Management of infected tibial intramedullary nailing using an organized treatment protocol

Twenty cases of osteomyelitis following intramedullary nailing of the tibial shaft fracture were managed with a prospective treatment protocol comprising intramedullary reaming debridement, antibiotic-bead depot, external skeletal fixation, microvascular muscle flap and early cancellous bone grafting. The follow-up period ranged from 25 to 48 months (average, 34.3 months). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.5%) and staphylococcus aureus (20.8%) were the organisms most commonly involved. There were 8 united and 12 ununited fractures after reaming debridement surgery. Nineteen infections were initially arrested by one debridement. One infection was arrested by two sequential debridements. All 12 ununited fractures were stabilized by Hoffmann unilateral external fixation until the fracture healed. The time spent in external fixation ranged from 3 to 7 months (average, 5.2 months). Early cancellous bone grafting was successfully accomplished for 9 ununited fractures with major debridement bone loss. The average union time of the 9 fractures with bone grafting was 7.2 months (range, from 6 to 8 months). We believe that this treatment protocol gives a predictable and rapid recovery. The complications were infection recurrence in two cases at the old tibial shaft fracture sites, minor pin tract infection of Hoffmann external fixators in two cases, and stiffness in two ankles and one knee.     

Intramedullary nailing with reaming to treat non-union of the tibia

The records of fifty-one patients who were treated by intramedullary nailing with reaming for non-union of the tibia were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures had been treated initially by closed reduction and immobilization in a cast, external fixation followed by immobilization in a cast, fixation by pins incorporated in a plaster cast, minimum internal fixation and immobilization in a cast, dynamic compression plating, or intramedullary nailing with or without reaming. After the initial treatment had failed, intramedullary nailing with reaming was done to gain union. Although closed nailing of the tibia was preferred, in thirty-three patients, the site of the non-union was opened to improve alignment by performing an osteotomy or to remove failed hardware. Bone grafts from the iliac crest were used in ten patients, and a fibular ostectomy or osteotomy was done in thirty-three. Of thirty-four open fractures (fourteen grade I, seven grade II, and thirteen grade III), eight were infected at the time of intramedullary nailing. The average time of the diagnosis of a non-union was 9.6 months; the average length of follow-up after nailing was twenty months. In forty-nine (96 per cent) of the fifty-one patients, tibial union occurred at an average of seven months postoperatively. Complications included persistent infection (three patients), acquired infection after intramedullary nailing with reaming (three patients), fracture of the nail that necessitated an additional operation (two patients), shortening of more than one centimeter (two patients), malrotation of more than 15 degrees (one patient), peroneal palsy (one patient), and amputation (one patient). When used to treat non-union of the tibia, intramedullary nailing with reaming can produce union as effectively as other alternatives, while enabling the patient to function more normally without external immobilization or walking aids.     

Treatment of open fractures of the tibial shaft with the use of interlocking nailing without reaming.

Fifty open fractures of the tibial shaft that were treated with débridement and interlocking nailing without reaming were followed for an average of twelve months. Most of the fractures were the result of high-energy trauma, and 68 per cent of the fracture wounds were grade III. Forty-eight (96 per cent) of the fifty fractures united at an average of seven months; there were no malunions. There were four infections (8 per cent), all at the sites of grade-III fractures. Locking screws broke in five tibiae (10 per cent), but the breakage did not result in a loss of reduction. Three nails broke, two at the sites of ununited fractures and one at the site of a healed fracture. These results are comparable with, or better than, those obtained with other forms of fixation, including immobilization with a cast, unlocked intramedullary nailing, and external fixation.     

The significance of postoperative stability for osseous repair of a multiple fragment fracture. Animal experiment studies

