Comparative mechanical properties of various Kirschner wire configurations in transverse and oblique phalangeal fractures

A biomechanical study assessed the comparative mechanical properties of various wire configurations used in transverse and oblique phalangeal fractures. The configurations included crossed, oblique, and intramedullary wire techniques using 0.028-inch diameter (d) or 0.035-inch d Kirschner (K) wires. Six different configurations were tested in both the oblique fracture pattern and in the transverse fracture pattern. The mechanical properties were determined after either oblique or transverse osteotomy and fixation of the proximal phalanx. Each fixation technique was tested in apex palmar, apex dorsal, and lateral bending, as well as in torsion and distraction. The results showed that of the configurations tested, four crossed 0.028-inch d Kirschner wires obtained the highest rigidity in the transverse fracture pattern and three oblique 0.035-inch d Kirschner wires obtained the highest rigidity in the oblique fracture pattern.     

Olecranon fractures: treatment options

Fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna typically occur as a result of a motor-vehicle or motorcycle accident, a fall, or assault. Nondisplaced fractures can be treated with a short period of immobilization followed by gradually increasing range of motion. Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures. Stable internal fixation with figure-of-eight tension-band wire fixation for simple transverse fractures allows early motion to minimize stiffness. Use of two knots produces symmetric tension at the fracture site and provides more rigid fixation than a single knot. Care should be taken to ensure that the tension-band wire and the proximal ends of the Kirschner wires are positioned deep to the triceps fibers to prevent wire migration. If the anterior cortex is engaged, overpenetration of the wires into the soft tissues should be avoided. Plate fixation is appropriate for severely comminuted fractures, distal fractures involving the coronoid process, oblique fractures distal to the midpoint of the trochlear notch, Monteggia fracture-dislocations of the elbow, and nonunions. For comminuted fractures and nonunions, a dorsally applied limited-contact dynamic-compression plate with supplemental bone graft should be utilized to support comminuted depressed articular fragments. A one-third tubular hook-plate can be used for fractures with a small proximal fragment for which additional fixation of the olecranon tip is desired. Fragment excision and triceps advancement is appropriate in selected cases in which open reduction seems unlikely to be successful, such as in osteoporotic elderly patients with severely comminuted fractures.     

克氏针治疗掌指骨骨折后致手指屈曲畸形的分析

目的分析掌、指骨骨折治疗后出现手指屈曲畸形的原因。方法2003年1月--2007年12月,采用克氏针固定治疗掌、指骨骨折128例,其中掌骨骨折25例,近节指骨骨折37例,中节指骨骨折42例,混合性骨折24例;闭合性骨折38例,开放性骨折90例,均采用不贯穿关节的交叉克氏针及斜行克氏针固定骨折,外固定均采用石膏,其中指间关节屈曲位固定53例,伸直位固定75例,石膏固定3～4周,克氏针固定6～15周。结果随访3～12月,出现近侧指间关节屈曲畸形、活动受限19例（15％）。结论克氏针治疗掌、指骨骨折时常因躲避克氏针而采用屈曲手指位外固定,再由于克氏针本身对指背筋膜的损伤导致关节屈曲畸形。     

Treatment of humeral shaft fractures by closed fixation using multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to present the results of closed fixation of humeral shaft fractures with multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires. METHODS: Twenty-nine humeral shaft fractures in patients 14 to 60 years old were treated by closed fixation with multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires. Each patient was placed supine on the table and was administered general anesthesia. The fractured arm was held vertically up by a transolecranon traction, while the C-arm was kept parallel to the ground and opposite to the affected arm. A cortical window was created approximately 1.5 cm proximal to the olecranon fossa, after splitting the triceps. Under fluoroscopic control, multiple Kirschner wires were introduced retrograde therein, into the medullary cavity, to reach the humeral head. The wire tips were kept splayed to stabilize the fracture. Postoperatively, the limb was supported by an arm sling. RESULTS: Twenty-five fractures (86.4%) healed with excellent clinical and functional results, in an average of 11 weeks. Union was delayed in two patients, and one fracture had a nonunion after repeated trauma. Movements at the shoulder and the elbow were excellent to good in 27 patients (93%), whereas 2 patients (6.8%) had significant limitation of extension at the elbow. CONCLUSION: This technique has been found simple and effective in providing a stable fixation of transverse and short oblique fractures of the humeral diaphysis. Further study is required to evaluate this procedure in more extensive fracture patterns, as well as to compare the results with other methods of internal fixation.     

