Functional outcome after blade plate reconstruction of distal tibia metaphyseal nonunions: a study of 11 cases

OBJECTIVES: To present the functional outcome of a cohort of 11 patients prospectively followed before and after blade plate reconstruction of a distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion. DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: University hospital tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Eleven patients with an average age of 48 years. Average duration of nonunion was 11 months. Patients had undergone an average of 3.1 procedures before the index surgery. Three patients had prior deep infections, and one patient had an active infection. INTERVENTION: A precontoured 4.5-mm cannulated blade plate was applied to the medial tibial surface through a posteromedial approach. Autograft was added in eight patients to fill bone voids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AOFAS scores were assigned to each patient preoperatively and at most recent follow-up. RESULTS: All patients healed their nonunions after the index surgery. Average time to radiographic union was 16 weeks. Average time to full weight bearing was 12 weeks. AOFAS scores improved in all patients from an average preoperative score of 29 to an average postoperative score of 89. The only complication was a deep infection, which was treated successfully with one irrigation and débridement and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Blade plate reconstruction of distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion is a safe and reliable method that results in a high union and low complication rate.     

解剖型钢板治疗胫骨远端骨折

胫腓骨骨折发生率很高,约占长骨骨折的10％。胫腓骨远端骨折在胫腓骨骨折中最为常见,由于涉及干骺端的骨折,髓内钉治疗有其局限性。2002年3月～2003年7月,笔者采用解剖型钢板治疗胫骨远端骨折12例,取得了良好疗效。     

The cannulated blade plate 90 degrees for displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients

Aim of the study was to analyse the results following osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures with cannulated blade plate 90 degrees (Synthes, Mathys Medizinaltechnik AG, Bettlach, Schweiz) in elderly patients. Between 6/1998 and 12/1999 we treated 20 patients (12 female, 8 male) > 65 years (65-92 y, 75 y) with the cannulated blade plate (fracture type according to AO: 8 x 11-A3, 5 x 11-B1, 3 x 11-B2, 1 x 11-B3 und 3 x 11-C2). Regarding to mechanical and functional advantages we modified the 90 degrees angulation of the implant by bending intraoperatively up to 110-120 degrees. Early post-op physiotherapy was permitted. The radiological results of all patients were evaluated and in 13 patients a clinical follow-up (median 8 months) was obtained. According to the Constant-score 62 points on average were achieved, which corresponds to a satisfactory result (contralateral shoulder 92 points). Complications due to the implant were loosening of the blade plate in 3 cases (A3, B2, C2) and 1 perforation of the blade plate (C2). The consecutive reoperation consisted in a compound osteosynthesis with the blade plate (A3, B2) in 2 cases, a prosthetic replacement and a removal of the implant (C2) in 1 case respectively. Neither infection, major nerve and vessel trauma nor avascular necrosis occurred. The cannulated blade plate 90 degrees represents a justified alternative in the treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Commendable indications are fracture types A and B according to AO with stable fixation of the blade plate in the humeral head, which allow early physiotherapy and avoid an alteration of the rotator cuff. C-type fractures tend to complications (2/3).     

Salvage of humeral nonunions with onlay bone plate allograft augmentation

Eight women and one man were treated for 10 established diaphyseal humeral nonunions. Six patients sustained fractures in motor vehicle accidents and two patients sustained fractures in a fall. Two of the fractures were open. One patient with multiple myeloma originally was treated conservatively and received local radiation, followed by open reduction and internal plate fixation. The other patients previously were treated with fracture braces, intramedullary nails, dynamic compression plates, or a combination of these techniques. After removal of the surgical hardware and fibrous tissue at the nonunion site, stable fixation was accomplished using a cortical long bone plate allograft (femoral and tibial) or fibular shaft allograft and a dynamic compression plate. All humeral nonunions had united at an average of 2.9 months. Radiographic incorporation of the allograft cortical bone plate and fibular shaft into the host cortex occurred in all but one patient by 3 months. Graft to host junction healing was accomplished by incorporation of the cortical allograft plate into the host cortex, resulting in an increased diameter of the bone. Cortical allograft bone plates and fibular grafts provide structural and probably osteoinductive support to enhance healing of these nonunions.     

