Surgical treatment and outcomes of extraarticular proximal tibial nonunions

INTRODUCTION: Although malunion of proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures are not infrequent, nonunion of the proximal tibia is rare. These nonunions can present particular challenges in management, such as malalignment, a short proximal segment, and soft tissue compromise. Few treatment guidelines and long-term outcomes are available. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term functional outcomes of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with a proximal tibial nonunion were treated between 1992 and 2005. Five fractures were originally open injuries, but all were aseptic at the time of definitive fixation. All nonunions were treated with a consistent approach of debridement, deformity correction, lateral plating, tensioning and compression, lag screws and bone grafting. Patients were reviewed radiographically and with a Knee Society questionnaire at a mean follow-up of 39 months (range 10-113 months). RESULTS: All nonunions healed at an average of 4 months, and alignment was within 5 degrees of anatomic in all cases. Knee Society function and knee scores improved significantly, to 87.4 and 89.4, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). Functional outcomes were excellent overall. Fourteen of the patients (88%) subjectively returned to their previous activities and were satisfied with their result. CONCLUSIONS: Using an algorithmic approach of débridement, deformity correction, lateral tension band plating with compression, and rigid stabilization, fracture healing and functional outcome can be reliably restored in these difficult fractures.     

Internal fixation and bone grafting for intraarticular nonunion of tibial plateau: a report of four cases

Intraarticular nonunion of tibial plateau is rare.In the literature,only 9 patients were found to be treated for intraarticular tibial plateau nonunion and they got varying results.Internal fixation along with bone grafting was done as a standard treatment in all cases.We treated 4 different profile cases of intraarticular tibial plateau nonunion in our institution by 4 different methods.We treated these cases with plaster of paris cast,internal fixation along with bone graft,arthrodesis with K-nail and total knee replacement.Case 1 was treated with plaster of paris (POP)cast as the patient refused surgery.The fracture was united and the patient was fully satisfied with full range of motion despite valgus malalignment.Case 2 was managed with open reduction internal fixation along with bone grafting.The patient had a good union and got full range of motion at the knee joint.Case 3 was treated with total knee arthroplasty due to her old age and got satisfactory result.Case 4 was an infected nonunion.Arthrodesis was done and the patient could walk with full weight bearing independently.We conclude that internal fixation along with bone grafting may not be suitable in all cases of intraarticular nonunion of tibial plateau.Causes of nonunion,present condition and range of motion of the knee joint,as well as the age of patient should be all considered and the treatment should be individualised according to each patient's situation.     

Correction of tibial malunion and nonunion with six-axis analysis deformity correction using the Taylor Spatial Frame

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of six-axis analysis deformity correction using the Taylor Spatial Frame for the treatment of posttraumatic tibial malunions and nonunions. DESIGN: Retrospectively reviewed, consecutive series. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.2 years (range 2-4.2 years). SETTING: Tertiary referral center for deformity correction. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients were included in the study (11 malunions and 7 nonunions). All deformities were posttraumatic in nature. The mean number of operations before the application of the spatial frame was 2.6 (range 1-6 operations). All patients completed the study. INTERVENTION: Six-axis analysis deformity correction using the Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) was used for correction of posttraumatic tibial malunion or nonunion. Nine patients had bone grafting at the time of frame application. One patient with a tibial plafond fracture simultaneously had deformity correction and an ankle fusion for a mobile atrophic nonunion. Two patients had infected tibial nonunions that were treated with multiple débridements, antibiotic beads, and bone grafting at the time of spatial frame application. A rotational gastrocnemius flap was used to cover a proximal third tibial defect in one patient. The average length of time the spatial frame was worn, time to healing, was 18.5 weeks (range 12-32 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Assessment of deformity correction in six axes, knee and ankle range of motion, incidence of infection, and return to preinjury activities. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame, with adjunctive bone graft as necessary, 17 achieved union and significant correction of their deformities in six axes (ie, coronal angulation and translation, sagittal angulation and translation, rotation, and shortening). Fifteen patients returned to their preinjury activities at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Six-axis analysis deformity correction using the Taylor Spatial Frame is an effective technique to treat posttraumatic malunions and nonunions of the tibia, with several advantages over previously used devices.     

