Closing intramedullary nailing for the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in adolescence: a preliminary report

The results of treatment of 20 unstable diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in adolescent patients by closed intramedullary nailing are presented. All fractures healed within 4-7 weeks. No cross-union, nonunion, pseudarthrosis, or infection occurred. The advantages of this method are (a) maintenance of accurate reduction, (b) reduction of complication rate, (c) negligible cosmetic defect, and (d) removal of the internal fixation device under local anesthesia.     

自锁髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折

年1月～2004年5月,我们采用自锁髓内钉内固定治疗肱骨干骨折,同时行桡神经探查术,效果满意,报道如下.     

Functional long-term outcome of the shoulder after antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral diaphyseal fractures

Intramedullary nailing is one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Once an intramedullary fixation technique has been selected, the choice between antegrade or retrograde approach remains controversial. Forty patients with humeral diaphyseal fracture treated with Seidel antegrade intramedullary nailing through an "danterior deltoid incision" (ADI) were evaluated after an average period of 62 months. Clinical and functional evaluation of the shoulder was performed using the Constant Score. Results were excellent in 33 patients, good in 5 and acceptable in 2. Radiological assessment was performed using antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) radiographs of the humerus and AP and Neer radiographs of the shoulder. Radiographic findings demonstrated good consolidation of all fractures; nail and locking proximal screw malpositioning were detected in 2 cases (2 patients with acceptable results). The positive results obtained for shoulder function correlate with patient age and demonstrate that antegrade intramedullary nailing is a valid option for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures, as long as it is performed through ADI access and with the appropriate surgical technique. Surgical technical errors will lead to functional problems of the shoulder, which in some cases will not be completely eliminated even after nail removal.     

Open intramedullary nailing in neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures

Introduction

Neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures are not uncommon in developing nations however there is a paucity of literature in this regard. Due to lack of effective traction, reduction or immobilisation these fractures are invariably associated with shortening and adjacent joint stiffness, presenting a challenging problem to the treating surgeon. The socioeconomic constraints in our society which result in patients seeking non-medical forms of treatment in the first place also warrant the need for an economically viable, simple effective form of treatment which can be carried out in a less advanced setup, gives reliable outcomes and allows early return to work.

Methods

Eleven patients with neglected or late presenting femoral diaphyseal fractures were considered for the study. All patients underwent open intramedullary nailing, bone grafting and manipulation of the knee under anaesthesia. Iliac crest graft was harvested when local callus did not suffice. All patients received a supervised regimen of physiotherapy. Patients were followed up clinically and with plain radiographs at 6 weeks and 3 months to assess union and at monthly intervals thereafter.

Results

The mean patient age was 28.8 years (15-48). The mean delay in presentation was 14 weeks (3-32 weeks). The mean shortening was 3.8 cm with four fractures showing signs of malunion. Five patients were given preoperative traction and bone resection was performed in only one patient. The mean hospital stay was 11 days (5-25 days). One patient was lost to follow up, of the remaining 10 patients all united at a mean of 11.9 weeks with 7 patients regaining full range of motion. The mean knee range of motion was 142.5°. There were no wound related or neurological complications. One patient had a patellar tendon rupture which was repaired and another required dynamisation and bone marrow injection for delayed union.

Conclusion

We conclude that the treatment of neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures with open intramedullary nailing and bone grafting followed by manipulation of the knee with preoperative traction in selected cases is a satisfactory method of treatment showing reliable bony union however knee mobilisation should be undertaken with caution.     

Treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures with Hackethal stacked nailing: a report of 33 cases.

Hackethal's technique of stacked intramedullary (IM) nailing was used to treat 43 consecutive acute fractures of the humeral diaphysis. Of these, 6 were lost to follow-up and 4 additional patients were excluded for pathologic fractures. All of the remaining 33 traumatic fractures were followed until union. The average age was 34 years. Mean operative time was 90 min. Usually four or five 2- or 3-mm IM Kirschner wires were introduced in a retrograde manner, through a posterior unicortical window under radioscopic control. Closed reductions were performed in 28 patients, and open reductions were performed in the other five. Time to follow-up averaged 3 years 5 months (range 8 months to 13 years). There were no infections. There were three nonunions (9%), and two nails in 1 patient penetrated the greater tuberosity and one nail migrated distally in another patient. This method of internal fixation is not complicated and causes minimal trauma. It provides good stability at the fracture site and permits early mobilization of patients with excellent functional results.     

