Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) fixation for femoral stem revision in periprosthetic fractures: Dall–Miles plate versus cables

Background

Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) is a well-established surgical technique used for femoral stem retrieval in revision hip arthroplasty procedures. Fixation of ETO is commonly achieved through wire, cable or cable–plate fixation. No evidence exists to date to suggest which method is superior when used in an acute traumatic setting.

Methods

Thirty cases of acute periprosthetic fracture requiring femoral stem revision with an ETO were identified over a 10-year period. Each case had a loose femoral prosthesis which was revised using an ETO approach. Nineteen of these were fixed using cables only, and 11 were fixed using a cable–plate construct. Radiographic outcomes measured included greater trochanter migration, osteolysis, union, time to union and overall success using the Beals and Tower classification. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score.

Results

Twenty-three Vancouver B/C-type fractures were identified. The remaining seven consisted of other fracture types with a loose femoral stem requiring revision through ETO. Mean follow-up was 32 months in the cable group and 12 months in the cable–plate group. The cable–plate construct performed better than cables alone. Mean migration rates were 1.7 mm lower in the cable–plate group (p < 0.05). Beals and Tower classification of radiographic outcomes was significantly better in the cable–plate group (p < 0.01). Modified Harris Hip Scores were better in this group also (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

When utilising an ETO approach for femoral stem revision in acute periprosthetic fractures, superior clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved if fixation involves a cable–plate system instead of cables only.

     

Revision arthroplasty in periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur

Objective

Hip revision arthroplasty of a loose stem in the case of Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures and cerclage wiring of the femoral shaft.

Indications

Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur.

Contraindications

Periprosthetic joint infection. Interprosthetic femoral fractures between the ends of hip and knee prosthetic stems that require total replacement of the femur.

Surgical technique

Extended posterolateral approach to the tip of the fracture. Exposure along the septum intermusculare laterale with ligation of the perforating vessels below the fracture. Longitudinal osteotomy of the proximal fragment above the linea aspera using an oscillating saw under cooling. Ventral proximal osteotomy at the corner of the vasto-gluteal sling after short muscular incision using an osteotome chisel. Opening of the proximal fragment with lifting up of the bony flap like a transfemoral approach. Removal of the loosened prosthetic stem and possibly the cement. Preparation of the distal fixation zone of the modular cementless revision stem in the isthmus of the femur distal of the fracture. Implantation of the distal component of the modular cementless revision stem. Use of additional distal interlocking screws in cases of destroyed isthmus with a fixation zone of less than 3 cm for the distal prosthetic component. Trial reposition after combination with the proximal trial component in situ. Assembly with the original proximal component in situ. Reposition with the original proximal component. Wound closure.

Postoperative management

Thrombosis prophylaxis, physiotherapy, gait training with partial loading of the limb at 10 kg for a period of 6 weeks with hip flexion limited to 70°. Then, free range of movement and increased loading by 10 kg per week.

Results

In all, 23 patients with periprosthetic fractures of Vancouver type B2 (15 patients) and type B3 (eight patients)—in 15 women and eight men in the age range of 70.7?±?12.2 (42–88) years—were followed up for at least 5 years. All fractures healed with a mean time of 14.4?±?5.3 weeks. No cases of subsidence of the stem were observed and, according to the classification of Engh et al. concerning the biological fixation of the stem, there was bony ingrowth fixation in 21 cases and two cases of stable fibrous fixation. One dislocation occurred and there were no cases of intraoperative fracture. The Harris Hip Score rose continually following the operations: from a 3-month postoperative score of 65.0?±?16.8 points, it rose to 86.9?±?16.2 points after 24 months and to 89.0?±?14.3 points after 5 years. According to the classification of Beals and Tower, all results were rated as excellent, i.e., the prefracture functional status was restored in all cases.     

Fixation of supracondylar femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty: is there any difference comparing angular stable plate fixation versus rigid interlocking nail fixation?

