The Impact of Treatment Delay on Malunion and Nonunion After Open Reduction of Mandible Fractures.

Importance: Time to surgical intervention is an oft-investigated potentially modifiable risk factor for complications after mandible fracture. Objective: To identify novel risk factors for malunion/nonunion after mandible fracture and determine the impact of treatment delay on malunion and nonunion after open reduction of mandible fractures. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting and Participants: Encounter billing records from the New York State Inpatient Databases, State Emergency Department Databases, and State Ambulatory Surgery Databases. Patients aged 18 years and older with isolated mandible fracture in the emergency department or inpatient setting from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: Mandibular Malunion/Nonunion. Results: A total of 19,152 adults were diagnosed with isolated mandible fracture. After fracture, 247 patients (1.3%) developed mandibular malunion or nonunion. In multivariable analysis, patients with open fractures (odds ratio [OR] 1.93, confidence interval [95% CI] 1.40-2.65), body fractures (OR 2.00, 1.50-2.65), alcohol abuse (OR 1.61, 1.22-2.11), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.57, 1.02-2.42), and Medicaid insurance (OR 1.46, 1.03-2.07) had increased risk, whereas patients with subcondylar fractures had reduced risk (OR 0.45, 0.28-0.72) of mandibular malunion/nonunion. The risk of mandibular malunion/nonunion after open reduction increased with treatment delay until 6-7 days after presentation (OR 1.84, 1.11-3.06). Conclusion and Relevance: Although treatment delay is often unavoidable, these findings suggest that physicians should consider early intervention in patients requiring open reduction of mandible fractures when able.

Association of acute inflammatory cytokines, fracture malreduction, and functional outcome 12 months after intra-articular ankle fracture-a prospective cohort study of 46 patients with ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Several malreduction criteria have been proposed for ankle surgery, but the criteria of most importance for functional outcome remain undetermined. Furthermore, the acute inflammatory response in the ankle joint after fracture is hypothesized to result in osteoarthritis development, but no study has investigated the correlation between the levels of these inflammatory cytokines and post-surgical functional outcomes. We aimed to identify malreduction criteria and inflammatory cytokines associated with functional outcome after ankle surgery. METHODS: During surgery, synovial fluid from the fractured and healthy contralateral ankles of 46 patients was collected for chemiluminescence analysis of 22 inflammatory cytokines and metabolic proteins. The quality of fracture reduction was based on 9 criteria on plain X-rays and 5 criteria on weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans. After 3 and 12 months, we recorded scores on American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, the Danish version of Foot Function Index (FFI-DK), EQ-5D-5L index score, the Kellgren-Lawrence score, and joint space narrowing. RESULTS: Tibiofibular (TF) overlap (p = 0.02) and dime sign (p = 0.008) correlated with FFI-DK. Tibiotalar tilt correlated positively with joint space narrowing at 3 months (p = 0.01) and 12 months (p = 0.03). TF widening correlated with FFI-DK (p = 0.04), AOFAS (p = 0.02), and EQ-5D-5L (p = 0.02). No consistent correlations between synovial cytokine levels and functional outcomes were found at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Malreduction of TF overlap, TF widening, and tibiotalar tilt were the most important criteria for functional outcome after ankle surgery. Increased inflammatory cytokine levels after fracture did not affect functional outcome at 12 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This cohort study is registered the 10th of December 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03769909 ), was approved by the local committee on health ethics (The Regional Committees on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark: J.No. S-20170139), and was reported to the National Danish Data Protection Agency (17/28505).

The Treatment of Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneal Tuberosity: A New Technique of 180-Degree Annular Internal Fixation.

Due to the traction of the Achilles tendon and osteoporosis, a large number of reports have shown that a series of complications such as skin flap necrosis and failure of internal fixation after surgery often cause nonunion or malunion of calcaneal tuberosity fractures. At the same time, there is no uniform standard for the operative procedure in the treatment of the avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity. We presented a new technique for the treatment of avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity, which is fixed with a 180-degree microplate. We aim to provide a simple, safe, and strong internal fixation technique for avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity as one of the treatment options.