Locked antegrade intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures

This paper reports the results of treating 35 humeral shaft fractures with antegrade nailing in patients between the ages of 25 and 92 (mean 64.5): 14 patients were aged between 25 and 59, and 21 between 66 and 92. The nail was set in place proximally with a spiral blade and distally with 1 or 2 screws. In the first 14 cases, uncannulated humeral nailing (UHN) was carried out, and in the next 21 cannulated humeral nailing (CHN). The latter technique uses a guide wire which, in cases of an error in the length of the nail, is useful in that it allows another nail to be set in place. Main outcome parameters were fracture healing, shoulder discomfort, and radial nerve recovery. The DASH functional scoring system, modified according to Beaton et al. for subjective assessment was used, and range of motion was checked with the constant score. X-rays were used to assess fracture healing time and cases of malunion. Two patients developed non-union, one caused by a UHN which was too short, and the other by a nail blocked distally by a single screw. In 7 patients, consolidation was achieved, but with varus between 3 and 8 degrees (mean 5 degrees), without aesthetic or functional damage. In 33 out of 35 patients, shoulder functionality had mean DASH score results of 21.9, whereas shoulder range of motion reached a mean constant score (CS) of 26.5 (78.8%) with respect to the opposite shoulder. In 5 cases of stiffness, the UHN turned out to be insufficiently buried. Results improved with the CHN. Much better results were seen in the group of patients aged between 25 and 59 (mean age 43), but worse in older ones (66–92 years, mean age 78). Radial nerve palsy after surgery occurred in 2 cases, and the nerve was immediately examined. It did not appear to be trapped in the fracture in either case, and recovery was complete 6 months later. CHN appears to be a valid solution, both in younger patients, thanks to excellent results, and in older ones, who have fewer functional requirements.     

Reamed intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal tibial fractures: comparison of compression and non-compression nailing

Background

Modern intramedullary implants provide the option to perform compression at the fracture gap in long bone fractures via a compression screw mechanism. The aim of this study was to assess if the application of interfragmentary compression in the intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures could increase the union rate and speed of fracture healing.

Methods

Sixty-three patients who suffered from an AO-type 42-A3 or 42-B2 fracture that was treated by reamed intramedullary nailing between 2003 and 2008 were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five patients were treated with dynamic interlocking without compression while 38 were treated with compression nailing. The compression load of the dynamic proximal screw was calculated by postoperative X-ray and radiographs taken four weeks after operation. Healing was assessed by radiological evaluation until the completion of bony healing or the disappearance of clinical symptoms. Nonunion was defined as the absence of radiological union and the persistence of clinical symptoms after six months.

Results

Postoperative compression was applied at a mean load of 1,852 N, and 980 N remained after four weeks. In the compression group, 19 open and 19 closed fractures occurred. In the non-compression group, 25 patients were included (14 closed and 11 open cases). Active compression decreased healing time significantly. Nonunion occurred in one compression patient and three non-compression patients.

Conclusion

The results show that additional compression of the fracture gap can improve healing outcome in simple transverse tibial shaft fractures treated with reamed nailing.     

Antegrade locked intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures

Thirty-three humeral nailings were carried out using the Russell-Taylor nail. Twenty-two acute fractures and one non-union united, gave an overall union rate of 70%.Eighteen patients (56%) experienced pain in the shoulder or at the fracture site. Thirteen patients (41%) had poor shoulder function. Only 17 (51%) of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. Fourteen patients (42%) needed further surgery.We conclude that antegrade intamedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures leads to a substantial risk of non-union and impairment of shoulder function. There was no significant correlation between fracture comminution and fracture healing in our study.     