Reconstruction of distal tibia fractures using a posterolateral approach and a blade plate

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to report a technique for the management of distal tibia fractures with significant anteromedial soft-tissue injury. The patients were initially treated with a spanning external fixator, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the fibula at the discretion of the surgeon, and soft-tissue management or flap coverage. ORIF of the tibia was performed on a staged basis, using a 90-degree cannulated blade plate and autogenous iliac crest bone graft through a posterolateral approach. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients. SETTING: Two academic level-1 trauma centers. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with 15 distal tibia fractures (13 open fractures), Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) type 43A3 and 43C1, were definitively treated and followed to union between July 2000 and July 2004. Five patients were referred from outside sources after initial stabilization. INTERVENTION: Initial stabilization in an external fixator and management of the open fracture and soft tissue. Staged ORIF of the tibia with bone graft was performed through a posterolateral approach when the soft tissues allowed. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic union, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and complications. RESULTS: All 15 fractures were followed to union. Average time to union was 20 (12 to 47) weeks from the time of fixation with blade plate and bone grafting. (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to measure outcome. The average score was 81 (60 to 97) out of a possible 100. There were no deep infections. There was one nonunion; the fracture united after revision with a locked plate and bone graft. The average length of follow-up was 14 months (4 to 37). CONCLUSIONS: The staged treatment of high-energy distal tibia fractures with soft-tissue injury can lead to good outcomes and consistent bone union. Our results were obtained by the combination of the posterolateral approach, careful soft-tissue management, and stable internal fixation.     

Interlocking nails for displaced metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia

Metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia near the ankle joint are difficult to manage. Poor soft tissue coverage and comminution of the fracture complicate open reduction. This prospective study aims to evaluate the practicability of using interlocking nails to treat such fractures. Using the method of closed reduction and internal fixation with a shortened tibial interlocking nail, 20 consecutive cases of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures within 4 cm of the ankle joint line were enrolled from 1997 to 2001. All patients received regular post-operative radiographic check-up and the ankle function was evaluated with the Iowa Ankle-Evaluation rating system. Our result was satisfactory and all of the fractures united solidly with a mean union time of 17.2 weeks. No major complication occurred. We conclude that tibial interlocking nailing is a reliable and safe method for managing metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia near the ankle joint.     

Salvage of tibial pilon fractures using fusion of the ankle with a 90 degrees cannulated blade-plate: a preliminary report.

Six patients with ankle joint destruction and delayed metaphyseal union after tibial plafond fracture were surgically treated with tibiotalar arthrodesis and metaphyseal reconstruction, using a fixed-angle cannulated blade-plate. The procedure was performed through a posterior approach in five cases and a lateral approach in one case. The subtalar joint was preserved in all cases. Metaphyseal union and a stable arthrodesis were obtained in all cases without loss of fixation and with no mechanical failure of the blade-plate. Union was obtained in an average of 26 weeks. No secondary procedures were required to obtain union. All six patients were ambulatory at last follow-up. Stable internal fixation for simultaneous tibiotalar fusion and metaphyseal reconstruction can be achieved with a cannulated blade-plate while preserving the subtalar joint in complex plafond fractures.     