Cancellous Tibial Bone Graft for Malunion after Mandibular Reconstruction in Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: While nonunion after mandibular reconstruction for head and neck surgery is rare, literature exploring management is scarce. Our primary objective was to determine success rates of tibial bone graft (TBG) in achieving mandibular union. Secondary objectives include determining factors that contribute to failure of TBG. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Chart Review. METHODS: Retrospective chart review between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018. Patients who underwent a mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy with osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction were identified. Patients who were pursuing dental rehabilitation, subsequently diagnosed with mandibular nonunion and received a cancellous TBG were assessed. RESULTS: The 15 patients meeting inclusion criteria were mostly male (67%), white (87%), and nonsmokers (67%) with a median age of 64 (IQR = 60-73). Successful union occurred in 13 of 18 (72%) TBGs and the majority (63%) had a partial union documented at the time of surgery. Five patients (83%) who initially had a mandibulotomy achieved union compared to 78% of those with osteocutaneous reconstruction (P = 1.0). Postoperative radiation did not affect rates of union: 80% for both (P = 1.0). Patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) achieved union in 67% of cases compared to 75% of cases who did not have ORN (P = .86). There were similar rates of union for those who required perioperative antibiotics for infection and those without infection (67% vs. 75%, P = .86). Dental rehabilitation was achieved in 55% of patients, most commonly dentures. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that TBG can be used to achieve union for patients with malunion after head and neck cancer reconstruction. We show its successful use within the reconstructive algorithm for patients regardless of postoperative radiation for very small defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1291-1296, 2021.

Comparison between open reduction with internal fixation to circular external fixation for tibial plateau fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Peer-reviewed published studies on tibial plateau fractures treated with either open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) or circular external fixation were reviewed to compare functional, radiological outcomes, postoperative complications, and reoperation rates between the two methods. A systematic search of various databases including Medline, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from inception until June 2019 was performed. 17 studies with 1168 participants were included in the review. Most of the studies (76%) were retrospective in nature and had low or unclear bias risks. Incidence of total infection (Odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.33-5.02) and malunions (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.12-5.84) were higher and length of hospital stay was shorter in patients treated with circular external fixator (Mean difference [MD], -6.1; 95% CI, -11.1--1.19). There were no differences in the incidence of secondary osteoarthritis (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.92-2.42), range of motion (MD, 2.28; 95% CI, -11.27-15.82) non-union (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.14-14.27) and reoperation rates (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.90-3.78) between the two groups. Results from this investigation suggest that circular fixation may offer some advantages over ORIF such as a shortened length of hospital stay and early return to preinjury activities. Definitive clinical recommendations cannot be made as it also presents higher rates of postoperative complications than ORIF.

Complications after Metatarsal Osteotomies for Hallux Valgus: Malunion, Nonunion, Avascular Necrosis, and Metatarsophalangeal Osteoarthritis.

Avascular necrosis (AVN), nonunion, malunion, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) osteoarthritis following hallux valgus osteotomies, as well as pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention strategies, and treatment are discussed in this article. AVN and nonunion are very infrequent, and they can be effectively prevented taking into consideration local anatomy preservation, biomechanics, and patient comorbidities. Shortening, elevation, plantarflexion, varus/valgus, and rotational of the first metatarsal are the most common types of malunion. They can lead to pain, stiffness, deformity recurrence, and transfer metatarsalgia. MTP osteoarthritis can develop after metatarsal malunion or AVN. Treatment options include cheilectomy, osteotomies to correct malunions, and MTP arthrodesis.

Treatment of distal radius fractures with palmar plates and locking screws. Comparisson of two different types of plate.

Various plating systems are available to fix distal radius fractures, each with a specific design. The purpose of this study was to compare radiological outcome and complications of the Variable Angle LCP Plate 2.4-mm (DePuy Synthes) with the VariAx volar locking plate (Stryker). One hundred patients (103 wrists) operated on for a distal radius fracture were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Seventy-three wrists were treated with a DePuy Synthes plate and 30 with a VariAx plate. The overall complication rate was 32%. Nineteen cases underwent revision surgery, 18 had malunion and 3 complex regional pain syndrome. Complicaton rate was 43% with DePuy Synthes plates and 27% with Variax plates, but the difference was not significant.

Management of Chronic Infected Intra-Articular Fractures of the Proximal Tibia with Ilizarov Ring Fixation.

