Non-union in forearm fractures.

Non-union in forearm fractures is an uncommon but complex problem. This is especially given the unique anatomical structure and function of the forearm, making treatment distinctly different to that of other long bone fractures. Anatomical restoration of length, alignment, rotation and the radial bow maintains the optimal stabilising effects of the forearm muscles and interosseous membrane, as well as maximising the range of movement, particularly pronation and supination. Contemporary plate osteosynthesis using variations of the dynamic compression plate (DCP) developed by the AO group combined with established techniques of internal fixation have revolutionised the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures. Non-union rates have been minimised to below 5% and good to excellent functional outcomes are achieved. Non-union of the forearm is also intimately associated with a significant pain experience, marked pre-operative functional disability and physical and psychosocial morbidity. This review examines the literature and presents a guide to management as well as the current controversies and future directions related to this challenging problem.

A prospective randomized comparison of neoprene vs thermoplast hand-based thumb spica splinting for trapeziometacarpal arthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with trapeziometacarpal arthrosis, we tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in arm-specific disability 5-15 weeks after prescription of a pre-fabricated neoprene or a custom-made thermoplast hand-based thumb spica splint with the metacarpophalangeal joint included and the first interphalangeal joint free. METHOD: One hundred nineteen patients with a diagnosis of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis were prospectively randomized to wear either a neoprene or a thermoplast hand-based thumb spica splint. At enrollment, patients completed a set of validated questionnaires. An average of 9 weeks later, patients returned for a second visit. Bivariable analyses assessed factors associated with disability, pain and satisfaction. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (32 with a neoprene and 30 with a thermoplast splint) completed the study, 51 patients (43%) did not return for the second visit, and six did not complete the protocol for other reasons. Non-completers were significantly younger than completers (P < 0.00044). On average completers rated the neoprene splint as more comfortable (P = 0.048), but there were no detectable differences in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), change in DASH, pain, satisfaction, pinch or grip strength between the two splint types in our sample. CONCLUSION: When compared to custom-made thermoplast splints, pre-fabricated neoprene hand-based thumb spica splints are, on average, more comfortable, less expensive, and as effective in treating trapeziometacarpal arthrosis. This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00438763).

Current concepts review - fractures of the shaft of the humerus.

Fractures of the shaft of the humerus are common injuries. Historically, the treatment of choice has been functional bracing. Recent technical advances such as angular stable plate and nail constructs lead to a shift in the treatment algorithm for this type of fracture. Surgical treatment is recommended in high grade open fractures, multilevel injury, polytrauma patients, nerve and serious vascular injuries, pathological fractures, and delayed or nonunions. This article aims to describe the published scientific data and current treatment modalities most suitable for each type of fracture.

Current concepts review - fractures in the region of the elbow.

Elbow injuries continue to rise with increased athletic activity and life expectancy. Knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics of this sophisticated joint, various injury patterns, and the implication of injury to the static and dynamic stabilizers will result in improvement in specific diagnosis, and therapy. The surgical treatment of trauma to the adult elbow has evolved rapidly in recent years and many useful concepts and techniques have been established. This paper reviews the published scientific data and current opinion available to guide patient care.

Fixation of osteoporotic fractures in the upper limb with a locking compression plate.

Locking Compression Plate (LCP) has the advantageous feature that screws can be locked in the plate leaving an angular stable construct. There is no need to have contact between the plate and the bone to achieve stability resulting from friction of the plate-bone-construct. Therefore the plate does not need to be contoured exactly to the bone and the healing bone's periosteal blood supply is not affected. The LCP is used as a bridging plate to gain relative stability in multi-fragmentary, diaphyseal or metaphyseal fractures. Depending on the fracture, the combination hole can also allow the LCP to achieve absolute stability similar to conventional fixation techniques. Osteoporotic fractures have significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Proximal humeral and distal radius fractures are typical examples. These osteoporotic and often comminuted fractures are ideal settings/indications for LCP utilization in the upper extremity. However, the data quality is due to mostly small study populations not so powerful. Unquestionably there has been a clear and fashionable trend to choose operative treatment for these fractures, because the angular stability allows stable fixation and early functional mobilization.

Current concepts review: carpal injuries - fractures, ligaments, dislocations.