Introduction

Literature does not provide any reliable comparison between angular stable plate fixation and rigid nail fixation for stabilization of supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare these two implants in clinical practice relating to fracture healing, functional results and treatment-related complications.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study (level IV), clinical and radiographic records of 86 patients (62 female and 24 male, average age: 75.6) with supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures between 1996 and 2010 were analyzed. 48 patients underwent lateral plate fixation by an angular stable plate system (LISS), whereas 38 patients were stabilized by a rigid interlocking nail device.

Results

Sixty-four (76 %) patients returned to their pre-injury activity level and were satisfied with their clinical outcome. We had an overall Oxford outcome score of 2.21, with patients following angular stable plate fixation of 2.22, and patients after rigid nail fixation of 2.20. Successful fracture healing within 6 months was achieved in 74 (88 %) patients. Comparing between plate fixation and nail fixation, statistical analysis did not reveal any significant differences.

Summary

Overall, we had a relatively high rate of fracture healing and a satisfactory functional outcome with both implants. Both methods of fixation showed similar results relating to the functional outcome and individual satisfaction of the patients. However, with regards to fracture healing and treatment-related complications, intramedullary nail fixation showed slight advantages.     

Fixing simple olecranon fractures with the Olecranon Osteotomy Nail (OleON)

Objective

Stable fixation of simple olecranon fractures or olecranon osteotomies in order to allow early functional treatment.

Indications

Simple (non-comminuted) olecranon fractures and (Chevron) osteotomies of the olecranon.

Contraindications

Comminuted fractures and fractures more than 40?mm distal than the tip of the olecranon are contraindications.

Surgical technique

Using a slightly curved posterior approach, the fracture is anatomically reduced. The fracture is temporary stabilized using K-wires. A guiding K-wire is positioned centrally in the medullary canal in the lateral projection. The medullary canal is reamed over the K-wire. The distal part of the nail is inserted and locked. The proximal part is inserted and screwed onto the distal part to compress the fracture. For osteotomies, the distal part is inserted and locked (using the same technique as described before) prior to performing the osteotomy. At the end of the surgery, the osteotomy is reduced, the proximal part is inserted, and the osteotomy is compressed.

Postoperative management

As the stability of this compressive osteosynthesis is very high, early post-operative mobilization is allowed. No immobilization is used. Depending on the soft tissue situation, active range of motion and passive stretching is initiated immediately postoperatively.

Results

Using this technique in 21?patients (mean age 42?years) with acute fractures or osteotomies, sound fracture healing was achieved in 19 of 21?patients. The active range of motion was 130.2° flexion, 10.6° extension deficit, and a normal pro-supination arch. In one patient, delayed union caused implant failure. In this patient, a surgical error jeopardized stability. In a second patient, a peri-implant fracture after adequate trauma made a change in therapy necessary.     

Treatment of periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: plates versus cannulated screws

Introduction

Periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are rare but represent a serious complication in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The most common treatment for these fractures is osteosynthesis with cannulated screws or plates. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different treatment options for periprosthetic fractures. The hypothesis was that angle-stable plates show significantly higher fracture loads than fixation with cannulated screws.

Materials and methods

Twelve matched, paired fresh-frozen tibiae with periprosthetic TPF were used for this study. In Group A, osteosyntheses with cannulated screws were performed, whereas in Group B plates fixated the periprosthetic fracture. DEXA bone density measurement and standard X-rays (AP and lateral) were performed before loading the tibiae under standardised conditions with a maximum load of up to 10.0 kN. After the specimens had been loaded, fracture patterns and fracture loads were analysed and correlated with BMD, BMI, bodyweight (BW), age and size of the tibial implant.

Results

In the plate group all tibiae fracture occured with a median load of F _max = 2.64 (0.45–5.68) kN, whereas in the group with cannulated screws fractures occurred at a mean load of F _max = 1.50 (0.27–3.51) kN. The difference was statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Discussion

Angle-stable plates showed significantly higher fracture loads than fixation with cannulated screws. Cannulated screws show a reduced stability of the tibial plateau. Therefore in periprosthetic TPF, osteosyntheses with angle-stable plates should be recommended instead of cannulated screws.     