The significance of postoperative mechanical stability for bony repair of a comminuted fracture was investigated in an animal experimental study comparing four commonly applied operative methods of stabilizing fractures: (1) flate osteosynthesis combined with lag screw fixation after reduction of the fragments; (2) bridging plate osteosynthesis; (3) external fixation; (4) static interlocking intramedullary nailing. As the fracture model, a triple-wedge osteotomy of the right sheep tibia was used. The results of in vitro testing of stiffness (N/mm) of each of the four osteosyntheses was as follows: anatomical plate: 746 N/mm; bridging plate 434 N/mm; external fixation 625 N/mm; nailing 416 N/mm. Eight weeks after the operation, the tibiae were explanted and the contralateral tibiae of six sheep were taken as a control group. The three-point bending test revealed no significant difference in bending deviation: anatomical plate 47.58 +/- 22.57 microns; bridging plate 33.93 +/- 7.67 microns; external fixation 33.83 +/- 8.02 microns; nailing 33.0 +/- 17.23 microns. However, it was noted that there was a slightly higher tendency towards stiffness of the bones after bridging plate osteosynthesis, external fixation and interlocking intramedullary nailing and that the amount of stiffness resembled that in non-operated control animals (25.56 +/- 6.66 microns). On the other hand, anatomical plate osteosynthesis showed less stiffness. To assess the tensile strength at the osteotomy area, bone samples were prepared and tested for failure on a material testing machine. The tensile strength of the bone samples showed a distinct difference in all experimental groups according to their anatomical location.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nonreamed Intramedullary Nailing of Open Tibial Fractures

The development of small-diameter interlocking intramedullary nails that can be inserted without reaming provides a fixation option for open tibial-shaft fractures. Nonreamed intramedullary nailing of these injuries facilitates soft-tissue management without an increase in infection or nonunion rates relative to external fixation. Reaming is not required, which means less injury to the tibial endosteal blood supply. Proximal and distal interlocking maintains better bone alignment than is possible with semirigid or noninterlocking intramedullary nails. The technique of using these devices with static interlocking is described, as are some suggested techniques for avoiding complications.     

Quantification of Reaming Debris at the Fracture Gap of Diaphyseal A2 and A3 Fractures After Reamed Intramedullary Nailing of the Sheep Tibia

Background  The aim of this study was to visualize the intramedullary bone debris after reamed nailing of long bones. To date, there is no protocol to quantify bone debris in the fracture gap. The hypothesis was to show if there are differences between A2 and A3 fractures. Methods  In this trial 17 sheep tibiae were used. On the medullary isthmus eight A2 und nine A3 fractures were produced. Afterwards, reposition, closure of the soft tissue and reaming procedure up to 10% of the bonecortex were done. For internal fixation, a plastic implant was used. The region of interest was scanned with the Micro-CT 80 and the fracture gap was contoured from a special software (SCANCO Medical AG, Switzerland). The threshold for the reaming debris was set at 549.9 mgHA/cm³. The analysis of the bone debris located at the fracture gap was measured by percent of debris volume to gap volume. For statistical analysis the Wilcoxon test was used and a level of significance of p < 0.05 was chosen. Results  The fracture gap width ranged from 0.3 to 1.7 mm in both groups. Comparing A2 and A3 fractures there was no significant difference concerning the percentage of reaming debris at the fracture gap. The Median of A2 fractures was 20.5 and 21% for A3 fractures. Conclusions  The results show reaming produces intramedullary bonegrafting. Despite different fracture planes of A2 and A3 fractures, no significant differences in the amount of reaming debris located at the fracture gap could be found. However the percental rate of reaming debris at the fracture gap of plain fractures is negligible. This research shows that there is potential for reaming debris to be applied effectively as a prophylactic and osteogenetic autograft. Together with the high stability of the intramedullary nail an all embracing concept of osteosynthesis could be established.     

Intramedullary nailing of the lower extremity: biomechanics and biology

The intramedullary nail or rod is commonly used for long-bone fracture fixation and has become the standard treatment of most long-bone diaphyseal and selected metaphyseal fractures. To best understand use of the intramedullary nail, a general knowledge of nail biomechanics and biology is helpful. These implants are introduced into the bone remote to the fracture site and share compressive, bending, and torsional loads with the surrounding osseous structures. Intramedullary nails function as internal splints that allow for secondary fracture healing. Like other metallic fracture fixation implants, a nail is subject to fatigue and can eventually break if bone healing does not occur. Intrinsic characteristics that affect nail biomechanics include its material properties, cross-sectional shape, anterior bow, and diameter. Extrinsic factors, such as reaming of the medullary canal, fracture stability (comminution), and the use and location of locking bolts also affect fixation biomechanics. Although reaming and the insertion of intramedullary nails can have early deleterious effects on endosteal and cortical blood flow, canal reaming appears to have several positive effects on the fracture site, such as increasing extraosseous circulation, which is important for bone healing.     

