Locking retrograde nail, non-locking retrograde nail and plate fixation in the treatment of distal third femoral shaft fractures: radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distal third femoral shaft fractures are characterized by increasing incidence and complexity and are still considered a challenging problem (high morbidity and mortality). No consensus on best surgical option has been achieved. This study aims to investigate radiographic, mineral bone densitometry and clinical outcomes of locking retrograde intramedullary (LRN) nailing, non-locking retrograde intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plate to surgically treat distal third femoral shaft fractures in young adults. Our hypothesis was that there is no significant statistical difference among the surgical options in terms of results (radiographic, bone densitometry and outcomes assessment). METHODS: Retrospective study: 90 patients divided into three groups (group 1 LRN, group 2 NLRN, group 3 plating). Average age was respectively 42.67 (± 18.32), 44.27 (± 15.11) and 42.84 (± 18.32) years. Sex ratio F:M was respectively 2.75, 2.33 and 2.00. AO Classification, KOOS, NUSS and RUSH score, VAS, DEXA scans and plain radiographs were used. Evaluation endpoint: 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in terms of surgery time, transfusions, and wound healing. Results were similar with regard to average time of bone healing, RUSH scores, VAS, KOOS, regression between RUSH and VAS, average correlation clinical-radiographic results and patients outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no statistical difference in the use of LNR, NLNR and plating for treatment of distal third femur shaft fractures in terms of radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes. Good subjective and objective results are provided by all three techniques. The choice among the studied techniques must be based on surgeons' experience, indications and subjective patients' aspects. The absence of relevant similar data in the published literature does not allow definitive validation (or rejection) of our hypothesis. A more powered study with a bigger cohort is needed for definitive validation.

Foot Loading and Gait Analysis Evaluation of Nonarticular Tibial Pilon Fracture: A Comparison of Three Surgical Techniques.

The aim of our study was to investigate which technique among hybrid external fixation, plate and screws, and intramedullary nailing produces better outcomes in foot loading when treating type 43.A1, 43.A2, and 43.A3 fractures, according to the AO classification. From November 2011 to December 2014, 34 patients, including 25 (73.5%) males and 9 (26.5%) females with an average age of 32.3 (range 16 to 67) years, with a type A tibia fracture were treated with intramedullary nailing, plate and screws, or hybrid external fixation. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 16 (47%) received hybrid external fixation, 10 (29.4%) received plate and screw fixation, and 8 (23.5%) received intramedullary nailing fixation. The follow-up protocol included clinical and radiologic evaluations performed at 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. The selected outcome parameters for the 3 groups were as follows: visual analog scale for pain of the traumatized tibia, interval from surgery to weightbearing, average time required for fracture recovery, subjective and objective Ovadia-Beals scores, baropodometric examination at 12 months, walking recovery at 12 months, outcomes, and surgical complications. The endpoint assessment was set at 12 months. The results showed that incorrect reduction of a type A tibia fracture can lead to changes in the sagittal balance line for foot loading and pace training. In conclusion, these findings have shown that the experience of the surgeon in the reduction of the fracture and knowledge of the method of synthesis is essential.

Dynamic corset versus three-point brace in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine: a prospective, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The three-point orthosis is the most commonly used brace in the conservative treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The Spinomed® dynamic orthosis represents an alternative. AIMS: We compared efficacy and safety of these two types of brace in treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures. METHODS: One hundred forty patients, aged 65-93 years, sustaining osteoporotic vertebral fracture were consecutively recruited and divided into two groups, and treated with either three-point orthosis or dynamic corset. Patients were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and measurement of forced expiratory volume in the first second. Regional kyphosis angle, Delmas Index, and height of the fractured vertebral body were also measured on full-spine X-rays. Follow-up intervals were 1, 3, and 6 months after trauma. The complications encountered during the 6-month follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: At the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in pain, disability, and respiration in favor of the dynamic orthosis group. At 6-month follow-up, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in all the radiological parameters between groups. Complications were reported for 28 patients in the three-point orthosis group, and for eight patients in the dynamic corset group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Biofeedback activation of back muscles is probably a key factor in improving functional outcome with dynamic orthosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to three-point orthosis, patients treated with dynamic orthosis had a greater reduction in pain and a greater improvement in quality of life and respiratory function, with equal effectiveness in stabilizing the fracture, and fewer complications.

