Far cortical locking constructs for fixation of distal femur fractures in an Asian population: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The stiffness of locked plates suppresses healing process, prompting the introduction of far cortical locking to address this issue. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of far cortical locking constructs in treating distal femoral fractures in an Asian population. METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at four university hospitals between February 2018 and February 2021. Demographic data, the presence of metaphyseal comminution, and surgical fixation details were recorded. Clinical outcomes, including single-leg standing, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores, and radiologic outcomes, including the RUST score of each cortex, were evaluated and compared according to the presence of metaphyseal comminution. RESULTS: There were 37 patients (14 men and 23 women) with a mean age of 67.3 ± 11.8 years. Twenty-two patients had metaphyseal comminution (59%), and 15 presented simple fractures in metaphyseal areas. Four patients (13%) could stand on one leg >10s at 6 weeks, and 24 patients (92%) at 1 year. EQ-5D increased from 0.022 ± 0.388 to 0.692 ± 0.347, and the mean EQ-VAS 51.1 ± 13.1 to 74.1 ± 24.1 between discharge (n = 37) and post-operative 1 year (n = 33), respectively. RUST score presented increment for time, from 6.2 ± 1.8 at 6 week to 11.6 ± 1.1 at 1 year. Radiological healing demonstrated rapid increase from week 6 (16/28, 43%) to month 3 (27/31, 87%), with no obvious increase was observed in 6 months (23/26, 89%) or 12 months (25/28, 89%). Simple metaphyseal fractures presented significantly higher RUST scores at 6 weeks and 3 months, but there was no difference in RUST scores at 6 months or 1 year according to metaphyseal comminution. CONCLUSIONS: Plate constructs with far cortical locking screws provided safe and effective fixation for distal femoral fractures, with consistent radiological and clinical results, regardless of metaphyseal comminution.

Comparing outcomes of plate augmentation, nail exchange, and nail exchange with plate augmentation in the treatment of atrophic femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing: a multicenter retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary (IM) nailing is the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures, but nonunion rates have been reported to be as high as 12%. Surgical interventions for nonunion involve exchange nailing or plate augmentation. Recently, a combined treatment of exchange nailing and plate augmentation has demonstrated good results, but its comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of three different surgical interventions for atrophic femoral shaft nonunion, and investigate the factors that affect bone healing after reoperation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at five university hospitals involving 149 patients with aseptic atrophic nonunion after IM nailing. These patients underwent reoperation with plate augmentation, exchange nailing, or combined treatment. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed and compared according to reoperation procedure. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting persistent nonunion after reoperation. RESULTS: Of the cohort, 57 patients underwent plate augmentation, 64 underwent exchange nailing, and 28 received combined treatment. There were no significant differences in patient demographics among the groups. Exchange nailing produced a significantly lower union rate than did the combined treatment (82.8% vs. 100%, p = 0.016), whereas no significant difference was observed in the union rate and time to the union between plate augmentation and the combined treatment. Combined treatment showed the longest operative time and the greatest transfusion requirements. The risk factors for persistent nonunion included age, absence of autogenous bone grafts, and use of an exchange nailing technique. CONCLUSIONS: Exchange nailing as a treatment for atrophic femoral shaft nonunion after IM nailing resulted in a lower union rate. The efficacy of the combined treatment requires further study, and persistent nonunion may be influenced by age, bone grafting, and surgical techniques. A comprehensive approach targeting both biological environment and mechanical stability is crucial in the treatment of atrophic femoral shaft nonunion.

Reconstruction of recalcitrant pressure ulcers with latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of recalcitrant pressure ulcers is very challenging because all available local tissues have been exhausted. Although occasionally suggested as reconstructive options in some reports, free flaps are still not favored for pressure ulcers because of the less available recipient vessels in buttock area and the need for position change. Here, we describe our experience with latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps harvested in prone position for recalcitrant pressure ulcers. METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2020, 10 patients of recalcitrant pressure ulcers underwent reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps. To harvest flaps in the prone position, the curvilinear incision was made along the line connecting the lateral border of the scapula and the midaxillary line of the armpit and the latissimus dorsi muscle was split just below the skin incision. Only the required amount of muscle was harvested including the 5 × 3 cm sized muscle cuff around bifurcation points of the transverse and descending branches. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 16 × 9 to 24 × 14 cm and the gluteal vessels were mainly used as recipients. The mean operation time was 170 mins. All the flaps survived but two patients suffered wound disruption and partial flap loss, respectively. During the mean follow-up periods of 2.45 years, there were no recurrences at the reconstruction site, and no patient complained of donor site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps are valuable option for recalcitrant pressure ulcer reconstruction.

