Feasibility of Dark-Field Radiography to Enhance Detection of Nondisplaced Fractures.

Background Many clinically relevant fractures are occult on conventional radiographs and therefore challenging to diagnose reliably. X-ray dark-field radiography is a developing method that uses x-ray scattering as an additional signal source. Purpose To investigate whether x-ray dark-field radiography enhances the depiction of radiographically occult fractures in an experimental model compared with attenuation-based radiography alone and whether the directional dependence of dark-field signal impacts observer ratings. Materials and Methods Four porcine loin ribs had nondisplaced fractures experimentally introduced. Microstructural changes were visually verified using high-spatial-resolution three-dimensional micro-CT. X-ray dark-field radiographs were obtained before and after fracture, with the before-fracture scans serving as control images. The presence of a fracture was scored by three observers using a six-point scale (6, surely; 5, very likely; 4, likely; 3, unlikely; 2, very unlikely; and 1, certainly not). Differences between scores based on attenuation radiographs alone (n = 96) and based on combined attenuation and dark-field radiographs (n = 96) were evaluated by using the DeLong method to compare areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The impact of the dark-field signal directional sensitivity on observer ratings was evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. The dark-field data were split into four groups (24 images per group) according to their sensitivity orientation and tested against each other. Musculoskeletal dark-field radiography was further demonstrated on human finger and foot specimens. Results The addition of dark-field radiographs was found to increase the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to 1 compared with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.94) using attenuation-based radiographs alone (P < .001). There were similar observer ratings for the four different dark-field sensitivity orientations (P = .16-.65 between the groups). Conclusion These results suggested that the inclusion of dark-field radiography has the potential to help enhance the detection of nondisplaced fractures compared with attenuation-based radiography alone. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Rubin in this issue.

MRI characteristics of radiographically occult femoral neck fractures in trauma patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: Ipsilateral femoral neck fractures can be seen alongside femoral shaft fractures in high-velocity trauma patients. These neck fractures are often occult on radiographs and CT, and can have a significant impact on patient outcomes if not treated promptly. Limited protocol pelvic MRI has been used to increase sensitivity for these occult fractures. Detailed characterization of these fractures on MRI is lacking. METHODS: 427 consecutive trauma patients presenting to our emergency department who had known femoral diaphyseal fractures but no ipsilateral femoral neck fracture on radiographs or CT were included in this study. These patients were scanned using a limited protocol MRI with coronal T1 and coronal STIR sequences. Presence of an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture and imaging characteristics of the fracture were obtained. RESULTS: 31 radiographically occult ipsilateral femoral neck fractures were found, representing 7% of all cases. All neck fractures were incomplete. All fractures originated along the lateral cortex of the femoral neck and extended medially towards the junction of the medial femoral neck and the lesser trochanter. 58% (18/31) were vertical in orientation. 61% (19/31) did not demonstrate any appreciate edema on STIR images. CONCLUSION: Implementation of limited protocol MRI protocol increases sensitivity for detection of femoral neck fractures in the setting of ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures not seen on radiograph or CT imaging. We describe the characteristic MR imaging features of these fractures.

CURRENT CONCEPTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BOXER'S FRACTURE.

Fractures of the metacarpal particularly the 5th metacarpal is quite common among all hand fractures and has a high incidence in male adult population. Proper management of these fractures plays a key role in rehabilitation and early return to work thus reducing the economic burden. Treatment of these injuries depends on the type of injury: whether it is a closed/open fracture, degree of angulation at the fracture site and also mal-rotation and shortening of the finger. Non-operative management is suitable for fractures which are closed, non-displaced and without angulation or rotation. Open fractures, fractures with angulation and/or mal-rotation and fractures with neuro-vascular injury are more suitable for operative management. The acceptable angulation for conservative management for most studies is 70 degrees. Buddy strapping with a Futura splint provides good functional results. In fractures requiring operative intervention, K-wire fixation is a minimally invasive method of fixation, which in most cases has good functional results. Plate and screw fixation, however, is preferred for cases with significant comminution or multiple metacarpal fractures.