Schaft- und Kopffrakturen der Mittelhandknochen

Distal metacarpal fractures and fractures of the metacarpal shaft are often displaced and accompanied by rotational malposition of the fingers in question. After closed reduction and immobilization in a plaster cast fracture healing takes long time, and optimal fracture positions do not always result. From December 1997 to August 1999, 144 patients with a total of 166 fractures in the region of the shaft and the distal part of metacarpal bones underwent surgery in our hospital. Fractures of the metacarpal shaft were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plates, screws or Kirschner wires. Fractures in the area of the distal metacarpal bones were treated by proximally inserted intramedullary Kirschner wires. Over defined time spans all patients underwent examinations of the range of movement of their finger joints and the strength of the hands. Clinical and radiological comparisons of each patient’s two hands were carried out. The results after healing were assessed according to the DASH score (disability of arm/shoulder/hand). Our observations in these patients show that intramedullary osteosynthesis with modelled Kirschner wires can give good and very good results in most ¶cases of distal metacarpal fractures. Bony healing of metacarpal shaft fractures was achieved in most cases.     

Metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fracture of distal humerus in children

Six metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures of distal humerus and 182 supracondylar fractures of humerus treated in our institute over a period of 5 years were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data regarding child's age, neurovascular status, mechanism of injury, mode of treatment, and ultimate clinical outcome were collected for both these fractures and a comparison was made. Oblique (n=2), comminuted (n=3), and transverse types (n=1) of fracture patterns were identified at distal humeral metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction. The oblique and comminuted fractures were managed by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast, whereas the only transverse fracture was treated by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. In contrast, 125 patients of supracondylar fractures were treated by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast and the remaining 57 fractures needed Kirschner wire fixation after closed reduction. Assessment by Flynn criteria after 1 year after of injury revealed better functional outcome in metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures. Although transverse fractures are unstable and may require surgical fixation; oblique and comminuted fractures at the metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction of distal humerus can be managed conservatively.     

经皮穿刺克氏针钢丝张力带固定术治疗髌骨骨折

目的:探讨经皮穿刺克氏针钢丝张力带固定术治疗髌骨骨折的临床疗效。方法:回顾2001年7月以来采用经皮穿刺克氏针钢丝张力带固定术治疗23例髌骨骨折,男13例,女10例;年龄最大76岁,最小19岁,平均36.5岁。骨折分型:横行骨折12例,斜行骨折4例,粉碎性骨折7例。手术时间为伤后1周内完成。结果:本组23例均获得随访,随访时间6~72个月。随访内容包括:术后骨折复位情况、骨折愈合时间、膝关节活动范围、是否膝关节疼痛,及术后是否出现骨折移位、骨不连、感染及创伤性关节炎等并发症。根据Merchan临床评分标准,结果为:优16例,良7例。结论:经皮穿刺克氏针钢丝张力带固定术治疗髌骨骨折是一种微创手术,具有创伤小、恢复快及美观等特点,同时能提供髌骨骨折早期活动足够强度,膝关节功能恢复满意。     

Treatment of closed unstable metacarpal fractures using percutaneous transverse fixation with Kirschner wires

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of metacarpal bone fractures are stable and are treated conservatively; however, when surgical intervention is to be preferred, many different operative procedures have been described. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the anatomic and functional outcome of percutaneous transverse fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires) of closed metacarpal neck, shaft. and intra-articular fractures of the base of the fifth metacarpal. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with 25 closed metacarpal fractures were treated with this technique between 1999 and 2001. Under fluoroscopy, closed reduction and osteosynthesis with three K-wires, one proximally and two distally, was performed on the fracture site. All patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically after 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: The postoperative dorsal angulation ranged from 0 to 3 degrees. No measurable metacarpal shortening was observed. Callus formation was obvious in all fractures at 6 weeks. No complications were recorded, and all patients were cosmetically and functionally satisfied. CONCLUSION: Treatment of closed metacarpal neck, shaft, and intra-articular fractures of the base of the fifth metacarpal with percutaneous transverse pinning, using two K-wires distally and one proximally, has shown excellent functional and anatomic outcome.     

