the CS‐only and CS + MBP groups were 4.34 ± 1.46 and 3.65 ± 1.85 months (t = 1.650, P = 0.102), respectively. Femoral neck shortening was better in the CS + MBP group (1.40 ± 1.73 mm, 9/19) than that in the CS‐only group (4.33 ± 3.32 mm, 24/44). Significantly higher hip function was found in the CS + MBP group (85.60 ± 4.36 vs 82.47 ± 6.33, t = 1.899, P = 0.06). There was no statistical difference between femoral head necrosis (4% vs 11%, χ ² = 1.695, P = 0.193) and nonunion (6% vs 9%, χ ² = 0.318, P = 0.719).ConclusionFor unstable femoral neck fractures with comminuted posteromedial cortex, additional MBP combined with bone allografts showed better reduction quality and neck length control than CS fixation only, with longer operative time and more blood loss.     

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Primary Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Acute Lisfranc Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This study aims to compare outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and primary arthrodesis in management of Lisfranc injuries. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards, a systematic review was carried out. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomised studies comparing the outcomes of ORIF and primary arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries. Random- and fixed-effect statistical models were applied to calculate the pooled outcome data. Two RCTs and 3 observational studies were identified, compiling a total of 187 subjects with acute Lisfranc injuries and a mean follow-up duration of 62.3 months. Our results demonstrate that ORIF is associated with a significantly higher need for revision surgery (odds ratio [OR] 6.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68 to 15.11, p < .0001) and a significantly higher rate of persistent pain (OR 6.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 36.89, p?=?.04) compared with primary arthrodesis. However, we found no significant difference between the groups in terms of visual analogue scale pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society functional score, or rates of infection. Separate analysis of RCTs showed that ORIF was associated with a more frequent need for revision surgery (OR 17.56, 95% CI 5.47 to 56.38, p < .00001), higher visual analogue scale pain score (mean difference 2.90, 95% CI 2.84 to 2.96, p < .00001), and lower American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (mean difference –29.80, 95% CI –39.82 to –19.78, p < .00001). The results of the current study suggest that primary arthrodesis may be associated with better pain and functional outcomes and lower need for revision surgery compared with ORIF. The available evidence is limited and is not adequately robust to make explicit conclusions. The current literature requires high-quality and adequately powered RCTs.     

Clinical Outcomes of Open-Door Laminoplasty Combined with Bilateral Lateral Mass Screw Fixation for Multi-Level Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Traumatic Cervical Instability and Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Study

Objectives

The prevalence of multi-level cervical spinal stenosis complicated with traumatic cervical instability and spinal cord injury (MCSS-TCISCI) is low, and the optimal surgical approach remains unclear. Open-door laminoplasty combined with bilateral lateral mass screw fixation (ODL-BLMSF) is a relatively new surgical technique; however, its clinical effectiveness in managing MCSS-TCISCI has not been well-established. This study aims to assess the clinical value of ODL-BLMSF against MCSS-TCISCI.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 20 cases of MCSS-TCISCI treated with ODL-BLMSF from July 2016 to June 2020. Radiographic alterations of all included patients were measured using plain radiographs, CT scans, and MRI scans. Cervical lordosis was evaluated using C2-C7 Cobb angle and cervical curvature index (CCI) on lateral radiographs, and Pavlov ratio at the C5 level. Neurological functional recovery was assessed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and Nurick grade, while neck and axial symptoms were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI) and the visual analog scale (VAS). The paired t-test was utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