单侧外固定器与3种内固定治疗胫腓骨骨折的比较

目的 评价单侧外固定器治疗胫腓骨骨折的优越性。方法 将单侧外固定器固定与其他3种内固定作比较,统计各组治疗失败率。结果 治疗失败率：钢板类固定组为10．44％,髓内针类固定组为2．7％,单纯螺钉钢丝固定组为3／5,单侧外固定器固定组仪0．89％。结论 单侧外固定器治疗胫腓骨骨折集中体现了保守疗法与内固定治疗的共同优点,避免了二者缺点,目前可作为多数胫腓骨骨折治疗的首选方法。     

Comparison of the effect of reamed and unreamed locked intramedullary nailing on blood flow in the callus and strength of union following fracture of the sheep tibia

This study was performed to compare the effects of reamed and unreamed locked intramedullary nailing on blood flow in the callus and early strength of union in a fractured sheep tibia model. After the creation of a standardized short spiral fracture by three-point bending with torsion, each tibia was stabilized by the insertion of a locked intramedullary nail. Ten animals were allocated randomly into two groups: one that had reaming prior to nail insertion and one that did not. Blood flow was measured in real time with use of laser Doppler flowmetry. Endosteal perfusion was determined at the fracture site before and after nail insertion. Perfusion of the callus was measured at three locations (proximal diaphysis, fracture site, and distal diaphysis) and at three time intervals (2, 6, and 12 week follow-up). All animals were killed 12 weeks postoperatively, and the tibiae were tested to failure in four-point bending. Nailing with reaming resulted in a larger decrease in overall endosteal perfusion than nailing without reaming (p < 0.015). The presence or absence of reaming did not affect blood flow within fracture callus. Perfusion of callus was greatest at 6 weeks of follow-up. Bending strength and stiffness were the same in both groups at 12 weeks. The study demonstrated that perfusion of callus and early strength of union are similar following intramedullary nailing with or without reaming.     

Tibial rotational osteotomy with intramedullary nail fixation

There are several theoretic advantages of using intramedullary rod fixation for tibial osteotomy fixation. We performed a retrospective review of patients who were treated with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy of the tibia fixed with an intramedullary rod for isolated, symptomatic tibial torsion. Forty patients (59 tibias) were included in the study and were followed for a minimum of 12 months or until rod removal (average follow-up 22.6 months). Major complication rate was 8.5%, which is comparable to alternative methods of fixation. We believe that intramedullary rods are a safe alternative for fixation of tibial rotational osteotomy in patients with physeal closure.     

Effect of unreamed, limited reamed, and standard reamed intramedullary nailing on cortical bone porosity and new bone formation

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of unreamed nail insertion and reamed nail insertion with limited and standard canal reaming on cortical bone porosity and new bone formation. DESIGN: A canine segmental tibial fracture was created in fifteen adult dogs. The tibiae were stabilized with a statically locked 6.5-millimeter intramedullary nail without prior canal reaming (n = 5), after limited reaming to 7.0 millimeters (n = 5), or after standard canal reaming to 9.0 millimeters (n = 5). Porosity, new bone formation, and the mineral apposition rate of cortical bone were directly compared between the three nailing techniques. RESULTS: A significant increase in cortical bone porosity and new bone formation was seen in all three groups of experimental animals compared with the control tibiae. The overall lowest porosity levels were measured in the limited reamed group, with similar porosity levels measured in the unreamed and standard reamed groups. Porosity was lower in the limited reamed group in the entire cortex of the segmental and distal cross sections, as well as the endosteal, anterior, and posterior cortices along the length of the tibia. Overall, there was no difference in the amount of new bone formation or the mineral apposition rate between the three groups of animals at eleven weeks after surgery. DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggest that limited intramedullary reaming is a biologically sound alternative for the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures in which the circulation is already compromised.     

Novel venting technique for intramedullary rod fixation of pathologic fractures

This article introduces a novel technique to vent the femur and potentially decrease the embolic load created by reaming during intramedullary rod fixation of impending pathologic femur fractures. We used readily available operating room equipment to create a distal femoral vent hole without interfering with standard intramedullary instrumentation and with minimal increase in surgical time. This technique can be used for the prophylactic intramedullary stabilization of impending pathologic femur fractures from metabolic bone disease, metastatic cancer, and bisphosphonate use.     

