动力髋螺钉治疗股骨粗隆间骨折并发症原因分析及防治

目的：分析动力髋螺钉（DHS）治疗股骨粗隆间骨折并发症的原因,并提出防治措施。方法：对65例采用DHS治疗股骨粗隆间骨折患者中发生并发症13例进行临床总结,分析其发生的主要原因,提出相应的防治措施。其中男8例,女5例;年龄56～82岁,平均70.2岁。结果：13例并发症中,术中股骨近端外侧皮质崩裂2例;术中髋螺钉穿破股骨头进入髋臼2例;髋内翻5例;股骨头坏死1例;切口感染3例,其中1例出现骨折不愈合。结论：导致并发症发生的主要原因有手术操作不规范,无菌操作不严格,骨折复位不理想,术后过早负重。预防措施主要有严格无菌操作,积极治疗内科疾病,规范手术操作,骨折尽量达到解剖复位,重视小粗隆及后内侧骨块的固定,术后合理进行功能锻炼。     

火器伤骨折的治疗评价

目的:探讨有限剥离骨膜对老年人股骨干骨折的疗效和安全性。方法:应用钢板固定治疗老年人股骨干骨折45例,男32例,女13例;年龄58~81岁,平均(69.5±7.1)岁。分别采用常规骨膜剥离方法或有限(微创术式)骨膜剥离后,行复位和钢板固定。其中有限骨膜剥离(A组)27例,按Anderson分型:Ⅰ型15例,Ⅱ型8例,Ⅲ型4例。常规骨膜剥离18例(B组),Ⅰ型8例,Ⅱ型5例,Ⅲ型5例。分别对两组骨痂形成状况、骨折愈合时间及并发症进行比较。结果:术后随访10~24个月,平均18个月,有限骨膜剥离方法骨痂形成状况、骨折愈合时间与常规骨膜剥离方法相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A组优于B组;骨折延迟愈合、非感染性骨不连及骨折畸形愈合等并发症的发生差异亦有统计学意义(P<0.01),B组并发症发生率高于A组。结论:有限骨膜剥离钢板固定治疗老年人股骨干骨折是一种安全、有效的方法。与常规骨膜剥离方法相比,有限骨膜剥离具有骨折愈合时间短、并发症少等优点。     

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound is frequently used to treat fractures after osteosynthesis in elderly patients: A study using open data from the national database of health insurance claims of Japan

BackgroundThe national database of health insurance claims of Japan (NDB) includes almost all health insurance claims in Japan. Currently, we have many cases of geriatric fracture in Japan, probably due to an increase of the elderly population. The increase of geriatric fractures may influence the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), which is used to accelerate the fracture repair process. The present state of LIPUS treatments was analyzed using the large dataset of the NDB.MethodsThe open data from the NDB that were used included receipts from April 2015 to March 2016. The total numbers of fracture treatments were counted as the sum of the claim items that were involved in fracture treatments. Two types of the insurance claim items for LIPUS treatments were counted separately: those used for delayed or non-union fractures; and those used for fractures within two weeks after osteosynthesis. Additionally, the ratio of the LIPUS treatments per the fracture treatments was calculated.ResultsIn female patients, the number of LIPUS treatments for fractures early after osteosynthesis showed a large peak in the senile generation. Additionally, the ratio of LIPUS treatments early after osteosynthesis to all osteosynthesis treatments tended to increase with age in both males and females, while the ratio of the LIPUS treatments for delayed or non-union fractures to all fracture treatments decreased with age.ConclusionsLIPUS treatments were frequently used to treat fractures early after osteosynthesis in elderly patients, probably due to the large number of fractures in the elderly population. Additionally, the ratio of LIPUS treatments early after osteosynthesis was high in both elderly female and elderly male patients, suggesting that there is a demand for early fracture repair.     