交锁髓内钉加钢丝环扎治疗股骨干多段大斜面粉碎性骨折

目的: 评价有限切口、开放复位、交锁髓内钉加钢丝环扎治疗股骨干多段大斜面粉碎性骨折的临床效果。方法: 采用有限切口、开放复位、早期静力交锁髓内钉加钢丝多处环扎内固定的方法, 治疗股骨干多段大斜面粉碎性骨折 26例。结果: 所有病例均得到随访, 随访时间 10~18个月, 平均 12个月, 骨折愈合过程正常, 下肢关节功能按Junmer wrun评分标准: 优 18例 (69. 2% ), 良 6例 (23 .1% ), 一般 2例 (7 .7% ), 优良率 92. 3%。结论:有限切口、开放复位、早期静力交锁髓内钉加钢丝多处环扎内固定, 实现骨折的Ⅰ期优良复位, 保持股骨干多段大斜面粉碎性骨折的稳定, 保护重要神经、血管与肌肉免受进一步损伤, 为促进骨折的愈合、防止畸形提供了有力的保证。     

Unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fracture treatment with screws and plates

Plate and screw fixation of the metacarpals and phalanges has limited indications but can provide crucial assistance to the reconstructive hand surgeon in the treatment of complex fractures. Screws are indicated for unstable, long oblique or spiral fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges, intraarticular fractures with articular surface involvement in excess of 25% with or without comminution, and intraarticular condylar, T-condylar, and Y-condylar fractures. Plates at the metacarpal level are indicated for segmental defects with substance loss, fractures with extreme comminution, and unstable short oblique or transverse diaphyseal fractures. Plate fixation of phalangeal fractures is seldom necessary but helpful in treating segmental defects or extreme comminution of diaphysis or metaphysis as well as intraarticular T- or Y-condylar fractures. Screw and plate fixation at the metacarpal levels, when appropriately applied, renders rigid osteosynthesis while inflicting little to no interference on the surrounding soft tissues. Screws can be applied with little to no soft tissue interference throughout the proximal phalanx and proximal and distal aspects of the middle phalanx. Plate fixation for middle phalangeal fractures is limited to salvage situations for preservation of skeletal length. The essentials for successful use of implants are a hand surgeon well versed in a variety of internal fixation techniques including the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (ASIF) technique of screw and plate fixation, a meticulous respect for, and protection of, the soft tissues, and a facility for delivery of functional aftercare.     

闭合复位克氏针横向固定治疗第5掌骨基底骨折

目的 比较闭合复位克氏针横向固定与切开复位微型接骨板或克氏针固定治疗第5掌骨基底骨折的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2005年8月至2012年5月治疗50例伴有短缩或腕掌关节脱位的新鲜第5掌骨基底骨折患者资料,其中26例采用闭合复位固定(男22例,女4例;年龄17～41岁,平均28岁;OTA分型:A1型8例,B1型11例,C1型7例;3例伴腕掌关节脱位),24例采用切开复位固定(男21例,女3例;年龄19～46岁,平均26岁;OTA分型:A1型11例,B1型8例,C1型5例;伴腕掌关节脱位2例;微型接骨板固定7例,交叉克氏针固定17例).采用中华医学会手指总主动活动度(TAM)评价关节活动范围.结果 闭合复位组手术时间14～33 min,平均(23±13) min;治疗费用2018～2995元,平均(2673±334)元.切开复位组手术时间45～105 min,平均(57±20) min;治疗费用3874～4793元,平均(4138±416)元.闭合复位组23例获得6～26个月(平均16.5个月)随访,骨折均解剖复位,骨折愈合时间4～7周,平均4.9周;TAM评价,优15例,良6例,可2例,优良率91.3％(21/23).切开复位组22例获得6～21个月(平均15.3个月)随访,骨折均解剖复位,骨折愈合时间4～8周,平均5.8周;TAM评价,优13例,良7例,可2例,优良率90.9％ (20/22).结论 闭合复位克氏针横向固定治疗第5掌骨基底骨折,操作简便,固定可靠,疗效满意;手术时间短,治疗费用低.     