Comparison of tibial plateau fracture surgical outcomes between young and elderly patients: are outcomes really poorer in the elderly?

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have reported that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a suitable solution to treat elderly patients with complex tibial plateau fractures. The purpose of the present study was to compare surgical treatment outcomes after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) between elderly and younger patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients with plateau fracture (OTA/AO classification types 41B and 41C) who underwent ORIF at two academic trauma centers between November 2006 and October 2019. Of the 341 patients, 76 were ultimately included in the younger group (< 60 years old) and 77 in the elderly group (≥ 60 years). The average follow-up was 24 months (range 12-96 months). The primary outcome was any common complication of plateau fracture, namely post-traumatic arthritis and alignment change. Conversion to TKA, Reduction loss, coronal malalignment, non-union, union time, infection, and limb length discrepancy (LLD) were also assessed. RESULTS: The elderly group had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, but there were no other significant differences between the groups in terms of patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and operation characteristics. We detected no differences between the groups in terms of post-traumatic arthritis (p = 0.216), alignment change (p = 0.093), conversion to TKA (p = 0.681), reduction loss (p = 0.079), coronal malalignment (p = 0.484), non-union rate (p = 0.719), infection (p = 0.063), LLD (p = 0.154), or time to union (p = 0.513). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age > 60 years was not associated with treatment failure, defined as either post-traumatic arthritis greater than grade II or non-union (p = 0.468). OTA/AO classification type 41C2 (p = 0.019), type 41C3 (p = 0.008), and malreduction (p = 0.050) were significant risk factors for failure. CONCLUSION: Age ≥ 60 years is not an independent risk factor of poor radiographic outcome and high complication rate in tibial plateau fractures. This indicates that ORIF is still a good solution to treat elderly patients, similar to their younger counterparts.

Application of acellular human dermis and skin grafts for lower extremity reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To use both acellular human dermis and skin grafting simultaneously for improved skin grafting without contracture. The study also aims to address the lack of research on the application of an acellular human dermis in diverse clinical cases. METHOD: The study examined patients who had received acellular human dermis (CGDerm, CGBio, Seoul, Korea) and split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) simultaneously for lower limb, full-thickness skin defects between September 2012 and June 2014. The researchers performed chart reviews retrospectively and examined the patients based on the following factors: gender, age, injury mechanism, size, exposed structure, pre-coverage dressing method, coverage method, post-operational engraftment and total healing period, contracture development, elasticity, and infection development. RESULTS: A sample of 27 patients with a total of 30 wounds took part in the study. Of these wounds, 29 showed successful engraftment without infection or contracture. In one case, continued seroma was observed and, following new coverage of both the acellular human dermis and STSG, engraftment was successful. CONCLUSION: Human dermis can play an important role in securing the availability of surrounding tissue and in contracture prevention, both of which are key to lower limb reconstruction. Of the types available, acellular human dermis showed lower infection rates than other human dermis types, and its engraftment rate was higher than in STSG-only cases. These findings suggest that acellular human dermis use in STSG is effective and safe in lower limb reconstruction.

Acetabular revision arthroplasty using press-fitted jumbo cups: an average 10-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular revision arthroplasty using jumbo cups for moderate-to-severe acetabular defects has varied outcomes. We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of acetabular revision arthroplasty using a press-fitted jumbo cup and sought to identify factors that influence outcomes during intermediate follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients (47 men, 33 women; 80 hips) who underwent acetabular revision arthroplasty using press-fitted jumbo cups were included. The mean follow-up period was 10.4 years. Harris hip score (HHS), presence of groin pain, radiographic results, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were evaluated. Implant design and surgery-related and patient-related factors were assessed to identify influential factors for cup loosening. Migration and wear analyses were performed using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse software. RESULTS: The mean preoperative HHS of 53 had improved to 77 at the final follow-up (p = 0.005). Nine patients experienced groin pain. Acetabular cup loosening was observed in seven cups (8.7%), and one jumbo cup was replaced with a reinforcement cage. The survival rate of the acetabular cup was 91% at 16 years according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Osteolysis was identified around the cup in six cases (7.5%). Acetabular cup loosening occurred more frequently in patients with conventional polyethylene liners than in those with highly cross-linked polyethylene liners (p = 0.045). The mean total migration was 1.52 mm, and the mean total wear was 0.98 mm. There was a positive correlation between total migration and total wear (p = 0.023; Spearman's rho = 0.388). The mean wear rate of the patients with the cup inclination angle < 50° was significantly lower than those with the cup inclination angle > 50° (p = 0.001). There were four cases of complications (three dislocations and one infection) that did not require revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Press-fitted jumbo cups for acetabular revision arthroplasty exhibited encouraging results during follow-up for an average of 10 years. Use of highly cross-linked polyethylene liners and proper placement of the acetabular component with an inclination angle < 50° may contribute to better clinical outcomes after acetabular revision arthroplasty with jumbo cups.