Displaced proximal humeral fractures: intramedullary nailing versus conservative treatment

Introduction A variety of different treatment options are available for displaced three- or four-part fractures. In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the results of intramedullary nailing with the ACE nail and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures. Materials and methods Twenty-four patients suffered a neer 4, 5 or 6 proximal humeral fracture who were treated with intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients received conservative treatment for their Neer 4, 5 or 6 fracture. Results Taking critical remarks in consideration, the results of intramedullary nailing are not very satisfactory compared to the conservative-treated group. However functional results of our operative group are comparable to those from other studies in literature. Conclusion Displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures can be treated by intramedullary nailing. Familiarity with the fracture deformity and experience with the surgical techniques are critical for successful operative treatment outcome. Most complications in the operative treatment group can be avoided; inadequate reduction can lead to wrong insertion place with secondary problems (dislocation and subacromial impingement). Also future improvements in osteosynthesis like angle stable screw fixation (osteoporosis) and minimally invasive device will probably decrease the complication rate.     

Flexible intramedullary nailing of displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

INTRODUCTION: This study analyses the results of 50 displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children treated with flexible intramedullary nailing. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2002 we treated 50 children aged between 5 and 15 years, with diaphyseal fractures of the forearm using Flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN). Both bones were fractures in 45 patients, radius only in 4 and ulna only in 1. The indications for fixation were instability (26), re-displacement (20), and open fractures (4). RESULTS: 24 patients were reduced closed, followed by nailing, while 26 fractures required open reduction of either one bone(16 cases) or both bones(10 cases) prior to nailing. Bony union of all fractures was achieved by an average of 7 weeks (range 6 weeks to 4 months) with one delayed union. Pronation was restricted by an average of 20 degrees in 9 patients. Two patients developed post operative compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy. Three patients were lost to follow-up. INTERPRETATION: FIN led to early bony union with acceptable bony alignment in all 47 patients available at final follow-up. We therefore recommend FIN for the treatment of unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.     

钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的系统评价

[目的]对钢板内固定与髓内钉固定治疗成人肱骨干骨折的疗效进行系统评价.[方法]在Pubmed、Co-chrane Library、EMBASE、Science Direct以及CNKI、CBM、中国医学学术会议论文数据库等网站进行检索.文献检索起止时间为1995年1月～2010年9月.再对入选文献的参考文献进行手工检索.系统收集钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的相关文献,并按临床科研方法的国际通用原则进行阅读和评价.采用Cochrane协作网提供的软件Revman 4.2进行Meta-分析,以获得钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效及其安全性指标的相关证据.[结果]共检索到192篇原始文献,有6篇符合最终的入选标准,总计随访患者335例.Meta分析结果表明,钢板内固定与髓内钉固定比较,可显著降低再次手术发生率但是增加术后感染率.[结论]钢板内固定可显著降低再次手术发生率但是增加术后感染率.在骨折不愈合率、医源性神经损伤等方面,两者差异无统计学意义.因本次系统评价纳入病例数较少,尚需要更多设计严谨的大样本随机对照研究来增加证据的论证强度.     

Fixation of humeral head fractures with antegrade intramedullary nailing

The new method of antegrade intramedullary fixation of humeral head fractures is based on a straight proximal humeral nail with special head fixation screws and conventional interlocking screws at the proximal end of the shaft fragment leaving an axillary nerve shelter space in between. The nail acts as a central load carrier. The head fixation screws run through threaded holes in the proximal end of the nail thus being held in a stiff angle and without gliding. The entry points of these screws correspond to the anatomical main portions of the lesser and greater tubercle. They allow a three-dimensional screw grip to the subchondral bony layer of the head fragment. The purpose of this intramedullary construct is to keep the fracture stable at a grade which allows instant postoperative active exercise and which corresponds to the needs of mechanical tranquility in a predominantly endosteal healing area. In a prospective clinical study 45 patients could be followed up after 3, 6 and 12 months. We found an ongoing improvement of the postoperative results up to an average Constant Score of 85.7 pts after one year. The complication rate was 16 %. The main complication was the screw protrusion into the joint.     