Surgical treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures by closed reduction and external fixation. A review of 32 consecutive cases operated

Abstract Complex tibial plateau fractures are a challenge in trauma surgery. In these fractures it is necessary to anatomically reduce the articular part of the fracture and to obtain stable fixation. The aim of this study is to review the results of a surgical technique consisting of fluoroscopic closed reduction and combined percutaneous internal and external fixation. Thirty-two complex tibial plateau fractures in 32 patients were included. Twenty-one fractures were closed, 4 were open Gustilo grade I, 3 were Gustilo grade II and 4 were Gustilo grade III. The mean age was 37.8 years (range 21–64 years). Surgery was performed with patients in transcalcaneal traction and the knee flexed at 30° was used. Through a 1-cm incision centred over the tibial metaphysis of the tibia, a 3.2-mm hole was drilled in the antero-medial tibial aspect. The tibial plateau fracture fragments were elevated using either 1 or 2 curved Kirschner wires under fluoroscopy to control the reduction. Then the fragments were fixed with 2 cannulated AO screws inserted through small incisions into the medial aspect of the tibial plateau. Knee rehabilitation started postoperatively. Weight bearing started after 8–12 weeks depending upon the radiographic appearance. All external fixators were removed in outpatient facilities. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at a mean follow-up of 48 months (range 38–57 months). Clinical results were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical score. Average healing time was 24 weeks (range 18–29 weeks). In 1 patient a non-union occurred. This patient was treated with open reduction and plate fixation. In 2 patients a varus knee deformity occurred and a surgical correction was performed. There were no surgical complications. Mean knee range of motion was 105° (range 75–125°) and mean Knee Society clinical score was 89. Twenty-five results were scored as excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. Using this technique there is limited soft tissue damage and virtually no periosteum damage to the fracture fragments. However anatomical reconstruction of the joint can be obtained. Furthermore knee rehabilitation can be started immediately after surgery. We think that these factors were responsible for the optimal clinical long-term results.     

Distal femoral varus osteotomy in the valgus osteoarthritic knee

The results of 18 distal femoral varus osteotomies performed in 18 patients between 1982 and 1993 were evaluated. All patients had degenerative arthritis of the lateral compartment of the knee associated with a valgus deformity. At surgery, the average patient age was 54 years (range: 38-75 years). The average follow-up was 9 years (range: 5-16 years). The average tibiofemoral angle was 17.5 degrees of valgus preoperatively and 6 degrees postoperatively. Seventeen patients (1 patient died from an unrelated cause) were evaluated at follow-up according to the Knee Society rating system. At follow-up, 13 (77%) were rated as good or excellent by the Knee Society rating system. The Knee score improved from 54 points preoperatively to 89 points postoperatively. The functional score improved from 65 points preoperatively to 86 points postoperatively. One knee required a subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 5 years after osteotomy due to severe and persistent pain. No patient had infection or nonunion. Varus osteotomy of the distal femur is a reliable and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of gonarthrosis associated with valgus deformity in both young and older active patients, where it can be an alternative to TKA.     

LISS钢板固定Schatzker Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折疗效分析

目的探讨LISS钢板治疗SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台的疗效及操作技巧。方法对58例SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折患者采用LISS钢板进行固定。记录并分析术后膝关节功能恢复情况、术后并发症情况。结果患者均获随访,时间15～27个月,骨折临床愈合时间为10～17周,87.9%的患者(51/58)在术后4周内膝关节活动范围恢复达120°。术后1年膝关节功能评定参照膝关节外科临床评分系统,优良率达到93.1%(54/58),疗效良好。1例发生远端锁定螺钉位于骨皮质外;1例出现外侧平台后部骨折块再移位;1例出现切口延迟愈合。无感染及骨折不愈合。结论采用LISS钢板固定SchatzkerⅥ型胫骨平台骨折,是一种有效的微创方法。正确安放钢板位置和恢复关节面平整是获得良好疗效的关键。     

