Complication following intramedullary fixation with a Fixion nail in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta: a case report

Osteogenesis imperfecta (O.I.) is a genetic disorder with increased bone fragility and low bone mass. We report the history of a 17-year-old male patient with O.I. who presented a fracture of his left femoral shaft. He had osteogenesis imperfecta type I A according to Silence. He had presented two years previously an ipsilateral cervical fracture of the femur which had healed. Intramedullary fixation with a Fixion intramedullary nail was elected. While the Fixion nail was being inflated to 70 bars with saline, a longitudinal fracture occurred in the femoral shaft. A conventional intramedullary nail and cerclage wire were applied for fixation. The fracture healed without complication in 10 weeks. Based on this observation, we do not recommend using the Fixion IM nail for fracture fixation in patients who have abnormal bone fragility such as in osteogenesis imperfecta.     

The Fixion nailing system for stabilising diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: a two-year clinical experience

Previous studies have shown that the expandable nail system (Fixion) can provide rapid stabilisation of long bone fractures with reduced operative time and low complication rates. Patients with humeral shaft fracture were treated consecutively over a two-year period in our institution with the Fixion nail. Nineteen Fixion nailings were performed in 16 patients over a 2 year period. All fractures were diaphyseal and closed. Eight primary fracture stabilisations were performed and we recorded 2 nonunions in this group, both associated with rotational instability at the fracture site. Six nailings were performed in 4 patients for fracture non-union with a mean operative time of 127.5 minutes. One case did not unite despite 3 separate Fixion nailing procedures. Five operations were performed for a pathological fracture, with a mean operative time of 79 minutes; they all united. We did not experience advantages of this nail as mentioned in previous studies and the complication rate was higher than previously stated.     

Fixion膨胀髓内钉在四肢长骨骨折中的应用

目的探讨Fixion膨胀髓内钉在长骨骨折中的应用价值与技术特点。方法应用Fixion膨胀髓内钉系统进行手术内固定25例。结果25例均获随访,时间5～18个月。患者全部达到骨折愈合,时间5～14个月。无畸形愈合发生,髓内钉无断裂、折弯、松动或膨胀丢失,无脂肪栓塞、感染等并发症,功能恢复好。参照Johner—Wruhs功能评定标准：优12例,良9例,可4例。结论Fixion膨胀髓内钉具有良好的髓腔适配,操作方法简便,切口小,创伤少,手术时间短,术后恢复快,适合治疗四肢长骨骨折。     

Expandable nailing system for tibial shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and present our current clinical experience in the treatment of closed and open tibial shaft fractures using the expandable intramedullary nailing system. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: One level-1 trauma centre. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six patients with acute tibial shaft fractures with at least 10 cm of intact cortex on both sides of the fracture. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation using the Fixion expandable intramedullary nail (Disc-O-Tech Medical Technologies Ltd., Herzliya, Israel). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Operative and fluoroscopy time, healing time and perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six tibial fractures were treated (OTA classification: 3 type A1, 8 A2, 8 A3, 3 B1, 3 B2, and 1 B3), six of which were open. All fractures healed by week 18.5 with an mean of 12.8+/-3.8 weeks. The operating time ranged from 20 to 50 min with an mean of 40+/-12.17 min. The fluoroscopy time ranged from 6 to 22s with a mean of 10+/-5s. In one case the nail failed to expand, as detected by X-ray control, and had to be exchanged intraoperatively. Two patients reported anterior knee pain during the follow up, but did not wish any further treatment. In a low demanding patient rotational malalignment was noted and no further action needed. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the use of the Fixion nailing system, where indicated, is associated with minimal complications and very good functional outcomes in fractures OTA types A and B. The advantages of the expandable nail include the decrease in the operating and fluoroscopy time and the simplicity of its application.     

