Outcome of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following knee arthroplasty

IntroductionThe majority of periprosthetic fractures around the knee occur at the supracondylar region of the distal femur. Fixation of distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone with short segment remains a challenge, especially after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Internal fixation of these fractures using locking plates has become popular. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a consecutive series of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures treated with locked periarticular plate fixation with regard to surgical procedure, complications and clinical outcome.Materials and methodsFrom two academic trauma centres, 55 consecutive periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO/OTA 33) were retrospectively identified as having been treated with locked plate fixation. Of these, 36 fractures in 35 patients (86.1% female) met the inclusion criteria. Patients had an average age of 73.2 years (range 54–95 years). Fixation constructs for plate length and working length were delineated. Nonunion, infection and implant failure were used as complication variables. Demographics were assessed. Outcome was addressed radiographically and clinically according to Kristensen et al.¹ by range of motion and pain.ResultsTwenty-five of 36 fractures (69.4%) healed after the index procedure. Eight of 36 fractures (22.2%) developed a nonunion with three fractures (8.3%) leading to hardware failure. Nine of the 36 patients (25%) were radiographically diagnosed with notching of the anterior femoral cortex. Regarding technical aspects, distance from the anterior flange of the femoral component to fracture was significantly shorter in patients with compared to without anterior notching (t = 3.68, p = 0.02). Patients who underwent submuscular plate insertion compared to an extensive lateral approach had a reduced nonunion risk (χ² = 0.05). No difference in infection rate was found for submuscular procedures compared with open procedures (χ² = 0.85). Range of motion was reduced in most of the patients and 13.5% had a persistent loss of extension of 5°. More than 77% of the patients reported no or only mild pain during the last office visit. Range of motion loss did not influence pain. Successful treatment according to Cain et al.² was achieved in 83%. Using Kristensen's¹ criteria, 56% of the knees had acceptable flexion.ConclusionOperative fixation of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures after TKA continues to be challenging. Notching of the anterior femoral cortex should be avoided. Loss of reduction and high failure rates still occur with locked plating and may be related to underlying factors. Indirect reduction and submuscular plate insertion technique reduce nonunion risk.     

Periprosthetic femoral fracture type and location are influenced by the presence of an ipsilateral knee arthroplasty implant: A case-control study of 84 interprosthetic femoral fractures

BackgroundThis multicentre case-control study compares Vancouver Classification System (VCS) grade and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture type in interprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFFs) between primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) without ipsilateral TKA.MethodsData were collected following institutional approval. Eighty-four IPFFs were assessed for VCS grade and AO/OTA type. Each IPFF case (84) was matched to five PFF controls (360) by age, gender and stem fixation philosophy (SMD<0.1). VCS grade and AO/OTA type were compared between the IPFF and PFF groups using weighted proportions and medians.ResultsMedian (IQR) age of IPFF patients was 81.75 (76.57–85.33) years and 61 (72.6%) were female. The commonest VCS grade was B1 (34, 40.5%). The commonest AO/OTA type was spiral (51.8% of VCS B fractures; 50.0% of VCS C fractures). A greater proportion of fractures occurred distal to the stem in IPFF patients versus PFF patients (33.3% versus 18.2%, p = 0.003). VCS grade was significantly different between groups (p = 0.015). For VCS C fractures, twice as many AO/OTA transverse and wedge fractures occurred in the IPFF group compared to the PFF group (25.0% versus 12.6% and 7.1% versus 3.3%, respectively) although the overall difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.407).ConclusionThe presence of an ipsilateral TKA affects the location of PFF with more fractures occurring distal to the stem. A greater proportion of bending type fractures occurred when an ipsilateral TKA was present. These unstable fractures often require more complex surgery.     