Infected nonunion and malunion of tibial plateau are rare injuries with no standardized protocols for treatment. This study assessed the outcome of chronic infected intra-articular proximal tibial fractures with and without metaphyseal bone loss managed with the Ilizarov ring fixator. A series of six patients of intra-articular infected nonunion of the tibial plateau and two patients with malunited plateau with metaphyseal nonunion were treated in a tertiary care hospital. Three of these eight patients had a metaphyseal bone loss or bone gap after debridement and underwent internal transport with distal corticotomy to obtain the bone length. The remaining five patients underwent static ring fixation after correction of the articular deformity. Clinical evaluation was done by Knee Society Score, Rasmussen radiological and Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov scores. All patients but one achieved union with the ring fixator. The average follow-up was 33 months (range, 12-120 months). Average time to achieve union was 11.5 months (range, 3-30). The scores were good in four patients and poor in the rest four, out of which three had undergone internal transport. Proximal tibia intra-articular infected nonunion and malunion with or without metaphyseal bone loss can be treated successfully with the Ilizarov fixator. Malunion of the tibial plateau has to be addressed in cases with varus alignment of the limb or articular step-off of ≥ 5mm between the two tibial surfaces. Patients with associated metaphyseal bone loss tend to have complications and take a longer duration to heal. Single-stage treatment avoids intra-articular malunion and loss of limb alignment.

[Distal Ulna Malunion as the Result of Distal Ulnar Shaft Fracture Treated by Three-Dimensional Corrective Osteotomy]. / Malpozice distální ulny po zlomenine distální diafýzy resená trírovinnou korekcní osteotomií.

The team of authors presents a case of the patient who suffered an isolated unstable extra-articular distal ulnar fracture, the surgical treatment of which was affected by a postponed management in consequence of inadequate primary treatment. The primary non-operative treatment resulted in a complex malunion ad latus, ad axim and ad peripheriam. The malunion which led to a painful restricted range of motion of the forearm (59%), decreased hand grip strength and significant limitation of activities of daily living was surgically treated by a triplane corrective osteotomy at 11 months after injury. At 12 months after surgery, a complete ulnar bone union was observed, the patient showed no residual wrist pain, the range of motion of the injured forearm reached 97 % of the range of motion of the unaffected forearm (side), and the hand grip strength was 95% of the hand grip strength in contralateral limb. The treatment outcome can be assessed as very good based on the Quick DASH score. Displaced isolated distal ulnar fractures cause a change in the axial position of the distal end of the bone and can be associated with an injury to the stabilizers of the DRUJ. Thus, they can result in a limited range of motion of the forearm due to the impaired DRUJ biomechanics and development of early post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the DRUJ. The non-operative treatment is recommended only for stable and non-displaced fractures as well as fractures in which surgical treatment is contraindicated. Corrective osteotomy of the distal ulna is the method of choice in managing distal ulna malunion as a result of isolated distal ulnar shaft fractures in symptomatic patients. Good functional outcomes may be achieved if the anatomical position of DRUJ is restored. Key words:corrective osteotomy, distal ulnar fracture.

Results of combining intramedullary nailing and plate fixation for treating segmental femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is generally accepted as the standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures. However, segmental femoral fractures are considered to be a special injury type associated with high complication rates. Combined IMN and plate is proved to be a reliable method for treating complex tibia fractures with less operation time and high union rates. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to evaluate the outcome of following combined IMN and plate fixation for segmental femoral fractures. METHODS: Between February 2013 and January 2016, 18 consecutive patients with femoral shaft fracture with AO/OTA type 32-C2 were treated via combined IMN and plate. Surgical details, operative and postoperative complications, the rate of union and time to union were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 14 men and four women with a mean age of 37.8 years (range 27-52 years). All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Of the patients, 13 were closed fractures, three were Gustilo type I open fractures and two were Gustilo type II open fractures. All patients achieved union within 18.9 weeks (range 12-28 weeks) and none of them had malunion. There were no deep infections, and two patients with superficial wound infections were successfully treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Combining IMN and plate fixation appears to be a reliable method for the treatment of segmental femoral shaft fractures with less operation time, high union rates and ability to maintain alignment, therefore it provides another choice for treating segmental femoral fractures.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of functional outcomes and complications following external fixation or open reduction internal fixation for distal intra-articular tibial fractures: an update.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing physical function and complications following DIATF surgery with external fixation (EF) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). METHOD: A search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Open Grey and Orthopaedic Proceedings. Studies with a level of evidence of I-III on patients (≥ 18 years) with DIATFs operated on with either EF or ORIF were included. A total of 3814 studies were identified. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomised controlled trials and the ROBINS-I tool for nonrandomised studies were used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: Nine studies with 478 patients, 271 ORIF and 197 EF met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up ranged from 12 to 38 months. The meta-analysis showed a higher incidence of superficial wound infections (RR = 2.94, 95% CI 1.62-5.34, p = 0.0004) and malunions (RR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.27-5.43, p = 0.009) in the EF group compared to the ORIF group. Also worse physical function was associated with the EF group. However, the overall evidence was low. CONCLUSION: This systematic review is the first to report on physical function following DIATF surgery. In general, decreased physical function was reported. The meta-analysis showed lower incidence of superficial wound infection and malunion rates in the ORIF group. Heterogeneity was low. In conclusion, this review reports lower complication rates following ORIF for DIATF. The overall evidence was limited, and therefore, the authors cannot recommend ORIF to be superior to EF treatment for DIATF. More multi-centre studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess long-term physical function and complications following DIATF surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.

