The healing of closed tibial shaft fractures. The natural history of union with closed treatment

One hundred consecutive closed fractures of the adult tibial shaft treated by closed methods were surveyed prospectively in order to observe their natural history. The fractures were analysed with regards to speed of healing and the influence of age, sex, causal force, radiological morphology and concurrent fibular fracture. At 20 weeks 19 fractures had not yet united, but 15 of these had united by 30 weeks with conservative treatment alone. The remaining four cases were operated upon because no further progress in healing was anticipated. These findings suggest that, with regard to healing, open reduction and internal fixation is rarely justified in closed adult tibial shaft fractures.     

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。     

Displaced malleolar fractures associated with spiral fractures of the tibial shaft

A displaced fracture of the lateral malleolus, of the posterior tibial margin (posterior malleolus), or of both requiring open reduction and internal fixation was observed in association with ipsilateral spiral tibial shaft fracture in five patients. The malleolus fracture components all were managed using AO (ASIF) instrumentation. The tibial shaft fracture was treated nonoperatively in three patients and with interfragmentary screw fixation in two with more severe initial displacement. The bony healing of all fractures was uneventful. These combined injuries amounted to 0.9% of all admitted tibial shaft fractures and 3.9% of those with spiral configuration. An associated displaced malleolar fracture in tibial shaft fractures, sometimes even indiscernible in the anteroposterior view, may be overlooked unless roentgenograms are focused on the ankle joint. Examination of the joints above and below the fracture is of particular importance in clinics advocating functional treatment of tibial shaft fractures.     

Surgical treatment of the aseptic femoral shaft nonunion

Femoral shaft nonunions is difficult complication and a big challenge for the orthopaedic surgeons. These complications occur after open femoral fractures, comminuted fractures, segmental fractures, the infection, after the inadequate fixed osteosynthesis, the systemic disease, and smokers. The paper presents the results of treatment aseptic femoral shaft nonunion in 18 patients. They were primarily operated by the method of internal compresive plate fixation and external fixation (open fractures). For fixation we used dinamic internal fixator by Mitkovic. All nonunions treated by this method are healed. In patients with atrophic femoral shaft nonunions in addition to fixation was performed and bone grafting. This implant has proved successful in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion. During the fixation no periostal and intramedullary vascularization damage, which is an important prerequisite for bone healing. Implant enables biological and mechanical conditions for nonunion healing.     

Open tibial shaft fractures: a comparative analysis of different methods of fixation in southwestern Greece.

A change in the method of managing open-grade-III tibial shaft fractures provided a new opportunity for a comparative study. One series of patients was treated exclusively by internal fixation and compared with another series treated with external fixation solely as well as with a series treated initially by external skeletal fixation and later by "Sarmiento walking plaster." The latter method was found to be a successful treatment and a good alternative to internal fixation for open grade-II and grade-III tibial shaft fractures when soft-tissue healing was completed. The supplementary use of the Sarmiento walking plaster had dramatically decreased the duration of hospital stay, saving the patient from an additional operation. There were no nonunions in this series. In open grade-I-II tibial shaft fractures, the deep infection rate in the cases in which internal fixation was used was significantly higher (5.4%), than that observed in the cases treated with external fixation, in which there was no deep infection. The nonunion rate was higher (22%) in the external fixation group compared with the internal fixation group (9%). The functional impairment of the ankle joint of the affected limb was less (15%) by using internal fixation than that of either the external fixation group (20%) or the group where the external fixation was changed to a Sarmiento walking plaster (35%).     

采用闭合复位经皮空心拉力螺钉固定治疗儿童闭合性胫骨干骨折的疗效观察

目的 观察和评估闭合复位经皮空心拉力螺钉内固定治疗儿童胫骨干骨折的疗效.方法 2015年1月至2018年12月,福建泉州市正骨医院小儿骨科采用闭合复位经皮空心拉力螺钉内固定治疗闭合性胫骨干骨折的患儿64例;男50例,女14例;平均年龄7.5(5～13)岁.依据Johner和Wruhs的字母数字组合分类法对单纯斜形或螺旋...     

