Bone transport for the management of severely comminuted fractures without bone loss

This study aims to provide a new method for treatment of severely comminuted fractures without bone loss using the well-known technique of bone transport. Sixteen patients suffering from severely comminuted fractures with closed soft tissue injury were prospectively treated using bone transport by Ilizarov circular fixator. There were 14 male and 2 female patients. The mean age was 36.5 years (27–45). There were 13 proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures, one tibial diaphyseal fracture and two femoral distal metaphyseal fractures. All patients had closed soft tissue. The mean length of the comminution gap was 50.3 mm (40–64). Fracture healing occurred in 15 patients. The mean healing time was 23.4 weeks (14–30). No bone stimulating procedures were needed for either the fracture or distraction site. Using the IOWA knee and ankle score for assessment of the 15 patients who completed treatment: the functional outcome for the knee was excellent in 11 patients, good in three and fair in one. The ankle score was excellent in 12 patients, good in two and fair in one. According to Paley and Maar’s, bone results were excellent in 14 patients, good in one patient and poor in the patient who had failure of the procedure. The results achieved in this work are encouraging to keep on applying this technique to treat fractures that meet the following criteria: metaphyseal, with total circumferential comminution involving more than 4 cm of the bone length.     

Retrograde nail for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis as a limb salvage procedure for open distal tibia and talus fractures with severe bone loss

The treatment of complex fractures of the distal tibia, ankle, and talus with soft tissue damage, bone loss, and nonreconstructable joints for which the optimal timing for reduction and fixation has been missed is challenging. In such cases primary arthrodesis might be a treatment option. We report a series of multi-injured patients with severe soft tissue damage and bone loss, who were treated with a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis nail as a minimally invasive treatment option for limb salvage. After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, all patients returned to their former profession. The ankle and bone fusion was complete, with moderate functional results and quality of life. Calcaneotibial arthrodesis using a retrograde nail is a good treatment option for nonreconstructable fractures of the ankle joint with severe bone loss and poor soft tissue quality in selected patients with multiple injuries, in particular, those involving both lower extremities, as a salvage procedure.     

Talar body fracture combined with bimalleolar fracture

The incidence of talar fractures is relatively low affecting usually young patients, while recent epidemiological studies have shown that talar body fractures represent a significant proportion of the total number of talar fractures. Talar body fractures are usually high-energy injuries and often a combined talar neck and body fracture is noted. An association between talar body fractures and ankle fractures has also been recorded involving the medial or lateral malleolus. The only report of a talar fracture combined with a bimalleolar ankle fracture that was found in the literature is referred to a talar neck fracture. In this report, a combination of a talar body fracture and bimalleolar ankle fracture in a polytraumatised young patient is presented. This combined injury pattern seems to be very rare, since a similar case was not found in the literature. An open reduction and internal fixation of the talar body fracture as well as the bimalleolar fracture, followed by a prolonged non-weight bearing, led to a fracture healing with no evidence of osteonecrosis. Minimal osteoarthritic changes of the tibiotalar joint were noted at 3 years follow-up with satisfactory functional results.     

Talusfrakturen und -luxationen

Immediate fracture reduction and careful, stable osteosynthesis followed by postoperative functional rehabilitation can yield reliable and satisfactory long-term results with a comparatively low rate of necrosis after talar fractures.In the case of talar neck fractures preference should be given to the anteromedial approach to ensure secure fracture reduction and preservation of the vascular supply to the talar bone. If the surgical access needs to be extended, damage to the vascular supply needs to be kept to the minimum. Particular importance attaches to preservation of the dorsomedial aspect of the capsule because of its vital importance for the blood supply to the trochlea. For exact fracture reduction a posterolateral or posteromedial approach should be considered in the case of posterior fractures of the corpus and fractures of the posterior process, as the biomechanical aspects of these mean that they are less likely to prejudice the vascular supply. Surgery is also recommended for nondislocated talar neck fractures and fractures involving the talar trochlea, because the necesity for only a short period of immobilization allows a better functional outcome. Long-term immobilization has become obsolete and weight-bearing exercises should start as soon as fracture consolidation is observed.     

