Staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome

PurposeHigh-energy proximal tibial fractures often accompany compartment syndrome and are usually treated by fasciotomy with external fixation followed by secondary plating. However, the initial soft tissue injury may affect bony union, the fasciotomy incision or external fixator pin sites may lead to postoperative wound infections, and the staged procedure itself may adversely affect lower limb function. We assess the results of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome.MethodsTwenty-eight patients with proximal tibial fractures accompanied by acute compartment syndrome who underwent staged MIPO and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up were enrolled. According to the AO/OTA classification, 6 were 41-A, 15 were 41-C, 2 were 42-A and 5 were 42-C fractures; this included 6 cases of open fractures. Immediate fasciotomy was performed once compartment syndrome was diagnosed and stabilization of the fracture followed using external fixation. After the soft tissue condition normalized, internal conversion with MIPO was done on an average of 37 days (range, 9–158) after index trauma. At the time of internal conversion, the external fixator pin site grades were 0 in 3 cases, 1 in 12 cases, 2 in 10 cases and 3 in 3 cases, as described by Dahl. Radiographic assessment of bony union and alignment and a functional assessment using the Knee Society Score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were carried out.ResultsTwenty-six cases achieved primary bony union at an average of 18.5 weeks. Two cases of nonunion healed after autogenous bone grafting. The mean Knee Society Score and the AOFAS score were 95 and 95.3 respectively, at last follow-up. Complications included 1 case of osteomyelitis in a patient with a grade IIIC open fracture and 1 case of malunion caused by delayed MIPO due to poor wound conditions. Duration of external fixation and the external fixator pin site grade were not related to the occurrence of infection.ConclusionsStaged MIPO for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome may achieve satisfactory bony union and functional results, while decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.     

Distal tibial nonunion using a contralateral anterior L-shaped locking compression plate through a posterior-lateral approach: A retrospective case series

BackgroundDistal tibial nonunion is usually due to severe open distal tibial fractures with high energy injury. The best surgical treatment is not well established because of the poor soft tissue condition. We retrospectively analyzed a series of patients with distal tibial nonunion after severe open distal tibial fractures; our purpose was to introduce a treatment using a contralateral anterior L-shaped locking compression plate through a posterior-lateral approach with Iliac crest bone graft and evaluate the outcomes of patients.MethodsAll patients with distal tibial nonunion who received a contralateral anterior L-shaped locking compression plate fixation through the posterior-lateral approach with Iliac crest bone graft by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2016 were reviewed. 9 patients met the criteria. Five of nine patients had varus deformities (range, 9–40°) and 4 patients had valgus deformities (range, 5–30°). Postoperative radiographs, Postoperative complications, limb alignment and limb functional outcome information of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were recorded.ResultsAll patients were followed up for at least 8 months (range, 8–16 months). Union was achieved in all patients after the index surgery without postoperative wound complications while one patient came up with checkrein deformity. Average time to radiographic union was 16 weeks (range, 12–24 weeks). All patients had correction to neutral alignment in both coronal and sagittal planes. The average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 90 (range, 77–100) at the last follow-up of patients.ConclusionsUsing a contralateral anterior L-shaped locking compression plate fixation through a posterior-lateral approach with Iliac crest bone graft to reconstruct the distal tibial nonunion is a safe and reliable method that can successfully treat patients with poor soft tissue condition of anterior portion of leg because of its adequate exposure, both tibia and fibula rigid fixation and plenty of bone graft. We believe the application of this method resulting in a high union and low complication rate.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of distal tibial fractures: a comparison of medial and lateral plating