下肢闭合穿钉辅助外固定支架治疗胫骨干骨折的临床疗效

目的探讨下肢闭合穿钉辅助外固定支架治疗胫骨干骨折中的临床疗效。方法根据手术方法不同将136例胫骨干骨折患者分为穿钉组和经皮组,每组68例。穿钉组采用下肢闭合穿钉辅助外固定支架治疗,经皮组采用经皮微创钢板内固定治疗。结果手术时间、术中出血量和骨折愈合时间穿钉组均短(少)于经皮组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。并发症发生率穿钉组低于经皮组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。患者均获得12个月随访。术后9个月,根据Johner-Wruhs评分标准评价疗效:穿钉组优良率为97.1%,经皮组为83.8%,两组优良率比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论胫骨干骨折患者应用下肢闭合穿钉辅助外固定支架治疗手术时间短,术中出血量少,并发症发生率低,治疗优良率高。     

Treatment of unstable tibial shaft fractures by closed intramedullary nailing with flexible (Ender-type) pins.

Eighty patients with unstable tibial diaphyseal fractures were treated by closed intramedullary nailing with Ender-type flexible pins. The majority of injuries occurred from falling while snow skiing. Sixty-six fractures were closed and 14 were open. Fifty-eight fractures involved the distal, 21 fractures the middle, and one fracture the proximal one third of the tibial shaft. The average time to roentgenographic union was 15.5 weeks (range, ten to 34 weeks) for closed and open Grade I and II fractures. The time to union in Grade III fractures was 50 weeks (range, 36-64 weeks). There were two nonunions and two delayed unions. Both nonunions occurred in Grade IIIA open shaft fractures. Intramedullary stabilization with flexible, Ender-type pins provides good control of unstable tibial shaft fractures. The use of pins with a smaller diameter (3.5 or 4 mm) allows the surgeon to place more pins across the fracture site. The use of multiple pins and packing the intramedullary canal may provide better rotational stability. The use of Ender-type pins for fixation of Type IIIA open tibial shaft fractures is contraindicated.     

有限内固定联合外固定支架治疗Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨有限内固定联合外固定支架治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折的临床疗效。方法手术治疗55例SchatzkerⅤ型(31例)和Ⅵ型(24例)胫骨平台骨折患者。术中先透视下闭合复位或辅以小切口复位胫骨平台内外侧髁,并给予螺钉固定,再应用外固定支架固定,对塌陷骨折撬拨复位人工骨填充。结果骨折解剖复位39例,近解剖复位16例。患者均获得随访,时间12~54个月。骨折愈合时间4~7个月。末次随访膝关节功能按Rasmussen评分标准:优32例,良15例,可7例,差1例,优良率85.5%。切口并发症7例(12.7%):其中切口浅表感染2例,钉道感染5例,未发生深部感染,骨髓炎及骨不连。结论有限内固定联合外固定支架治疗SchatzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折可获得满意临床疗效,具有创伤小、并发症发生率低、骨折愈合快等优点。     

New concept in external fixation

A new concept in external skeletal fixation is presented. A 3D unilateral system developed by Mitkovic has widely been investigated biomechanically in AO institute in Davos (Switzerland). Consists of three components only providing extremely simple application and dynamic fixation of bones and different joints. This simple external fixator functions as an accurate reduction device at the same time, minimizing need for fluoroscopy. Clinically this system has been applied to mere then 13 thousand patients in 43 clinics. This paper presents the results of its application for treatment of open fractures, war wounds with fractures and for comminuted and intraarticular closed fractures in the series of 597 patients. Overall average time for union time was 3.2 months. Overall success of fracture healing was 96.8% including open and closed fractures. Our study suggests that the use of this 3D unilateral system is suitable for routine use.     

Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures

Lowerthirdhumeralshaftfracturesareoftenmanifestedbyoblique,spiralorcomminutedfractureswithahighincidenceofcomplicatingradialnerveinjury.Thispartofhumerusisirregularanatomicallyandneartheelbowjoint.Soitisdifficult toselectproperinternalfixationinstrumentswhile exploringradialnervethroughanterolateralapproach,whichaddsdifficultyinthetreatmentofthiskindof fractures.Inrecent6yearsweusedunilateralexternal fixatorstotreatsuchkindoffracturesinourdepartment andsatisfactoryresultswereachieved.METHOD…     

External fixation of ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia

In five patients with ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures the Hoffmann apparatus was used to stabilize the fractures of both the femur and tibia. The patients walked early and there were no disturbances of fracture healing. The pin track became infected in three patients. It is suggested that in patients with ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia external fixation is indicated for the tibia and that the fracture of the femur should be stabilized by closed medullary nailing. If the patient is critically ill or if there is gross comminution of the femur external fixation is indicated for this fracture as well.     