[Importance of local antibiotics in the prophylaxis and treatment of fracture-associated infections]. / Stellenwert lokaler Antibiotika für die Prophylaxe und Therapie frakturassoziierter Infektionen.

BACKGROUND: Fracture-associated infections (FRI) are a severe complication that lead to higher morbidity and high costs for the healthcare system. An effective prophylaxis and treatment of FRI are therefore of great interest. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the use of local antibiotics for the prophylaxis and treatment of FRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A thorough search and a narrative synthesis of the available literature were performed. Their depiction is supplemented by an illustrative presentation of a case report. RESULTS: A robust consensus definition of FRI has existed since 2018. The current use of local antibiotics for the prophylaxis and treatment of FRI in Germany is heterogeneous. There is no consensus on local antibiotic treatment of FRI. The available literature shows an advantage for the additive local antibiotic treatment of open fractures. In closed fractures there is a tendency towards an advantage especially in the presence of further risk factors (long duration of external fixation, higher degree of closed tissue damage, compartment syndrome). According to analogous data from the field of endoprosthetics, additive local antibiotic treatment could also be advantageous under closed soft tissue conditions. The evidence is insufficient to enable the recommendation for a specific antibiotic or a specific mode of application. Local and systemic adverse reactions are frequently discussed in the literature but their incidence is low. CONCLUSION: Overall, additive local antibiotic treatment is to be recommended for open fractures and in closed fractures in the presence of other risk factors. Local and systemic adverse reactions as well as the development of antibiotic resistance must be weighed up in individual cases.

Probability of Occult Ankle Fracture Based on Radiograph-Measured Swelling.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric ankle injuries are a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). A quarter of pediatric ankle fractures show no radiographic evidence of a fracture. Physicians often correlate non-weight bearing and tenderness with an occult fracture. We present this study to predict the probability of an occult fracture using radiographic soft-tissue swelling on initial ED radiographs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center from 2021 to 22. Soft-tissue swelling between the lateral malleolus and skin was measured on radiographs, and weight-bearing status was documented. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software. DISCUSSION: The study period involved 32 patients with an occult fracture, with 8 (25%) diagnosed with a fracture on follow-up radiographs. The probability of an occult fracture was calculated as a function of the ankle swelling in millimeters (mm) using a computer-generated predictive model. False-negative and false-positive rates were plotted as a function of the degree of ankle swelling. CONCLUSION: Magnitude of ankle soft-tissue swelling as measured on initial ED radiographs is predictive of an occult fracture. Although weight-bearing status was not a sign of occult fracture, it improves the predictive accuracy of soft-tissue swelling.

Development, Validation and Characterization of a Novel Portable Closed Fracture Device.

BACKGROUND/AIM: As one of the common clinical diseases, fractures have many causes, mechanisms, healing and influencing factors; especially fracture healing is a long-term and complex process. Animal fracture models can simulate the various states of human fractures, and on this basis, the prevention, mechanism, and treatment of fractures can be studied to further guide clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we developed a novel and portable device to create a closed fracture model in mice. We then compared this novel closed fracture model with the traditional open model in multiple dimensions to evaluate the modelling process of establishment and healing. The two models were evaluated by imaging, immunostaining, and behavioral tests, which fully demonstrated the stability, universality and operability of the modified fracture model in mice. RESULTS: Surgical quality assessment revealed that the closed fracture model had a shorter operation time and smaller wound than the open model. X-ray and micro-CT results showed no differences between the two models in the evaluation of radiographic and morphological changes during fracture healing. Histological examination revealed the process of the typical intrachondral osteogenic pathway after fracture. Moreover, animal gait analysis indicated reduced postoperative pain in the closed group compared to the open group. CONCLUSION: This study provides a constructive strategy for a closed fracture model in mice and demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of the closed fracture model in studying the typical intrachondral osteogenic pathway of fractures from multiple dimensions.

The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture.

