Treatment of supracondylar fractures following prosthetic arthroplasty of the knee

Fifteen supracondylar fractures of the femur in patients with ipsilateral total knee arthroplasties were treated between 1975 and 1982. Three groups were identified for analyzation of treatment and end result. The average follow-up period after fracture was 18 months, with a range of ten to 48 months. Group I had four patients treated by closed reduction, cast immobilization, and early weight-bearing. At follow-up evaluation, three had a decrease in knee rating score, and one required a corrective osteotomy. Group II had eight patients treated by traction followed by cast or cast-brace immobilization. Four patients had a decrease in the knee rating because of malunion or loss of motion, and there was one nonunion requiring surgical treatment. Group III had three patients treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. All three groups had functional arthroplasties following union of the fracture. Closed reduction and skeletal traction are recommended for the initial treatment. Open reduction and internal fixation, when technically feasible, is recommended when closed reduction and skeletal traction cannot maintain satisfactory alignment.     

Intramedullary nailing with reaming to treat non-union of the tibia

The records of fifty-one patients who were treated by intramedullary nailing with reaming for non-union of the tibia were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures had been treated initially by closed reduction and immobilization in a cast, external fixation followed by immobilization in a cast, fixation by pins incorporated in a plaster cast, minimum internal fixation and immobilization in a cast, dynamic compression plating, or intramedullary nailing with or without reaming. After the initial treatment had failed, intramedullary nailing with reaming was done to gain union. Although closed nailing of the tibia was preferred, in thirty-three patients, the site of the non-union was opened to improve alignment by performing an osteotomy or to remove failed hardware. Bone grafts from the iliac crest were used in ten patients, and a fibular ostectomy or osteotomy was done in thirty-three. Of thirty-four open fractures (fourteen grade I, seven grade II, and thirteen grade III), eight were infected at the time of intramedullary nailing. The average time of the diagnosis of a non-union was 9.6 months; the average length of follow-up after nailing was twenty months. In forty-nine (96 per cent) of the fifty-one patients, tibial union occurred at an average of seven months postoperatively. Complications included persistent infection (three patients), acquired infection after intramedullary nailing with reaming (three patients), fracture of the nail that necessitated an additional operation (two patients), shortening of more than one centimeter (two patients), malrotation of more than 15 degrees (one patient), peroneal palsy (one patient), and amputation (one patient). When used to treat non-union of the tibia, intramedullary nailing with reaming can produce union as effectively as other alternatives, while enabling the patient to function more normally without external immobilization or walking aids.     

Fractures of the forearm resulting from low-velocity gunshot wounds.

Thirty-seven extraarticular fractures of the forearm resulting from low-velocity gunshot injuries were treated by cast immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plates. All patients received 72 h of intravenous antibiotics. There were 14 isolated ulna fractures, 17 isolated radius fractures, and six both-bone (radius and ulna) fractures. Cast immobilization was used in 22 of 23 nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures and eight of 14 displaced fractures. The remaining seven fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All fractures united within 16 weeks of injury regardless of the method of treatment. Poor clinical results related to the fracture occurred in six patients, five of whom were treated by cast immobilization. Fourteen patients had nerve palsies; eight resolved spontaneously and six had permanent neurologic deficits. There were two compartment syndromes and one ulnar artery transection. There were no infections. We conclude that displaced fractures of the radius, and both bone fractures, are best treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All patients should be closely monitored for 24 h for compartment syndrome, regardless of the fracture type or pattern. Early dynamic splinting is important when associated nerve injuries are present.     

Compression plating for non-union after failed external fixation of open tibial fractures.

Fifty non-unions of the tibia that were present in forty-nine patients after external fixation and immobilization in a cast for a high-energy fracture were subsequently treated by compression plating. Initially, there were forty-six open fractures and four closed fractures with a compartment syndrome. Twenty-two non-unions (44 per cent) had early soft-tissue reconstruction (thirteen rotational and nine free flaps). The duration of external fixation averaged ten weeks, and the mean time from injury to plating was eight months. None of the non-unions were infected at the time of plating. The average preoperative deformity in the sagittal (anterior-posterior) plane was 8 degrees and in the frontal (medial-lateral) plane, 9 degrees; after plate fixation, the residual angulation averaged 3 and 2 degrees. Autogenous bone graft was used in thirty-nine of the fifty non-unions. The patients were followed for an average of twenty-four months. Forty-six (92 per cent) of the non-unions united, in an average of seven months, without further intervention. In four patients (8 per cent), the plate broke, necessitating re-plating in three and external fixation in one (the latter patient had an infected non-union). A deep infection developed in three patients (6 per cent). Ultimately, forty-eight non-unions (96 per cent) healed without evidence of infection. Plate osteosynthesis is an effective method of treatment for patients who have had an open fracture of the tibia that has failed to unite after external fixation and immobilization in a cast.     