闭合穿针治疗掌指关节周围部位骨折

目的 探讨闭合穿针治疗掌指关节周围部位骨折的临床疗效.方法 2005年以来,对17例掌骨颈或近节指骨基底部骨折患者,采用C型臂X线机透视下闭合复位克氏针内固定治疗.单部位骨折11例,其中掌骨头或颈部骨折7例,近节指骨基底部骨折4例;多部位骨折6例,其中2处以上掌骨颈骨折3例,2～5指近节指骨基底部均骨折1例,2～4指近节指骨基底部均骨折1例,第五掌骨颈骨折伴环指近节指骨基底部骨折1例.均为闭合性骨折.急诊手术4例,伤后5 d内手术12例,伤后11 d手术1例.术后2-3周拆除石膏,4周拔克氏针.结果 术后X线片显示骨折均达到良好复位.随访6～9个月,骨折愈合良好.手功能按TAM系统评定法评定:优13例,良4例.结论 闭合穿针治疗掌指关节部位骨折创伤小、方法简单、疗效佳,是治疗掌指关节部位骨折理想的方法.     

Open reduction and cerclage wire fixation for long oblique/spiral fractures of the proximal phalanx of the fingers

Fifteen cases of long oblique/spiral fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers treated by open reduction, cerclage wire fixation and immediate postoperative mobilisation were studied prospectively. Twelve patients presented early (within 24 hour of injury) and the remaining three cases were treated initially elsewhere by closed reduction and percutaneous oblique K-wire fixation with failure of the fixation. The latter three patients presented to our clinic late (10-14 days after injury). Following internal fixation with cerclage wires, no cases of infection, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type 1, fracture re-displacement, wire migration or extrusion were noted. One patient complained of a palpable wire which was removed 4 months after surgery. All fractures united and all patients returned to work at a mean of 8 (range 7-11) weeks after surgery. Twelve patients obtained a full range of motion (total active motion-TAM = 260 degrees ) and the remaining three patients had a mild (5-15 degrees ) flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Cerclage wire fixation is an acceptable technique of fixation for these fractures.     

K-wire fixation for extraarticular transverse/short oblique fractures of the shaft of the middle phalanx associated with extensor tendon injury

In a prospective study, 22 cases of extraarticular transverse/short oblique fractures of the shaft of the middle phalanx associated with extensor tendon injury had fixation of the fracture as well as immobilisation of the distal interphalangeal joint using a K-wire. Mobilisation of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints was started immediately after surgery. The wires were removed after 6 weeks. No post-operative complications were noted. At final follow-up (mean = 15 weeks, range = 12-24 weeks), 18 of 22 patients obtained excellent and good total active motion (TAM) scores. Stiffness was confined to the distal interphalangeal joint, and hence when the results were re-analysed for motion at that joint only, only 11 patients had excellent and good outcomes.     

Intramedullary nailing of metacarpal shaft fractures

Uncorrected bony deformity or stiffness resulting from a metacarpal shaft fracture can produce a significant functional or cosmetic deficit. Intramedullary fixation of metacarpal shaft fractures using small flexible rods can provide stable internal fixation while minimizing the extent of soft tissue trauma that is associated with more extensive surgical techniques such as plate or screw fixation. The flexible rod is usually introduced in a proximal to distal direction to avoid injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint and extensor mechanism. Closed reduction of the fracture and percutaneous insertion of the rod improve operative efficiency and allow what is truly a minimally invasive procedure. The use of a proximal locking pin greatly enhances fixation and has resulted in an expansion of the surgical indications to include spiral and comminuted fractures. Usually a single locked nail is used, although it is possible to insert multiple nails if necessary. A radiopaque plastic cap can be applied over the cut end of the nail to minimize irritation of the adjacent soft tissues during rehabilitation. Post-operatively, splint or cast immobilization is often unnecessary. The nails are routinely removed after the fracture has completely healed.     

