Carcinoma of the Lip: A Retrospective Study of 70 Patients

From 1966 to 1978, 70 patients with carcinoma of the lip were treated at the Division of Plastic Surgery, University Central Hospital, Helsinki. The lip tumour was a squamous cell carcinoma in 64 patients, and a basal cell carcinoma in 6 patients. Of these 70 patients, 24 had radiotherapy as the primary mode of therapy and 46 patients had been treated initially by surgery. The results of surgery were generally good. However, in the group of “simple wedge excision” and in patients who had had radiotherapy as the primary treatment there was a higher incidence of recurrences. In the former group the recurrences were considered to be due to a too narrow angle of excision. We recommend surgery as the primary method of treatment because of the availability of histologically accurate tumour margin assessment, the short rehabilitation period and the good functional results achieved.     

Accordion technique combined with minimally invasive percutaneous decortication for the treatment of bone non-union

BackgroundA variety of approaches have been used to treat oligotrophic or atrophic non-union. Conventional methods are often associated with great operative trauma, increased blood loss, a risk of re-infection, higher medical costs, and complications at the donor site. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of the accordion technique combined with Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Decortication (MIPD) for these types of bone non-union.MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2015, 20 patients with long bone aseptic non-unions of the lower extremities without bone defects who were treated with the accordion technique combined with MIPD. The limb-length discrepancy (LLD) was less than 2 cm in all patients. None of the patients received autogenous bone grafts during follow-up. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, and the modified Application of methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria were used to evaluate the operative effectiveness.ResultsA total of 20 patients were included in this study, and 1 patient was lost during follow-up. Fifteen of these patients presented with oligotrophic non-unions, and 5 patients presented with atrophic non-unions. The average follow-up period in these patients was 12.1 months (range: 8–42 months). The alternative compression and distraction procedure was repeated 1–3 times. Blood loss was 30 to 250 ml during surgery. Ultimately, bone union was achieved in 19 patients and failed in 1 patient. The fractures healed within 4–8 months (average time: 5.9 months), and fracture healing was considered excellent in 19 patients and poor in 1 patient. Postoperative function was evaluated as excellent in 9 patients, good in 6 patients, fair in 4 patients, and poor in 1 patient.ConclusionThe accordion technique combined with MIPD, which is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that does not require autologous bone grafting, resulted in a high bone union rate and good postoperative function.     

A Novel technique of three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame in gap non-union of tibia

IntroductionGap non-union of tibia occurring mostly after trauma and many times complicated by infection, is a difficult problem to treat. The study aimed to assess the outcome of the three-ring construct of the Ilizarov fixator frame in the management of gap non-union of the tibia.MethodsThis retrospective study included 30 patients of gap non-union of tibia operated from April 2016 to March 2019 with a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame and follow-up done till March 2021. The mean age was 39.27 (range 10–66) years. The results were assessed by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. MPTA, PPTA, and LDTA after removal of the frame were also measured.ResultsOut of the total 30 cases, all the patients showed complete union. The Ilizarov fixator was kept for an average period of 11.43 months and the mean defect size was 7.17 (range 2–12) cm. All patients were followed up for an average period of 39.36 (range 24–54) months. According to the ASAMI score bone/radiological results, 27 were classified as excellent, 2 as good, and 1 as poor. Functionally 28 were graded as excellent and the remainder as good. The normal ranges of MPTA, LDTA & PPTA were also achieved in a majority (80%) of patients.ConclusionOur results after using only a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame are almost equivalent to earlier studies and have advantages such as less weight, better patient compliance, superior radiographic visualization, easy mobilization, and reduced costs. Ilizarov ring fixator remains an excellent treatment modality for tibial non-union with a defect, regarding bone union, deformity correction, infection eradication, limb-length achievement, and limb function.     

The risk of non-union per fracture in children

Background

Non-union in children is considered a rare but real complication of fracture management; however there is no information available in the literature regarding its incidence. The aim of this work was to investigate the incidence of fractures and non-union in children for different anatomical regions/age groups, and for the first time to publish data regarding the rate of non-union per fracture in children in a large population.