The olecranon osteotomy provides better outcome than the triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures

Introduction

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.

Methods

This study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group.

Results

Mean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Approach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Valgus osteotomy in combination with dynamic hip screw fixation for fibrous dysplasia with shepherd’s crook deformity

Background and objectives

The treatment of fibrous dysplasia with shepherd’s crook deformity is a big challenge. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of valgus osteotomy in combination with dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation to treat fibrous dysplasia with shepherd’s crook deformity.

Method

Twenty-one clinical cases of femoral fibrous dysplasia with shepherd’s crook deformity treated between April 2001 and May 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The valgus osteotomy and internal fixation were performed for these patients. Six patients underwent DHS and trochanter stabilizing plate internal fixation, and the other 15 cases were stabilized by DHS fixation.

Results

Patients were followed for 19–128 months. The neck-shaft angle was corrected from 89° (range 65°–107°) preoperatively to 129° (range 119°–140°) postoperatively. Limb-length discrepancy was corrected from 3.0 (range 1.8–4.5) cm preoperatively to 0.7 (range 0–1.9) cm postoperatively. All osteotomies had healed at the final follow-up examination. The clinical scores, which were evaluated by the modified criteria of Guille, improved from an average of 2.9 (range 1–7) to 8.5 (range 6–10).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that valgus osteotomy in combination with DHS internal fixation is an easy and effective method for the treatment of fibrous dysplasia with shepherd’s crook deformity. It can restore the neck-shaft angle and re-establish the mechanical alignment of the femur to improve function.     

Transfixing Kirshner wires for fixation of intertrochanteric valgus osteotomies in management of pediatric coxa vara

Background

Coxa vara is a radiological term describing a decrease in the neck–shaft angle to 120° or less. Coxa vara is associated with pathomechanical changes that can manifest clinically. If left untreated, coxa vara can affect the normal development of the pediatric hip. Valgus osteotomy is the standard surgical treatment for coxa vara, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal osteotomy technique and fixation method. The work reported here aimed to highlight transfixing wires as a fixation method for valgus osteotomy applied as treatment for various types of pediatric coxa vara.

Materials and methods

This study included 16 cases of pediatric coxa vara with different etiologies in 9 patients with a mean age of 39.9 ± 15.2 months. Radiological and clinical evaluations and scoring of the condition of each patient according to the Iowa Hip Score were performed pre- and postoperatively. Transfixing wires and a protective spica were used for the fixation of a V-shaped, laterally based, closing-wedge valgus osteotomy in all cases. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 14 to 102 months, with a mean duration of 33.3 ± 27.7 months.

Results

The mean Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (HEA) was corrected from 81.7 ± 2.2° to 24.3 ± 3.5° and the mean femoral neck–shaft angle (FNSA) was improved from 86.9 ± 4.2° to 138.6 ± 3.5°. No recurrence of the deformity was observed during the follow-up periods considered here. The osteotomy site united after an average of 11.7 ± 2.2 weeks with no secondary displacement, and in cases of developmental coxa vara there was progressive ossification of the neck defect with no surgery-related complications. Clinical results were markedly improved by the osteotomy, with a mean postoperative Iowa Hip Score at last follow-up of 95.06 ± 2.6, compared to a mean preoperative score of 57.4 ± 3.6.

Conclusions

Transfixing wires protected in a hip spica cast represent a simple, easy, and reliable fixation method for valgus osteotomies performed to correct pediatic coxa vara. It assures stable fixation and rapid healing of the osteotomy without loss of the achieved correction, it completely avoids the femoral neck affording marked protection to the growth plate.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

A new fixation method for Hoffa fracture

Purpose

To investigate the clinical effect of a new fixation method for Hoffa fractures.

