Contributing factors influencing the functional outcome of floating knee injuries

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively review the floating knee injuries treated at our institute and to determine various factors, such as severity of soft-tissue or skeletal injuries, site of fractures, and treatment methods that may significantly influence the final functional result in these injuries. Between 1986 and 1996, 65 patients with 66 floating knee injuries were treated in our institution. Among 66 fractures of the femur, 19 (29%) were open. There were 43 open tibial fractures. Fifty cases were Fraser type I floating knee fractures, 7 were type IIa, 2 were type IIb, and 7 were type IIc. In 63 cases (95%), both bones had been surgically stabilized with interlocked nails, Ender pins, plates, screws with/without pinning, or external fixations. Final functional results were evaluated according to Karlstr?m and Olerud's criteria. Satisfactory results were rated as cases with excellent or good results. The mean follow-up time was 16.6 months range, (12-50 months). We assessed various factors influencing functional results, including Fraser type, severity of open injury grade (Gustilo) in both fractures, combination of open/closed injuries, fracture types (AO/ASIF type), existence of multiple trauma, neurovascular injuries, polyskeletal trauma, and stabilizing method or operation timing of both fractures. Satisfactory rates in Fraser type I and type II were 64% and 25%, respectively (P= .02). The satisfactory rate in closed, grade I+II, and grade III injuries of the femoral fractures was 53.2%, 81.8%, and 25%, respectively (grade I+II vs. grade III: P < .03). There were no significant correlations between the functional result and the following factors: soft-tissue injuries of the tibia; the fracture pattern of both fractures; the combination of open/closed injuries in each fracture; injury severity score; the existence of neurovascular injuries and double femoral fractures; treatment methods; and operation timing. Severity of damage to the knee joint and open injuries in the thigh were found to be significant factors contributing to the functional outcome in floating knee injuries.     

Tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients

Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries which, if not adequately treated, can lead to invalidating sequelae. They constitute on average about 1% of all fractures, and up to 8% in patients over 65 years, and can be caused by both high- and low-energy trauma. Unlike in younger subjects, treatment of tibial plateau fractures in the elderly is not univocal and depends on the patient’s functional needs, bone quality and systemic comorbidities. In this retrospective study, 49 patients with a mean age of 72 years, who underwent surgical treatment of a tibial plateau fracture, were assessed by the Rasmussen’s clinical and radiological grading systems. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were satisfactory in 75.5 and 59.1% of cases, respectively. Data were also analyzed, in terms of fracture type, age and gender, to detect any statistically significant correlation between these parameters and clinical and radiographic outcomes.     

Displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly: Results after open reduction and internal fixation

BackgroundThe optimal management of elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures remains controversial. This paper aims to summarize the clinical results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and the possible factors influencing them.MethodsRadiographic and clinical data on 52 elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures that were treated by ORIF between May 2000 and May 2008 were retrospectively analysed. Data, such as fracture type (Letournel's classification system), quality of reduction, clinical outcomes (Harris hip score and modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel score), and radiological outcomes (Matta score), were evaluated.ResultsGood to excellent clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded in 43 (82.7%) and 37 patients (71.2%), respectively. Acetabular fractures without radiographic features, such as quadrilateral plate fracture, Gull sign, posterior dislocation of hip, posterior wall marginal impaction, comminuted posterior wall fracture, and femoral head injury, can still achieve good to excellent outcomes. However, patients with the abovementioned radiographic features tend to achieve fair or poor outcomes. When an acetabular fracture with the aforementioned features, except for femoral head injury, can achieve and maintain anatomic reduction until complete fracture healing, the difference between fractures with and without the radiographic features is no longer significant. The results indicate that the outcomes are more affected by reduction rather than radiographic features.ConclusionORIF may be suggested for displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly. Good to excellent outcomes and a high degree of patient satisfaction can be achieved in majority of the patients. We recommend ORIF as the preferred treatment for displaced acetabular fractures without the abovementioned radiographic features.Level of evidenceTherapeutic level IV.     

