Pilon fractures. Treatment protocol based on severity of soft tissue injury

One hundred seven pilon fractures in 107 patients were treated according to a staged prospective protocol. All pilon fractures were stabilized immediately by the application of calcaneal traction. Open fractures or fractures in patients with multiple injuries were stabilized with traveling traction that was applied in the operating room. A distraction computed tomography scan was obtained before definitive treatment. Treatment groups were based on the degree of soft tissue compromise. Forty-one patients with Tscherne Grade 0 or Grade I injuries underwent open reduction and internal fixation (open plating) using contemporary techniques and low-profile implants. Sixty-four patients with Tscherne Grade II and Grade III closed injuries and all patients with open fractures underwent definitive treatment with limited open reduction and stabilization using small wire circular external fixators. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at an average 4.9 years after injury. For all fracture types (AO classification), 81% of the patients who were treated with external fixation and 75% of the patients who were treated with open plating had good or excellent results. For severe fracture patterns (Type C), patients in both groups had significantly poorer results than patients with Types A and B fractures. The patients in the open plating group had a significantly higher rate of nonunion, malunion, and severe wound complications compared with the patients who received external fixation for Type C fracture patterns. Because of the increased incidence of bony and soft tissue complications when treating open or closed Type C fractures, use of limited exposures and stabilization with small wire circular external fixators is recommended.     

The management of tibial fractures in acute spinal cord injury patients

Of 34 tibia fractures in 28 acute spinal cord injuries, 13 patients had complete and 15 had incomplete neurologic lesions. Tibia fractures were divided into three groups: Group I, nonoperative treatment; Group II, early open reduction and internal fixation; and Group III, Type III open injuries. Group I included 17 fractures, of which nine (53%) had delayed union, malunion, or nonunion. The average time to union was 6.5 months. Seven patients had pressure sores and pulmonary emboli. Eleven fractures were noted in Group II. One delayed union (9%), one superficial wound infection that healed uneventfully, and one deep vein thrombosis were noted. The average time to union was 12 weeks. All six Group III tibias had delayed and nonunions, regardless of treatment. Nonoperative fractures healed at a prolonged rate, while open reduction and internal fixation enhanced the rate and time to union. Fractures treated with early open reduction and internal fixation, excluding Group III patients, had the least orthopedic and medical complications. Open reduction and internal fixation is a justifiable alternative to nonoperative treatment in the uncomplicated tibia fracture regardless of neurologic lesion for improved medical and fracture care.     

Percutaneous poking reduction and fixation versus open reduction and fixation inthe treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures for Chinese patients: A systematicreview and meta-analysis

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with open reduction and fixation in the treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures. Methods: Reports of studies using case-controlled trials (CCT) to compare the percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with the open reduction and fixation in the management of calcaneal fractures were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed Database, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data (from January of 2005 to August of 2015). Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical software Revman 5.0 was used for data-analysis. Results: Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with open reduction and fixation in the treatment of calcaneal fractures revealed statistical significance in the incidence of complications after operation [RR=0.32, 95% CI (0.20,0.5), p < 0.05]. However, there were neither statistical significance in the degrees of recovery for calcaneal Bohler angle [WMD=1.65, 95% CI ( 3.43, 0.14), p > 0.05] and calcaneal Gissane angle [WMD=3.21, 95% CI ( 6.75, 0.33), p > 0.05], nor statistical significance in the rate of good foot function after operation [RR=0.95, 95% CI (0.90, 1.00), p > 0.05]. Conclusion: For the treatment of calcaneal fractures, percutaneous poking reduction and fixation is superior to open reduction and fixation in terms of the incidence of postoperative complications. But both techniques can obtain satisfactory clinical function.     

