Safe surgical technique: intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures

Statically locked, reamed intramedullary nailing remains the standard treatment for displaced tibial shaft fractures. Establishing an appropriate starting point is a crucial part of the surgical procedure. Recently, suprapatellar nailing in the semi-extended position has been suggested as a safe and effective surgical technique. Numerous reduction techiques are available to achieve an anatomic fracture alignment and the treating surgeon should be familiar with these maneuvers. Open reduction techniques should be considered if anatomic fracture alignment cannot be achieved by closed means. Favorable union rates above 90 % can be achieved by both reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing. Despite favorable union rates, patients continue to have functional long-term impairments. In particular, anterior knee pain remains a common complaint following intramedullary tibial nailing. Malrotation remains a commonly reported complication after tibial nailing. The effect of postoperative tibial malalignment on the clinical and radiographic outcome requires further investigation.     

Similar central hemodynamics and oxygenation in reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures

BACKGROUND: Reamed intramedullary nailing of a long bone fracture is considered to be of crucial importance in the genesis of pulmonary disturbances. Use of unreamed nailing technique has been encouraged to avoid temporary deterioration in lung functions. METHODS: Central hemodynamic changes were recorded in 20 healthy adults with a unilateral simple tibial fracture undergoing reamed or unreamed intramedullary nailing. The patients were cannulated with a pulmonary artery catheter. Intramedullary nailing was performed during general anesthesia. Pre- and immediate postoperative hemodynamic variables were compared. RESULTS: Unchanged cardiac performance but pathologically altered pulmonary vascular tone were unrelated to the type of nailing technique. Increased oxygen consumption was observed as well. CONCLUSION: Changes in cardiac and pulmonary hemodynamics are already present after the trauma and before the intramedullary nailing procedure.     

Current management of tibial shaft fractures: A survey of 450 Canadian orthopedic trauma surgeons

Background and purpose?Strategies to manage tibial fractures include nonoperative and operative approaches. Strategies to enhance healing include a variety of bone stimulators. It is not known what forms of management for tibial fractures predominate among Canadian orthopedic surgeons. We therefore asked a representative sample of orthopedic trauma surgeons about their management of tibial fracture patients.

Methods?This was a cross-sectional survey of 450 Canadian orthopedic trauma surgeons. We inquired about demographic variables and current tibial shaft fracture management strategies.

Results?268 surgeons completed the survey, a response rate of 60%. Most respondents (80%) managed closed tibial shaft fracture operatively; 47% preferred reamed intramedullary nailing and 40% preferred unreamed. For open tibial shaft fractures, 59% of surgeons preferred reamed intramedullary nailing. Some surgeons (16%) reported use of bone stimulators for management of uncomplicated open and closed tibial shaft fractures, and almost half (45%) made use of this adjunctive modality for complicated tibial shaft fractures. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and electrical stimulation proved equally popular (21% each) and 80% of respondents felt that a reduction in healing time of 6 weeks or more, attributed to a bone stimulator, would be clinically important.

Interpretation?Current practice regarding orthopedic management of tibial shaft fractures in Canada strongly favors operative treatment with intramedullary nailing, although respondents were divided in their preference for reamed and unreamed nailing. Use of bone stimulators is common as an adjunctive modality in this injury population. Large randomized trials are needed to provide better evidence to guide clinical decision making regarding the choice of reamed or unreamed nailing for tibial shaft fractures, and to inform surgeons about the actual effect of bone stimulators.     

Central hemodynamics during reamed intramedullary nailing of unilateral tibial fractures

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing of a long-bone fracture results in intravasation of bone marrow contents into the right atrium and pulmonary vascular bed and, therefore, may alter cardiac and pulmonary hemodynamics. METHODS: Central hemodynamic changes were recorded in 12 healthy adults with a unilateral simple tibial fracture undergoing intramedullary nailing. The patients were cannulated with a pulmonary artery catheter. Reamed intramedullary nailing was performed during general anesthesia. Preoperative and immediate postoperative hemodynamic variables were compared and intraoperative changes studied. RESULTS: During the operation, the right ventricular preload as represented by central venous pressure and the right ventricular afterload as presented by mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased significantly. Preoperative and postoperative arterial oxygen tension values demonstrated hypoxia. Abnormal pulmonary shunting and increased oxygen consumption were observed as well. CONCLUSION: Changes in cardiac and pulmonary hemodynamics are already present after the trauma and before the reamed intramedullary nailing procedure.     