影响胫骨Pilon骨折疗效的相关因素分析

[目的]探讨影响Pilon骨折疗效的相关因素.[方法]胫骨Pilon骨折152例,根据骨折粉碎、移位的影像学改变,将骨折分为4型.按治疗方法分为开放复位内固定组和其他治疗方法组,其中内固定组92例、其他治疗方法组60例,平均随访9.6年(1～19年).对影响其疗效的相关因素进行临床分析.[结果]内固定组和其他方法治疗组复位质量优良率分别为83.70％、55.00％,治疗效果优良率平均为77.63％,其中内固定组优良率88.04％,其他方法组优良率61.67％.各型骨折内固定组的治疗效果优良率均高于其他方法组.术后并发症有浅表感染9例,创口裂开皮肤坏死延期愈合13例,外固定针道感染3例,骨延迟愈合2例,创伤性关节炎23例,深部感染骨髓炎1例.[结论]影响Pilon骨折临床疗效的主要因素是骨折类型、治疗方法、复位质量.Ⅰ型骨折两种治疗方法复位均满意;Ⅱ、Ⅲ型骨折切开复位内固定能获得优良疗效,Ⅳ型骨折两种治疗方法均难于达到解剖复位,部分Ⅳ型骨折伴有软组织严重损伤者适宜选择外固定器治疗.     

Evaluation of functional outcome of the floating knee injury using multivariate analysis

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate significant contributing factors affecting the functional prognosis of floating knee injuries using multivariate analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 68 floating knee injuries (67 patients) were treated at Kitasato University Hospital from 1986 to 1999. Both the femoral fractures and the tibial fractures were managed surgically by various methods. The functional results of these injuries were evaluated using the grading system of Karlstr?m and Olerud. Follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 19 years (mean 50.2 months) after the original injury. We defined satisfactory (S) outcomes as those cases with excellent or good results and unsatisfactory (US) outcomes as those cases with acceptable or poor results. Logistic regression analysis was used as a multivariate analysis, and the dependent variables were defined as a satisfactory outcome or as an unsatisfactory outcome. The explanatory variables were predicting factors influencing the functional outcome such as age at trauma, gender, severity of soft-tissue injury in the femur and the tibia, AO fracture grade in the femur and the tibia, Fraser type (type I or type II), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and fixation time after injury (less than 1 week or more than 1 week) in the femur and the tibia. RESULTS: The final functional results were as follows: 25 cases had excellent results, 15 cases good results, 16 cases acceptable results, and 12 cases poor results. The predictive logistic regression equation was as follows: Log 1-p/p = 3.12-1.52 x Fraser type - 1.65 x severity of soft-tissue injury in the tibia - 1.31 x fixation time after injury in the tibia - 0.821 x AO fracture grade in the tibia + 1.025 x fixation time after injury in the femur - 0.687 x AO fracture grade in the femur ( p=0.01). Among the variables, Fraser type and the severity of soft-tissue injury in the tibia were significantly related to the final result. CONCLUSION: The multivariate analysis showed that both the involvement of the knee joint and the severity grade of soft-tissue injury in the tibia represented significant risk factors of poor outcome in floating knee injuries in this study.     

Pelvic X-ray misses out on detecting sacral fractures in the elderly – Importance of CT imaging in blunt pelvic trauma

Patients aged 75 years and older with blunt pelvic trauma are frequently seen in the ER. The standard diagnostic tool in these patients is the plain a.p.-radiograph of the pelvis. Especially lesions of the posterior pelvic ring are often missed due to e.g. bowel gas projection and enteric overlay. With a retrospective study covering these patients over a 3 year period in our level I trauma centre, we were able to evaluate the rate of missed injuries in the a.p.-radiograph whenever a corresponding CT scan was performed. Age, gender, and accompanying fractures of the pelvic ring were recorded. The intrinsic test characteristics and the performance in the population were calculated according to standard formulas. Thus, 233 consecutive patients with blunt pelvic trauma with both conventional radiographic examination and computed tomography (CT) were included. Thereof, 56 (23%) showed a sacral fracture in the CT scan. Of 233 pelvic X-ray-images taken, 227 showed no sacral fracture. 51 (21.7%) of these were false negative, yielding a sensitivity of just 10.5%. Average age of patients with sacral fractures was 85.1 ± 6.1 years, with 88% being female. Sacral fractures were often accompanied by lesions of the anterior pelvic ring with pubic bone fractures in 75% of sacrum fracture cases. Second most concomitant fractures are found at the acetabulum (23.3%).Plain radiographic imaging is especially likely to miss out fractures of the posterior pelvic ring, which nowadays can be of therapeutic consequence. Besides the physicians experience in the ED, profound knowledge of insensitivity of plain radiographs in finding posterior pelvic ring lesions is crucial for a reliable diagnostic routine. Since the high mortality caused by prolonged immobilisation due to pelvic ring injuries, all fractures should be identified. We therefore provide a diagnostic algorithm for blunt pelvic trauma in the elderly.     