Predictors of reduction loss in tibial plateau fracture surgery: Focusing on posterior coronal fractures

IntroductionSome studies have reported that fracture pattern was associated with reduction loss after surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various factors that can influence reduction loss, including fracture patterns in unicondylar and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.Materials and methodsA total of 138 tibial plateau fractures that underwent open reduction and internal fixation using plates were retrospectively reviewed. The OTA/AO classification, fracture pattern, degree of comminution, and existence of reduction loss were evaluated based on simple radiographs and computed tomography. Patient information, including age, gender, and occupation, were acquired through chart reviews. The effect of each variable on reduction loss was evaluated through multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 138 knees, reduction loss was observed in 40 knees (29.0%). Reduction loss was found in 11 (20.4%) of the type B knees (54 knees) and 29 (34.5%) of the type C knees (84 knees), according to the OTA/AO classification. The multiple logistic regression analysis for all cases revealed that the existence of comminution and coronal fracture influenced the occurrence of reduction loss, with odds ratios of 9.148 and 4.823, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In type B and type C, according to the OTA/AO classification, the existence of comminution and coronal fracture had causal relationships with the occurrence of reduction loss. The odds ratios of comminution and coronal fracture for reduction loss for type B were 9.114 and 9.117, respectively (P = 0.019 and P = 0.031, respectively), and the odds ratios for type C were 8.490 and 4.782, respectively (P = 0.001 and 0.009, respectively).ConclusionsWhen a tibial plateau fracture has a coronal fracture, if it is difficult to fix its fragments rigidly with medial or lateral plate fixation; therefore, buttress plating or direct fixation of fragments through the posteromedial, posterolateral, or posterior approach should be considered.     

Malalignment after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in distal femoral fractures

IntroductionAlthough minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is a preferred operative treatment for fractures of the distal femur, malalignment is a significant concern because of indirect reduction of the fracture. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate radiologic alignment after MIPO for distal femoral fractures.Patients and methodsOf the 138 patients with fracture of the distal femur who underwent MIPO, we enrolled 51 patients in whom bilateral rotational alignment could be assessed by postoperative computed tomography (CT). The patients included 32 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 54.3 years. Thirteen patients had femoral shaft fractures (according to the AO/OTA classification: 32-A, n = 2; 32-B, n = 6; 32-C, n = 5), whereas 38 patients had distal femoral fractures (33-A, n = 7; 33-C, n = 31). Coronal and sagittal alignments were assessed using simple radiography, whereas rotational alignment was assessed using CT. According to the difference between the affected and unaffected sides, we divided the patients into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups (reference point of 8°, using Handolin’s classification). Thereafter, we determined which factors can lead to malalignment, including fracture location (distal femoral shaft fracture or metaphyseal fracture), fracture pattern (simple fracture, n = 15; complex fractures, n = 36 patients), coronal and sagittal alignments, and combined ipsilateral long bone fractures.ResultsCoronal and sagittal alignment were satisfactory in 96.2% (average, 2.8°) and 98% (average, 2.2°), respectively, whereas the rotational alignment was satisfactory in 56.9% of patients. Leg length discrepancy was satisfactory in 92.3% of the patients (average, 10.9 mm). Concerning rotational malalignment, an unsatisfactory result was obtained in 48.6% of subjects with complex fractures and 26.7% of subjects with simple fractures (p = 0.114). No significant correlation was noted between the angular deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes and the degree of rotational alignment (p = 0.607 and 0.774, respectively).ConclusionsRegardless of the fracture pattern, rotational malalignment may occur at an extremely high rate after MIPO for fractures of the distal femur.     

The pivotal role of the coronal fracture line for a new three-dimensional CT-based fracture classification of bicondylar proximal tibial fractures

IntroductionClassical fracture classifications (AO/OTA, Schatzker) are commonly used to characterize bicondylar proximal tibial fractures. However, none of these classifications allows for a treatment algorithm. The aim of our study was to use 3D appearance of these fractures in CT imaging to improve the clinical value of the classification.Materials and methods3D appearance of 81 CT scans of bicondylar proximal tibial fractures were systematically analyzed and were classified in 3 subtypes, based on the fracture lines orientation. The novel classification was compared for reliability and for clinical relevance with AO and Schatzker classification.ResultsA total of 159 fracture lines were identified which were most frequently oriented in sagittal (89/159), and in coronal (41/159) direction. Based on the orientation of the major fracture lines three fracture types were defined. A special emphasis was drawn to the coronal fracture line of the medial plateau leading to a surgical treatment algorithm. Interobserver reliability was analyzed for all 81 patients resulting in an excellent reliability of К = 0.936 for the 3D classification scheme compared to К = 0.720 for the AO/OTA, К = 0.785 for the Schatzker classification. Correlations with clinical parameters were only observed for the 3D classification.DiscussionThe presented classification scheme based on the 3D geometry of bicondylar proximal tibial fractures demonstrates a good reliability of clinical relevance.     