PurposeThe hypothesis of this study was that lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) would be comparable with medial MIPO with regard to clinical and radiographic results. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of medial and lateral MIPO for treatment of distal tibial fractures.Materials and methodsBetween June 2005 and February 2009, 24 patients with a distal tibia fracture were treated using MIPO. Patients were divided into two groups according to the MIPO methods used; 12 patients were fixated by medial MIPO (group M) and the other 12 patients by lateral MIPO (group L). These two groups were compared with regard to time to union. Clinical results were assessed by use of the IOWA ankle-rating system and the range of ankle motion at last follow-up. Mean operation time and postoperative complications were evaluated by chart review. Radiographic results were assessed on the basis of tibial angulation and shortening at last follow-up.ResultsRadiological evidence of bony union was observed for all study subjects. Mean union time was not significantly different between the two groups. Mean IOWA score, range of ankle motion, and operation time were no different between the two groups. No significant difference in angulation and shortening was observed between the groups, and no patient had an angular deformity >5° or tibial shortening >10 mm at the last follow-up. Skin irritation was encountered in one case in group M and limited motion because of entrapment of the tibialis anterior muscle was observed in one patient in group L.ConclusionBoth medial and lateral MIPO produced good clinical and radiological results for distal tibial fractures. Lateral MIPO may be an effective option when soft tissue condition on the medial side of the distal tibia is poor or when the fracture line is close to the ankle joint.     

Comparison between intramedullary nailing and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for tibial shaft fractures

IntroductionIntramedullary nailing (IMN) is currently considered the gold standard in the surgical treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adult patients. In this case-control comparative study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and IMN in treating tibial shaft fractures.Materials and methodsThe clinical and radiological outcomes, such as a modified trauma scale, operation time, fracture healing, rate of re-operation, and complications such as malunion, nonunion, shortening, and infection were assessed between IMN and MIPO for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.ResultsSeventy-three skeletally mature patients who underwent IMN (group I) or MIPO (group M) for a closed extra-articular tibial shaft fracture (AO/OTA type 42) from June 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 51.16 (18~79) years, and the mean follow-up period was 22 (12~50) months. Bony union was achieved in all cases but one for each group - group I (35 cases) and group M (36 cases) (p > 0.05). Mean callus formation was observed in 12 (8 – 16) weeks in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in operative time, hospital stay, bone healing, and the rate of complications among the two groups (p > 0.05). There was also no postoperative difference in functional evaluation between the two methods (p > 0.05).ConclusionsNo discrepancy was found in radiological and clinical outcomes between IMN and MIPO for tibial shaft fractures. It can be concluded that both IMN and MIPO are equally effective treatment modalities for tibial shaft fractures.     

Locking plate fixation in distal metaphyseal tibial fractures: series of 79 patients

Open reduction and internal fixation in distal tibial fractures jeopardises fracture fragment vascularity and often results in soft tissue complications. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis, if possible, offers the best possible option as it permits adequate fixation in a biological manner. Seventy-nine consecutive adult patients with distal tibial fractures, including one patient with a bilateral fracture of the distal tibia, treated with locking plates, were retrospectively reviewed. The 4.5-mm limited-contact locking compression plate (LC-LCP) was used in 33 fractures, the metaphyseal LCP in 27 fractures and the distal medial tibial LCP in the remaining 20 fractures. Fibula fixation was performed in the majority of comminuted fractures (n = 41) to maintain the second column of the ankle so as to achieve indirect reduction and to prevent collapse of the fracture. There were two cases of delayed wound breakdown in fractures fixed with the 4.5-mm LC-LCP. Five patients required primary bone grafting and three patients required secondary bone grafting. All cases of delayed union (n = 7) and nonunion (n = 3) were observed in cases where plates were used in bridge mode. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with LCP was observed to be a reliable method of stabilisation for these fractures. Peri-operative docking of fracture ends may be a good option in severely impacted fractures with gap. The precontoured distal medial tibial LCP was observed to be a better tolerated implant in comparison to the 4.5-mm LC-LCP or metaphyseal LCP with respect to complications of soft tissues, bone healing and functional outcome, though its contour needs to be modified.     