Outcome of limb reconstruction system in tibial infected non-union and open tibial diaphysial fracture with bone loss

IntroductionIncidence of open fractures of the long bones is increasing due to the increase in road traffic accidents (RTA) which leads to an increased incidence of complex non-unions of long bones. Patients are usually operated many times for fracture fixation (and healing) or to eradicate infection, which causes soft tissue scarring and devitalization of any surviving bone.ObjectiveIn this study, we assess the outcome of the Limb reconstruction system in tibial infected non-union and open tibial diaphyseal fracture with bone loss.MethodIt is a prospective study conducted on 15 patients and patients included in this study having compound fractures of shaft tibia with bone loss classified by Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification. With the defect in the distal tibia, proximal corticotomy 1.5 cm distal to the last screw in the proximal clamp and proximal to distal transports were done and vice versa. All patients were evaluated with the ASAMI scoring system into bone results and functional results.ResultsIn the majority of patients, the injury was caused by road traffic accidents 80% of cases. Out of 15 cases, 2 belong to the upper 3rd, 9 cases belong to the middle 3rd and 4 cases belong to the lower 3rd of shaft tibia. The union time ranges from 4 to 11 months but the maximum union was achieved in 7–9 months in 8 (53.33%). Pin tract infection was reported in two (13.33%) patients who became better with regular dressing. Ankle stiffness was present in one case (6.67%), most probably due to improper physiotherapy.According to ASAMI Criteria excellent radiological results were present in 11 (73.33%) cases, good results were found in 4 (26.67) cases and excellent functional results were observed in 7 cases (46.67%) and good results were found in 8 (53.33%) cases. Infection was cured in all patients and did not recur till the last follow-up.ConclusionsAdvantages of rail fixator include less invasive surgery, early weight-bearing, less infection, less blood loss, prevention of diffuse osteoporosis and atrophy, preservation of limb function, no need for bone grafting, correction of deformity during the process of healing, thus no need for a second surgery. Non-union, bone defect, and deformity can be corrected simultaneously. Hence, we recommend the use of this system (rail fixator) especially for infected non-union of long bones and compound fractures with bone loss.     

Delayed healing of lower limb fractures with bisphosphonate therapy

IntroductionBisphosphonate therapy (BT) is used commonly in the management of osteoporosis. A systematic review was conducted investigating delayed union of lower limb, long bone fractures in patients on BT. We specifically assessed whether BT increases the risk of delayed union or non-union in lower limb, long bone fractures.MethodsA literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase™ on 4 November 2014. Articles that investigated lower limb fractures, history of BT and fracture union were included in the review.ResultsA total of 9,809 papers were retrieved and 14 were deemed suitable for this review. The mean time to union in patients on BT was 8.5 months. A longer time to union was reported in a study investigating BT users versus controls (6.5 vs 4.8 months respectively). The mean rate of delayed or non-union for BT associated atypical fractures was 20% per fracture. Specifically in one study, delayed union was more common in the cohort with more than three years of BT (67%) than in the group with less than three years of BT (26%). Surgical fixation was associated with improved outcomes compared with non-operative management.ConclusionsBT has been described to be associated with multiple adverse outcomes related to atypical fractures. Current evidence recommends operative management for this patient group. Further investigation is required to evaluate the exact effects of BT on lower limb fractures, in particular typical femoral fractures.     

Outcome of revision surgery for bisphosphonate related subtrochanteric fracture non-union following failed intramedullary nailing

BackgroundBisphosphonates use is a recognised cause of atypical femur fractures. Intramedullary nailing is the first line of treatment for these fractures, but failure is a common problem due to altered biology, resulting in a non-union and a challenging problem.PurposeThere is lack of evidence in the literature on revision surgery for the management of non-union after failed nailing in atypical femur fracture. We present our experience of treating this complex problem.Patient and MethodsA retrospective review of all consecutive cases of revision surgery for non-union of bisphosphonate related subtrochanteric fractures was undertaken. All procedures were performed between 2012 and 2017 by a single surgeon. Revision surgery included removal of failed metalwork, resection of non-union, bone grafting and double plating with a lateral DCS plate and anterior locking compression plate.ResultsTen patients (9 females, 1 male) were included with a mean age of 71.5 years and mean BMI of 34 at the time of revision. All patients received previous Bisphosphonate treatment on average for 6.2 years. One patient was lost to follow up. Mean time for non-weight bearing (NWB) mobilization was 7 months and mean time for union was 14 months.ConclusionsFracture healing can be achieved with bone grafting and compression plating in all patients. However, a prolonged time to achieve union and a long follow-up duration should be expected.     