Minimally invasive plating of high-energy metaphyseal distal tibia fractures

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical results and outcomes of a strict cohort of high-energy injuries of the metaphyseal distal tibia with minimal or no intraarticular involvement treated using the minimally invasive plating concept. SETTING: Level II trauma center. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a consecutive case series with limb-specific and whole-person outcomes measures. INTERVENTION: Minimally invasive medial plating for high-energy metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia with little or no intraarticular involvement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Clinical and radiographic results were assessed at a minimum of 1 year, and outcomes measures were applied at final follow-up at a minimum of 2 years. Limbs were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot instrument and the method of Olerud and Molander. Patient outcomes were evaluated with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (MFA). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were followed until healed at an average of 36 months (12-56 months). Mean fracture healing time was 35 weeks (12-112 weeks) with acceptable alignment restored (angulation2 years were comparable to normative data of patients with uninjured limbs, whereas MFA results showed functional deficits in 4 of 10 subsections. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive medial plating will restore limb alignment and yield successful clinical outcomes for high-energy metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia. Despite the significant reoperation rate and prolonged time to union, most patients can expect a predictable return of function. Strong consideration should be given to adjunctive measures in at-risk patients, including those with highly comminuted fracture patterns, bone loss, or Type II or III open fractures.     

解剖钢板固定治疗胫骨远端骨折

2002～2006年,我科应用胫骨远端解剖钢板治疗胫骨远端骨折患者31例,取得满意疗效。     

Treatment of nonunions of the scaphoid with the Ender compression blade plate system

A relatively high failure rate is associated with bone grafting with or without screw fixation in scaphoid nonunions. Complicating factors include avascular necrosis, cystic degeneration, and osseous size discrepancy or compromise. The Ender blade plate is suitable for adding stability in these cases, in spite of the necessity for late removal and the possibility of articular impingement. Twenty patients were treated with this technique. Nine of these patients had had previous unsuccessful attempts at nonunion repair. Nineteen had satisfactory results, but one had a persistent nonunion. The use of the Ender blade plate system is applicable for treatment of these difficult cases that are not ideally suited to compression screw fixation.     

Salvage of proximal tibia fracture treated with locked compression plate

The treatment of displaced proximal tibial fractures is challenging. Recent developments in the techniques of internal fixation, including the development of locking plates and minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionaries the treatment of such fractures. We present a case of proximal displaced tibial fracture that was treated with anatomical proximal tibial locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis. Patient made uneventful recovery even after he sustained re-injury and plate bending and was manipulated under anaesthesia for the same.     

后内侧入路胫骨远端后内侧解剖板治疗胫骨下段骨折

目的探讨后内侧入路胫骨远端后内侧解剖板治疗胫骨下段粉碎性骨折的临床疗效。方法采用小腿后内侧入路胫骨远端后内侧解剖型钢板内固定对30例胫骨下段粉碎性骨折患者进行治疗。结果术后随访8—16（12．9±3）个月,伤口均一期愈合,所有病例获得骨性愈合,愈合时间9～17（12±3）周。按Mazur等踝关节功能评分标准：优23例,良5例,可2例。结论胫骨远端后内侧解剖板符合胫骨骨远端后内侧的解剖形态,固定确切可靠,对于胫骨下段粉碎性骨折的治疗是理想的内固定物,伴局部内外侧软组织损伤重或皮肤条件差者尤为适用。     

Distal tibia metaphyseal fractures treated by percutaneous plate osteosynthesis

Twenty-one patients with fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis, some with minimal displacement in the ankle, were treated by percutaneous plate osteosynthesis with a narrow limited contact-dynamic compression plate. Using the classification by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen and Orthopaedic Trauma Association, 17 fractures had no articular involvement, whereas four included intraarticular extension. At final followup (mean, 20 months), all the fractures healed without second procedures and the mean union time was 15.2 weeks. One patient had malalignment of the limb with 10 degrees internal rotation, but there were no angular deformities greater than 5 degrees or any shortening greater than 1 cm. All patients had excellent or satisfactory ankle function. There were no infections or any soft tissue compromise. Percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is a safe and worthwhile method of managing such fractures, which avoids some of the complications associated with conventional open plating methods.     

