Small residual fracture gaps delay time to union in length stable femur fractures treated with intrameduallary fixation

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether residual fracture gapping and translation at time of intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for diaphyseal femur fractures were associated with delayed healing or nonunion.DesignRetrospective cohort studySettingLevel 1 trauma hospital, quaternary referral centerPatients/Participants/InterventionLength stable Winquist type 1 and 2 diaphyseal femur fractures treated with IMN at a single Level I trauma center were retrospectively reviewed.Main Outcome MeasureThe largest fracture gap and translation were evaluated on immediate anteroposterior (AP) and lateral postoperative radiographs. Radiographic healing was assessed using Radiographic Union Score in Femur (RUSF) scores at each follow-up. Radiographic union was defined as a RUSF score ≥8 and consolidation of at least 3 cortices. ANOVA and student's t-tests were used to evaluate the influence of fracture gap parameters on time to union (TTU) and nonunion rate. Patients were stratified to measured average gap and translation distances <1mm, 1-3mm and >3mm for portions of the analysis.ResultsSixty-six patients who underwent IMN with adequate follow-up were identified. A total of 93.9% of patients achieved union at an average of 2.8 months. Fractures with average AP/lateral gaps of <1mm, 1-2.9 mm, and >3mm had an average TTU of 70.1, 91.7, and 111.9 days respectively; fractures with larger residual gap sizes had a significantly longer TTU (p=0.009). Fractures with an average gap of 1-2.9mm and >3 mm had a significantly higher nonunion rate (1.5% and 4.5% respectively) compared to 0% nonunion in the <1 mm group (p=0.003).ConclusionResidual gapping following intramedullary fixation of length stable diaphyseal femur fractures is associated with a significant increase in likelihood of nonunion.SummaryResidual displacement of length stable femoral shaft fractures following intramedullary nailing can have a significantly negative impact on fracture healing. An average 3 mm AP/lateral residual fracture gap or a total of 6 mm of the AP + lateral fracture gap appeared to be a critical gap size with increased rates of nonunion and time to union. Therefore, we suggest minimizing the sum of the residual AP and lateral fracture gap to less than a total of 6 mm.     

Clinical utility of vesical imaging-reporting and data system (VI-RADS) in non−muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients candidate for en-bloc transurethral resection: A prospective study

ObjectivesTo assess accuracy of vesical imaging-reporting and data system (VI-RADS) 5-point score in detection of muscle invasive bladder cancer and avoiding second look transurethral resection of the tumors (TURBT). Additionally, to assess safety and efficacy of bipolar en-block transurethral urethral resection of bladder tumor.MethodsPatients with bladder mass up to 5 cm were included in the study. VI-RADS 5-point score was done preoperative for all cases and postoperatively before second look TURBT. Patients were followed up for 12 months.ResultsIn all, 80 cases were eligible for the study. Preoperative VI-RADS score at cutoff of 3 had sensitivity of 89.3 %, specificity 83.3 %, postive predective value (PPV) 92.6 %, negative predictive value (NPV) 76.9 %, accuracy of 87.5 %, while at cutoff 2 sensitivity was 82.1%, specificity 91.7%, PPV 95.8%, NPV 68.8%, accuracy of 85.0%. Operative time 28.8 ± 9.4 minutes, hemoglobin drop 0.3 ± 0.05 g/dl, catheterization time 2.8 ± 0.8 days, hospital stay 1.4 ± 0.4 days. No complications occurred. Recurrence in field of resection 3.75%. Detrusor muscle was available in 76 cases (95%). Postoperative VI-RADS score at cutoff of 3 had sensitivity of 78.6%, specificity 77.8%, PPV 84.6%, NPV 70.0%, accuracy of 78.3%. At cutoff 2 VI-RADS score sensitivity was 71.4%, specificity 77.8%, PPV 83.3%, NPV 63.6%, accuracy of 73.9%.ConclusionVI-RADS 5-point score showed high sensitivity and specificity in preoperative discrimination of non?muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) from muscle invasive bladder cancer cases and in avoiding unnecessary second look TURBT. Bipolar en-block TURBT technique is both safe and efficacious in resecting NMIBC cases with low recurrence rate.     