Complications associated with operative fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to review the complication rate and profile associated with surgical fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fracture in a large cohort of patients treated in a level I trauma centre.Patients and methodsWe identified all patients who underwent surgical treatment of acute midshaft clavicle fracture between 2002 and 2010. The study group consisted of 138 fractures (134 patients) and included 107 men (78%) and 31 women (22%); the median age of 35 years (interquartile range (IQR) 24–45). The most common mechanism of injury was a road traffic accident (78%). Sixty percent (n = 83) had an injury severity score of ≥15 indicating major trauma. The most common fracture type (75%) was simple or wedge comminuted (2B1) according to the Edinburgh classification. The median interval between the injury and operation was 3 days (IQR 1–6). Plate fixation was performed in 110 fractures (80%) and intramedullary fixation was performed in 28 fractures (20%). There were 85 men and 25 women in the plate fixation group with median age of 35 years (IQR 25–45) There were 22 men and six women in the intramedullary fixation group with median age of 31 years (IQR 24–42 years). Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t test, Mann Whitney test, and Chi square test. Significant P-value was <0.05.ResultsThe overall incidence of complication was 14.5% (n = 20). The overall nonunion rate was 6%. Postoperative wound infection occurred in 3.6% of cases. The incidence of complication associated with plate fixation was 10% (11 of 110 cases) compared to 32% associated with intramedullary fixation (nine of 28 cases; P = 0.003). Thirty-five percent of complications were related to inadequate surgical technique and were potentially avoidable. Symptomatic hardware requiring removal occurred in 23% (n = 31) of patients. Symptomatic metalware was more frequent after plate fixation compared to intramedullary fixation (26% vs 7%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsIntramedullary fixation of midshaft clavicle fracture is associated with a higher incidence of complications. Plate fixation is associated with a higher rate of symptomatic metalware requiring removal compared to intramedullary fixation. Approximately one in three complications may be avoided by attention to adequate surgical technique.     

Fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults: Fixed-angle devices or Pauwel screws?

BackgroundWe sought to compare the incidence of complications after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults treated with fixed-angle devices versus multiple cancellous screws and a trochanteric lag screw (Pauwel screw).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study at a level I trauma centre. Sixty-two skeletally mature patients (age range, 16–60 years) with displaced femoral neck fractures were included in the study. Forty-seven were treated with a fixed-angle device (sliding hip plate with screw or helical blade) and 15 with multiple cancellous screws placed in a Pauwel configuration. The main outcome measure was postoperative complication of osteonecrosis or nonunion treated with a surgical procedure.ResultsSignificantly fewer failures occurred in the fixed-angle group (21%) than in the screws group (60%) (p = 0.008). Osteonecrosis was rare in the fixed-angle group, occurring in 2% of cases versus 33% of cases in the screws group (p = 0.002). Consistent with previous studies, good to excellent reductions were associated with a failure rate of 25% and fair to poor reductions were associated with a failure rate of 55% (p = 0.07). The best-case scenario of a good to excellent reduction stabilised with a fixed-angle device yielded a success rate of 85%.ConclusionIn young patients with displaced high-energy femoral neck fractures, fixed-angle devices resulted in fewer treatment failures than did Pauwel screws.     

