Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture. Is the energy of trauma a prognostic factor?

Background

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures is the most common nerve lesion complicating fractures of long bones. The purpose of the study was to review the outcome of surgical management in patients with low energy and high energy radial nerve palsy after humeral shaft fractures.

Methods

Eighteen patients were treated operatively for a humeral shaft fracture with radial nerve palsy. The mean age was 32.2 years and the mean follow up time was 66.1 months (range: 30-104). The surgical management included fracture fixation with early nerve exploration and repair if needed. The patients were divided in two groups based on the energy of trauma (low vs. high trauma energy). The prevalence of injured and unrecovered nerves and time to nerve recovery were analysed.

Results

Five patients sustained low and 13 high energy trauma. All patients with low energy trauma had an intact (4) or entrapped (1) radial nerve and recovered completely. Full nerve recovery was also achieved in five of 13 patients with high energy trauma where the nerve was found intact or entrapped. Signs of initial recovery were present in a mean of 3.2 weeks (range: 1-8) for the low energy group and 12 weeks (range: 3-23) for the high energy group (p = 0.036). In these patients, the average time to full recovery was 14 and 26 weeks for the low and high energy trauma group respectively. Eight patients with high energy trauma had severely damaged nerves and failed to recover, although microsurgical nerve reconstruction was performed in 4 cases. Patients with high energy trauma had a prolonged fracture healing time (18.7 weeks on average) compared to those with low energy fractures (10.4 weeks), (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The outcome of the radial nerve palsy following humeral fractures is associated to the initial trauma. Palsies that are part of a low energy fracture uniformly recover and therefore primary surgical exploration seems unnecessary. In high energy fractures, neurotmesis or severe contusion must be expected. In this case nerve recovery is unfavourable and the patients should be informed of the poor prognosis and the need of tendon transfers.     

Humeral head necrosis rate at mid-term follow-up after open reduction and angular stable plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures

Introduction

Short-term follow-up of angular stable fixation for proximal humeral fractures has been well documented in the literature. Longer follow-up series are difficult to find. However, especially regarding the risk of avascular humeral head necrosis longer follow-up series are high of clinical relevance.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 66 years and treated with open reduction and angular stable internal fixation for proximal humeral fractures were followed up for a mean of 45 months. The clinical and radiographic follow-up (Constant Score (CS), age and gender related Constant Score (agCS), Constant Score in comparison to the contralateral side (%CS) and shoulder anterior-posterior and lateral view and axial view X-rays) was performed postoperatively.

Results

Clinical results after 45 months showed a mean CS of 66.2 ± 15.4 points with a mean agCS of 90.0 ± 23.1%. Evaluation of the %CS showed 77.7 ± 17.8%. %CS results showed no significant differences after 45 months in comparison to those obtained after 12 months. However, incidence of avascular necrosis of the humeral head doubled over the follow-up period from 4 cases at 12 months follow-up to 9 cases at final follow-up.

Conclusion

Results of open reduction and internal fixation with angular stable implants for proximal humeral fractures are reliable, however long-term complications such as avascular necrosis of the humeral head need to be evaluated further on since its incidence increases over the time.     

Outcome of dorsally comminuted versus intact distal radial fracture fixed with volar locking plates

Objective

Distal radial fractures are common. Modern trends favour operative treatment in many instances, providing stable fixation and early functional recovery. Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that volar locking plates (VLPs) enable adequate stability for dorsally displaced fractures, both in dorsally intact (DI) and in dorsally comminuted (DC) fractures. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcome of these two fracture groups treated with a VLP.

Methods

Retrospective case-control analysis of 91 distal radial fractures treated surgically using VLP by a single surgeon between the years 2006 and 2008 was carried out. Fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthes/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. Based on initial pre-reduction X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, fractures were classified into two groups of DI and DC fractures. The patients were re-evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year.

Results

Forty-one fractures (45%) were dorsally comminuted. Patients in the DC group were significantly older (mean 59 vs. 46 years, p < 0.01) and included more female patients, as well as significantly more C3 type fractures than the DI group (p < 0.04). The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 1 year postoperatively was 6.3 ± 2.3 for the DC group, as compared with 6.6 ± 2.02 for the DI group (p = 0.64). Average time to return to work was longer in the DC group (81.2 vs. 63.6 days, p = 0.05). Range of motion, volar tilt, and radial inclination were within clinically acceptable values and did not differ significantly among the two groups.

