Proximal femoral fractures: Principles of management and review of literature

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to review the principles involved in the management of proximal femoral fractures as reported in the literature. Methods: A medical literature search in the MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane database was undertaken to review strategies and principles in proximal femoral fracture treatment. Randomized control trials and meta analysis were given preference while case reports/small series were rejected. Results and conclusions: Early anatomical reduction and surgical fixation remains the best option to reduce the risk of complications like non-union and avascular necrosis in treating fracture neck femurs. Cancellous screws continue to be the preferred treatment for fixation of neck femur fractures in younger population until the benefit of using sliding hip screws is validated by large multicentric studies. In the geriatric age group, early prosthetic replacement brings down the mortality and morbidity associated with neck femur fractures. Sliding hip screw (DHS) is the best available option for stable inter trochanteric fractures. The use of intramedullary nails e.g. PFN is beneficial in treating inter trochanteric fractures with comminution and loss of lateral buttress. Intramedullary implants have been proven to have increased success rates in subtrochanteric fractures and should be preferred over extramedullary plate fixation systems.     

B、C型桡骨远端骨折的治疗

目的 探讨AO分类B、C型桡骨远端骨折的治疗方法。方法 对93例B、C型桡骨远端骨折采用手法复位石膏固定、闭合性复位经皮克氏针内固定及切开复位钢板螺钉内固定。结果 全部病例均随访2年以上。优良率：手法复位石膏固定组为82．05％，经皮克氏针内固定组为81．82％，切开复位钢板螺钉内固定组为80．95％。结论 手法复位能达到解剖或近似解剖复位并经石膏固定可达到良好固定者应采用非手术治疗；Bl、B3、C1型中的Colles骨折应采用闭合性复位经皮克氏针内固定；B2、Cl、C2型中的Simth骨折应采用切开复位钢板螺钉内固定；C3型骨折因干骺端粉碎应采用松质骨移植恢复桡骨的长度；伴有严重的骨质疏松的患者避免用内固定治疗。     

External fixation of the tibia. Basic concepts and prospective evaluation

External fixation of fractures of the leg may give uneven results and a high rate of complications. We postulate that three basic principles can govern the optimal use of these devices. The external fixation frame should avoid damage to vital anatomical structures, it should allow access to the injured area and it should meet the mechanical demands of the patient and the injury. From 1978 to 1981 these principles were evaluated prospectively in 75 consecutive cases of complex tibial injury treated with an external frame. Most were open fractures. The study confirmed that the principles were safe and effective; they have general application and do not depend on the use of a particular frame or device. By following them we have eliminated the majority of complications seen after traditional methods of external fixation.     

Tibial plateau fractures. A review of operative treatment using AO technique

In a retrospective review of 80 tibial plateau fractures, 28 fractures were treated nonoperatively with a variety of closed methods and 52 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using AO technique. At an average follow up of 24 months, a satisfactory result was obtained in 87% of the operatively treated patients and in 66% of those treated nonoperatively. It appears that stable, minimally displaced fractures do equally well with closed or open treatment. Patients with depressed, displaced, or unstable fractures did better with operative treatment. When operative treatment is planned the principles and techniques of internal fixation should be carefully followed.     

Patella fractures]

Patella fractures are relatively uncommon, accounting for approximately 0.5% to 1.5% of all skeletal injuries. The most common mechanism for this injury is direct fall onto the knee, and transverse fracture is the most common type. The aims of operative treatment are accurate reduction and rigid fixation. Stable fracture types without or with minimal dislocation can be treated nonoperatively. Dislocation of more than 2 mm and comminuted fractures are indications for operative treatment. Tension band wiring, interfragmentary screw fixation, and the combination of cerclage wiring and screw fixation are used for internal fixation of these fractures. When accurate reduction and reconstruction of the retropatellar joint surface cannot be achieved in multi-fragmentary fractures, partial or total patellectomy should be considered. Since it always results in loss of quadriceps muscle power, the decision for this procedure should be made cautiously.     