Posteromedial anatomical plate for the treatment of distal tibial fractures with anterior soft tissue injury

The treatment of distal tibial fractures with anterior soft tissue injury is relatively difficult. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of the posteromedial anatomical plate for such fractures. Between February 2006 and January 2009, twenty-six cases of distal tibial fracture with anterior soft tissue injury were treated with posteromedial anatomical plates designed by our traumatic orthopedic center. Of the 26 cases, 12 were open fractures (4 Gustilo-Anderson type I, 5 type II, 2 type IIIA, and 1 type IIIB), and 14 were closed fractures (3 Tscherne-Oestern type I, 9 type II, 2 type III). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, and complications were recorded to evaluate treatment effects.Mean operation time was 72.5 ± 15.8 minutes (range, 45-105 minutes) with a mean intraoperative blood loss volume of 86.4 ± 17.3 mL (range, 50-150 mL). All 26 patients had good postoperative fracture healing. Mean union time was 19.2 ± 4.4 weeks (range, 13-30 weeks). Average AOFAS ankle score was 87.3 ± 9.2 (range, 68-99). No malunion, nonunion, limb-shortening deformity, or neurovascular injury occurred. Our results suggest that the posteromedial anatomical plate for the treatment of distal tibial fractures with anterior soft tissue injury is effective and results in no severe complications.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis has equal safety to reamed intramedullary nails in treating Gustilo-Anderson type I,II and III-A open tibial shaft fractures

ObjectivesThe best fixation method for open tibial fractures has long been a matter of debate, many studies have recommended the use of intramedullary nails over external fixation for treating such fractures, recent studies also showed favorable results for the use of plates in managing open tibial fractures. However, there are very few (if any) reports in the literature comparing the use of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis to reamed intramedullary nails in the fixation of open tibial fractures.The aim of this study was to compare the safety & efficiency of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis to reamed intramedullary nails in treating open tibial shaft fractures.DesignA single-center, parallel group, prospective, randomized study.SettingAcademic Level 1 Trauma Center, during the period from October 2014 to December 2016.PatientsA total of 60 patients with open tibial fractures were randomized to reamed intra-medullary nails (R-IMN) (group A) or minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) (group B).Outcome measurementPatients were assessed for union (clinical & radiographic) & complications (e.g.; non–union, infection).ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between the 2 methods in term of the incidence of infection or non-union. Time to full union was shorter for the R-IMN group when compared to that of the MIPO group & that was found to be statistically significant.ConclusionMIPO technique has equal safety to R-IMN technique in treating Gustilo-Anderson type I, II and III-A open tibial shaft fractures, as both techniques have similar rate of infection & non-union. These findings suggest that the MIPO technique can be considered a valid treatment alternative for such fractures.Level of evidenceLevel II, Therapeutic study.     

Prediction of tibial nonunion at the 6-week time point

IntroductionIntramedullary (IM) nail fixation is a common operative treatment, yet concerns regarding the frequency of complications, such as nonunion, remain. Treatment of tibial shaft fractures remains a challenge, and little evidence of prognostic factors that increase risk of nonunion is available. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of tibial shaft fracture nonunion 6 weeks after reamed intramedullary (IM) nail fixation based on commonly collected clinical variables and the radiographic union score for tibial fractures (RUST).MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted. All tibial shaft fractures treated at our level I trauma center from 2007 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with follow-up until fracture healing or secondary operation for nonunion were included. Fracture gaps ≥3 mm were excluded. A total of 323 patients were included for study.ResultsInfection within 6 weeks of operation, standard RUST, and the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score had statistically significant associations with nonunion (odds ratio > or < 1.0; p < 0.01). The NURD score was increasingly predictive of nonunion with decreasing RUST. All patients in the high RUST group (RUST ≥ 10), achieved union regardless of NURD score. In the medium RUST group (RUST 6–9), 25% of patients with a NURD score ≥7 experienced nonunion. In the low RUST group (RUST <6 or infection within 6 weeks), 69% of patients with a NURD score ≥7 experienced nonunion.ConclusionThree variables predicted nonunion. Based on these variables, we created a clinical prediction tool of nonunion that could aid in clinical decision making and discussing prognosis with patients.     

Management of fractures of the distal third tibia by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis – A prospective series of 50 patients

Background

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an established technique for fixation of fractures of the distal third tibia. Our study aimed to manage intra articular and extraarticular fractures of the distal third tibia by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique and follow them prospectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes were studied and clinical indications & efficacy of the procedure reviewed. Though many studies on the subject have been done previously, these have been retrospective reviews or small series.

Methods

From May 2010 to May 2013, 50 patients of closed distal tibial fractures were operated by MIPO technique with a distal tibial anatomical locking plate having 4.5/5 proximal and 3.5/4 distal screw holes. The follow up duration was for 3 years.

