Osteomyelitis after Operative Fracture Treatment: A Report of 62 Cases Treated with Radical Surgery and Lincomycin (Lincocin®)

During the years 1967–1975 a total of 62 patients were treated for postoperative osteomyelitis. The lower extremities had been fractured in 89 per cent of the cases and 54 per cent were closed injuries. The fractures, mostly caused by traffic accidents and falls, had been immobilized by plates in 30 and by intramedullary nails or pins in 25 patients.

Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in 80 per cent, 68 per cent of them were resistant to penicillin, but in 84 per cent the organisms were highly lincomycin sensitive and only three patients with four osteomyelitic lesions presented lincomycin resistance.

The treatment consisted chiefly of sequestrectomies and saucerizations supported by 3–12 months of lincomycin treatment. In 30 operations a closed irrigation-suction technique was used, perfusing the wound with lincomycin solution. Stable implants should be left in place until the fracture is clinically solid whereas unstable osteosyntheses should be replaced by rigid internal or extraskeletal fixation.

At follow-up, the results were judged as good in 74 per cent, fair 8 per cent and poor 18 per cent. The amputation rate was 13 per cent.

Plates should not be used in the treatment of comminuted tibial fractures with considerable soft tissue damage.     

Dislocated Femoral Neck Fractures: A Follow-up Study of 98 Cases Treated by Multiple AO (ASIF) Cancellous Bone Screws

A series of 98 dislocated femoral neck fractures were treated by closed reduction and osteosynthesis with multiple AO (ASIF) cancellous bone screws. The patients were followed up for 2 years (or until death).

The degree of dislocation did not have a statistically significant influence on the failure rate, which was, however, significantly correlated with poor reduction. Thirty-nine per cent of the fractures were complicated by non-union or late segmental collapse.

Forty-three of the patients participated in the 2 year follow-up examination. Of these patients, 38 had achieved excellent or good hip function.

It was concluded that the reduction was the most important single factor in the treatment of these fractures.     

Mortality after Hip Fractures

A survey was made of 1592 patients, over the age of 50 years, who had sustained a fracture of the hip.

The mean age was found to be 77 years, and 76.9 per cent (1224/1592) of the patients were women. Trochanteric fractures accounted for 52.5 per cent (836/1592) of the cases and these patients had a higher mean age than those with femoral neck fractures.

The average hospitalization time was 24 days and the mortality during the hospital stay was 8.6 per cent (137/1592). Statistical analysis revealed that the hospital mortality rate was related exclusively to the age and the sex.

The mortality after 3 months was 17 per cent and that after 6 months 21.5 per cent. The survival rates paralleled the expected rate after 1.6 years but were found to be higher than expected after 2.8 years. The mortality after 1 year was 27 per cent, after 3 years 43 per cent and after 5 years 56 per cent.     

Femoral Neck Fractures: 165 Cases Treated by Multiple Percutaneous Pinning

A prospective series of 165 displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral neck treated with reduction and percutaneous multiple pinning is presented. the method offers the advantages of a short operating time, no loss of blood, immediate weight-bearing and no infection problems. Furthermore the operative procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia.

In Garden stage 3 fractures union occurred in 97 per cent and late segmental collapse in 8 per cent. in Garden stage 4 fractures union occurred in 72 per cent and late segmental collapse in 14 per cent.

Failures were almost exclusively encountered in the group of poorly reduced fractures which had a failure rate of 77 per cent.

In the case of non-union 75 per cent of the patients needed a secondary hip replacement whereas only 16 per cent of the patients with late segmental collapse had received an arthroplasty at the time of the follow-up.     

Thirty-year follow-up of ankle fractures

The natural course of ankle fractures was studied in 143 patients treated by closed methods. The average time elapsing from fracture to follow-up was 29 years. Eighty-two per cent had no radiographic signs of arthrosis; 83 per cent were free of symptoms. The most common fracture, supination eversion Stage II (49 cases), gave rise to minimal signs of arthrosis in only one patient, who had moderate symptoms.

The suggestion that all ankle fractures must be perfectly reduced is not supported by the findings of the present study.     