Gustilo type IIIC open tibia fractures with vascular repair: minimum 2-year follow-up

Purpose

Salvage or amputation for grade 3C open fracture of tibia is not well responded question universally because of surgical innovations, cultural believes, difficulties in estimate the outcome, coasts, and different results in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of Gustilo grade 3C open tibia fractures with at least two years follow-up in non-military adults.

Methods

Twenty-two non-military patients with a mean age of 31.1 were operated with grade 3c open fractures at tibia level in last 10 years in our clinic. We evaluated them retrospectively and asked about their daily life, pain, and if present, about the wish for secondary amputation. We also asked if they would prefer a first day amputation rather than their present status.

Results

Mean operation time after the injury was 13 h. Seven patients had nerve injury. Mean operation number was 3.5. Eight patients (%36) (all due to circulatory problem) had to have amputation. All patients treated with temporary unilateral external fixation than converted to circular external fixators when soft tissue healing was completed. Two patients were reoperated because of deformity. Four patients needed revision surgery because of non-union. At long term follow, we had osteomyelitis in one patient.

Conclusions

Scoring systems and the ischemic time are not the only predictors of amputation. The decision of the treatment mode should be made by the patient and the care team after discussing the options and outcomes rather than relying on a scoring system.

     

骨搬移治疗胫骨骨缺损相关并发症的防治

目的 :探讨骨搬移治疗胫骨骨缺损相关并发症的预防与治疗方法。方法 :2012年1月至2015年6月应用骨搬移技术治疗38例胫骨骨缺损患者,男26例,女12例;年龄36~66岁,平均49.0岁;均为开放性胫骨骨折。38例患者骨缺损长度为4~9.6 cm,平均5.2 cm,术后及时调整力线及搬移速度,患者坚持负重。结果 :38例患者术后均获随访,时间17~36个月,平均24.0个月。19例患者对合端自然愈合,其余18例分别经手风琴技术(10例)、植骨辅助内固定(8例)相应处理后愈合。1例患者因神志不清、肺炎、膝关节脱位、糖尿病、脑瘫后遗症等难以护理,患者家属强烈要求手术截肢,故予以截肢处理。骨搬移时间为4~10个月,平均7.1个月。搬移长度为5~11.6 cm,平均8.0 cm。根据Johner-Wruhs胫骨干骨折疗效评价标准:优11例,良18例,中6例,差3例。除1例截肢外,其余病例均治愈,无感染复发、再骨折等。结论:骨搬移法是治疗胫骨骨缺损的有效方法,但其存在许多并发症是限制其临床应用的主要因素,包括搬移距离过长时长骨力线的偏移(骨外露)、钉道感染、钢针松动、软组织下陷、膝踝关节功能丧失、牵张骨痂不长、对合端接触后骨不愈合等。     

Arthroplasty in treating knee osteoarthritis and proximal tibia stress fracture

The authors describe two cases of severely angulated tibial non-unions after proximal tibia stress fractures associated with ipsilateral osteoarthritis treated with modular knee endoprosthesis with a long tibial stem to stabilize non-union fragments. During the procedure, no additional osteosynthesis or bone grafting was added. Both non-unions healed after 6 months with no post-operative complications. The authors suggest implantation of modular knee endoprosthesis, as a single procedure, in treatment of proximal tibia non-union after a stress fracture as a result of severe varus/valgus deformity. It provides a solution for osteoarthritis treatment, axis correction and non-union osteosynthesis.     