Infected open calcaneal fractures – A delayed reconstruction technique using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite antibiotic elucidating void filler

Treating open calcaneal fractures remains challenging, particularly when involving bone loss and infection.CaseWe present the case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained an open AO 83-C2 calcaneal fracture with subsequent necrosis and presumed infection. Superseding necrosis and bone loss complicated the plan for definitive fixation. Residual bone was stabilised with Kirshner-wires and the void filled with a calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, facilitating delayed surgical reconstruction.ConclusionUsing calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, as part of a 2-stage process represents a strategy in the treatment of complex calcaneal fractures with possible infection, and bone and soft tissue loss.Level of clinical evidence4.     

Treatment of an open distal tibia fracture with segmental bone loss in combination with a closed proximal tibia fracture: a case report

The treatment of open distal tibia fractures remains challenging, particularly when the fracture is infected and involves segmental bone loss. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who sustained an open distal tibiofibular fracture with segmental bone loss and a closed proximal tibial fracture. The fractures were initially fixed with a temporary external fixator. The open distal tibial fracture was infected, and the skin was covered after the wound became culture negative. The tibia was then internally transported with a ring external fixator; the closed fracture of the proximal tibia served as the corticotomy for internal transport without conventional corticotomy. After 5?cm internal transport, the docking site of the distal tibia was fixed with a locking plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft. Bone graft was also used to the distal tibiofibular space to achieve distal tibiofibular synostosis. We describe one treatment option for an infected open fracture of the distal tibia with segmental bone loss that is accompanied by a closed fracture of the proximal tibia. This method can treat two fractures simultaneously.     

骨性结构异常对下尺桡关节稳定影响的研究进展

下尺桡关节(distal radioulnar joint,DRUJ)不仅是腕部主要的承重关节,还是前臂旋转的枢纽,是身体中最重要且独特的关节之一。保持下尺桡关节的稳定性对日常生活非常重要,稳定下尺桡关节的组织包括骨性结构和软组织结构,虽然软组织结构对其稳定性的贡献要远远超过骨性结构,但是不能忽视骨性结构异常对下尺桡关节造成的影响。本文通过回顾相关文献,将骨性结构异常分为先天性及获得性骨结构异常,分别分析、整理两者对下尺桡关节稳定性所造成的影响,并从临床症状、分级、治疗等方面进行总结,简述下尺桡关节不稳在当前临床中存在的问题及其在今后的研究方向,以期为日后临床应用提供参考。     

Arthrodesis of the ankle joint

Arthrodesis of the ankle that uses lag screws for internal fixation is a safe and biomechanically stable method to obtain a solid ankle fusion; it generates good to excellent results in most patients. Prompt bone healing can be expected and allows a functional rehabilitation with full weight bearing. The surgical technique can be simplified further when using cannulated screws. Malalignment hazards while doing the ankle fusion are minimized by respecting the shape of the ankle mortise because no osteotomy of the lateral malleolus is performed. Generally, removal of the implanted material is not necessary. Major complications such as infection, stress fractures, or nonunion were not seen in our series. A meticulous resection of all cartilage and sclerotic bone and an atraumatic surgical technique are essential for preventing those major complications.The need for revision surgery is minimized by correction of talar malalignment, fusion with the ankle in a 90 degrees position, and preoperative evaluation of the subtalar joint. External fixation methods are used in cases of osteitis, osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, and poor soft tissue conditions. With severe loss of bone stock at the distal tibia, stability can be achieved by using an intramedullary nail for ankle fusion.     