儿童前臂骨折术后尺骨延迟愈合或不愈合原因分析

目的：探讨弹性髓内钉治疗儿童前臂双骨折术后出现尺骨延迟愈合及不愈合的可能原因。方法：2005年2月至2010年2月,对弹性髓内钉治疗闭合性儿童前臂双骨折术后出现骨延迟愈合或不愈合5例患者进行回顾性分析,均为男性;年龄3-14岁,平均9．4岁;骨折均累及尺桡骨干中1／3,其中2例患者既往曾有相同部位骨折史。高能量损伤3例,摔伤2例。其中4例患者予行切开复位,1例行闭合复位。观察患者术后并发症,并采用Daruwalla及Price评定标准进行疗效评价。结果：5倒患者均获得随访,时间7～19个月,平均11．4个月。4例出现尺骨延迟愈合,1例出现不愈合。其中3例单纯取出内固定继续保守治疗,2例予更换固定方式继续治疗,所有骨折达到骨性愈合,未发生钉道感染或皮肤激惹等并发症。根据Daruwalla及Priee评定标准,优3例,良2例。结论：弹性髓内钉治疗儿童前臂双骨折是一种很好的方法,但是进行该手术时需严格遵循手术操作规范,把握适应证,同时需要根据具体病例情况,有选择地应用,避免术后出现骨折延迟愈合或不愈合。     

Intramedullary Nailing Versus Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Tibial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

To evaluate the application, safety and efficacy of the patients treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in distal tibia fractures. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched databases PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception of the database up to 10 October 2018, using the keywords “distal tibia fractures”, “plate”, “intramedullary nailing” and “RCT” to identify randomized clinical trials about distal tibia fractures. The included studies were assessed by two researchers according to the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias criteria. The primary outcome of measurement included operation time, malunion rate, nonunion/delayed union rate, and wound complication. Data analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 10 RCTs involving 911 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 455 patients in the IMN group and 456 patients in the MIPO group. There were no significant differences in radiation time, nonunion or delayed union rate, union time and operation time between the two groups. Patients treated with MIPO had lower incidence of malunion compared with IMN (RR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.21 to 2.83, P = 1.00), while IMN seemed to have lower surgical incision complications whether in closed or opening fractures (RR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.73, P = 0.43). But in patients classified as 43A, the result of subgroup analysis suggested that there was no significant inwound complication between the two groups. MIPO was superior in preventing malunion compared with IMN, and intramedullary nailing appeared to have lower wound complications. However, in patients with 43A distal tibial fractures, MIPO was more recommended for its prevention of malunion. No matter which method we choose, we should notice and prevent the associated complications.     

Immediate versus delayed intramedullary nailing for open fractures of the tibial shaft: A multivariate analysis of factors affecting deep infection and fracture healing

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate contributing factors affecting deep infection and fracture healing of open tibia fractures treated with locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) by multivariate analysis.

Materials and Methods:

We examined 99 open tibial fractures (98 patients) treated with immediate or delayed locked IMN in static fashion from 1991 to 2002. Multivariate analyses following univariate analyses were derived to determine predictors of deep infection, nonunion, and healing time to union. The following predictive variables of deep infection were selected for analysis: age, sex, Gustilo type, fracture grade by AO type, fracture location, timing or method of IMN, reamed or unreamed nailing, debridement time (≤6 h or >6 h), method of soft-tissue management, skin closure time (≤1 week or >1 week), existence of polytrauma (ISS< 18 or ISS≥18), existence of floating knee injury, and existence of superficial/pin site infection. The predictive variables of nonunion selected for analysis was the same as those for deep infection, with the addition of deep infection for exchange of pin site infection. The predictive variables of union time selected for analysis was the same as those for nonunion, excluding of location, debridement time, and existence of floating knee and superficial infection.