Combination of femoral fracture treatment and corrective osteotomy in a child with osteogenesis imperfecta

The main feature of osteogenesis imperfecta is an excessive fragility and deformability of the bones owing to reduced mass and bone quality. This leads to angular deformity and frequent fractures. These fractures usually heal rapidly, and conservative treatment is the norm. In displaced and unstable fractures, elastic intramedullary nailing is a treatment option. We report a case of a 3-year-old child with osteogenesis imperfecta type I who suffered an undisplaced femoral shaft fracture in the presence of a preexisting 32° femoral antecurvation. This deformity greatly increases the risk of a refracture due to the pathological induction of stress risers. Therefore, fracture treatment by unreamed elastic intramedullary nailing was combined with simultaneous correction osteotomy, resulting in anatomic alignment and uncomplicated fracture healing. The single-stage surgical stabilization performed allowed rapid mobilization along with a decreased likelihood of refracture.     

肱骨干骨折顺行与逆行髓内针固定的病例 对照研究

目的：比较肱骨干骨折顺行与逆行髓内针固定的疗效。方法：入选1999年3月至2006年10月间有完整随访资料的肱骨干骨折105例,分为顺行髓内针组（A组）82例,逆行髓内针组（B组）23例。对两组的手术时间、术中出血量、并发症发生率、骨折愈合时间、骨折愈合率、Constant—Murley肩关节功能评分和Mayo肘关节功能评分等指标进行比较。结果：随访时间平均（31．2±20．9）个月。两组的手术时间、骨折愈合时间、愈合率及并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。B组术中出血量大于A组（P=0．002）。A组有4例（4．9％）不愈合,8例（9．8％）发生肩痛伴肩关节活动度减小,B组3例（13．0％）术中发生医源性骨折。A组肩关节功能评分低于B组（P=0．04）,肘关节功能评分两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：顺行与逆行髓内针固定均是治疗肱骨干骨折的有效方法,但逆行髓内针固定医源性骨折发生率较高,应正确选择和制备髓内针入点。顺行髓内针固定有较高的肩痛和肩关节活动度减小的并发症发生率,注意将髓内针尾埋于肩袖下方,细致保护和修复肩袖,术后进行合理的康复练习,有利于减少肩痛和改善肩关节功能。     

可膨胀自锁式髓内钉固定胫骨干骨折的力学测试

目的了解Fixion IM可膨胀自锁式髓内钉在胫骨干骨折中的力学特性。方法对Fixion IM可膨胀自锁式髓内钉行抗轴向压缩、抗弯曲、抗扭转强度及应力遮挡力学测评,并与其他用于胫骨干骨折不同方式内固定器械相对比。结果 Fixion IM可膨胀自锁式髓内钉在轴向压缩、抗弯曲强度、抗扭转强度及应力遮挡方面,所测出的实验性材料力学结果表明,其性能优于目前普遍应用于临床的国产交锁髓内钉及标准加压钢板。结论 Fixion IM可膨胀自锁式髓内钉的材料是一种力学性能比较优秀的植入性材料,能较好地适应国人胫骨干髓腔,是一种理想的新型内固定器械。     

逆行髓内钉结合植骨治疗肱骨中远段骨折术后不愈合

[目的]探讨肱骨干中远段骨折内固定术后不愈合的原因及对策。[方法]2000年1月～2005年1月治疗肱骨干中远段骨折内固定术后不愈合27例，取出原有内固定后应用逆行髓内钉结合植骨治疗。[结果]随访6～32个月，平均16个月。骨折均愈合，患肢关节功能恢复良好，无伤口感染、髓内钉断裂及肱骨远端骨折等并发症。[结论]逆行髓内钉结合植骨是治疗肱骨干中远段骨折内固定术后不愈合的一种有效方法。     

可吸收髓内针在四肢长骨干骨折中的应用

目的观察可吸收髓内针在四肢长骨干骨折中应用的疗效。方法23例四肢长骨干骨折应用可吸收髓内针内固定。其中,胫骨干骨折18例,肱骨干骨折5例;胫骨骨折中粉碎性骨折8例。结果随访8~31个月。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无切口感染及肿胀积液,无骨髓炎、畸形愈合及骨不连接发生,无毒性反应及副作用,患肢功能良好。结论可吸收髓内针是治疗四肢长骨干骨折较理想的一种内固定方法。     