Contributing factors affecting initial bony healing in interlocking nailings for femoral shaft fractures

The objective of this study was to evaluate bony healing and predict factors affecting bony healing of femoral fractures treated with interlocking nailing (ILN) in static or dynamic conditions, and in reamed or unreamed procedures. Seventy-four femoral fractures (69 patients) were initially stabilized with ILNs in static condition. Among these fractures, ten static ILNs were dynamized after approximately 6 (median 6.4, range 1–13) months because of poor fracture healing. Reamed ILNs were performed for 55 fractures and unreamed ILNs for 19 fractures. Clinical and roentgenograhic processes were analyzed with emphasis on whether or not ILNs were dynamized. To evaluate any significant contributing factors affecting the nonunion of femoral shaft fractures treated with ILNs, logistic regression analysis was done. The union rates of static ILNs and dynamized ILNs were 92% (59/64) and 70% (7/10) respectively, but there was no significant difference between them. Five nonunions were seen in reamed ILNs and three in unreamed ILNs. The predictive logistic regression equation for nonunion was as follows: Log 1-p/p=1.05 -1.20 × AO/ASIF fracture grade in the femur -3.07 × existence of multiskeletal trauma in lower extremity + 0.06 × age -1.11 × smoking history -0.3 × existence of polytrauma -0.626 × the severity of soft tissue injury ( p=0.002; each variable in the above equation was arranged according to the significant order). Among the variables, AO fracture grade (type C) in the femur and existence of multiskeletal trauma in lower extremity were significantly related to nonunion. Static ILN in most femoral shaft fractures does not inhibit the process of fracture healing. The following associated skeletal lesions were our concerns for nonunion and broken nail in static or dynamic ILNs: (1) C-type femoral fracture; and (2) existence of multiskeletal trauma, such as double lesions in the ipsilateral femur, floating knee injury, and bilateral femoral fractures.     

LISS治疗股骨远端骨折疗效及膝关节功能影响因素分析

目的评价股骨远端微创内固定技术（USS）治疗股骨远端骨折的治疗效果并分析影响膝关节功能的影响因素。方法自2009—01-2012—11应用USS—DF钢板内固定治疗股骨远端骨折81例。以临床功能和X线检查结果评价治疗效果。对可能影响膝关节功能的年龄、性别、骨折类型、创伤类型、是否为开放性损伤、是否为多发伤、手术距受伤的时间、是否早期功能锻炼、是否出现并发症作多因素Logistic回归分析。结果81例平均随访18．2（14-21）个月,78例骨折一期愈合。膝关节活动度：A型骨折平均109．1°,C型骨折平均101°。膝关节功能按HSS评分评定：A型骨折优良率91．4％,C型骨折优良率71．7％。多因素Logistic回归分析显示骨折类型、是否早期功能锻炼、是否出现并发症是影响膝关节功能的独立危险因素。结论LISS—DF钢板内固定治疗股骨远端骨折固定牢固,骨折愈合率高,是一种理想的内固定,术后患者应早期加强功能锻炼,减少并发症,提高膝关节功能恢复。     

Begleitverletzungen distaler Radiusfrakturen

Background

Following treatment of distal radius fractures poor functional results can still be found despite satisfactory radiological findings. This may be due to concomitant carpal lesions occurring together with these fractures. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the clinical outcome depending on the type of fracture and concomitant carpal lesions.

Patients and methods

A total of 66 patients with distal radius fractures treated over a 1-year period could be assessed. The functional results were compared with the uninjured contralateral side. The follow-up examination included patient history, physical and radiographic examination as well as the DASH (Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand) questionnaire and the modified Mayo wrist score.

