A clinical evaluation of alternative fixation techniques for medial malleolus fractures

Background

Medial malleolus fractures have traditionally been managed using partially threaded screws and/or Kirschner wire fixation. Using these conventional techniques, a non-union rate of as high as 20% has been reported. In addition too many patients complaining of prominent hardware as a source of pain post-fixation. This study was designed to assess the outcomes of medial malleolar fixation using a headless compression screw in terms of union rate, the need for hardware removal, and pain over the hardware site.

Setting

Saint Louis University and Mercy Medical Center, Level 1 Trauma Centers, St. Louis, MO.

Methods

After IRB approval, we used billing records to identify all patients with ankle fractures involving the medial malleolus. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to identify patients with medial malleolar fractures treated with headless compression screw fixation. Our inclusion criteria included follow-up until full weight bearing and a healed fracture. Follow-up clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine union, complication rate and perception of pain over the site of medial malleolus fixation. Sixty-four ankles were fixed via headless compression screws and 44 had adequate follow-up for additional evaluation.

Results

Seven patients had isolated medial malleolar fractures, 23 patients had bimalleolar fractures, and 14 patients had trimalleolar fractures. One patient (2%) required hardware removal due to cellulitis. One patient (2%) had a delayed union, which healed without additional intervention. Ten patients (23%) reported mild discomfort to palpation over the medial malleolus. The median follow-up was 35 weeks (range: 12–208 weeks). There were no screw removals for painful hardware and no cases of non-union.

Conclusions

Headless compression screws provide effective compression of medial malleolus fractures and result in good clinical outcomes. The headless compression screw is a beneficial alternative to the conventional methods of medial malleolus fixation.     

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors by investigation of the diagnostic process and clinical outcomes in patients with surgical management of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures.

Methods

Between August 1995 and January 2012, 26 cases who underwent fixation of ipsilateral fractures of hip and femoral shaft were reviewed. We evaluated patients' age, sex, location and type of the fracture, timing of diagnosis and surgery, method of fixation, combined injuries, time of bone union, and complications. Postoperative functions were assessed by Friedman and Wyman's criteria.

Results

Femoral shaft fractures healed in 23 cases of 26 cases and in 3 cases of nonunion. Hip fractures healed in 25 cases of 26 cases, and in 1 case, there was nonunion. According to the outcome score followed by Friedman and Wyman's criteria, 13 cases had good results, 9 cases had fair results, and 4 cases had poor results. Timing of bone union and union rate were significantly different according to the degree of femoral shaft fracture comminution. Postoperative function was significantly different according to the degree of femoral shaft fracture comminution and the presence of ipsilateral fractures around the knee.

Conclusions

In cases of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures, more comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft and ipsilateral fractures around the knee, which resulted in delayed rehabilitation, caused poor postoperative functional outcomes. Because avascular necrosis and the presence of nonunion of femoral head are important in prognosis, delicate physical examination and radiologic evaluation of hip fractures are needed primarily before emphasizing anatomical reduction of hip fractures followed by rigid internal fixation.     

Management of open fractures of the tibial shaft in multiple trauma

Background:

The work presents the assessment of the results of treatment of open tibial shaft fractures in polytrauma patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study group comprised 28 patients who underwent surgical treatment of open fractures of the tibial shaft with locked intramedullary nailing. The mean age of the patients was 43 years (range from 19 to 64 years). The criterion for including the patients in the study was concomitant multiple trauma. For the assessment of open tibial fractures, Gustilo classification was used. The most common concomitant multiple trauma included craniocerebral injuries, which were diagnosed in 12 patients. In 14 patients, the surgery was performed within 24 h after the injury. In 14 patients, the surgery was delayed and was performed 8–10 days after the trauma.

Results:

The assessment of the results at 12 months after the surgery included the following features: time span between the trauma and the surgery and complications in the form of osteomyelitis and delayed union. The efficacy of gait, muscular atrophy, edema of the operated limb and possible disturbances of its axis were also taken under consideration. In patients operated emergently within 24 h after the injury, infected nonunion was observed in three (10.8%) males. These patients had grade III open fractures of the tibial shaft according to Gustilo classification. No infectious complications were observed in patients who underwent a delayed operation.

Conclusion:

Evaluation of patients with open fractures of the tibial shaft in multiple trauma showed that delayed intramedullary nailing performed 8–10 days after the trauma, resulted in good outcome and avoided development of delayed union and infected nonunion. This approach gives time for stabilization of general condition of the patient and identification of pathogens from wound culture.     

