Pseudarthrosis of the first rib in the overhead athlete

Fractures of the first rib are uncommon in athletes and present a different clinical entity from traumatic first rib fracture associated with high energy thoracic trauma. These fractures are stress induced and precipitated by chronic muscular forces acting on the first rib. Typically they heal with conservative treatment. This report describes a fracture of the first rib in a tennis player that developed into a symptomatic pseudarthrosis as a result of persistent overhead activities. Symptoms mimicked ipsilateral shoulder injury. Pseudarthrosis of the first rib should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic persistent shoulder pain in the overhead athlete.     

Extracorporeal shock wave treatment of humeral nonunion: a case report

Abstract Fracture of the humerus represents a common problem among the young and elderly populations. Although humerus fractures usually heal uneventfully, nonunions can sometimes occur. We present a case of humeral nonunion managed with shock wave therapy in the outpatient setting. A 62-year-old woman with a closed comminuted fracture of the proximal third of the humerus came to our attention 6 months after the trauma with a hypertrophic nonunion. Radiographs showed a hypertrophic callus with a fracture gap of 4 mm. We performed ten shock wave treatments in the outpatient department, with an interval of 60 days between each single treatment. Each session consisted of 2000 impulses at 0.86 mJ/mm² applied in two planes. No anesthesia was given during the treatment. The patient received a sling to support the treated arm during the first days following each treatment. Follow-up assessment by radiographic and physical examination, performed after 4 weeks and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, showed complete bony union and cortical bridging, achieved at the end of the treatment. We believe that this method is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for the treatment of chronic hypertrophic nonunions. Moreover, in case such treatment is unsuccessful, subsequent surgery is not precluded.     

Transoral vertebral augmentation with polymethylmethacrylate in the treatment of a patient with a dens fracture nonunion and subarticular vertebral body fracture of C2

The injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, metastatic lesions, multiple myeloma, and benign but destabilizing bone tumors. The injection of PMMA into the C2 vertebral body using the transoral technique has been reported in three separate patients for treatment of benign tumors (a vertebral hemangioma and an aneurysmal bone cyst) and for multiple myeloma in the third patient. Although the injection of PMMA into the vertebral body is most commonly performed to treat benign vertebral compression fractures, a transoral C2 approach has not been reported in the English literature as a treatment for a benign fracture of C2. We report the treatment of a fracture and nonunion of the base of the dens and a subarticular fracture of the vertebral body of C2 using a bilateral transoral approach.     

Case report—stress fractures of the rib in a golfer

Stress fractures of the rib have been reported in rowers^1–3 and canoeists^4–5; this is the first report of a similar fracture in a golfer.     

A rare reason for the end of a career in competitive tennis

Stress fractures are reported in adolescents taking part in high standard sports and they are associated with specific sites for stress fractures. The first rib is also affected in rowers and ball throwing sports. This report describes the complications of such a case in a competitive tennis player at international level practicing 5 times a week with far-reaching consequences. Due to constant load dependent pain in the region of the right shoulder, standard diagnosis, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) scan with 3-D reconstruction were done, showing a pseudoarthrosis of the first rib. Therefore, further treatment was conservative without pain relieve. At follow-up 5 years after onset of symptoms the patient did not play tennis, he did not complain pain, but control imaging still showed a pseudoarthrosis of the first rib. Our case shows that it is important, when treating shoulder pain in the overhead athlete, to think of the possibility of a stress fracture.     

Operative treatment for fifthmetatarsal base fractures

Successful surgical treatment of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures depends on an understanding of different fracturepatterns and their potential for healing. Simple auvlsion fractures of the tuberosity heal uneventfully with symptomatic treatment. Certain transverse fractures of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal region have a higher incidence of delayed union and nonunion. These fractures heal more predictably and quickly with early surgical intervention. Use of a intramedullary screw or corticocancellous bone graft has been proven successful in accomplishing union in displaced intra-articular fractures, delayed unions, and nonunions. Acute Jones fractures and Torg type I fractures may heal with closed methods, but surgical intervention increases the rate of union, speeds recovery time, and is indicated in athletes or other physically competative persons. Complications may be lessened by strict adherence to surgical technique and the use of appropriate implants.     