Results

The average follow-up time was 12.7 months and the mean age of the examined patients was 53 years. The fracture classification according to AO (AO Working party for osteosynthesis questions) showed 32% type A, 10% type B and 58% type C fractures. In 55% a concomitant carpal lesion was found and 44% of the patients required surgical treatment. All fractures united without complications. In all cases X-rays showed no loss of reduction postoperatively. Overall grip strength and wrist motion was reduced to 81% compared to the uninjured side. Patients regained good function represented in a mean DASH score of 24.8 points and a Mayo score of 70.6 points. The number of complete intraarticular fractures (type C) was significantly higher in patients who needed surgical treatment for carpal lesions compared to the groups where concomitant carpal lesions did not require invasive treatment or those where no carpal lesions were found. However, due to the operative treatment a comparable functional result could be obtained in all groups independent of the injury severity.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate, if a correct restoration and surgical stabilization technique is used, clinical outcome following fractures of the distal radius also depends on an optimized management of concomitant carpal lesions.     

Karpale Begleitläsionen bei dislozierter distaler Radiusfraktur

Background

The functional outcome of surgically treated dislocated fractures of the distal radius is limited and does not correlate with radiographic results. Additional carpal lesions are assumed to be the cause. This study has evaluated which carpal lesions are associated with dislocated fractures of the distal radius.

Material and methods

A total of 104 consecutive patients with dislocated fractures of the distal radius were included in the study. The injured wrist was examined by radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine additional carpal lesions.

Results

Radiographically 51 of the 104 fractures presented as type A according to the AO classification, 10 as type B and 39 as type C. The CT scan detected that only 5 of the 51 type A fractures were exclusively metaphyseal fractures. All type A fractures were associated with ligamental lesions in MRI.

Conclusions

The results of the study confirm the hypothesis that every dislocated fracture of the distal radius is a combined carpal trauma associated with additional osseous and/or ligamental lesions.     

Patellar fractures: contemporary approach to operative treatment, using different types of the tension band principles

Summary Patellar fractures are relatively common accounting to approximately 1% of all skeletal injuries. The subcutaneous anterior location of the patella makes it prone to injury, and fractures may occur as a result of direct or indirect trauma. Traffic accidents and falls are the most common causes. Patellar fractures are a diverse group of injuries, and fracture types vary considerably. The method of treatment is chosen on the basis of patients factors {age, bone quality, activity level and compliance} and fracture type. The surgical goals are anatomic reduction of the articular surface and stable fixation. Contemporary methods of treatment include screws, the tension band and a combination of the two. Frequently these injuries associated with concomitants injuries as fracture of the femur, subtrochanteric fracture, traumatic dislocation of the hip and lesions of the knee ligaments.      

髋关节外侧入路在Pipkin骨折治疗中的应用

目的 探讨髋关节外侧入路在Pipkin骨折治疗中的应用效果.方法 回顾性研究1999年5月至2008年1月采用髋关节外侧入路治疗的13例Pipkin骨折患者资料,均为男性,年龄19～59岁,平均34.5岁.Pipkin分型:Ⅰ型4例,Ⅱ型5例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型2例.股骨头骨折采用可吸收螺钉固定,髋臼骨折采用皮质骨螺钉固定,股骨颈骨折采用拉力螺钉固定.从骨折愈合情况、创伤性关节炎、股骨头缺血性坏死、异位骨化以及Thompson-Epstein评分等方面评价治疗效果.结果 13例患者术后获平均48.5个月(13～105个月)随访.X线片及CT示所有患者骨折均获得愈合.随访期间无感染、内固定失效、螺钉断裂等并发症发生.1例Ⅲ型骨折患者股骨颈骨折属于头下型,术后出现股骨头缺血性坏死,于30个月后行全髋关节置换术.1例Ⅳ型骨折患者由于关节面软骨碎块多且小而无法固定,术中予清除,继发创伤性关节炎,应用非甾体类药物控制症状.Brooker异位骨化分级:Ⅰ级1例,Ⅱ级2例,Ⅲ级1例.Thompson-Epstein评分:优6例,良4例,可2例,差1例,优良率为76.9%.结论 髋关节外侧入路可充分显露、固定髋臼后壁骨折及股骨头骨折,且疗效满意,是治疗Pipkin骨折的较理想入路.     