Tubular vs Profile Plate in Peroneal or Bimalleolar Fractures: is There a Real Difference in Skin Complication? A Retrospective Study in Three Level I Trauma Center.

INTRODUCTION: Not enough literature is available to evalute the wound complication rate of plates type in distal fibular fractures. AIM: The aim of our study was to compare wound complications of using a third tubular plate compared to LCP distal fibula plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective single-centre study in which was performed plating of fibula in closed ankle fractures. 93 patients were included in our study and assigned in two groups, based on using of different implant : in group A 48 patients were treated with one-third tubular and in group B 45 patients were treated with LCP distal fibula plate. There were no significant differences in the baseline characterisctics. Patients received the same surgical procedure and the same post-operative care, then they were radiologically evalueted at 1-3-12 months and clinical examination was made at 12 months using AOFAS clinical rating system. Categorical data, grouped into distinct categories, were evalueted using Chi-square test. We considered a p value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: The wound complications rate of the overall study group was 7.6%. There were no statistical differences in the rate of wound complications between the two groups. There were no differences between both group in percentage of hardware removal at follow-up (overall 5.4%); plate removal was performed earlier in the locking plate because of wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown no difference in radiographic bone union rate, no significant differences in terms of clinical outcomes, in time of bone reduction and wound complication rate between the LCP distal fibula plate and conventional one-third tubular plate. Controversy still exists about the best method for the fracture reduction.

Long-term outcome of grade III and IV chondral injuries of the knee treated with Steadman microfracture technique.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Steadman microfracture technique in the management of high-grade chondral defects at the level of the knee by clinical follow-ups at eleven years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a study conducted on fifteen patients suffering from Outerbridge grade III and IV chondral lesions of the knee, who underwent Steadman microfracture surgery between 2003 and 2004. Selective exclusion criteria to prevent that other treatments or comorbidities could invalidate the results were used. Patients were clinically evaluated with Lysholm and IKDC scale scores before surgery and at follow-ups at eleven years. RESULTS: There has been an improvement in the Lysholm scores (59.33 ± 18.2 at time zero vs 82.13 ± 14.16 at time t; p value: 0.0342) and in the IKDC scores (45.13 ± 17.07 at time zero vs 68.66 ± 21.47 at time t; p value: 0.04) that appears statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Currently microfracture surgery is not indicated in patients with high-grade chondral defects, but at the same time, it is a technique of easy execution, low cost and good results. The clinical improvement observed appears statistically significant, but we have also noticed a slight clinical worsening in two patients, possibly caused by: improper treatment, new trauma, incorrect rehabilitation and age at time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown significant clinical improvements in patients, despite the fact that indications to the use of microfracture are still very limited and selective. It's essential to underline the importance of the single patient assessment process, taking into account a variety of aspects including the site, the number and extent of the lesion, the degree of functionality, activity level, age and previous trauma. This shows the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the patient in order to choose the most suitable surgical option, which not necessarily has to strictly adhere to standard practice.

Non-operative vs. percutaneous stabilization in Magerl's A1 or A2 thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults: is it really advantageous for a good alignment of the spine? Preliminary data from a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous and non-operative stabilization are very controversial choices in the management of Magerl's A1 or A2 thoracolumbar spine fractures in adults. Our purpose is to figure out which of the two treatments is more suitable for the management and outcomes of these injuries. METHODS: From 12/01/2011 to 06/30/2014 at the AO Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gaetano Rummo in Benevento, Italy, we treated 39 adult patients with thoracolumbar spinal fractures according to Magerl's A1 and A2. Twenty-four patients were treated with a 3-point orthopedic corset, and 15 patients were treated with percutaneous posterior stabilization without augmentation. The patients decided on treatment after extensive explanation of the pros and cons of the two treatments. The endpoint evaluation was set at the 6-month follow-up through the evaluation of the Visual Analogue Scale, Angle's Regional Kyphosis, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and Denis work scale. RESULTS: The preliminary results of this prospective study show that there is a considerable advantage in functionality and pain in treating adults suffering from thoracolumbar fractures with Percutaneous technique at the expense of the bust with three points. CONCLUSIONS: Although the data are preliminary and based on data available in the literature, we can say that the Percutaneous posterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures in Magerl's A1 and A2 in adults is the ideal method for a good and functional alignment of the spine.