Conclusions

VLP fixation of DC distal radial fractures results in the maintenance of reduction and comparable functional and radiographical outcome with respect to DI fractures.     

Mid-term results in relation to age and analysis of predictive factors after fixation of acetabular fractures using the modified Stoppa approach

Introduction

Data concerning outcome after management of acetabular fractures by anterior approaches with focus on age and fractures associated with roof impaction, central dislocation and/or quadrilateral plate displacement are rare.

Methods

Between October 2005 and April 2009 a series of 59 patients (mean age 57 years, range 13–91) with fractures involving the anterior column was treated using the modified Stoppa approach alone or for reduction of displaced iliac wing or low anterior column fractures in combination with the 1st window of the ilioinguinal approach or the modified Smith-Petersen approach, respectively. Surgical data, accuracy of reduction, clinical and radiographic outcome at mid-term and the need for endoprosthetic replacement in the postoperative course (defined as failure) were assessed; uni- and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify independent predictive factors (e.g. age, nonanatomical reduction, acetabular roof impaction, central dislocation, quadrilateral plate displacement) for a failure. Outcome was assessed for all patients in general and in accordance to age in particular; patients were subdivided into two groups according to their age (group “<60 yrs”, group “≥60 yrs”).

Results

Forty-three of 59 patients (mean age 54 yrs, 13–89) were available for evaluation. Of these, anatomic reduction was achieved in 72% of cases. Nonanatomical reduction was identified as being the only multivariate predictor for subsequent total hip replacement (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 23.5; p < 0.01). A statistically significant higher rate of nonanatomical reduction was observed in the presence of acetabular roof impaction (p = 0.01). In 16% of all patients, total hip replacement was performed and in 69% of patients with preserved hips the clinical results were excellent or good at a mean follow up of 35 ± 10 months (range: 24–55). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups.

Conclusion

Nonanatomical reconstruction of the articular surfaces is at risk for failure of joint-preserving management of acetabular fractures through an isolated or combined modified Stoppa approach resulting in total joint replacement at mid-term. In the elderly, joint-preserving surgery is worth considering as promising clinical and radiographic results might be obtained at mid-term.     

A computed tomography-based analysis of proximal femoral geometry for lateral impingement with two types of proximal femoral nail anterotation in subtrochanteric fractures

Objective

To evaluate and analyse the geometrical discrepancies between the proximal femur and two types of AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) Proximal Femoral Nail Anterotation (PFNA/PFNA-II) using computed tomography (CT)-based analysis in Asian patients, and its implication in lateral cortical impingement during reduction intra-operatively in subtrochanteric fractures.

Materials and methods

Coronal CT images of hips in 50 randomly selected healthy cases were analysed using a unique measurement method with respect to the height, diameter, bending angle and inclination angle of lateral cortex of proximal femur. The data were then compared with dimensions of PFNA and PFNA-II.

Results

The average height of proximal femur was 61.1 ± 5.2 mm, diameter 18.1 ± 1.5 mm, bending angle 8.4 ± 2.2° and inclination angle of lateral cortex 11.9 ± 1.1°. The average impingement length of the lateral cortex was 54.2 ± 4.7 mm (range 41.4-64.2 mm), which was shorter than the height of the proximal femur. On comparison with dimensions of PFNA and PFNA-II, the lateral inclination angle and impingement length were found to be discrepant in PFNA; however, in the latter the flat lateral surface helps avoiding impingement with the lateral femoral cortex.

Conclusion

Our study provides clear evidence that the flat lateral shape of PFNA-II is better suited for the femur of Asian patients by reducing the chances of impingement with the lateral proximal femoral cortex during intra-operative reduction in subtrochanteric fractures.     

Biomechanical effect of bone cement augmentation on rotational stability and pull-out strength of the Proximal Femur Nail Antirotation™

Introduction

After surgical treatment of osteoporotic hip fractures, complications such as implant cut-out are reported to be high and implant failure often is associated with poor bone quality. As augmentation is reported to enhance implant anchorage, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of bone cement augmentation on the rotational stability and the pull-out resistance of the Proximal Femur Nail Antirotation™ (PFNa) blade.