影响移位性髋臼骨折手术疗效的因素

目的 探讨影响移位性髋臼骨折手术疗效的因素.方法 2000年6月至2006年10月,手术治疗移位性髋臼骨折124例(125髋),年龄20～75岁,平均39.7岁.根据可能影响手术疗效的因素,如年龄、性别、骨折类型、合并同侧髋关节后脱位、髋关节复位时间、合并同侧坐骨神经损伤、伤后手术时间、手术入路、骨折复位质量、异位骨化等对患者进行分组,并进行Logistic回归分析.结果 118例(119髋)获得随访,平均随访32.5个月(12～76个月).按改良Merle d'Aubigné-Postel评分标准,优51髋、良44髋、可16髋、差8髋,优良率为79.8%.功能优良率在简单类型骨折和复杂类型骨折组分别为88.9%和69.6%(X2=6.763,P=0.009);14 d内手术和14 d后手术组分别为85.9%和68.3%(X2=5.130,P=0.024);复位满意组和不满意组分别为86.8%和18.2%(X2=29.450,P=0.000);无髋关节脱位、髋关节脱位24 h内复位组和24 h后复位组分别为85.9%、84.2%和40.0%,24 h内复位组与无髋关节脱位组比较差异无统计学意义(X2=0.000,P=1.000),24 h后复位组的优良率低于无髋关节脱位组(X2=13.532,P=0.000)和24 h内复位组(X2=5.369,P=0.020).多因素Logistic 回归分析显示骨折类型、髋关节后脱位复位时间、伤后手术时间、复位质量是影响髋臼骨折术后功能结果 的独立危险因素.结论 复位质量、髋关节后脱位复位时间、骨折类型及伤后手术时间是影响髋臼骨折术后功能的独立危险因素,其中复位质量是最重要的可控性因素.     

影响移位性髋臼骨折手术疗效的因素

目的 探讨影响移位性髋臼骨折手术疗效的因素.方法 2000年6月至2006年10月,手术治疗移位性髋臼骨折124例(125髋),年龄20～75岁,平均39.7岁.根据可能影响手术疗效的因素,如年龄、性别、骨折类型、合并同侧髋关节后脱位、髋关节复位时间、合并同侧坐骨神经损伤、伤后手术时间、手术入路、骨折复位质量、异位骨化等对患者进行分组,并进行Logistic回归分析.结果 118例(119髋)获得随访,平均随访32.5个月(12～76个月).按改良Merle d'Aubigné-Postel评分标准,优51髋、良44髋、可16髋、差8髋,优良率为79.8%.功能优良率在简单类型骨折和复杂类型骨折组分别为88.9%和69.6%(χ~2=6.763,P=0.009);14 d内手术和14 d后手术组分别为85.9%和68.3%(χ~2=5.130,P=0.024);复位满意组和不满意组分别为86.8%和18.2%(χ~2=29.450,P=0.000);无髋关节脱位、髋关节脱位24 h内复位组和24 h后复位组分别为85.9%、84.2%和40.0%,24 h内复位组与无髋关节脱位组比较差异无统计学意义(χ~2=0.000,P=1.000),24 h后复位组的优良率低于无髋关节脱位组(χ~2=13.532,P=0.000)和24 h内复位组(χ~2=5.369,P=0.020).多因素Logistic 回归分析显示骨折类型、髋关节后脱位复位时间、伤后手术时间、复位质量是影响髋臼骨折术后功能结果 的独立危险因素.结论 复位质量、髋关节后脱位复位时间、骨折类型及伤后手术时间是影响髋臼骨折术后功能的独立危险因素,其中复位质量是最重要的可控性因素.     