Results

The mean fracture healing time was 21.4 weeks (range 16–32 weeks) and average AOFAS score 95.06 was out of a total possible 100 points. At last follow up, superficial infection occurred in 5 patients (10%); deep infection, implant failure and malunion in 1-patient each (2%).

Conclusion

MIPO technique provides good, though slightly delayed bone healing and decreases incidence of nonunion and need for bone grafting. This technique should be used in distal tibia fractures where locked nailing cannot be done like fractures with small distal metaphyseal fragments, vertical splits, markedly comminuted fractures and in fractures with intra-articular extension.     

A clinico-radiological study of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures managed with dual locking plates

BackgroundTreatment of bicondylar intra-articular tibial plateau fractures due to high energy trauma is complex and highly prone to complications due to fracture patterns and extensive soft tissue damage.AimThe study's objective was to evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional outcome, including the complications in closed Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures managed with dual locking plates using less extensile approaches and indirect reduction techniques.Materials and methodsThirty-four patients of closed Schatzker Type V and VI treated with pre-contoured locking plates were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Dual plating was done using a less extensile anterolateral approach for lateral plate and medial/open posteromedial approach for medial plate. Functional results were evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiological results by the Modified Rasmussen score (MRS) for radiological assessment.ResultsThe mean age of patients in our study was 45 years (range = 26–60 years) with a male predominance of 84.4%. The average time difference between trauma and surgery was 7.6 days (range = 5–14 days) with an average length of hospital stay of 8.5 days (range = 7–18 days). Autologous bone grafting from the iliac crest was done in 10 patients (29.4%) with a sizeable metaphyseal void. The study has a mean follow-up period of 22.6 months. The complete union was seen at an average of 17.4 weeks. The average knee ROM at the last follow-up was 110.75°. Three patients had complications, 2 with wound dehiscence and 1 with deep infection.ConclusionInternal fixation with dual locking plates is biomechanically strong and stable and gives excellent to good functional outcomes. However, the timing of internal fixation is essential in such complex injuries to prevent soft tissue complications and failure. The use of rigid fixation by less extensile approaches and indirect reduction techniques helps prevent wound healing problems and allows early knee mobilization.     

预防性胫前肌-筋膜瓣转位在并发延迟皮肤坏死的胫骨骨折患者的应用

目的：探讨预防性胫骨前肌-筋膜瓣转位在胫骨骨折合并重度皮肤软组织损伤发生延迟坏死病例中应用的临床疗效。方法对14例合并重度皮肤软组织损伤的胫骨骨折患者行Ⅰ期骨折固定联合预防性胫前肌-筋膜瓣转位术,发生皮肤延迟坏死后予以植皮,观察其伤口愈合情况、随访骨折愈合及并发症情况。结果14例患者伤口均愈合,无感染并发症,随访13例,骨折均愈合,无骨外露、骨髓炎等并发症,1例失访。结论预防性胫前肌-筋膜瓣转位是一种安全、简便、有效的治疗并发延迟皮肤坏死的胫骨骨折的措施。     

胫前减张切口结合锁定加压钢板治疗老年胫腓骨远端骨折的病例对照研究

目的：探讨内固定治疗老年胫腓骨远端骨折的有效手术入路方式。方法：2008年8月至2012年10月,采用胫前减张切口结合锁定加压钢板（LCP）内固定治疗老年胫腓骨远端骨折患者175例,男112例,女63例;年龄60~83岁,平均71.3岁。其中采用胫前减张切口结合LCP治疗89例,男62例,女27例;年龄（71.8±6.4）岁。采用胫骨远端内侧小切口经皮LCP治疗86例,男58例,女28例;年龄（70.3±6.7）岁。治疗后对两组患者的消肿时间、手术时间、术中失血量、住院时间、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症及术后12个月患肢AOFAS评分进行比较。结果：胫前减张切口结合LCP治疗组与胫骨远端内侧小切口经皮LCP治疗组的术前消肿治疗时间分别为（5.6±1.3）d、（9.7±2.1）d;骨折愈合时间分别为（4.2±1.4）个月、（5.4±1.9）个月;术后并发症发生分别为3例、10例,两组比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。术后12个月随访时,胫前减张切口结合LCP治疗组AOFAS评分为89.0±9.7,胫骨远端内侧小切口经皮LCP治疗组87.9±9.4,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：胫前减张切口结合LCP内固定治疗老年胫腓骨远端骨折,有利于骨折愈合,可降低术后并发症,疗效满意。     