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Open and Closed Fractures: A Controlled Clinical Trial

The value of prophylactic antibiotics in fracture surgery was studied in a series of 90 patients with open fractures of various bones and 180 patients with closed malleolar fractures treated by open surgery. Dicloxacillin and benzyl penicillin were compared to saline (placebo).

The soft tissue lesions of the open fractures were divided into Grade I wounds and Grade II & III wounds. Of the patients with Grade I wounds, 17 received dicloxacillin, 21 benzyl penicillin and 17 saline. No major infections occurred. Twelve patients with Grade II & III wounds were treated with dicloxacillin, 10 with benzyl penicillin and 13 with saline. In the saline group, 2 patients developed a deep infection.

Fifty-eight patients with closed malleolar fractures received dicloxacillin, 59 benzyl penicillin and 63 saline. Two infections developed in the placebo group. A statistically significant difference was found between the number of infections in the antibiotic groups and the number in the placebo group.

Superficial thromboplebitis following the antibiotic infusion occurred in 16 per cent of the dicloxacillin treated patients and in 1 per cent of those treated with benzyl penicillin or placebo.     

Complications Following Osteotomy of the Greater Trochanter in Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty Using the Lateral Approach

In a consecutive series of 365 hip replacement arthroplasties ad modum Charnley in 309 patients migration of the trochanteric fragment was encountered in 4.9 per cent of the cases.

The predisposing factors were wire-breakage, trochanteric fractures and excessive weight. Men were more apt than women to develop migration. Early mobilization with weight-bearing on the operated leg did not increase the risk of migration.

The migration rarely gave rise to complaints, and if so only mild ones.

Trochanteric union did not pose problems, and at the end of 2 years 98 per cent had united. After 5 years no case of non-union was detected.     

Consumption of hospital resources for femoral neck fracture

In 1,673 patients with femoral neck fracture, the utilization of hospital and rehabilitation resources following primary operations and necessary reoperations was assessed in relation to type of treatment center and outcome of the fracture. All the patients were admitted from their homes to either orthopedic or general surgery departments, urban or rural/The fractures were treated by one of four osteosynthesis methods and followed for 6 years postoperatively.

About 30 per cent of the fractures developed healing complications. Patients treated in surgical departments utilized more acute and rehabilitation bed days than those treated in orthopedic departments. The patients stayed longer in city surgical departments than in rural surgical departments.

The Thornton osteosynthesis used by general surgical specialists resulted in 29 percent, mainly early complications, whereas the Rydell osteosynthesis used by orthopedic specialists had 24 percent, mainly late complications. This difference resulted in more than 40 percent higher consumption of bed days by the Thornton-nailed patient.

In sum, a fracture without complications consumed, on an average, 31 cost standardized bed days compared with 101 bed days for fracture with complications. Thus, every fracture with complications was SEK 112,000 more expensive than the complication-free one.     

Trochanteric and Subtrochanteric Fractures: One Year Follow-up of a Prospective Study of Ender and McLaughlin Osteosynthesis

The clinical and social status of 110 patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures was evaluated in a prospective and comparative study 1 year after Ender or McLaughlin osteosynthesis.

In both groups the mortality rate during the first year was 21 per cent. There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning pain, hip movement, walking ability or the social status of the patients. Of the 110 patients surviving the first year, 35 per cent were unable to walk, 20 per cent walked with a cane or crutches and 30 per cent had periodic pains in the hip or knee. About 20 per cent of the patients admitted from their own home now lived in nursing homes.     

Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults

A total of 110 fractures of the neck of femur were studied in 108 patients 17 to 50 years old. The aims were to analyze why these fractures occur in young adults, and what results can be expected after internal fixation.

Severe trauma caused about half of the fractures. In the remaining group chronic and disabling disorders were usually present at the time of injury. Seventeen patients were known to abuse alcohol. Aseptic necrosis with late segmental collapse occurred in 41 per cent of the hips (45/110), comparatively more often in patients who were 45 years or younger. Only 16 of the 73 patients who were seen at follow-up (22 per cent) had a perfect result.

It is concluded that femoral neck fractures in patients younger than 45 years occur because of significant trauma in a healthy subject, or minor trauma in a subject with predisposing disease. The incidence of late segmental collapse is greater than in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures. A less satisfactory result can therefore be expected.     