Reconstruction of medial epicondyle with an ILIAC crest strut bone graft in a 74-year-old lady with an open type c fracture of distal humerus

Open intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus are frequently associated with severe bone and articular cartilage fragmentation, extensive soft tissue damage and bone loss. Management is controversial, and results are poor especially in old osteoporotic patients. We here present a case of open fracture of distal humerus with extensive bone loss of medial column. The patient was operated with internal fixation and reconstruction of the medial column with strut iliac crest grafting and had an excellent outcome.     

Salvage of pilon fracture nonunion and infection with circular tensioned wire fixation

Nonunion, malunion, and infection are complications encountered when treating fractures of the distal tibia extending into the joint surface. There is rank order of severity of those complications extending from a varus collapse of the medial column of the distal tibia with a reduced joint surface to an infected nonunion with destruction of the joint surface, segmental bone loss, and damaged soft tissue envelope. Malunion and malposition of nonunion of the distal tibia have a combination of angular deformity, translation, rotational malalignment, and shortening. These deformities require correction in the reconstruction and there are multiple technique pathways to achieving a successful reconstruction.     

Assessment of the talar deformity and alignment in congenital clubfoot using three-dimensional MRI after Ponseti method

BackgroundPonseti method have been widely accepted as the initial treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot because its excellent primary result. On the other hand, relapses after Ponseti method are not uncommon and the cause of relapses have not been fully elucidated. We investigated detailed morphology and alignment of tarsal bones in clubfoot after Ponseti method using three-dimensional MRI analysis.MethodsWe performed MRI with 10 patients of unilateral clubfoot at three months after Achilles tenotomy. Based on the MRI volume data, we reconstructed three-dimensional bone surface model using the marching cubes method. We evaluated the volume of the talus and navicular bone, medial and planter deviation of the talar head and neck, medial deviation of the navicular bone, and internal rotation angle of the distal tibiofibular joint.ResultsIn clubfoot, the volume of talus and navicular bone were significantly smaller compared with the contralateral side. Deviation of the talar head and neck varied from medially to almost the same as that on the contralateral side. The degree of deformity of the talus and alignment of the navicular bone and distal tibiofibular joint showed correlations.ConclusionsPatients with the medial deviated talar neck might have the alignment change of navicular bone and distal tibiofibular joint. Deformity of talar neck might to be compensated by talonavicular joint and distal tibiofibular joint through the manipulation of Ponseti method.     

Microvascular composite tissue transfer for the management of type IIIB and IIIC fractures of the distal leg and compound foot fractures

Patients who sustain high-energy, compound fractures with severe contamination and soft tissue loss, face high rates of delayed union, nonunion, infection and, in some instances, amputation. The authors reviewed 18 patients with compound foot fractures and IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures. All patients were treated by early free-flap coverage and simultaneous bone reconstruction. Corticocancellous bone grafting, composite osteocutaneous free flaps, or bone transport techniques were utilized, as required. Bony union was achieved in all cases; rehabilitation and return to work occurred within 12 to 18 months, with no major complications. The authors believe that the reconstruction ladder usually followed should be altered in certain cases in which severe periosteal stripping and soft-tissue contamination necessitate distant free composite tissue transfer, particularly those cases involving the distal third of the leg and foot. Simultaneous reconstruction is superior to other methods of wound management in providing early coverage of extensive wounds, a barrier against bacterial contamination, prevention of osteomyelitis, and enhanced union of the fractures.     

Treatment of Chopart Fracture-Dislocations

The Chopart articular space was used by Fran?ois Chopart (1743–1795) as a practical space for amputation in cases of distal foot tumor. It corresponds to the center of the foot and allows for essential articulation by means of the talo-calcaneo-navicular joint (coxa pedis). Chopart fracture-dislocations may therefore include fractures of the navicular, the cuboid, the talus, and calcaneus. The treatment priorities should therefore include addressing all of the injured soft tissues by immediate joint reduction or restoring bony alignment, including the avoidance of threatening compartment syndromes. Subsequent anatomical bone and joint reconstruction, if possible, should first address the talar head and the navicular. The anterior process of the calcaneus and the cuboid should be aligned to preserve foot alignment in the sagittal and horizontal planes. In severe joint destructions, isolated fusion of the calcaneo-cuboidal joint may help preserve functional mobility of the foot. Isolated or associated talo-navicular fusion considerably limits functional mobility of the foot.     