Functional outcome after open reduction and internal fixation for symptomatic delayed union and nonunion after fracture clavicle: A series of 31 cases

Background:

Non-union after clavicular fractures can cause significant disability due to pain, impaired function of the shoulder joint and limitations of certain activities, especially in high-demand patients.

Materials and Methods:

31 patients (21 males and 10 females) of symptomatic delayed union or nonunion were treated operatively using plate osteosynthesis with bone grafting where required between January 1994 to September 2005. Out of the 31 patients, 14 cases were of delayed union (no evidence of union > six wks) and 17 cases were of nonunion (no union > three months). Fracture of the lateral one-third and open fractures of the clavicle were not included in the study. Bone grafting was done in 23 patients. The outcome was assessed with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results:

The patients were followed-up for an average of 13 months (range six months to four years). All fractures united with in three months Most of the patients had their DASH scores in the range of 10 to 20, the average being 14.7 in our series. Functionally, this was very much acceptable.

Conclusion:

Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate in conjunction with an autogenous bone graft where required is a successful procedure with good outcome and most of the patients can return to a near normal level of function.     

The impact of acute compartment syndrome on the outcome of tibia plateau fracture

Background

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is often associated with tibial plateau fractures and is a limb-threatening injury. Staged management through fasciotomy with delayed definitive fixation can prevent muscle necrosis and increase limb salvage rates. This procedure opens a large area for potential contamination and infection in the lower extremity. Recent studies have shown an increased risk of infection following fasciotomy and staged management for tibial plateau fractures. This study reports the rate of infection, delayed union, and nonunion in patients with this injury pattern.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review, which received institutional review board approval. It surveyed patient radiographs, clinical notes, and operating room reports from a level I trauma center between 2010 through 2016.

Results

The results demonstrated that 23 out of 221 consecutive patients with ACS of the lower extremity presented with tibial plateau fracture over a 65-month period. Of these 23 patients, four were lost to follow-up or died. Nineteen patient charts were surveyed, 63% were male (12/19) and 37% were female (7/19). One patient developed deep infection (5.3%). Three patients experienced delayed union (15.8%), and their fractures eventually achieved union without intervention. The mean time to union was 14 weeks. Schatzker type V/VI fractures were the most prevalent type of fractures seen among patients.

Conclusion

The infection rate found is lower than in other recently published studies. The incidence of delayed union or nonunion of the fracture was also lower than in other publications in the literature. Early decompression through double- or single-incision fasciotomy does not increase the risk of infection or nonunion of the fracture. The delayed union rates found in this study are lower than those in previous studies.

Level of evidence

Level IV prognostic.

     

Percutaneous autologus bone marrow injection in the treatment of delayed or nonunion

Background:

Bone marrow is a source of osteoprogenitor cells that are key elements in the process of bone formation and fracture healing. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the osteogenic potential of autologous bone marrow grafting and its effectiveness in the management of delayed union and nonunion.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight patients with delayed union and three with nonunion of fracture of the long bones were treated with this procedure. Of these 28 cases, two patients had fracture shaft femur, one had fracture shaft ulna and 25 patients had tibial shaft fractures. The average time duration between procedure and injury was 25 weeks (range 14-53 weeks). The bone marrow was aspirated from the anterior iliac crest and injected percutaneously at the fracture site. The procedure was carried out as an outpatient procedure. All but five cases required one injection of bone marrow.

Results:

Union was observed in 23 cases. The average time of healing after the procedure was 12 weeks (range 7-18 weeks).

Conclusion:

The technique of percutaneous autologous bone marrow injection provides a very safe, easy and reliable alternative to open bone grafting, especially for early intervention in fracture healing process.     

Augmentation of bone healing in delayed and atrophic nonunion of fractures of long bones by partially decalcified bone allograft (decal bone)

Background:

Autograft from iliac crest is considered as gold standard for augmentation of bone healing in delayed and nonunion of fractures. Bone demineralized with 0.6N hydrochloric acid has shown to retain its osteoinductive capacity. We report the outcome of partially decalcified bone allograft (decal bone) in the treatment of delayed union and atrophic nonunions of bones.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients with clinicoradiological diagnosis of delayed union or atrophic nonunion of long bone fractures were included in this retrospective study. Patients at extreme of ages (<18 years and >60 years), pathological fractures, metabolic bone diseases, infected nonunion, hypertrophic nonunion and those having systemic illness like diabetes mellitus and on drugs that impair fracture healing were excluded from the study. Decal bone was prepared in the bone bank and maintained in department of orthopedics. Allografting was done in 20 patients of delayed union (9/20) and atrophic nonunion (11/20) of long bone fractures with mean age of 34 years (range 18–55 years). The bones involved were humerus (8/20), tibia (7/20) and femur (5/20). Fourteen patients underwent treatment in the form of internal fixation and allografting and six patients were operated with osteoperiosteal allografting.