Open Versus Closed Operative Treatment for Tongue-Type Calcaneal Fractures: Case Series and Literature Review

Because consensus on the optimal surgical treatment of tongue-type calcaneal fractures is lacking, this study aimed to compare outcomes and postoperative complications of open and closed surgical treatment of these fractures. For this cases series, all patients 18 years or older who underwent operative fixation of tongue-type calcaneal fractures at 2 level I trauma centers between 2004 and 2015 were considered eligible for participation. Data on explanatory and outcome variables were collected from medical records based on available follow-up. Additionally, a systematic literature review on surgical treatment of these fractures was conducted. Fifty-six patients (58 tongue-type fractures) were included. Open reduction internal fixation was performed in 33 fractures, and closed reduction internal (percutaneous) fixation was performed in 25. More wound problems and deep infections were observed with open treatment compared with the closed approach: 10 (30%) versus 3 (12%) and 4 (12%) versus 0 (0%) procedures, respectively. In contrast, revision and hardware removal predominated in patients with closed treatments: 4 (16%) versus 1 (3%) and 9 (36%) versus 8 (24%) procedures, respectively. The systematic literature review yielded 10 articles reporting on surgical treatment for tongue-type fractures, all showing relatively good outcomes and low complication rates with no definite advantage for either technique. Both open and closed techniques are suggested as accurate surgical treatment options for tongue-type calcaneal fractures. Surgical treatment should be individualized, considering both fracture and patient characteristics and the treating surgeon's expertise. We recommend attempting closed reduction internal fixation if deemed feasible, with conversion to an open procedure if satisfactory reduction or fixation is unobtainable.     

切开复位内固定和闭合复位外固定治疗桡骨远端骨折的系统评价

[目的]系统评价切开复位内固定和闭合复位外固定治疗桡骨远端骨折的疗效.[方法]按Cochrane系统评价方法,计算机检索Cochrane图书馆;Cochrane协作网创伤数据库(2009);MEDLINE(1966～2009);EMbase(1966～2009);中国生物医学文献数据库(1979～2009);PUBMED;万方数据库和维普数据库;手工检索中义骨科期刊的相关文献.收集切开复位内固定和闭合复位外固定比较治疗桡骨远端骨折的随机和半随机对照试验,并评价纳入研究的方法学质量.统计软件采用Cochrane协作网提供的RevMan 4.2.8.[结果]纳入切开复位内固定和闭合复位外固定比较治疗桡骨远端骨折的对照试验6篇,其中4篇为随机对照试验.共380例患者.Meta分析显示:(1)ORIF和CREF组治疗桡骨远端骨折总的并发症发生率方面ORIF 组优于CREF组[[RR 0.37,95%CI(0.15,0.88),P=0.03];(2)ORIF组治疗后针道感染率显著低于CREF组,[RR 0.13,95%CI(0.03,0.46),P=0.002],而畸形愈合率方面两种方法治疗后结果差别无统计学意义[RR 0.17,95%CI(0.03,1.04),P=0.05];(3)功能:旋前旋后以及臂肩于功能失用评分(DASH score)方面ORIF优于CREF组,[WMD8.85,95%CI(6.24,11.45)和[WMD-8.67,95%CI(-12.88,-4.46)];握力方面两种方法治疗后关别无统计学意义.[结论]现有的临床资料显示,切开复位内固定(ORIF)治疗桡骨远端骨折的总的并发症率,针道感染率显苫低于CREF组;治疗后的旋前旋后功能和DASH score方面ORIF均优于CREF组;仵畸形愈合率和握力方面二者差别无统计学意义.综合治疗后并发症的发生率和功能恢复等方面考虑,切开复位内因定(ORIF)是治疗桡骨远端骨折的一种更好的选择.但冈研究质量和研究样本的局限性,上述结论有待设计严谨的大样本随机对照试验加以验证.     

Long-term Outcomes of 1,730 Calcaneal Fractures: Systematic Review of the Literature

The objective of the present study was to review the current data on the long-term outcomes of calcaneal fractures, with special emphasis on the role of the type of treatment, surgical approach, and reduction and internal fixation. The search was limited to skeletally mature patients. Major databases were searched from 1978 to 2011 to identify studies relating to functional outcome, subjective outcome, and radiographic evaluation at least 2 years after either surgical or conservative treatment of calcaneal fractures. Of 59 initially relevant studies, 25 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 1,730 fractures were identified in 1,557 patients. The mean sample size-weighted follow-up period was 4.6 years. The findings from the present review support current clinical practice that displaced calcaneal fractures are treated surgically from 1 level I evidence study, 1 level II, and multiple studies with less than level II evidence, with open reduction and internal fixation as the method of choice. If the fracture is less complex, percutaneous treatment can be a good alternative according to current level 3 and 4 retrospective data.     

Displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures: long-term outcome in women

BACKGROUND: This study compared the outcomes of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures in women treated operatively or nonoperatively. This was part of a prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center, clinical trial performed at four level I trauma hospitals. In addition, we compared the long-term outcomes in women with those reported in men in an earlier study. METHODS: Forty-one women (43 fractures) required treatment for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Patients' ages ranged from 17 to 65 years at the time of injury. All fractures were closed injuries and had posterior facet displacement of more than 2 mm. Patients were randomly assigned to either the nonoperatively or operatively treated groups. Nonoperative treatment included ice and elevation, while operative treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation using a standard lateral approach. Outcomes were measured using the validated Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Women were 3.18 times (RR 3.18, 95% CI 1.03- 9.79) more likely to report high SF-36 scores after operative treatment than those who received nonoperative treatment. Operative outcomes in women were better than those reported in an earlier study in men (SF-36: 77.47 in women compared to 67.56 in men, p = .07; VAS: 81.47 in women compared to 67.04 in men, p = .01). In women the fractures generally were caused by low-energy trauma that produced less severe injuries (higher Bohler angles). Most patients were not receiving Workman's Compensation benefits and did light to moderate work. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment of the fractures showed statistically significant better results when compared to nonoperative treatment (SF-36: p = .04; VAS: p = .10) in women. Displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures in women should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a lateral approach.     

Operative compared with nonoperative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a prospective,randomized, controlled multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures at many orthopaedic trauma centers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures results in better general and disease-specific health outcomes at two years after the injury compared with those after nonoperative management. METHODS: Patients at four trauma centers were randomized to operative or nonoperative care. A standard protocol, involving a lateral approach and rigid internal fixation, was used for operative care. Nonoperative treatment involved no attempt at closed reduction, and the patients were treated only with ice, elevation, and rest. All fractures were classified, and the quality of the reduction was measured. Validated outcome measures included the Short Form-36 (SF-36, a general health survey) and a visual analog scale (a disease-specific scale). RESULTS: Between April 1991 and December 1997, 512 patients with a calcaneal fracture were treated. Of those patients, 424 with 471 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were enrolled in the study. Three hundred and nine patients (73%) were followed and assessed for a minimum of two years and a maximum of eight years of follow-up. The outcomes after nonoperative treatment were not found to be different from those after operative treatment; the score on the SF-36 was 64.7 and 68.7, respectively (p = 0.13), and the score on the visual analog scale was 64.3 and 68.6, respectively (p = 0.12). However, the patients who were not receiving Workers' Compensation and were managed operatively had significantly higher satisfaction scores (p = 0.001). Women who were managed operatively scored significantly higher on the SF-36 than did women who were managed nonoperatively (p = 0.015). Patients who were not receiving Workers' Compensation and were younger (less than twenty-nine years old), had a moderately lower B?hler angle (0 degrees to 14 degrees ), a comminuted fracture, a light workload, or an anatomic reduction or a step-off of < or =2 mm after surgical reduction (p = 0.04) scored significantly higher on the scoring scales after surgery compared with those who were treated nonoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Without stratification of the groups, the functional results after nonoperative care of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were equivalent to those after operative care. However, after unmasking the data by removal of the patients who were receiving Workers' Compensation, the outcomes were significantly better in some groups of surgically treated patients.     

Surgical techniques: how I do it? Mini open reduction and fixation of calcaneal fractures with fine wire circular frames

Patients with calcaneal fractures associated with significant soft tissue swelling or open wounds are not ideal candidates for extensive incisions and open reductions with internal fixation. Fine wire frame external fixateurs are being used for the treatment of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus with soft tissue compromise or in patients with moderately displaced fractures. In this paper, we present our surgical technique of treating displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures with circular frame external fixateurs.     

