Immediate weight bearing without immobilization for operatively treated ankle fractures is safe - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic literature review compared weight bearing (WB) vs. partial- / non-weight bearing (NWB) and mobilization (MB) vs. immobilization (IMB) for surgically treated ankle fractures. METHODS: Five databases were searched. Eligible were (quasi-)randomized controlled trials comparing at least two different postoperative treatment protocols. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 toolkit. The primary outcome was complication rate, secondary outcome Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), range of motion (ROM), and return to work (RTW). RESULTS: Out of 10,345 studies, 24 papers were eligible. Thirteen studies (n = 853) compared WB/NWB, 13 studies (n = 706) MB/IMB with a moderate study quality. WB did not increase the risk for complications but resulted in superior short-term outcomes for OMAS, ROM, RTW. 12 studies found no inferior results for MB compared to IMB. CONCLUSION: Early and immediate WB and MB do not increase the complication rates but result in superior short term outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I Systematic Review.

[Fracture of the posterior malleolus : A paradigm shift]. / Fraktur des posterioren Malleolus : Ein Paradigmenwechsel.

Ankle fractures with involvement of the posterior malleolus have a poor prognosis. The traditional concept of addressing the posterior fragment as the final step in the surgical reconstruction depending on the fragment size manifest in the lateral X­ray, does not do justice to the anatomic and biomechanical relevance of the posterior malleolus. Intra-articular step-offs and fragment displacement ≥ 2 mm, impacted intercalary fragments, involvement of the fibular notch and instability of the syndesmosis, represent parameters relevant for the surgical reconstruction and the functional and radiomorphological outcome independent of fragment size. A valid assessment of these parameters can only be achieved via computed tomography (CT) including multiplanar 2D and 3D reconstruction. This is the foundation for the classification of posterior malleolar fractures according to Bartonícek et al., it forms the basis of the preoperative analysis of the fracture components and represents a decision-making tool for the indications for surgery. The individual fracture pattern guides the selection of the suitable approach or a combination of approaches and the surgical strategy. Making use of the posterior approaches enables the surgeon to have a direct view of the fracture components of the posterior malleolus as a precondition for an anatomic reduction. This central surgical step is frequently done as the first measure of the surgical reconstruction of the ankle joint. Furthermore, direct reduction and posterior stabilization is more accurate and stable than indirect reduction from an anterior approach with indirect fixation using lag screws. An additional temporary transfixation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis is often dispensable.

[Fracture classification-part 1 : Modern low-dose radiation imaging in pediatric traumatology]. / Frakturklassifikation ­ Teil 1 : Moderne strahlensparende Diagnostik in der Kindertraumatologie.

BACKGROUND: Fractures in children are significantly more common than bone fractures in adults. Overall, they have a good prognosis regarding spontaneous correction and a restitutio ad integrum. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of established modern (low-dose radiation) imaging techniques in pediatric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Knowledge of typical fractures for different ages, of the individual bone nuclei of the growth plate, and epiphyseal injuries are important for the correct radiological diagnosis. This review also focuses on fractures of the elbow because misinterpretation may result in delays of consolidation with subsequent growth disturbances, joint dysfunctions, and malpositions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In addition to conventional x­rays, fracture sonography is becoming increasingly important for the detection of fractures in children. In the upper extremity, a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 97% can be achieved for some fracture entities, e.g., at the distal forearm. Computed tomography is used restrictively but plays an important role in a few special indications for polytraumatized children and preoperative assessment, e.g., in the case of transitional fractures.

[The periosteal flap augmentation technique in chronic lateral ankle instability]. / Die Periostlappenplastik bei chronischer Instabilität des oberen Sprunggelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic repair of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint and augmentation with an autologous pedicled periosteal flap of the distal fibula following identification and concomitant treatment of intra-articular pathologies. INDICATIONS: Symptomatic chronic mechanical lateral ankle instability. As a modular step in the treatment of osteochondral lesions in conjunction with lateral ankle instability. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Higher degree osteoarthritis of the ankle joint (>Kellgren/Lawrence 2 and 4 or Outerbridge 3 and 4) and/or hindfoot deformity; mechanical incompetence of both the fibulotalar anterior ligament and the fibulocalcaneal ligament preventing anatomical reinsertion; general risk factors. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic arthroscopy for identification and treatment of intraarticular pathologies; verification and grading of ligamentous instability (medial, lateral, combined). Open exposure of the distal fibula and the ruptured components of the lateral ankle ligament complex. Anatomic reinsertion of the original ligaments and assessment of their mechanical competence. Apart from the situation in the juvenile patient with a thick periosteal layer a doubled and pedicled periosteal strip of the distal fibular periosteum will suffice for the augmentation in one ligamentous component, only. Fixation in the talus or calcaneus is achieved via suture anchors, screws with a washer or transosseous fixation via interference screw. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative immobilization in a lower leg split cast or a splint until wound healing (5-8 days), mobilization in a walker or an ankle orthosis with consecutive full weight-bearing for further 4-5 weeks. Proprioceptive and pronator muscle training, optionally insole or lateral wedge at the shoe sole for 6 months postoperatively. Avoidance of contact sports for 4-6 months. RESULTS: Several studies have reported reliable restoration of ligamentous ankle stability with overall success rates >90% and good to excellent total results in >90% of patients with limited minor complications. In view of the heterogeneous data from previous studies, some recent studies have demonstrated that the outcome after periosteal augmentation is comparable to that after techniques employing free tendon graft for anatomic restoration of ligamentous ankle stability. The technique has been applied successfully in cases of poor mechanical properties of the formerly ruptured ligaments and in patients with a high functional demand.