Skeletal Complications Following Renal Transplantation

The occurrence of skeletal complications was examined in a series of 204 renal graft recipients who had maintained graft function for more than 12 months. Osteonecrosis was observed in 22 of the patients (11 per cent) from 5 to 46 months after the transplant operation. The lesions were often multifocal, with as many as 40 joints affected. The most common site was the femoral head, necrosis of which was recorded in 24 instances. The lesions here present a major clinical problem, and total hip replacement was deemed necessary in 4 cases, in all of which an excellent result was achieved.

Fractures had occurred after the transplantation in 53 patients (26 per cent), against only 6 before the operation. A total of 109 fractures had been sustained after periods ranging from 1 to 58 months, the most common site being the pelvic bones. The fractures were treated according to standard principles; no complications were encountered.

The skeletal complications were equally common among the males and females; they tended to occur at advanced ages.

They occurred to roughly the same extent whether the graft was from a related or a cadaveric donor and whether the patient had received one or more grafts.     

Trans-styloid fixation of fractures of the distal radius: A prospective randomized comparison between 6- and 1 -week postoperative immobilization in 60 fractures

We performed a prospective randomized study on 60 patients with dorsally displaced extra-articular or noncomminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius. All 60 fractures were treated by closed reduction and Kirchner wire trans-styloid fixation. 30 patients had 1 weeks' postoperative immobilization and 30 patients had 6 weeks' immobilization.

All patients had a clinical and radiographic review at 6 weeks and at 1 year after the operation. Pain, range of movement and grip strength were tested clinically, and changes in dorsal tilt, frontal radial deviation, ulnar variance, and radial shortening were assessed radiographically.

Rates of complications were the same in both groups. At follow-up, pain was similar in both groups and range of motion and grip strength were somewhat better after early mobilization-in comparison with the opposite wrist-but this was statistically significant only for ulnar deviation. The postoperative radiographic reductions were similar in both groups, with no differences in loss of reduction after bone healing.

Therefore, in Colles' fractures, trans-styloid fixation with two K-wires seems to give a stable osteosynthesis, which does not need additional immobilization with a plaster cast.     

Reoperations of hip fractures

The incidence and type of reoperations after osteosynthesis of cervical and trochanteric femoral fractures in the city of Goteborg, Sweden was studied from 1965 through 1981. The yearly incidence of reoperations decreased for both types of fractures over the years. Reoperations after cervical fractures were frequent, occurring in about 30 per cent. There were few reoperations after trochanteric fractures on the other hand, 3.6 per cent in 1981.

Arthroplasties comprised the greatest number of reoperations, with a fairly constant relative frequency of about 18 per cent during the study period.     

Risk factors for deep venous thrombosis in tetraparesic mentally retarded patients

Objectives : The risk factors and incidence of deep venous thrombosis were studied in a population of para- and tetraparesic patients institutionalized for long durations.

Methods : Retrospectively, the antecedents and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis were collected for each patient.

Results : Data were available for 57 patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 18 years. None of the patients presented thromboembolic pathology. Ninety-three per cent of the patients were spastic tetraparesic, 7% were spastic paraparesic. Sixty per cent of the patients presented added risk factors, mostly orthopaedic surgery, bone fractures and hormonal treatments.

Conclusion : Spasticity probably plays a role in preventing deep venous thrombosis in paralysed patients, but it does not fully explain the absence of deep venous thrombosis in this population.     

Hip Joint Instability After the Neonatal Period: Diagnosis and Treatment of 20 Consecutive Cases

A consecutive series of 20 children (21 hips) with idiopathic hip joint instability, diagnosed after the neonatal period, is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by hip joint arthrography. In all the children, 1.5-21 months old at the time of diagnosis, closed reduction could be achieved. They were treated in plaster directly or after treatment of contractures in the adductor muscles of the hip joint.

Stability was rapidly attained during plaster treatment.

The results of the treatment in plaster were checked by a second arthrography in two thirds of the cases, and all cases have been clinically and radiologically evaluated 1-4.5 years after diagnosis. All of the children developed clinically stable hips and they walk normally. In two hips signs of avascular necrosis of the femoral head were found and in three hips (two children) the skeletal development was markedly delayed. In 81 per cent (17/21 hips) the prognosis was considered good; it is uncertain in the remaining four hips.