Results:

Nineteen patients achieved union in mean time of 14.9 weeks range (range 8–20 weeks). Eight patients had serous discharge from the operative site that subsided in 11 days (range 4–21 days). One patient had pus discharge that required repeat debridement and antibiotics for 6 weeks. The fracture healed in 16 weeks.

Conclusion:

The partially decalcified bone allograft is an effective modality for augmentation of bone healing without complication associated with autograft like donor site morbidity, increased blood loss and increase in the surgical time.     

Indications and outcomes of augmentation plating with decortication and autogenous bone grafting for femoral shaft nonunions

Introduction

Though augmentation plating (AP) with decortication and bone grafting (BG) reportedly has excellent outcomes for femoral shaft nonunions, there are no established indications of AP with decortication and BG. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of AP with decortication and autogenous BG for femoral shaft nonunions, focussing on the indications of AP with decortication and BG.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients treated with AP combined with decortication and BG for femoral shaft nonunions after femoral nail failure between November 1996 and October 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications of AP with decortication and BG at the time of surgery and outcomes (bony union) were evaluated.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 24.8 months (range 12–81 months). Thirty-eight (97%) of 39 femoral shaft nonunions achieved bony union. One incompliant patient showed screw breakage, which was healed uneventfully with subsequent cast application. The mean time to union was 6.1 months (range 3–16 months). Primary indications at the time of surgery were nonisthmal femoral nonunions in 17 patients, isthmal nonunions in 10 patients (cortical bone defect in five and widened canal in five), failed exchange nail in seven patients, nonunions with malrotation in two patients and difficult removal in three patients.

Conclusions

AP with decortication and autogenous BG is a good option for nonisthmal femoral shaft nonunions, such as supra-isthmal and infra-isthmal nonunions. In addition, this option is useful for selected cases of isthmal femoral shaft nonunions in which failure of exchange nailing is expected due to lack of a tight fit between the new larger nail and femoral cortices.     

Double locking plate fixation for femoral shaft nonunion

Introduction

Nonunions after operative fixation of the femur, although infrequent, remain a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of double locking plate fixation in the treatment for femoral shaft nonunions.

Materials and methods

From 2009 to 2013, 21 patients with femoral nonunions (mean age 46.9 years, range 25–81) were treated and evaluated utilizing double locking plate fixation. Patients were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively or until they achieved complete union to investigate bone healing and functional outcomes in femoral shaft nonunions treated with double locking plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft.

Results

The main outcomes evaluated were the presence of bony union, time to achieve union, and SF-36 score. All 21 femoral nonunions healed (100 % union rate). The average time to bony union was 5.3 months (range, 4–7). The mean follow-up duration time was 24.8 months (range, 6–60). Average scores of the physical function and bodily pain components of the SF-36 were 96 (range, 90–99) and 94.2 (range, 92–99), respectively. No significant complications were noted postoperatively.

Conclusion

Because of the high union rates and lack of significant complications in our series, double locking plate fixation can serve as an effective method of addressing femoral shaft nonunions. No significant complications were found postoperatively.

     

Acute total hip replacement for acetabular fractures: A systematic review of the literature

Introduction

Immediate total hip replacement (THR) in patients with acetabular fractures is controversial because of concerns about high complication rates. The current article is a systematic review of the literature on the use of acute THR for the treatment of acetabular fractures.

Materials and methods

This systematic review included studies published in English between 1992 and 2012 of subjects with acetabular fracture undergoing immediate THR. Outcomes of interest included indications; clinical assessment, including walking ability; comparison with control group; associated procedures, and rate of complications, such as loosening or revision surgery.

Results

This review identified six studies, of which only one included a control group. Acute THR was associated with satisfying outcomes with regard to clinical assessment and walking ability. The comparative study assessed the difference between acute THR and delayed THR in acetabular fractures: improved outcomes were observed in the delayed THR group, although the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.

Discussion

According to data reported in the literature, acute primary THR can be successful in patients with poor bone quality, combined acetabular and femoral neck fractures, or pathological fractures and concurrent osteoarthritis of the hip. Relative indications include old age, delayed presentation, substantial medical comorbidities, and pathologic obesity. Clinical outcomes with acute THR were similar to those with delayed THR. Although the results reported in the six studies reviewed here were satisfying overall, there is limited evidence in this area in the existing literature and future prospective investigations are required.