Exchange reamed nailing for aseptic nonunion of the tibia

BACKGROUND: Exchange reamed nailing of the tibia is a common procedure in the treatment of an aseptic tibial nonunion. However, reports in the literature supporting this technique are limited. METHODS: Forty patients with a tibial nonunion after initial unreamed intramedullary nailing were retrospectively assessed after an exchange reamed nailing. The main outcome measurements included radiographic and clinical union as well as time from exchange reamed nailing to union. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients achieved union of their fracture (95%). The average time from exchange nailing to union was 29 +/- 21 weeks. Complications included one deep vein thrombosis (2.5%) and two hardware failures (5%). CONCLUSION: Exchange reamed nailing for nonunions of the tibia results in a high union rate and is associated with a low complication rate. This technique is recommended as a standard procedure for aseptic tibial nonunions after initial unreamed intramedullary nailing.     

Alteration of body temperature, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein after reamed intramedullary nailing: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to confirm the clinical observation that patients undergoing reamed intramedullary nailing develop a high temperature in the early postoperative period and to further investigate this reaction by studying the alteration of biologic markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), during the early postoperative period. DESIGN: Body temperature, ESR, and CRP were monitored on admission, preoperatively, and postoperatively (1st, 3rd, and 10th days) in 30 consecutive patients who sustained isolated, closed femoral, or tibial diaphyseal fractures and were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing (study group). The same biologic parameters were monitored in 35 consecutive patients who sustained isolated, closed, intertrochanteric fractures of the femur at the same period of time and were treated with a Dynamic Hip Screw(R) (control group). Polytrauma patients or patients with pathologic problems or complications that could influence the results were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Body temperature, ESR, and CRP rise significantly (P < 0.0001) after reamed intramedullary nailing. CONCLUSIONS: Reamed intramedullary nailing causes significant inflammatory reaction that warrants further investigation. Knowledge that biologic markers are altered after reamed intramedullary nailing could help toward better postoperative management and undisturbed commencement of a physiotherapy program, and also toward better assessment and diagnosis of early postoperative complications, such as infection.     

胫骨干骨折髓内钉治疗术后膝关节痛的临床观察

目的通过对胫骨干骨折髓内钉内固定治疗后膝关节痛的临床观察,探讨膝关节痛的发生和病因。方法回顾研究1996年5月～2006年4月应用交锁髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨干骨折685例,所有病例在骨折愈合后均有1次以上的随访,平均随访时间为24.2个月。结果共有165例术后发生膝关节痛,经髌韧带入路组膝关节痛发生率为34.5%,髌韧带内侧入路组为14.6%,两组有显著性差异。结论髌韧带旁入路能减少胫骨干骨折髓内钉治疗术后膝关节痛的发生,建议使用髌韧带周围入路,髓内钉固定后膝关节痛的原因尚需进一步研究。     

Treatment of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions using reamed intramedullary nailing without bone graft

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary nailing has long been used successfully in the treatment of aseptic nonunions of the femur and tibia. However, recently the efficacy of reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of nonunions of the femur has been questioned by some publications reporting unfavourable results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment results of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions with intramedullary nailing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed thirty-two patients with femoral or tibial diaphyseal nonunions who were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing between May 2002 and April 2006. Fixation status at the time of treatment were nail in twenty-eight patients (12 femurs, 16 tibiae), plate in three cases (2 femurs, 1 tibia), no implant in one femur. We used a dynamically locked, reamed intramedullary nailing. Only in bone defects greater than 50% of the cortical diameter and more than 2 cm in length was open bone grafting performed. RESULTS: Solid union was achieved in 93% (fourteen of fifteen) of femoral nonunions and 94% (sixteen of seventeen) of tibial nonunions. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol with a dynamically locked, reamed nailing with the use of an oval hole and no open bone grafting for a defect less than 50% of the diameter and immediate weight bearing was successful in the treatment of femoral and tibial diaphyseal nonunions.     