Results:

Six (6.1%; type II Gustilo n=1, type IIIB Gustilo n=5) of the 99 open tibial fractures developed deep infections. Multivariate analysis revealed that timing or method of IMN, debridement time, method of soft-tissue management, and existence of superficial or pin site infection significantly correlated with the occurrence of deep infection (P< 0.0001). In the immediate nailing group alone, the deep infection rate in type IIIB + IIIC was significantly higher than those in type I + II and IIIA (P = 0.016). Nonunion occurred in 17 fractures (20.3%, 17/84). Multivariate analysis revealed that Gustilo type, skin closure time, and existence of deep infection significantly correlated with occurrence of nonunion (P < 0.05). Gustilo type and existence of deep infection were significantly correlated with healing time to union on multivariate analysis (r² = 0.263, P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Multivariate analyses for open tibial fractures treated with IMN showed that IMN after EF (especially in existence of pin site infection) was at high risk of deep infection, and that debridement within 6 h and appropriate soft-tissue managements were also important factor in preventing deep infections. These analyses postulated that both the Gustilo type and the existence of deep infection is related with fracture healing in open fractures treated with IMN. In addition, immediate IMN for type IIIB and IIIC is potentially risky, and canal reaming did not increase the risk of complication for open tibial fractures treated with IMN.     

Treatment of 78 type II and type IIIa open fractures by primary closure on suction drain: a prospective study

The purpose of this study was to assess if primary closure of wounds on a suction drain can be performed in open fractures after debridement and to determine the risk of infection and nonunion. A total of 78 type II and type IIIa open fractures were managed with primary closure on a suction drain. They were followed until union. Rates of infection, delayed union and nonunion were determined and compared with rates reported in the literature. Overall, 16 fractures (20.5%) were complicated with superficial infections and 8 fractures (10.2%) had deep infections. Delayed union was observed in 11 fractures (14.1%) and nonunion in 12 fractures (15.3%). Primary closure of a wound on a suction drain seems to cause no significant increase in rates of infection, nonunion or delayed union.     

Systematic review shows lowered risk of nonunion after reamed nailing in patients with closed tibial shaft fractures

Nonunion after intramedullary nailing (IMN) in patients with tibial shaft fractures occurs up to 16%. There is no agreement whether reaming prior to IMN insertion would reduce the nonunion rate. We aimed to compare the nonunion rate between reamed and unreamed IMN in patients with tibial shaft fractures.A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The selected publications were: (1) randomised controlled trials; (2) comparing the nonunion rate; (3) in patients with tibial shaft fractures; (4) treated with either reamed or unreamed IMN.Seven studies that satisfied the criteria were identified. They showed that reamed IMN led to reduction of nonunion rate compared to unreamed IMN in closed tibial shaft fractures (risk difference ranging 7.0-20%, number needed to treat ranging 5-14), while the difference between compared treatments for open tibial shaft fractures was not clinically relevant.The evidence showed a consistent trend of reduced nonunion rate in closed tibial shaft fracture treated with reamed compared to unreamed IMN.     

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment for postoperative delayed union or nonunion of long bone fractures

Background Postoperative delayed union and nonunion is the most common complication in fracture treatment. Recent studies have shown an accelerating effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on fracture repair. However, the indications for delayed union and nonunion are not clear. To clarify the factors which influence the effects of LIPUS, the data from a previous prospective multicenter study on LIPUS treatment for postoperative delayed union and nonunion of long bone fractures were reanalyzed. Methods Seventy-two cases of long bone fracture, including those of the femur, tibia, humerus, radius, and ulna, were analyzed. The mean time from the most recent operation to the beginning of LIPUS treatment was 11.5 (3–68) months. The relationship between the background factors and the union rate was analyzed using a logistic regression method. In addition, long bone fractures in an upper extremity or in a lower extremity were analyzed separately. Results The union rate was 75% in all the cases of long bone fracture. There was a significant relationship between the union rate and the period from the most recent operation to the beginning of LIPUS treatment in all cases and in those that had long bone fracture of an upper extremity. There was also a significant relationship between the union rate and the time when a radiological improvement was first observed after the beginning of the treatment in all cases and in those with fractures in a lower extremity. When LIPUS treatment was started within 6 months of the most recent operation, 89.7% of all fractures healed. When an improvement in the radiological changes at the fracture site was observed after 4 months in those cases, then the sensitivity and specificity for union were more than 90%. Conclusions LIPUS treatment should be started within 6 months of the most recent operation. Because LIPUS has been shown to be effective without causing either serious invasiveness or any undue risk to the patient, it may be considered the treatment of first choice for cases of postoperative delayed union or nonunion.     