Conclusion

Data reported in the literature indicate that immediate THR can be successful in appropriately selected elderly patients or patients with extensive osteoporosis, combined acetabular and femoral neck fractures or pathological fractures. There is currently a limited evidence base for THR in patients with acetabular fractures; therefore, physicians’ practice and expertise are the most useful tools in clinical practice.     

Comparison of united and nonunited fractures of the ulnar styloid following volar-plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether associated nonunion of ulnar styloid fracture following plate-and-screw fixation of a distal radius fracture (DRF) has any effect on wrist functional outcomes, ulnar-sided wrist pain or distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

Materials and methods

A total of 91 consecutive patients with a DRF and an accompanying ulnar styloid fracture treated by open reduction and volar locking plate fixation were included in this study. In the first part of the analysis, the 91 study subjects were subdivided according to the presence or not of ulnar styloid union (20 and 71, respectively) by radiography at final follow-up (average 23 months). These two cohorts were compared with respect to wrist functions at 3 months postoperatively and the final follow-up visit, and ulnar-sided wrist pain and DRUJ instability at the final follow-up visit and ulnar styloid length as determined radiographically at final follow-up. In the second part of the analysis, 49 of the 91 study subjects with an ulnar styloid base fracture were subdivided according to the presence or not of ulnar styloid base fracture union (12 and 37, respectively) at final follow-up by radiography. These two groups were also compared with respect to the above-mentioned parameters.

Results

Ulnar styloid fractures united in 20 (22%) of the 91 patients at final follow-up visit (average 23 months). No significant differences were found at any time during follow-up between patients who achieved or did not achieve ulnar styloid fracture union or ulnar styloid base fracture union.

Conclusion

Ulnar styloid nonunion does not appear to affect wrist functional outcomes, ulnar-sided wrist pain or DRUJ stability, at least when a DRF is treated by open reduction and volar plate fixation.     

Trochanteric Fixation With a Third-Generation Cable-Plate System: An Independent Experience

Background

Greater trochanteric fracture/nonunion can be a devastating complication with significant functional impact after total hip arthroplasty, and their fixation remains a challenge because of the significant forces being transmitted as well as the poor bone quality often associated with these fractures. The objective of this study is to investigate the rates of reoperation and trochanteric nonunion using a third-generation cable-plate system at one center.

Ball-joint versus single monolateral external fixators for definitive treatment of tibial shaft fractures

Purpose

To compare modular monolateral external fixators with single monolateral external fixators for the treatment of open and complex tibial shaft fractures, to determine the optimal construct for fracture union.

Materials and methods

A total of 223 tibial shaft fractures in 212 patients were treated with a monolateral external fixator from 2005 to 2011; 112 fractures were treated with a modular external fixator with ball-joints (group A), and 111 fractures were treated with a single external fixator without ball-joints (group B). The mean follow-up was 2.9 years. We retrospectively evaluated the operative time for fracture reduction with the external fixator, pain and range of motion of the knee and ankle joints, time to union, rate of malunion, reoperations and revisions of the external fixators, and complications.

Results

The time for fracture reduction was statistically higher in group B; the rate of union was statistically higher in group B; the rate of nonunion was statistically higher in group A; the mean time to union was statistically higher in group A; the rate of reoperations was statistically higher in group A; and the rate of revision of the external fixator was statistically higher in group A. Pain, range of motion of the knee and ankle joints, rates of delayed union, malunion and complications were similar.

Conclusion

Although modular external fixators are associated with faster intraoperative fracture reduction with the external fixator, single external fixators are associated with significantly better rates of union and reoperations; the rates of delayed union, malunion and complications are similar.     

Attempting primary closure for all open fractures: the effectiveness of an institutional protocol

Background

Immediate primary closure of open fractures has been historically believed to increase the risk of wound infection and fracture nonunion. Recent literature has challenged this belief, but uncertainty remains as to whether primary closure can be used as routine practice. This study evaluates the impact of an institutional protocol mandating primary closure for all open fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all open fractures treated in a single level 1 trauma centre in a 5-year period. Prior to the study, a protocol was adopted standardizing management of open fractures and advocating primary closure of all wounds as a necessary goal of operative treatment. Patient and fracture characteristics, type of wound closure and development of infectious and bone healing complications were evaluated from time of injury to completion of outpatient follow-up.