胫骨髓内钉术后膝关节痛的临床观察

目的通过胫骨髓内钉术后膝关节痛的临床观察,探讨膝关节痛的病因.方法回顾在我院应用闭合复位交锁髓内钉治疗新鲜胫骨干骨折129个(126例病人).结果膝关节痛的共有17例,其中4例是由于钉尾突出胫骨近段,引起局部疼痛.另13例疼痛原因不详;所有病人膝关节活动均>110°,其中7例<110°时有痛(包括4例钉突出的),10例在极度屈膝活动时自觉有膝关节痛;除4例钉尾突出外,13例中在非扩髓组6/55例,扩髓组7/70例,统计学分析无差异;膝关节痛与髓内钉的品牌无统计学差异;经髌韧带入路关节痛发生率(11/44)明显高于髌韧带内侧入路(2/72),统计学上有显著差异.结论建议使用髌韧带周围入路;胫骨交锁髓内钉后出现的膝关节痛虽然比较少,其原因还需进一步观察与研究.     

Infection after reamed intramedullary nailing of the tibia: a case series review

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed those patients who developed a postoperative infection after reamed intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures to investigate the possible causes of infection, its effect on union time, and the requirement for reconstructive surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients who developed deep infection after reamed tibial nailing during a 15-year period. SETTING: University Level II Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Thirty-five with tibial diaphyseal fractures. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing. OUTCOME MEASURES: Union, union time, compartment syndrome, requirement for reconstructive procedures, and development of deep infection. RESULTS: In the closed-fracture group, 43.8% of patients were considered to have developed infection because of inappropriate fasciotomy closure, exchange nailing, and thermal necrosis. In the open-fracture group, 62.5% were considered to have developed infection attributable to late complications of plastic surgery. The most significant problem was marginal necrosis after flap cover. CONCLUSIONS: A number of deep infections after reamed intramedullary tibial nailing are avoidable. Particular attention must be paid to correct reaming, exchange nailing, and fasciotomy closure in closed fractures. In open fractures, marginal flap necrosis should be actively treated and not left to granulate.     

胫骨干骨折髓内钉治疗后膝关节痛的临床研究

目的 通过对胫骨干骨折髓内钉内固定治疗后膝关节痛的临床观察，探讨膝关节痛的发生和病因。方法 回顾性研究我院1997年1月～2002年12月应用髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨干骨折的1332例病例。所有病例在骨折愈合后均有一次以上随访，平均随访时间为27个月。结果 共有409例胫骨干骨折术后发生患侧膝关节痛；经髌韧带入路组膝关节痛发生率为31.9％，髌韧带旁入路组为28.9％。结论 髌韧带旁入路不能减少胫骨干骨折髓内钉治疗术后膝关节痛的发生。     

Malrotation following reamed intramedullary nailing of closed tibial fractures

Background:

Rotational malalignment after intramedullary tibial nailing is rarely addressed in clinical studies. Malrotation (especially >10°)of the lower extremity can lead to development and progression of degenerative changes in knee and ankle joints. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of tibial malrotation after reamed intramedullary nailing for closed diaphyseal tibial fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty patients (53 males and 7 females) with tibial diaphyseal fracture were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 33.4±13.3 years. All fractures were manually reduced and fixed using reamed intramedullary nailing. A standard method using bilateral limited computerized tomography was used to measure the tibial torsion. A difference greater than 10° between two tibiae was defined as malrotation.

Results:

Eighteen (30%) patients had malrotation of more than 10°. Malrotation was greater than 15° in seven cases. Good or excellent rotational reduction was achieved in 70% of the patients. There was no statistically significant relation between AO tibial fracture classification and fibular fixation and malrotation of greater than 10°.

Conclusions:

Considering the high incidence rate of tibial malrotation following intramedullary nailing, we need a precise method to evaluate the torsion intraoperatively to prevent the problem.     

Reamed versus minimally reamed nailing: a prospectively randomised study of 100 patients with closed fractures of the tibia

It is generally accepted that in tibial fractures the results of reamed intramedullary nailing are better than those of unreamed. However, it is not known whether the clinical effects of reaming are cumulative or if minimal reaming would induce the same beneficial effects as more extensive reaming. This international multicentre study has investigated the effects of different degrees of reaming. 100 patients with closed diaphyseal tibial fractures were prospectively randomised in two centres. Method of treatment was reamed nailing up to 12 mm inserting an 11 mm tibial nail (n: 50), and minimally reamed nailing up to 10 mm inserting a 9 mm tibial nail (n: 50). All patients included in the study had follow-up studies at 4,8,12,16,26 and 52 weeks after trauma. Sixty-six male and thirty-four female patients with an average age of 37.5 years were included in the study. Gender, age, and injury side were identical in both groups. There was no significant difference of complications in the two methods. The rate of deep wound infections was higher in the reamed group (n: 3) versus the minimally reamed group (n: 1). Union occurred earlier in the reamed group (17 wks) compared to patients with minimally reamed nailing (19 wks), and there were more patients with reamed nails in whom the fracture had healed by 16 weeks (57%) versus the minimally reamed group (43%), however, this was not statistically significant. Pain scales were similar for both groups from week 4 to week 52. A considerable number of outcome parameters including knee and ankle function, as well as the comparison of time intervals to restart certain activities, and return to work showed no significant statistical difference between the two groups. However, patients of the extensive reamed group returned earlier to running, training, and normal sports activities. This study found no significant evidence that more extensive reaming gave better results, however there seemed to be a tendency of more aggressive reaming to induce earlier fracture healing with a tendency of faster recovery times.     