Injury to the first rib synchondrosis in a rugby footballer

Injuries to the first rib synchondrosis are uncommon in sport. The potential for serious complications following posterior displacement is similar to that seen with posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation. Clinical examination and plain radiography may not provide a definitive diagnosis. Computerised tomography is the most appropriate imaging modality if this injury is suspected. Posterior dislocation of the first rib costal cartilage with an associated fracture of the posterior sternal aspect of the synchondrosis has not been previously reported.     

Nonunions of stress fractures of the tibia

Stress fractures of the tibia commonly occur in the proximal metaphysis and heal readily with rest. Fractures of the middle third of the tibia, on the other hand, are uncommon. We encountered six stress fractures of the middle third of the tibia over a 5 year period. None of these fractures healed with simple immobilization. One was treated with electromagnetic stimulation and failed to unite 2 years after presentation. One patient underwent a biopsy of the lesion without bone grafting and it had not healed when he was last seen. One patient sustained two acute complete fractures, and the stress fracture finally healed after the second acute fracture was openly reduced and internally fixed. The other three lesions were excised and grafted because of failure to unite. They all healed promptly. Stress fractures of the middle third of the tibia are unusual lesions. However, care must be taken in treating them. The patient must protect the extremity until the fracture has completely healed. Surgical excision and bone grafting of the lesion may be required if the fracture does not heal with plaster immobilization.     

Isolated first rib fracture in athletes

Isolated fractures of the first rib are uncommon. They are caused by major blunt trauma, a violent muscular pull, or fatigue. Diagnosis is usually made by chest radiography and computed tomography. Angiography is justified when certain criteria are met. Treatment is rest and mild analgesia. Early and late complications have been reported and are treated accordingly. The purpose of this article is to report a case of first rib stress fracture in a kick boxer and review the pertinent literature.     

Rib fractures in infancy: establishing the mechanisms of cause from the injuries--a literature review

In the absence of a history of a significant accidental event, the most likely diagnosis in an infant with rib fractures is non-accidental injury. Medical opinion is essential when deciding if child abuse has taken place or not and this requires a consideration of whether a proposed causal explanation fits with the observed injuries. To assist in the interpretation of injuries and inform medical practitioners, it is essential to develop a clear understanding of their biomechanical mechanism of causation. The types and 'likely' mechanisms of rib fracture are well-documented, however, what forces, deflections and loading rates are required to produce particular fractures are relatively unknown. This paper presents a review of the literature, from a biomechanical engineering perspective, to assess information regarding the various types of rib fracture and their likely mechanisms, paying particular attention to the likely forces, deflections and loading rates involved. The biomechanical parameters, applied during 'two finger' infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), are identified and discussed, and are currently believed to be below the limit at which rib fracture may occur. However, a new 'two thumb' CPR technique is identified which involves a holding/gripping mechanism of the infant thorax, similar to that which is believed to occur in inflicted injury scenarios, such as shaking. The two thumb method may provide a greater magnitude of force and deflection, a greater rate of loading and may perhaps pose a greater risk of fracture, compared with the 'two finger' supine, anterior-posterior chest compression approach. It is proposed to introduce a force/deflection boundary condition into mechanical and computer/numeric infant models. Subject to the future inclusion of loading rate/response data, a three-dimensional (force/deflection/loading rate) boundary condition will be used to provide a minimum injury threshold for potentially injurious scenarios. A number of further studies are suggested, since this paper is intended to provide a first step to developing a more sophisticated understanding of the causes of infant rib fracture. Areas of further study include specific rib fracture mechanisms, as well as the effects of age dependent characteristics, positioning and area of force application. Such additional information would allow the proposed initial boundary condition to be further refined to provide an indication of the likelihood, type and number of fractures that might be expected.     