Complications after fibula intramedullary nail fixation of pilon versus ankle fractures

BackgroundIntramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of the fibula in malleolar ankle fractures has been shown to result in less wound complications then plate fixation. Therefore, IMN fibula fixation may also be associated with lower rates of wound complications when used for higher-risk pilon fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare complications of fibula IMN fixation in pilon versus malleolar ankle fractures.MethodsA retrospective cohort comparison was performed at an urban level one trauma center involving fibula fractures in 47 patients with AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) type 43 fractures and 48 patients with AO/OTA type 44 fractures being treated with fibula IMN fixation. Complications, fibula-specific complications, revision surgeries, and implant removals were reviewed.ResultsThere was no detectable difference in complications (27% vs. 23%, 95% confidence interval of the odds ratio (CIOR) 0.5 to 3.2), fibular-specific complications (6% vs. 10%, CIOR 0.1 to 3.5), revision surgeries (4% vs. 4%, CIOR 0.1 to 7.5), or symptomatic fibula implant removals (13% vs. 21%, CIOR 0.1 to 1.6) between pilon and ankle fracture groups, respectively. There was one (2%) fibular nonunion and one wound complication (2%) in each of the fracture groups.ConclusionFibula IMN fixation of pilon versus ankle fractures resulted in a similar number of complications. Comparative studies of fibula IMN and plate fixation are necessary to determine if the benefits of fibula IMN in ankle fractures extends to pilon fractures.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort.     

Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures: Is One Superior to the Other?

IntroductionDistal femur fractures make up < 1% of all fractures and 3–6% of all femur fractures. In the literature, both intramedullary nailing (IMN) and locked plating (LP) have shown favorable results, but there is no consensus on a gold standard. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of native distal femur fractures treated via IMN versus LP in an effort to determine if one is superior to the other.MethodsSystematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Only articles published within the last ten years were included. Evidence and study quality were evaluated with the MQOE and Oxford Criteria.ResultsForty-six articles were included in the review. Fractures treated with IMN were found to have a 93.9% union rate, an average time to union of 19.2 weeks, an average arc of motion of 105.1 degrees, with an average of 14.4 degrees of malalignment. Fractures treated with LP were found to have a 90.2% union rate, an average time to union of 20.5 weeks, an average arc of motion of 104 degrees, with an average of 12.6 degrees of malalignment.ConclusionCompiled data comparisons revealed no differences in union rate, malalignment, time to union, average arc of motion, or complication rates requiring a return to the operating room. Until higher level randomized data is available, either IMN or LP are acceptable methods of treatment for native distal femur fractures.     

Do Poller screws effect union in tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing?

IntroductionTibial shaft fractures are a commonly encountered challenge presented to orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is often the treatment of choice and whilst effective, complications of delayed and/or non-union can cause significant morbidity and necessitate additional operative procedures. The use of Poller screws during IMN are a recognised way of aiding fracture reduction, however the clinical benefits of this are debated. This study evaluated the outcome of tibial shaft fractures treated with IMN with or without the addition of Poller screws.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing IMN following tibial shaft fractures over a 5-year period. 154 operated tibial shaft fractures were identified, with patients divided into 3 groups - Group 1: IM nailing alone, Group 2: IMN + 1 conventional Poller screw, or Group 3: IMN + 2 Poller screws placed Epicentrically across the fracture site. Data collected included demographics, length of stay, fracture type, position and AO classification grade, operative time, and operating surgeons' grade. Primary outcome measure was the incidence of delayed and/or non-union. Secondary outcomes were differences in rates of infection and additional orthopaedic procedures between the 3 groups.ResultsOverall 139/154 fractures (90.3%) achieved a timely union. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) in fracture union between the 3 groups, with 75/88 fractures healing in group 1 (IMN alone) compared to 44/46 in Group 2 (IMN + 1 Poller screw) and 20/20 in group 3 (IMN + 2 Poller screws). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of superficial infection, (p = 0.95) additional procedures (p = 0.23) or deep infection (p = 0.65) between the 3 groups.ConclusionThe addition of Poller screws appear to be a safe and effective adjunct in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures via IMN. Further prospective randomised trials are needed to fully elucidate both the role and potential benefits of Poller screw augmentation in acute lower limb fracture management.     

