Technical aspects of bridge plating for pediatric femur fractures

Bridge plating for the adult orthopedic trauma population has been increasing over the last few years. The technique, used in comminuted fractures, allows for stable internal fixation while reducing blood loss and the need for fracture site exposure. We have applied the technique of bridge plating for comminuted diaphyseal femur fractures in the pediatric trauma population due to the limitations of fracture treatment options in these patients. The use of 4.5-mm narrow low-contact dynamic compression plate plates with minimal exposure for plate entry and percutaneous screw placement has greatly facilitated the treatment of these fractures. The technique creates a stable mode of fixation while maximizing biologic fracture healing potential and also permits early patient mobilization.     

股骨远端LISS倒置固定股骨转子下骨折的生物力学研究

[目的]检测股骨远端LISS倒置固定股骨转子下骨折的生物力学性能。[方法]选取成年股骨16根,在小转子下方1 cm处截骨成2 cm间隙,模拟粉碎性高位股骨转子下骨折。标本随机分成2组,第1组用倒置LISS固定,第2组用PFNA固定。先将标本置于液压伺服力学测试机,行非破坏性应力加载试验,观察载荷-应变关系、股骨头的载荷-位移关系、骨折固定后的强度和轴向刚度。再行非破坏性循环加载试验,循环周期2 000次。最后进行极限力学性能试验。对试验数据用Chauvent准则行精度分析,用t检验。[结果]轴向压缩试验中,LISS组在应变片1和应变片2处的应变均于PFNA组相应的应变值近似;载荷600 N时,LISS组与PFNA组股骨头纵向位移分别为(2.87±0.84)mm、(2.89±0.74)mm;载荷600 N时,两组的骨折固定后强度值近似;载荷600 N时,LISS组与PFNA组的轴向刚度分别为(209.06±18.63)N/mm、(207.61±18.73)N/mm。动态疲劳实验中,相同循环加载周期下,LISS组股骨头的最大下沉位移近似于PFNA组;LISS组与PFNA组在股骨头下沉位移0.5 mm时承受的力分别为(130.83±11.67)N、(128.76±8.35)N;股骨头下沉位移0.5 mm时,LISS组与PFNA组分别是循环加载周期的(1 231±30)次、(1 221±27)次。LISS组、PFNA组极限载荷分别为(3 728±128)N、(3 786±115)N。经统计学分析,以上差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]本试验结果证实了股骨远端LISS倒置固定股骨转子下骨折具有良好的力学稳定性,是一种固定股骨转子下骨折的有效方法。     

Dall-Miles plating for periprosthetic B1 fractures of the femur

Eight patients (9 fractures) who have been treated with Dall-Miles plating in this unit between April 1996 and October 1997 for ipsilateral periprosthetic fractures around total hip replacement (7 cases) and total knee replacement (2 cases) have been reviewed. Four were men, and 4 were women. The average age at the time of operation was 77 years (range, 65-89 years). The average follow-up period was 14.6 months (range, 6-24 months). Three fractures healed satisfactorily with no evidence of malunion (3 of 9). The final result was unsatisfactory in the other 6 fractures. The femoral component had been inserted in a varus position in all the failures but was in a neutral position in the 3 successes. Procedures other than Dall-Miles plating might be more appropriate in the management of periprosthetic fractures in which the femoral component is in a varus position.     

Advantages of submuscular bridge plating for complex pediatric femur fractures

Conventional treatments of pediatric femoral shaft fractures may result in an unacceptable rate of complications, especially in complex fractures. These fractures include high-energy injuries resulting in unstable fracture patterns, fractures in the proximal or distal third, and fractures occurring in large or multiply injured children. Our goal was to evaluate whether a minimally invasive submuscular bridge plating technique provides stability for early functional treatment (without protective casting or bracing) and predictable healing. Fifty-one patients with an average age of 10 years were studied. Sixty-seven percent had high-energy injuries and 55% had unstable fracture patterns. With an average followup of 14.2 months, all fractures united with excellent clinical results. Two (4%) significant complications occurred: fracture of one 3.5-mm LC-DCP Ti plate, and refracture of a pathologic fracture after early plate removal. Four patients (8%) had a leg-length discrepancy ranging from 23-mm short to 10-mm long. The average operative time was 106 minutes, with average fluoroscopy time of 84 seconds. Procedures were done by 15 surgeons in five university medical centers. This technique offers the advantage of adequate stability for early functional treatment and predictable healing with maintenance of length and alignment for all pediatric femoral shaft fractures.     