Short-Term Outcomes of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Sanders Type III Calcaneal Fractures With and Without Bone Grafts

Calcaneal fractures, often caused by a fall from a height, are the most common injuries encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Currently, open anatomic reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is considered a valuable treatment of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus; however, the need for bone grafting in the treatment is still controversial. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the outcomes of 2 methods (with and without bone grafting) used for the surgical treatment of Sanders type III calcaneal fractures. From January 2013 to September 2015, 57 cases (55 patients) with displaced Sanders type III calcaneal fractures (53 unilateral and 2 bilateral) were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group I was treated by ORIF with bone grafting (n = 28) and group II was treated by ORIF without bone grafting (n = 29). The radiologic evaluation included Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, and the height and width of the calcaneum. In addition, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaires and visual analog scale were completed by the patients. During the follow-up period, no differences were found in the outcome measures (Böhler's angle, p = .447; Gissane's angle, p = .599; calcaneal height, p = .065; calcaneal width p = .077; and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaires, p = .282) with or without bone grafting. The only difference between the 2 groups was the occurrence of postoperative pain (p = .024 and p = ≤ .05), which was greater in the patients who had undergone bone grafting. We have provided evidence that bone grafting with internal fixation in the treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures failed to improve the restoration of Böhler's angle or Gissane's angle. No statistically significant difference was found in the short-term outcomes between the 2 methods used for the surgical treatment of Sanders type III calcaneal fractures.     

The displaced femoral neck fracture. Internal fixation versus bipolar endoprosthesis. Results of a prospective, randomized comparison

The displaced femoral neck fracture poses difficult decision-making issues for the orthopedic surgeon. Young patients frequently require a rapid open reduction and rigid internal fixation in the face of multiple associated injuries. Elderly patients present the typical decision dilemma of internal fixation versus arthroplasty. Consecutive, randomized, prospective series of cases for evaluation of alternatives in the treatment of this difficult fracture are lacking. Between 1982 and 1984, 34 elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures were randomized to open reduction or hemiarthroplasty study groups. Although the surgical risks are relatively high, two-year observations showed better functional results in the cemented hemiarthroplasty group.     

Lateral Extensile Approach Versus Minimal Incision Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Meta-analysis

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this large meta-analysis was to report the outcomes of the lateral extensile approach versus the minimal incision approach including complications, anatomic reduction, functional outcomes, and timing and to report results when only randomized control trials were compared. Five electronic databases were searched for articles directly comparing the 2 above approaches. Inclusion criteria included articles published from January 2007 to April 2017, adults (>18 years old) with closed, Sanders type II or III fractures, mean follow-up time of ≥12 months, and ≥1 primary outcome reported. Seventeen randomized control trials and 10 retrospective studies were included. There were 2179 participants with 2274 fractures, and mean follow-up of 22.41 months. Our results revealed no statistically significant difference in Gissane's angle, calcaneal width, calcaneal length, deep infection, or subtalar stiffness. When taking into consideration only randomized control trials, there was no statistically significant difference between groups comparing postoperative Bohler's or Gissane's angle. There was a statistically significant difference in wound complications, superficial infection, sural nerve injury, visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, operative time, time to operating room, calcaneal height, and postoperative Bohler's angle (when all studies were considered), all in favor of the minimal incision approach. These results remained statistically significant when only the randomized controlled trials were compared, with the exception of Bohler's angle and VAS and AOFAS scores. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the minimal incision approach is a good alternative to the standard lateral extensile approach.     

Sanders Ⅳ型跟骨骨折的手术治疗

目的　总结SandersⅣ型跟骨骨折的手术治疗经验。　方法　对29例31侧SandersⅣ型跟骨骨折进行开放复位内固定治疗,内固定方法采用重建钢板（17侧）和自制可塑形跟骨钛钢板（14侧）。疗效评定标准采用Maryland足部评分系统。　结果　21侧骨折术后获12～57个月（平均18.4个月）随访,患足功能优5侧（23.8%）,良13侧（61.9%）,可3侧（14.3%）。　结论　开放复位内固定可作为治疗SandersⅣ型跟骨骨折的首选方法。     

切开复位内固定治疗移位的跟骨关节内骨折

目的探讨切开复位跟骨钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折的效果。方法自2001年8月至2003年4月,采用切开复位内固定治疗移位的跟骨关节内骨折34例35足。所有骨折均采用Sanders分型,应用广泛外侧入路,AO跟骨钢板内固定。对有选择的病例进行了植骨。应用影像学检查和美国足踝协会的后足评分系统进行结果评价,患者全部获得随访。平均随访时间18.3个月(12～32个月)。结果共完整随访Ⅱ型骨折30足,Ⅲ型骨折5足。术前平均Bhler角是5.6°,随访时平均Bhler角是28.2°。X线测量表明在单侧跟骨骨折患者跟骨高度恢复为健侧的97.7%。80%的患者取得关节面的解剖复位或近解剖复位。平均评分在SandersⅡ型骨折为88分,Ⅲ型骨折为79分。优良率在SandersⅡ型骨折为83%,Ⅲ型骨折为60%。总的优良率为79%。结论对于SandersⅡ型和Ⅲ型骨折患者采用切开复位内固定治疗,效果较好。     

