Femoral shaft fracture callus formation after intramedullary nailing: a comparison of interlocking and Ender nailing

 Intramedullary nailing is widely used for the operative treatment of femoral fractures. Recently, the biologic healing of fractures has become better understood from fundamental investigations. However, there has been no clinical comparison between the fracture healing process with these two fixation methods. The purpose of this study was to use radiographs to compare callus formation with two types of intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures: reamed interlocking (IL) nails and Ender nails. Femoral shaft type A fractures (AO classification) were studied. Twenty-seven fractures were treated with reamed IL nailing, and 81 fractures were treated with Ender nailing. The callus area was calculated from the maximum cross-sectional area on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The callus appeared at a mean of 3.9 weeks after surgery in the IL group, and at a mean of 2.8 weeks in the Ender group (P < 0.05). In the IL and Ender groups, fracture healing was noted at a mean of 3.4 and 2.0 months, respectively. The mean area of callus formation in the IL and Ender nailing groups was 439.5 mm² and 699.4 mm², respectively (P < 0.02). Ender nailing results in abundant callus, which forms at an earlier stage after the procedure than in patients treated with IL nailing. Dynamization at the fracture site is reported to increase external callus formation. Our results indicate that the elasticity of the fixation obtained with Ender nailing promotes callus formation. Received: November 9, 2001 / Accepted: February 13, 2002     

顺行髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折后发生股骨头坏死的原因分析

目的探讨股骨干骨折经顺行髓内钉治疗后与股骨头坏死发生的关系。方法对我院诊治的47例采用顺行髓内钉治疗的股骨干骨折患者进行回顾性研究;平均年龄55.3岁(18～95岁);男31例,女16例。骨折的AO分型:A型14例,B型27例,C型6例。车祸所致者14例,高处坠落者11例,摔倒者22例。大转子顶点进钉38例,梨状窝进钉9例。采用卡方检验探索骨折分型、年龄、是否合并骨质疏松、进钉点位置与股骨头坏死的关系。当期望计数小于5时,采用Fisher精确检验结果。结果股骨头坏死发生与年龄、AO分型、骨质疏松无明显相关性,进钉点位置的选取对发生股骨头坏死有显著性影响(P0.05)。3例股骨头坏死患者均采用了梨状窝进钉点。结论进钉点选择不当可能造成股骨头血供受损,针对髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折推荐采用大转子顶点作为进钉点。     

Use of antibiotic cement rod to treat intramedullary infection after nailing: preliminary study in 19 patients

The treatment of intramedullary infections after nailing usually includes removal of the nail, debridement, and, in some cases, insertion of antibiotic-impregnated cement beads. We use this self-made antibiotic cement rod to treat intramedullary infections. Compared with the beads, it provides some limited mechanical support and can be preserved in the canal for a long time. We reviewed 19 infected patients who underwent removal of the nails, excision of sinus tracks, debridement of the canal and insertion of the rods. No recurrent infection occurred in 18 cases and 11 cases achieved bone healing, 6 cases achieved partial union. One patient had nonunion and one patient underwent amputation because of severe primary trauma and long-term infection. The rod was removed between 35 and 123 days after implantation. We conclude that the antibiotic cement rods could be a relatively effective, simple and inexpensive method of treating intramedullary infections after nailing.     

Management of femur shaft fractures in obese patients

Given the ongoing epidemic of obesity, femoral fracture management in the population affected by this condition is likely to become more frequent. Fracture treatment in obese patients poses a special challenge given greater difficulty in establishing an accurate diagnosis and confirming associated injuries. Adequate intraoperative positioning and obtaining accurate reduction and stable fixation may require special considerations. Obese patients have a high predisposition for complications such as compartment syndrome, nerve injuries, and pressure ulcers, and are at increased risk for medical complications given the high prevalence of comorbidities. A thorough understanding of the risks associated with obesity and the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involved with femoral shaft fractures in this setting is paramount to achieve adequate results.     

Systematic review: Functional outcomes and complications of intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

Background

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures constitute up to 5.4% of all fractures in children in the United Kingdom. Most can be managed with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Surgical fixation options include flexible intramedullary nailing and plating. However, the optimal method is controversial. The main purpose of this study was to systematically search for and critically appraise articles comparing functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes and complications of nailing and plating for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children under 18 years.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases using specific search terms and limits was conducted. Articles identified were thoroughly screened using strict eligibility criteria and eight retrospective non-randomised comparative studies were identified and reviewed.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in functional outcome or time to fracture union between plating and IM nailing. No consistent difference was found in complication rate, fracture angulation, shortening or rotation. Better cosmesis and shorter duration of surgery was noted in the IM nailing group. Post-operative radial bow was significantly abnormal in the IM nailing groups, but did not affect forearm movement.