The impacts of internal versus external fixation for tibial fractures with simultaneous acute compartment syndrome.

PURPOSE: High-energy tibial fractures may cause compartment syndrome, which needs fasciotomy. However, in this procedure, close fractures become an open wound and choosing the best type of fixation for this situation has been a problem. We assumed early open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) instead of late internal fixation or external fixation, or stage-based approach is a better method. METHODS: We collected fifty-seven medical records from 2012 to 2017 stored in Alzahra and Kashani University Hospital databases. We selected important information of their medical files, called the submitted phone numbers, and asked them to come to our clinic and examined their leg for any malunion and/or movement restriction postoperatively. We asked about pain and paresthesia in their leg. Twelve cases were excluded. RESULTS: Demographic variables were not significantly different between these two groups. Deep infection, malunion, decreased range of motion in both knee and ankle joints, pain and paresthesia mainly occurred in external fixation group, except malunion (p value = 0.032), other variables were not statistically significant between two groups. More surgeries were performed predominantly for external fixation group (p value < 0.001). External fixation stayed 4.7 days longer at hospital although it was not statistically significant (p value = 0.108). CONCLUSION: It is better to perform fasciotomy and ORIF simultaneously in one surgery to lower the number of surgeries, days of hospitalization, decrease the risk of deep infection, malunion and movement restriction although its postoperative outcomes were not considerably different from external fixation. We indicate that stage-based approach is accompanied by poor outcomes and lesser satisfaction.

Incidence of deep infection, union and malunion for open diaphyseal femoral shaft fractures treated with IM nailing: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: We have undertaken a systematic review to evaluate the clinical results of intramedullary nailing (IMN) for open diaphyseal femoral fractures on the rates of union, delayed union, malunion, superficial and deep infection and bone grafting. METHODS: We searched the electronic databases of EMBASE, MEDLINE, from their inception until December 1st, 2017 with no language restrictions. The reference lists of all included articles and relevant reviews were also examined for potentially eligible studies. Hand search using electronic database of recent major orthopaedic journals was also carried. Two reviewers working independently extracted study characteristics and data to estimate the diagnostic odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for each result. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were eligible. Pooled estimate of effect size for union rate was 97% (95% CI: 94-99%). Deep infection rate was 6% (95% CI: 3-9.3%) and more prominent in Gustilo type III injuries; superficial infection was 5.6% (95% CI: 3-9.3%). Delayed union rate 3% (95% CI: 1-5.6%) while, malunion rate was 8.4% (95% CI: 5.7-11.6%). The need for bone grafting ranged from 0 to 9%. CONCLUSIONS: IMN remains the treatment of choice for open femoral diaphyseal fractures with very good union rates. Gustilo grade III injuries demonstrate a distinct higher deep infection rate and strict adherence to established surgical debridement and fixation protocols is advocated. The need for bone grafting can be as high as 9% and patients should be made aware of the possibility of requiring this additional procedure.

Risk factors associated with non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy (Toennis and Kalchschmidt technique): a case-control study and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Dysplasia of the hip is a well known cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. The triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), according to the technique described by Toennis and Kalchschmidt, is a well established procedure to address dysplasia of the hip joint. Non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomies are rare and can occur at each of these osteotomies. The literature is lacking in studies investigating larger group of patients with non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors leading to a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy. METHODS: A total of 53 patients with a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy were included in this retrospective case-control. In addition, we identified a cohort of randomly selected patients undergoing hardware removal after triple pelvic osteotomy ("union" group) but had not developed non-union as the control group. This control group underwent the same procedure by the same group of surgeons in the same time period. The variables obtained from the review of the two groups were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods including Bivariable Analysis (p < 0.005) and Multivariable logistic regression analysis (p < 0.015). RESULTS: We identified a total of 53 patients out of the 3269 who had undergone TPO and had developed a non-union. The control group consisted of 117 patients who did not experience a non-union. Bivariable analysis of basic demographic characteristics demonstrated that gender, BMI, smoking, preoperative CE angle and degree of surgical correction did not differ significantly between the groups. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between age (31.5 ± 9.4 vs. 27.5 ± 9.0 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = < 0.001) and postoperative CE angle (34.4 ± 5.0 vs. 32.8 ± 3.5 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that an age over 30 was significantly associated with non-union (p = 0.01, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.3). CONCLUSION: Non-unions after TPO are rare. A higher age and higher degree of surgical correction might be associated risk factors for developing a non-union. Furthermore, smoking, obesity and previous hip surgeries might also contribute to developing a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy.

