Plate vs. nail for extra-articular distal tibia fractures: How should we personalize surgical treatment? A meta-analysis of 1332 patients.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for distal diaphyseal or metaphyseal tibia fractures is challenging and the optimal surgical strategy remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare plate fixation with nailing in terms of operation time, non-union, time-to-union, mal-union, infection, subsequent re-interventions and functional outcomes (quality of life scores, knee- and ankle scores). METHODS: A search was performed in PubMed/Embase/CINAHL/CENTRAL for all study designs comparing plate fixation with intramedullary nailing (IMN). Data were pooled using RevMan and presented as odds ratios (OR), risk difference (RD), weighted mean difference (WMD) or weighted standardized mean difference (WSMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). All analyzes were stratified for study design. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 1332 patients were analyzed, including ten RCTs (n = 873) and five observational studies (n = 459). IMN leads to a shorter time-to-union (WMD: 0.4 months, 95%CI 0.1 - 0.7), shorter time-to-full-weightbearing (WMD: 0.6 months, 95%CI 0.4 - 0.8) and shorter operation duration (WMD: 15.5 min, 95%CI 9.3 - 21.7). Plating leads to a lower risk for mal-union (RD: -10%, OR: 0.4, 95%CI 0.3 - 0.6), but higher risk for infection (RD: 8%, OR: 2.4, 95%CI 1.5 - 3.8). No differences were detected with regard to non-union (RD: 1%, OR: 0.7, 95%CI 0.3 - 1.7), subsequent re-interventions (RD: 4%, OR: 1.3, 95%CI 0.8 - 1.9) and functional outcomes (WSMD: -0.4, 95%CI -0.9 - 0.1). The effect estimates of RCTs and observational studies were equal for all outcomes except for time to union and mal-union. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results can be obtained with both plate fixation and nailing for distal extra-articular tibia fractures. However, nailing is associated with higher rates of mal-union and anterior knee pain while plate fixation results in an increased risk of infection. This study provides a guideline towards a personalized approach and facilitates shared decision-making in surgical treatment of distal extra-articular tibia fractures. The definitive treatment should be case-based and aligned to patient-specific needs in order to minimize the risk of complications.

The Watershed Line of the Distal Radius: Cadaveric and Imaging Study of Anatomical Landmarks.

Background Placement of volar plates remains a challenge as the watershed line may not be an easy-identifiable distinct line intraoperatively. Objectives The main objective of this article is to define how anatomical landmarks identifiable upon the volar surgical approach to the distal radius relate to the watershed line. Methods We identified anatomical landmarks macroscopically upon standard volar approach to the distal radius in 10 cadaveric forearms and marked these with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) beads in cadaveric wrists. The RSA beads were then referenced against the volar osseous structures using quantification of three-dimensional computed tomography and advanced imaging software. Results The mean measurements were the radial and ulnar prominences 11.1 mm and 2.1 mm proximal to the joint line of the distal radius, respectively. The interfossa sulcus was 0.3 mm proximal and 3 mm dorsal to the ulnar prominence. The watershed line was between 3.5 (minimal) and 7.6 (maximal) mm distal to the distal line of insertion of the pronator quadratus. Conclusion The watershed line is situated distal to the pronator quadratus, but with a wide variability making it an impractical landmark for plate position. The osseous ulnar prominence is a good anatomical reference for safe plate positioning, as it is located on the watershed line and easily palpated at surgery. One should keep in mind the sulcus-the point on the watershed line where the flexor pollicis longus runs-can be situated just proximal to the ulnar prominence. Clinical Relevance To provide anatomical landmarks that are easy to identify upon surgical approach without the direct need for intraoperative imaging.

Avoiding rotational malalignment after fractures of the femur by using the profile of the lesser trochanter: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary (IM) nailing has become the preferred method of treatment for femoral shaft fractures in adults. Rotational malalignment is an important complication, established during operation. The incidence of rotational malalignment (> or = 15 degrees) has been reported to be between 20% and 30%. It might be avoided intra-operatively by using quantitative imaging techniques, with the profile of the contralateral lesser trochanter serving as a reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the help of a C-arm image intensifier, five surgeons tried to determine the neutral state of ten prepared cadaver femora. They could only look at the C-arm screen and were blinded to the actual femur. Per observer three measurements were done per femur. The first measurement (method I) was done without a reference, while the second (method II) used a reference image of the femur in a neutral state. The third method (method III) added a lesser trochanter quantifying computer program. After positioning of the femur, the difference in rotational state compared with the neutral state was measured with an inclinometer. RESULTS: Without reference, malrotations up to 27 degrees were found. Methods II and III proved to be significantly better (p < 0.0001). These two methods showed malrotation of 2.2 degrees (+/-1.5 degrees) and 2.3 degrees (+/-1.7 degrees), respectively. External or internal malrotation occurred with all three methods equally frequently. No difference was found between observers. CONCLUSIONS: Using the contralateral lesser trochanter as a reference is an accurate method to minimize malrotation of a femur. Quantifying the profile of the lesser trochanter with computer assistance did not improve these results. Clinical results in the future still have to support these in vitro findings.