Materials and methods

A total of 18 fresh-frozen femoral heads (mean age 68 years, standard deviation (SD) 8.2) were scanned with quantitative computed tomography (qCT) for bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and instrumented with a PFNa blade. Nine specimens were augmented with a mean volume of 4.4 ml Traumacem V+. After cement consolidation, the blade was rotated for 60° for the rotational test. Subsequently, the blade was extracted from the specimens. Force, torque, displacement and angle were recorded constantly.

Results

In the rotational test, the mean maximum torque in the augmented group (17.2 Nm, SD 5.0) was significantly higher (p = 0.017) than in the non-augmented group (11.7 Nm, SD 3.5). The pull-out test also yielded a significant difference (p = 0.047) between the augmented (maximum pullout force: 2315.2 N, SD 1060.6) and the non-augmented group (1180.4 N, SD 1171.4).

Discussion

Augmentation of femoral heads yielded a significantly superior rotational stability, as well as an enhanced pull-out resistance, compared to the non-augmented state. However, the higher the BMD of the specimens, the lower was the effect of augmentation on the rotational stability. Therefore, augmentation can be a good clinical tool to enhance implant anchorage in osteoporotic bone.     

Dorgan's lateral cross-wiring of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: A retrospective review

Introduction

The currently accepted treatment for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children is closed reduction and fixation with percutaneous Kirschner wires. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review a novel cross-wiring technique where the cross-wire configuration is achieved solely from the lateral side, thereby reducing the risk of ulnar nerve injury.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all children who had undergone this procedure at our centre over a 10-year period. The primary end points were a major loss of reduction as determined by radiological alignment and iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Secondary end points included clinical alignment, elbow range of motion and complications.

Results

A total of 43 patients, who underwent lateral cross-wiring for displaced supracondylar fractures (Gartland type II and type III) of the humerus were reviewed with a mean follow-up time of 36 months. No major loss of reduction occurred. The mean change in Baumann's angle (4.2 ± 1.6°) between intra-operative and follow-up radiographs was not significant (p > 0.05). No iatrogenic case of ulnar nerve injury occurred. The ‘carrying angle’ and ‘return to function’ in all children had returned to normal relative to the other side. Postoperative complications consisted of three patients developing pin-site infections, which were successfully treated.

Conclusion

Dorgan's lateral cross-wiring technique is an effective option in treating displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. It is as effective as the traditional cross-wire technique in terms of fracture healing with a reduced risk of ulnar nerve injury.     

The hidden blood loss after hip fracture

Introduction

Despite advances in surgical and anaesthetic techniques the mortality after hip fracture has not significantly changed in the last 40 years. Pre-operative anaemia is a risk factor for peri-operative death.We speculate that a significant proportion of the blood loss related to hip fractures has occurred prior to surgery. Identifying patients at risk of pre-operative anaemia can facilitate appropriate medical optimisation. This study is unique in its attempt to quantify the blood loss associated with the initial hip injury.

Methods

In a retrospective study all patients with both a diagnosis of hip fracture and an operative delay of >48 h were assessed. The information collected included: fracture classification, serial haemoglobins and patient co-morbidities. The exclusion criteria included a pre-injury diagnosis of anaemia, anti-coagulation and gastrointestinal bleeds.

Results

Between 2007/2008 sixty-eight intracapsular and fifty extracapsular hip fracture patients had serial haemoglobins and operative delays of >48 h (mean 75 h, range 48-270 h). The mean lowest recorded haemoglobin prior to surgery for both extracapsular and intracapsular fractures were 95.0 g/L (±SEM 2.2) and 108.5 g/L (±SEM 2.2) respectively. This difference was statistically significant (Student's t-test p < 0.05).The mean haemoglobin drop in the extracapsular and intracapsular fracture groups was 20.2 g/L (range 0-49 g/L) and 14.9 g/L (range 0-59 g/L) respectively.

Conclusions

Hip fracture patients have a large drop in haemoglobin that is associated with the initial trauma rather than the operation. This highlights the need for anaesthetic and orthopaedic staff to be vigilant to the risk of pre-operative anaemia in this cohort of frail patients even when the initial haemoglobin is apparently normal.     