Method

Prospective data for all hospital admissions for paediatric fractures and paediatric fracture non-union in Scotland between 2005 and 2010 was obtained. Regional data for total paediatric fracture numbers was also available enabling total fracture numbers and non-union incidence at a national level to be calculated.

Results

There were 180 non-unions in the 0–14 year olds and 242 non-unions in 15–19 year olds recorded over 5 years in a population of 1.2 million children (0–19 years). The number of fractures during this time period for the same age groups were 92,200 and 68,900 respectively. The risk of fracture increased steadily with age; it was greater in boys than girls and far higher in the upper than lower limb. The overall rate of non-union per fracture was 0.2 % in those 14 years and younger and 0.35 % in the 15–19 year olds. Non-union was highest in the male 15–19 year olds at 0.45 % of all fractures. The risk of non-union was far greater in the lower limb fractures than in the upper limb fractures throughout childhood until the age of 15 where the upper limb NU rate per fracture exceeded that of the lower limb.

Conclusions

The calculated risk of non-union per fracture is low throughout childhood with a risk of approximately 1 in 500 or less per fracture in boys aged under 14 years and in girls of all ages, however NU increases to approximately 1 in 200 fractures for the older teenage (15–19 years) boys.     

Some Aspects of Bone Grafting for Non-Union of the Carpal Navicular: Analysis of 41 Cases

Forty-one patients with established non-union of the carpal navicular are presented. Forty patients were treated by bone grafting, using the same operative technique in all of them. All operated fractures healed and were free of pain at the time of union. Vascularization did not seem to interfere with union in the different types of fractures. Radial styloidectomy, performed in addition to bone grafting in 26 of the patients, who had arthritic changes, improved their wrist mobility.     

Segmental fracture of the scaphoid: report of a rare fracture pattern

Introduction:To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports in the orthopaedic and trauma literature of true segmental fracture of the scaphoid bone. We present such a case with a brief discussion of the morphology and mechanisms of injury of scaphoid fractures and the problems they present, particularly in diagnosis. Case history: A 43-year-old male with polytrauma sustained in a motorcycle road traffic accident was treated at our hospital. His injuries included a fracture initially thought to involve the waist of the scaphoid. Because he had bilateral upper limb injuries, we elected to treat the fracture surgically to facilitate rehabilitation. At the time of surgery, the fracture was noted to be truly segmental, an unsuspected and rare finding. The fracture was internally fixed, with a satisfactory result. Discussion: Scaphoid fracture patterns are generally consistent and predictable, occurring most commonly through the waist of the bone. Mechanism for injury is thought to be hyperextension of the wrist. Comminution, with or without a butterfly fragment, is occasionally seen, as are simultaneous tuberosity fractures. We suggest that the mechanism in this case may have been multiple or secondary trauma, or an effect of loaded rotation. We highlight the need for careful imaging of the scaphoid bone prior to choosing treatment.     

骨外固定加压治疗胫骨干骨不连

目的 :通过观察半环槽式外固定器治疗胫骨骨不连的治疗效果 ,评价加压外固定对骨损伤修复的作用。方法 :采用半环槽式外固定器骨外加压固定治疗胫骨干骨不连 49例 (男 37例 ,女 12例 ) ,骨不连时间为 7～ 132个月。其中 7例感染性骨不连偏侧性骨缺损者 ,行病灶清除开放性植骨 ;5例感染性骨不连行病灶清除、内固定物取出、小腿皮瓣转位 ;10例骨不连、骨缺损伴伤肢短缩者 ,行胫骨干骺端截骨或骨骺牵伸延长。结果 :植骨全部成活 ,创面植皮获Ⅰ期愈合 ,肢体延长幅度 4.5～ 13 .5cm ,平均 7.5cm ,达到预期目标 ,49例患者均于术后 2 .5～ 10个月 ,获得骨愈合 ,平均 5 .4个月。结论 :骨外固定加压治疗胫骨干骨不连不仅具有确实的效果 ,而且有以下优点 :(1)方法简便、创伤小、局部血运干扰少 ;(2 )在局部感染的条件下仍可使用 ;(3)骨端始终保持有均匀的压应力和肢体功能锻炼时产生的生理应力刺激 ,有利于促进骨愈合 ;(4)可配合肢体延长联合使用 ,既治愈了骨不连 ,又均衡了双下肢长度 ,有利于肢体功能恢复。     