Methods

We treated eleven patients with Hoffa fracture using the new fixation method (fixation with one screw inserted from the femoral intercondylar notch and two screws inserted from the nonarticular lateral (or medial) surface of the fractured condylar fragment; the two sets of screws were crossed).

Results

After an average follow-up period of 24 months (range 5–28 months), all fractures had healed. The average healing time was 11.6 weeks (range 9–14 weeks). On the version of the Knee Society Score modified by Dr. John Insall in 1993, the average score was 174.6 points (range 125–199 points).

Conclusions

The new fixation method for Hoffa fracture is effective, and may provide a new way to treat Hoffa fractures.     

Zuklappende supratuberositäre Tibiakopfvalgisationsosteotomie

Objective

Well-balanced charge of femoral and tibial cartilage by lateral transfer of the mechanical leg axis in osteoarthritis of the medial compartment and of genu varum.

Indications

Symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis (MCOA). Posttraumatic varus deformity. Varus malalignment and planned reconstructive procedures of the cartilage in the medial knee compartment.

Contraindications

Cartilage lesion grade ≥III° (according to Outerbridge, 1961) in the lateral compartment. State after lateral meniscectomy. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis with extension lag >?10°. Femoral varus deformity. Knee instabilities. Advanced osteoporosis. Neurological disorders. General risks of adequate bone healing. Obesity (BMI >?30 kg/m²).

Surgical technique

Preoperative planning according to true-nominal analysis (according to Strecker, 2002) including a maximum and minimum extent of mechanical axis correction (according to Müller and Strecker, 2008). Arthroscopy of the knee to determine the cartilage status. In high tibial closed wedge valgus osteotomies >?10° an oblique osteotomy of the distal diaphyseal fibula is mandatory. Lateral approach and preparation of the tibial head. Partial osteotomy of the proximal tibial tuberosity. Defined angle of valgisation fixed by two laterally introduced K-wires. Bending of a 5-hole DC-plate (DCP). Transversal osteotomy with oscillating saw, medial cortex of tibial head remaining intact. Fixation of pre-bent DCP in the proximal hole. Gentle closing of osteotomy gap with distal cortical “play screw” in plate hole 5. Compression of the osteotomy gap with two interfragmentary screws in holes 2 and 3. Completion of internal fixation and change of “play screw”. In case of fibula osteotomy, further resection and internal fixation.

Postoperative management

First day after surgery: removal of drainage, x-ray control, mobilization. Partial weight bearing of 20 kg during 4 weeks postoperatively followed by 20 kg additional load per week according to clinical and radiological findings. Physical training with active and passive motion exercises. Low-molecular-weight heparin for at least 4 weeks.

Results

Between January 2006 and December 2008, procedure performed in 50 patients (27 men, 23 women, mean age 44 years); arthroscopic treatment in 43 patients, and osteotomy of the fibula in 10 patients. The valgus correction was 8.4° (6–13°). No complication during surgery. One non-union was treated by cancellous bone grafting.     

High union rates of locking compression plating with cortical strut allograft for type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures

Purpose

Unified classification system (UCS) type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures are associated with many complications, and management decisions continue to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by locking compression plating with strut allograft augmentation.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with an anterior cortical strut allograft. There was one man and 16 women with an average age of 74 years (range, 57–92 years). All had a cementless hip arthroplasty, and eight of the arthroplasties were revisions.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 28 months (range, 12–74 months). All 17 fractures healed successfully at a mean of 20 weeks (range, 12–30 weeks). The mean post-operative Harris hip score was 86 points (range, 77–95 points). No mechanical complications such as failure of plate or screws and malalignment were noted. According to the graft-remodeling classification of Emerson et al., a partial bridging was observed in nine and a complete bridging in eight. Two patients required a removal of the plate due to irritation of the iliotibial band. No femoral stem loosening or deep infection was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with anterior cortical strut allograft provides adequate mechanical stability of fracture fixation and enhances the fracture healing.