Expandable intramedullary nailing for tibial and femoral fractures: a preliminary analysis of perioperative complications

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of using the expandable nailing system in the treatment of femoral and tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort series. SETTING: Two level-1 university trauma centers. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients with acute, traumatic diaphyseal fractures of the tibia or femur. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation of lower extremity long bone fractures using expandable intramedullary nailing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative complications and time to healing. RESULTS: Forty-nine long bone fractures were treated: 22 femoral fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 6 A2, 7 A3, 1 B1, and 4 B2) and 27 tibial fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 11 A2, 9 A3, 0 B1, and 3 B2). There were 13 open fractures and 37 closed fractures. Healing occurred in 37 (75%) fractures without additional interventions. There were 2 tibial delayed unions and 1 femoral and 1 tibial nonunion. Five tibial shaft fractures and 6 femoral fractures shortened by 1.0 cm or more postoperatively. In 3 tibias and 4 femurs, shortening occurred after fractures judged to be length-stable became unstable because of fracture propagation during nail expansion. Five tibias and 3 femurs were converted to standard locked nails because of shortening. The average time to healing, excluding nonunion, was 15 weeks in the tibia and 16 weeks in the femur. The expandable nail resulted in an unplanned reoperation in 12 cases (25%). CONCLUSION: We found a high complication rate because of shortening, which was independent of fracture classification. Consequently, we cannot recommend the use of an unlocked, expandable nail in diaphyseal fractures of the femur or tibia.     

弹性髓内钉在儿童不稳定胫骨干骨折治疗中的应用

目的探讨采用弹性髓内钉内固定治疗儿童不稳定胫骨干骨折的疗效。方法 23例胫骨骨折的儿童患者,男13例,女10例;年龄4~12岁,平均8.4岁。均采用弹性髓内钉固定,观察骨折愈合情况。结果本组病例均获6-24个月随访,平均16.4个月,无一例发生切口并发症,无继发骨折移位及内固定物失效或断裂。23例骨折全部愈合,骨愈合时间7~13周（平均9.2周）。无延迟愈合、骨不连,无旋转畸形及下肢短缩或过度生长,l足出现向前成角5,°1足向内成角7,°无骺板生长阻滞及术后再骨折发生,无膝、踝关节功能障碍。结论弹性髓内针具有手术时间短、创伤小、并发症少、二期取出方便等优点,是治疗儿童不稳定胫骨干骨折的较好方法。     

闭合复位顺行髓内钉固定治疗股骨干骨折

目的探讨闭合复位顺行髓内钉固定治疗股骨干骨折的临床疗效。方法采用闭合复位顺行髓内钉固定治疗40例股骨干骨折患者。记录手术时间、术中出血量、术中放射线曝露时间,观察骨折愈合时间及并发症情况。结果手术时间50~120(85.00±19.71)min,术中出血量100~400(250.00±75.11)ml,放射线曝露时间10~50(30.00±10.44)min。患者均获得随访,时间10~24(16.60±3.16)个月。骨折愈合时间15~24(17.68±2.59)周。无内固定松动、断裂,未发生切口感染、深静脉血栓形成、深部感染等并发症。结论闭合复位顺行髓内钉固定是治疗股骨干骨折的有效方法,具有操作简单、创伤小、有利于骨折愈合的优点,临床效果满意。     

Management of unstable open and closed tibial fractures using the Ilizarov method.

Forty-one consecutive tibial diaphyseal fractures that required operative stabilization were treated using the external fixator and concepts of compression-distraction of Ilizarov. Eleven fractures had bone loss greater than 1 cm and were managed by simultaneously compressing the fracture gap and distracting through a corticotomy site to maintain extremity length. Thirty tibial fractures consisted of closed unstable and open fractures that were managed using the external fixator, emphasizing immediate weight bearing and gradual compression at the fracture site. Twenty-six fractures in 23 patients were available for follow-up evaluation six to 9.5 months after bone healing. There were six closed, two Grade I, eight Grade II, five Grade IIIA, and five Grade IIIB fractures. Serial wound debridements, wet-to-dry-dressing changes, wound- and fracture-site compressions (13 fractures), and split-thickness skin grafts (eight wounds) were used to accomplish wound closure. Chronic infections did not occur. All fractures healed from 12 to 47 weeks without bone grafting. Eight transosseous fixation wires are used, only two of which transfixed significant muscle. Approximately 10% of the 248 wire sites became inflamed and nine wire sites were treated for infection with antibiotics, skin release around the offending wire, or wire removal. Three wires fractured and one wire was replaced. One ring sequestrum occurred and responded to curettement. Angulation of 7 degrees-9 degrees occurred in five fractures (19%). The results were good or excellent in 25 fractures. One patient with 9 degrees varus in a distal fracture refused correction. Operative time was 60 to 90 minutes after developing a satisfactory protocol for frame application. This method allows immediate functional stabilization of tibial diaphyseal fractures and postoperatively allows ease of fracture gap closure and compression. The frame can be left in place for the duration of the fracture care. Application of the Ilizarov external fixator is slightly more complicated than traditional large pin fixators and requires more attention to detail intraoperatively and postoperatively, but can be a versatile tool in the management of complex tibial shaft fractures.     

