Failure of exchange reamed intramedullary nails for ununited femoral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of exchange reamed nails for treatment of aseptic femoral delayed unions and nonunions. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients admitted to the Carolinas Medical Center Level I trauma center from 1990 to 1996 for repair of femoral shaft fracture nonunion following contemporary locked nailing performed at least six months previously. These patients showed no radiographic evidence of progression of fracture healing for three months and had clinical symptoms of nonunion. INTERVENTION: Exchange reamed nails to treat ununited femoral shaft fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic and clinical evidence of union of the fracture or of the necessity for additional procedures. RESULTS: In 53 percent of the patients the secondary procedure resulted in fracture union, whereas in 47 percent, one or more additional procedures were required. Eight of the nine fractures that did not unite with exchange nailing united after a subsequent procedure (bone grafting, compression plating, or nail dynamization). Neither the type of nonunion, the location of the shaft fracture, the use of static versus dynamic cross-locking, nor the use of tobacco products was statistically predictive of the need for additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Reevaluation of routine exchange nailing as the recommended treatment for aseptic femoral delayed union or nonunion may be required. A significant number of patients who undergo reamed exchange nailing will require additional procedures to achieve fracture healing.     

Chronic sepsis following intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures

We reviewed 12 patients with chronic drainage after intramedullary nailing of a femoral shaft fracture. The fractures tended to be the result of high-speed trauma and were frequently comminuted. Six were open fractures and six were closed injuries. All but one had been managed initially with the open nailing technique, exposing the fracture site. In six cases we left the nail in place until bone union occurred, an average of 33 months after injury, removing the hardware thereafter. The remaining six patients, each with bone sequestra at the fracture site, underwent nail removal, debridement of nonviable bone, and external fixation followed by bone grafting; this group took 37 months to heal. There was one persistent nonunion in each group. Drainage did not cease in either group until the nail and all sequestra had been removed. There was an average of 4.3 cm of shortening, but no angulation greater than 10 degrees. Six patients were left with less than 45 degrees of knee flexion and only five had 100 degrees or more of knee flexion.     

Effect of dynamization in open interlocking nailing of femoral fractures. A prospective randomized comparative study of 50 cases with a 2-year follow-up

This prospective randomized comparative study evaluated the role of dynamization of interlocking nails after open reduction and internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Fifty femoral shaft fractures were treated by open interlocking nailing and were statically locked. Twenty six of these 50 patients were randomly selected for dynamization and the other 24 were treated without dynamization. The patients were followed up for at least 2 years. The 26 cases which were dynamized went on to union between 13 and 28 weeks (average 19.2 weeks) with two poor results, including one nonunion. The cases that were not dynamized went on to union between 16 and 30 weeks (average 23.5 weeks) with two poor results, including one nail breakage. Though final results are comparable, the study suggests that dynamization after open interlocking nailing significantly shortens the mean time to union, though it does not significantly affect the union rate of the femoral shaft fractures.     

动力化治疗下肢长骨骨折术后延迟愈合的研究进展

下肢长骨骨折术后延迟愈合是骨折术后主要并发症之一。骨折延迟愈合一旦出现，应给予积极的干预措施，避免进一步发展成骨不连。"动力化"技术治疗髓内钉术后骨折延迟愈合，具有微创、高效的特点，临床上已得到广泛运用。锁定加压接骨板（LCP）"动力化"作为一项新技术，有临床证据显示对LCP术后骨折延迟愈合有显著疗效。现就临床上针对下肢长骨干骨折术后延迟愈合的动力化治疗进展作一综述。     

更换髓内钉与保留髓内钉附加钢板治疗髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连

 目的 探讨更换髓内钉与保留髓内钉附加钢板治疗髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连的手术适应证。方法 1998年 4月至 2009年 6月收治髓内钉固定后股骨肥大性骨不连患者 20例,11例更换髓内钉,9例保留髓内钉附加钢板固定。两组患者性别、年龄、合并伤、骨折部位、骨折类型的差异无统计学意义。通过术后 1、2、3、4、6、12个月及以后每年 1次影像学和临床功能随访,观察骨痂生长情况和患肢功能。结果两组随访时间、手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流血量、住院时间、影像学愈合时间、临床愈合时间和美国矫形外科医师学会下肢功能评分均无统计学差异。更换髓内钉组住院费用多于保留髓内钉附加钢板组(t'=16.4,P=0.013)。更换髓内钉组 4例未获得骨性愈合,其中 2例为股骨下 1/3骨折,1例为狭部 B型骨折,1例为 32-A3型骨折。再次手术,其中 3例采用髂骨植骨保留髓内钉附加钢板固定,1例行动力化。保留髓内钉附加钢板组全部获得骨性愈合。两组愈合率的差异有统计学意义(χ²= 6.01,P=0.008)。结论 更换髓内钉只适用于股骨狭部肥大性骨不连。对干骺端骨不连、伴有大蝶形游离骨块、骨缺损及更换髓内钉失败病例可采用保留髓内钉附加钢板固定。     