Prediction of outcome after humeral diaphyseal fracture

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the demographic factors, functional outcome and radiological data to predict the outcome of humeral diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

We performed a prospective study on a consecutive series of 110 patients of 16 years or over, who had sustained a humeral diaphyseal fracture. There were 42 males and 68 females, with an average age of 59 years (range 16-93 years). A total of 72% sustained low-energy injuries, and 89 patients (81%) were primarily treated non-operatively.Shoulder function was assessed using the Neer's and Constant's scores at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after injury. Muscle strength was determined isokinetically using a Biodex System 2 dynamometer. Non-union was defined as a failure to bridge at least three cortices and persistence of tenderness or mobility at the fracture site 16 weeks after fracture.

Results

Sixteen patients (17%) had non-union at 16 weeks, while 80 had achieved union and a further 14 were lost to follow-up. After stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to isolate independent factors affecting outcome, only the presence of a proximal diaphyseal fracture was found to predict non-union along with a poor Neer's score at 8 and 12 weeks. Poor Neer's scores could be predicted at 26 weeks by age (P < 0.05), previous stroke (P < 0.001) and non-union (P < 0.001). At 52 weeks both age (P < 0.01) and previous stroke (P < 0.01) were independently predictive of poorer Neer's scores. Malunion of any degree had no detectable effect on function.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that non-union of humeral diaphyseal fractures can be predicted in the presence of a proximal third fracture with a Neer's score of less than 45 by 12 weeks after fracture. Early surgery improves early function, but this is not a lasting effect. Poor shoulder function is predicted by increasing age, proximal third fractures and non-union. We recommend that surgery to promote union be considered at 12 weeks after fracture in fit patients with fractures of the proximal third of the humerus, poor Neer's scores and no radiographic progression to union.     

A biomechanical comparison of the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) tibial nail with the standard hollow nail

Objective

In developing countries, tibial shaft fractures are frequently stabilised using Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nails. Despite widespread use throughout the world, little is known regarding their biomechanical properties. This study aimed to compare the mechanical stiffness of the SIGN tibial nail with a standard hollow tibial nail.

Methods

A fracture gap model was created to simulate a comminuted mid-shaft tibia fracture (AO/OTA42-C3) using synthetic composite bones. The constructs were stabilised with either a 9 mm solid SIGN nail or a 10 mm hollow Russell-Taylor nail. Both nail systems were interlocked proximally and distally. Following fixation, the specimens were loaded in axial, torsional, and cyclical axial modes to calculate construct stiffness and irreversible (plastic) deformation.

Results

The mean axial stiffness for the SIGN nail constructs was 47% higher than mean stiffness for the RT nail constructs (p < 0.001). The difference in torsional stiffness was not statistically significant. However, the SIGN group demonstrated 159% more irreversible deformation than the Russell-Taylor group (p = 0.006) for the loading parameters studied.

Conclusion

The SIGN tibial nail, despite its slightly smaller diameter, can provide similar construct stiffness and stability, when compared to a larger hollow nail for stabilisation of tibial shaft fractures.     

Surgical treatment of two-part fractures of the proximal humerus: Comparison of fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis and Zifko nails

Introduction

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using Zifko nails offer the advantage of a minimal soft-tissue dissection but have been criticised for limited stability and secondary fracture dislocation. Angular stable plate osteosynthesis enables anatomic reduction, but carries the risk of soft-tissue traumatisation and consecutive humeral head necrosis. The present study compares the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with dislocated two-part fractures of the proximal humerus, who were treated with either Zifko nails or angular stable plate fixation.

Material and methods

A matched-pair analysis was performed and patient groups were matched according to age (±3 years), sex and fracture type. As many as 11 pairs of patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were formed and investigated radiographically and clinically using the Constant score (CS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the patients’ satisfaction.

Results

At the time of follow-up, the absolute CS was 83 points in the PHP group and 78 points in the Zifko group (n.s.). Neither in the age and gender-corrected CS was found a significant difference between the study groups (PHP 104 ± 29, Zifko 95 ± 17, n.s.) nor in terms of subjective patient satisfaction (PHP 6.54; Zifko 7.8, n.s.). The complication rate was also comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zifko nailing represents a cost-effective minimally invasive surgical method with a complication rate and clinical outcome comparable to that after angular stable osteosynthesis by angular stable plate fixation in the treatment of two-part fractures of the proximal humerus.     