Aims: There is a lack of published evidence relating to the rate of nonunion seen in occult scaphoid fractures, diagnosed only after MRI. This study reports the rate of delayed union and nonunion in a cohort of patients with MRI-detected acute scaphoid fractures. Methods: This multicentre cohort study at eight centres in the UK included all patients with an acute scaphoid fracture diagnosed on MRI having presented acutely following wrist trauma with normal radiographs. Data were gathered retrospectively for a minimum of 12 months at each centre. The primary outcome measures were the rate of acute surgery, delayed union, and nonunion. Results: A total of 1,989 patients underwent acute MRI for a suspected scaphoid fracture during the study period, of which 256 patients (12.9%) were diagnosed with a previously occult scaphoid fracture. Of the patients with scaphoid fractures, six underwent early surgical fixation (2.3%) and there was a total of 16 cases of delayed or nonunion (6.3%) in the remaining 250 patients treated with cast immobilization. Of the nine nonunions (3.5%), seven underwent surgery (2.7%), one opted for non-surgical treatment, and one failed to attend follow-up. Of the seven delayed unions (2.7%), one (0.4%) was treated with surgery at two months, one (0.4%) did not attend further follow-up, and the remaining five fractures (1.9%) healed after further cast immobilization. All fractures treated with surgery had united at follow-up. There was one complication of surgery (prominent screw requiring removal). Conclusion: MRI-detected scaphoid fractures are not universally benign, with delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures diagnosed only after MRI seen in over 6% despite appropriate initial immobilization, with most of these patients with nonunion requiring surgery to achieve union. This study adds weight to the evidence base supporting the use of early MRI for these patients.

[Application of Allgöwer-Donati suture in internal fixation of Schatzker type â ¤and â ¥ tibial plateau closed fractures].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Allgöwer-Donati suture in open reduction and internal fixation of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures. Methods: A clinical data of 60 patients with Schatzker type type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures, who met the selection criteria and admitted between May 2022 and May 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. After open reduction and internal fixation via double incisions, the incisions were closed with conventional mattress suture in 30 cases (control group) and Allgöwer-Donati suture in 30 cases (observation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture side and type, time from injury to operation, body mass index, and other baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of incision-related complications after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of incision at 3 days and 1 and 2 weeks after operation, and the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) [physical functioning (PF), role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), and general health (GH)] at 12 weeks after operation were compared between the two groups. Results: All operations of the two groups successfully completed. All patients were followed up 6-14 months (mean, 12 months). Incision fluid leakage occurred in 1 case of observation group and 7 cases of control group within 1 week after operation, and the incisions healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. The incidence of early incision complications in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group ( P<0.05). No late incision complications was found in the two groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores at each time point between the two groups ( P>0.05). The VAS score significantly decreased with the increase of time in the two groups, showing significant differences between the different time points ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SF-36 scores (PF, RP, BP, and GH) between the two groups at 12 weeks after operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conventional mattress suture, Allgöwer-Donati suture is effective in open reduction and internal fixation via double incisions for Schatzker type Ⅴand Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures, which can reduce the incidence of early incision complications.

[Examination of Optimal Frequency Processing in X-ray Images for Occult Femoral Neck Fractures].

PURPOSE: Osteosclerotic images are known as an image appearance of occult femoral neck fractures in X-ray images. The aim of this study is to investigate frequency enhancement processing that improves the visibility of the osteosclerotic image. METHODS: We acquired three sclerotic bone images with different thicknesses, and self-made bone equivalent phantoms were set up on a pelvic phantom. The frequency processing type and high-density enhancement coefficients were applied to the X-ray images taken at RF-A(1.0, 2.0), C(2.0, 4.0), D(1.0), and H(2.0, 4.0). For the physical index, we compared the difference in signal values between the sclerotic and background normal bone. We evaluated the preference using Scheffé's paired comparison methods for the visual index. RESULTS: For the physical index, RF-C(4.0) had the most significant signal value difference for all 3 bone stiffness images. For the visual index, RF-C(4.0) showed the highest preference. CONCLUSION: Using frequency-enhanced processing, RF-C(4.0) was suggested to improve the visibility of the osteosclerosis image.