Assessment of trochanteric osteotomy fragment union after acetabular fracture surgery

BackgroundTrochanteric osteotomies are performed in conjunction with standard approaches to improve surgical exposure during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fractures. The literature on total hip arthroplasty reports nonunion rates as high as 30% associated with trochanteric osteotomies; however, few data exist regarding the outcomes of trochanteric osteotomies for acetabular fracture surgery. Our hypotheses were 1) patients receiving trochanteric osteotomies during ORIF of acetabular fractures have a low rate of nonunion of the osteotomy fragment, and 2) hip abduction precautions are not necessary with digastric type osteotomies.Patients and methodsA retrospective review was conducted to identify patients with acetabular fractures between July 2002 and June 2010 (n = 734 fractures) who required trochanteric osteotomies (n = 64, 9% of fractures). Forty-seven met inclusion criteria of adequate follow-up (>56 days). No excluded patient experienced a complication. Fractures were classified using the Letournel-Judet classification system.ResultsOnly seven (20%) of 35 patients who received digastric osteotomies had hip abduction precautions applied during the postoperative period. All study patients were shown to have radiographic union at the trochanteric osteotomy site (100% union rate, n = 47). Hip abduction precautions intended to protect the osteotomy site and reduce the risk of nonunion and fixation failure were infrequently applied to patients with digastric osteotomies (20%) in this cohort. Multiple protective factors against nonunion were present in this study population compared with previous arthroplasty studies from other institutions.ConclusionsTrochanteric osteotomies are not associated with a significant nonunion rate, and digastric osteotomies might be safely managed without hip abduction precautions.     

Anteroinferior 2.7-mm versus 3.5-mm plating of the clavicle: A biomechanical study

IntroductionLower patient satisfaction and high rates of plate prominence has led to the use of lower profile, smaller plates in the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. Specifically regarding the use of 2.7 mm reconstruction plates, there lacks biomechanical comparison to its more robust 3.5 mm counterpart. This study was designed to compare the mechanical properties of anteroinferior plate fixation on a clavicle fracture model using either 2.7 mm or 3.5 mm reconstruction plates.MethodsForty-eight synthetic left clavicles were divided into two groups based on the type of fixation: 3.5 mm or 2.7 mm pelvic reconstruction plate fixed in the anteroinferior position. Fixation was tested on AO/OTA 15B1.3 transverse midshaft fractures. Each specimen underwent the following three mechanical tests: axial compression, torsion, and four-point bending.ResultsSignificant differences were observed in axial (p = 0.016) and torsional (p = 0.00097) stiffness between the two groups. The average bending rigidity (EI) was found to be significantly lower for the 2.7-mm plates as compared to the 3.5-mm plates (p = 0.03). The loading scenarios performed in the mechanical tests did not lead to failure of any implants.ConclusionWhile our results show clear mechanical superiority of 3.5-mm reconstruction plates over 2.7-mm plates, superior results in the clinical setting may not necessarily translate. With exceptional mechanical strength also noted for the 2.7 mm plate, well above the biomechanical properties of an intact clavicle, these results may obviate the need for robust plates in general.     

Impact of cement-augmented condylar screws in locking plate osteosynthesis for distal femoral fractures — A biomechanical analysis

IntroductionCompromised bone quality and the need for early mobilization continue to lead to implant failure in elderly patients with distal femoral fractures. The cement augmentation of screws might facilitate improving implant anchorage. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of cement augmentation of the condylar screws on implant fixation in a human cadaveric bone model.Material and methodsTen pairs of osteoporotic femora (mean age: 90 years, range: 84–99 years) were used. A 2-cm gap osteotomy was created in the metaphyseal region to simulate an unstable AO/OTA 33-A3 fracture. All specimens were treated with a polyaxial locking plate. Specimens randomly assigned to the augmented group received an additional cement augmentation of the condylar screws using bone cement. A servohydraulic testing machine was used to perform incremental cyclic axial loading using a load-to-failure mode.ResultsAll specimens survived at least 800 N of axial compressive force. The mean compressive forces leading to failure were 1620 N (95% CI: 1382–1858 N) in the non-augmented group and 2420 N (95% CI: 2054–2786 N) in the group with cement-augmented condylar screws (p = 0.005).Deformation with cutting out of the condylar screws and condylar fracture were the most common reasons for failure in both groups. Whereas axial stiffness was comparable between both osteosyntheses (p = 0.508), significant differences were observed for the plastic deformation of the constructs (p = 0.014).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that the cement augmentation of the condylar screws might be a promising technique for the fixation of distal femoral fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones.     