Calcaneal fractures in the industrial patient

A retrospective review was performed on industrial patients who sustained calcaneal fractures within the State of Idaho during the years 1992 to 1994, and these patients were insured by the Idaho State Insurance Fund. Of 48 calcaneal fractures that occurred during this period, 18 were non-displaced extra-articular fractures and 30 were displaced intra-articular fractures. An independent evaluator contacted each patient and performed chart reviews regarding the work history, period of time off work, and cost incurred with the injury. A total of 24 primary surgical procedures were performed on patients who sustained a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture and 31 secondary procedures were performed including wound debridement, hardware removal, skin grafting, and secondary subtalar fusion. For patients whose calcaneal fractures could be treated with non-operative care, the average time from injury until return to work was 18 weeks, and the average total cost of injury was $14,230. For patients whose calcaneal fractures required open reduction and internal fixation, the average time loss from work was 35 weeks, and the average total cost of injury was $31,004. Seven patients whose calcaneal fractures were initially treated with an open reduction, internal fixation later underwent a hindfoot arthrodesis. The average time off work for these patients was 69 weeks and the average total cost of injury was $65,384. Fractures were rated on postoperative radiographs according to the quality of their operative reduction. Fractures that were non-anatomically reduced had an increased tendency to require a subtalar fusion. Nine patients sustained other injuries associated with their calcaneal fracture and three patients sustained an open fracture. Both concurrent injuries and open fractures were associated with increased total cost and increased time off work. The total cost of injury was doubled as was time off work when an open reduction and internal fixation was followed later by a secondary subtalar arthrodesis.     

Combined limited internal fixation with circular frame external fixation of intra-articular tibial fractures

High-energy intra-articular fractures of the tibial plateau and plafond cause ongoing management problems for the orthopedic surgeon. This study retrospectively evaluated 37 such fractures treated with limited internal fixation and circular frame external fixators. Seventeen plateau fractures (5 open) and 20 plafond fractures (9 open) were treated. Time to union, number of procedures, complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. All tibial plateau fractures healed within an average of 3.8 months. Eighteen of 20 plafond fractures healed at an average of 4.8 months. There was a high complication rate as is common with these injuries, but most of the complications were minor and easily treated.     

Can Locked Fibula Nail Replace Plate Fixation for Treatment of Acute Ankle Fracture? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The standard surgical treatment for unstable ankle fractures involves open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates. However, ORIF has been associated with several complications, such as soft tissue irritation, wound infection, and nerve injury. Previous studies have shown that closed reduction and internal fixation with locked intramedullary nails (LIMNs) yields satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of ankle fractures and is associated with low complication rates. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is imperative to provide evidence on whether or not LIMN fixation is comparable to or superior than traditional ORIF. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. A total of 4 randomized controlled trials involving 359 participants who suffered ankle fractures were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that the LIMN fixation group was statistically significant in terms of functional outcomes at the 3-month follow-up and wound-related complications. There was no statistical advantage for patients in the LIMN fixation group in terms of nonwound-related complications, total complications, or mid-term follow-up functional outcomes. There was no statistical difference between the LIMN and ORIF groups regarding operation time and quality of reduction. We believe LIMN fixation is a viable option for the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in both young and elderly individuals.     

切开复位钢板内固定治疗Sanders Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型跟骨骨折

目的探讨切开复位钢板内固定治疗跟骨骨折的手术疗效。方法 24例(27足)跟骨骨折患者,按Sanders分型,Ⅱ型8足,Ⅲ型19足。均行手术切开复位固定、自体髂骨植骨术。结果本组患者术后随访6～20个月,无骨折延迟愈合或不愈合,按Maryland足部评分系统评价,全组优良率为95%,其中SandersⅡ型优良率为97%,SandersⅢ型优良率为93%。结论手术切开复位固定加植骨是治疗跟骨骨折的有效方法。