Compression plating of pediatric femoral shaft fractures

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 60 children under the age of 16 years with femoral shaft fractures treated with compression plate fixation. All patients were followed to hardware removal. The 100% union rate and low complication rate after compression plate fixation of pediatric femur fractures compared favorably to the literature of other treatment options. Compression plate fixation is a safe and effective treatment in children with both isolated femoral shaft fractures and those associated with multiple injuries.     

微创固定系统倒置治疗股骨转子下骨折

[目的]探讨微创固定系统(less invasive stabilization system,LISS)倒置治疗股骨转子下骨折的治疗方法和临床疗效。[方法]2007年10月～2009年5月,采用倒置LISS治疗31例股骨转子下骨折。本组男23例,女8例;年龄27～83岁,平均48.6岁。致伤原因:交通伤12例,坠落伤6例,压砸伤4例,摔伤9例。骨折按Seinshei-mer分型,ⅡC型4例,ⅢA型12例,ⅢB型6例,Ⅳ型6例,Ⅴ型3例。手术方法:麻醉满意后利用牵引床对股骨转子下骨折进行闭合复位,此后通过大转子外侧切口将对侧的LISS钢板倒置插入,骨折复位满意、钢板位置适宜后,在瞄准臂引导下分别在远、近骨折段钻入4～5枚锁定螺钉。[结果]本组手术时间35～80min,平均50min;术中出血60～150ml,平均失血量90ml。31例患者随访平均15.6个月,术后平均18.2周X线片显示明显骨痂形成或骨折线消失。无内固定松动及深部感染。患肢髋关节平均活动度为:屈曲115°,外旋35°,内旋15°,内收15°,外展36°。采用改良Harris髋关节评分法进行评估,平均92.6分(82～100分),优24例,良7例,无疗效不良病例。[结论]倒置LISS微创固定股骨转子下骨折效果良好,具有固定可靠、手术创伤小等优点,是一种治疗股骨转子下骨折的有效方法。     

Compression plating for non-union after failed external fixation of open tibial fractures.

Fifty non-unions of the tibia that were present in forty-nine patients after external fixation and immobilization in a cast for a high-energy fracture were subsequently treated by compression plating. Initially, there were forty-six open fractures and four closed fractures with a compartment syndrome. Twenty-two non-unions (44 per cent) had early soft-tissue reconstruction (thirteen rotational and nine free flaps). The duration of external fixation averaged ten weeks, and the mean time from injury to plating was eight months. None of the non-unions were infected at the time of plating. The average preoperative deformity in the sagittal (anterior-posterior) plane was 8 degrees and in the frontal (medial-lateral) plane, 9 degrees; after plate fixation, the residual angulation averaged 3 and 2 degrees. Autogenous bone graft was used in thirty-nine of the fifty non-unions. The patients were followed for an average of twenty-four months. Forty-six (92 per cent) of the non-unions united, in an average of seven months, without further intervention. In four patients (8 per cent), the plate broke, necessitating re-plating in three and external fixation in one (the latter patient had an infected non-union). A deep infection developed in three patients (6 per cent). Ultimately, forty-eight non-unions (96 per cent) healed without evidence of infection. Plate osteosynthesis is an effective method of treatment for patients who have had an open fracture of the tibia that has failed to unite after external fixation and immobilization in a cast.     

Indirect reduction and bridge plating of supracondylar fractures of the femur

Between October 1995 and December 1998, 16 patients with A-O type A3, C2 or C3 supracondylar femoral fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using indirect reduction and bridge plating. Seven (44%) patients had open fractures. The patients were followed for a mean of 46 months (range 24-71). All fractures healed. The average time for fracture healing was 18.5 weeks (range 12-28). Four primary bone grafts and three secondary bone grafts were performed. By using the modified Schatzker rating scale, the result of 13 patients (81%) were rated as excellent or good. Complications included two implant failures that were due to full weight bearing before bone healing, and one superficial delayed wound healing. No deep infections were found in this series. The open fracture group needed longer time to heal and had a higher rate of receiving bone grafts. We conclude that indirect reduction and bridge plating with a 95 degrees dynamic condylar screw (DCS) or condylar blade plate can produce favourable results for complex distal femoral fractures. We suggest primary bone grafts or early secondary bone grafts for comminuted open fractures using an indirect reduction technique.     