[Metatarsal and toe fractures]. / Mittel- und Vorfußfrakturen.

Metatarsal and toe fractures are the most frequent injuries of the foot skeleton. Nondislocated fractures can be conservatively treated with good success. Long-term relief and immobilization including the ankle joint are unnecessary. Metatarsal fractures close to the base are nearly always associated with Lisfranc luxation and treatment must also take the instability of the tarsometatarsal joints into consideratíon. Basal fractures of the 5th metatarsal bone require a differentiated consideration. The correct classification is necessary in order to initiate an adequate treatment. In general, intra-articular layer formation, inclination >10° and shortening between 3 mm and 5 mm, taking the position of the head of the metatarsal bone into consideration, are recommended as indications for surgery. Operative treatment of toe fractures is only rarely necessary.

Therapy of aseptic nonunions with parathyroid hormone.

The absence of osseous consolidation of a fracture for 9 or more months with no potential to heal is defined as nonunion. Both for the patient and from a socioeconomic point of view, nonunions represent a major problem. Hypertrophic, vital nonunions are distinguished from atrophic avital ones. Risk factors for a delayed fracture healing are insufficient immobilisation, poor adaptation of the fracture surfaces or residual instability, interposition of soft tissue within the fracture gap, as well as circulation disturbances and infections. The incidence of nonunions after fractures of the long bones lies between 2.6 and 16% depending on the surgical technique used. In human and animal studies, a positive effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on fracture healing has been shown. PTH has a direct stimulatory effect on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In addition, it appears to influence the effect of osseous growth factors. In this prospective study, 32 patients with nonunions were treated with teriparatide to investigate the effects of PTH on fracture healing. Definitive healing of the nonunions following PTH treatment could be observed in 95% of the cases.

Minimally invasive internal fixation of calcaneal fractures or subtalar joint arthrodesis using the Calcanail®.

OBJECTIVE: A minimally invasive technique to prevent soft tissue problems using a calcaneal nail (Calcanail®, FH Orthopedics, Heimsbrunn, France) for calcaneal fractures or in subtalar joint arthrodesis is described. INDICATIONS: Displaced extra-articular calcaneal fractures involving the tuberosity fragment and in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with impression and/or displacement of the subtalar joint surface. Subtalar joint arthrodesis for posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Severely displaced fractures type Sanders IV with the purpose of internal fixation; peripheral calcaneal fractures; general contraindications for operative treatment. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Minimally invasive reduction of calcaneal fractures using a special distractor and a graft pusher through a calcaneal working channel. Fixation performed via the insertion of the Calcanail® and the two locking screws, optional additional screws. Subtalar joint arthrodesis with a Calcanail® used with optional three locking screws to fix the talus and calcaneus creating an angular stable construct. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization and restricted weight-bearing for 6 weeks in the patient's own shoes after fracture fixation or in a walker after arthrodesis. RESULTS: Preliminary results of 69 cases from three surgical centers have already been published. From 2013-2017, the technique was used in 48 of our own patients (42 calcaneal fracture reduction and fixation; 6 for subtalar joint arthrodesis). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days for fracture reduction without any need of additional operations. During follow-up, 6 implant removals and 2 secondary subtalar fusions were noticed. All 6 cases of subtalar joint arthrodesis were planned in posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis.

[Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow in posttraumatic and chronic ligament instability]. / Rekonstruktion des medialen Bandapparats am Ellenbogen bei posttraumatischen und chronischen Bandinstabilitäten.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of ulnar elbow stability in cases of posttraumatic and chronic ulnar ligament instability. INDICATIONS: Symptomatic therapy-resistant ulnar ligament instability of the elbow. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Arthrofibrosis and high-grade elbow arthrosis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anatomical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) with autologous tendon graft (tendons of the palmaris longus muscle and gracilis muscle) in implant-free docking technique. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A cast for 1 week, then 5 weeks orthesis with limitation of complete extension and flexion; full weight bearing after 3 months. RESULTS: After 2 years 90% of the patients are able to return at an equal level of activity. The overall complication rate is 10.4%. The most common complication is ulnar nerve neurapraxia in 7.8% of the patients.

[Posttraumatic nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities]. / Posttraumatische Nervenkompressionssyndrome der oberen Extremität.

Nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities are common clinical disease patterns, less often as direct results of accidents. The most frequent compression syndrome is the carpal tunnel syndrome followed by the cubital tunnel syndrome. If the cause of the compression cannot be eliminated by conservative treatment options, an operative therapy is necessary. As the prognosis becomes worse with the duration of the nerve compression, it is important to initiate therapy at an early stage.

[Internal circular arc osteosynthesis of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis]. / Die innere Kreisbogen-Osteosynthese der tibio-talo-calcanealen Arthrodese.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has recently become more popular as a form of reconstructive surgery. The precise anatomical orientation and the functional extrinsic musculature of the hindfoot are essential for a satisfactory result. Fixation of the arthrodesis is a mechanical problem. Straight and angulated nails are not anatomically or mechanically ideal. A circular arc nail can fix the tibia, the talus and the calcaneus in anatomical alignment. This is a pure "bone nail", in contrast to the "intramedullary nail," which is driven through an existing opening in long bones. The nail is driven through a circular arc-shaped opening in the bone, which results in optimal form-fit between nail and bone. A corresponding aiming device permits the precise shaping of the bone tunnel, which follows the orientation of the bone trabeculae. The instrumentation was applied in 11 cases, with the following indications: post-traumatic conditions, congenital deformities, chronic polyarthritis and diabetic Charcot arthropathy. The desired alignment of the hindfoot is not affected while the nail is being introduced. The fixation achieves primary stability thus allowing for early functional treatment.