Open wedge osteotomy of medial tibial condyle gives good results in management of neglected diagonal lesions of proximal tibia

BackgroundDepressed fractures of anteromedial tibial plateau are often underappreciated and treated inadequately. When these fractures are accompanied by injuries of posterior cruciate ligament and postero-lateral corner, they are called as diagonal lesions. There are very few publications on the management of such injuries in chronic stage. The purpose of our study is to describe our results in management of these neglected fractures using open wedge osteotomy of medial tibial condyle (OWOMTC).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of ten patients. KOOS score and Tegner and Lysholm score were recorded preoperatively and at three, six, twelve and twenty four months after surgery to assess the functional outcome. Medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and tibial slope were recorded before and after surgery.ResultsAll cases had posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries. There was no anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. MPTA was corrected from mean 76.2° ± 3.7° to mean 86.4° ± 3.2°. Mean tibial slope was increased from −4° ± 3° to mean tibial slope of 7.6° ± 2.2°.Tegner and Lyshom score improved from mean of 38–88 (p < .05) at final follow-up. KOOS score improved from mean of 32–86 (p < .05) at final follow-up. Union was achieved in all the cases. None of the cases required ligament reconstruction.ConclusionsWe conclude that OWOMTC is a useful method to manage neglected depressed fractures of anteromedial tibial plateau accompanied by PCL and PLC injury (diagonal injury). This procedure can restore limb alignment, congruency and stability of knee joint without any soft tissue reconstruction and change in the patellofemoral kinematics.     

Femoral and tibial fractures

Femoral shaft fractures have a bimodal distribution with high energy injuries in young patients and an increasing incidence of osteoporotic fractures in elderly patients. Adult diaphyseal fractures are invariably managed operatively and the procedure most commonly performed is stabilisation with antegrade reamed intramedullary nailing. Retrograde nailing is also used for specific indications. Plating is still used for more distal fractures. External fixation and non-operative treatment by traction are seldom used now due to high risk of complications. Tibial shaft fractures are the most common long bone fracture and the most common open long bone fracture (21%). Reamed intramedullary nailing is the most common treatment for unstable fractures. Low energy undisplaced fractures can be treated non-operatively in a cast or brace. Plating is not often used for diaphyseal injuries but is useful for metaphyseal fractures. External fixation is still commonly used for some severe open injuries or to correct deformity. Complications of femoral and tibial fractures include nonunion, malunion and infection in association with open fractures. Compartment syndrome complicates 2-10% of tibial fractures. For closed fractures the incidence of all of these complications should be less than 5%. Open fractures have a greater risk of complication which is generally proportional to the energy of the injury.     

膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折

目的 ：探讨膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的手术方法及临床疗效。方法：自2010年1月至2012年12月,采用膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折28例。男17例,女11例;年龄28~64岁,平均45.3岁;左侧12例,右侧16例。按Schatzker分型：Ⅴ型12例,Ⅵ型16例。三柱分型：均为涉及三柱。受伤至手术时间6~15 d,平均9.4 d。术前主要临床症状为膝关节肿胀、畸形及活动受限,X线及CT检查均提示复杂性胫骨平台骨折胫骨平台三柱均涉及。术后随访骨折愈合时间,术后1年按照美国特种外科医院膝关节评分（HSS评分）评价临床疗效,比较术后即刻及术后1年胫骨平台内翻角、后倾角、股胫角等力学指标的变化。结果：术后切口均甲级愈合,未发现切口感染及皮肤坏死等并发症。28例术后均获随访,时间12~24个月,平均18.1个月。骨折愈合时间5~10个月,平均7.8个月。骨折愈合后患者膝关节肿痛消退,关节功能基本恢复正常。HSS评分：疼痛27.81±2.17,功能19.52±2.05,活动范围15.82±1.73,肌力8.51±1.32,屈曲畸形8.33±1.08,关节稳定性9.36±0.52,总分89.35±3.19;优20例,良5例,中2例,差1例。术后与术后1年胫骨平台内翻角、后倾角、股胫角比较差异均无统计学意义。结论：采用膝前正中加后内侧入路联合三柱钢板内固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折可达到解剖复位、坚强固定及早期功能锻炼的目的,是一种行之有效的手术治疗方法。     