Radiographic and functional outcome of complex acetabular fractures: implications of open reduction in spinopelvic balance, gait and quality of life.

Aim To investigate the effects of surgical reduction of complex acetabular fractures on spine balance, postural stability and quality of life. Methods Twenty-six patients with acetabular fractures surgically treated by open reduction and internal fixation were divided into two groups according to the amount of reduction. Group A consisted of 18 patients with satisfactory reduction (≤2 mm), and group B of eight patients with incomplete reduction (>2 mm). Functional outcome was measured with Harris Hip Score (HHS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form (12) Health Survey (SF12). Radiological parameters were assessed with standing whole spine, pelvis and hip X-rays, including pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Follow-up intervals were 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. Gait analysis and baropodometry were performed after 24 months of operation. Results Mean HHS, ODI, and SF-12 was improved during the first postoperative year in both groups. After two years average scores kept improving for group A, but worsened for group B. Mean PI, PT, and SS increased in both groups during the first postoperative year, with further increase after two years only in group B. After two years, 16 (89%) patients in group A and four (50%) in group B had a balanced spine (SVA <50 mm). Gait analysis and baropodometry showed greater imbalance and overload for group B compared to group A. Conclusion In the long term, incomplete reduction of associated acetabular fractures may lead to poor outcome because of secondary spinopelvic imbalance, with posture and gait impairment.

Effectiveness of teriparatide combined with the Ilizarov technique in septic tibial non-union.

Aim The septic non-union is a common compliance in bone healing due to bone infection. Bone resection, associated with Ilizarov osteo-distraction technique, is commonly used in these cases. The aim of this study was to analyse clinical and radiological results of teriparatide in combination with the Ilizarov technique and to compare this treatment with the standard treatment. Methods Forty adult patients underwent surgery because of type C of the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) classification non-union were enrolled. The patients were divided in two groups: those treated with Ilizarov technique (Norm group) and those treated with Ilizarov technique combined with teriparatide injection (Teri group). Surgical duration, complication rate, bone healing status, clinical and functional outcomes were assessed according to the A.S.A.M.I. classification in the mean follow-up of 12 months. The subjective quality of life was assessed by the Short Form Survey (SF)-12. Results Teri group showed less time wearing Ilizarov's frame (p <0.05) than the Norm group and a statistical significance in the inter-rater reliability Cohen's k (p>0.05) respect to Norm according the score between the bone healing and clinical outcome results. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in other parameters that were assessed. Conclusion A benefit of teriparatide was found as adjuvant in the treatment of septic non-union.

Platet Rich Plasma or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as callus accellerator in aseptic tibial non union. Evaluate of outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: The incidence of long bone non-unions has been estimated to range between 5-10%. Nonunion of fracture is a delayed complication of fracture. A large bone resection, associated with Ilizarov's osteo-distraction technique, is commonly used in these cases. The war experience was very important for dealing with these injuries. The purpose of this study is to report whether the use of Platelet Rich of Plasma(PRP) or Hyperbric Oxygen Therapy(HOT) as an adjuvant to the osteogenic distraction of Ilizarov with respect to the classical method has advantages. METHODS: From 183 tibial non union, we enrolled 50 patients suffering by Type B according ASAMI non union classification.  We divided the patients into two groups. The first group was a retrospective group of patient treated by Ilizarov Tecnique plus PRP. Instead the second group, patients were treated by Ilizarov Tecnique associated with  HOT. The chosen criteria to evaluate the two groups during the clinical and radiological follow-up were: the complication after the surgery in the two groups; the duration of surgery; the objective quality Bone results and functional results were evaluated according to ASAMI classification while the subjective quality of  life correlated with Ilizarov frame function by the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12); The correlation between bone regenerate/bone healing and X-rays. The evaluation endpoint was set at 12 months from the remotion of Ilizarov's frame for both groups. RESULTS: In comparing the complications  of the two populations, there were a significant statistically difference(p<0.05) in the local skin inflammation and Dockin Point Skin retraction  for HOT group while  in refracture  p<0.05 was for group PRP. From the SF-12 we discovered not statistically differences p<0.05. The average correlation between Bone Regenerate-Bone Healing/ X-rays is absolutely in the PRP as in the HOT, p>0.05. The average Time for remove Ilizarov's Frame in months was 15.37(±7.34; range 9-32) in PRP while in HOT was15.22(± 7.83; range 9-31), p>0.05. CONCLUSIONS: From our study we can conclude that the association of HOT and PRP with the Ilizarov technique does not improve the functional outcomes but allows a more rapid healing of the regenerated bone and therefore an early removal of the device and a corresponding improvement in the quality of life.