Outcomes of simultaneous versus staged intramedullary nailing fixation of multiple long bone lower extremity fractures

IntroductionRepair of multiple lower extremity long bone fractures with intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation is associated with significant cardiopulmonary burden and may result in mortality. These patients are at an increased risk for fat embolism syndrome, pulmonary embolism, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and pneumonia. No standardized guidelines exist to guide treatment of these patients. Further, there is a paucity of data regarding the risk of simultaneous versus staged fixation of multiple long bone fractures that includes both tibial and femoral injuries, as patients with multiple concomitant fractures are often excluded from relevant analyses. Our level one trauma center aimed to identify whether simultaneous fixation, defined by definitive fixation of multiple lower extremity long bone fractures during one operative event, led to increased cardiopulmonary complications as compared to a staged approach, defined as multiple operations to reach definitive fixation.Patients and methodsThe Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP) database from 35 Level I and II trauma centers was queried to identify patients from January 2016 - December 2019. The primary outcome was incidence of cardiopulmonary complications for staged and simultaneous IMN fixation.ResultsWe identified 11,427 patients with tibial and/or femoral fractures during the study period. 146 patients met the inclusion criteria of two or more fractures treated with IMN fixation. 118 patients underwent simultaneous IMN fixation, and 28 patients received staged IMN fixation. There were no significant differences in injury severity score (ISS), demographics, pre-existing conditions, and cardiopulmonary complications between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.0012). The median hospital LOS for simultaneous fixation was 8.3 days versus 15.8 days for the staged cohort, a difference of 7.5 days.ConclusionThis is the largest retrospective study to date examining simultaneous versus staged IMN fixation in patients with multiple long bone lower extremity fractures. In contrast to previous studies, we found no difference in cardiopulmonary complications. Given these findings, patients with multiple long bone lower extremity fractures should be considered for simultaneous IMN, an approach which may decrease hospital LOS.     

Treatment options in femoral radiation fractures following soft tissue sarcoma: Incidence,risk factors,failures and flowchart of treatment

IntroductionThe femur is the most frequent involved site by post-attinic fractures. The appropriate treatment of pathological fractures after radiotherapy is still controversial as they are associated with a high risk of delayed consolidation and non-union. Authors review a single Center series of pathological fractures after radiation therapy in patients affected by soft tissue sarcomas analyzing incidence, risk factors, failure rate and proposing a flow chart of treatment of postattinic fractures of the femur.MethodsAuthors selected 570 patients treated by limb salvage surgery associated to radiation therapy from 1992 to 2018. A pathological fracture during follow up was observed in 28 cases (5%). The mean time between the onset of the fracture after the prior surgery + radiotherapy was 70 months (range 3-182). The mean follow-up from the fracture was 86 months (range 9-222).ResultsThe fracture treatment was performed with an intramedullary nail in 15 cases. Eight femoral fractures healed uneventfully (57%) and 6 required further surgical procedures. A total of eight patients underwent prosthetic replacement, 3 as a primary treatment and 5 as a salvage procedure after failure of internal fixation. Five patients developed a deep infection (62.5%).We observed 10 non-union (53%) in 19 patients treated with osteosynthesis. Overall amputation rate of the entire series was 18%. Authors propose a flowchart of treatment for femoral fractures.ConclusionIntramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice in postradiation diaphyseal fractures of long bones, prosthetic replacement in meta-epiphyseal fracture site. Free vascularized grafts remain a valid salvage solution after failure of internal fixation.     

Reunion of post nail aseptic non-union of diaphyseal femoral fractures by augmentation plating,decortication and bone grafting – Replacement for exchange nailing