Elastic nailing of tibia shaft fractures in young children up to 10 years of age

IntroductionAlthough tibia shaft fractures in children usually have satisfactory results after closed reduction and casting, there are several surgical indications, including associated fractures and soft tissue injuries such as open fractures. Titanium elastic nails (TENs) are often used for pediatric tibia fractures, and have the advantage of preserving the open physis. However, complications such as delayed union or nonunion are not uncommon in older children or open fractures. In the present study, we evaluated children up to 10 years of age with closed or open tibial shaft fractures treated with elastic nailing technique.MethodsA total of 16 tibia shaft fractures treated by elastic nailing from 2001 to 2013 were reviewed. The mean patient age at operation was 7 years (range: 5–10 years). Thirteen of 16 cases were open fractures (grade I: 4, grade II: 6, grade IIIA: 3 cases); the other cases had associated fractures that necessitated operative treatments. Closed, antegrade intramedullary nailing was used to insert two nails through the proximal tibial metaphysis. All patients were followed up for at least one year after the injury. Outcomes were evaluated using modified Flynn's criteria, including union, alignment, leg length discrepancies, and complications.ResultsAll fractures achieved union a mean of 16.1 weeks after surgery (range: 11–26 weeks). No patient reported knee pain or experienced any loss of knee or ankle motion. There was a case of superficial infection in a patient with grade III open fracture. Three patients reported soft tissue discomfort due to prominent TEN tips at the proximal insertion site, which required cutting the tip before union or removing the nail after union. At the last follow-up, there were no angular or rotational deformities over 10° in either the sagittal or coronal planes. With the exception of one case with an overgrowth of 15 mm, no patient showed shortening or overgrowth exceeding 10 mm. Among final outcomes, 15 were excellent and 1 was satisfactory.SummaryEven with open fractures or soft tissue injuries, elastic nailing can achieve satisfactory results in young children, with minimal complications of delayed bone healing, or infection.     

Treatment of tibial nonunion with posterolateral bone grafting

ObjectivesPosterolateral bone grafting to treat nonunions of the distal two-thirds of the tibia avoids the often traumatized and more tenuous anterior soft-tissue envelope. Few modern reports of its effectiveness are available. We assessed whether posterolateral bone grafting leads to high union and low complication rates.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review at a Level I trauma center. Our study group was 59 patients with distal two-thirds tibial fractures treated with posterolateral bone grafting. Patients included those with history of deep surgical site infection (SSI) before bone grafting (n = 17), established nonunions (n = 42), and impending nonunions associated with open fractures and bone gaps (n = 17). All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months unless they achieved union before that time point. Our primary outcome measurement was fracture union. Secondary outcome measurements were any complication associated with the approach and infection requiring return to the operating room.ResultsFracture union was achieved in 44 (75%) of 59 patients without further intervention. The mean interval to union was 9.9 months (range, 3–22). Of 11 infected nonunions treated, nine progressed to union. Seventeen of 23 patients with defects >2 cm, including defects up to 5.4 cm without infection, were successfully treated. Two patients who underwent grafting at least 10 years after initial injury achieved union. No complications were associated with the approach (specifically, no wound breakdown, vascular injury, or tendon injury). Fourteen percent of patients experienced SSI after bone grafting. Seven of eight deep SSI occurred in patients with previous infection or positive intraoperative cultures. Only one (3%) of 36 patients without infection pre- or intraoperatively experienced SSI.ConclusionsEven in this relatively difficult patient cohort that included large bone gaps and history of infection, union was achieved at a relatively high rate with posterolateral bone graft. The approach seems to be safe, considering no known complications specifically associated with the approach occurred, and seems to reduce the risk of SSI in the absence of previous infection.     