Transosseous suturing of patellar fractures with braided polyester – A prospective cohort with a matched historical control study

Background

Although tension-band wiring is the most widely used technique to fix patellar fractures, metal implant-related complications including implant failure and postoperative pain are very common and additional procedures are often necessary to treat the complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a totally metal-free technique using a transosseous suturing method and to compare it with the traditional fixation technique.

Method

A total of 25 patients (mean age of 59.60 years) with displaced patellar fractures treated by a transosseous suturing technique were compared with a 1:1 matched historical control group that underwent modified tension-band-wire fixation. Union time, union rate, operation time, number of procedures, mean hospitalisation days and complications were compared between cases and controls.

Results

Union time (8.43 ± 2.92 vs. 8.64 ± 2.82 weeks) and operation time (69.00 ± 19.31 vs. 64.89 ± 14.27 min) were not different between the two groups. Mean hospitalisation days (4.04 ± 1.40 vs. 5.76 ± 1.50 days; P < 0.001), number of procedures and the frequency of complications were significantly lower in the transosseous suturing group.

Conclusion

The transosseous suturing technique is safe and effective in the transverse or comminuted fractures of the patella. The complication rate is significantly lower than with the tension-band-wiring technique.     

Outcome of proximal femoral fractures caused by cycling in the young and mid-aged

Background

Cycling is gaining more popularity both as a sport, on and off-road and also as a means of commute. Cycling accidents harbour significant injury risks including fractures. Proximal femoral fractures are uncommonly associated with cycling in the young adult population. The purpose of this study is to describe this unique pattern of injury as well as the outcome of proximal femoral fractures caused by cycling in the young to mid age population.

Methods

Study design: retrospective cohort study. 23 fractures in 22 patients were available for analysis. 11 were femoral neck fractures, with six displaced ones, and the rest trochanteric fractures. 21 patients were male patients, and the average age was 42 (range 27–60). All patients but two were operated within 24 h from admission. Radiographic analysis included reduction quality, fracture classification and arthritic changes. Clinical outcome was measured using SF-12 and Oxford hip scores.

Results

All fractures healed. Two patients with displaced femoral neck fractures developed avascular necrosis requiring arthroplasty. One patient developed an AVN 2 years after a stable trochanteric fracture but did not require an arthroplasty as of yet. Eight patients required hardware removal due to symptoms. 77% of patients had resumed cycling at the pre-injury level. Mean SF-12 score was 47.1 ± 11.7 for the physical component and 53.7 ± 6.3 for the mental component. Mean oxford hip score as was 40.1 ± 12.2. Radiographic analysis revealed good to acceptable reduction quality. Fracture type, age, cycling type and reduction were not significantly associated with outcome.

Conclusion

Proximal femoral fractures caused by cycling in young to mid-aged adults are an emerging pattern of injury. Overall favourable result can be expected in the majority of cases, with displaced femoral neck fractures having a risk for AVN. Further delineation of the exact cause for this phenomenon is required with possible intervention for injury prevention.     

Comparison of lateral and posterior surgical approach in management of extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare treatment results and complication rates between lateral and posterior approaches in surgical treatment of extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures.

Material and methods

Between June 2008 and May 2012, a total of 68 patients with extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures were treated by lateral and posterior approaches. Of the patients, 30 were operated by a lateral approach (group I) and 26 patients were operated by a posterior approach (group II). There was no statistical significance between the two groups in sex distribution, age, the mechanism of the injury, injured arms, AO/ASIF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation) classification, and the time from injury to surgery (P > 0.05). Operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospitalisation, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared between the two groups. The elbow functional results were evaluated by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Results