All included patients were followed up for an average period of 26.5 months (range: 24–30 months) after ODL-BLMSF. The average Pavlov ratio at the C5 level significantly improved from 0.57 ± 0.1 preoperatively to 1.13 ± 0.1 and 1.12 ± 0.04 at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (t = 16.347, 16.536, p < 0.001). Importantly, this approach significantly increased the JOA score from 5.0 ± 2.6 before surgery to 11.65 ± 4.3 and 12.1 ± 4.3 at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (t = 9.6, −9.600, p < 0.001), with an average JOA recovery rate of 59.1%; and the average Nurick disability score decreased from 3.0 ± 1.3 (preoperative) to 1.65 ± 1.22 and 1.5 ± 1.2 (6 months postoperatively and at last follow-up) (t = 5.111, 1.831, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the NDI score decreased from 30.3 ± 4.3 preoperatively to 13.2 ± 9.2 at 6 months (t = 12.305, p < 0.001), and to 12.45 ± 8.6 at the final follow-up (t = 13.968, p < 0.001), while the VAS score decreased from 4.0 ± 1.5 preoperatively to 1.5 ± 0.7 at 6 months (t = 9.575, p < 0.001), and to 1.15 ± 0.7 at the final follow-up (t = 10.356, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ODL-BLMSF can effectively dilate the stenotic spinal canal to decompress the spinal cord, maintain good cervical alignment and stability, and improve the recovery of neurological function and neck function. This technique is suitable for treating selected cases of MCSS-TCISCI.     

Open Reduction and Stable Internal Fixation Using a 3.5-mm Locking Hook Plate for Isolated Fractures of the Greater Tuberosity of the Humerus: A 2-Year Follow-up Study Using an Innovative Fixation Method

BackgroudThe best treatment for isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures is still controversial. Although previous studies have suggested surgical options, they are either unable to provide firm fixation or present with a variety of complications.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the records of patients with isolated GT fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a 3.5-mm locking hook plate between January 2016 and January 2018. The surgical indication was an at least 5-mm displacement of the GT as observed in either simple radiography or three-dimensional computed tomography. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the following five parameters shortly before implant removal and at the final follow-up: visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Constant-Murley score, and range of motion.ResultsTwenty-one patients with a mean age of 64 years were included. Bone union was achieved within 12–20 weeks of the first surgery in all patients. Implant removal was performed between 13 and 22 weeks after surgery. At the final follow-up, the mean VAS pain score, forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation, ASES score, UCLA score, and Constant-Murley score were significantly better when compared to outcomes shortly before implant removal (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe 3.5-mm locking hook plate provided sufficient stability and led to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for isolated GT fractures. However, the hook plate may irritate the rotator cuff, and postoperative stiffness may be inevitable. Therefore, second surgery for implant removal is necessary after bone union is achieved.     

Augmented Stability in Leaving Original Internal Fixation with Multidimensional Cross Locking Plate through Mini‐Open Femoral Anterior Approach for Aseptic Femoral Shaft Nonunion: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveAseptic femoral shaft nonunion constitutes approximately 1%–10% of all femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation, possibly attributable to the lack of anti‐rotational stability. Although a lateral locking plate (LP) with retainment of original IMN has shown the most success, lateral LP inflicts significant surgical trauma on patients. Therefore, the Multidimensional Cross Locking Plate (MDC‐LP) was designed based on a mini‐open femoral anterior approach. We aim to report and compare the technical aspects and clinical outcomes of using anterior MDC‐LP or lateral LP with retention of original IMN for the treatment of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion.MethodsIn this single center retrospective cohort study, records of 49 patients who had undergone revision of femoral shaft aseptic nonunion with anterior MDC‐LP or lateral LP while retaining the original IMN from January 2015 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Information on patients'' demographics, clinical data, and surgical outcomes were gathered and analyzed. X‐ray and CT scans were used for bone union evaluation and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used for follow‐up functional evaluation. For quantitative data, the Student''s t‐test was used if the data were normally distributed. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for non‐normally distributed data. For qualitative data, the Chi‐square test was used for comparisons.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients were treated with anterior MDC‐LP, and 22 patients were treated with lateral LP. There are no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, time since initial femoral shaft fracture, initial fracture type (close/open), nonunion type, or nonunion location between patients'' group. Among patients treated with anterior MDC‐LP, an average of 2‐months advantage in time to union was observed (4.09 months vs. 6.8 months in the lateral LP group: P = 0.000), smaller incision was required for MDC‐LP installment (7.7 cm vs 17.1 cm in lateral LP group: P = 0.000).ConclusionsFor the treatment of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion with retainment of original IMN, anterior MDC‐LP via mini‐open femoral anterior approach described in this study is a better option than lateral LP for achieving faster bone union and satisfactory functional outcome with less surgical trauma.