Frakturen der Patella

Patella fractures are relatively uncommon, accounting for approximately 0.5% to 1.5% of all skeletal injuries. The most common mechanism for this injury is direct fall onto the knee, and transverse fracture is the most common type. The aims of operative treatment are accurate reduction and rigid fixation. Stable fracture types without or with minimal dislocation can be treated nonoperatively. Dislocation of more than 2 mm and comminuted fractures are indications for operative treatment. Tension band wiring, interfragmentary screw fixation, and the combination of cerclage wiring and screw fixation are used for internal fixation of these fractures. When accurate reduction and reconstruction of the retropatellar joint surface cannot be achieved in multifragmentary fractures, partial or total patellectomy should be considered. Since it always results in loss of quadriceps muscle power, the decision for this procedure should be made cautiously.     

Fractures of the distal radius. Current concepts for treatment

The authors review the treatment of fractures of the distal radius, based on their experience and from data in the literature. The choice of a treatment for any given fracture must take into account first of all the stability of the fracture. The best results are achieved in stable fractures. Only minimally displaced distal radius fractures can be treated functionally. However, a plaster cast for one week is indicated for the comfort of the patient. In displaced but stable fractures both closed reduction and percutaneous fixation are indicated. In case of closed reduction, the plaster cast should be applied for 5 to 6 weeks with an above-elbow cast for 3 weeks. Percutaneous fixation gives the best results in extraarticular fractures in younger patients. Because of its simplicity however, it should not be ignored in the elderly osteoporotic patients. In the authors' experience, both techniques were only used for extraarticular fractures. Good and excellent results were found in the closed reduction and plaster cast group in 74% of the patients; the Kapandji technique gave 75% good and excellent results. These results are in line with other findings which show that, for simple fracture types, the Kapandji technique and closed reduction seem to give similar results. External fixation is widely used for intra-articular comminuted fractures. Dynamic external fixation does not show any advantage over static devices. Additional K-wires or bone grafting may be necessary. External fixation gives superior results to plate and screw fixation. Internal fixation should be reserved for fractures with ventral comminution or severe displacement with unacceptable reduction by closed or minimally invasive techniques.     

Management of acute scaphoid fractures

Scaphoid fractures in the athlete present a dilemma to the treating clinician. Diagnosis of scaphoid fractures should be suspected in any athlete, especially those participating in contact sports, presenting with radial wrist pain. Appropriate imaging studies should be obtained to make a timely and complete diagnosis. Treatment alternatives for acute scaphoid fractures in the athlete include casting and staying out of sports, casting with use of a playing cast, and internal fixation. Displaced unstable fractures and proximal pole fractures should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Nondisplaced mid-third fractures are the most common type seen in the athlete. Alternatives of treatment should be carefully explained to the patients and family and the most appropriate treatment employed.     

骨折内固定并发症的防治

为探讨常见骨折内固定并发症及对策,对螺丝钉、加压滑动鹅头钉、加压钢板、加压髓内钉、交锁髓内钉等治疗各种骨折391例进行分析。结果:螺丝钉断裂3例(0.77％);加压钢板折断4例(1.02％),折弯1例(0.26％);呼吸窘迫综合征2例(0.51％);脑脂肪栓塞1例(0.26％);感染5例(1.28％);金属反应2例(0.51％);骨不连3例(0.77％);畸形愈合5例(1.28％);螺丝钉松动2例(0.51％)。认为严格掌握手术指征、选择合适内固定材料、遵循清创原则、固定符合生物力学及合理使用抗生素可防止和减少并发症的发生。     

Fracture-dislocations of the elbow.

This paper presents a series of 105 cases of fracture-dislocation of the elbow joint. All these fractures differ in mechanism, age of patient and method of treatment, so problems arise in classification. Causes can be grouped together more easily than in principles of treatment. The cases are classified into 2 major groups and 10 subgroups. Single fracture types are analysed and the optimal type of treatment is studied. As with all joint fractures, adequate reconstruction is obilgatory to remove all steps in the articular cartilage, and rigid fixation is mandatory except for the radial head, where excision is indicated. The different fracture types and their relevant operations are illustrated with examples.     