Challenges in the management of floating knee injuries: Results of treatment and outcomes of 224 consecutive cases in 10 years.

INTRODUCTION: Floating knee is a flail knee joint resulting from fractures of the shafts or adjacent metaphyses of the femur and the ipsilateral tibia. It is usually associated with several complications and mortality. This study was designed to present our experience with the treatment of this injury. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was performed between January 2004 and December 2014. 224 cases of floating knee injuries gathered from the 34,480 lower extremities trauma files were studied, and the target information recorded. The injuries most frequently occurred in subjects between 16 and 35 years of age (60.71%), and in male subjects (85.71%). The most frequent mechanism of injury was traffic accident (92.85%). External fixation was the common type of treatment (82.14%) in emergency or as a definitive treatment. The treatment was performed within 24 h of the trauma. We performed a 36-month follow up with clinical examination, radiographs, assessing the complications, and using the Modified Cincinnati Rating System Questionnaire (MCRSQ) and the Karlström/Olerud Score (KOS) to evaluate the progression of the outcomes. RESULTS: Early complications included 8 cases of compartment syndrome, 60 open fractures and 24 partially amputated limbs. A total amputation was performed in 3 patients. The most common late complication was heterotopic calcifications of the knee (n = 68, 30.6%). Good scores for MCRSQ and KOS were obtained only after patients were sent to a reference center for knee surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience revealed that the complication rate associated with floatingknee injuries remains high, regardless of the performed treatment. Surgeons should focus on reducing complications while treating these severe injuries.

WITHDRAWN: Challenges in the management of floating knee injuries: Results of treatment and outcomes of 224 consecutive cases in 10 years.

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published in Injury, 50(2) (2019) 453­461, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2018.12.009. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

Percutaneous screws CT guided to fix sacroiliac joint in tile C pelvic injury. Outcomes at 5 years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) vertical instability is a matter of current discussions and remains controversial. The aim of our study is the evaluation of the surgical management of SIJ vertical instability involving the use of cannulated screws introduced under CT guidance and local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the set time frame of 7 years, 96 poly-trauma patients with Tile's type C fracture of the pelvis with vertical instability of the SIJ were treated. The average distance between the two stumps was 73.4 mm (range: 43-100 mm). All patients were treated with anterior stabilization and subsequent stabilization with cannulated screws (Asnis® Stryker® 6 mm, an average length of 70 mm; range from 55 to 85 mm) of the sacroiliac fracture. The clinical and radiological follow-up was performed with follow-up plain radiograph and Majeed score (from 1 to 60 months after injury). RESULTS: The consolidation of pelvic fractures was obtained after an average of 63 days. The average Majeed score was as follows: 96 points at 1 month, 84 points at 3 months, 62 points at 6 months, 44 points at 12 months, 42 points at 24 months, 32 points at 36 months, 28 points at 48 months and 28 points at 60 months. Complications were as follows: not fatal deep vein thrombosis in five cases, skin infection at the entry point of the screws in six cases, screw breakage in one case and loosening of the screws in one case. Radiological evidence of fracture consolidation was achieved on average at 63 days. Forty-seven patients managed to get back to their pre-trauma employment at the end of the convalescence period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the stabilization of SI Tile type C fracture/dislocations with CT-guided percutaneous cannulated screws is a valid and feasible management option and associated with a low complication rate.

Nail or plate in the management of distal extra-articular tibial fracture, what is better? Valutation of outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Distal tibial fractures are the most common long bone fractures. Several studies focusing on the methods of treatment of displaced distal tibial fractures have been published. To date, locked plates, intramedullary nails and external fixation are the three most used techniques. The aim of our study was to compare intramedullary nail (IMN) and locked plate (LP) for treatment of this kind of fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data on 81 patients with distal tibial fractures (distance from the joint between 40 and 100 mm) and we divided into two groups: IMN and LP. We compared in the 2 groups the mean operation time, the mean union time, the infection rate the rate of malunion and nonunion, the full weight bearing time. RESULTS: No patient in the two groups developed a nonunion. None of the patients obtained a fair or poor outcome. Overall 52 patients obtained an excellent result (69.3%) and 23 obtained a good result (30.6%). DISCUSSION: Our study results indicate a superiority of IMN over LP in terms of lower rates of infections and statistically significant shorter time to full weight bearing. Whereas LP appeared to be advantageous over IMN in terms of leading to a better anatomical and fixed reductions of the fracture and a lower rate of union complications. The two treatments achieved comparable results in terms of operation time, hospital stay, union time and functional outcomes.