Plating Versus Intramedullary Nailing of OTA/AO 43C1 and C2 Intra-articular Distal Tibia Fractures: A Propensity Score and Multivariate Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of reduction loss, nonunion, and infection in intra-articular distal tibia fractures (IADTF) treated with limited open reduction internal fixation and intramedullary nailing (IMN) as compared to open reduction internal fixation with plate and screws (plate fixation [PF]). DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level-I academic trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients age ≥ 18 with OTA/AO 43C1 and C2 IADTF treated with IMN or PF between 2013-2021. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Loss of reduction, surgical site infection (SSI), nonunion, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared for IMN versus PF treatments. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients met the inclusion criteria (IMN 33 and PF 77). There was no loss of reduction found. Seventeen nonunions (15% overall; IMN 4/33 and PF 13/77) and 13 SSIs (12% overall; IMN 2/33 and PF11/77) were identified. Despite several risk factors being identified for nonunion and SSI in bivariate analysis, only open fracture remained significant as a risk factor for both nonunion (odds ratio 0.09 for closed fracture, 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.56, P = 0.009) and SSI (odds ratio 0.07 for closed fracture, 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.26, P = 0.012) in the multivariate model. Propensity scoring based on presurgical variables was significantly different between patients who received IMN versus PF ( P = 0.03); however, logistic regression incorporating the propensity score revealed no significant association with nonunion and SSI. Adjusting for the propensity score, there remained no association comparing IMN versus PF with nonunion and SSI ( P = 0.54 and P = 0.17, respectively). There was also no difference in PROs between IMN and PF (physical function: P = 0.25 and pain interference: P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Overall nonunion and SSI prevalence was 15% and 12%, respectively, in operatively treated OTA/AO 43C1 and C2 IADTF. An open fracture was a significant risk factor for nonunion and SSI. Metaphyseal fixation through IMN or PF did not affect loss of reduction, nonunion, SSI, or PROs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primary total talus arthroplasty for Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation.

A woman in her 40s was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained a closed Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation. The injury was treated with reduction, percutaneous pinning and spanning external fixation, followed by definitive treatment with total talus arthroplasty (TTA) 2 months following injury. This is a unique example of definitive management for a severe talar neck fracture dislocation with arthroplasty in the subacute setting. TTA is perhaps a primary option for these injuries at high risk for avascular necrosis, non-union, malunion and post-traumatic arthritis.

Trends in and Factors Associated With Surgical Management for Closed Clavicle Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle fractures are common and have historically been managed nonsurgically. Over time, there are increasing surgical considerations for such injuries. Nonetheless, trends over the past decade are not well characterized. METHODS: Adult patients presenting for first diagnosis of clavicle fractures were identified from the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver M151 database. Patients were defined to have undergone surgical management if they received clavicular open reduction and internal fixation within 90 days after fracture diagnosis. Patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), geographic region, insurance coverage, fracture anatomic location, and polytraumatic diagnoses were extracted. Factors independently associated with surgical management versus nonsurgical management were assessed with multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 50,980 patients with clavicle fractures were identified of whom 6,193 (12.1%) were managed surgically. This proportion increased significantly over the study period (7.4% in 2015 to 13.9% in 2020, P < 0.001). Independent predictors of surgical management included fracture diagnosis in 2020 (versus 2015, odds ratio [OR] 2.36), anatomic location (relative to lateral end, shaft OR 1.84 and sternal OR 3.35), and Midwest region of service (OR 1.26, relative to South) (P < 0.001 for all). DISCUSSION: A small but increasing minority of patients with clavicle fractures are managed surgically. Clinical factors and nonclinical factors were associated with surgical management.