All patients were followed up. The average of follow-up in group I was 15.53 ± 2.636 months (range, 12–22 months), and was 16.12 ± 2.889 months (range, 12–22 months) in group II. There was no significant difference in the operation time, intraoperative bleeding time, and hospitalisation between the two groups (P > 0.05). In group I, the mean time of bone union was 12.87 ± 1.852 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks), the mean degrees of elbow flexion was 139.20° ± 3.274° (range, 134–146°), the mean degrees of elbow extension was 4.77° ± 1.906° (range, 0–8°), and the mean points of MEPS was 87.00 ± 7.724 (range, 70–100 points). In group II, the mean time of bone union was 12.96 ± 2.218 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks), the mean degrees of elbow flexion was 137.85° ± 4.076° (range, 130–145°), the mean degrees of elbow extension was 5.15° ± 2.327° (range, 0–9°), and the mean points of MEPS was 86.15 ± 7.656 (range, 70–100 points). There was no significant difference in the bone union, range of elbow flexion, range of elbow extension and MEPS between the two groups (P > 0.05). The overall complication rate in group I was lower than that in group II (P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Both lateral and posterior surgical approaches acquired satisfied treatment results in the management of extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures, and there was a lower complication rate using the lateral approach.     

Navigation in femoral-shaft fractures--from lab tests to clinical routine

Introduction

This study evaluates the use of a navigation system (BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) to intra-operatively check for correct length, axis and rotation in intramedullary nailing of femoral-shaft fractures in an experimental setting and in clinical routine.

Materials and methods

We tested the navigation system in two experimental settings before introducing it into clinical routine. In the first experiment, 10 osteotomised model femora were fixed with intramedullary nails by using a navigation system. The goal was a locking fixation in predefined values for length and rotation.In the second experiment, eight examiners assessed values for rotation and length of one femur 10 times to examine the accuracy and reproducibility of that determination.Following this, we navigated 40 femoral nailing procedures in our department. Preoperatively, we assessed values of femur geometry on the contralateral side in a computed tomography (CT) scan and reproduced these values intra-operatively on the fractured side, guided by the navigation system. During the intervention, we recorded the length of the procedure steps and the fluoroscopy time.We verified the intra-operative values achieved with the navigation system in a postoperative CT scan and documented differences in rotation and length.After the assessment, we analysed the data for different findings on femur geometry, fluoroscopy time and procedure duration.

Results

The experimental evaluation showed a range of ±5° for anteversion differences and ±2.3 mm for length differences. We estimated this accuracy as sufficient to use the system in clinical routine. The navigation system was used for 40 fracture fixations. All our criteria for restoring femoral geometry could be achieved by navigation guidance in these procedures.Setting up the system took on average 33 ± 11.5 min. An additional fluoroscopy time of 36 ± 22 s was needed to acquire the reference X-rays and to verify pin placement.The differences between anteversion values assessed in intra-operative planning steps on the navigation system and values assessed with a postoperative CT were on average 5.4 ± 3.5°, whilst femur length differed on average by 4 ± 4 mm.

Discussion

Many authors judge intra-operative control of anteversion in femoral-shaft fracture fixation as problematic.Neither our experimental navigation assessment nor our clinical navigated evaluation showed relevant anteversion differences to a postoperative CT assessment of femur geometry. After initial training, guidance by a navigation system achieves consistent results in a clinical situation.

Conclusions

The use of a navigation system to align axis, length and rotation led to a secure way of avoiding any relevant malalignment in complex femur-shaft fractures whilst exposing patients to an acceptable amount of additional procedure sequences.Malalignment can be avoided by using a navigation system in the operative treatment of femoral-shaft fractures and may be integrated into clinical routine in specialised centres.     

The effect of clopidogrel and aspirin on blood loss in hip fracture surgery

Introduction

Anti-platelet drugs are commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of thrombo-embolic events and following invasive coronary interventions. Their effect on surgery-related blood loss and perioperative complications is unclear, and the management of trauma patients treated by anti-platelets is controversial. The anti-platelet effect is over in nearly 10 days. Notably, delay of surgical intervention for hip fracture repair for >48 h has been reported to increase perioperative complications and mortality.

Patients and methods

Intra-operative and perioperative blood loss, the amount of transfused blood and surgery-related complications of 44 patients on uninterrupted clopidogrel treatment were compared with 44 matched controls not on clopidogrel (either on aspirin alone or not on any anti-platelets).

Results

The mean perioperative blood loss was 899 ± 496 ml for patients not on clopidogrel, 1091 ± 654 ml for patients on clopidogrel (p = 0.005) and 1312 ± 686 ml for those on combined clopidogrel and aspirin (p = 0.0003 vs. all others). Increased blood loss was also associated with a shorter time to operation (p = 0.0012) and prolonged surgical time (p = 0.0002). There were no cases of mortality in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions

Patients receiving anti-platelet drugs can safely undergo hip fracture surgery without delay, regardless of greater perioperative blood loss and possible thrombo-embolic/postoperative bleeding events.     