Expandable nail system for osteoporotic humeral shaft fractures: preliminary results

BACKGROUND: Conventional nails rely on interlocking screws for axial and rotational stability. Such screws have poor fixation in patients with poor bone quality (osteopenia). The Fixion nail does not depend on interlocking screws-axial and rotational stability is instead achieved by nail expansion. Therefore, this nail may be better suited for patients with poor bone quality who require humeral stabilization. METHODS: The system was used to manage 25 unstable humerus shaft fractures in osteoporotic bone. An antegrade approach was used in 18 patients and a retrograde approach was used in 7 patients. RESULTS: There were no intra- or postoperative complications. Postoperatively, all fractures were stable and had healed by week 16. The mean operative time was 35 +/- 10 minutes (+/- SD) including 1.5 +/- 0.5 minutes of fluoroscopy time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that use of this nailing system is associated with minimal complications, predictable fracture healing, and excellent functional outcomes in a cohort of elderly patients with poor bone quality and humeral shaft fractures requiring stabilization. Further confirmation by larger prospective trials is necessary.     

Tibial shaft fracture after removal of an ACE tibial nail

Intramedullary interlocking nailing is the gold standard method for treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Thus, the growing use of the intramedullary nailing resulted in an increased number of tibial nails removal procedures in daily clinical practice. Despite adequate surgeon experience, the removal of tibial intramedullary nails is not without complications. One of the commonly used nails is the ACE (DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA). The purpose of this paper is to report such a complication following the removal procedure and review the pertinent literature. A 39-year-old female who had sustained a lower-third tibial fracture was treated with an intramedullary nail 5 years ago. Despite her unremarkable follow-up, for personal reasons, a removal procedure was planned. Two undisplaced fractures were observed in the postoperative radiological evaluation. The potential complications of the removal of intramedullary nailing of the tibia should be considered by both physician and patient.     

可膨胀式自锁髓内钉治疗胫骨干骨折并发症原因分析及防治

目的探讨可膨胀式自锁髓内钉治疗胫骨干骨折的并发症原因及防治措施。方法采用可膨胀式自锁髓内钉治疗43例胫骨干骨折。结果43例随访3-18个月。术中出现肺栓塞1例;术后出现钉体折断1例,膨胀失效1例,感染2例,骨折延期愈合2例,膝关节活动障碍1例。结论可膨胀式自锁髓内钉是治疗胫骨干骨折的一个良好的固定方法,通过对其并发症原因的了解,可以预防和明显降低各种并发症的发生率。     

Kompressionsmarknagelung langer Röhrenknochen

The biomechanical principle of intramedullary compression osteosynthesis is based on the implantation of a movable intramedullary nail that is statically interlocked in distal round holes and dynamically interlocked in a proximal slot. Distraction of the nail against the proximal interlocking screw by means of a compression screw leads to a relative movement of the proximal fragment directed distally against the nail. This results in direct contact of the main fragments under increasing compression. Simple fractures, pseudarthroses and osteotomies within the diaphyses of the long bones represent promising indications for the use of compression nailing. Furthermore, this method enables extraordinarily stable knee and ankle arthrodeses. Major positive aspects are controlled adaptation of fragments and a significantly increased stability of the fracture as compared to conventional intramedullary nailing techniques, especially as rotational forces are concerned. The biomechanical advantages result in earlier full weightbearing and an increased rate of fracture union in delayed healing. Given the use of optimized implants and instruments, compression intramedullary osteosynthesis offers a remarkable potential for further improvement in both the spectrum and success of intramedullary nailing.     