Open tibial plateau fractures: Infection rate and functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Open tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries that require specialized management to prevent complications. The objective of this study was to compare the infection risk and functional outcomes between open and closed tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cohort study the propensity score matching was used to pair participants according to age, sex, and Schatzker classification. 190 patients were followed for 1 year postoperatively. The Fracture-Related Infection (FRI) Consensus Group criteria was used to diagnose infection. Knee functionality was measured using the Oxford Knee Score scale (OKS). RESULTS: The proportion of open fractures was 5.1%, and the overall incidence rate of FRI was 8% with 14% of them represented by open fractures and 4% for closed fractures (p = 0.014). Open fractures were found to be a risk factor associated with FRI, with a 5.48 times higher probability of FRI than closed fractures (odds ratio 5.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-18.85). Among the study population, 50% had satisfactory functional outcomes of the knee (median OKS 45, IQR = 3). The median OKS was 44 (IQR = 11) in open fractures and 46 (IQR = 7) in closed ones (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that the OKS was 3 points lower for open fractures (95% CI -5.530--0.478) than closed ones, and the score was 9.7 points lower for FRI. CONCLUSION: Open TPF is a risk factor that increases the probability of fracture related infections. Functional outcomes were excellent for both open and closed TPF, with a slight difference numerical that was under the minimal clinical difference (MCID). The presence of FRI significantly decreases the functional outcome.

Retro-Antegrade Technique in the Management of Severely Angulated Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Case Series.

Background: This study introduces a novel method for the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures. Kirschner wires (K-wire) are introduced in a retrograde and the wires withdrawn through skin proximally at the base of the metacarpal. The fracture is reduced using traction and the reduction is maintained by antegrade advancement of the K-wires. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of this technique. Methods: A total of 36 patients with severely angulated closed metacarpal neck fractures underwent reduction and fixation using this novel method from January 2017 to December 2020 in centres in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. We performed a retrospective review of these patients' clinical data examining their outcomes. Results: Six months postoperatively, all fractures demonstrated bony union and correction of angulation. All patients exhibited excellent range of motion (ROM) with no significant impairment of hand function. Conclusions: The method detailed here is a simple, minimally invasive and reliable technique that has not previously been described. It is suitable for use in the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures of the fourth and fifth metacarpal, with dorsal angulation greater than 60°. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Fracturas supracondíleas en pacientes pediátricos tratados quirúrgicamente con Técnica de Cruzada. Hospital Central San Cristóbal / Supracondylar humerus fractures in childrens surgically treated by Crossed Wiring Technique. San Cristóbal Central Hospital

Las fracturas supracondíleas en niños se asocian con algunas complicaciones. Su tratamiento estándar es la reducción cerrada y la fijación con alambres en distintas configuraciones. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, prospectivo y longitudinal con pacientes pediátricos que ingresaron con fracturas supracondíleas de húmero tratados quirúrgicamente con alambres de Kirschner con "Técnica Cruzada" en el Hospital Central San Cristóbal enero a junio de 2022. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes. La edad promedio fue 6,3±2,2(3-10) años. La causa más frecuente del traumatismo fue la precipitación de altura en 63,3% de los casos. La posición del codo al momento del accidente fue en extensión en 90%. Todas las fracturas fueron cerradas. El tiempo promedio desde el accidente hasta su atención en emergencia fue de 8,5±13,4(2-72) horas. Los signos clínicos más frecuentes fueron dolor en 100,0%, limitación funcional en 96,7%, aumento de volumen 73,3% y deformidad 50,0%. Según la clasificación AO la más frecuente fue del tipo 13-M/3. 1 III en el 50% de los casos y según Gartland, las tipo IIIA en 53,3%. A las 4 semanas, 100,0% de las fracturas consolidaron, 13,3% presentó valgo y 6,7% varo en la radiografía anteroposterior. Mientras que, en la lateral, 33,3% antecurvatum. La media del ángulo de Baumann fue de 20,27±1,39 grados. La tasa de complicaciones fue de 16,66%, 2(6,7%) casos presentaron neuropraxia y 3(10,0%) granuloma. En conclusión, la Técnica Cruzada es segura en términos de reducción, funcionalidad y tasas de complicaciones en el seguimiento a medio plazo(AU)