Stress fractures of the upper extremity

Stress fractures are common injuries in the athletic population. Although much of the published literature has focused on lower extremity stress injuries, these injuries also occur in the upper extremities. Stress injuries of bone result from repetitive loads smaller than would be required to cause an acute fracture. As bone is repetitively stressed, it behaves like any solid substance. If deformity occurs within its elastic range, it returns to its original configuration. If stressed into its plastic range, permanent deformity occurs, and microfractures propagate, causing structural failure and complete fracture of the involved bone. High clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis because of historical and physical features can be vague. Plain radiographs are often inconclusive, but bone scans and MR imaging usually help elucidate the diagnosis. Most upper extremity stress injuries will heal with nonoperative management. In rare situations these injuries can progress to nonunion, which requires surgical correction.     

高频超声诊断肋骨骨折的经验与不足探讨

目的：探讨高频超声诊断肋骨骨折的临床经验与不足。方法：对23例肋骨骨折患者行超声检查,并和X线进行对比分析。结果：23例肋骨骨折中,3例普通X线未发现骨折表现,超声均发现骨折部位,表现为肋骨骨皮质回声不连续。其中在骨折定位中,4例超声判断错误。结论：高频超声可作为肋骨骨折的诊断手段,可发现X线未能显示的骨折,但超声在定位诊断中误差较大,二者结合分析可提高诊断率。因此超声不作为肋骨骨折的首选检查,只作为骨折的补充检查。同时在诊断中,与操作者的经验也有相关性。     

Cough-induced costal cartilage fracture

We present two cases of atraumatic costal cartilage fracture secondary to violent coughing. Although costal cartilage fractures due to trauma and bony rib fractures due to violent coughing have been described, to our knowledge there have been no prior reported cases of cough-induced costal cartilage fracture. It is important for radiologists to consider costal cartilage fractures, which are often more subtle than osseous injuries, in patients with chest pain, and understand that they may not always be preceded by direct trauma. Identifying this injury is clinically important and will prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary examinations to rule out a cardiac cause of chest pain or a pulmonary embolism.     

肋骨骨折诊治现状

肋骨骨折是胸部外伤中的常见疾病,但对肋骨骨折患者的手术治疗策略尚未达成共识。胸部x线及CT扫描是肋骨骨折诊断的基本手段。肋骨骨折可选择非手术治疗或内固定手术治疗。本文针对内固定手术的指征、方法、器械进行综述。针对患者合体化情况选择合适治疗方案,可以获得良好疗效。     

Lower thoracic rib stress fractures in baseball pitchers

Stress fractures of the first rib on the dominant throwing side are well-described in baseball pitchers; however, lower thoracic rib fractures are not commonly recognized. While common in other sports such as rowing, there is scant literature on these injuries in baseball. Intercostal muscle strains are commonly diagnosed in baseball pitchers and have a nearly identical presentation but also a highly variable healing time. The diagnosis of a rib stress fracture can predict a more protracted recovery. This case series presents two collegiate baseball pitchers on one team during the same season who were originally diagnosed with intercostal muscle strains, which following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were found to have actually sustained lower thoracic rib stress fractures. The first sustained a stress fracture of the posterior aspect of the right 8th rib on the dominant arm side, while the second presented with a left-sided 10th rib stress fracture on the nondominant arm side. In both cases, MRI was used to visualize the fractures as plain radiographs are insensitive and commonly negative early in patient presentation. Patients were treated with activity modification, and symptomatic management for 4–6 weeks with a graduated return to throwing and competition by 8–10 weeks. The repetitive high stresses incurred by pitching may cause either dominant or nondominant rib stress fractures and this should be included in the differential diagnosis of thoracic injuries in throwers. It is especially important that athletic trainers and team physicians consider this diagnosis, as rib fractures may have a protracted course and delayed return to play. Additionally, using the appropriate imaging techniques to establish an accurate diagnosis can help inform return-to-play decisions, which have important practical applications in baseball, such as roster management and eligibility.     