Identification and characterization of human bone-derived cells.

This study was designed to identify and characterize primary bone-derived cells (BdCs) and investigate the potential role of osteoblast differentiation. Primary BdCs were isolated from surgical bone for comparative analysis with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fetal osteoblasts (FOBs) and for potential differentiation to mature osteoblasts. Using three different cells, we successfully cultivated human osteoblast differentiation and activity which were evaluated using microarray and biochemical methods. BdCs are more correlated to MSCs in bioinformatics result and similar with FOBs in gene expression. In particular, Osterix, osteoprogenitor marker, was high expressed in BdCs, while the expression in MSCs and FOBs were very low. Furthermore, BdCs exhibited a marked alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, early stage of osteogenic marker, and retained osteogenic properties and physiological changes into maturation as in FOBs. BdCs also showed an increase in bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expressions during differentiation. This study suggests that BdCs may be osteoprogenitor cells or undifferentiated preosteoblasts with strong capacity to differentiate toward mature osteoblasts.

Long-Term Outcomes After Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty With a 28-mm Head: A 17- to 23-Year Follow-Up Study of a Previous Report.

BACKGROUND: Second-generation, metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) using a 28-mm head has shown favorable results compared with large head MoM THA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of cementless primary MoM THA with a 28-mm head and the incidence of osteolysis using computed tomography. METHODS: A total of 92 patients (53 men and 39 women) who underwent primary cementless MoM THA (114 hips) with a 28-mm head were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 46.2 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 20 years. The Harris hip score, presence of thigh or groin pain, radiographic results, presence of peri-implant osteolysis, histologic analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Harris hip score of 50.5 improved to 85.1 at the final follow-up. Eight patients (8 hips) experienced groin pain, but none had thigh pain. Twelve revisions (6.2%) were performed including 10 hips for aseptic loosening with osteolysis and 2 hips for periprosthetic fracture around the stem. At 23 years, 91% of patients were free from revision of the acetabular component due to aseptic loosening and 90.1% were free from revision of both femoral and acetabular components due to any reason. Osteolysis was identified around the cup in 12 cases (10.5%) and around the stem in 7 cases (6.1%). CONCLUSION: MoM THA with a 28-mm head showed a relatively low rate of aseptic implant loosening at a mean follow-up of 20 years.

The incidence of hip dislocation and suture failure according to two different types of posterior soft tissue repair techniques in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Although the posterolateral approach for hip arthroplasty is popular and has numerous advantages, it has been known to have a propensity for dislocation. The repair of short external rotator muscles with capsule is important for reducing dislocation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of suture failure, dislocation, and time to failure for two repair techniques for posterior soft tissue repair during total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In this study of 167 total hip arthroplasties in 159 patients, we reattached the short external rotator tendon with posterior capsule to the greater trochanter transosseously (tendon-to-bone, 87 hips) or the gluteus medius tendon (tendon-to-tendon, 80 hips). Radiopaque markers were attached to each suture side < 1.2 cm apart. The distance between the markers was radiographically measured at variable time points postoperatively. Failure was defined by a distance between markers of ≥ 2.5 cm or marker invisibility. The mean follow-up period was 28.8 (12-45) months. RESULTS: Suture failure was observed less frequently in the tendon-to-bone group (18.4%) than in the tendon-to-tendon group (65%; p < 0.001). Failure mostly occurred within two weeks post-operatively: 93.8% for tendon-to-bone repair (p < 0.001) and 90.4% for tendon-to-tendon repair (p = 0.025). The dislocation rate was significantly higher in the tendon-to-tendon group (7. vs 1.1%; p = 0.041). A significant correlation was observed between suture failure and dislocation (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Tendon-to-bone repair is superior to tendon-to-tendon repair based on lower suture failure and dislocation rates.