     

Realignment-lengthening osteotomy for malunited distal fibular fracture

Purpose

Persistent displacement of ankle fractures increases the stresses on the articular cartilage and leads to degenerative arthritis. Correction of the ankle mortise restores the normal ankle biomechanics and should prevent the development of degenerative joint disease.

Methods

Seventeen patients were treated for symptomatic ankle joint due to malunited distal fibular fracture. There were eleven male and six female patients. Their ages ranged from 23 to 54 years (median 34 years). The procedure included transverse fibular osteotomy for restoration of the lateral malleolar alignment, acute distraction of the osteotomy to restore the fibular length with interpositional graft and reduction of subluxation of the distal tibio-fibular articulation. Internal fixation of the osteotomy was performed with plate and screws and trans-syndesmotic screws.

Results

Fibular lengthening was performed in all cases and ranged from six to 12 mm (median eight millimetres). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively ranged from 40 to 74 (median 60) and at follow up ranged from 50 to 95 (median 79). Progression of ankles arthrosis occurred in one patient leading to ankle arthrodesis as a secondary procedure. Results were satisfactory in 12 cases (70.6 %), and unsatisfactory in five cases (29.4 %) due to stiffness and pain in the ankle joint. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 45 months (median 31 months).

Conclusion

Corrective osteotomy of fibular malunion produces considerable improvement provided that the patient does not have significant degenerative changes before surgery. The use of athrodiastasis of the ankle as a secondary procedure may be of value to improve the outcome.     

Digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and surgical dislocation of hip in the management of acetabular fractures

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy technique in the management of acetabular fractures and to evaluate surgical outcome in terms of fracture reduction, femoral head viability of selected acetabular fractures treated operatively using a digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with surgical dislocation of the femoral head.

Design

Prospective.

Patients

Eighteen patients predominantly with combined transverse and posterior wall fractures or multifragmentary posterior wall fractures.

Outcome evaluation

Clinical and radiographic analysis after a minimum 18 months follow-up.

Methods

A single modified approach involving digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with anterior (n = 14) or posterior (n = 4) surgical dislocation of the femoral head, was done for one or more of following reasons: intra-articular assessment of reduction in fractures with comminution, marginal impaction and involvement of the anterior column, removal of intra-articular fragments, and confirmation of extra-articular screw placement.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 26 months (18–40 months), the 17 patients presented with a good to excellent clinical result according to the d’Aubigné score. In all subjects, anatomical reduction was achieved during surgery. The osteotomy site healed at an average of 7 weeks and all the patients recovered abductor strength at 12 weeks. One avascular necrosis occurred in a case of posterior column plus wall fracture (who presented to us after 3 weeks). No heterotopic ossification interfering with hip function was found.

Conclusion

This technique gives good exposure (especially in posterior wall, dome area, posterior fracture-dislocation with intra-articular fragments/femoral head fractures and T-fractures), preservation of abductor strength (which may be lost with excessive retraction of abductors to see dome area in classical posterior approach), reliable healing of osteotomy (in contrast to conventional trochanteric osteotomy) without risking the vascularity of femoral head.     

Tibial tubercle osteotomy with absorbable suture fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty: a report of 23 cases

Objective

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a well-known technique for improving exposure in difficult total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We have performed 23 revision TKAs with TTO. The tibial tubercle was fixated with only absorbable sutures afterwards. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical results and complications of this procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 23 patients (mean age 69.6 years, range 43–84 years) who underwent TTO with only absorbable suture fixation. Clinic charts were reviewed to identify any complications that occurred. Obvious proximal migration and union of the tibial tubercle was evaluated on the postoperative radiographs. Knee Society scores and SF-36 were assigned at latest follow-up.