Distal metaphyseal tibial nonunions associated with significant bowing deformity and cortical bone loss: treatment with human bone morphogenetic protein (h-BMP) and internal fixation

Distal tibial metaphyseal nonunions with significant posterior bowing deformities are extremely difficult to manage and may require the use of additional healing factors to achieve union. Four patients with complex multiple failed surgically treated distal metaphyseal nonunions were treated with debridement of the nonunion, correction of deformities, internal stabilization, and augmentation with human bone morphogenetic protein implants (h-BMP). All patients had, following resection of the anterior cortical sequestrum, a significant cortical defect extending from a level proximal to the ankle joint to the distal tibial metaphysis. The average number of failed previous surgical procedures were 5.8 and average age was 35.3 years. Symptomatic nonunion averaged 24.8 months. All patients received h-BMP combined with insoluble noncollagenous proteins (iNCP) either in a delivery form of coated polylactic polyglycolic acid strips (1 x 13 cm.) or in gelatin capsules. The h-BMP/iNCP implants were placed within the anterior cortical defects in contact with the residual distal metaphyseal bone. All nonunions were stabilized with internal fixation. Ankle motion was difficult to record preoperatively but good to very good ankle function was obtained at final follow-up evaluation in three of four patients. All fractures healed without further surgical treatment at an average of 4.4 months. h-BMP/iNCP protein implants were felt to be of benefit in the healing of these difficult fracture problems.     

辅助后内侧小切口阻挡钢板治疗Schantzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨辅助后内侧小切口阻挡钢板治疗SchantzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折的手术技巧及疗效。方法对26例SchantzkerⅤ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折均采用辅助后内侧小切口阻挡钢板配合外侧插入式支撑钢板内固定。观察术后骨折愈合、膝关节功能恢复程度及术后并发症,分析手术效果。结果 26例均获得随访,时间6～24个月。骨折临床愈合时间为12～18周。膝关节功能参考HSS评分标准:优18例,良8例。结论辅助后内侧小切口阻挡钢板治疗SchantzkerV、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折可以恢复平台高度,减少软组织损伤安全、有效,是一种理想的治疗方法。     

Pseudoarthrosis of medial tibial plateau fracture-role of alignment procedure

Nonunion in tibial plateau fractures is very rare.Limited literature is available on Pubmed search on intraarticular tibial nonunion.Most of the cases reported have been following failed surgical treat...     

髁限制性膝关节假体治疗严重膝内翻畸形合并胫骨平台内侧骨缺损

目的探讨髁限制性膝关节假体在膝骨关节炎严重内翻畸形合并胫骨平台内侧骨缺损行全膝关节置换术中的应用及疗效观察。方法回顾分析2008年1月至2011年1月12例骨性关节炎严重膝内翻畸形合并胫骨平台内侧骨缺损行髁限制性膝关节假体全膝关节置换术患者资料,术前负重位膝内翻畸形平均34°,胫骨平台内侧骨缺损为非包容性,依据AORI分型为Ⅱ、Ⅲ型,采用美国膝关节学会评分（knee society score,KSS）系统评估膝关节功能,包括膝评分和膝功能评分。结果本组均获随访,随访6～18个月,平均13个月,KSS膝评分和膝功能评分从术前（19.5±4.2）分、（16.2±5.4）分提高到术后（87.7±5.6）分、（85.4±8.3）分,分析术前及术后KSS膝评分及膝功能评分的差异有统计学意义。结论髁限制性膝关节假体全膝关节置换是治疗膝骨关节炎严重内翻畸形合并胫骨平台内侧骨缺损的有效方法,术中采取适度的软组织松解及正确的截骨,针对胫骨平台内侧骨缺损选用组合式金属垫块及假体延长柄,适度增加关节的限制性,可以转移力学负荷,增加假体的稳定性,最终获得良好效果。     