Treatment of floating knee injuries through a single percutaneous approach

The current study is a review of 20 patients treated by percutaneous stabilization for a floating knee. All patients were treated with a retrograde femoral intramedullary nail and a small diameter tibial intramedullary nail through a 4-cm medial parapatellar tendon incision. The average Injury Severity Score was 19. Two patients died in the early postoperative period and one patient was lost to followup. The average time to union for the 17 remaining patients with femoral shaft fractures was 14.7 weeks. One patient required dynamization. Four of the 17 patients with tibia fractures required an exchange nailing procedure, one with bone graft, to achieve union. One patient required dynamization and one patient with bone loss required only a bone graft. The average time to union for the tibia fractures was 23 weeks. One patient achieved 115 degrees knee flexion and the remaining 15 patients had full knee motion by 12 weeks, which they were able to maintain. No patient had signs or symptoms of knee pain. This demanding surgical technique using a small incision has yielded good clinical results. Although it is an excellent treatment option for patients with ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures, the mortality and tibial fracture complication rates remain high.     

Diagnostic and treatment modalities in nonunions of the femoral shaft. a review

Nonunions of the femoral shaft represent a treatment challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon and a serious socioeconomic problem for the patient. Inadequate fracture stability, insufficient blood supply, bone loss or presence of infection are the main reasons for the development of a nonunion. Careful classification and exclusion of infection are crucial for the choice of the proper treatment alternative. Nail dynamization, primary intramedullary nailing or nail exchange, plate osteosynthesis and external fixation along with bone grafting, usage of bone substitutes and electrical stimulation can stimulate osseous union. A review of the aetiology, classification and treatment should prove helpful managing this serious complication.     

The role of reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of nonunions and malunions following femoral shaft fractures

Summary This retrospective consecutive clinical series describes our satisfactory experience with reamed intramedullary femoral nailing in the treatment of nonunions, axial or rotational deformities as well as length discrepancies following the primary treatment of femoral shaft fractures. 31 patients (32 fractures) treated at our institution from 1992 to 1997 were reviewed for age, gender, cause of injury, type of femur fracture, primary treatment, indication for secondary nailing, operative procedure, complications, need for additional procedures and time for consolidation. 3 patients were lost for follow-up, leaving 28 patients (29 fractures) for evaluation. The average follow-up was 79 weeks (range 24 to 192). The indications for secondary nailing were: 18 nonunions, 7 rotational or axial deformities, 4 length discrepancies. Consolidation was achieved in 25 patients (26 fractures) at an average time of 38 weeks (range 12 to 104). Nonunion was recorded in 3 patients. They were treated successfully with an additional procedure (one exchange intramedullary nailing and two autologous bone grafts). The reamed intramedullary interlocking nail offers many advantages, especially a good initial and middle term stability which is important in case of a slow process of consolidation. By the treatment of atrophic and long lasting nonunion, simultaneous bone grafting seems to be indicated. We conclude that interlocking reamed femoral nailing is a safe treatment option for nonunions and malunions following primary treatment of femoral shaft fractures, resulting in successful union without additional procedure in 26 of 29 fractures in this series.     

附加钢板联合断端清理去皮质化植骨治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉术后无菌性骨不连

目的探讨附加钢板联合断端清理去皮质化植骨治疗髓内钉术后无菌性骨不连的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2017年8月期间山东大学齐鲁医院急诊外科收治的40例股骨干骨折髓内钉治疗后无菌性骨不连的患者资料。所有患者均采用骨折断端清理、去皮质化、取自体髂骨植骨及附加单皮质锁定钢板治疗。术后随访观察切口愈合、疼痛、关节功能及骨折愈合情况等指标。结果所有患者术后均获得随访,平均随访时间为15(12~18)个月。治疗效果优良率100%(优37例,良3例)。所有患者下地负重行走时主观疼痛症状消失,患肢功能恢复良好,均无切口感染和内固定物疲劳断裂发生。所有患者疼痛视觉模拟评分由术前(6.0±1.1)分降至术后末次随访时(2.0±1.3)分(P<0.05)。末次随访时患者均获得骨性愈合,平均愈合时间8.5(5.5~14.5)个月。经X线或CT证实,均未发现螺钉及钢板松动断裂及感染等并发症。结论附加钢板联合断端清理去皮质化植骨治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连疗效确切、可靠,是一种有效的治疗股骨干无菌性骨不连的手术方式。     