Lateral locked plating for distal femur fractures by low-energy trauma: what makes a difference in healing?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate healing outcome of lateral locked plating for distal femoral fractures caused by low-energy trauma. In addition, we sought to determine predictable factors associated with fracture healing time. METHODS: Seventy-three patients (73 fractures) with distal femur fractures (AO/OTA type 33) caused by low-energy trauma were recruited. The mean age of patients was 69.8 years (range, 43-87 years). All fractures were stabilized by less invasive osteosynthesis with anatomical periarticular locking system. Patients were followed up for mean 17.3 months (range, 6-44 months). RESULTS: Of the 73 fractures, 52 (71.2%) fractures showed bony union within 6 months after the index surgery while the remaining 21 (28.8%) fractures showed delayed union or received revision surgery prior to complete healing. Although overall healing rate from the initial surgery was 93.2% (68/73), which seems to be satisfactory, the rate of surgical complications was 11.0% (8/73). Of all 73 fractures, seven received further surgery including three re-osteosynthesis. On multivariable analysis, plate-screw density at the fracture site was an independent predictable factor associated with the problematic healing. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that complications related to increased healing time and fixation construct are not infrequent and ongoing problems in managing low-energy distal femur fractures. Specifically, plate-screw density at the fracture site has a significant influence on healing time in these fractures.

A higher association of medial collateral ligament injury of the knee in pronation injuries of the ankle.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prevalence of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee among ankle-fracture patients and to determine the risk factors associated with MCL injury in this patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 303 patients (303 affected ankles) who underwent surgical treatment for an ankle fracture were assessed. Supination versus pronation injury, Danis-Weber classification, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), limb dominance, and mechanism of injury were reviewed to identify factors related to MCL injury. RESULTS: Prevalence of MCL injury of the knee among the total number of patients with an ankle fracture was 3.96% (12 out of 303 injuries). Multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis with adjustment of possible confounding factors confirmed that female sex and pronation injury were associated significantly (p < 0.05) with MCL injury. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MCL injury among females and the pronation type of ankle injury was 8.19% (10 out of 122 females) and 10.75% (10 out of 93 pronation injuries), respectively. More careful physical examination of the knee joint is strongly recommended in patients with ankle fractures, especially if the patient is female or the ankle-fracture pattern corresponds to the pronation type of injury.

Surgical outcomes of intramedullary nailing for diaphyseal atypical femur fractures: is it safe to modify a nail entry in bowed femur?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to determine the surgical outcomes of intramedullary nailing in diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nail entry modification technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed diaphyseal AFFs treated with IMN at nine institutions. In total, 82 patients were included. Surgical outcomes such as complication, union time, and femoral bowing were evaluated. We modified the nail entry of the straight nail from piriformis fossa to the tip of the greater trochanter in the bowed femur and compared the surgical outcomes between the original group and the modification group. RESULTS: The average union time was 20.1 weeks, and the union rate was 89.0%. The average union time was 13.1 weeks and 21 weeks in incomplete and complete AFFs, respectively. There was no nonunion in incomplete AFFs, but 13.8% in complete AFFs. Complete AFFs had 86.2% of union rate. There were 46 cases of group 1 with original entry point and 19 cases of group 2 with modified entry. In group 2, the union rate was similar to group 1 and union time was shorter. CONCLUSION: Changing the entry point laterally allowed the nail to be accommodated in bowed femurs, decreasing the risk of deformity and improving healing time. In severely varus femur, the lateral entry of the straight nail can be a useful technique.

Coverage of Amputation Stumps Using a Latissimus Dorsi Flap With a Serratus Anterior Muscle Flap: A Comparative Study.

Amputation of the extremities is a definitive reconstructive option, and surgeons should aim to preserve maximum overall function. If the exposed bone cannot be adequately covered using local tissues, the stump can be reconstructed using a number of well-described free flap transfer techniques. Between January 2002 and December 2011, 31 patients with severe injuries to the lower extremities underwent above-the-knee, below-the-knee, and Chopart and Ray amputations. Bony stumps were covered using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps alone (group 1), or together with serratus anterior muscle flaps (group 2). The groups were compared with respect to age, flap survival, skin flap size, immediate complications, wound sloughing, deep ulceration, need for bone amputation, limb visual analog scale score, time to prosthesis, and follow-up duration. The mean area of the latissimus dorsi skin flap was 255.9 cm, and immediate complications occurred in 8 (25.8%) patients. In the double-padding group, there were fewer cases of deep ulceration than in the single-flap group, and prostheses could be worn sooner. There were no statistically significant differences in other parameters. Successful reconstruction of amputation stumps requires an adequate, durable, weight-bearing, and well-contoured soft tissue cover. A latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap together with a serratus anterior muscle flap provides well-vascularized muscle tissue and a durable skin paddle, leading to less ulceration than conventional flap techniques.