IntroductionThe aim is to re-unite post nail aseptic non-union of diaphyseal femoral fractures in an economical and safe way with almost certainty, reducing dependence on others with early rehabilitation. The cascade of fracture healing is dependent on mechanical stability and uninterrupted cellular and bio-chemical responses (biology). Intra-medullary nailing in fresh diaphyseal femoral fractures is gold standard treatment with high success rate, still non-union of these fractures is reported, though the incidence has declined considerably.MethodThis prospective study conducted at level one trauma centre on twenty-one patients in four years starting from July 2015 to June 2019. Eighteen patients had non-union with intact implant and three had broken nail. Non-union site approached through lateral approach. Non-union site fixed by 4.5 broad combi-hole LCP or distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) depending on fracture site. Decortication, Bone grafting done retaining the previous nail in situ in eighteen patients and in three patients, broken nail was exchanged with same size of unreamed nail and then, similar procedure carried out.ResultAll non-unions in 21 patients reunited without any complications. All patients regained painless unsupported walk.DiscussionThe most preferred treatment for this complex non-union is reamed exchanged nailing. Larger nail increases mechanical stability by better frictional contact with surrounding bone in isthumic fracture but fails in cases of fractures with comminution, spacious distal fragment and fracture with small distal fragment. Various studies reported success rate in reamed exchange nailing from 53-96% with an average 74%. The main cause of instability is rotational stress which is completely obliterated by augmentation plating and various studies report 100% success. Augmentation plate with retained nail increases stiffness and strength of construct. Concomitant decortication and cancellous bone graft stimulates osteogenesis.ConclusionIt is a simple, safe and economical procedure, correcting and providing both mechanical and biological environments to convert non-union into osseous union. It will be a treatment of choice in times to come.     

Timing of surgery for internal fixation of intracapsular hip fractures and complications at 1 year; a 32 year clinical study of 2,366 patients at a single center

BackgroundTiming of hip fracture surgery for the internal fixation of an intracapsular fracture remains controversial and few studies to date have been able to determine the optimum time to surgery in minimizing osteonecrosis and non-union with intracapsular fractures after fixation.MethodsUsing a local hip fracture database managed by the senior author over a 32 year period, those who underwent osteosynthesis following intracapsular fractures were assessed for risk of development of non-union and osteonecrosis. Multivariate regression analysis was performed focusing on factors that were predictive of complications. Patient demographics, time from injury to surgery, fixation method, fracture pattern and complications at one year were reported. The primary outcome was whether delay to surgery contributed to risk of complications, defined as non-union or osteonecrosis. Secondary outcomes assessed the contribution of other factors to these complications.Results2,366 patients were identified with an average age of 74.7 years and 66.5% were female. 1189 (50.3%) of fractures were displaced. 481 (20.3%) had a complication at one year following fixation. 78 (3.3%) were fixed by DHS, 6 (0.3%) by cephalomedullary nail, (1257) 53.1% by cannulated screws and 1025 (43.3%) by Targon® screw. Multivariate regression revealed no significant correlation between delay to surgery and complication rates (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99, 1.01, p = 0.55). Significant variables include female sex (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.58, 2.62, p<0.0001), fracture displacement (OR 4.8, 95% CI 3.79, 6.14, p<0.0001), independent mobility (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47, 0.87, p = 0.004) and use of Targon® screws compared to parallel screws (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48, 0.76, p<0.0001).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates no relationship between timing of surgery for fixation of intracapsular fracture and complication rates. Female sex and fracture displacement increased risk of complications whereas independent mobility and use of Targon® screw device in comparison to parallel screws were protective against non-union but not avascular necrosis.     

Percutaneous bone marrow grafting for the treatment of tibial non-union

This is a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of percutanous bone marrow grafting in patients with established tibial non-union and minimal deformity, whilst on the waiting list for open surgical procedures. Twenty consecutive patients with established tibial non-union and minimal deformity were treated by percutanous bone marrow injection under local anaesthesia. Bone marrow was obtained from the iliac crest, 3-5 ml of marrow was aspirated and injected immediately into and about the non-union site. Subsequent aspirations were performed 1 cm posterior to the previous site until a maximum of 15 ml of marrow was injected. Our results revealed clinical and radiological bone union following percutanous injection in 15 out of 20 patients (75%), with an average time to union following the first injection of 14 weeks. Four patients (20%) showed no evidence of union and were considered a failure. There were no cases of infection following the injection, and no complications at the donor site. We conclude that percutanous bone marrow grafting is a safe, simple, and reliable method of treating tibial non-union with minimal deformity. It is a limited invasive technique with minimal complications. It can be performed under local anaesthesia, is cost effective and potentially can avoid major surgical reconstruction.     