Conversion of External Fixation to Definitive Intramedullary Nailing in Experimental Tibial Fractures

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: Initial treatment with external fixation of tibial fractures is indicated in severely injuried multitrauma patients. A conversion procedure to secondary nailing is often performed later to enhance fracture repair. The aim of the study was to compare definitive treatment of experimental tibial fractures with external fixation to an early conversion to secondary intramedullary nailing with large and small diameter nails. Methods: Thirty male rats were subject to a standardized tibial shaft osteotomy initially stabilized with external fixation. On day 7, they were assigned to either the control group (group A, N = 10) or conversion to secondary nailing with a small (group B, N = 10) or large diameter nails (group C, N = 10). Evaluation at 60 days included radiography, dual energy radiographic absorptiometry (DXA), and mechanical bending testing. Results: All fractures healed radiographically with bridging of the fracture line and more or less visible periosteal callus formation. Group B demonstrated significantly increased mineralization and callus formation measured as DXA parameters, bone mineral content (BMC), and callus area (CA) compared to both the other two groups. This group also tended to have mechanically stronger bones with higher fracture energy compared to both the other two groups, but no significant difference in mechanical prioperties between the groups was found in our study. Interpretation: In conclusion, we found that conversion from external fixation of leg fractures in rats to intramedullary nailing did not improve bone healing significantly supporting external fixation as definitive fracture management.     

External fixation compared to intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures in the rat

Background and purpose It is not known whether there is a difference in bone healing after external fixation and after intramedullary nailing. We therefore compared fracture healing in rats after these two procedures.Methods 40 male rats were subjected to a standardized tibial shaft osteotomy and were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: external fixation or intramedullary nailing. Evaluation of half of each treatment group at 30 days and the remaining half at 60 days included radiography, dual energy radiographic absorbtiometry, and mechanical testing.Results Radiographically, both treatment groups showed sign of fracture healing with gradual bridging of the fracture line, while with intramedullary nailing the visible collar of callus was increased peripherally, indicative of periosteal healing. At 30 days, densitometric and mechanical properties were similar in the 2 groups. At 60 days, however, the intramedullary nailed bones had more strength, greater callus area, and higher bone mineral content in the callus segment compared to externally fixated fractures.Interpretation Tibial shaft fractures in the rat treated with external fixation and intramedullary nailing show a similar healing pattern in the early phase of fracture healing, while at the time of healing intramedullary nailing provides improved densitometric properties and superior mechanical properties compared to external fixation. Clinical findings indicate that intramedullary nailing in human tibial fractures may be more advantageous for bone healing than external fixation, in a similar way.     

Timely fracture-healing requires optimization of axial fixation stability

BACKGROUND: Bone-healing is known to be sensitive to the mechanical stability of fixation. However, the influence on healing of the individual components of fixation stiffness remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the initial in vitro fixation stiffness and the strength and stiffness of the callus after nine weeks. We hypothesized that axial stiffness would determine the healing outcome. METHODS: A standardized midshaft osteotomy of the right tibia was performed on Merino-mix sheep and was stabilized with either one of four monolateral external fixators or one of two tibial nails inserted without reaming. The in vitro stiffness of fixation was determined in six loading conditions (axial compression, torsion, as well as bending and shear in the anteroposterior and mediolateral planes) on ovine tibial specimens. Stiffness was calculated by relating displacements of the fracture fragments, determined by means of attached optical markers, and the loads applied by a materials testing machine. Torsional testing until failure of the explanted tibiae was performed with use of a standard materials testing machine after nine weeks of healing to determine the failure moment and the torsional stiffness of the healed tibia. RESULTS: External fixation in sheep generally resulted in higher fixation stiffness than did conventional unreamed tibial nailing. The use of angle-stable locking screws in tibial nailing resulted in fixation stiffness comparable with that of external fixation. The highest torsional moment to failure was observed for the external fixator with moderate axial stiffness and high shear stiffness. The fixator with the highest axial stability did not result in the highest failure moment. Low axial stability in combination with low shear stability resulted in the lowest failure moment. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a clear relationship between the stability of fixation and the mechanical strength of the healing tibia was seen. Moderate levels of axial stability were associated with the highest callus strength and stiffness.     