Conclusion

Based on similar functional and radiographic outcomes, nailing seems to be a safe and effective option when compared to plating for paediatric forearm fractures. However, critical appraisal of the studies in this review identified some methodological deficiencies and further prospective, randomised trials are recommended.     

Perioperative outcomes of anterior lumbar surgery in obese versus non-obese patients

Background contextAnterior lumbar surgery is a common procedure for anterior lumbar interbody fusion and disc replacement but the impact of obesity on this procedure has not been determined.PurposeTo assess the perioperative outcomes of anterior retroperitoneal lumbar surgery in obese versus non-obese patients.Study design/settingProspective review of patients with anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc proceduresPatient sampleSeventy-four patients with anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc procedures performed were evaluated.Outcome measuresAccess-related parameters included tissue depth (skin-to-fascia and fascia-to-spine depths), length of incision, estimated blood loss during the anterior procedure, the duration of the anterior exposure, and the duration of the entire anterior procedure. Outcome measures included complications attributable to the anterior procedure, analgesic use, length of time to ambulation, and length of hospitalization.MethodsSeventy-four anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc procedures were prospectively analyzed. Patient age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, diagnosis, and operative parameters were collected. Access-related parameters and outcome measures were compared between obese and non-obese patients. Obesity was defined as body mass index greater than or equal to 30.ResultsThere were 35 males and 39 females. Mean age was 46.6 years. The main diagnosis (63.5%) was discogenic back pain. Forty-one (55%) patients were non-obese and 33 were obese. The two patient groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, mean number of anterior levels operated, and previous abdominal surgery (all p>.05). In obese patients, there were two iliac vein lacerations (major complication rate, 6.1%), one superficial infection, and one urinary tract infection (minor complication rate, 6.1%). In non-obese patients, there were two iliac vein lacerations, one intestinal serosal tear (major complication rate, 7.3%), and two urinary tract infections (minor complication rate, 4.9%). There was no significant difference in the complication rates between obese and non-obese patients (p=.6). Obese patients have significantly longer duration of anterior exposure, duration of entire anterior surgery, longer length of anterior incision, and more depth from skin to fascia and from fascia to spine compared with non-obese patients. However, obesity does not affect blood loss, analgesic use, length of time to ambulation, and length of hospitalization.ConclusionPerioperative outcomes in obese and non-obese patients were comparable and obesity is not related to an increased risk of morbidity in anterior lumbar surgery.     

A new way to treat forearm post-traumatic non-union in young patients with intramedullary nailing and platelet-rich plasma

Introduction

Non-union rate in forearm fractures is generally less than 2% when a proper technique is used; this rate increases when ulnar lesions are involved.

Patients and methods

We present a case series of seven young patients whose average age was 14 years (range 11–19 years) at the time of surgery and who presented with a forearm post-traumatic non-union that was previously treated in different ways (three isolated ulnar non-union, two isolated radial non-union and two combined). Average follow-up was 34 months (range 9–72 months).Surgical treatment began with the removal of the previous synthesis and with curettage of the non-union area. The Acumed ulnar rod, Acumed radial rod and Thalon elastic nail (all of them are unreamed and locked nails) together with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained with the Biomet System (concentration of 158.2 × 10⁴ platelets/μL) were chosen to treat the patients.X-rays and clinical controls were conducted every 30 days until recovery.

Results

All patients recovered: average recovery was 23 weeks from operation (range 16–36 weeks) and nails were removed 3 months after complete healing. Six patients had excellent results and one patient had a good result (Patient 2, forearm pronosupination 60–0–40 degrees).

Discussion

The purpose of the case series was to establish a better way of treatment and to find a technique that could avoid the use of bone grafts, because obtaining autologous bone requires a further surgical procedure that can be really invasive depending on the amount of bone needed.

Conclusion

All patients in the study showed complete recovery, with excellent clinical outcomes. Although there were only seven patients in this case series, and there is a need to analyse more patients, this study showed that the use of a specific locking nail system can provide proper stability to ulnar or radial atrophic non-union despite rotational forces, and when combined with autologous growth factors (PRP) is sufficient to promote bone healing in young patients without the necessity to take autologous bone grafts.     