The Hemodynamic Effect of Epinephrine-Containing Local Infiltration Analgesia After Tourniquet Deflation During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Observational Study

BackgroundLocal infiltration analgesia (LIA) is widely used in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and often contains epinephrine for a prolonged analgesic effect and to reduce systemic absorption of the local anesthetic. This retrospective observational study investigated the hemodynamic effect of locally infiltrated epinephrine after deflation of the tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty.MethodsWe reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty between January 2017 and February 2018 at a tertiary care university hospital. Total knee arthroplasty was performed using a conventional technique with a pneumatic tourniquet. LIA consisted of ropivacaine, morphine sulfate, ketorolac, and methylprednisolone. The patients were grouped according to whether or not epinephrine was included in the LIA. The incidence of a hypertensive response (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg or mean blood pressure >110 mmHg) after deflation of the tourniquet was compared between the 2 groups.ResultsA total of 452 patients had received LIA with (n = 188) or without (n = 264) epinephrine. A hypertensive response after deflation of the tourniquet was more common in patients who received LIA containing epinephrine (42/188 [22.3%]) than in those who received LIA without epinephrine (14/264 [5.3%], P < .001). However, the incidence of hypotension after deflation of the tourniquet was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .976).ConclusionBecause epinephrine-containing LIA can result in a hypertensive response after deflation of the tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty, it should be cautiously administered, especially in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.     

Operative management of lower extremity fractures in patients with head injuries

Treatment of patients with lower extremity fractures and concomitant head injury is controversial. The authors compared reamed intramedullary nailing versus plating of femoral and tibial fractures in patients with polytrauma and concomitant head injury. One thousand five hundred twenty-five patients with head injuries were identified from a prospective trauma database. Of those, 1211 patients sustained severe head injuries (Abbreviated Injury Score >/= 3). One hundred nineteen patients with severe head injuries and lower extremity long bone fractures met the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, four patient groups were identified: Group A, reamed femoral nail (n = 21); Group B, femoral plate (n = 29); Group C, reamed tibial nail (n = 23); and Group D, tibial plate (n = 46). Reamed intramedullary nails did not significantly alter the risk of mortality when compared with plates in femoral (relative risk 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-4.6) and tibial (relative risk 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-11.9) fractures. The severity of the initial head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score) was the strongest predictor of mortality. Functional independence scores between patients with reamed nails and patients with plates were similar at 1 year. Head injury does not seem to be a contraindication to reamed intramedullary nailing in patients with lower extremity fractures. The severity of head injury alone is an important predictor of outcome. A large, randomized trial with sufficient study power is needed to clarify this issue.     

Reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing for the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures and aseptic nonunions. Can we expect an optimum result?

The need for reaming and the number of locking screws to be used in intramedullary (IM) tibial nailing of acute fractures as well as routine bone grafting of tibial aseptic nonunions have not been clearly defined. We describe the results of reamed interlocked IM nails in 233 patients with 247 tibial fractures (190 closed, 27 open and 30 nonunions). Ninety-six percent of the fractures were united at review after an average of 4.9 years. No correlation was found between union and nail diameter (P = 0.501) or the number of locking screws used (P = 0.287). Nail dynamization was effective in 82% of fractures. Locking screw(s) breakage was associated with nonunion in 25% of cases. Bone grafting during IM nailing was found not to increase the healing rate in tibial nonunions (P = 0.623). None of the IM nails were removed or revised due to infection. A dropped hallux and postoperative compartment syndrome were found in 0.8 and 1.6% of cases, respectively. Anterior knee pain was reported in 42% of patients but nail removal did not alleviate the symptoms in almost half. This series confirms the place of reamed intramedullary nailing for the vast majority of tibial diaphyseal fractures. It provides an optimum outcome and minimizes the need for supplementary bone grafting in aseptic nonunions.     

