Plate augmentation for femoral nonunion: more than just a salvage tool?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine whether plate augmentation was a successful treatment algorithm for selected femoral nonunions initially managed with intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 femoral nonunion cases were managed using the plate augmentation strategy with 13 primary cases and 17 multi-operated femurs (avg 2.8 ineffective procedures). Adjunctive strategies included autologous bone grafting and/or BMP for atrophic/oligotrophic and bone defect cases. Deformity correction was performed when required. RESULTS: Osseous union occurred in 29 of 30 cases. One multi-operated case with bone defect and prior infection required repeat autologous grafting prior to union. CONCLUSION: Plate augmentation should be added to the armamentarium for management of selected femoral nonunion that have failed initial intramedullary nailing.

Wedge effect following intramedullary hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the current study was to determine whether application of an intramedullary hip screw for definitive management of intertrochanteric fracture was associated with post-operative deformity. Specifically this study investigated whether nail insertion would cause a "wedge effect" of the intertrochanteric fracture manifesting as lateralization of the femoral shaft and varus malalignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trauma database at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was investigated to identify all intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31A) over the past 3 years treated with an IMHS. Fractures eligible for inclusion were performed under the supervision of a fellowship trained orthopedic trauma surgeon. All fractures were reduced in optimal alignment using percutaneous or mini-open strategies during the reaming process and nail insertion. The entry portal was over-reamed by at least 1.5 mm. Cases selected for review of the "wedge effect" had optimal post-operative imaging allowing for assessment of discrepancy between the operative and normal hip. RESULTS: Forty six patients with an average age of 77 years were included for study. Fifty percent were classified as unstable patterns. Shaft lateralization following IMHS fixation of the fractured hip was found to be an average of 7 mm greater than the contralateral intact hip (p < 0.001) (range 0-30 mm). The neck-shaft angle of the operative hips was 129° as compared to 133° on the intact side (p = 0.009). The stability of the fracture pattern was not predictive for post-operative lateralization of the femoral shaft or varus angulation (p > 0.05) (Table 2). There was no difference in post-operative deformity among techniques used for maintenance of reduction during reaming and nail insertion (p > 0.05). Despite deformity, all cases demonstrated radiographic radiographic fracture union. CONCLUSION: Despite attention to detail, the application of an intramedullary hip screw for intertrochanteric fracture has the tendency to lateralize the shaft relative to the head/neck segment (The "wedge effect").

New trends and techniques in open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the tibial plateau.

The operative treatment of displaced fractures of the tibial plateau is challenging. Recent developments in the techniques of internal fixation, including the development of locked plating and minimal invasive techniques have changed the treatment of these fractures. We review current surgical approaches and techniques, improved devices for internal fixation and the clinical outcome after utilisation of new methods for locked plating.