Osteonecrosis of the distal tibia after pilon fractures

BackgroundPilon fractures are devastating injuries with high complication rates. Osteonecrosis has been previously described after Weber C fracture-dislocations but has not been reported following fixation of pilon fractures.MethodsAll AO/OTA 43-C pilon fractures from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed. Injury factors and demographics were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the fracture pattern were analyzed to determine risk factors for ON.Results71 pilon fractures in 69 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 21.6 months. 18 patients demonstrated ON at a mean 7.3 months’ post-injury. Regression analysis demonstrated no differences between cohorts with respect to smoking status, open injury, or diabetic status. ON was associated with small anterolateral fragment less than 2.0 cm² (OR = 19.47, p = 0.012), higher comminution (OR = 3.00, p = 0.005), use of calcium phosphate bone substitute (OR = 20.72, p = 0.013).ConclusionsON of the distal tibia was not associated with patient factors but was associated with fracture characteristics.     

Geriatric distal femur fracture: Are we underestimating the rate of local and systemic complications?

BackgroundLow energy distal femur fractures often occur in a fragile elderly population that is prone to local and systemic complications following operative treatment of extremity fractures. The nonunion rate and early complication rate following laterally based locked plating in this specific fracture are not well described.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study conducted at three affiliated tertiary care hospitals to evaluate nonunion, early post operative complications, discharge disposition, length of stay, and mortality in patients over 60 years old undergoing laterally based locked plating of a low energy distal femur fracture.ResultsForty-four out of 176 patients were deceased at one year (25%). Predictors of one year mortality included older age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and delay to surgery greater than 2 days (p < 0.001). Of 99 patients alive and with follow up at one year, 24 (24%) developed a nonunion and 21 of 24 required nonunion surgery. Development of a surgical site infection was statistically significantly correlated with development of nonunion. Age and CCI did not predict development of nonunion. Average length of stay was 10 days and 82% of patients were discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Thirty eight percent of patients experienced at least one postoperative systemic complication.ConclusionsLaterally based locked plating of the low energy geriatric distal femur fracture is most often followed by a tumultuous post-operative course with a high rate of local and systemic complications including death, nonunion, and extended hospital stays.Level of evidenceLevel III prognostic.     

Markers of muscle damage for comparing soft tissue injury following proximal femur nail and dynamic hip screw operations for intertrochanteric hip fractures

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures are the most common fractures among the elderly. The two operative approaches used for the treatment of AO/OTA 31 intertrochanteric fractures include an intramedullary device (proximal femoral nail [PFN]) or an extramedullary device (sliding/dynamic hip screw [DHS]). The aim of this study was to provide objective evidence of local soft tissue injury by measuring serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), a biochemical marker, to quantify muscle damage and inflammation in patients treated by the two approaches.Patients and methodsMedical data of 359 patients operated for intertrochanteric fractures with PFN (156 patients) or DHS (193 patients) were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. Perioperative and radiographic data were collected to ensure cohorts with similar characteristics. Serum CPK and serum hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 1 (POD1). Independent predictors of elevation in the levels of markers of inflammation and muscle damage were determined by a multivariate linear regression model.ResultsThe demographics were similar for the two groups. Our study population included 64.2% female patients. Preoperative serum CPK levels were available for 89 patients and POD1 serum CPK levels were available for all patients. One-hundred and thirteen of the 193 DHS patients (58%) and 14 of the 156 PFN patients (9%) had a stable fracture (AO/OTA 31A1, p < 0.0001). The DHS patients had a greater increase between pre- and postoperative CPK levels compared to the PFN patients (DHS, δ = 368 versus PFN, δ = 65, p < 0.0002). The PFN patients had a greater decrease in both the pre- and postoperative Hb levels compared to the DHS patients (Diff_Hb 0.27 g/dl). The older the patient, the greater decreases in Diff_CPK compared to the younger ones.ConclusionsImplementation of POD1 CPK blood levels as a biochemical marker of soft tissue injury provided quantitative evidence that patients whose intertrochanteric fracture was stabilized by a DHS suffered greater soft tissue injury compared to patients whose fracture was stabilized by a PFN.     