Antegrade nailing in femoral shaft fracture patients - comparison of outcomes of isolated fractures,multiple fractures and severely injured patients

Introduction: Femoral shaft fractures in adults are high-energy fractures typically accompanied by additional fractures of the upper and lower extremities and brain, thoracic, or abdominal injuries. Intramedullary nailing enables early ambulation with a few complications, but rates of non-union remain high. Therefore, we aimed to compare bone union after femoral shaft fractures in adults (20–65 years old) depending on the injury severity and presence of multiple fractures.Patients and methods: This study retrospectively examined 178 patients (145 male and 33 female) who underwent intramedullary nailing for a femoral shaft fracture (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association 32 type) between January 2014 and December 2018 and were followed up for at least 1 year. Patients who underwent intramedullary nailing after the preliminary application of an external fixator were excluded. Patients were divided into groups with isolated femoral shaft fractures (IS group), an injury severity score of ≤14, and multiple fractures of the extremities and the pelvic bone (at least three locations), including a femoral shaft fracture (MU group), and severely injured (injury severity score ≥15) with femoral shaft fractures (SE group). Non-union rate by group and risk factors related to bone union and bone union rate according to time to full weight bearing were analyzed.Results: In total, 29, 54, and 95 patients were assigned to the IS group, MU group, and SE group, respectively. Non-union was observed in two patients in the IS group (6.9%), six patients in the MU group (11.1%), and 11 patients in the SE group (11.6%). There were no significant differences in the bone union rate, according to multiple fractures (p=0.515) and injury severity score (p=0.561). Additionally, no differences in the bone union rate were observed according to the time to full weight bearing. Depending on open fracture (p=0.004) and fracture severity (p=0.011), the non-union rate showed a difference of up to four times or greater.Conclusions: When intramedullary nailing is performed to treat femoral shaft fractures, multiple fractures and severe trauma do not directly affect bone union. However, it should be noted that open fracture and greater fracture severity lead to higher chances of non-union.     

The influence of body injuries on bone union of femoral shaft fractures treated by different operative methods]

Femoral shaft fracture is very often main musculo-skeletal injury in polytrauma patient. We analysed bone union of femoral shaft fractures treated by different operative open methods--AO plate osteosynthesis, Zespol method and open intramedullary nailing and by closed intramedullary nailing, in patients with concomitant body injuries. We compared patients operated by open methods without complications with the group demanding fracture reoperation. We found out no statistical correlation between the frequency of local complications demanding reoperation and the presence of associated injuries p = 0.209 or their severity expressed in ISS p = 0.202. The highest ISS 29.5 points occurred in the group operated on by closed intramedullary nailing. Lack of complications in this group gives evidence of efficiency of this method of treatment.     

Prospective comparison of retrograde and antegrade femoral intramedullary nailing

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare the results, function, and complications of antegrade and retrograde femoral nailing for femoral shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized. SETTING: Urban Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred consecutive femoral shaft fractures. Fifty-four nails inserted retrograde and forty-six inserted antegrade. INTERVENTION: Ten-millimeter antegrade or retrograde nail inserted for a femoral shaft fracture after reaming. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: A comparison of the outcomes after antegrade and retrograde nailing of the femur. Data were collected for analysis on comminution, set-up and starting point times, open grade, location of fracture, injury severity score, body mass index, time to union, knee pain and motion, hip and thigh pain, and nail to intramedullary canal diameter difference. A linear regression model was employed. RESULTS: Knee motion was 120 degrees in all but one knee in each group. The antegrade nailed femurs healed faster than those treated retrograde (A = 14.4, R = 18.1 weeks, p = 0.0496). More patients required dynamization for union in the retrograde insertion group (17 percent versus 5 percent, p = 0.10, NS). In a linear regression model, a nail-to-canal-diameter difference and retrograde nailing had an association with an increased time to union. Knee pain was equal in both groups; however, thigh pain was higher in the antegrade group (p = 0.0108). All of the antegrade nailed femurs healed (100 percent), and 98 percent (one nonunion) of the retrograde femurs healed after secondary procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Both antegrade and retrograde nailing yielded high union rates. Each insertion technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. The two insertion modes appear to be relatively equal for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.     