Does routine carpal tunnel release during fixation of distal radius fractures improve outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: This case-control study was designed to test the hypothesis whether carpal tunnel release (CTR) during fixation of distal radius 23-C2 AO fractures improves outcomes. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients who sustained distal radius fractures of the dominant hand participated in this study. Patients were allocated into two groups: (a) The ORIF + CTR (16 patients (11 males and 5 females)); (b) the ORIF and NOT CTR 19 patients (12 males and 7 females). Patient assessment included visual analogic scale of pain (VAS), the subjective Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), electromyograms (EMG) at 3 month and 6 months from the day of injury and complications. All patients had the same physiotherapy treatment algorithm following surgery. Patient follow up took place at 1 month, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A the T12 month follow up point the VAS average was 0.8 (range 0-3) in ORIF + CTR group compared to 1.2 (range 0-3) in the ORIF and NOT CTR. The MWS average was 98.7 (range 95-100) in ORIF + CTR group versus 97.6 (range 95-100) in ORIF no CTR group. There was no statistical significance (p > 0.5) between the two groups during the follow up period. Patients in the sixth month of ORIF + CTR had no suffering of the median nerve, while 31.58% of patients in ORIF and no CTR found to have carpal tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Routine release of the transverse carpal ligament at the time of fracture fixation may reduce the incidence of postoperative median nerve dysfunction.

Use of Common Inflammatory Markers in the Long-Term Screening of Total Hip Arthroprosthesis Infections: Our Experience.

Orthopedic implants have become essential components of modern medicine. The risk of infection of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 1.5%-2%. Are the C-reactive protein (CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT) good markers for THA infection screenings? From February 2009 to December 2012 at our Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 1248 patients were treated with THA. No prosthesis was cemented. All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis. All patients were discharged approximately 7.4 days after surgery with this clinical and radiographic follow-up program at 15 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. Blood samples to determine ESR, CRP, and PCT values were taken at 1 hour before surgery and 15 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. During follow-ups there were 22 cases of THA infections; according the Widmer classification, infections are hematogenous ones in 16 cases, late chronic ones in 5 cases, and early postoperative ones in 1 case. In all cases the three markers were considered positive; in 6 cases there were no radiological signs of septic loosening. ESR, CRP, and PCT proved to have a greater diagnostic accuracy than X-rays in predicting late chronic and early postoperative infections. These markers are valuable support for the surgeon in monitoring the prosthetic implant lifespan.

Biomechanical Stability of Juvidur and Bone Models on Osteosyntesic Materials.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial models can be useful at approximate and qualitative research, which should give the preliminary results. Artificial models are usually made of photo-elastic plastic e.g.. juvidur, araldite in the three-dimensional contour shape of the bone. Anatomical preparations consist of the same heterogeneous, structural materials with extremely anisotropic and unequal highly elastic characteristics, which are embedded in a complex organic structure. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Examine the budget voltage and deformation of: dynamic compression plate (DCP), locking compression plate (LCP), Mitkovic internal fixator (MIF), Locked intramedullary nailing (LIN) on the compressive and bending forces on juvidur and veal bone models and compared the results of these two methods (juvidur, veal bone). MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the experimental study were used geometrically identical, anatomically shaped models of Juvidur and veal bones diameter of 30 mm and a length of 100 mm. Static tests were performed with SHIMADZU AGS-X testing machine, where the force of pressure (compression) increased from 0 N to 500 N, and then conducted relief. Bending forces grew from 0 N to 250 N, after which came into sharp relief. RESULTS: On models of juvidur and veal bones studies have confirmed that uniform stability at the site of the fracture MIF with a coefficient ranking KMIF=0,1971, KLIN=0,2704, KDCP=0,2727 i KLCP=0,5821. CONCLUSION: On models of juvidur and veal bones working with Shimadzu AGS-X testing machine is best demonstrated MIF with a coefficient of 0.1971.