Early complications after high tibial osteotomy: a comparison of two techniques

This prospective cohort study compared opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with use of the Puddu plate and the Vitoss synthetic cancellous bone versus closing wedge high tibial osteotomy with use of the AO/ASIF L-plate, focusing on complications (nonunions, infections, loss of correction, reoperations) and patient satisfaction (visual linear analog scale). During a 10-month period, we performed high tibial osteotomy for 40 patients experiencing medial knee osteoarthritis and a varus deformity. The average follow-up was 11 months. The complication rate in patients treated with the opening wedge technique was significantly higher regarding tibial nonunion, loss of correction, and material failure. Patients in the closing wedge group were more satisfied with the postoperative result. This study found that the Puddu plate, despite 6 weeks of non-weight bearing facilitating the osseous consolidation with Vitoss cement, was not able to maintain the correction during the time required for bone healing.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Arthritic Knees with Tibiofibular Stress Fractures : Classification and Treatment Guidelines

Forty-two tibial and 5 fibular stress fractures in 34 patients with knee arthritis were radiologically classified into intraarticular malunited and ununited fractures, and extraarticular impending, acute, united, malunited, and ununited fractures. Depending on fracture type, total knee arthroplasty was performed using long-stem tibial component, metal augments, corrective osteotomy, or in routine fashion. At a mean follow-up of 36 months, the mean Knee Society knee score improved from 36.7 points preoperatively to 90.3 points; function score improved from 24 to 86.2 points. All fractures had united at the last follow-up with no complications of infection, joint instability, and patellar problems. Total knee arthroplasty for knee arthritis in the presence of tibiofibular stress fractures restores limb alignment and facilitates fracture healing with excellent functional outcome.     

Tibial nonunion

Nonunions of the tibia represent challenging orthopedic problems, which require the surgeon to analyze numerous factors and choose an appropriate treatment. Tibial nonunion treatment requires establishing its existence and cause. The treatment algorithm necessitates consideration of a wide variety of factors: the location of the nonunion, the presence or absence of infection, and any angular or rotational deformity. Given advances in implant design and biologic agents, a wide variety of management options exist for the treatment of tibial nonunions. This article reviews surgical treatments for tibial nonunions.     

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with a prior fracture of the tibial plateau

BACKGROUND: A fracture of the tibial plateau may predispose the knee to the development of posttraumatic arthritis. Malunion, intra-articular chondro-osseous defects, limb malalignment, retained internal fixation devices, and poor surrounding soft tissues may in turn compromise the outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of total knee arthroplasty in patients with a previous fracture of the tibial plateau. METHODS: The results of sixty-two condylar total knee arthroplasties performed with cement, from 1988 to 1999, in sixty-two patients with a previous fracture of the tibial plateau were reviewed. The fracture of the tibial plateau had been treated by open reduction and internal fixation in thirty-eight knees, external fixation in one knee, and nonoperatively in twenty-three knees. There were forty women and twenty-two men with an average age of sixty-three years at the time of the arthroplasty. Knee Society scores were recorded preoperatively and at the time of follow-up, at an average of 4.7 years, and complications were noted. No patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The mean Knee Society scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001), from 43.9 points for pain and 52 points for function preoperatively to 82.9 and 84 points, respectively, at the time of the latest follow-up. There were thirteen reoperations, which included manipulation with the patient under anesthesia (five knees), wound revision (three knees), and component revision (five knees). There were six intraoperative complications (10%). A postoperative complication occurred in sixteen knees (26%). CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of patients treated with total knee arthroplasty after a previous fracture of the tibial plateau have substantial improvement in function and relief of pain. However, these patients are at increased risk for perioperative complications, as evidenced by the high reoperation rate of 21% in this study.     

Treatment of juxtaarticular nonunion fractures at the knee with long-stem total knee arthroplasty

A retrospective study of ten patients with juxtaarticular nonunions at the knee treated with long stem total knee arthroplasty was performed. The average age of the patients was 76 years old, with an average follow-up of 36 months. The nonunions were present for an average of 36 months. There were six patients in the series with prior total knee arthroplasty. Clinical union was achieved in all ten patients. All patients improved their ambulatory status. Range of motion improved from an average preoperative range of 40 degrees to an average postoperative range of 85 degrees. Complications occurred in three of ten patients, with one being a postoperative infection. Surgical techniques are described to aid in treatment of difficult juxtaarticular nonunion fragments.     