The influence of osteoporosis in femoral fracture healing time

Aim

In order to assess the effect of osteoporosis on healing time, the files of 165 patients with femoral shaft fractures that were treated in our institution with locked-reamed intramedullary nailing were retrospectively reviewed.

Patients and methods

Patients with open fractures, pathological fractures, revision surgery, severe brain injuries and prolonged ITU stay were excluded. In all patients the Singh-index score for osteoporosis and the canal bone ratio (CBR) were assigned. Sixty-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups; group A (29 patients) consisted of patients over 65 years old with radiological evidence of osteoporosis and group B (37 patients) of patients between 18 and 40 years old with no signs of osteoporosis.

Results

In all group A patients Singh score ≤4 and CBR > 0.50 were assigned, suggesting the presence of osteoporosis, whereas all group B patients were assigned with Singh score ≥5 and CBR < 0.48. Fractures of group A healed in 19.38 ± 5.9 weeks (12-30) and in group B 16.19 ± 5.07 weeks (10-28), P = 0.02.

Conclusions

Fracture healing of nailed femoral diaphyseal fractures is significantly delayed in older osteoporotic patients. Further studies are required to clarify the exact impact of osteoporosis in the whole healing process.     

To fix or not to fix? The role of fibular fixation in distal shaft fractures of the leg

Background

The role of stabilisation of the fibula in distal two-bone fractures of the leg is controversial. Some studies indicate the need for fibular stabilisation in 43 AO fractures, but few studies consider the role of the fibula in 42 AO fractures. The aim of the current paper is to explain the role of stabilisation of the fibula in 42 AO fractures, correlating the rates of healing and non-union between patients with and without fibula fixation.

Materials and methods

A total of 60 patients with 42 AO (distal) shaft fracture of the tibia with associated fracture of the fibula were selected. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not the fibula was fixed: Group I (n = 26) comprised patients who had their fibula fixed while Group II (n = 34) comprised patients who did not. The fibular fracture was classified according to the AO and related to the level of the tibial fracture. Other parameters examined were the union rate of the two groups correlated to the fracture pattern and position of the fibular fracture; the demographic data, such as age and gender; the presence of an open fracture, and the type of tibial fixation device used (nail or plate).

Results

None of the parameters considered (open injury, AO classification, device used and level of the fibular fracture relative to the tibial) were shown to have an influence on the development of a non-union.

Conclusion

This study showed a higher non-union rate when the fracture of the tibia and fibula were at the same level, the tibia was fixed with a bridging plate and the fibula left untouched. For this reason, we recommend fibular fixation in all 42 distal fractures when both fractures lie on the same plane and the tibial fracture is relatively stabilised.     

Ghosts in the machine: a multi-institutional comparison of laparoscopic and open pyloromyotomy

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare laparoscopic and open pyloromyotomy using data from multiple centers in the United States.

Methods

Children's hospitals that have a predominant surgical approach to pyloromyotomy were identified in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Using 2005 data, institutions were stratified into open (OPEN) and laparoscopic (LAP) groups. Patients with significant comorbid conditions were excluded. Group differences were compared using t tests and Mann-Whitney nonparametric tests for continuous variables and exact tests for categorical variables.

Results

A total of 3 hospitals were in the LAP group (n = 207), and 4 hospitals were in the OPEN group (n = 357). The LAP group had a longer mean length of stay (LAP = 2.5 ± 1.7, OPEN = 2.1 ± 1.4 days; P = .02). Mean total hospital charges were similar in both groups (LAP = $11 307 ± 9499, OPEN = $11 245 ± 4841; P = .93), but there was significant skewness of the distribution for the LAP group. Nonparametric analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in charges (LAP median = $9727, min = $5075, max = $94 323, OPEN median = $10 001, min = $1614, max = $46 461; P = .004). Four patients in the LAP group had charges ranging from approximately $56 000 to $94 000, which may have resulted from surgical complications.

Conclusion

Prolonged length of stay and skewed hospital charge data in patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy may be the result of rare but serious complications associated with the laparoscopic approach.