Obesity is associated with increased postoperative complications after operative management of tibial shaft fractures

ObjectivesTo assess the association of obesity and postoperative complications after operative management of tibial shaft fractures.MethodsPatients who underwent operative management of a tibial shaft fracture were identified in a national database by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for: (1) open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and (2) intramedullary nailing (IMN) procedures in the setting of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for tibial shaft fracture. These groups were then divided into non-obese, obese, and morbidly obese cohorts using ICD-9 codes. Each cohort was then assessed for grouped complications within 90 days, removal of implants within 6 months, and nonunion within 9 months postoperatively. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2012, 14,638 patients who underwent operative management of tibial shaft fractures were identified, including 4425 (30.2%) ORIF and 10,213 (69.8%) IMN. Overall, 1091 patients (7.4%) were coded as obese and 820 (5.6%) morbidly obese. In each operative group, obesity and morbid obesity was associated with a substantial increase in the rate of major and minor medical complications, venous thromboembolism, infection, procedures for implant removal, and nonunion.ConclusionsIn patients who undergo either ORIF or IMN for tibial shaft fractures, obesity and its related medical comorbidities are associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative medical complications, infection, nonunion, and implant removal compared to non-obese patients.     

Strategies and outcomes in severe open tibial shaft fractures at a major trauma center: A large retrospective case-series

BACKGROUNDSevere open tibia fractures are challenging to treat with a lack of published clear management strategies. Our aim was to provide an overview of the largest single-center experience in the literature, with minimum 1-year follow-up, of adult type 3 open tibial shaft fractures at Cambridge University Hospitals (a United Kingdom major trauma center). We sought to define patient characteristics and our main outcome measures were infection, union and re-fracture.AIMTo retrospectively define patient and injury characteristics, present our surgical methods and analyze our outcomes–namely infection, union and re-fracture rates.METHODSConsecutive series of 74 patients with 75 open tibial fractures treated between 2014 and 2020 (26 classified as Gustilo-Anderson 3A, 47 were 3B and two were 3C). Nine patients underwent intramedullary nailing (IMN), 61 underwent Taylor spatial frame (TSF) fixation and 5 were treated with Masquelet technique (IMN and subsequent bone grafting).RESULTSMean follow-up was 16 mo (IMN) and 25 mo (TSF). We had an infection rate of 6.7% (5), non-union rate of 4% (3) and re-fracture rate of 2.7% (2). Average time to union was 22 wk for IMN and 38.6 wk for TSF. Thirty-three cases had a bone defect with a mean of 5.4 cm (2-11). Patient age, sex, diabetes, smoking status or injury severity did not have a significant effect on union time with either fixation method. Our limb salvage rate was 98.7%.CONCLUSIONGrade 1 to 3A injuries can effectively be treated with reamed or unreamed IMN. Grade 3B/C injuries are best treated by circular external fixators as they provide good, reproducible outcomes and allow large bone defects to be addressed via distraction osteogenesis.     

应用微创经皮接骨板内固定技术与带锁髓内钉治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效比较

背景：胫骨开放性骨折在临床上比较常见,并发症多、治疗困难,采取何种治疗方法,尤其是内固定方法,目前尚无统一认识。目的：探讨应用微创经皮接骨板内固定技术（MIPPO）与带锁髓内钉（IMN）治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效。方法：2010年1月至2013年12月,选择性应用MIPPO和IMN技术治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折89例,其中应用MIPPO治疗52例,应用IMN治疗37例,观察两组患者的手术时间、骨折临床愈合时间、术后并发症,采用Johner-Wruh胫骨骨折疗效评估标准评估患肢功能,评定应用MIPPO和IMN技术治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的临床疗效。结果：所有患者均获得随访,随访时间为11~34个月,平均23.4个月。MIPPO组和IMN组的平均手术时间为71 min和65 min;平均愈合时间为（34.6±8.3）周和（32.1±9.6）周。MIPPO组出现2例感染、1例成角畸形、1例延迟愈合、1例不愈合;IMN组出现1例感染、1例旋转畸形、1例不愈合,两组术后并发症总发生率比较无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论：MIPPO和IMN技术是治疗开放性C2型胫骨骨折的两种理想方法。     