Heal rate of metatarsal fractures: A propensity-matching study of patients treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) vs. surgical and other treatments

IntroductionWhether to treat metatarsal fractures conservatively or surgically is controversial. We test a hypothesis that metatarsal fractures treated conservatively with non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) obtain heal rates comparable to current surgical techniques.Patients and methodsThis is a retrospective observational cohort study, using patient outcomes from a prospectively-collected LIPUS registry required by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Registry data were collected over a 5-year period and were reviewed and validated by a registered nurse. Data required for analysis were days-to-treatment (DTT) with LIPUS and a dichotomous outcome of healed versus failed, as assessed by clinical and radiographic criteria. Registry patients (DTT < 365 days) were propensity-matched to metatarsal fracture patients from a health claims database that includes medical and drug expenses for ∼90.1 million patients. The propensity match was based on patient demographic data (age, gender, body weight, fracture severity, and smoking status).ResultsA total of 594 metatarsal fractures were treated with LIPUS, including 161 Jones fractures. Compared to patients in the claims database, LIPUS-treated patients were more likely to: be overweight or obese; be male; have open fracture; and smoke (all, P < 0.0001), suggesting that these variables were perceived as nonunion risk factors by prescribing physicians. After propensity-matching, none of these differences between the registry and the health claims database remained significant. The heal rate with LIPUS treatment was 97.3%, comparable to the heal rate of 95.3% among claims patients in 2011 who did not receive LIPUS (P = 0.0654). When fresh fractures (0–90 days) and delayed unions (91–365 days) were analyzed separately, the LIPUS fresh fracture heal rate was superior to claims patients (P = 0.0381), and the delayed union heal rate was comparable. After exclusion of registry patients who received surgery, heal rate with LIPUS alone (97.4%) was significantly better (P < 0.0097) than the heal rate for matched patients in 2011 (94.2%).ConclusionsLIPUS significantly improved the heal rate of metatarsal fractures <1 year old without surgery (P = 0.0097). Metatarsal fractures treated with LIPUS alone have a heal rate comparable to fractures treated by surgical intervention.     

Initial varus displacement of proximal humerus fractures results in similar function but higher complication rates

PurposeTo investigate the effect of initial varus or valgus surgical neck alignment on outcomes of patients who sustained proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).MethodsAn institutional review board approved database of proximal humerus fractures treated with locked plates was reviewed. Of 185 fractures in the database, 101 fractures were identified and met inclusion criteria. Initial varus displacement was seen in 47 fractures (OTA types 11.A2.2, A3.1, A3.3, B1.2, B2.2, C1.2, C2.2, or C2.3) and initial valgus displacement was observed in 54 fractures (OTA types 11.A2.3, B1.1, C1.1, or C2.1). All patients were treated in a similar manner and examined by the treating physician at standard intervals. Functional outcomes were quantified via the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and physical examination data at 12 months. Radiographs were reviewed for complications of healing. Additionally, complication rate and reoperation rate were investigated.ResultsPatients who presented with initial varus displacement had an average age of 59.3 years, while patients in the valgus group had an average age of 62.4 years. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in age, sex distribution, BMI, fracture parts, screws used, or implant plate type between the two groups. At a minimum 12 months follow up, there was no significant difference in DASH scores between those presenting with varus versus valgus fracture patterns. In addition, no significant differences were seen in final shoulder range of motion in any plane. Overall, 30 patients included in this study developed a complication. A significantly greater number of patients in the initial varus cohort developed complications (40.4%), as compared to 20.3% of patients in the initial valgus cohort (P = 0.03). Fourteen patients in this study underwent reoperation. Nine of these patients were in the varus cohort, while 5 were in the valgus cohort (P = 0.15).ConclusionsIn this study, initial surgical neck displacement in varus or valgus was found to not significantly affect functional outcome. Based upon our findings, patients with varus displaced proximal humerus fractures are at a greater risk of developing postoperative complications than those who present with initial valgus displaced fracture patterns.     

Are bilateral tibial shaft fractures associated with an increased risk for adverse outcome?