Staged method using antibiotic beads and subsequent autografting for large traumatic tibial bone loss

Introduction The vascularity of surrounding soft tissues, which is related to muscle cover, is important for the healing of traumatic bone loss. Muscle cover on the distal tibia is limited compared to the diaphyseal and proximal tibia, and delayed healing of fractures in this area is common. We evaluated the healing of traumatic bone loss in the proximal, diaphyseal, and distal tibia.

Patients and methods 23 open tibial fractures with substantial bone loss (mean 52 (34–104) mm) were treated using a staged method with antibiotic-impregnated beads and later autologous bone grafting at second-stage surgery on average 8 weeks after the injury.

Results 22 fractures healed after mean 40 (20–79) weeks. The average healing time in the distal tibia (mean 30 weeks) was 7 weeks shorter (95% CI: 12–26 weeks) than in the proximal tibia (37 weeks), and 16 weeks shorter (95% CI: 3–29 weeks) than in the tibial shaft (47 weeks). The length of the bone and the type of soft tissue cover (free muscle or secondary suture) had no effect on healing time.

Interpretation Our study suggests that the method we used is applicable in all parts of the tibia, although the healing of bone loss is slower in the diaphyseal tibia than in the proximal and distal tibia.     

Minimally invasive treatment of AO B ankle fractures: Surgical technique and long-term outcomes

BackgroundAnkle fractures are the most common traumatic bone injuries of the lower limb. Over 50% of ankle fractures occur at the syndesmosis level (type AO B). The goal of treatment is to achieve an anatomical reduction and appropriate stabilization. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical-functional and radiological results, and complications of minimally invasive reduction and fixation technique for ankle fractures type AO B. The surgical technique also is detailed.Material and methodsA prospective analysis of 451 patients undergoing surgery for type AO B displaced ankle fracture was performed. All patients were treated with minimally invasive surgery. The following times were recorded: time between trauma and osteosynthesis, hospitalization length, surgical time, and exposure time to fluoroscopy. Age and gender, mechanism of injury, and characteristics of fractures were recorded. For functional outcome, AOFAS score, VAS, and Weber score were used. Radiographic analysis was performed. The average follow-up was 112 months.ResultsMean age was 48.2 years old. Average length of stay in hospital was 5.72 h. Mean duration of the surgery was 32.8 min. Average fluoroscopic exposure time during surgery was 9.25 s. Mean bone union time was 38.2 days. Weber’s score was on average 1.5/24 points and the long-term follow-up AOFAS score was on average 97.5/100. Postoperative complications incidence was 2.7%.ConclusionsDistal fibula fixation with the MIPO technique presented good functional outcomes and could be helpful in the avoidance of the complications associated with conventional open reduction and internal fixation. However, it needs more exposition to intraoperative fluoroscopy.Level of evidence: II.     

Functional outcome and general health status after treatment of AO type 43 distal tibial fractures

IntroductionDistal tibial fractures are uncommon, but they result in poor overall outcome. The objective of this study was to assess functional outcome and general health status after the treatment of distal tibial fractures and identify factors that affect these outcome measures.Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study including 118 AO type 43 distal tibial fractures in 116 patients was conducted. With regard to articular involvement, fractures were classified as either simple (A1–B2, n = 70) or complex (B3–C3, n = 48). Twenty relevant demographic and operative variables were studied. Functional outcome, quality of life and pain were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and AOFAS ankle score, physical and mental SF-36, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaires, respectively.ResultsOver 75% of patients experienced noteworthy loss of ankle function. The general health status assessment showed markedly affected quality of life with more than two-third of all responding patients suffering from pain every day. In fact, complex fractures and increased complication rate were associated with worse functional outcome, whereas prolonged time to definite surgery affected both functional outcome and general health status significantly.ConclusionsComplex distal tibial fractures were associated with poor functional outcome scores and delayed (-staged) surgery has been shown to prevent postoperative soft tissue problems. However, soft tissue injury associated with distal tibial fractures itself affected both the postoperative functional outcome and general health status as well. This should contribute to the understanding of treatment and outcome of distal tibial fractures.Level of evidence3.