Results

A total of 297 open fractures were treated, 255 (85.8%) of them with immediate primary closure. Type III open injuries accounted for 24% of all injuries. Wounds that were immediately closed had a superficial infection rate of 11% and a deep infection rate of 4.7%. Both proportions are equivalent to or lower than historical controls for delayed closure. Fracture classification, velocity of trauma and time to wound closure did not correlate significantly with infection, delayed union or nonunion.

Conclusion

Attempting primary closure for all open fractures is a safe and efficient practice that does not increase the postoperative risk of infection and delayed union or nonunion.     

Nonunion of fibula: a systematic review

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyse the available evidence regarding nonunions of the fibula. We focussed on the incidence, risk factors, evaluation, and treatment modalities for fibular nonunions as evident in the current literature and propose a treatment algorithm.

Methods

This was an Institutional Review Board (IRB) exempt study performed at a level one trauma centre. We systematically reviewed the published evidence on fibular nonunion or delayed union from 1950 to February, 2011.

Results

Twelve articles were included in this systematic review. In summary, nonunion of the fibula is becoming increasingly more common in association with intramedullary nailing of concomitant tibial shaft fractures. A treatment algorithm for nonunion of the fibula has been proposed.

Conclusions

The suspicion for nonunion of the fibula should be heightened in lower leg fractures if the patient is symptomatic, and the progression of healing is not as expected. Ideally, prospective, multicentre studies would be performed to provide more rigorous data on the incidence, risk factors, and optimum treatment.

     

Multifocal humeral fractures

Introduction

Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the shaft alone, or the diaphysis and the distal humerus. There is no classification of these fractures in the literature.

Materials and methods

From 2004 to 2010, 717 patients with humeral fracture were treated surgically at our department. Thirty-five patients presented with an associated fracture of the proximal and diaphyseal humerus: synthesis was performed with plate and screws in 34 patients, and the remaining patient had an open fracture that was treated with an external fixator.

Results

Mean follow-up was 3 years and 3 months. A classification is proposed in which type A fractures are those affecting the proximal and the humeral shaft, type B the diaphysis alone, and type C the diaphysis in association with the distal humerus. Type A fractures are then divided into three subgroups: A-I, undisplaced fracture of the proximal humerus and displaced shaft fracture; A-II: displaced fracture of the proximal and humeral shaft; and A-III: multifragmentary fracture affecting the proximal humerus and extending to the diaphysis.

Discussion

Multifocal humeral fractures are very rare and little described in the literature, both for classification and treatment. The AO classification describes bifocal fracture of the humeral diaphysis, type B and C. The classification suggested in this article mainly concerns fractures involving the proximal and humeral shaft.

Conclusions

A simple classification of multifocal fractures is suggested to help the surgeon choose the most suitable type of synthesis for surgical treatment.     

The epidemiology,morbidity and outcome of fractures in rugby union from a standard population

Background

Rugby union is the second commonest cause of sporting fracture in the UK, yet little is known about patient outcomes following such fractures.

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of fractures in rugby union, their morbidity and the likelihood of return to rugby post-injury in a known UK population at all skill levels.

Methods

All rugby union fractures sustained during 2007–2008 in the Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian populations were prospectively recorded, when patients attended the only adult orthopaedic service in Lothian. The diagnosis was confirmed by an orthopaedic surgeon. Patients living outside the region were excluded from the study. Patients were contacted by telephone in February 2012 to ascertain their progress in return to rugby.

Results

A total of 145 fractures were recorded over the study period in 143 patients. The annual incidence of rugby-related fractures was 0.28/1000 of the general population and 29.86/1000 of the adult registered rugby playing population. 120 fractures were of the upper limb and 25 were of the lower limb. 117 fractures (81%) in 115 patients (80%) were followed up at a mean interval of 50 months (range 44–56 months). 87% of the cohort returned to rugby post-injury (87% of upper limb fractures and 86% of lower limb fractures), with 85% returning to rugby at the same level or higher. Of those who returned, 39% did so by 1 month post-injury, 77% by 3 months post-injury and 91% by 6 months post-injury. For those who returned following upper limb fractures, 48% did so by 1 month post-injury, 86% by 3 months post-injury and 94% by 6 months post-injury. In patients who returned following lower limb fractures, 0% did so by 1 month post-injury, 42% by 3 months post-injury and 79% by 6 months post-injury. From the whole cohort, 32% had ongoing fracture related problems, yet only 9% had impaired rugby ability secondary to these problems.

Conclusions

Most patients sustaining a fracture playing rugby union will return to rugby at a similar level. While one third of them will have persisting symptoms 4 years post-injury, for the majority this will not impair their rugby ability.