Compression plating of tibial fractures following primary external fixation

During the time period from May 1990 to December 1992, a total of 75 tibia fractures were treated in the Department of Traumatology at the University of Bonn. Thirtyeight patients with 40 tibial fractures were managed according to a regimen including primary stabilization, usually using external fixation, soft tissue reconstruction and delayed open reduction and internal fixation using an AO compression plate. The majority of the patients had been involved in motor vehicle accidents, leading to multiple injuries in 24 instances. An open fracture was seen 18 times. The 20% complication rate is comparable to the reports following intramedullary stabilization. Only one infection, following a grade 2 open fracture, was seen after the definitive stabilization. Bony union was achieved after 15.7 weeks. In light of the complications associated with intramedullary nailing, such as fat or air embolism, heterotopic ossification and non- or malunions, use of the tibial plate does not offer just logistic advantages, but is a viable alternative for delayed stabilization of tibial fractures.No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. No funds were received in support of this study.     

Locked plating versus cephalomedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures

Background

Proximal femur locking plates (PFLP) have received increased attention as an alternative for the treatment of proximal femur fractures. However, recent clinical data on these implants has raised concern about higher than expected failure rates.

Question/purpose

The purpose of the present study was to compare outcomes of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures (AO/OTA 31A3) treated at a level-1 trauma center using either PFLP or cephalomedullary nailing (CMN).

Patients and methods

Sixty-two patients (31 PFLP and 31 CMN, 55 % female, average age 63 years, range 21–94) with 64 OTA 31A3 fractures (32 PFLP and 32 CMN) treated between 2003 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. No differences were found with regard to gender, BMI, diabetes and time to surgery.

Results

One patient (5 %) in the CMN group underwent a reoperation (debridement with hardware removal), while eight PFLP patients (25 %) did (two debridements, two hardware removals, four nonunion repairs). One mechanical failure (5 %) occurred in the CMN group and 12 (38 %) in the PFLP group (p = 0.007). One nonunion (5 %) was observed in the CMN group, while 6 (19 %) occurred in the PFLP group.

Conclusion

A higher rate of reoperation and mechanical failure can be expected for unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture when treated with PFLP than with CMN.

     

Compression plating without bone grafts for delayed and non-union of humeral shaft fractures

Seventeen cases of delayed and non-union of the humeral shaft were treated with compression plates. Bone ends were excised in all but one in which the plate was applied directly over the fibrous union. Bone grafts were used only in the first 2 cases. Whenever compression and rigid fixation were effectively achieved and maintained, as in 14 cases (including the case in which the pseudarthrosis was not excised), primary bone union occurred within an average period of 8.5 weeks. When compression and fixation were not effectively achieved at operation or subsequently worked loose, as in 3 cases, union was slow to occur in 2 and failed in 1. If the bone is very porotic or the fracture line is a long spiral or if the non-union is just above the supracondylar region, the method is unsuitable and likely to fail.     

FAST- Fixator Assisted Submuscular plating Technique-A simplified technique of submuscular plating in paediatric femur fractures

The surgical management of paediatric femur fractures has evolved over the last few decades. Intramedullary stabilization with titanium elastic nail (TENS) is the preferred surgical management for length stable and mid diaphyseal femur fractures in children between 5-11 years of age. However, TENS is not preferred in length unstable fractures and in proximal or distal metaphyseal femur fractures due to higher incidence of angulation and shortening at fracture site. In such scenarios, submuscular plating has come up as an alternative surgical treatment modality which avoids these complications and provide good functional outcome. Many authors have suggested different surgical variations in techniques of submuscular plating for paediatric femur fracture. We have devised a technique of submuscular plating with help of external fixator (FAST) in paediatric femur fractures which minimises the surgical time and simplifies the procedure.     

倒置股骨远端微创内固定系统接骨板治疗老年股骨转子间骨折

目的 探讨倒置股骨远端微创内固定系统(LISS-DF)接骨板治疗老年股骨转子间骨折的初步临床疗效。方法 2006年12月至2010年1月共对28例老年股骨转子间骨折患者采用对侧LISS-DF接骨板倒置固定治疗,男9例,女19例;年龄68 ～102岁,平均82.3岁。骨折按改良Evan分型[5]：顺转子间骨折26例,其中ⅠA型2例,ⅠB型2例,ⅡA型3例,ⅡB型13例,Ⅲ型6例;逆转子间骨折2例。受伤至手术时间为1～6d,平均3d。记录手术时间、失血量及术中、术后并发症,并对患者进行随访评估,记录骨折愈合时间和末次随访时Harris评分结果。结果 28例患者术后获12 ～34个月（平均20.4个月）随访。患者手术时间平均为40.1 min(30～60 min),失血量平均为92.4 mL(35 ～ 245m])。骨折愈合时间为4～9个月（平均6.2个月）,无再骨折发生。术后均未出现骨不连、钢板螺钉断裂及股骨头坏死等并发症。患者髋、膝关节屈伸范围基本正常,1例出现8°髋内翻畸形。末次随访时根据Harris评分评定疗效：优18例,良8例,中2例,优良率为92.9％。结论 倒置LISS-DF接骨板治疗老年股骨转子间骨折具有操作简便、创伤小、固定牢靠、并发症少及骨折愈合率高等优点,是治疗老年股骨转子间骨折的有效方法。     