Porphyromonas pogonae identification from a soft tissue infection: The first human case.

We report a first human case of Porphyromonas pogonae causing soft tissue infection in a patient with open fracture. Strong ß-hemolytic, aerotolerant, and non-pigmented gram-negative coccobacilli which matched Porphyromonas pogonae by PCR for 16S rRNA genes were identified from the pus specimen. The clinical course of the patient improved with repeated surgical drainage and tigecycline administration.

Reconstruction of the lateral malleolus and calcaneus region using free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps.

Reconstruction of the lateral malleolus or calcaneus region is challenging because of poor vascularity, minimal presence of soft tissue, and difficulties with flap positioning during and after the operation. In many cases, local flaps are limited in terms of size, durability, and vascularity. Free tissue transfer can be useful for complicated wounds. We report here on the results of the reconstruction in this region using free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. Between October 2010 and October 2013, 16 cases of lateral malleolus or calcaneus defects were reconstructed using free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. The defects varied from 2 × 5 cm(2) to 12 × 16 cm(2), and the flaps from 3 × 5 cm(2) to 10 × 15 cm(2). Two cases were reconstructed using chimeric-pattern flaps. Only the superficial adipose layers were harvested for all the flaps, without further thinning or debulking process. Five cases with complications occurred, including three cases of partial necrosis of the flap and two cases of venous congestion caused by thrombosis and compression of the venous pedicle, and one flap was totally lost. The mean follow-up duration was 11.8 months. All the patients were able to wear shoes. All but one were able to walk. The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap can be made super-thin, allowing patients to wear shoes, and it can be harvested in a chimeric-pattern for complex defects. Therefore, it may represent a viable alternative choice for the reconstruction of the lateral malleolus and calcaneus region.

Reconstruction of severely infected gluteal osteoradionecrosis using negative-pressure wound therapy and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps.

Radiotherapy is mandatory for aggressive cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the high-energy radiation used can lead to severe osteoradionecrosis. Radical debridement of devitalized bone and soft tissue coupled with reconstruction using well-vascularized tissues is the accepted treatment for this condition. However, osteoradionecrosis cannot be controlled easily or rapidly. The aim of this study was to present the results of the use of serial negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for treatment of gluteal osteoradionecrosis in a consecutive series of patients. Between January 2003 and December 2012, nine patients underwent reconstruction using serial NPWT and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. We applied negative-pressure dressings for at least 8 weeks. Final reconstruction was performed after the infection was controlled. The superior gluteal artery and vein were used as recipient vessels in all the cases. The mean interval between operation and radiation therapy was 28.3 ± 8.3 years, and the mean number of debridement performed was 6.3 ± 1. NPWT dressings were applied for 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.3 ± 2 weeks). The defects ranged in size from 14 × 8 cm to 18 × 15 cm. The flap size ranged from 15 × 10 cm to 18 × 15 cm. All flaps survived uneventfully except in one patient who experienced chronic seroma and wound dehiscence. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis during the follow-up periods (mean, 14 ± 6.1 months). Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, we suggest that this methodology may provide an alternative approach for the treatment of severe osteoradionecrosis of the gluteal region.

Is delayed reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi free flap a worthy option in the management of open IIIB tibial fractures?

Early reconstruction of severe open fractures, performed within 7 days of the injury, has a better outcome than closure after 7 days. However, the uncertain demarcation of damaged tissue often results in delayed reconstruction. In this article, we report our surgical outcomes of delayed reconstruction using latissimus dorsi free flap with internal fixation. Twenty-three patients with Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures Between March 2009 and May 2012 were included in this study. There were 16 cases of distal 1/3 fracture of the tibia, 4 of midshaft fracture, 1 of proximal 1/3 fracture, and 2 of segmental fracture. Serial debridement with application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was performed before the final operation. All patients underwent internal fixation of the bone and reconstruction of soft tissue defect using latissimus dorsi free flap. The number of serial debridements, excluding those performed during emergency and finial operation, ranged from 1 to 5 (mean 2.69) times. Mean time from injury to final operation was 10.65 (range, 7-22) days. All flaps survived without complications. Three cases (13%) were infected, and three cases required further bone graft surgery to facilitate bone union (13%). Bone union was achieved after a mean 6.3 (range, 3-12) months. Mean follow-up period was 16.34 (range, 12-26) months. During follow-up, all patients were able to ambulate without use of an aid. In cases of severe open fracture, treatment should emphasize soft tissue coverage rather than rushing to achieve definitive fixation in the setting of poor surrounding tissues. When delayed reconstruction is inevitable, radical debridement is performed first, then NPWT is used as bridging therapy, and free flap could be considered for definite soft tissues coverage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:453-459, 2016.