Functional long-term outcome of the shoulder after antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral diaphyseal fractures

Intramedullary nailing is one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Once an intramedullary fixation technique has been selected, the choice between antegrade or retrograde approach remains controversial. Forty patients with humeral diaphyseal fracture treated with Seidel antegrade intramedullary nailing through an "danterior deltoid incision" (ADI) were evaluated after an average period of 62 months. Clinical and functional evaluation of the shoulder was performed using the Constant Score. Results were excellent in 33 patients, good in 5 and acceptable in 2. Radiological assessment was performed using antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) radiographs of the humerus and AP and Neer radiographs of the shoulder. Radiographic findings demonstrated good consolidation of all fractures; nail and locking proximal screw malpositioning were detected in 2 cases (2 patients with acceptable results). The positive results obtained for shoulder function correlate with patient age and demonstrate that antegrade intramedullary nailing is a valid option for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures, as long as it is performed through ADI access and with the appropriate surgical technique. Surgical technical errors will lead to functional problems of the shoulder, which in some cases will not be completely eliminated even after nail removal.     

Bending and torsional stiffness in cadaver humeri fixed with a self-locking expandable or interlocking nail system: a mechanical study

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to gain data about a new expandable, noninterlocked intramedullary nail's capacity to stabilize unstable transverse humeral shaft fractures without the need for interlocking, thus making nail implantation simpler and to prove our goal hypothesis: that in a midshaft osteotomy of the humeral shaft the expandable humeral nail will show the same bending and torsional stiffness as an interlocked humeral nail, when implanted correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. DESIGN: Pair randomization. SETTING: Mechanical laboratory testing. PARTICIPANTS: Eight pairs of freshly harvested cadaveric humeri. INTERVENTIONS: Fracture model was a midshaft transverse osteotomy, gapped to 3 mm. Each humerus pair received an expandable humeral nail (Fixion) or an interlocked humerus nail (Synthes) through a retrograde approach. The humeri were fixed in polymethylmethacrylate cylinders and tested in a servo-pneumatic material-testing machine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Torsional stiffness and bending stiffness of the nail-bone-construction. RESULTS: Expandable nails (interlocked nails) showed a lateral bending stiffness of 0.73 +/- 0.14 (0.63 +/- 0.1) KN/mm (P = 0.026) and a frontal bending stiffness of 0.67 +/- 0.18 (0.58 +/- 0.09) KN/mm (P = 0.084). Torsional stiffness values were 0.13 +/- 0.19 (0.43 +/- 0.09 Nm/degrees) (P = 0.012). Lower torsional stiffness in the expandable nail group was observed in humeri with a funnel shaped proximal intramedullary canal. CONCLUSIONS: The nail systems showed similar characteristics for frontal bending (P = 0.084), but not for lateral bending (P = 0.026). For lateral bending, the Fixion nail showed significantly more stiffness than the UHN nail (P = 0.026). There was significantly lower torsional stiffness with expandable nails compared with interlocked nails. Clinical correlation would suggest that in rotationally unstable fractures (A2 and A3 diaphyseal fractures), interlocked nails would provide increased stability over expandable nails.     

Surgical outcomes after treatment of fractures in femur and tibia in pycnodysostosis

Pycnodysostosis is a rare hereditary disease, characterized by systemic bone sclerosis. The most important orthopedic problem in this condition is the recurrent pathological fracture of long bones. In this paper, the surgical results for fractures of six limbs (three femurs and three tibias) in five cases of pycnodysostosis are reported. Five limbs achieved fracture union and union is developing in one tibia after intramedullary nail (IM) nailing or Ilizarov external fixation (IEF), although fracture line tends to persist for longer periods of time. One femoral fracture was treated by IM nailing, and one femoral and one tibial fracture were treated by IEF leading to final bone union. One femoral and one tibial fracture were initially treated by IEF, and were treated by IM nailing after re-fracture. One tibial fracture was initially treated by IEF leading to a failure of union, and was converted to IM nailing. All cases are able to walk; one case requires a single crutch. Infection was noted in two limbs after IM nailing following IEF. Fixation with IM nail was effective in preventing re-fracture as well as in alignment correction. Although the surgical technique is more difficult, IM nailing in the initial surgery may be a better choice for achieving successful union while reducing the risk of re-fracture or infection.     