Expandable intramedullary nailing for tibial and femoral fractures: a preliminary analysis of perioperative complications

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of using the expandable nailing system in the treatment of femoral and tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort series. SETTING: Two level-1 university trauma centers. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients with acute, traumatic diaphyseal fractures of the tibia or femur. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation of lower extremity long bone fractures using expandable intramedullary nailing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative complications and time to healing. RESULTS: Forty-nine long bone fractures were treated: 22 femoral fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 6 A2, 7 A3, 1 B1, and 4 B2) and 27 tibial fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 11 A2, 9 A3, 0 B1, and 3 B2). There were 13 open fractures and 37 closed fractures. Healing occurred in 37 (75%) fractures without additional interventions. There were 2 tibial delayed unions and 1 femoral and 1 tibial nonunion. Five tibial shaft fractures and 6 femoral fractures shortened by 1.0 cm or more postoperatively. In 3 tibias and 4 femurs, shortening occurred after fractures judged to be length-stable became unstable because of fracture propagation during nail expansion. Five tibias and 3 femurs were converted to standard locked nails because of shortening. The average time to healing, excluding nonunion, was 15 weeks in the tibia and 16 weeks in the femur. The expandable nail resulted in an unplanned reoperation in 12 cases (25%). CONCLUSION: We found a high complication rate because of shortening, which was independent of fracture classification. Consequently, we cannot recommend the use of an unlocked, expandable nail in diaphyseal fractures of the femur or tibia.     

股骨、胫骨骨折交锁髓内钉固定后骨不连的诊治

目的探讨股骨、胫骨骨折应用交锁髓内钉固定后骨不连的诊断及应用微创内固定系统(LISS)或锁定加压钢板(LCP)治疗其骨不连的临床疗效。方法2003年2月～2004年12月,对7例股骨和胫骨骨折患者髓内钉固定后应用X线或CT扫描观察骨不连情况,并应用LISS或LCP固定 植骨治疗,病程10～49个月,平均23.3个月。结果7例患者获4～16个月(平均9.1个月)随访;骨折均在术后4～6个月牢固连接,平均愈合时间4.7个月,无植入物松动等并发症发生。结论对骨折端较长时间存在骨折线、且骨折局部伴有疼痛症状者要果断进行手术干预,消除骨折端的微动和消灭骨缺损。LISS或LCP因其先进的锁定设计,可有效治疗股骨和胫骨骨不连。     

钢板加异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合

目的:探讨采用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折交锁髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合的临床疗效.方法:分析自2006年2月至2013年6月21例股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后不愈合患者采用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗,男12例,女9例;年龄18～62岁,平均34.8岁.骨折不愈合时间9～18个月,平均12.8个月.术后采用Merchan标准评定临床疗效.结果:21例患者伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染、内固定物断裂、脂肪栓塞、旋转畸形及明显的短缩畸形等并发症.术后随访8～24个月,平均13.2个月.19例患者术后达到骨性愈合,平均愈合时间为6.2个月(4～9个月),2例出现骨折延迟愈合,经7～13个月观察获得骨性愈合.术后1年膝关节功能按Merchan标准评定:优13例,良6例,差2例.结论:应用钢板加对侧异体骨板固定治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后骨折不愈合具有治愈率高,并发症少,术后功能恢复良好的特点,能够提高骨折稳定性及促进骨痂生长.     

Intramedullary nailing combined with cerclage wiring in the treatment of fractures of the femoral shaft

One hundred sixty-seven femoral shaft fractures were treated with open intramedullary nailing and cerclage wires. Complications requiring surgical reintervention developed in 11 patients (6.6%). Delayed union or nonunion in five patients (3%), deep infection in four patients (2.4%), or unstable fixation in two patients (1.2%) required one or more additional procedures to achieve union. The time to weight-bearing averaged 32 days in patients with isolated injuries and 62 days in patients with associated injuries. One hundred forty-five patients were followed until fracture union occurred. Rotational malalignment in one patient, angulation of 10 degrees or more in two patients, and limb shortening of more than 2 cm in two patients were noted. Loss of hip or knee motion in excess of 20 degrees developed in 15 patients and was always associated with injuries of the pelvis or ipsilateral lower leg. Intramedullary nailing and cerclage wiring significantly expands the indication for intramedullary fixation of fractures of the femoral shaft.     