逆行穿带锁髓内针治疗新鲜肱骨干骨折

目的 总结使用逆行穿带锁髓内针治疗肱骨干骨折的临床经验以提高肱骨干骨折的治疗水平。方法 1999年2月－2000年6月使用逆行穿带锁髓内针的方法治疗肱骨干新鲜骨折32例,骨折均为闭合型,手术采用从鹰嘴窝上向近端逆行穿针法。结果 32例3个月时全部骨性愈合,肩肘关节活动恢复95％以上。1例出现术后桡神经麻痹。结论 逆行穿针避免了对肩袖的干扰,髓内针能有效地稳定骨折,软组织进一步破坏小,肩肘关节功能恢复快。     

Shaft forearm fractures in children: intramedullary nailing with immediate motion: a preliminary report

Nailing is a good solution for shaft forearm fractures in children who require surgery. A closed reduction is very often possible owing to the bent tip of the pins. The procedure avoids extensive dissection, unlike epiphyseal plates. When a nailing is performed, the distal approach for both bones is the most convenient, avoiding elbow pain on the proximal ulnar incision. Six children of 57 had unacceptable reduction following conservative treatment and underwent intramedullary fixation. An immediate mobilization was possible in all patients. We observed neither delays in union nor recurrent fractures. The range of motion was normal in the postoperative period and at the 1 year follow-up.     

Radius-only intramedullary nailing for both-bones diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

Both-bones diaphyseal forearm fractures are common injuries in the paediatric age group and are potentially unstable. Both-bones intramedullary nailing for these fractures is a minimally invasive procedure that maintains alignment, and promotes rapid bony healing. Good results have also been shown with single-bone fixation. We report our experience in treating these common injuries with radius-only intramedullary nailing in 29 children. The clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. There were 9 girls and 20 boys; the mean age at the time of operation was 9 years (range: 5 to 17 years). Closed reduction was achieved in 21 patients, while eight patients required open reduction. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.8 months (range: 4 to 12 months). All fractures achieved clinical and radiological union at 6-8 weeks. Radius-only intramedullary nailing is a sufficient and effective option in treating both bones paediatric forearm displaced unstable type AO 22-A3 fractures, with excellent functional outcome and union rates.     

Outcome of compartment syndrome following intramedullary nailing of tibial diaphyseal fractures

Seventeen cases of compartment syndrome were treated in a group of 626 consecutive patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at an average of 24 months (range 8-54 months). Functional outcome was assessed using Edward's classification. All patients who developed compartment syndrome had fracture stabilisation with a reamed intramedullary nail using skeletal traction. The average interval between the nailing procedure and fasciotomy was 11 h. Results were good in 10 cases, fair in four cases and poor in the remaining three cases. Patients who had decompression within 12 h had a good functional outcome. Patients with poor results were all treated at an interval greater than 24 h.     

肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连

目的介绍应用肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连的经验。方法1997年10月～2001年7月,应用肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗12例肱骨骨折术后骨不连患者,其中肥大型5例,萎缩型2例,假关节形成5例。受伤至骨不连手术的时间平均为10．5个月(5～33个月)。手术采用开放复位顺行置入髓内钉,锁入远端交锁钉后向近端打拔以使断端加压,自体髂骨及RBX植骨。结果所有患者获平均21个月(9～51个月)随访。12例患者骨不连均获得愈合,平均愈合时间为5．8个月(3．5～8．0个月)。其中1例去除髓内钉后1年于原骨不连部位发生再骨折,重新植骨内固定而获得愈合。11例肩关节及上肢功能恢复良好。所有患者未遗留神经损伤症状。结论肱骨交锁髓内钉为治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连的有效方法。     

Proximal humeral fractures and intramedullary nailing: Experience with a new nail system

Objectives:   

The goal of this study was to evaluate fracture healing and alignment as well as functional outcome and complication risks after internal fixation with the intramedullary proximal humeral nail (PHN). This device shows promise for applications involving the reconstruction of the humeral shaft and head with minimal soft tissue stripping and for providing a locked, fixed-angle construct for secure fixation to permit controlled, early, and active rehabilitation.