IntroductionLong bone fractures are assumed to be an independent risk factor for systemic complications and death after trauma. Multiple studies have identified an increased risk for mortality and morbidity in patients with bilateral femoral fractures. Data about bilateral tibial shaft fractures is rare. The aim of our study was to analyze if patients with bilateral tibial shaft fractures are at higher risk for systemic complications.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU^® from 1993 to 2008. Inclusion criteria were unilateral or bilateral tibial shaft fractures and an age ≥16. Additionally to the overall collective we analyzed different subgroups (divided into different injury severities and treatment periods).Results1899 patients with unilateral and 175 patients with bilateral tibial shaft fractures were included. Age, gender and mean ISS (25.8 vs. 26.2, p = 0.51) in the two groups were comparable. Regarding the entire study population, patients with bilateral tibial shaft fractures showed no significant higher incidence of respiratory organ failure (29.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.076) or mortality (20.0% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.203). However, subgroup analysis showed a significant higher rate of pulmonary organ failure for bilateral tibial shaft fractures as compared to unilateral tibial shaft fractures in the group ISS < 25 (20.7% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.023). Multivariate regression analysis identified the additional tibial shaft fracture as an independent risk factor for pulmonary organ failure (OR = 1.56) but not for mortality.DiscussionThe additional tibial shaft fracture is an independent risk factor for pulmonary organ failure but not for multiple organ failure or mortality. The impact of the additional tibial shaft fracture is especially pronounced in less severely injured patients (ISS < 25). These findings are comparable to results of bilateral femoral fracture studies and we therefore suggest to treat patients with bilateral tibial shaft fractures with the same caution as those with bilateral femoral fractures.     

Expandable proximal femoral nail versus gamma proximal femoral nail for the treatment of AO/OTA 31A1-3 fractures

IntroductionThe gamma-proximal femoral nail (GPFN) and the expandable proximal femoral nail (EPFN) are two commonly used intramedullary devices for the treatment of AO 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complication rates in patients treated by both devices.Patients and methodsA total of 299 patients (149 in the GPFN group and 150 in the EPFN group, average age 83.6 years) were treated for AO 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures in our institution between July 2008 and February 2013. Time from presentation to surgery, level of experience of the surgeon, operative time, amount of blood loss and number of blood transfusions were recorded. Postoperative radiological variables, including peg/screw location, tip to apex distance and orthopaedic complications, as, malunion, nonunion, surgical wound infection rates, cutouts, periprosthetic fractures and the incidence of non-orthopaedic complications. Functional results were estimated using the modified Harris Hip Score, and quality of life was queried by the SF-36 questionnaire.ResultsThe GPFN and the EPFN fixation methods were similar in terms of functional outcomes, complication rates and quality of life assessments. More patients (107 vs. 73) from the GPFN group were operated within 48 h from presentation (44.8 h vs. 49.9 h for the EPFN group, p = 0.351), and their surgery duration and hospitalisation were significantly longer (18.5 days vs. 26 days, respectively, p < 0.001). The GPFN patients were frequently operated by junior surgeons: 90% (135) while 50.6% (76) of the EPFN operations were performed by senior doctors. Other intraoperative measures were similar between groups. Cutout was the most common complication affecting 6.7% of the GPFN group and 3.3% of the EPFN group (p = 0.182).ConclusionsGood clinical outcomes and low complication rates in the GPFN and the EPFN groups indicate essentially equivalent safety and reliability on the part of both devices for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures.     

Complications and unplanned outcomes following operative treatment of tibial plateau fractures

IntroductionThe operative management of tibial plateau fractures is challenging and post-operative complications do occur. The purpose of this study was three-fold. 1). To report complications and unplanned outcomes in patients who had sustained tibial plateau fractures and were operatively managed 2). To report predictors of these post-operative events 3). To report if differences in clinical outcomes exist in patients who sustained a post-operative event.MethodsOver 11 years, all tibial plateau fractures were prospectively followed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the validated Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) score. Demographics, initial injury characteristics, surgical details and post-operative events were prospectively recorded. Student’s t-tests were used for continuous variables and chi-squared analysis was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were conducted for independent predictors of post-operative events and complications and functional outcomes, respectively.Results275 patients with 279 tibial plateau fractures were included in our analysis. Ten patients (3.6%) sustained a deep infection. Six patients (2.2%) developed a superficial infection. One patient (0.4%) presented with early implant failure. Two patients (0.7%) developed a fracture nonunion. Eight patients (2.9%) developed a venous thromboembolism. Seventeen patients (6.2%) went on to re-operation for symptomatic implant removal. Nine patients (3.3%) underwent a lysis of adhesions procedure. Univariate analysis demonstrated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (P < 0.001), Moore fracture-dislocations (P = 0.005), open fractures (P = 0.022), and compartment syndrome (P = 0.001) to be associated with post-operative complications and unplanned outcomes. Long-term functional outcomes were worse among patients who developed a post-operative complication or unplanned outcome (P = 0.031).ConclusionOrthopaedic trauma surgeons should be aware of complications and unplanned outcomes following operatively managed tibial plateau fractures, along with having the knowledge of factors that are associated with development of post-operative events.     