微型钢板与克氏针斜向及邻掌骨横向内固定治疗掌骨干斜行骨折疗效观察

目的:比较微型钢板与克氏针斜向及邻掌骨横向固定治疗掌骨干斜行骨折的临床疗效。方法:选择自2018年1月至2021年9月收治的59例掌骨干斜行骨折患者为研究对象,根据内固定方法的不同分为观察组(29例)和对照组(30例),观察组采用克氏针斜向及邻掌骨横向内固定,对照组采用微型钢板内固定。比较两组术后并发症、手术时间、切口长度、骨折愈合时间、治疗费用及掌指关节功能。结果:观察组1例发生克氏针针道感染,其余患者均未发生切口及克氏针针道感染。所有患者未发生内固定松动、断裂和骨折复位丢失。观察组手术时间、切口长度分别为(20.5±4.2) min、(1.6±0.2) cm,明显短于对照组的(30.8±5.6) min、(4.3±0.8) cm(P<0.05);观察组治疗费用和骨折愈合时间分别为(3804.5±300.8)元、(7.2±1.1)周,低于对照组的(9906.9±860.6)元、(9.3±1.7)周(P<0.05)。术后第1、2、3个月观察组掌指关节功能优良率均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),但术后6个月组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:微型钢板内固定和克氏针斜向及邻掌骨横向内固定均是治疗掌骨干斜行骨折的可选术式,但后者具有手术创伤小、手术时间短、有利于骨折愈合、内固定材料费用低和无须二次切开取出内固定等优势。     

Netzwerkpartner Arbeitstherapeut im Rehabilitationsmanagement

Due to the functional importance of the patella, accurate reduction and rigid fixation of patellar fractures are required. Tension band wiring has long been the standard treatment of these fractures, but there are several problems associated with this technique, e.g. loosening of the wires, fracture dislocation and poor outcome. Another possibility in the treatment of transverse patellar fractures is screw fixation. Although this technique ensures stable osteosynthesis, anatomical reduction is often problematic, especially in comminuted fractures. A good option in the treatment of (comminuted) patellar fractures is the newly designed locking patella plate, which combines anatomical reduction and stable osteosynthesis. In biomechanical tests the plate provided a more stable fixation of the patellar fracture and showed higher mechanical strength compared to classic tension band wiring. The first clinical applications achieved optimal fracture reduction. No complications have occurred to date following the use of the plate. Thus the patella plate represents a good option in the treatment of patellar fractures.     

Fracture of the body of the hamate bone. Case report

A patient with a fracture of the body of the hamate bone associated with a proximal and dorsal subluxation of the fifth metacarpal is reported. Treatment consisted of closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. A short discussion on fractures of the hamate bone is given.     

Open reduction and interfragmentary screw fixation for symptomatic nonunion of distal phalangeal fractures

Although most distal phalangeal fractures can be treated conservatively, there exists a subset of patients who are liable to develop symptomatic non-union, manifesting as pain and/or instability, and who may benefit from early fracture fixation. This group of patients includes those with displaced or comminuted fractures of the shaft or neck and those with oblique fractures prone to displacement. This paper reviews the use of a cortical miniscrew for fixation of fracture non-union in these patients and shows that this is an effective treatment modality with minimal morbidity. Fourteen patients with fractures of the shaft or neck of the distal phalanx complicated by symptomatic non-union were treated by open reduction and interfragmentary screw fixation. All of the fractures united at a mean of 4.2 months and all patients regained normal function of the finger.     

自制简易外固定牵引支架结合克氏针固定治疗近中节指骨干粉碎性骨折

目的：探讨应用自制简易外固定牵引支架结合克氏针固定治疗近、中节指骨干粉碎性骨折的方法和疗效。方法2009年6月-2013年8月,对26例（32处）近、中节指骨粉碎性骨折患者采用自制简易外固定牵引支架结合克氏针及可吸收线固定治疗,并定期随访,观察疗效。结果术后所有病例骨折均愈合,无骨髓炎发生,未出现骨折移位或畸形愈合,有9处骨折在愈合过程中形成外骨痂。按照手指总主动活动度（tatol active motion, TAM）的评级标准并参考手指总主动屈曲度（tatol active flexion, TAF）的评分标准,评定患指运动功能,优5例（5处）,良16例（17处）,可3例（6处）,差2例（4处）;病例优良率80．8％（骨折部位优良率68．8％）。结论应用自制简易外固定牵引支架结合有限内固定治疗近、中节指骨粉碎性骨折方法可靠,手术创伤小,能有效固定骨折,早期进行功能锻炼,恢复手指的运动功能。