External fixation compared to intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures in the rat

Background and purpose It is not known whether there is a difference in bone healing after external fixation and after intramedullary nailing. We therefore compared fracture healing in rats after these two procedures.Methods 40 male rats were subjected to a standardized tibial shaft osteotomy and were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: external fixation or intramedullary nailing. Evaluation of half of each treatment group at 30 days and the remaining half at 60 days included radiography, dual energy radiographic absorbtiometry, and mechanical testing.Results Radiographically, both treatment groups showed sign of fracture healing with gradual bridging of the fracture line, while with intramedullary nailing the visible collar of callus was increased peripherally, indicative of periosteal healing. At 30 days, densitometric and mechanical properties were similar in the 2 groups. At 60 days, however, the intramedullary nailed bones had more strength, greater callus area, and higher bone mineral content in the callus segment compared to externally fixated fractures.Interpretation Tibial shaft fractures in the rat treated with external fixation and intramedullary nailing show a similar healing pattern in the early phase of fracture healing, while at the time of healing intramedullary nailing provides improved densitometric properties and superior mechanical properties compared to external fixation. Clinical findings indicate that intramedullary nailing in human tibial fractures may be more advantageous for bone healing than external fixation, in a similar way.     

Acute unreamed intramedullary nailing and soft tissue reconstruction with muscle flaps for the treatment of severe open tibial shaft fractures

BACKGROUND: The treatment of open tibial shaft fractures remains controversial. Important considerations in surgical management include surgical timing, fixation technique and soft tissue coverage. This study was performed to evaluate the results of acute surgical debridement, unreamed nailing and soft tissue reconstruction in the treatment of severe open tibial shaft fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 10-year period between January 1993 and July 2002, 927 tibial shaft fractures were treated with interlocking intramedullary nails. Among them, there were 19 consecutive patients with Gustilo type IIIB to IIIC open tibial shaft fractures with extensive soft tissue injury needing a muscle flap coverage and being suitable for intramedullary nailing. All 19 patients were called for a late follow-up which was conducted with a physical examination and a radiographic and functional outcome assessment. The radiographs were reviewed to determine the fracture healing time and the final alignment. RESULTS: All 19 open fractures with severe soft tissue injury healed without any infection complications. The fractures united in a mean of 8 months. Nine patients had delayed fracture healing (union time over 24 weeks). One of these patients needed exchange nailing, one patient autogenous bone grafting and dynamisation on the nail and seven patients needed dynamisation of the nail before the final fracture healing. In all patients, the alignment was well maintained. However, seven patients had shortening of the tibia by 1-2 cm and two of them also external rotation of 10 degrees . The functional outcome was good in 18/19 patients. INTERPRETATION: Acute surgical debridement, unreamed interlocking intramedullary nailing and soft tissue reconstruction with a muscle flap appear to be a safe and effective method of treatment for Gustilo type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures.     

可吸收螺钉结合改良外固定支架治疗不稳定性肱骨干骨折

目的探讨外固定支架结合有限切开可吸收螺钉内固定治疗粉碎性长斜形不稳定肱骨干骨折的方法及临床疗效。方法对36例粉碎性长斜形肱骨干骨折患者采用有限切开复位、可吸收螺钉内固定以及结合有羟基磷灰石表面涂层螺钉的外固定架进行治疗。结果36例经6～15个月随访,骨折均获临床愈合,愈合时间3～6个月。肩、肘关节功能评价按Rodriguez-Merchan标准：优28例,良6例,可2例,优良率91.9%,无感染、医源性骨折及周围神经损伤等并发症。结论改良外固定支架结合有限切开可吸收螺钉内固定治疗,损伤小,结合羟基磷灰石表面涂层螺钉,提高了稳定性。