膝关节后交叉韧带保留型假体置换术15年远期疗效研究

目的 针对后交叉韧带(posterior cruciate ligament,PCL)保留型膝关节假体置换术进行15年以上临床随访研究,分析其临床疗效及失败原因.方法 对Medico-Chirurgical du Cedre中心1990年9月至1992年3月行PCL保留型全膝关节假体初次置换术获得随访的153例(178膝)患者的临床资料进行回顾性研究.对其采用术后X线测量结合随访时国际膝关节协会临床评分评估手术疗效,X线测量包括髋膝踝角(HKA)平均值、HKA绝对偏差、α角、β角、髌骨指数(AP/AT)、胫骨后倾角(PTA)等.以翻修率作为假体生存率最终评定标准.结果 153例患者随访时31例(49膝)死亡,4例(4膝)失访,获访118例(125膝).翻修11膝,15年以上假体生存率93.7%.翻修11膝原因分别为:9膝为假体界面无菌性松动(其中7膝伴严重骨溶解,2膝为胫骨假体周围透亮线伴疼痛),1膝反曲畸形,1膝内侧胫骨平台塌陷.术后随访时膝关节协会评分达173分,优良率95.9%.对比翻修患者与未翻修患者临床资料:对侧未手术膝关节内外翻角、术前正位X线片β角、两组手术前后膝关节协会评分差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 PCL保留型假体可以较好地恢复膝关节生物力学特性,15年以上生存率优良.仅个别病例失败与PCL失效有关,聚乙烯衬垫后部过度磨损和髌股关节并发症少见.未手术侧膝关节畸形程度和术侧膝关节胫骨侧内翻畸形程度可能是影响假体翻修率的重要因素.     

自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗胫骨平台骨折的疗效

目的:探讨自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗胫骨平台骨折的临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2018年7月至2018年12月间应用河北医科大学第三医院创伤急救中心自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗的12例胫骨平台骨折患者资料。男8例,女4例;年龄20~65岁,平均45.6岁;左侧6例,右侧6例。根据Schatzker分型：Ⅰ型1例,Ⅱ型3例,...     

Nonunion of the diaphysis of long bones

The treatment of diaphyseal nonunion of long bones is difficult and controversial. We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients with diaphyseal nonunion treated by various modalities, during 15 years at one institution. There were 36 cases of nonunion of the tibia, 23 nonunions of the femur, 21 nonunions of the humerus, 13 nonunions of the radius, 18 nonunions of the ulna and two nonunions of the clavicle. The minimum followup was 24 months (average, 40 months, range 2-15 years). The nonunions were classified as aseptic (84) and septic (29) and additionally classified as hypertrophic (61) and atrophic (52) in order to determine the treatment. The treatment was individualized based on the stability at the nonunion site, need for bone grafting, and control of infection. All fractures healed and every patient in the study regained functional use of the limb without pain or instability and functional range of movements that they had at the time of presentation with nonunion. Residual problems seen in some patients were joint stiffness, limb length discrepancy, and angular deformity. Twenty-six patients required repeat surgery using bone grafting because no satisfactory progress of fracture healing was seen in 4 months. Complications were related to the iliac crest donor site and persistent infection at the nonunion site.     

Simultaneous management of ipsilateral gonarthritis and ununited tibial stress fracture: combined total knee arthroplasty and internal fixation

Nonunion of a proximal tibial stress fracture is rare and can be difficult to manage, especially if associated with ipsilateral gonarthritis. Three patients with nonunion of a proximal tibial stress fracture adjacent to an arthritic knee joint were managed by performing simultaneous total knee arthroplasty and internal fixation of the fracture site. The technique involved performing a total knee arthroplasty with angular correction at the site of the extra-articular and intra-articular deformity, bone grafting of the nonunion site, and stabilization of the fracture with a long uncemented intramedullary stemmed tibial component and a unicortical plate. Fibular ostectomy was required during the index surgery in 2 cases to achieve the desired angular correction. In all 3 patients, healing of the nonunion site and limb realignment was achieved. There were no complications or infections associated with the surgery. All patients progressed to full weight bearing at 3 months and had clinical and radiographic union of the nonunion site at 6 months.