The composite anterolateral thigh flap for achilles tendon and soft tissue defect reconstruction with tendon repair by fascia with double or triple folding technique.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the Achilles tendon is usually managed by surgical intervention. Recurrent tendon ruptures, segmental tendon defects, and overlying soft tissue defects render reconstructive procedures challenging. In this report, we present double or triple folding technique of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, and report the clinical outcomes of the reconstruction of combined defects, including the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue. METHOD: From 2008 to 2013, 7 patients underwent reconstruction of combined Achilles tendon and soft tissue defects. The sizes of the soft tissue defects ranged from 9 × 5 to 12 × 5 cm(2) . Combined defects were reconstructed with ALT free flap including the vastus lateralis fascia and rectus femoris fascia, using a double or triple folding technique. The ALT free flap covered the soft tissue defect and the fascia was folded two or three times into a tendon-like structure. Three patients had full-layer defects of the Achilles tendon, and four patients had partial defects over half the layer. RESULT: The dimension of the skin paddle of the ALT flap was 12 × 6 to 16 × 8 cm(2), and the dimension of the fascia was 12 × 8 to 16 × 10 cm(2). All the donor sites were closed primarily. All the flaps survived completely without complication. The mean follow-up period was 14.9 months. All patients were able to stand and ambulate. CONCLUSION: The double or triple folding technique of the ALT free flap represents simple, economical use of tissue, with minimal donor site morbidity. Thus, this technique may be useful and versatile reconstructive option for combined defects.

Isolated acetabular revision with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings using a ceramic head with a metal sleeve.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate results of isolated acetabular revision with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings using a ceramic head with a metal sleeve. A retrospective review of fifty-three hips was performed. The mean patient age was 49.9years and the mean follow-up period was 5.7years. The mean modified Harris hip score improved from 47.5, pre-operatively, to 84.7 at the time of last follow-up (P<0.001). Two patients reported squeaking of the hip. Three patients experienced loosening cup, necessitating re-revision surgery. There was a significant difference of acetabular bone defect between loose cup group and stable cup group (P=0.018). There were no ceramic fractures and no osteolysis. The survival rate of the acetabular cup at the mid-term follow-up was 94.3%. In conclusion, ceramic head with a metal sleeve can be a reliable option for isolated acetabular revision.

Comparative Short-Term Outcomes of Femoral Neck System (FNS) and Cannulated Screw Fixation in Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Femoral neck fractures need to be treated in their early stages with accurate reduction and stable fixation to reduce complications. The authors compared the early radiologic outcomes of femoral neck fractures treated with the recently introduced Femoral Neck System (FNS, Depuy-Synthes) with conventional cannulated screws (CS) in a multicenter design. Furthermore, the factors associated with early failure after FNS were analyzed. Methods: The FNS group included 40 patients treated between June 2019 and January 2020, and the CS group included 65 patients treated between January 2015 and May 2019. The operation was performed in 3 university hospitals. Patient demographics, fracture classification, postoperative reduction quality, sliding distance of FNS or CS, union and time to union, and complication rates were examined. Logistic regression analysis was performed on candidate factors for early failure of the FNS group. Results: The FNS group had a 90% union rate and a mean time to union of 4.4 months, while the CS group had similar results with an 83.1% union rate and a mean time to union of 5.1 months. In the subgroup analysis of Pauwels type III fractures, the union rates were 75.0% and 58.8% in the FNS and CS groups, respectively, and the time to union was significantly shorter in the FNS group with 4.8 months compared to 6.8 months in the CS group. Early failure rate within 6 months of FNS fixation was observed to be 10%, which included 3 reduction failures and 1 excessive sliding with a broken implant. Risk factors for early failure after FNS were identified as displaced fractures (Garden classification type III or IV), poor reduction quality, longer tip-apex distance, greater sliding distance, and 1-hole implants, of which sliding distance was the only significant risk factor in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In femoral neck fractures, FNS and CS did not show significant differences for short-term radiologic results. FNS resulted in shorter operative time than cannulated screw fixation and favorable outcomes in Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures. The FNS could be considered a reliable and safe alternative to CS when treating femoral neck fractures.