脱钙骨基质治疗长骨骨折延迟愈合及骨不连

目的探讨脱钙骨基质(decalcifiedbonematrix,DBM)治疗长骨骨折延迟愈合和骨不连的疗效。方法长骨延迟愈合、骨不连共57例,男45例,女12例;年龄21~65岁,平均42岁。开放性骨折17例,闭合骨折40例。骨折延迟愈合32例中,肱骨4例,股骨10例,胫骨18例;骨不连25例中,肱骨5例,股骨4例,胫骨16例。全部采用DBM于骨断端处和骨缺损区植入治疗。结果57例患者均获随访,随访时间4~37个月,平均7.8个月。骨折延迟愈合32例中骨折愈合31例,1例胫骨骨折未愈合;骨不连25例中骨折愈合23例,2例未愈合,其中胫骨1例、肱骨1例。愈合时间3~6.6个月,平均4.7个月。结论DBM治疗长骨骨折延迟愈合及骨不连,其疗效满意、并发症少。     

Routine pelvic X-rays in asymptomatic hemodynamically stable blunt trauma patients: A meta-analysis

IntroductionThere is no consensus on how pelvic X-rays should be ordered selectively in blunt trauma patients which may save time, reduce radiation exposure and costs. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the need for routine pelvic X-rays in awake, respiratory and hemodynamically (HD) stable blunt trauma patients without signs of pelvic fracture. Criteria to identify patients who could safely forgo pelvic X-ray were evaluated.MethodsA literature search was performed for prospective comparative cohort studies. Inclusion criteria were: blunt force trauma, hemodynamically and respiratory stable and awake patients, physical examination (PE) for pelvic fractures was adequately described, and the reliability of negative PE findings could be evaluated. Primary outcome was the negative predictive value (NPV) of PE for all and for clinically relevant pelvic fractures. Additionally sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated.ResultsTen studies were included; yielding a total of 11,423 patients. The NPV of PE for all pelvic fractures ranged from 0.96 to 1.00 with a median of 0.996. Combining studies, total NPV was 0.991. For clinically relevant fractures, the NPV of PE ranged from 0.996 to 1.00 with a median of 1.00. In patients with negative findings during PE, 0.9% had fractures, and 0.1% had clinically relevant fractures, none requiring surgical management.ConclusionsIn awake, hemodynamically and respiratory stable blunt trauma patients, PE could identify those patients who could safely forgo pelvic X-ray. Selective ordering of pelvic X-ray may lead to a decrease in patient work-up time, lower radiation exposure, and reduce costs. A decision making flow chart is proposed..     

Health outcomes of delayed union and nonunion of femoral and tibial shaft fractures

Introduction

Knowledge about the functional consequences of lower limb long bone fractures is helpful to inform patients, clinicians and employers about their recovery process and prognosis. This study aims to describe the epidemiology and health outcomes of femoral and tibial shaft fractures treated at two level I trauma centres, by comparing the differences between patients with delayed union or nonunion and patients with union.

Patients and methods

An analysis of registry data over two years, supplemented with medical record review, was conducted. Fracture healing was retrospectively assessed by clinical and radiological evidence of union, and the need for surgical intervention. SF-12 scores, and work and pain status were prospectively recorded at six and twelve months post injury.

Results

285 fractures progressed to union and 138 fractures developed delayed union or nonunion. There was a significant difference between the two cohorts with regards to the mechanism of injury, association with multi-trauma, open fractures, grade of Gustilo classification, patient fund source, smoking status and presence of comorbidities. The SF-12 physical component score was less than 50 at both six and twelve months with improvement in the union group, but not in the delayed union or nonunion group. 72% of patients with union had returned to work at one year, but 54% continued to have pain. The difference compared to patients with delayed union or nonunion was significant.

Discussion

Even patients whose fractures unite in the expectant time-frame will have residual physical disability. Patients with delayed union or nonunion have still poorer outcomes, including ongoing problems with returning to work and pain. It is important to educate patients about their injury so that they have realistic expectations. This is particularly relevant given that the patients most likely to sustain femoral or tibial shaft fractures are working-age healthy adults, and up to a third of fractures may develop delayed union or nonunion.

Conclusion

Despite modern treatment, the patient-reported outcomes of lower limb long bone shaft fractures do not return to normal at one year. Patients with delayed union or nonunion can expect poorer outcomes.     