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: analysis of the results in 142 patients

One hundred forty-two children who had supracondylar humerus fractures and who were treated either by open reduction and internal fixation or by closed methods were reviewed. There were 104 boys and 38 girls. Their ages ranged between 2 and 14 years, with an average age of 8 years. One hundred thirteen of the fractures were of the extension type and 29 were of the flexion type. Sixty-two patients were treated by manipulative reduction and immobilization in a plaster of Paris cast, and 20 were treated by overhead skeletal traction followed by the application of a plaster of Paris cast. The other 60 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The follow-up period ranged from 4 years to 11 years, with an average of 7.5 years. The results were evaluated based on the range of motion, the subsequent deformity, if any, and the carrying angle. In the overall series we had 72 (50.70%) excellent, 31 (21.83%) good, 13 (9.15%) fair, and 26 (18.30%) poor results.     

The floating knee in the pediatric patient. Nonoperative versus operative stabilization

The results of nonoperative and operative or rigid stabilization of ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures in children and adolescents were evaluated. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with open physes (30 affected extremities) were reviewed. Their mean followup was 8.6 years (range, 1.1-18.6 years). The nonoperative group consisted of 16 patients and 16 extremities treated by skeletal traction of the femoral fracture, closed reduction and splinting or casting of the tibia fractures, and eventual immobilization in a hip spica cast. The operative group, was comprised of 13 patients and 14 extremities in which one or both fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, intramedullary fixation, or external fixation. Despite higher modified injury severity scores and skeletal injury scores, the patients who were treated operatively had a significantly reduced hospital stay, 20.1 days versus 34.9 days, respectively; decreased time to unsupported weightbearing, 16.8 weeks compared with 22.3 weeks, respectively; and fewer complications. Operative stabilization of the femur had a significant effect on decreasing the length of hospital stay and the time to unassisted weightbearing. The patients also were analyzed according to their age at the time of injury: 9 years of age or younger and 10 years of age and older. The younger children who were treated nonoperatively had an increased rate of lower extremity length discrepancy, angular malunion, and need for a secondary surgical procedure as compared with younger children who were treated operatively with rigid fixation. Based on the results of the current study, operative stabilization of at least the femur fracture and, preferably, both fractures in the treatment of a child with a floating knee is recommended, even for younger children.     

Proximal ulna shaft fractures and associated compartment syndromes

In 1996, 6 (7%) of 84 ulna shaft fractures treated at our institution developed compartment syndrome. These 6 isolated, comminuted, proximal-third ulna fractures were secondary to low-velocity gunshot (5) or high-velocity blunt trauma (1). The 5 gunshot-induced fractures did not initially require immediate surgical intervention, but increasing compartment pressure prompted fasciotomy and open reduction and internal fixation. The blunt trauma fracture developed compartment syndrome while the patient awaited surgery; emergent fasciotomy and open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Three patients had vascular injury (interosseus system). The orthopedist must have a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome in association with isolated, comminuted, proximal-third ulna fractures.     

Treatment of open ankle fractures. Immediate internal fixation versus closed immobilization and delayed fixation

Thirty-one open ankle fractures were treated over a period of 11 years and retrospectively reviewed with an average follow-up period of 61 months. Fifteen were managed by closed immobilization and delayed internal fixation. Sixteen were treated with immediate open reduction and internal fixation. One case in each group became infected. Functional scores at follow-up examination were the same for both groups. The fractures treated with immediate open reduction and internal fixation showed less impairment of range of motion but had a greater incidence of chronic ankle swelling. The hospitalization time was significantly shorter for the patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of open ankle fractures speed recovery with no greater incidence of infection than encountered with conservative treatment.     

两种术式治疗Pilon骨折的比较

目的探讨外固定支架配合有限切开内固定治疗Pilon骨折的疗效和安全性。方法将55例Pilon骨折患者根据治疗方法分成两组：A组（28例）为有限切开复位内固定加外固定支架治疗;B组（27例）采用克氏针张力带配合石膏外固定、切开复位内固定、手法复位石膏固定、跟骨牵引等其他方法。对患者手术前后X线片、并发症、骨折愈合时间、临床疗效等指标进行比较。结果两组均获8-24个月随访。A组骨折愈合时间（2.5±1.8）个月;B组骨折愈合时间（2.7±1.7）个月,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。临床疗效按Helfet标准评定：A组：优8例,良12例,差8例;B组优7例,良12例,差8例,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。并发症为伤口愈合不良或局部皮肤坏死：A组5例（18%）,B组9例（33%）,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论复杂Pilon骨折选择外固定支架结合有限切开内固定治疗是较好的选择,可以减少术后并发症的发生,有较高的实用性和安全性。     

Open Gustilo 1 and 2 midshaft fractures of the radius and ulna in children: is there a role for cast immobilization after wound debridement?