Complications of traditional bone setters (TBS) treatment of musculoskeletal injuries: experience in a private setting in Warri, South-South Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Complications arising from the practice of traditional bone setting is a major contributor to the challenges the orthodox orthopaedic practitioner in Nigeria faces. We share our experience at a multi-specialist private health facility in Warri, South-south, Nigeria. METHODS: Case notes of patients with musculoskeletal injuries who had prior treatment by traditional bone setters with resulting complications before presenting at our health facility for treatment were reviewed and relevant information extracted and entered in an already prepared proforma. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17 and results presented in form of means, percentages, ratios and tables. RESULTS: 43 cases were reviewed in a period of 8 years. There were 21 males and 22 females. The average age of patients was 44.8 ± 20.3 years. The most frequent age group affected was that of 40-49 years. 45.8% of the initial injuries were due to road traffic accidents while 39.5% resulted from falls. Femoral fractures and humeral fractures formed 20.4% and 14.8% of cases respectively. 40.8% of traditional bone setters complications observed were non-union of fractures of various bones followed by mal-union in 24.5% of cases. CONCLUSION: The observed complications of traditional bone setters practice in this study were similar to those previously reported in the literature. These complications constitute a significant challenge to the orthopaedic practitioner in Africa with associated negative socioeconomic impact on our society. Government and other relevant stakeholders need to unite and take decisive actions to mitigate this problem.

Clinical Outcomes Between Atrophic and Nonatrophic Mandibular Fracture in Elderly Patients.

The number of elderly patients with mandibular fracture is rapidly increasing. To improve outcome, it is important to understand the age-related characteristics of mandibular fracture. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of atrophic change on mandibular fracture in elderly patients. The retrospective study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years old, who underwent surgery for the treatment of mandibular fracture in our hospital from March 2006 until March 2015. Patient characteristics, such as age and gender, causes of injury, anatomic location of fracture, height of mandibular body, extent of atrophy, location of surgical sites, postoperative outcomes, and the follow-up period, were examined. Descriptive statistics were compared between atrophic and nonatrophic mandibles. The patients included 17 males and 12 females and the mean age was 71.9 years old. The average follow-up period was 6.06 months. Regarding occlusion and complications, there were no statistical differences between the atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures. As major complications, nonunion occurred in 2 patients and malunion in 1 patient. There was no mortality associated with anesthesia or surgery. Atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures in elderly patients can be treated successfully with surgery. There was no significant difference with respect to major complications between patients with atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures.

Improving accuracy of opening-wedge osteotomies of distal radius using a patient-specific ramp-guide technique.

BACKGROUND: Opening-wedge osteotomies of the distal radius, performed with three-dimensional printed patient-specific instruments, are a promising technique for accurate correction of malunions. Nevertheless, reports of residual malalignments and discrepancies in the plate and screw position from the planned fixation exist. Consequently, we developed a patient-specific ramp-guide technique, combining navigation of plate positioning, osteotomy cutting, and reduction. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of navigation of three-dimensional planned opening-wedge osteotomies, using a ramp-guide, over state-of-the-art guide techniques relying solely on pre-drilled holes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on opening-wedge osteotomies of the distal radius, performed between May 2016 and April 2017, with patient-specific instruments. Eight patients were identified in which a ramp-guide for the distal plate fixation was used. We compared the reduction accuracy with a control group of seven patients, where the reduction was performed with pre-drilled screw holes placed with the patient-specific instruments. The navigation accuracy was assessed by comparing the preoperative plans with the postoperative segmented, computed tomography scans. The accuracy was expressed using a 3D angle and in measurements of all six degrees of freedom (3 translations, 3 rotations), with respect to an anatomical coordinate system. RESULTS: The duration of the surgery of the ramp-guide group was significantly shorter compared to the control group. Significantly less rotational and translational residual malalignment error was observed in the open-wedged osteotomies, where patient-specific instruments with ramp-guides were used. On average, a residual rotational malalignment error of 2.0° (± 2.2°) and a translational malalignment error of 0.6 mm (± 0.2 mm) was observed in the ramp-guide group, as compared to the 4.2° (± 15.0°) and 1.0 mm (± 0.4 mm) error in the control group. The used plate was not significantly positioned more accurately, but significantly fewer screws (15.6%) were misaligned in the distal fragment compared to the control group (51.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of the presented ramp-guide technique in opening-wedge osteotomies is improving reduction accuracy, screw position, and surgical duration, compared to the existing patient-specific instrument based navigation methods.