The use of rigid sternal fixation for complex poststernotomy wounds and a military-unique fracture at an Army medical center

Sternal wound complications after sternotomy carry significant morbidity and mortality rates. Sternal fractures attributable to blunt trauma may cause incapacitating pain or may be plagued by symptoms resulting from chronic nonunion. A sternal fixation system has been developed and used successfully for the management of poststernotomy complications, as well as for symptomatic fractures and fracture nonunion. This article reports the successful use of this technique for three patients at our institution. The use of rigid sternal fixation could potentially be extended to include primary sternotomy closure in patients at high risk for sternal dehiscence and nonunion. This technique may also substitute for sternal rewiring in the initial management of poststernotomy complications.     

"March fractures" on a female military recruit

Stress fractures are caused by repetitive low-impact activities. It is important to have a high index of suspicion in diagnosing and treating stress fractures early for remodeling to occur. This is a case report of a 19-year-old female military recruit with stress fractures of the right foot. The patient had an extended non-weight-bearing treatment that eventually had a successful outcome after allowing the fracture to heal by starting the patient on weight-bearing activities and a "walk-to-run" program. Treatment points in managing stress fractures including female-specific issues are also discussed.     

99Tcm-MDP SPECT/CT融合骨显像评价骨折远期愈合能力的应用价值

目的探讨99Tcm-MDP SPECT/CT融合骨显像技术评价骨折远期愈合能力的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2008年1月至2017年8月在我院治疗至少超过6个月的76例骨折患者的影像资料,其中58例经手术治疗,18例采用非手术方法治疗,所有骨折患者均未达到临床愈合标准。对76例骨折患者行SPECT显像、CT扫描和SPECT/CT融合骨显像,分析骨折端的放射性分布及CT特征,观察骨折端放射性浓聚是否连续性通过骨折线,跨越两侧骨折端,评价骨折远期愈合能力,最终骨折愈合情况经临床随访或手术证实。结果76例骨折患者,58例SPECT/CT融合骨显像显示放射性浓聚连续性通过骨折线并跨越两侧骨折端,诊断为骨折具有远期愈合能力,经对症保守治疗,证实52例骨折远期愈合,6例未愈合,SPECT/CT对骨折远期愈合诊断的准确率达89.66%（52/58）。18例骨折端未见明显连续性通过骨折线的放射性浓聚,诊断为骨折不愈合,且不具备远期愈合能力,均进行了手术治疗并证实为骨折不愈合,SPECT/CT对骨折远期不愈合诊断的准确率达100%（18/18）。结论SPECT/CT融合骨显像可较准确地评价骨折的远期愈合能力,具有重要的临床应用价值。     

Missed rib fractures on evaluation of initial chest CT for trauma patients: pattern analysis and diagnostic value of coronal multiplanar reconstruction images with multidetector row CT

Objective The objective of this study was to review the prevalence and radiological features of rib fractures missed on initial chest CT evaluation, and to examine the diagnostic value of additional coronal images in a large series of trauma patients. Methods 130 patients who presented to an emergency room for blunt chest trauma underwent multidetector row CT of the thorax within the first hour during their stay, and had follow-up CT or bone scans as diagnostic gold standards. Images were evaluated on two separate occasions: once with axial images and once with both axial and coronal images. The detection rates of missed rib fractures were compared between readings using a non-parametric method of clustered data. In the cases of missed rib fractures, the shapes, locations and associated fractures were evaluated. Results 58 rib fractures were missed with axial images only and 52 were missed with both axial and coronal images (p=0.088). The most common shape of missed rib fractures was buckled (56.9%), and the anterior arc (55.2%) was most commonly involved. 21 (36.2%) missed rib fractures had combined fractures on the same ribs, and 38 (65.5%) were accompanied by fracture on neighbouring ribs. Conclusion Missed rib fractures are not uncommon, and radiologists should be familiar with buckle fractures, which are frequently missed. Additional coronal imagescan be helpful in the diagnosis of rib fractures that are not seen on axial images.     

Stress fracture of the ipsilateral first rib in a pitcher

This stress fracture of the left first rib in a 17-year-old, left-handed high school baseball pitcher represents the first of its type reported in the literature. Two similar cases have been reported in pitchers, but the fracture was on the nondominant side in both cases. In contrast to most cases of this rare lesion, the stress fracture we report occurred acutely and was documented roentgenographically from onset to complete healing 9 months later.