Management of knee rheumatoid arthritis and tibia nonunion with one-stage total knee arthroplasty and intramedullary nailing: A report of two cases

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure which is widely used in the treatment of gonarthrosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The incidence of stress fractures in tibia in the patients with RA is higher compared to normal patients. In this study, we report two cases of TKA and intramedullary nailing in RA patients with severe knee arthritis and tibial nonunion. Both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome with radiological healing of the tibial fracture.     

扩髓灌洗联合抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染

目的探讨扩髓灌洗并更换成含抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2012-06—2018-12诊治的10例胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染,术中扩大髓腔进行髓腔灌洗、彻底清创,然后更换成含抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉一期内固定胫骨骨折。3例经窦道清创切除感染骨后用抗生素骨水泥填充骨缺损,8周后取出骨水泥并行自体松质骨颗粒植骨。结果 10例术后均获得随访,随访时间平均28(12~48)个月。所有患者术后感染均未复发,未再次骨折。7例无骨缺损者胫骨骨折愈合时间平均5(4.0~5.5)个月。3例骨缺损取自体髂骨植骨者骨折愈合时间分别为4、5、6个月,平均5个月。3例术后1年内出现髌前疼痛,经康复治疗后痊愈。结论扩髓灌洗并更换成含抗生素骨水泥涂层髓内钉内固定是胫骨骨折髓内钉内固定术后感染的有效治疗方法,治疗周期短,感染治愈率高,同时还有利于骨折愈合。     

Anesthetic, patient, and surgical risk factors for neurologic complications after prolonged total tourniquet time during total knee arthroplasty

Nerve injury after prolonged tourniquet inflation results from the combined effects of ischemia and mechanical trauma. Tourniquet release, allowing a reperfusion interval of 10-30 min followed by re-inflation, has been recommended to extend the duration of total tourniquet time. However, this practice has not been confirmed clinically. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1001 patients undergoing 1166 primary or revision knee replacements with tourniquet time more than 120 min during a 5-yr interval. Mean total tourniquet time was 145 +/- 25 min (range, 120-308 min). In 759 patients, the tourniquet inflation was uninterrupted. Two tourniquet inflations, interrupted by a single deflation, were noted in 371 patients, and 3 tourniquet inflations interrupted by 2 deflation intervals were noted in 23 patients. A total of 129 neurologic complications (peroneal and/or tibial nerve palsies) were noted in 90 patients for an overall incidence of 7.7%. Eighty-five cases involved the peroneal nerve and 44 cases involved the tibial nerve. In 39 cases, both peroneal and tibial deficits were noted. Complete neurologic recovery occurred in 76 (89%) peroneal and 44 (100%) tibial palsies. Postoperative neurologic dysfunction was associated with younger age (P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.7 per 10-yr increase), longer tourniquet time (P < 0.001; odds ratio = 2.8 per 30-min increase), and preoperative flexion contracture >20 degrees (P = 0.002; odds ratio = 3.9). In a subset of 116 patients with tourniquet times > or =180 min, longer duration of deflation was associated with a decreased frequency of neurologic complications (P = 0.048). We conclude that the likelihood of neurologic dysfunction increases with total tourniquet time and that a reperfusion interval only modestly decreases the risk of nerve injury.     

扩髓与非扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫骨骨折的疗效比较

目的　比较扩髓与非扩髓带锁髓内钉治疗开放性胫骨骨折的临床疗效。方法　对 6 4例共 6 7侧开放性胫骨骨折采用带锁髓内钉治疗 ,其中非扩髓组 36侧 ,扩髓组 31侧。伤口愈合拆线后扶拐下地活动 ,术后定期随访 6个月～ 1年。结果　非扩髓组与扩髓组局部感染率分别是 13 9%和 12 9% (P >0 0 5 ) ,无全身感染 ;非扩髓组 5例锁钉断裂 ,扩髓组无断钉 ;非扩髓组与扩髓组平均骨折愈合时间分别为 2 2 5周和 17 2周 (P <0 0 5 )。延迟愈合分别为 5例、 3例 ,非扩髓组有 1例骨折不愈合。结论　与非扩髓组比较 ,扩髓带锁髓内钉具有骨折固定强度大、骨折愈合快、延迟愈合或不愈合少 ,感染率没有明显升高