INTRODUCTION: Open fractures of the forearm in children are one of the indications for open reduction and internal fixation. Fixation allows for soft tissue management and maintenance of reduction. This study compares the outcome of open Gustilo 1 and 2 midshaft forearm fractures treated with cast immobilization versus the outcome of those treated with internal fixation after wound debridement. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the cases of 31 children treated in Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital from 1998 to 2005. All had wound debridement, followed by cast immobilization in 15 patients and implant stabilization in 16 others, using plates and screws or intramedullary K-wires. The patients were assessed at final follow-up using the classification by Price. RESULTS: Both treatment groups had 100% excellent or good results. There was no significant difference in time to union. However, there was a higher incidence rate of delayed union and infection when treated with implant stabilization. The main complication associated with cast immobilization was loss of reduction (4 cases), of which 1 case required a second manipulation. DISCUSSION: Despite the trend toward implant stabilization of all open forearm fractures, this study shows that there is still a role for cast immobilization in its treatment of Gustilo 1 and 2 open forearm fractures as long as proper casting technique and close follow-up is achieved. However, internal fixation should be considered in cases where the fracture is noted intraoperatively to be unstable or if attempted reduction fails, bearing in mind the possible complications associated with internal fixation.     

Surgical treatment of avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament and postoperative management

BACKGROUND: Avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament have long been regarded as rare injuries. In the past, it was common practice to use cast immobilization as an external adjunct after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures. METHODS: Sixteen patients with displaced avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament were treated with open reduction and internal fixation between August 1989 and July 1993. Malleolar screws were chosen as fixation devices in 14 patients. In the other two, pull-through sutures were used because the size of the fractured fragments was too small to obtain purchase of screws. The postoperative management protocol evolved from an initial regimen of 6 weeks' immobilization in a cast with the knee flexed to 40 degrees for the first five patients (group I), to 4 weeks' immobilization in a cast for the next six patients (group II), to the present protocol of immediate postoperative range of motion (40-70 degrees) with muscle-strengthening exercises in a functional brace for the last five patients (group III). The average follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24-58 months). Hughston's criteria were used to assess the clinical results. RESULTS: Overall, there were 12 (75%) good and 4 fair (25%) results. There was no poor result. CONCLUSION: Avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament should be treated with open reduction and stable internal fixation if any displacement is seen on initial radiographs at presentation. With the use of functional brace and aggressive postoperative rehabilitation program (i.e., immediate range of motion of 40-70 degrees with muscle-strengthening exercises), satisfactory results can be expected and achieved.     

Lower limb fractures with associated vascular injury

We report the management and outcome of 35 lower limb fractures with associated severe vascular injuries treated over a 15-year period. Limb survival was related to the period of ischaemia. Management of the fractures by immediate open reduction and internal fixation was associated with a higher amputation rate than either external fixation or simple splintage, particularly for upper tibial injuries. External fixation is recommended as the method of choice for the stabilisation of the skeletal injury. A selective policy is advised for fasciotomy.     

Plaster cast versus external fixation for unstable intraarticular Colles' fractures

This study compares 75 consecutive patients with Frykman Type VIII fractures of the distal forearm treated by primary external fixation with 32 patients who sustained similar injuries and were treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization. The latter group of patients served as an historical control. The two groups were similar with respect to injury and demographic characteristics. All fractures treated with external fixation remained well reduced and aligned, whereas 88% of those treated with casts had unsatisfactory alignment despite the fact that 30% had a second reduction. The external fixator group also had superior results with respect to functional outcome, range of motion, and grip strength.     

复杂闭合性踝关节骨折的治疗

目的　探讨复杂闭合性踝关节骨折的治疗方法。　方法　将 82例 85侧AO Danis Weber分型中的B、C型踝关节骨折的患者 ,随机分为两组。A组 3 0例 3 3侧采用闭合复位石膏外固定 ,B组 5 2例 5 2侧采用开放复位内固定治疗。比较两组患者踝关节疼痛、肿胀、功能恢复情况。　结果　参照Teenny和Wiss评分系统 ,A组的优良率为 3 6% ,B组的优良率为 70 % ,B组疗效优于A组 (P <0 .0 5 )。　结论　开放复位内固定是治疗复杂踝关节骨折的有效方法。     

桡骨远端骨折的治疗

近年来,对于桡骨远端骨折的治疗观念不断更新,针对各种类型的桡骨远端骨折出现了不同的治疗方法,治疗手段不断完善。本文对桡骨远端的解剖、分类方法、治疗方法(包括闭合复位外固定、经皮穿针术、外固定架技术、切开复位内固定术、腕关节镜技术以及植骨技术的应用等)进行了综述。并对当前的治疗方法提出了几点看法:A型(AO分型)骨折首选闭合复位石膏外固定;对B型和C1型骨折在手法复位不满意的情况下首选切开复位斜T形钛板内固定;对C2和C3型骨折首选切开复位斜T形钛板内固定,干骺端粉碎无法进行钛板内固定时,采用切开复位外固定架固定术,并视术中情况决定是否使用克氏针内固定;对骨质疏松的老年患者采用LCP内固定,具体视骨折的骨缺损情况及骨质情况决定是否进行骨移植。     

Staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome

PurposeHigh-energy proximal tibial fractures often accompany compartment syndrome and are usually treated by fasciotomy with external fixation followed by secondary plating. However, the initial soft tissue injury may affect bony union, the fasciotomy incision or external fixator pin sites may lead to postoperative wound infections, and the staged procedure itself may adversely affect lower limb function. We assess the results of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome.MethodsTwenty-eight patients with proximal tibial fractures accompanied by acute compartment syndrome who underwent staged MIPO and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up were enrolled. According to the AO/OTA classification, 6 were 41-A, 15 were 41-C, 2 were 42-A and 5 were 42-C fractures; this included 6 cases of open fractures. Immediate fasciotomy was performed once compartment syndrome was diagnosed and stabilization of the fracture followed using external fixation. After the soft tissue condition normalized, internal conversion with MIPO was done on an average of 37 days (range, 9–158) after index trauma. At the time of internal conversion, the external fixator pin site grades were 0 in 3 cases, 1 in 12 cases, 2 in 10 cases and 3 in 3 cases, as described by Dahl. Radiographic assessment of bony union and alignment and a functional assessment using the Knee Society Score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were carried out.ResultsTwenty-six cases achieved primary bony union at an average of 18.5 weeks. Two cases of nonunion healed after autogenous bone grafting. The mean Knee Society Score and the AOFAS score were 95 and 95.3 respectively, at last follow-up. Complications included 1 case of osteomyelitis in a patient with a grade IIIC open fracture and 1 case of malunion caused by delayed MIPO due to poor wound conditions. Duration of external fixation and the external fixator pin site grade were not related to the occurrence of infection.ConclusionsStaged MIPO for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome may achieve satisfactory bony union and functional results, while decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.     

Fractures of the distal tibia: minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Unstable fractures of the distal tibia that are not suitable for intramedullary nailing are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation and/or external fixation, or treated non-operatively. Treatment of these injuries using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques may minimise soft tissue injury and damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. We report the results of 20 patients treated by MIPO for closed fractures of the distal tibia. Their mean age was 38.3 years (range: 17-71 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO system, and intra-articular extensions according to Rüedi and Allg?wer. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 12 weeks (range: 8-20 weeks) and to union was 23 weeks (range: 18-29 weeks), without need for further surgery. There was one malunion, no deep infections and no failures of fixation. MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia, avoiding the complications associated with more traditional methods of internal fixation and/or external fixation.     

Metacarpal fractures

The majority of metacarpal fractures are closed injuries amenable to conservative treatment with external immobilization and subsequent rehabilitation. Internal fixation is favored for unstable fracture patterns and patients who require early motion. Percutaneous pinning usually is successful for metacarpal neck fractures and comminuted head fractures. Shaft and base fractures can be treated with pinning or open reduction and internal fixation; the latter, being more rigid, allows early rehabilitation. External fixation has a limited yet defined role for metacarpal fractures with complex soft-tissue injury and/or segmental bone loss. The recent development of bioabsorbable implants holds promise for skeletal rigidity with minimal soft-tissue morbidity, but long-term in vivo data supporting the use of these implants is not currently available. Copyright © 2002 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand     

Tibia nonunions treated by interlocked nailing: increased risk of infection after previous external fixation

Eighteen patients, mean age 36 years (range of 22-76 years), with tibia-shaft nonunions were treated with interlocked nailing. There were 12 nonunions originally treated with either cast, lag screws, plate, or Ender nails (nine closed, two open grade I and one grade II injury). The remaining six nonunions, all open fractures (five grade II and one grade III injury) initially received external fixation. After removal of the fixator, 72 days postinjury (range of 58-111 days), there was a delay of 218 days (range of 112-449 days) before the nailing procedure in those patients primarily treated with external fixation. All 12 nonunions not primarily treated with external fixation healed without complications after nailing within 17 weeks (range of 12-24 weeks). All six nonunions primarily treated with external fixation had temporary pin-tract infections, which healed after pin extraction. Two of the nonunions healed without any complication, whereas four developed intramedullary infection with the same bacteria as from the pin-tract site. Although the number of patients is small in this report, there is an apparently high incidence of intramedullary infection in the group originally treated with external fixation. The sequential procedure of external fixation followed by intramedullary nailing is, therefore, not recommended in the treatment of open tibia fractures.