The use of interfragmentary positional screw in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for simple distal femur fractures in elderly patients: A retrospective,single-centre pilot study

IntroductionMinimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using locking plates has been used in distal femur fractures, but various problems, such as nonunion, malalignment, and implant failure, have been reported. Simple fractures sometimes have poorer outcomes than complex fractures. We studied elderly patients with simple fracture patterns who underwent open reduction followed by placement of a single positional screw to hold the reduced interfragmentary gap, and compared these cases with patients who underwent surgery using conventional MIPO techniques.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 cases of patients with distal femur fractures and simple fracture patterns (33-A1, A2, and C1). The mean age was 74 (60–90) years, and the mean follow-up period was 14 (12–25) months. Group A included 40 patients who underwent conventional MIPO technique while Group B included 40 patients who had surgery using positional screws. Interfragmentary gaps in Group B were reduced using percutaneous reduction clamps, and cortical screws were inserted to sustain the reduction. Then, locking plates were inserted using conventional MIPO techniques.ResultsBony union was achieved in all 80 cases, mean initial callus formation was observed in 11 weeks (8–13 weeks), and radiological union was observed in 27 weeks (15–54 weeks). Time to initial callus formation was not different, but radiologic union was achieved in 30 weeks (18–54 weeks) for Group A and 25 weeks (15–41 weeks) for Group B (p = 0.006). No differences were seen in clinical function at 1 year (p = 0.580). Five cases of malalignment occurred in Group A (p = 0.021). The rate of union during the 1-year period was significantly higher in group B than in group A (p = 0.002).ConclusionsIn a distal femur fracture with a simple fracture pattern, using positional screws to sustain the reduced interfragmentary gap may achieve a more rapid union by reducing fracture gap. Though functional differences were not seen in follow-ups, patients can be expected to return to their normal lives earlier as union is achieved in a shorter time. Performing MIPO using positional screws to sustain the reduced interfragmentary gap after fracture reduction will be helpful in the treatment of simple femoral fracture.     

The treatment strategies of intertrochanteric fractures nonunion: An experience of 23 nonunion patients

BackgroundIntertrochanteric femoral fractures are common, but the nonunion of intertrochanteric fractures is not. The purpose of this study was to divide intertrochanteric fracture nonunion into different types and give corresponding treatment strategies.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 23 patients with intertrochanteric fracture nonunion. The patients were divided into five groups and each group was treated with a different strategy. All patients had staged clinical and radiographic follow-ups and the mean follow-up was 16.0 ± 4.6 months.ResultsExcept for the patients treated with total hip arthroplasty, all patients achieved fracture union. The mean union time was 4.7 ± 1.2 months. The Harris hip function score differed significantly from preoperative (28.9 ± 6.8) to postoperative (83.8 ± 6.3; p < 0.05). For the three patients who were classified as type III, the femoral neck shaft angle was corrected to a significant degree, from 97.3 ± 6.4 to 127.3 ± 2.5 (p < 0.05). For the four patients who were classified as type V, the mean time from debridement to re-internal fixation was 3.7 ± 1.5 months.ConclusionsThere are several factors associated with the failure of intertrochanteric fracture treatments. We need to analyze the causes of fracture treatment failure carefully. Based on our five classifications and corresponding treatment strategies, the radiographic and functional treatment outcomes were satisfactory. Future larger comparative studies are needed to confirm our results.