Management of fractures and fracture complications of femoral shaft using the ASIF compression plate.

Nnieteen acute fractures and fourteen fracture complications of the femoral shaft were managed with ASIF plate fixation. Two patients having femoral shortening procedures were similarly managed. Most injuries involved the distal femoral shaft, and were judged unacceptable for intramedullary nailing. Single plate fixation and immediate mobilization of the knee joint were possible in most patients. Technical failure, refracture through an end-screw hole, or nonunion occurred in 20% of the injuries. Plate fixation of the femoral shaft is not the surgical procedure of choice for management of femoral shaft injuries. It is an acceptable alternative to intramedullary nailing but carries a higher risk of complication.     

附加锁定加压钢板联合植骨治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连

目的：探讨附加锁定加压钢板联合植骨治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连的手术方法及临床疗效.方法：2007年1月至2013年1月,收治股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连患者21例,其中男18例,女3例;年龄23 ～64岁,平均37.7岁;骨不连时间9～62个月,平均（23.9±15.6）个月;根据Weber-Cech分型：肥大性骨不连10例,萎缩性骨不连7例,营养不良性骨不连4例.均不取髓内钉,断端切新、取自体骼骨植骨,附加6～8孔锁定加压钢板,近端及远端各拧入2～3枚单皮质锁钉固定.术后根据影像学结果部分负重直至完全负重,定期门诊随访进行临床及影像学评估.结果：21例患者均获得随访,时间8～24个月,平均（13.5±3.5）个月.所有患者获骨性愈合,临床愈合时间4～8个月,平均（6.0±1.0）个月;影像学愈合时间7～12个月,平均（9.1±1.5）个月.术后无感染,内固定松动、断裂等并发症发生.结论：附加锁定加压钢板联合植骨治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定术后无菌性骨不连的疗效满意,是一种简便、有效的方法.     

Association of hyperglycemia with increased mortality after severe burn injury

OBJECTIVE: To assess results of exchange nailing in nonunion after intramedullary (IM) nailing of humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective study; 24 patients with nonunion after IM nailing of humeral shaft fractures were reviewed. In 13 cases, nonunion was treated using exchange nailing, and 11 patients were treated nonoperatively. Union was assessed from radiographs. Shoulder joint symptoms and function were assessed after a mean 4.7 years' follow-up using Constant-Murley scoring and self-administered questionnaires devised by L'Insalata et al. RESULTS: Single or repeated exchange nailing resulted in union in 6 of 13 patients. Shoulder joint function was satisfactory (mean Constant-Murley score of 72) for those patients whose fracture eventually united and poor (mean Constant-Murley score of 39) for those left with nonunion. CONCLUSION: Exchange nailing results in a poor union rate in nonunion after IM nailing of humeral shaft fractures. Permanent nonunion of the humeral shaft leaves the patient with severe disability.     

Retrograde nailing with subsequent screw fixation for ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures

Introduction Although ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures are difficult to treat, there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment of this complex injury. We report the results of treating the 17 fractures with a standard protocol of retrograde nailing for diaphyseal fractures and subsequent screw fixation for the femoral neck fractures. Materials and methods Seventeen injuries (16 patients) sustained femoral shaft fractures, which were treated with retrograde intramedullary nails and subsequent screw fixation. Femoral neck fracture was noted before the operation in all patients except one. A femoral shaft fracture was always addressed first with unreamed retrograde nailing. Then, the femoral neck fracture was treated by cannulated screws or dynamic hip screw according to the level of fracture. Results The average time for union of femoral shaft fractures was 27.3 (14–60) weeks. Nonunion occurred in five patients, who required bone grafts or changes of fixation. The average time for union of femoral neck fractures was 11 (8–12) weeks. All united, except for one case of nonunion with avascuar necrosis, which was a Garden stage IV fracture. Functional results using Friedman–Wyman criteria were good in 16 cases, and fair in one. The only fair result was nonunion of the femoral neck, which had the joint arthroplasty. Conclusion Retrograde nailing of femoral shaft fractures can provide an easy fixation and a favorable result for ipsilateral femoral neck fractures.This study was conducted at Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea. The authors have and will not receive any financial benefit in association with the present paper.