Fractures of the base of the first metacarpal: current treatment options

Fractures of the thumb metacarpal occur most frequently at the base. These fractures can be subdivided into intra-articular and extra-articular types. Intra-articular fractures present treatment challenges because they have a tendency to displace due to deforming forces acting at the base of the thumb. An understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics, and fracture pattern will aid in deciding on the best treatment option for each fracture type. Surgical treatment is recommended for unstable fractures. Anatomic restoration of the articular surface in Bennett and Rolando fractures is not essential to obtain a good functional result. However, reduction should be 1 mm or less to reduce the risk of radiographic arthritis. Malunion of these fractures may result in long-term disability. Closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is generally the appropriate treatment for a Bennett fracture. Rolando fractures can be treated with either open reduction and internal fixation or external fixation, depending on the size of the fracture fragments. In the case of severely comminuted intra-articular fractures, articular impaction has been implicated as one of the causes of posttraumatic arthritis. It is difficult to restore the articular surface in these injuries. Therefore, external fixation can be considered when the fracture fragments are small and there is significant soft-tissue injury.     

Functional outcome of patients with femoral head fractures associated with hip dislocations

Fracture of the femoral head after hip dislocation is a relatively rare injury often associated with a poor functional outcome. Twenty-six patients who sustained femoral head fractures were evaluated using radiographs, clinical examinations, and a validated outcome scoring system. The Short Form-12 was used to assess functional outcome. Patients whose fractures were stabilized with 3-mm cannulated screws and washers had a poor functional outcome. When evaluated with an odds ratio analysis, the use of Kocher-Langenbeck posterior approach was associated with a 3.2 times higher incidence of the patients having avascular necrosis develop when compared with the Smith-Petersen approach. A literature review combined with the current series confirms that the principles of early reduction of hip dislocation, early stabilization, anatomic reduction of the fracture, and rigid fixation are critical principles to attain good results. The Brumback classification system provides superior differentiation of different fracture types when compared with the Pipkin classification. The Smith-Petersen anterior surgical approach is recommended for the majority of patients with femoral head fractures. Three-millimeter cannulated screws with threaded washers are contraindicated for use in stabilizing femoral head fractures, and should not be used in any joint because of dissociation between the screw and the washer.     

Operative Therapie der distalen Radiusfraktur

Distal dislocated radius fractures are now mostly treated surgically. Closed reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires are increasingly giving way to internal fixation with screws or fixed-angle plates and to the use of the fixateur externe. For fractures with concomitant severe soft tissue injury treatment with a bridging external fixator and adequate soft tissue management are first necessary. External fixation is needed in addition, however, once soft tissue repair has been achieved by means of internal fixation with screws or K-wires, and the external fixator should remain in place until the fracture has started to heal. If possible preference should be given to the use of nonbridging fixators. Conservative treatment can now no longer be justified except for stable and nondislocated fractures. Arthroscopy/assisted reconstruction of the carpal articular surface is the subject of some controversy and is not yet accepted as a standard procedure.     

Fratture esposte meta-epifisarie distali di femore e meta-epifisarie prossimali di tibia

Open fractures around knee are difficult to treat because of the high rates of early and late complications such as wound healing or deep infection. Open reduction and early internal stabilisation remain controversial. Early wound closure, huge washing, large debridements, antibiotic prophylaxis reduce the rate of infection. Temporary external fixation is mandatory in comminuted unstable open fractures with soft tissue damage and allows for the management of polytraumatised patients in keeping with the orthopedic damage control principles. To avoid further complications of definitive internal fixation, knee bridging frames of external fixation should be used. The aim of this article was to summarise the management of open proximal tibia and distal femur fractures since the admission in emergency room to the definitive treatment.     

Pediatric fractures of the forearm

Forearm fractures are common injuries in childhood. There are a number of important principles that should be followed to achieve the ideal goal of fracture healing without deformity or dysfunction. I will review the general principles, classifications, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of pediatric forearm fractures, including some specific injuries such as Monteggia fractures, Galeazzi injuries, and open fractures. The basic principle is to accurately align the fracture fragments and to maintain this position until the fracture is united. Forearm fractures in children can be treated differently from adult fractures because of continuing growth in both bones (radius and ulna) after the fracture has healed. As long as the physes are open, remodeling can occur. However, generally it is thought that rotational deformity does not remodel. Undisplaced fractures may be treated in a cast until the fracture site is no longer painful. Most displaced fractures of the forearm are best maintained in a long arm cast. However, redisplacement occurs in 7 to 13% of cases, usually within 2 weeks of injury. Unstable metaphyseal fractures should be percutaneously pinned. Unstable diaphyseal fractures can be stabilized by intramedullary fixation of the radius and ulna. If none of these techniques is helpful, plate and screw fixation is the best choice.     