Retrospective Analysis of the Rate and Interval to Union for Joint Arthrodesis of the Foot and Ankle

Arthrodesis is a common procedure indicated for surgical treatment of end-stage degenerative joint disease of the foot and ankle. Many published studies have reviewed the union rate, focusing on specific technique or fixation. However, studies reporting on the average period required to achieve fusion, irrespective of the type of fixation or surgical method used, have been lacking. We report on the union rate and interval to fusion in patients who had undergone primary arthrodesis of various joints of the foot and ankle. A retrospective review of the medical records of 135 patients was performed. The specific joints studied were ankle, and the subtalar, triple, first tarsometatarsal, first metatarsophalangeal, and hallux interphalangeal joints. Our results showed that the average interval for complete fusion was significantly less for the joints in the forefoot, with the subtalar joint, ankle, and triple arthrodesis requiring a longer period to achieve complete fusion. The nonunion rate was also greater when the fusion involved the joints of the rearfoot. Our results have refuted the idea that 6 weeks is the minimum period required to achieve fusion in the foot and ankle. The results of our study support the need for additional education of the patients and surgeons that the interval required for recovery after foot and ankle fusion depends on the location and surface area that has been fused.     

The diaphyseal aseptic tibial nonunions after failed previous treatment options managed with the reamed intramedullary locking nail

BackgroundThe nonunion of open and closed tibial shaft fractures continues to be a common complication of fractures. Tibial nonunions constitute the majority of long bone nonunions seen by orthopaedic surgeons. In this article, we present our approach to the surgical treatment of noninfected tibial shaft nonunions.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2014, 33 patients with aseptic diaphyseal tibial nonunion was treated by reamed intramedullary nailing and were retrospectively reviewed. The initial fracture management consisted of external fixation (27 patients), plate fixation (2 patients) and cast treatment (4 patients). All patients, preoperatively, were evaluated for the signs of the infection, by the same protocol. There were 13 hypertrophic, 16 oligotrophic (atrophic) and 4 defect nonunions registered in our material. The primary goal was to perform a closed intramedullary nailing on antegrade manner. An open procedure was only unavoidable when implants had to be removed or an osteotomy had to be performed to improve the alignment. Functional rehabilitation was encouraged with the assistance of a physiotherapist early postoperative. Patients were examined regularly during followed-up for a minimum of 12 months period for clinical and radiological signs of union, infection, malunion, malalignment, limb shortening, and implant failure.ResultsThe time that elapsed from injury to intramedullary nailing ranged from 9 months to 48 months (mean 17 months).Open intramedullary nailing was unavoidable in 25 cases (75,75%), while closed nailing was performed in 8 patients (24,25%). Osteotomy or resection of the fibula was performed in 78,8% of the cases. All patients were followed up in average period of 2 years postoperative (range 1–4 years), and 31(93,9%) patients achieved a solid union within the first 8 months. Mean union time was 5±0.8 months. Complications included 2 (6,06%) patients, one with deep infection and another case with absence of bone healing. Anatomical alignment has been achieved in the majority of patients, 28 patients (84,8%). The additionally autogenous bone chips were added in 4 patients (12,1%) where cortical defect was greater than 50% of the bone circumference.ConclusionIn conclusion, a reamed intramedullary nail provides optimal conditions for stable fixation, good rotational control, adequate alignment, early weight-bearing and a high union rate of tibial non-unions. Reaming of the medullary canal with preservation of periosteal sleeve create the "breeding ground" for sound healing of tibial shaft nonunions. Additionally cancellous bone grafting is recommended only in the case of defect nonunion.     