Unstable diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the forearm in children: plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing

This retrospective study evaluated the results of plating versus intramedullary fixation in the management of unstable, diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the forearm in children. Of the 64 children included, 45 were treated with intramedullary fixation, 19 with plating. Only A3 forearm fractures of the middle third or the transition zones were included; Galeazzi, Monteggia, and Greenstick fractures were excluded. Full radiological follow-up to union was obtained in all cases and 60 patients returned for clinical evaluation 32.3 months (plating) and 20.6 months (intramedullary fixation) after injury. The functional outcome did not differ significantly. In the intramedullary fixation group, we found two major complications (refracture and non-union) and nine minor complications (two delayed unions, three thumb neuropathies, two rod migrations, two skin infections). In the plate group, there were two major complications (refractures) and one minor complication (thumb neuropathy). Plating resulted in significantly worse results for surgical approach, operating times, frequency and duration of hospitalisation, and cosmetic outcome. In conclusion, intramedullary fixation of an unstable forearm fracture in skeletally immature patients is a safe, child-friendly, minimally invasive technique that allows early functional treatment with an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.     

External fixation versus locked intramedullary nailing in tibial shaft fractures: a prospective,randomised study of 78 patients

Introduction We performed a prospective, randomised study to compare the Ex-fi-re external fixator (EF) with locked intramedullary (IM) nailing in tibial fractures. Only fractures without soft-tissue problems of importance were included.Materials and methods Ex-fi-re is a unilateral, dynamic axial fixator with fracture reduction capabilities. The Grosse-Kempf nail was used for nailing. A total of 78 patients with 79 fractures were entered in the study (41 Ex-fi-re, 38 IM nails).Results Time to radiographic union and full weight-bearing did not differ significantly, but unprotected weight-bearing was achieved earlier in the IM group (12 vs 20 weeks; p<0.001). There were more reoperations due to secondary dislocation in the EF group. There were no differences in final angulation or shortening. After 6 months and 1 year there were no differences in knee motion, ankle motion, fracture site pain or ankle pain. Some 64% of the nailed patients complained of anterior knee pain after 1 year.Conclusion The results were comparable in most respects. Unprotected weight-bearing was achieved earlier after IM nailing. Anterior knee pain was frequent after nailing.     

交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定治疗胫骨远端干骺端骨折的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2004年5月～2005年8月采用交锁髓内钉或经皮钢板固定的51例胫骨远端干骺端骨折的治疗效果，根据内固定方式分成髓内钉组（n=27）和钢板组（n=24），比较两组的手术时间，出血量，透视次数，骨折愈合时间，踝关节前后向、内外翻成角，踝关节最大背伸度及并发症，并采用Olerud-Molander踝关节评分评价结果。结果 所有患者获得12—27个月（21．2个月）随访，两组患者在手术时间、透视次数、踝关节最大背伸度方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。所有骨折均获得愈合，平均愈合时间髓内钉组为20．0周，钢板组为18．6周。Olerud-Molander踝关节评分结果均为优良。髓内钉组具有较少的手术出血量，钢板组具有更好的骨折对线；髓内钉组有5例发生畸形愈合，钢板组有4例发生局部软组织并发症。结论 对于胫骨远端骨折，交锁髓内钉和经皮钢板固定都是有效的固定方式，经皮钢板能够提供更好的骨折端稳定性，而交锁髓内钉有利于处理伴有局部软组织损伤的骨折。     

Preexisting psychiatric illness worsens acute care outcomes after orthopaedic trauma in obese patients

PurposePre-existing psychiatric illness, illicit drug use, and alcohol abuse adversely impact patients with orthopaedic trauma injuries. Obesity is an independent factor associated with poorer clinical outcomes and discharge disposition, and higher hospital resource use. It is not known whether interactions exist between pre-existing illness, illicit drug use and obesity on acute trauma care outcomes.Patients and methodsThis cohort study is from orthopaedic trauma patients prospectively measured over 10 years (N = 6353). Psychiatric illness, illicit drug use and alcohol were classified by presence or absence. Body mass index (BMI) was analyzed as both a continuous and categorical measure (<30 kg/m² [non-obese], 30–39.9 kg/m² [obese] and ≥40 kg/m² [morbidly obese]). Main outcomes were the number of acute care services provided, length of stay (LOS), discharge home, hospital readmissions, and mortality in the hospital.ResultsStatistically significant BMI by pre-existing condition (psychiatric illness, illicit drug use) interactions existed for LOS and number of acute care services provided (β values 0.012–0.098; all p < 0.05). The interaction between BMI and psychiatric illness was statistically significant for discharge to locations other than home (β = 0.023; p = 0.001).DiscussionObese patients with orthopaedic trauma, particularly with preexisting mental health conditions, will require more hospital resources and longer care than patients without psychiatric illness. Early identification of these patients through screening for psychiatric illness and history of illicit drug use at admission is imperative to mobilize the resources and provide psychosocial support to facilitate the recovery trajectory of affected obese patients.