Barriers to effective management of osteoporosis in moderate and minimal trauma fractures: a prospective study

Osteoporosis management is suboptimal even for high-risk people with a history of prior fracture. There is also evidence that individuals with moderate trauma fracture have a lower bone density and are at higher risk of subsequent fracture. This study aimed to define factors influencing the management of individuals at risk for osteoporosis and to examine the risk profiles of individuals with minimal and moderate trauma fractures. Consecutive fracture patients ( n =218) treated in the outpatient fracture clinic in St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, over a 15-month period (February 2002–July 2003) were interviewed. Fracture risk factors, prior investigation and treatment for osteoporosis were collected and participants were contacted after 3 months to ascertain follow-up. Risk factors for osteoporosis including family history, low dietary calcium and conditions associated with bone loss were similar between low- and moderate-trauma groups and between sexes. Even though half of participants had had a prior fracture, only 34% had a bone density scan and 16% were on anti-resorptive treatment. There was a minimal (6%) increase in the rates of investigation and treatment at the 3-month follow-up, and less in the moderate trauma group and males. Independent predictors for being investigated for osteoporosis were: age over 50, prior fracture and female gender, while predictors for treatment were: age over 50 and having been investigated. This study has confirmed low rates of investigation and treatment even in individuals who have already suffered a prior fracture, and especially in those <50 and in males. People with moderate and minimal trauma fractures had similar risk factors for osteoporosis, including a similarly high proportion of prior fractures. These findings support the concept that people with moderate trauma fractures are at higher subsequent fracture risk, yet are neither investigated nor treated. This study highlights the need for further exploration of barriers to osteoporosis management.     

Surgical results and factors influencing outcome in patients with posterior wall acetabular fracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation in a large series of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum and to identify the factors that affect the outcomes in this case series. One hundred twenty-one patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum were assessed at a mean of 53 months (range, 24–163) after surgery. The functional outcome was evaluated with use of the modified Merle d'Aubigne scoring system, the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Final follow-up radiographs were graded according to Matta's radiologic criteria. Patient, fracture, and radiographic variables were analyzed to identify possible associations with functional and radiographic outcome. The quality of fracture reduction on postoperative radiographs was anatomical in 115 hips (95.0%), satisfactory in 6 cases (5.0%), and unsatisfactory in none. Final modified d'Aubignè scores were excellent in 45 hips (40.2%), good in 52 (46.4%), fair in 7 (6.3%), and poor in 8 (7.1%). Mean HHS was 91.5 ± 8.9 (48–100). The SF-36 scores were similar with respect to age and sex-matched norms, but physical domains in males remained lower in comparison with the normal population. The early reduction of an associated hip dislocation and quality of surgical reduction were strong positive predictors of functional and radiographic outcomes at follow-up, whereas associated injuries and the existence of pre-operative nerve palsy were negative predictors of patients' functionality. This study of surgically treated fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum has shown that functional and radiographic results are satisfactory in most patients, provided that prompt reduction of an associated hip dislocation and anatomical reduction of the fracture are carried out. Associated injuries and nerve lesions affect the final functional outcome.     

Three hundred and twenty-one periprosthetic femoral fractures

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, incidence, and results of treatment of periprosthetic fractures in a nationwide observational study. METHODS: In the years 1999 and 2000, 321 periprosthetic fractures were reported to the Swedish National Hip Arthroplasty Register. All of the associated hospital records were collected. At the time of follow-up, the Harris hip score, a health-related quality-of-life measure (the EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D] index), and patient satisfaction were used as outcome measurements. A radiologist performed the radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients, with a mean age of 73.8 years, sustained a fracture after one or several revision procedures, and 230 patients, with a mean age of 77.9 years, sustained a fracture after a primary total hip replacement. Minor trauma, including a fall to the floor, and a spontaneous fracture were the main etiologies for the injuries. A high number of patients had a loose stem at the time of the fracture (66% in the primary replacement group and 51% in the revision group). Eighty-eight percent of the fractures were classified as Vancouver type B; however, there was difficulty with preoperative categorization of the fractures radiographically. There was a high failure rate resulting in a low short to mid-term prosthetic survival rate. The sixty-six-month survival rate for the entire fracture group, with reoperation as the end point, was 74.8% +/- 5.0%. One factor associated with fracture risk was implant design. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these findings, we believe that high-risk patients should have routine radiographic follow-up. Such a routine could identify a loose implant and make intervention possible before a fracture occurred. Furthermore, we recommend an exploration of the joint to test the stability of the implant in patients with a Vancouver type-B fracture in which the stability of the stem is uncertain.     