The use of recombinant morphogenic protein-2(rhBMP-2) in children undergoing revision surgery for persistent non-union

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy with the use of BMP-2 for treating persistent non-unions in children with underlying complex conditions. Between October 2006 and November 2010 in our unit, 15 patients were treated with rhBMP-2 to enhance bone union. There were nine females and six males with a mean age of 9.5 years (range 4–15) at time of surgery. Seventy-five per cent of the patients required revision of internal fixation with insertion of rhBMP-2 to the non-union site, and the reminder had freshening of the non-union site with rhBMP-2 application. Patients had undergone a mean of 2 (1–5) operations prior to implantation of rhBMP-2. All the patients in the study group were available for review with mean follow-up of 44 months (range 21–70). The mean time to union was 16 weeks (range 10–28 weeks). No adverse events related to BMP-2 application were noted in our study group. Healing occurred clinically and radiographically in 16 of the 17 sites. Our study demonstrates that BMP-2 enhances healing of the persistent non-unions without any adverse events     

Sport related stress fracture of the clavicle with non-union: Case report and review

Stress fractures are relatively uncommon sports injuries and when they do occur, are mostly found in the lower limb. Stress fractures of the clavicle are particularly rare, having been described in a number of non-sport related pathologies, such as nervous tics and post radical neck dissection. In sport, there have only been seven cases reported in the literature. We report on a clavicle stress fracture in a 47-year-old male, partaking in recreational weight lifting activities. This is the first reported case of a non-union stress fracture of the clavicle. The patient underwent an open reduction and internal fixation and made a full recovery.     

带血管骨移植治疗骨折萎缩性不愈合

[目的]骨折断端缺乏血运可造成骨折萎缩性不愈合，通过吻合血管的腓骨、髂骨移植使骨折断端获得血运，从而达到骨性愈合。[方法]将骨不愈合端的萎缩骨、硬化骨切除，钻通髓腔，根据骨缺损的长短，切取相应带腓血管的腓骨，带旋髂深血管的髂骨移植到骨缺损处，采用钢板或单纯螺丝钉固定骨折，然后将带骨的血管蒂与受区血管吻合，恢复腓骨和髂骨的血运，术后辅以石膏外固定。[结果]25例骨折萎缩性不愈合随访8个月-3a，全部骨折愈合。其中19例3个月，5例4个月，1例6个月达骨性愈合。[结论]吻合血管的骨移植可使骨断端重新获得血运，将陈旧性骨折变成类似新鲜的骨折，骨折愈合过程不经过“爬行替代”，是治疗骨折萎缩性不愈合的理想选择。     

Two stage reconstruction of septic non-union of the humerus with the use of circular external fixation

Achieving quiescence in chronic osteomyelitis remains challenging. Wide resection of all infected and necrotic tissues improves the chances of achieving remission of the disease. Extensive debridement however decreases the already compromised bone stock that increases the complexity of reconstruction. We report on the outcome of eight patients with Cierny and Mader stage IV chronic osteomyelitis of the humerus who underwent debridement followed by bone graft and circular fixator application as a second stage procedure. Resolution of infection and humeral shaft union was achieved in all patients. Our study finds that two-stage reconstruction of stage IV chronic osteomyelitis with the use of circular external fixation is effective in achieving infection control and union in these complex cases.     

Treatment of Displaced Lateral Clavicle Fractures with the AO Hook Plate

Abstract A longitudinal retrospective analysis of 13 patients with displaced lateral clavicle fractures (Neer-Allman Group II Type II) treated with open reduction and internal fixation with the lateral clavicle hook plate (AO hook plate ‘SYNTHES’) is presented here. High union rates (12/13 patients) and excellent return to function are demonstrated. The operative technique is described and recommendations have been made. We also examine possible factors contributing to the one case of non-union.     

Reconstruction plate fixation with bone graft for mid-shaft clavicular non-union in semi-professional athletes

From 1993 to 1997, 22 semi-professional athletes (14 men and 8 women), aged 18–33 years (mountain bike racers, soccer players, handball players, swimmers, and short distance runners) with a non-union of the middle third of the clavicle were treated operatively by reconstruction plating and bone grafting. Fourteen clavicular non-unions were caused by falls. Eight non-unions were the result of a car, motorcycle, or bicycle accident. There were 19 atrophic and 3 hypertrophic non-unions. In all patients, initially a figure-of-eight strap or a sling was used for immobilization and no radiographic union was documented within 5 months. None of the athletes had gone back to their sports and all had pain and limitation of shoulder function. For open reduction and internal fixation, an AO 3.5-mm seven-hole reconstruction plate was used. The sclerotic bone ends were freshened and a cortical bone transplant or cancellous bone from the iliac crest (depending on the shortening of the clavicle) was packed around the fracture or between the reduced fracture ends. In all athletes, radiographic consolidation was achieved after an average of 14 weeks (range, 11–16 weeks) and the average increase in the Constant and Murley Score was from 79 points preoperatively to 97 points after surgery. No operative or postoperative complications occured and all athletes returned to their sports. Received for publication on June 8, 1998; accepted on Dec. 10, 1998     