经皮微创钢板固定技术(MIPPO)在胫骨近、远端粉碎性骨折中的应用

目的 探讨经皮微创钢板固定技术(MIPPO)治疗胫骨近、远端粉碎性骨折的方法和临床效果。方法 34例胫腓骨骨折的患者采用此方法治疗，其中男21例，女13例，年龄14～72岁。胫骨近端骨折12例，远端骨折22例。骨折按AO胫骨干分型，C1型16例，C2型10例，C3型8例。结果 本组34例随访3～26个月，平均14个月，患者伤口全部一期愈合。手术时间45～160min，平均80min，出血100～300mL，术中无输血。X线片示骨痂出现时间4～12周，平均8周，骨愈合时间4～14个月，平均6．7个月，无再骨折发生。以Johner—Wruhs方法评价功能，本组病例优21例、良11例、中2例，总体满意率94．1％。结论 经皮微创钢板固定技术创伤小、并发症少、骨愈合率高，是治疗胫腓骨近远端骨折的有效方法。     

经皮微创钢板固定法治疗胫骨干骺端骨折

目的 探讨经皮微创钢板固定法治疗胫骨干骺端骨折的临床疗效。方法 32例涉及胫骨干骺端的骨折，其中男性19例，女性13例。患者平均年龄42.5岁(25～64岁)。按AO分型，A型(不涉及关节面)12例；B型(伴有部分关节内骨折)11例；C型(伴有完全关节内骨折)9例。其中，胫骨近端18例，胫骨远端骨折14例。结果 患者完全负重时间为15.1周(12～26周)；X线愈合时间为14.3周(11-24周)。按照Johner-Wruhs评价法，功能优为19例，良为10例，中为3例，差为0例，优良率为90.6％。浅表感染2例，皮肤水疱3例；无深部感染及皮肤坏死。结论 微创钢板固定法手术创伤小，骨折愈合率高，固定可靠，是治疗胫骨干骺端骨折的有效治疗手段。在X线监视下进行良好的间接复位是手术成功的保证。     

胫骨远端前外侧锁定钢板内固定治疗胫骨远端骨折

2008年10月-2010年1月,我科对18例胫骨远端骨折患者采用切开复位胫骨远端外侧锁定钢板内固定治疗,疗效满意。     

单侧组合式外固定器治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折

目的探讨应用单侧组合式外固定器结合选择正确的腓骨固定方法治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折的效果。方法对31例胫骨远端干骺端骨折AO分型为A、B、C型骨折的患者进行治疗。腓骨骨折固定：A型不予固定;B、C型位于下胫腓联合上〈5 cm者用1/3管形钢板内固定,高位者不予固定,B型下胫腓联合以下者可不予固定,C型下胫腓联合以下者行腓骨远端解剖钢板固定。胫骨骨折固定：A、B型行闭合复位外固定器固定,C型行切开克氏针内固定后再用外固定器固定。并对该方法的治疗结果进行评估。结果 31例均获随访,时间6～23（16±7）个月。关节面复位：优26例,良3例,差2例;肢体力线恢复：优27例,良3例,差1例。Phil-lips＆Shwart踝关节评分为78～92（85±0.3）分。结论根据骨折类型,用单侧组合式外固定器固定结合选择正确的腓骨固定方式可有效避免伤口并发症,更好地恢复骨折端的解剖复位,固定牢固,疗效好。     

Percutaneous plate fixation of fractures of the distal tibia

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of the distal tibia offers several theoretical advantages compared to classic open reduction and internal fixation. A mechanically stable fracture-bridging osteosynthesis can be obtained without significant dissection and surgical trauma to the bone and surrounding soft tissues. In this retrospective study we looked at the results and complications in ten consecutive patients treated with percutaneous plating for fractures of the distal tibia and plafond with a minimum follow-up period of one year. No significant soft tissue problems occurred. The need for bone grafting should be carefully evaluated in every case as we encountered two delayed unions. All fractures healed within one year; there was no fracture malunion. The use of indirect reduction techniques and small incisions to insert hardware is technically more demanding and requires strict radioscopic control throughout the procedure, but it considerably decreases surgical trauma to the soft tissues.