Compensation for rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures. An analysis by plantar pressure measurements during gait.

INTRODUCTION: Even though rotational malalignment due to a femoral shaft fracture leads to clinical complaints, a large number of patients may have none of significance. The ability to compensate may play a role. The purpose of this study is to give insight into aspects of compensatory gait of patients with a femoral malrotation and the relation with clinical complaints. METHODS: In a cross-sectional laboratory setting, foot-progression angles (FPA) during gait were measured using a foot scan device. Results were related to CT determined femoral torsion and clinical complaints. RESULTS: Patients with external (EMR) or internal malrotation (IMR) showed differences in foot-progression angles (DeltaFPA) in the same direction of their malrotation. Compared to IMR patients, EMR patients appeared to compensate less for their malrotation. No statistically significant differences were detected between these groups for absolute and relative compensation. EMR patients scored worse at the Oxford 12-item and WOMAC score and experienced more problems executing demanding activities than do patients without malrotation. Correlations were found between Oxford 12-item and WOMAC score and relative compensation. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral torsion and the FPA are strongly related. All patients compensate towards normal values of FPA at their fractured side. Patients who are less able to compensate have more physical complaints. EMR patients tend to have more complaints and difficulty compensating.

Computed tomography determined femoral torsion is not accurate.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) is considered the method of choice for detecting rotational malalignment of the femur. However, it is unclear how reliable the method is, and what the causes are of potential inaccuracies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address these issues three observers measured the CT images of the femur of 76 patients on two separate occasions. The images were made during follow-up of a unilateral femoral shaft fractures. Rotational malalignment was determined by comparing the torsion angle of the injured to the noninjured leg. RESULTS: The pooled intraobserver variance was 3.9 degrees and interobserver variance 4.1 degrees. Of the two measurements of one observer 95% were up to 10.8 degrees different, and between observers 95% of the measurements were up to 15.6 degrees different. CONCLUSIONS: CT measurements of rotational malalignment of the femur are not accurate. This is due principally to the difficulty in defining a line through the axis of the femoral neck. The accuracy can be improved by taking the average of two measurements.

Rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Intramedullary nailing has been accepted as the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and implications of rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing using computed tomography measurements. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Patients who postoperatively visited the orthopaedic outpatient and radiology clinics. PATIENTS: Seventy-six patients, 59 men and 17 women, with a mean age of 28.4 years (15-88). INTERVENTION: Patients treated on a fracture table with an antegrade reamed AO nail (n = 46) or Grosse Kempf nail (n = 30) for a unilateral femoral shaft fracture between 1988 and 1998 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients filled out a questionnaire concerning pain, daily activities, and sport. Oxford, Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index, and Harris Hip and Knee Society scores were obtained. Physical exams and computed tomography measurements were established. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (28%) were found to have a rotational malalignment of 15degrees or more. There was no significant difference in rotational deformity with either the AO or Grosse Kempf nail. The incidence of malrotation was independent of the fracture level. Patients with a torsional deformity had difficulties with more demanding activities like running, sports, and climbing stairs. Patients with an external rotational malalignment (n = 12) have more functional problems than patients with an internal rotational malalignment (n = 9). Clinically determined rotation differences are not accurate (+/-20degrees) compared with the established computed tomography measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures is found in 28% of the patients in this study. These patients have difficulties with more demanding activities, especially when they have an external torsional deformity.

[Limb-length measurements using wooden boards: an accurate and experience-independent method]. / Bepaling van beenlengteverschil met de plankjesmethode: nauwkeurige uitkomsten, onafhankelijk van ervaring van de onderzoeker.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the precision and reliability of the indirect limb-length measurement, and the inter-observer variance between doctors differing in level of experience. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: Indirect limb-length measurement by placing 0.5 cm-thick wooden boards under the foot of the shorter leg until the difference in length was corrected, was performed by 3 observers differing in experience (medical student, resident and orthopaedic surgeon) on 66 patients with unilateral femoral-shaft fractures treated with a femoral nail. The group of patients consisted of 51 men and 15 women with a median age of 30 years (range: 18-90). In total 17 observers participated and 177 limb-length measurements were performed. The measurements obtained were compared with limb-length measurements obtained by orthoradiograms of the entire leg. RESULTS: Of the 177 indirect limb-length measurements, 144 (81%) differed by 0-1.0 cm compared with the limb length obtained by orthoradiogram. There was no statistically significant difference in the limb-length measurements obtained by the three groups of observers with different experience levels. There was a certain degree of correlation between values measured by medical students and residents (r = 0.7). When comparing the measurements carried out by staff members with those of residents and medical students, respectively, a lower degree of correlation was found (r = 0.6 and 0.5, respectively). CONCLUSION: Indirect limb-length measurement with wooden boards was accurate. Experience did not play an essential role.