扩髓灌洗联合抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染

目的 探讨扩髓灌洗并更换成含抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析自2012-06-2018-12诊治的10例胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染,术中扩大髓腔进行髓腔灌洗、彻底清创,然后更换成含抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉一期内固定胫骨骨折.3例经窦道清创切除感染骨后用抗生素骨水泥...     

The role of intramedullary fixation in open fractures

Intramedullary nailing of open fractures requires careful surgical judgment, consideration of alternative techniques, and the ability to use a number of different methods, including various designs with or without obligatory reaming. With good technique and well-selected indications, intramedullary nailing of open fractures may offer advantages not available through other types of fracture stabilization. Open fractures of the femur are best treated with delayed closed reamed nailing. Acute open nailing of the femur is justified to salvage life and limb in multiply injured patients. Acute nonreamed nailing of open fractures of the tibia has been shown to give results comparable to external skeletal fixation. The role for intramedullary nailing of open fractures of the upper extremity is limited.     

带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、股骨干骨折的临床应用

目的 带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折临床应用研究。方法 应用带锁髓内钉治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折104例。结果 闭合复位穿钉内固定术后6－10周愈合,切开复位内固定8－12周愈合,48周后拔出内固定物。无断钉、骨折延迟愈合或不愈合、感染、脂肪栓塞、关节僵硬等并发症发生。104例均获随访,平均随访20个月,无1例再次骨折。结论 带锁髓内钉内固定治疗股骨、胫骨干骨折与传统钢板螺丝钉内固定相比,具有固定牢固,防止骨折端扭转、分离,术后不需要外固定支持,能早期负重行走,骨折愈合率高,治疗效果可靠的优点。     

Osteosynthesis of metastatic lesions of the proximal femur with a solid femoral nail and interlocking spiral blade inserted without reaming

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency of a solid femoral nail and interlocking spiral-blade, inserted without reaming (UFN/ spiral blade, Synthes-Stratec, Oberdorf, Switzerland), for the fixation of pathologic and impending pathologic fractures of the proximal femur, particularly those involving the subtrochanteric area. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive series. SETTING AND PATIENTS: All patients treated for pathologic and impending pathologic fractures of the trochanteric or subtrochanteric area, stabilized using a UFN/spiral blade, inserted without reaming, from June 1994 to June 1997. INTERVENTION: Femoral intramedullary nailing was performed without reaming on a radiolucent operating room table. The nail was inserted through a five-centimeter supratrochanteric approach, and the interlocking spiral-blade device was introduced percutaneously. METHODS: The following parameters were assessed: pathology reports, location of bone lesions, patient survival, pain relief, ambulation, hardware failure on successive radiographs, and intraoperative complications. RESULTS: Twelve pathologic and impending pathologic fractures were stabilized in ten patients. Two patients required bilateral nailing that was staged with intervals of two and three weeks, respectively. The average postsurgical survival was six and one-half months. No implant failure was noted, and no surgical revision was performed. One intraoperative death occurred during surgery and was documented on autopsy as massive pulmonary fat embolization. Neither patient with bilateral nailing suffered from fat embolism syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral nail insertion without reaming using an interlocking spiral blade provides appropriate stabilization of the proximal femur in case of metastatic lesions, even with extensive subtrochanteric involvement. Although the nails were inserted without reaming, this did not avoid the risk of fat embolization syndrome. This study only addressed results in patients with short-term survival.     

Biomechanics of intramedullary fracture fixation

Intramedullary rodding allows excellent control of bending forces on long bone fractures when adequate sized rods are used. This is made possible by reaming when necessary. Torsional stability is poor if adequate bone nail contact is not obtained and there is little bone fragment interdigitation. This can be optimized with the interlocking system, especially with proximal and distal fractures. Intramedullary rods allow transmission of compressive load so there must be adequate bone to bone contact without comminution to prevent shortening. If a great deal of comminution is present, an interlocking system must be used to resist compressive loads. The interlocked devices have not been proven to be a detriment to union and indeed are a semi-rigid fixation system when used in comminuted shaft fractures. The strength of an osteosynthesis with an intramedullary rod depends on the geometry of the rod and the geometry of the fracture complex. Both locked and nonlocked intramedullary rods perform extremely well when one understands the mechanical principles involved in intramedullary rodding and pays close attention to detail.