The appropriate period of fixation in plaster related to the age of the child is discussed.     

Congenital dislocation of the knee

Congenital dislocation of the knee is a very rare condition, the incidence in Scandinavia hitherto not being known with certainty. Thirteen patients treated during the years 1960 to 1983 with 19 affected knees were reviewed and followed up. Findings of muscular imbalances in nine of these cases and of spinal abnormalities in four cases strongly indicate neuromuscular imbalance as an aetiological factor.

The minimum incidence was estimated to be 0.017 per mille or approximately 1 per cent of the incidence of congenital dislocation of the hip. Recommendations for treatment are that manipulation should be carried out gently, and if not successful within 2-3 months and in all cases of Grade III, an operation is indicated. Too many newborn children in this series had manipulation fractures or slipped epiphyses. However, signs of fracture had disappeared at follow-up in most cases.     

Outcome after treatment of complications of Gamma nailing: a prospective study of 554 trochanteric fractures

Background A high reoperation rate has been the main reason why Gamma nailing should not be recommended for routine use in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. We compared the outcome after reoperation to the outcome after primary surgery with Gamma nailing.

Methods In a series of 554 patients, we compared the outcome in 52 patients who were reoperated with that in 502 patients who had no reoperations. We assessed mortality, pain, walking ability and habitat at follow-up.

Results The most common reason for reoperation was new fracture around the implant (17), local pain after healed fracture (11), nonunion (9) and cut-out (8). A second reoperation was required in 9/52 patients. The mortality was significantly lower in the reoperated cases at 30 days and at 1-5 years, but not at 120 days, and there were no significant differences in the other outcome parameters.

Interpretation Reoperation did not lead to a worse clinical outcome, nor to increased mortality.     

Outcome of undisplaced and moderately displaced femoral neck fractures

Background The optimal treatment for femoral neck fracture is a matter of controversy. We compared the outcome of displaced fractures with good healing potential (moderately displaced fractures) to the outcome of undisplaced fractures treated by internal fixation with 2 parallel screws.

Methods In a consecutive series of hip fracture patients, the rates of reoperation and mortality for 225 undisplaced fractures were compared to those for 241 moderately displaced fractures. The patients were followed for 1-6 years.

Results The total rate of reoperation was 19% (9% because of healing complications) for the undisplaced fractures and 33% (20% because of healing complications) for the moderately displaced fractures. Fracture displacement was the main predictor of reoperation. There was no difference in mortality between the groups, and patient-related background parameters (rather than fracture displacement) were the main predictors of mortality.

Interpretation Undisplaced fractures should be treated by internal fixation. The best treatment for moderately displaced fractures remains to be determined.     

Operative treatment of primary patellar dislocation does not improve medium-term outcome: A 7-year follow-up report and risk analysis of 127 randomized patients

Background The best treatment for primary patellar dislocation has been the subject of debate. Surgery has been recommended for all patients or for special subgroups to improve outcome. We have previously reported similar 2-year results after closed or open treatment. This report concerns 127 patients who were re-evaluated by questionnaire at least 5 years after the primary onset.

Patients and methods At baseline, the patients were randomized regarding closed treatment (57) or individually adjusted proximal realignment operation (70). All patients were re-evaluated after a mean follow-up of 7 (6-9) years.

Results The outcomes were similar: the patient's own overall opinion was excellent or good after closed treatment in 81% of cases and after operative treatment in 67%. Mean Kujala and Hughston VAS knee scores were 90 and 94, respectively, after closed treatment and 88 and 89 after operative treatment. The proportions of stable patellae were 30% and 36% for closed treatment and operative treatment, respectively. In a multivariate risk analysis, there was a correlation between a Kujala score of less than 90 and female sex (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.4-9.0), loose bodies on radiographs (4.1; 1.2-15), and also an initial history of contralateral patellar instability (3.6; 0.9-15). There were 2 risk factors for recurrent instability: initial contralateral instability (4.9; 0.9-28) and young age (0.9; 0.8-1.0/year). Girls with open tibial apophysis had the worst prognosis for instability (88%; 95% CI: 77-98).

Interpretation We do not recommend proximal realignment surgery for treatment of primary dislocation of the patella.