Results

The mean follow-up was 16.1 months (1–43). Two patients died of causes unrelated to surgery. In one case a fracture of the TTO occurred. No obvious migration of the osteotomy was detected. In two cases there was partial consolidation of the osteotomy, but without clinical consequences of pain or extension lag. In five patients a tibial plateau fracture occurred intraoperative which allowed partial weight bearing during 6 weeks. These fractures were not related to the surgical technique of the TTO. In 15 out of 23 patients a Knee Society Score could be assigned. The mean total knee score (maximum 200 points) after revision was 99.5 (17–166) (clinical KSS 52.1, functional KSS 47.3) at latest follow-up. SF-36 scores could be assigned to 16 patients; the mean SF-36 (maximum 100) was 88 (range 74–98).

Conclusion

Tibial tubercle osteotomy with only absorbable suture fixation is a reliable and simple method of fixation and provides adequate stability. It is a straightforward surgical technique which is less time-consuming and expensive compared with screw and cerclage wire fixation and no hardware removal will be necessary. Therefore, this method is a beneficial technique for the enhancement of surgical exposure in difficult revision TKA.     

Outcomes of long retrograde intramedullary nailing for periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty

Background

The treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is challenging because of osteopenia and the limited bone available for distal fixation. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures treated with long retrograde intramedullary nailing.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 25 patients who were treated with a long retrograde intramedullary nail for periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures following TKA. Clinical evaluation included range of motion of knee, Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) score, and radiologic evaluation including time to union, coronal and sagittal alignment of femoral component, lower limb alignment, and implant loosening. The mean duration of follow-up after the fracture repair was 39 months (range 12–47).

Results

All 25 fractures were united with a mean time of 12 weeks (range 8–20). At the last follow-up, the mean knee flexion was 111° (range 60°–130°), the mean KSS was 81.5 (range 50–100), and the mean WOMAC score was 30.2 (range 5–55). Four (16 %) of the 25 patients developed malalignment according to Rorabeck and Taylor criteria, but all patients had a knee flexion of more than 90°. Coronal and sagittal alignments of femoral component and lower limb alignment did not differ significantly between before and after the fracture repair. Complications included the loosening or breakage of distal interlocking screws in three patients. No deep infection or prosthesis loosening was detected at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures following TKA with long retrograde intramedullary nailing resulted in high union rates and encouraging functional outcomes.     

A posterior inverted L-shaped approach for the treatment of posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

Objectives

To present a case series of patients with posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated by direct exposure and buttress plate fixation through posterior inverted L-shaped approach.

Methods

Between August 2007 and July 2010, eight middle aged patients were identified to have posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. All the eight patients underwent direct fracture exposure, reduction under visualization, and buttress plate fixation through posterior inverted L-shaped approach.

Results

All the cases were followed for an average of 28.1 months (24–36 months). All the cases had satisfactory reduction except one case, which had a 3-mm stepoff postoperatively. None of the complications such as infection, necrosis of the skin incision or the loosening and breakage of the internal fixator occurred. The average radiographic bony union time and full weightbearing time were 11.5 weeks (10–14 weeks), and 13.8 weeks (11–17 weeks) respectively. The average range of motion of the affected knee was from 3.6° to 127.8° at 1 year after the operation.

Conclusions

The posterior inverted L-shaped approach would not involve osteotomy, tendotomy or division of muscles, while allowing satisfied visualization of the entire posterior aspect of tibial plateau and appropriate placement of hardware. This approach is a safe and effective way for the treatment of posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.     

Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius following failed internal fixation

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to quantify the clinical and radiographic outcomes after corrective osteotomy for malunions of the distal radius following failed internal fixation.

Materials and methods

Results of 18 patients (8 women, 10 men; mean age 41 years) are presented an average of 7 years after osteotomy of a malunited distal radius fracture. We assessed active range of motion, grip strength, radiographic alignment, pain and disability. Subjective and objective data were summarized using the modified Mayo Wrist Score and the point-score system of Fernandez.

Results

Wrist motion, pain and deformity improved with the operation in all cases. The modified Mayo Wrist Score averaged 79 points. The scale of Fernandez indicated ten good, two fair and six poor results.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the operative correction of a distal radius malunion following an unsuccessful internal fixation can be achieved with outcomes comparable to those reported after initial nonoperative treatment.