Intramedullary nailing for open fractures of the femoral shaft: evaluation of contributing factors on deep infection and nonunion using multivariate analysis

The purpose of this study was to use multivariate analysis to evaluate contributing factors affecting deep infection and nonunion of open femoral fractures treated with locked intramedullary nailing (IMN). We examined 89 open femoral fractures (88 patients) treated with immediate or delayed locked IMN in static fashion at the Kitasato University Hospital from 1988 to 2001. Multiple regression models were derived to determine predictors of deep infection and nonunion. The following predictive variables of deep infection were selected for analysis: age, sex, Gustilo type (I+II or III), fracture grade by AO type (A or B+C), fracture site (proximal site+distal site or middle site), timing or method of IMN, reamed or unreamed nailing (R versus UR), debridement time (< or =6 h or >6 h), existence of polytrauma (ISS<18 or ISS> or =18), and existence of floating knee injury (+ or -). The predictive variables of nonunion selected for analysis were the same as those for deep infection, with the addition of deep infection (+ or -). Five fractures (5.6%) developed deep infections: one Gustilo type II and four type III. Multivariate analysis revealed that only Gustilo type significantly correlated with occurrence of deep infection (p<0.05). Nonunion occurred in 12 fractures (14.1%). Multivariate analysis revealed that only fracture grade by AO type significantly correlated with occurrence of nonunion (p<0.02).     

Individualized-thresholding Shear Wave Elastography combined with clinical factors improves specificity in discriminating breast masses

PurposeTo investigate the diagnostic role of new metrics, defined as individualized-thresholding of Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) parameters, in association with clinical factors (such as age, mammographic density, lesion size and depth) and the BI-RADS features in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.MethodsOf 644 consecutive patients (median age, 55 years), prospectively referred for evaluation, 659 ultrasound detected breast lesions underwent SWE measurements. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the probability of malignancy. The area under the curve (AUC), optimal cutoff value, and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined.Results265 of 659 (40.2%) masses were malignant. Using two E_mean cutoffs, 69.6 kPa for large superficial lesions (size >10 mm, depth ≤5 mm) and 39.2 kPa for the rest, the overall specificity, sensitivity, PPV and NPV were 92.6%, 86.8%, 88.8% and 91.3%, respectively. Combining multiple factors, including E_mean with two cutoffs, age and BI-RADS, the new ROC curve based on the malignancy probability calculation showed the highest AUC (0.954, 95% CI: 0.938–0.969). Using the optimal probability threshold of 0.514, the corresponding specificity, sensitivity, PPV and NPV were 92.9%, 89.1%, 89.4% and 92.7%, respectively.ConclusionsThe false-positive rate can be significantly reduced when applying two E_mean cutoffs based on lesion size and depth. Moreover, the combination of age, E_mean with two cutoffs and BI-RADS can further reduce the false negatives and false positives. Overall, this multifactorial analysis improves the specificity of ultrasound while maintaining a high sensitivity.     

髓内钉与经皮锁定钢板治疗胫骨中下段骨折临床疗效分析

目的比较髓内钉（IMN）与经皮锁定钢板（MIPPO）治疗胫骨中下段骨折的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年12月江苏省苏州高新区人民医院应用IMN与MIPPO两种手术方式治疗的胫骨中下段骨折患者共60例,其中IMN组30例,男性19例,女性11例;MIPPO组30例,男性21例,女性9例,比较两组患者在性别、年龄、受伤类型、OTA分型、受伤原因、是否合并开放性骨折、是否合并腓骨骨折、随访时间、术前等待时间、胫骨手术时间、胫骨术中透视次数、胫骨手术出血量、骨愈合时间、住院时间、手术并发症、术后Johner-Wruhs评分等方面的差异。 结果60例患者均获随访,随访时间12～26个月。与MIPPO组比较,IMN组术前等待时间、住院时间短,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;两组胫骨手术时间、术中透视次数、手术出血量、骨愈合时间、Johner-Wruhs评分结果比较差异无统计学意义;髌前痛、软组织激惹、力线不良、骨不连、骨延迟愈合等并发症比较差异无统计学意义;伤口并发症发生率比较,IMN组低于MIPPO组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论IMN与MIPPO两种固定方法均是治疗胫骨中下段骨折的有效方法。IMN内固定对皮肤软组织干扰小,更加适合用于局部软组织条件不良者。