Distale Tibiafrakturen

Distal tibial fractures can be divided by mechanism into injuries caused by torsion trauma or by compression trauma. The latter ones are often associated with a complete destruction of the tibial joint surface, so-called tibial plafond fractures. Another group of fractures are the distal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia with only minimal involvement of the ankle as a result of low energy torsion trauma. Multiple factors can be held responsible for posttraumatic complications and poor outcome: malalignment, nonanatomic reduction of the joint surface or bone defects, and severe soft tissue injury. Therefore a sophisticated therapeutic regime of distal tibial fractures is necessary, which we present in detail in this article. In cases with only minor soft tissue injury a primary definitive open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of the tibial fracture is possible. Fractures with severe soft tissue injury should be initially fixed with an external fixator. Definitive fixation and reconstruction should here be performed in subsequent operations. Early functional therapy can be attempted if fractures are reliably stabilized.     

The role of arthroscopy in the management of fractures about the ankle

Anatomic restoration of the joint is the goal of management in fractures about the ankle. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the standard of care for unstable ankle fractures; however, arthroscopic management has been proposed. The use of arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) is surgeon-dependent. Reported indications for ARIF include transchondral talar dome fracture, talar fracture, low-grade fracture of the distal tibia, syndesmotic disruption, malleolar fracture, and chronic pain following definitive management of fracture about the ankle. Among the potential benefits are less extensive exposure, preservation of blood supply, and improved visualization of the pathology. Although arthroscopy is increasingly used in the setting of trauma, the effectiveness of ARIF compared with ORIF for management of fractures of the distal tibia, malleolus, displaced talar neck, and talar body has yet to be determined. Most of these fractures are effectively managed with open procedures.     

Posterior Bone Block Distraction Arthrodesis of the Subtalar Joint: A Review of 22 Cases

Twenty-two patients underwent a posterior bone block distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint between 1999 and 2006. The indication for surgery was loss of heel height, subtalar joint arthrosis, decreased talar declination with associated tibiotalar impingement, insufficient Achilles tendon function, malalignment of the rear foot, and pain with ambulation. There were 11 male and 11 female patients with a mean age of 46.7 years (range 20 to 71). The mean follow-up period was 27.3 months (range 12 to 63.9 months). Radiographic analysis revealed a mean increase in heel height of 6.09 mm (P= .0001), 5.83 degrees (P= .12) of lateral talocalcaneal angle, 5.5 degrees (P= .06) of talar declination, and 5.23 degrees (P= .07) of calcaneal inclination. The talo-first metatarsal angle increased an average of 4.5 degrees (P= .18). There was a 95.5% union rate. Postoperative complications included nonunion in 1 patient, subsidence of graft (collapse) in 1 patient, wound dehiscence in 3 patients, painful hardware in 7 patients, sural neuritis in 1 patient, superior cluneal nerve dysfunction in 1 patient and one mild varus malunion. Posterior bone block distraction arthrodesis can be successfully used to restore heel height, realign the foot, and decrease the morbidity associated with late complications of calcaneal fractures, as well as, nonunion and/or malunion following subtalar joint arthrodesis, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and avascular necrosis of the talus. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.     