ARM: a modular hinged joint for the AO tubular external fixator

Certain complex traumatic elbow lesions challenge the orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. If they are not treated correctly, they cause a high rate of disability, arising from elbow instablility and stiffness, either by fibrosis or joint incongruity. Injuries such as complex fractures of the proximal third of the ulna, coronoid fractures associated with radial head fractures (the "terrible triad"), are even worse if they are accompanied by soft tissue lesions. Hinged external fixators, complemented by other surgical procedures, are, for many, a recommended alternative when dealing with irreparable lesions. The AO tubular external fixator, by virtue of its versatility, is a very important tool in orthopaedics and trauma, but there is not the possibility of using it as a hinged fixator. The authors describe a prototype of a hinged joint that can be applied easily to the AO tubular external fixator, converting it into a hinged one. This hinged joint, in conjunction with the AO tubular external fixator, has been applied in 5 patients; 2 "terrible triads", one posterior elbow fracture-dislocation with radial head fracture, one Monteggia fracture-dislocation and an anterior elbow dislocation that developed a forearm compartment syndrome. The patients' age range was between 20 and 72 years (median 45,6); 4 were male and 1 female. In 3 patients, either a type III coronoid fracture or a radial head fracture, could not be repaired. One radial head was totally removed and another one partially removed. The remaining indications were because of severe soft tissue lesions. Results were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Score Scale and the Broberg and Morrey radiographic evaluation scale. The median follow up was 18 months(range 6 to 48 months). All 5 patients got a maximum score of 100 points in the Mayo's Elbow Score Scale, indicating excellent results. No patient suffered elbow pain, or any type of elbow instability. The median range of motion in flexion was of 127.5 degrees (max. 140 degrees and min. 120 degrees ) and the median extension loss was 20 degrees (max. 25 degrees and min. 15 degrees ). One patient had pronation limited to 70 degrees and one had supination limited to 70 degrees . Every patient was able to resume a normal daily life activity and returned to normal work. In 3 patients the radiographic evaluation was Grade 0 and in the other 2, Grade I. Two complications occurred, one was a distal ulnar Schanz screw loosening with osteolysis and the other was a superficial infection of one Schanz screw. It can be concluded that good results can be obtained in injuries with severe elbow instability and soft tissue lesions, using this hinged external fixator. With this new clamp, the AO tubular external fixator is transformed into a hinged one and a new use is added to this already very versatile system. This clamp is very easy to apply.     

Multiple fractures of the axis

Multiple fractures of the axis are not common lesions. A retrospective study was performed to identify the different fracture patterns and to analyze the incidence of these injuries and their long-term behavior. The medical records of 674 consecutive patients with fractures of the cervical spine were reviewed. Nine (1%) of 674 patients (6 men and 3 women) had multiple fractures of the axis. Mean patient age was 48 years. The most common lesion was a combination of traumatic spondylolisthesis with either an odontoid process or a teardrop fracture of the axis body. All patients were treated conservatively with an excellent or good outcome at mean 12-year follow-up (range: 2-18 years). Computed tomography was the imaging modality of choice for the correct diagnosis of these rare lesions.     

Fractures of the acetabulum. Early results of a prospective study

One hundred two patients with 105 displaced fractures of the acetabulum were treated for fractures involving at least one column of the acetabulum and displaced at least 5 mm (rim fractures were excluded). The patients were primarily young adults with multiple injuries secondary to motor-vehicle-associated trauma. Fractures were classified according to the classification of Letournel. The most common fractures were the complex associated types with 44 complete both column, 19 T-shaped, and 18 associated transverse and posterior wall. Seventeen fractures were treated closed, and 88 were treated operatively. Closed treatment with skeletal traction was undertaken if roof arc measurements demonstrated a satisfactory remaining acetabular dome following fracture and in some cases of apparent congruence following complete both column fractures. Fractures not meeting these criteria were operated upon through the Kocher-Langenbeck, extended iliofemoral, or ilioinguinal approach. Ninety percent of the operations produced a satisfactory reduction of the fracture (3 mm or less displacement). A follow-up study longer than one year was obtained for 50 fractures. Clinical results were 80% satisfactory overall. Operative complications included 3% infection, 5% nerve palsy, and 7% significant ectopic bone. Operative treatment can produce satisfactory fracture reductions and clinical results with an acceptably low complication rate.