Vascularized bone grafting and mini-acutrak fixation of scaphoid non-unions with avascular proximal pole

Objectives

We studied the use of vascularized bone graft as described by Zaidemberg et al. in combination with a fixation as described by Carter et al. in patients with scaphoid non-union and avascular proximal poles. We modified this method using a cannulated mini-acutrak screw.

Methods

Between January 2006 and June 2010, we treated 12 male patients with symptomatic scaphoid non-union with avascular proximal poles. Their average age was 26 years (range 18–47 years). The average follow-up was 16 months (range 6–52 months). All the patients were assessed for any persistent pain including grade of pain, any restriction of daily activities, and osteoarthritis.

Results

All patients achieved union within an average of 15 weeks (range 6–32 weeks). In all cases we encountered the 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1, 2 ICSRA) intraoperative. X-rays and CT showed a complete osseous union in all patients.

Conclusions

We have found that the technique described which combines vascularized bone graft with cannulated mini-acutrak screw, is reliable and successful in treating patients with scaphoid non-unions with avascular poles. We prefer to use the vessel described by Zaidemberg et al. as the 1, 2 ICSRA. If this vessel is occasionally absent (present in 94%), as noted by Sheetz et al., other pedicles may be used.     

Fibula and tibia fusion with cancellous allograft vitalised with autologous bone marrow: first results for infected tibial non-union

Background and aims  Autogenous bone grafting has been used in reconstructing bone defects and in stimulating fracture healing, producing high healing rates in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions. A novel therapeutic alternative is now available known as “vitalised allograft”, a cancellous bone graft procured from femoral heads from living human donors and “vitalised” through the injection of autologous bone marrow. The aim of this study is to summarise the initial results of the fibula and tibia fusion using vitalised cancellous allograft in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions. Patients and methods  We initiated a follow-up of 15 prospective non-randomized patients who received a vitalised allograft in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions in order to produce bony union. The patients included 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 48 years. All patients received a multi-stage surgical approach. After establishing an infection-free environment, allogenic cancellous bone grafting was performed, intended as the final surgical procedure in fibula and tibia fusion. Our follow-up included a clinical and radiographic investigation of the calf in four planes. We analysed union-rate and time required for bony consolidation, as well as recurrent infections, re-fractures, potential graft-resorption, and time needed for graft and bone remodelling. Results  With an average follow-up of 17.1 months, infection control was obtained in 14 of 15 patients, producing an infection arrest rate of 93.3%. Radiographs indicated consolidation in 11 out of 15 cases, with a union rate of 73.3%. Bone union was achieved on average in 17.1 weeks. Conclusions  Fibula and tibia fusion with allogenic cancellous bone grafting, vitalised through autogenic bone marrow, could well become an innovative treatment option for infected tibial non-unions. We need, however, to analyse a higher number of cases over a longer follow-up period in order to assess more accurately recurrent infections and re-fractures.     

Non-union of calcaneum – A rare complication of calcaneal fracture – A case report with brief review of literature

Intra-articular fractures of calcaneum are known to be difficult to manage and lead to multiple complications including subtalar arthritis and malunion. However, non-union of calcaneum is rarely encountered. Only a total of six studies reporting on 12 patients could be found on reviewing the available literature (English language only). One such case of non-union of calcaneal fracture and its successful management is being reported in this case report. In addition, extremely limited literature available on calcaneal non-union is also briefly reviewed. Role of subtalar arthrodesis with internal fixation of fracture and bone grafting for successful management of this rare complication is highlighted along with the possibility of under-reporting of this relatively unknown complication.