Submuscular plating of the distalfemur

A variety of implants are available for the treatment of distal femur fractures. However, continued problems includeinfection, nonunion, need for bone grafting, malunions, joint stiffness, and loss of fixation. “Biological plating” emphasizes maintenance of the soft tissue environment around the fracture. The concept of “biological plating” in supracondylar femur fractures has been very advantageous. The Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) for fractures of the distal femur combines these biological advantages of submuscular fixation with the biomechanical advantage of fixed angled, locked screws for fixation of the distal femoral block. The LISS may be particular helpful in the setting of complex articular pathology, a short distal segment, and osteoporotic bone. LISS methodology relies on traditional internal fixation of the articular surface, closed reduction of metaphyseal/diaphyseal component of the fracture, and placement of a submuscular LISS fixator. Percutaneous locking screws are then placed for proximal fixation. In this review, the evolution of submuscular fixation of supracondylar femur fractures and the technique are described.     

Medial Malleolar Screw Length to Achieve Thread Purchase in the Dense Bone of the Tibial Epiphyseal Scar Location Based on CT Model

Medial malleolar ankle fractures are one of the most common surgically treated fractures of the ankle joint. Current AO guidelines for medial malleolar fractures recommend 2 partially threaded cancellous screws across the fracture line. For these screws to cross the fracture line, the threads must purchase the distal tibial metaphysis, which is an area of decreased bone density especially in elderly osteoporotic bone. The epiphyseal scar of the tibia is the densest portion of distal metaphysis of the tibia, and it has been determined that bone density decreases significantly further proximal through the tibia. One hundred eighty-three individual weightbearing coronal CT scans were assessed to measure the location of the epiphyseal scar and propose an ideal screw length to purchase this area and remain within the distal most portion of the tibia. In following with this criteria it was determined that a 34 mm ? thread pattern screw and a 38 mm ½ thread pattern screw would suffice for 92.6% and 75.3% of males, respectively. It was determined that a 30 mm ? thread pattern screw and a 32 mm ½ thread pattern screw would suffice for 93.4% and 85.3% of females, respectively. This study proposes optimal screw lengths in a theoretical area of increased bone density that may decrease complications in patients with compromised bone quality.     

锁骨钩钢板治疗锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位

目的探讨锁骨钩钢板在锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位中的治疗效果。方法对56例锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位患者行切开复位锁骨钩钢板内固定术。结果伤口感染2例,经换药愈合。56例均获随访,时间4～16个月。内固定松动及脱出3例,锁骨中段骨折1例,锁骨钩钢板锁骨钩不在肩峰下1例,均经石膏固定愈合;X线片显示锁骨骨折全部愈合,肩锁关节无再脱位发生。按照Karlsson评价标准：优40例,良11例,差5例,优良率91.1%。结论锁骨钩钢板治疗锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位创伤小、固定牢固、能早期活动肩关节,是治疗锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位有效的方法。     

距骨骨折畸形愈合及不愈合的手术治疗

目的 探讨距骨骨折畸形愈合及不愈合的手术治疗方法.方法 2000年1月至2008年1月,手术治疗距骨骨折畸形愈合及不愈合22例,其中男性17例,女性5例,年龄15-52岁,平均34岁.根据Zwipp提出的距骨骨折畸形愈合及不愈合的分类标准,Ⅰ型(距骨骨折畸形愈合或伴有关节脱位)10例,Ⅱ型(距骨骨折不愈合伴关节脱位)8例,Ⅲ型(在Ⅰ或Ⅱ型的基础上出现部分距骨缺血性坏死)4例.采用美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝、后足评分标准,术前评分平均35.4分(28.0～41.0分),采用的手术方法为切开复位截骨矫形内固定术或关节融合术.结果 17例患者获得随访,随访时间12～24个月,平均14个月.伤口Ⅰ期愈合,无感染.所有患者均牢固愈合,未发生再次移位,也未发现距骨缺血性坏死的进一步发展.骨折愈合时间12～18周,平均14周.患者术后平均14周(12～18周)时可完全负重行走,无明显疼痛不适.术后AOFAS踝、后足评分标准评分平均86.6分(78.0～98.0分).结论 对于陈旧性距骨骨折患者应积极进行手术治疗,根据距骨骨折畸形愈合的具体情况采用不同的治疗方案,以达满意疗效.