Locking compression plate loosening and plate breakage: a report of four cases

The Locking Compression Plate (LCP) system offers a number of advantages in fracture fixation combining angular stability through the use of locking screws with traditional fixation techniques. This makes the implant particularly suitable for use in poor bone stock and complex joint fractures, especially in the epimetaphyseal area. However, the system is complex, requiring careful attention to biomechanical principles, and a number of potential pitfalls need to be considered. These pitfalls are illustrated in the 4 cases described herein, in which treatment was unsuccessful due to implant breakage or loosening. In each case, treatment failure could be attributed to the choice of an inappropriate plate and/or fixation technique, rather than to the features of the Locking Compression Plate system itself. Such experiences highlight the importance of detailed understanding of the biomechanical principles of plate fixation as well as careful preoperative planning for the successful use of the Locking Compression Plate system.     

Changes and progress in fracture treatment of the proximal and distal lower leg

In the treatment of proximal and distal tibial fractures, special attention has to be focused on the severity of tissue damage. Guidelines are given in the paper. (1) For tibial head fractures, stable internal fixation is usually necessary but should be delayed for 1 week. The best approach is lateral or ventral. The use of implants for buttressing has to be kept to a minimum. Concomitant ligamentous injuries are reconstructed, and damaged menisci should be preserved. (2) In the case of distal tibial fractures, those not involving the joint can be treated non-operatively. The internal fixation method by Ruedi is rarely indicated. When joint fractures involve tissue damage reconstruction is necessary. It is essential to achieve normal length of fibula. The joint is reconstructed with minimal use of implants. In addition, external fixation is usually necessary.     

桡骨远端骨折的手术治疗

目的总结桡骨远端骨折的手术治疗方法及疗效。方法采用背侧接骨板内固定、掌侧T形接骨板内固定或外固定架治疗桡骨远端骨折73例,其中植骨9例。结果73例全部获得随访,时间6-41个月。所有病例骨折愈合良好,无不愈合或延迟愈合。采用改良Mcbride评分和纽约骨科医院腕关节评估标准：优49例,良18例,可6例,优良率为91.78%。结论选择合适的手术方法治疗不同类型的桡骨远端骨折,使内固定稳妥可靠,可早期功能锻炼。     

骨折的手术疗法与非手术疗法

骨折的治疗过程包括骨折的诊断、复位、固定与康复。不断发展的切开复位内固定技术及AO骨折四项原则、骨折分型与治疗规范化、个性化等理念，使骨折治疗的疗效不断提高。骨折治疗不仅要考虑生物力学的因素，也要考虑到生物学的因素。而非手术疗法和手术疗法都有其各自的适应证，在临床治疗中相辅相成，密不可分。骨科医生在临床工作中既要掌握切开复位技术，也要掌握闭合复位技术，更要重视术后科学的康复指导。     

The role of external fixation in acute ankle trauma

The use of external fixation methods has become increasingly popular throughout the past decade in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures to prevent the dreaded soft tissue complications after high velocity injuries. A variety of methods has been proposed, including ankle-spanning half-pin frames; circular (Ilizarov) frames with tensioned wires; or hybrid frames, either as the sole treatment or, more frequently, in conjunction with limited internal screw fixation. External fixation also has a role in staged protocols as a primary tool for reduction and preliminary fixation until soft tissue consolidation makes internal fixation feasible. Although good to excellent results are reported in a high percentage of cases in most studies and infection rates have dropped to less than 10%, even for high velocity injuries with considerable soft tissue compromise, no single form of treatment seems to be suitable for all types of pilon fractures. Major concerns after external fixation are the development of pin track infections, malunions or nonunions, and the danger of imperfect reduction of the articular surface. Staged protocols that are based on the severity of the fracture and soft tissue injury are likely to play a major role in the future treatment of pilon fractures. In the treatment of acute malleolar fractures, ankle-spanning external fixation is reserved for fractures with considerable soft tissue compromise, open fractures, or compartment syndrome as a temporary transfixation until internal fixation becomes feasible.