An overview about current concepts in treating carpal injuries is presented. These injuries are more commonly seen in young, active individuals after a fall on an outstretched hand. Conventional radiographs and a thorough examination are important. The scaphoid is the most affected bone. Scaphoid fractures can be classified in accordance to OTA, AO, and other classification systems, but mostly to Herbert. It can be treated non-operatively if undisplaced, however a percutaneous internal fixation can be discussed to achieve earlier return to work and shorter time to union, but hazarding the consequences of an operation. Unstable, proximal pole, or delayed diagnosed scaphoid fractures should be treated surgically. Nonunion is seen in 5 - 40% of scaphoid fractures depending mainly on displacement and localization of the fracture. The gold standard in non-osteoarthritic scaphoid nonunion is debridement of the nonunion site, bone grafting, realignment, stable fixation and rehabilitation. The treatment of scaphoid-nonunion advanced collapse is more complex. Proximal row carpectomy or arthrodesis (four-corner or complete wrist) can be mandatory. Other carpal bone fractures are rare. Perilunate dislocations are also uncommon but can be disabling. They usually originate in high-energy trauma. The Mayfield stages help to understand the injury pattern. Open reduction through both volar and dorsal approaches, repair of the volar capsule as well as volar and dorsal ligaments, and internal fixation is commonly the standard treatment. However osteoarthritis and carpal instability are often encountered.

[The surgeon as a hand patient: the clinical and psychological impact of hand and wrist fractures]. / Chirurgen als Hand-Patienten : Klinische und psychologische Auswirkungen von Hand- und Handgelenkfrakturen.

To gain insight into the management of patients with hand and wrist injuries, a series of clinical and psychological analyses was performed on 9 surgeons, each of whom underwent operative fixation of a hand or wrist fracture. The results of these analyses suggest that the functional outcome after hand surgery was affected by the surgeons' personality, motivation, and ability to accept and adapt to the injury, the nature of the injury, and the importance of the hand to the surgeons' careers. Surgeons are highly motivated and compulsive individuals who consider their career involvement a major source of identity and self-worth. Most returned to their operative duties ahead of the schedule set by their hand surgeons (average, 25 days after surgery), regarded their injuries as a positive challenge, and changed their lifestyles after injury to protect their hands.

Stable fixation of osteoporotic fractures and nonunions in the upper limb - life before the "locking plate".

I have had a wonderful opportunity over the past 30 years to surgically reconstruct many complex fractures and non- unions in the upper limb in the elderly patient with underlying osteoporosis and prior to the development of the "locked plate". This article will present a number of specific techniques using standard LC-DCP and screw in a variety of applications to provide stable internal fixation. These include the use of long plates; creating a "waved plate" initially described by Blatter and Weber; double plating; 3.5 mm intramedullary plate combined with a larger plate on the cortex; custom and machi- ned blade plates as well as enhancement of screw fixation with bone cement and/ or Norian SRS cement.

Monteggia fractures in adults.

Over the past fifty years, treatment outcomes of traumatic injuries in the upper limb have improved with the advent of better implants. However, the Monteggia fracture is often still associated with various complications, poor functional outcomes and a relatively high rate of revision surgeries. Rigid anatomic fixation of ulnar fracture is paramount. Open relocation of the radial head and soft tissue procedures are redundant. Monteggia fractures are challenging to treat. Critical analysis with respect to the high rate of complications and unsatisfactory functional outcomes is required. The type of fracture and associated injuries such as coronoid fracture and radial head fracture appear to influence the outcome in most cases. Negative prognostic factors such as prolonged immobilization, associated coronoid and radial head fractures must be minimized and treated appropriately. Prior to surgery the patient should be informed regarding the possible risk of residual functional limitations and the potential need for further revision surgeries.

Radial head arthroplasty.

In conclusion, radial head fractures with 3 or more fragments have a high incidence of complications when treated with ORIF including hardware failure, malunion, nonunion, and the need for re-operation. Radial head arthroplasty has demonstrated good success in the treatment of complex, comminuted radial head fractures which are not amenable to non-opeative treatment or ORIF. Success can be optimized by diligent surgical dissection, avoiding inadvertent nerve injury, placement of an appropriately sized implant, repair of associated injuries, and early protected motion.

Skeletal repair by in situ formation of the mineral phase of bone.