Surgical outcome of intramedullary nailing in patients with complete atypical femoral fracture: A multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundManagement of atypical femoral fracture on bisphosphonate therapy still remains controversy and is reported high rate of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of intramedullary nailing in patients with atypical femoral fracture who took bisphosphonate more than one year through the multicenter retrospective study.MethodsWe gathered 75 atypical femoral fractures from seven institutions between 2009 and 2014. Among them 46 atypical femoral fractures which met the inclusion criteria was evaluated in this study. The average age was 70.1 years (53–80) and the average duration of bisphosphonate use was 5.1 years (1–15 years). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine time to union, union rate, need for revision surgery, restoration of ambulatory function, and complications.ResultsTwenty-nine (63%) fractures healed within 6 months without complications. The average time to union except two non-union was 24.9 weeks (11–48 weeks). Two patients (4.3%) underwent revision surgery for non-union and there was no implant failure. Thirty-seven (80.4%) patients achieved their pre-fracture ambulatory function at the final follow up.ConclusionsAlthough the incidence of delayed bone healing is high in atypical femoral fracture on bisphosphonate therapy even treated with intramedullary nailing, the incidence of revision surgery and implant failure was relatively lower than those of extramedullary devices.     

Ilizarov segmental bone transport of infected tibial nonunions requiring extensive debridement with an average distraction length of 9,5 centimetres. Is it safe?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the results of one stage radical debridement and segmental bone transport with circular fixator in the treatment of infected tibial non-union requiring extensive debridement with an average defect size of 8 cm and distraction length of 9,5 cm.DesignRetrospective study.SettingLevel I trauma centre at an academic university hospital.PatientsThirty patients with infected tibial non-union with an average of 2,9 previous failed operations after a mean 12,5 months post-injury were treated consecutively. The mean age was 39,5 years (R:16–68). After radical debridement and irrigation, all patients were treated with segmental bone transport using Ilizarov circular fixator. All patients except 3, managed with an open docking protocol without bone grafting. In 2 patients a planned ankle arthrodesis with transport was done.Main outcome measurementsBone union, resolution of infection, external fixation index (EFI), external fixation time (EFT), bone and functional results for this big defect size.ResultsUnion and eradication of infection was achieved in all patients. Mean follow-up was 32,5 months (R: 12–72 mo.) The average bone defect after debridement was measured 8.1 cm (R, 6–15). The total distraction length to restore the debridement defect and previous LLD was 9,5 cm (R, 6–15). The mean external fixation time was 13,7 months; the mean external fixation index was 1,49 mo./cm. One non-union, one refracture and one late valgus deformity was managed successfully with plating or nailing and all were healed uneventfully at the completion of the treatment. According to Paley & Maar and Katsenis criteria, the bone results were excellent in 24 and good in 6, functional scores were excellent in 21, good in 7, and fair in 2 patients. Minor complications were 1,36 per patient, major complications were 0,4 per patient and permanent complications were 0,2 per patient in the study group.ConclusionIn the management of large post-infectious bone defects requiring an average 9,5 cm distraction; segmental bone transport is safe in terms of union and eradication of infection. The EFI, EFT, complications, bone and functional results do not differ from the other published studies with smaller defect size.     

Noncontiguous and open fractures of the lower extremity: Epidemiology,complications, and unplanned procedures