倒置股骨远端微创内固定系统治疗股骨近段骨不连

目的 报告倒置股骨远端微创内同定系统(LISS)治疗股骨近段骨不连的效果及其评价. 方法2003年4月至2007年2月采用对侧股骨远端LISS倒置固定治疗股骨近段骨折术后骨不连17例,其中肥大型8例,萎缩型6例,骨缺损型3例.所有患者均进行植骨,其中局部滑行加骨痂植骨6例,自体髂骨植骨9例,吻合血管的游离腓骨移植2例. 结果术后所有患者获得5～32个月(平均13.8个月)随访,所有骨折均顺利愈合,无切口感染,接骨板螺钉松动、断裂发生;完全负重时间16.5周(11～28周).采用Sanders创伤后髋关节评分标准评估髋关节功能:优10例,良5例,差2例,优良率88.2%.结论 倒置股骨远端LISS固定辅以自体骨植骨能明显促进骨折愈合,是治疗股骨近段骨不连的有效方法.     

Biomechanical comparison of locked plating and spiral blade retrograde nailing of supracondylar femur fractures

Objective

Biomechanical comparison between locked plating and retrograde nailing of supracondylar femur fractures with simulated postoperative weight-bearing.

Methods

The Locking Condylar Plate (LCP) and Retrograde/Antegrade EX Femoral Nail (RAFN) were tested using 10 paired elderly cadaveric femurs, divided into Normal and Low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) groups, with a simulated AO/OTA type 33-A3 supracondylar femur fracture. Each specimen was subjected to 200,000 loading cycles in an attempt to simulate six weeks of postoperative recovery with full weight-bearing for an average individual. The construct's subsidence due to cyclic loading, and axial stiffness before and after the cyclic loading were measured and their correlation with BMD was studied. The two implants were compared in a paired study within each BMD group.

Results

LCP constructs showed higher axial stiffness compared to RAFN for both Normal and Low BMD groups (80% and 57%, respectively). After cyclic loading, axial stiffness of both constructs decreased by 20% and RAFN constructs resulted in twice as much subsidence (1.9 ± 0.6 mm). Two RAFN constructs with Low BMD failed after a few cycles whereas the matched pairs fixed with LCP failed after 70,000 cycles.

Conclusions

The RAFN constructs experienced greater subsidence and reduced axial stiffness compared to the LCP constructs. In Low BMD specimens, the RAFN constructs had a higher risk of failure.     

Biological internal fixation of comminuted femur shaft fractures by bridge plating in adults

Fractures of the femoral shaft are not uncommon. Forty-one comminuted femoral shaft fractures were treated with biological bridging plating technique. The mean duration required reaching a grade 2 callus formation on radiographic examination, to allow partial assisted weight bearing, was 9 weeks (8.5–12 weeks). In all but three cases, the fractures healed without complications. In the three poor cases, inadequate reduction and angulation required revision surgery and were considered as failure. Based on the results, biological fixation by a bridge plate could be an option for management of comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the femur in adults and is expected to cause less complication rate during the course of management.     

Biological internal fixation of comminuted femur shaft fractures by bridge plating in children

Fourteen children (mean age 11.3 y) with a closed comminuted femur shaft fracture were surgically treated by biologic internal fixation using a bridging plate. The fractured area was not opened. After indirect reduction, internal fixation was made by a bridging plate through two small incisions, exposing the lateral aspects of proximal and distal fragments. The mean complete radiographic healing time was 12.4 weeks. After a mean follow-up period of 4 years, all patients were satisfied with the clinical outcome. The mean radiographic torsional deformity of the injured limb with respect to the uninjured limb was 4.5 degrees. A residual radiographic frontal or sagittal plane angulation of more than 10 degrees was seen only in one patient. It was concluded that biologic internal fixation by bridge plating was an effective surgical treatment method for the closed comminuted fractures of the proximal and distal thirds of the femur shaft in children.