A process has been developed for the in situ formation of the mineral phase of bone. Inorganic calcium and phosphate sources are combined to form a paste that is surgically implanted by injection. Under physiological conditions, the material hardens in minutes concurrent with the formation of dahllite. After 12 hours, dahllite formation was nearly complete, and an ultimate compressive strength of 55 megapascals was achieved. The composition and crystal morphology of the dahllite formed are similar to those of bone. Animal studies provide evidence that the material is remodeled in vivo. A novel approach to skeletal repair is being tested in human trials for various applications; in one of the trials the new biomaterial is being percutaneously placed into acute fractures. After hardening, it serves as internal fixation to maintain proper alignment while healing occurs.

Treatment of forearm fractures.

Fractures of the forearm represent common injuries. Understanding the anatomy and function of the radius, ulna, interosseous membrane, proximal and distal radioulnar joints is critical to appropriate management. Diagnosis can readily be made by examination and radiographs. Well established surgical approaches including the anterior Henry, dorsal Thompson, and ulnar approaches provide excellent access to both the radius and ulna. Multiple fracture patterns are recognized including isolated radius and ulna fractures, combined fractures, Galeazzi fractures, and Monteggia fractures. Surgical management regularly requires open reduction internal fixation with plates (DCP) and screws with vigilance being paid to stable reduction of the proximal and distal radioulnar joints. New directions in the management of forearm fractures include the use of intramedullary fixation and locking plate technology.

Treatment of distal humerus fractures.

The elbow is a complex joint and is vital in positioning the hand in space. We believe that open reduction internal fixation offers the best chance for return to function following intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus. We advocate the following principles for the effective treatment of these injuries: identification and protection of the ulnar nerve followed by transposition, broad exposure of the fracture utilizing an olecranon osteotomy, anatomic restoration of the articular surface with preservation of all osteochondral fragments, rigid fixation of both columns using pre-contoured plates and screws, and the institution of early range of motion post-operatively.

[Distal radius fractures: new concepts as basis for surgical treatment]. / Distale Radiusfraktur: neue Konzepte als Basis für die operative Therapie.

New advances in the biomechanics and pathomechanics of distal radius fractures as well as new generations of plates and improved surgical approaches now make possible the stable management and early functional rehabilitation not only of simple but also of complicated distal radius fractures according to the principles for articular and juxta-articular fractures. Especially for complex articular fractures, the fracture patterns are so heterogeneous that an individual surgical treatment strategy must be developed for each case. The preoperative clarification of articular fractures with computed tomography is particularly useful for planning surgery. Mental exposition with the three-column model and pathomechanics is an important prerequisite for understanding this type of injury and the appropriate choice of operative technique. A decisive factor for success is the subtle surgical procedure in approaching and handling the fine plates.

Current concepts in the management of distal radius fractures.

The treatment of fractures at the distal end of the radius continues to challenge orthopaedic and upper extremity surgeons. As our understanding of the injury mechanism and local anatomy continues to improve, so too have our surgical techniques in helping patients regain functional use of the injured extremity. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the treatment methods available for distal radius fracture management.

Evaluation of radiographic fracture position 1 year after variable angle locking volar distal radius plating: a prospective multicentre case series.

Treatment with a variable angle locking plate can, in theory, maintain near anatomic reduction of intra-articular distal radius fractures, but it is unknown to what extent reduction is maintained as measured by computed tomography. We assessed changes in radiographic fracture position 1 year post-operatively. We included 73 patients of whom 66 patients (90%) had radiographs available for review at 1 year post-operatively. We found a small (less than 2 mm or 2°) but statistically significant change in several measures. Accounting for inter-observer variability, this is probably within measurement error. We found no difference in change in fracture position or range of motion, grip strength or patient-reported outcome between the use of one or two distal rows of screws. Our results show that minimal changes in reduction can be expected after volar plate fixation in most patients. We recommend using only one screw row routinely, limiting costs, surgical time and the risk of misplacement of screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Epiphyseal replacement using developing tissue donors in a murine model: a combined histologic and radiographic study.