Treatment of aseptic ulnar non-union in a patient with spastic hemiparesis by Ilizarov method

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children are common lesions. Non-union is very rare, almost exclusively in the ulna. We present a case of forearm fracture in a patient with spastic hemiparesis involving the injured forearm, treated initially with open reduction and intramedullary nailing. Ulnar deviation of both bones, with bending of intramedullary implants, occurred during postoperative period, due to spasticity of forearm flexors. An aseptic non-union of the ulna also developed. Both complications were treated by compression osteogenesis using a Ilizarov circular frame, the end results being excellent. The unusual and rare association between a preexisting neurologic spastic disorder and a forearm fracture can lead to malunion or/and nonunion, a more rigid method of initial osteosynthesis (locked compression plate) being an alternative in such cases.     

Distal tibial fracture below a total knee arthroplasty: retrograde intramedullary nailing as an alternative method of treatment: a case report

An 85-year-old woman with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic venous insufficiency with underlying venous stasis who sustained a fall in her house presented to the emergency room with a displaced distal diaphyseal tibial fracture and a stable total knee arthroplasty. At her third day of admission, an intramedullary nail was inserted in a retrograde fashion through the calcaneus and talus into her tibial shaft to stabilize the fracture; there were no postoperative complications. Three years after surgery, the patient remains pain-free, the fracture had united, and her functional status is the same as it was before the fracture. There are different options for solving these types of fractures. Nonoperative, external fixation, conventional or locking plates and antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing could be used; however, they should be weighed against the particular issues of the patient involved. We think that a retrograde nailing technique through the calcaneotalotibial axis could be an alternative method for these types of fractures in a fragile patient with important comorbidities with few complications and good functional outcome.     

Clinical performance of a new medullary humeral nail: antegrade versus retrograde insertion.

OBJECTIVE: A new intramedullary nail system for humeral shaft fractures is evaluated to determine whether retrograde nailing is as reliable as antegrade nailing. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter nonrandomized clinical study. PATIENTS: Eighty-four patients with acute humeral shaft fractures were nailed with the new unreamed humeral nail (UHN) system. Fifty-seven nails were introduced retrogradely, and twenty-seven antegradely. Bone healing and functional outcome were the follow-up parameters. RESULTS: The ratio of perioperative complications was equivalent for both groups, but one shaft fracture and three fractures or fissures at the entry point occurred in the group with retrograde nail insertion. Five fractures, all with retrograde nail insertion, needed secondary surgery to achieve bony healing. There was no difference in functional outcome after healing in either group. CONCLUSION: Retrograde nailing of humeral shaft fractures is technically more demanding than antegrade nailing. Fractures or fissures at the insertion point must be avoided by adequate preparation of the entry hole and careful nail insertion. Bone healing problems seem more surgeon-related than approach-related. As in every other procedure, an optimal fracture configuration and high fracture stability must be achieved.     

Preliminary clinical and radiographic results with the Fixion intramedullary nail: an inflatable self-locking system for long bone fractures

We present a new inflatable self-locking intramedullary nailing system for the treatment of long bone fractures. The features of this system and the advantages of the technique include: fixation along the entire length of the nail, lack of proximal or distal interlocking screws, optional reaming, reduced exposure of the surgeon to X-ray and reduced operating room time. First preliminary clinical and radiographic results are reported. Out of 41 patients who received implants for closed fractures, 29 were available for follow-up. We observed fracture consolidation in all 29 cases (100%), with absence of nonunions, infections or rotational malalignments. Only in 2 (6.9%) cases were complication reported, consisting in the opening of the fracture after inflation of the nail. Good stability of the nail, however, assured a complete callus formation. We conclude that the use of this intramedullary nail is an innovative, effective, simple and minimally invasive treatment for long bone shaft fractures. Received: 17 January 2001/Accepted: 15 May 2001