Correction osteotomy of distal radius malunion stabilised with dorsal locking plates without grafting

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of our correction osteotomies of distal radial malunions without a bone graft. Eleven consecutive patients (mean age 52 years, range 18–71) were treated. A dorsal approach was utilised to perform an opening-wedge osteotomy which then was stabilised with two dorsal columnar plates without filling the osteotomy gap. All patients went on to radiographic union with a filling of the osteotomy gap within a mean period of 3 months (range 2–6 months). All patients had satisfactory results in terms of function and pain. Correction osteotomy and stabilisation with bicolumnar locked plate fixation without a bone graft provides sufficient stability to allow the highly vascularised metaphysis to heal. In patients without risk factors predisposing to non-union, this procedure is safe and feasible.     

桡骨远端骨折畸形愈合合并远尺桡关节脱位的治疗

目的：探讨桡骨远端截骨矫形、尺侧腕屈肌腱移位、腕背侧关节囊及伸肌支持带紧缩重建远尺桡关节治疗桡骨远端骨折畸形愈合合并远尺桡关节脱位的临床疗效。方法：21例桡骨远端骨折畸形愈合合并远尺桡关节脱位。骨折类型按AO桡骨远端骨折分类皆为A型,未合并远尺桡关节炎。行桡骨远端截骨后,在＂C＂形臂下,桡骨高、掌倾角、尺偏角、远尺桡关节面对位恢复正常解剖位置,重建钢板固定,自体髂骨植骨。尺侧腕屈肌腱移位,腕背侧关节囊及伸肌支持带紧缩重建远尺桡关节。部分患者行旋前方肌松解。前臂旋后位克氏针固定。结果：21例患者均获随访,时间15～24个月,平均19.3个月。术前前臂旋转活动度为（41.6±8.9）°,术后为（138.1±14.3）°; 腕关节背伸术前为（9.2±4.2）°,术后为（33.2±11.8）°; 腕关节尺偏活动度术前为（10.5±6.3）°,术后为（31.3±4.4）°。Mayo评分结果：优10例,良7例,可4例。结论：应用桡骨远端截骨矫形术治疗尺侧腕屈肌腱移位,腕背侧关节囊及伸肌支持带紧缩重建远尺桡关节治疗桡骨远端骨折畸形愈合合并远尺桡关节脱位,手术效果良好,安全可靠。前臂旋转功能及腕关节各项运动功能得到有效恢复。     

Existing fixation modalities for Jones type fifth metatarsal fracture fixation pose high rates of complications and nonunion

Jones type fifth metatarsal fractures pose a challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon, given documented high nonunion rates as well as high complication rates including hardware prominence, nerve injury, and screw breakage for existing treatment modalities including screw and plantar plate fixation. We call for the design of innovative Jones-fracture specific implants which contour to the natural curve of the fifth metatarsal. Future research should aim to expand upon existing literature for Jones fracture fixation and evaluate efficacy of novel implants which are designed to address unacceptably high complication rates for existing treatment modalities.     

Computer-assisted distal radius osteotomy

PURPOSE: To establish the accuracy, precision, and clinical feasibility of a novel technique of computer-assisted distal radius osteotomy for the correction of symptomatic distal radius malunion. METHODS: Six patients underwent a computer-assisted distal radius osteotomy and were followed-up for an average of 25 months. Objective radiographic measurements and functional outcomes, as measured by clinical examination including grip strength and range of motion, and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, were used. RESULTS: The mean radiographic parameters included an increase of radial inclination to 21 degrees from 12 degrees (normal, 23 degrees ). Dorsal and volar tilt (malunion) were corrected to 9 degrees from -30 degrees and 21 degrees, respectively (normal, 10 degrees ). Ulnar variance was corrected to 1.9 mm from 7.5 mm (normal, +1.5 mm). Normal is defined as the average of the contralateral limb radiographs. The mean clinical outcome measures at an average of 25 months included a DASH global score of 14, a DASH individual item average score of 1.6, and an average affected side grip strength of 79% when compared with the unaffected side. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the computer-assisted technique were comparable with published results of traditional non-computer-assisted opening wedge osteotomy techniques. This technique allows a surgeon to accurately and precisely recognize and correct 3-dimensional deformities of the distal radius including axial malalignment (supination). The technique has the added benefit of reducing radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team because fluoroscopy is not used during the procedure. Additional benefits of the computer-assisted technique include the ability to perform multiple surgical simulations to optimize the alignment plan, and it serves as an excellent teaching tool for less-experienced surgeons.     

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.