Epiphyseal transplantation has long been a goal of orthopaedic surgeons. While microvascular surgery has raised hopes that this goal could be achieved, factors other than blood supply also appear capable of affecting the function of the epiphysis. Basic research into the biology of the epiphysis appears to be required. This would be facilitated with a model of epiphyseal transplantation using a small mammal. The purpose of this experiment was to develop such a model in the mouse. Developing CD1 mouse or Lewis rat limb tissue was used to replace knee tissue that had been resected from CD1 postnatal mouse hosts. Donor tissue ranged from 14-day embryonic mouse to 9-day postnatal mouse or 18- and 19-day fetal rat, which has a gestation similar to the mouse. The murine tissue is known to be avascular prior to the sixth postnatal day. The limbs were analyzed radiographically and histologically. The results show that epiphyseal replacement could be studied using developing tissue donors in a murine model. The results suggest that donor tissue prior to vascularization and tissue combinations with the least developmental time mismatch (the least heterochronicity) produced relatively the best, although still abnormal epiphyses.

Unrecognized dislocation of the medial portion of the triceps: another cause of failed ulnar nerve transposition.

OBJECT: Failed surgical treatment for ulnar neuropathy or neuritis due to dislocation of the ulnar nerve presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The authors of this paper will establish unrecognized dislocation (snapping) of the medial portion of the triceps as a preventable cause of failed ulnar nerve transposition. METHODS: Fifteen patients had persistent, painful snapping at the medial elbow after ulnar nerve transposition, which had been performed for documented ulnar nerve dislocation with or without ulnar neuropathy. The snapping was caused by a previously unrecognized dislocation of the medial portion of triceps over the medial epicondyle. Seven of the 15 patients also had persistent ulnar nerve symptoms. The correct diagnosis of snapping triceps was delayed for an average of 22 months after the initial ulnar nerve transposition. An additional surgical procedure was performed in nine of the 15 cases and, in part, consisted of lateral transposition or excision of the offending snapping medial portion of the triceps. Of the four patients in this group who had persistent neurological symptoms, submuscular transposition was performed in the two with more severe symptoms and treatment of the triceps alone was performed in the two with milder neurological symptoms. Excellent results were achieved in all surgically treated patients. Six patients declined additional surgery and experienced persistent snapping and/or ulnar nerve symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Failure to recognize that dislocation of both the medial portion of the triceps and the ulnar nerve can exist concurrently may result in persistent snapping, elbow pain, and even ulnar nerve symptoms after a technically successful ulnar nerve transposition.

Complex non-union of the humeral diaphysis. Treatment with a medial approach, an anterior plate, and a vascularized fibular graft.

Four obese patients who had atrophic synovial non-union of the humeral shaft were treated with a medial approach, application of a plate anteriorly, a vascularized fibular bone graft, and cancellous grafts from the iliac crest. The average age of the patients was forty years; the average weight, 105 kilograms (232 pounds); and the average duration of the non-union, 33.5 months. Each patient had had one to five unsuccessful previous operations in an attempt to gain union. At an average follow-up of twenty-seven months, all four non-unions had healed. Three patients had regained full function of the shoulder and elbow, and the fourth patient had some limitation of motion of the shoulder due to an antecedent lesion of the rotator cuff. In one patient, a second plate had been applied because of inadequate fixation of the original plate proximally. Another patient had a superficial, partial wound slough, which healed spontaneously.

Non-union of fractures of the distal end of the humerus.

The records of twenty patients who had been treated for a non-union of the distal end of the humerus at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1968 to 1984 were reviewed. Thirteen of the fractures were extra-articular and seven were intra-articular. Seven fractures had been open and nine had been associated with multiple trauma. Eight had been initially treated by open reduction and internal fixation; five, by closed reduction and immobilization; four, by skeletal traction; two, by external fixation; and one, by débridement and immobilization. The average time from the original fracture to the treatment of the non-union was twenty months (range, three to 120 months). All but one patient had pain and instability, and fifteen (75 per cent) had limited motion of the elbow. Radiographically, eleven were considered to have a reactive non-union and nine, a non-reactive non-union. Seventeen (94 per cent) of the eighteen non-unions ultimately united. Two patients underwent excision of the distal end of the humerus and replacement with an allograft. At follow-up (average, 3.6 years), function in one patient was rated as excellent; in six, as good; in seven, as fair; and in six, as poor. The patients who had an extra-articular supracondylar non-union had the best over-all results, while those who had a non-union that was associated with an intra-articular component or severe soft-tissue trauma did less well. It should be emphasized, however, that most of the patients in this study continued to have a major long-term disability, despite the fact that union was successful.