IntroductionIsolated fractures of the lower extremity are relatively common injuries while multifocal injuries resulting from high-energy trauma are less frequently encountered. Our objectives are to characterise patients who sustained multiple noncontiguous fractures and open fractures of the lower extremity, report the incidence of major complications, and identify factors that may contribute to complications and unplanned re-operations.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of patients was performed at a Level 1 trauma centre from 2000 to 2013. Patients who sustained two or more noncontiguous operative fractures in an ipsilateral lower extremity, with at least one open fracture were included. Noncontiguous was defined as fractures in the same lower limb that were not in continuity on preoperative radiographs or intra-operatively. Demographic, injury characteristics, and hospitalisation data were collected. Primary outcomes included non-union, deep infection, and the need for unplanned surgeries.Results257 patients sustained a total of 876 lower extremity fractures with an average of 1.7 open and 2.7 operative fractures in the qualifying limb. Ninety-nine patients (38.5%) sustained bilateral lower extremity injuries. Following their initial stay, 22.6% of patients had planned procedures (definitive fixation, skin, or planned bone grafting). Nearly half (45.9%) required one or more unplanned re-operation. Complications included deep infections (19.5%), non-unions (19.5%), and mal-unions (2.7%). 17.5% of the patients had at least one procedure for removal of painful implants. A deep infection was predictive of having a non-union (odds ratio, OR 7.5). The presence of a Gustilo-type IIIB/IIIC (OR 24.6/16.0) fracture was predictive of having a deep infection. After excluding painful implant removal, a type IIIB fracture was associated with an unplanned procedure (OR 13.8).ConclusionsPatients with multiple non-contiguous lower extremity injuries associated with open fractures can expect complications including non-unions, deep infections, and painful implants. Nearly half of the patients will need further operative treatment.     

Peri-prosthetic humeral non-union: Where biology meets bio-mechanic. A case report

IntroductionThe worldwide incidence of traumatic fractures has been growing over the last years due to the progressive aging of the population. Today, the increase of arthroplasty procedures in orthopaedic surgery is related to a high rate of peri-prosthetic fractures. Healing of the fracture is a multifactorial metabolic process; if these factors are impaired, healing process could be interrupted resulting in non-union.Presentation of caseWe report our experience about a case of a humeral diaphysis non-union secondary to peri-prosthetic fracture (reverse shoulder arthroplasty) treated by conservative approach.DiscussionWe treated this patient using a multilevel approach, consisting of revision surgery and drug therapy.ConclusionWe assume that an aggressive revision surgery done with bone autograft implant and a bone healing therapy administering teriparatide off-label can reduce the convalescence in non-unions and can improve prognosis.     

Shear's role in non-union. Measuring mean angle of long bone multi-fragmentary non-unions

IntroductionBoth mechanical and biological theories have been proposed in the development of non-union. The mechanical theory suggests that a high strain environment in a fracture will predispose it to non-union. While in simple fractures and wedge fractures there are only one and two primary fracture planes respectively, in multi-fragmentary fractures there are many and a non-union may form along any of the original fracture lines, however the plane which experiences the highest strain is at 45^O – the shear plane. We hypothesise that in multi-fragmentary fractures the initial fracture line that most often fails to unite will tend towards the plane with the highest strain.Objectives1) Define the mean non-union angle in a cohort of multi-fragmentary tibial and femoral fractures.2) In wedge-like fractures within the cohort, define and compare the mean angle of initial fracture planes which go on to form a non-union to those that unite3) In comminuted fractures within the cohort, define the mean non-union angleDesignRetrospective cohort studySettingLevel-1 trauma centreMethodologyFractures were categorised into wedge-like and comminuted. A published technique was utilised to measure fracture and non-union angles. In wedge-like fractures, united and non-united initial planes were compared. In comminuted fractures only the mean non-union angle was defined. Demographic patient data was also collected.Results183 non-unions were screened, 68 patients were included. The mean non-union angle was 56°(SD 18) across all fractures. In wedge-like fractures the mean non-union angle was 59°(SD 18). In comminuted fractures the mean non-union angle was 50°(SD 19). Non-united initial fracture planes in wedge-like fractures showed a peaked distribution about a mean of 58° while united fracture planes were distributed at the extremities of the range.ConclusionsIn patients with multi-fragmentary fractures resulting in non-union, the mean tibial non-union angle was 52° while the mean femoral non-union angle was 65°. In wedge-like fractures, non-unions occurred more commonly than appropriate union in fractures between 41°-80°. The non-union angle is closer to 45° in comminuted fractures than in wedge-like fractures. These results support the mechanical theory that strain from the shear plane is an important factor in the formation of non-unions.Level of EvidencePrognostic level 3.