Analysis of the factors causing tight cast syndrome after closed reduction and casting of pediatric distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the most important factors which can cause "tight cast syndrome'' (TCS) in pediatric patients with distal radius fractures. METHODS: Patients, who were at or under 15 years old and treated conservatively with an diagnosis of distal radius fracture between August 2015 and August 2017 were included in to the study. Fifty four patients, who had been found to experience TCS were accepted as group 1 and sixty-two patients without TCS as group 2. Cast index, pre-/post reduction translation, pre-/post reduction angulation, localization and displacement of the fracture, need for re-manipulation, and presence of associated distal ulna fracture were evaluated for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate cut off value for cast index values for both TCS and loss of reduction and logistic regression analysis of the other possible factors. RESULTS: Pre-/post-reduction translation (over 50% and 10%, respectively) (odds ratios:0.167 and 0.524, respectively), a cast index value below than 0.775 (odds ratio:3.080), displaced type fracture (odds ratio:8.028), presence of re-manipulation (odds ratio:0.131) and associated distal ulna fracture (odds ratio:2.029) were found to be statistically significantly important for the occurrence of TCS. The most important factors were decreased cast index value and presence of initially displaced type fracture. Loss of reduction (LOR) risk was found to be increased in patients with a cast index value of greater than 0.875. CONCLUSION: One should be very careful when following a pediatric patient who have a displaced distal radius fracture which has initial/post reduction translation in AP plane, which is associated with distal ulna fracture, which required re-manipulation and most importantly which cast index is under than 0.775 in terms of occurrence of TCS. We recommend obtaining a cast index value between 0.775 and 0.875 to prevent both TCS and LOR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Effect of Deformity and Malunion of the Anterior Pelvic Ring.

Pelvic fractures are common after high-energy trauma and are often associated with ligamentous injury. Treatment is guided by assessing stability of the pelvic ring, and unstable injuries frequently require surgery to achieve a desirable outcome. Assessment of pelvic ring stability is often possible with physical examination and standard imaging studies (plain radiographs and computed tomography); however, these "static" imaging modalities may not adequately identify dynamically unstable pelvic injuries that require surgery. Cadaveric and clinical data suggest that the injured pelvis may recoil significantly from the point of maximal displacement, and some unstable injuries may not be recognized until patients present with clinical symptoms. This article presents the case of a patient who sustained a minimally displaced pelvic ring injury that was stable on bedside examination and static imaging, but ultimately was unstable. She developed a substantial pelvic malunion with significant pain and activity limitations. The patient subsequently underwent successful pelvic ring reconstruction, and she remains asymptomatic at 2 years.

Pronounced femur malunion after pathological bone fracture due to a simple bone cyst in the shaft of the femur, treated using Ilizarov fixation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although a simple bone cyst carries the risk of pathological fractures, it rarely causes severe deformity. Here we report a case of severe femoral deformity after multiple pathological fractures due to simple bone cysts, and consider the reason for the progression of malunion despite multiple previous treatments. Finally, we propose a treatment option for malunion correction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year, 7-month-old Japanese girl was referred to our facility with obvious deformity of her right femur, caused by multiple simple bone cyst-related pathological fractures. The deformity included bowing of approximately 90° and an internal rotation of 60° in the middle third of the femoral shaft. To correct this deformity, we excised the lesion, thus shortening the femur, then corrected the alignment and applied an Ilizarov fixator to extend the bone. At present, 3 years after surgery, the deformity has not recurred and our patient is living without any limitations in daily activities or regular exercise. CONCLUSIONS: When a long bone is in a prolonged state of deformation, the deformity not only progresses as the bone grows, but the soft tissues remain unbalanced and treatment becomes increasingly difficult. To prevent increasing bone deformity and fragility, the deformity should be corrected as quickly as possible using intramedullary nailing or other fixation techniques. We believe that our shortening-distraction method is effective for the treatment of severe deformity with unbalanced soft tissues.