Remifentanil pharmacokinetics in obese versus lean patients.

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid whose pharmacokinetics have been characterized in detail. However, the impact of obesity on remifentanil pharmacokinetics has not been specifically examined. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of body weight on remifentanil pharmacokinetics. METHODS: Twelve obese and 12 matched lean subjects undergoing elective surgery received a 1-min remifentanil infusion after induction of anesthesia. Arterial blood samples were collected for determination of remifentanil blood concentrations. Each subject's pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by fitting a two-compartment model to the concentration versus time curves. Nonlinear mixed-effects population models examining the influence of lean body mass (LBM) and total body weight (TBW) were also constructed. Clinical simulations using the final population model were performed. RESULTS: The obese patient cohort reached substantially higher remifentanil concentrations. The individual pharmacokinetic parameters of a two-compartment model were not significantly different between the obese versus lean cohorts (unless normalized to TBW). The final population model scaled central clearance and the central and peripheral distribution volumes to LBM. The simulations illustrated that remifentanil pharmacokinetics are not grossly different in obese versus lean subjects and that TBW based dosing in obese patients can result in excessively high remifentanil concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The essential findings of the study are that remifentanil's pharmacokinetics are not appreciably different in obese versus lean subjects and that remifentanil pharmacokinetic parameters are therefore more closely related to LBM than to TBW. Clinically this means that remifentanil dosing regimens should be based on ideal body weight (or LBM) and not TBW.

Oral transmucosal etomidate in volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The oral transmucosal route of delivery is now used for many drugs, including fentanyl and midazolam. Etomidate's pharmacokinetic profile and physiochemical properties suggest it may be suitable for transmucosal delivery. Transmucosal delivery might extend etomidate's use to sedation and anxiolysis. This is the first study in humans to examine the oral transmucosal administration of a novel etomidate dosage form. METHODS: Ten healthy adult volunteers consumed 12.5-mg, 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg doses of oral transmucosal etomidate (OTET) on four different study days. Serum etomidate concentrations, sedation, respiratory and cardiovascular variables, taste, and side effects were determined. RESULTS: Five minutes after OTET administration, etomidate was detected in the venous blood. Mean peak concentrations occurred 20-30 min later and ranged from 61-174 ng/ml, related to the dose administered. Drowsiness and light sleep occurred in a dose-related manner 10-20 min after administration and lasted for 30-60 min. No episodes of SpO2 <90%, hypotension, or emesis occurred at any dose throughout the study. Nausea was rare. Two volunteers exhibited a brief episode of involuntary tremor after the 100-mg dose. The bitter taste of OTET was judged increasingly unpleasant with escalating doses. CONCLUSIONS: Oral transmucosal etomidate produces dose-related increases in sedation and clinically significant serum concentrations with minimal side effects. The time course of these effects suggests that OTET might be useful when brief mild to moderate sedation with rapid recovery is desirable. Further development of this novel dosage form is warranted.

Alprostadil: an effective antiplatelet agent for calves.

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drugs inhibit human platelets, but their effect as an antiplatelet agent on bovine platelets is not certain. Since calves are used for cardiovascular implant research, need exists for an effective antiplatelet agent for this animal model. After screening a number of potential antiplatelet drugs for calves, Alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) appeared to be the most promising. Alprostadil was administered (intravenous continuous drip) to 8 calves. The concentration of the drug administered was gradually increased until 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation was obtained. Platelet function, blood pressure, body temperature, and hematologic parameters were closely monitored. For in vitro evaluation, Alprostadil was added to human or bovine blood, and the platelet aggregation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels were measured. Alprostadil inhibited both bovine and human platelets, although bovine platelets were relatively more responsive to this drug. At an infusion rate of approximately 0.20 micrograms/kg/min in vivo, Alprostadil showed 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation with slightly decreased blood pressure (7 +/- 6 mm Hg) but no adverse effects. Complete reversal of in vivo platelet inhibition was noted within 24 h after cessation of drug administration. This short half-life and the lack of significant adverse effects make Alprostadil an attractive antiplatelet agent for calves with cardiovascular implants.