Supracondylar fractures in children are associated with some complications. Its standard treatment is closed reduction and fixation with wires in different configurations. An observational, analytical, prospective and longitudinal study was made, with pediatric patients admitted with supracondylar humeral fractures surgically treated with Kirschner wires with the "Cross Technique" at the Hospital Central San Cristóbal from January to June 2022. 30 patients were included. The mean age was 6,3±2,2(3-10) years. The most frequent cause of trauma was high altitude precipitation in 63,3% of the cases. The position of the elbow at the time of the accident was 90% extended. All fractures were closed. The mean time from the accident to emergency care was 8,5±13,4(2-72) hours. The most frequent clinical signs were pain in 100,0%, functional limitation in 96.7%, volume increase in 73,3%, and deformity in 50,0%. According to the AO classification, the most frequent was type 13-M/3. 1 III in 50% of cases and according to Gartland, type IIIA in 53,3%. At 4 weeks, 100,0% of the patients consolidated, 13,3% presented valgus and 6,7% varus on the anteroposterior radiograph. While, on the side, 33,3% antecurvatum. The mean Baumann angle was 20,27 ± 1.39 degrees. The rate of complications was 16,66%, 2 (6,7%) cases presented neuropraxia and 3 (10,0%) granuloma. In conclusion, the Crossover Technique is safe in terms of reduction, functionality, and complication rates in medium-term follow-up(AU)

Control de daños ortopédicos en pacientes politraumatizados pediátricos. Hospital Pediátrico "Eliseo Noel Caamaño" / Control of orthopedic damages in pediatric politraumatized patients. Pediatric Hospital "Eliseo Noel Caamaño"

RESUMEN Introducción: el control de daños en Ortopedia es aplazar la reparación definitiva de lesiones traumáticas, con el objetivo de la recuperación fisiológica deteriorada por lesiones y/o complicaciones que pueden poner en peligro la vida, realizando entonces procedimientos quirúrgicos sencillos, como una estabilización quirúrgica externa de las fracturas. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento del control de daños ortopédicos en politraumatizados pediátricos. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal, de enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 22 pacientes menores de 19 años de edad, politraumatizados en el período; la muestra por 15 pacientes, a los que se les aplicó control de daños ortopédicos, según criterios de selección. Resultados: se aplicó control de daños ortopédicos a 15 infantes. El más afectado fue el sexo masculino con el 73,3 %. Prevalecieron los traumatismos de los miembros inferiores con el 58,3 % y las fracturas cerradas con un 53,8 %. La osteomielitis crónica fue la complicación que predominó, en el 20 % de la muestra. En el 73,3 % de los casos se evaluó como satisfactoria la aplicación del control de daños ortopédicos en los politraumatizados. Conclusiones: a la totalidad de los traumatizados se le aplicó control de daños ortopédicos. Predominó el sexo masculino y el grupo de edad de 9 -14 años. Los miembros inferiores aportan la mayor cantidad con el fémur y la tibia. El control de daños ortopédicos se evaluó satisfactoriamente en la mayoría de los pacientes estudiados (AU).

ABSTRAC Introduction: the control of damages in Orthopedics is to postpone the definitive repair of traumatic lesions, with the objective of the physiologic recovery deteriorated by lesions and/or complications that can put in danger the life, carrying out simple surgical procedures, like an external surgical stabilization of the fractures at that time. . Objective: to determine the behavior of the orthopedic damage control in pediatric politraumatized patients. Material and method: a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out from January 2015 to December 2018. The universe was formed by 22 patients younger than 19 years politraumatized in the period and the sample formed 15 patients; they underwent orthopedic damage control, according to the selection criteria. Results: the orthopedic damage control, was applied to 15 children. Male sex was the most affected one. Trauma in the lower limbs with 58.3 % and closed fractures with 53.8 prevailed. The predominating complication was chronic poliomyelitis in 20 % of the sample. The orthopedic damage control in politraumatized patients was assessed as successful in 73.3 % of the cases. Conclusions: the orthopedic damage control was applied to the total of traumatized patients. The male sex and the 9-14 years-old age group predominated. Lower limbs contributed with the biggest quantity of trauma, in femur and tibia. The orthopedic damage control was assessed as successful in most of studied patients (AU).

Bone callus formation is highly disrupted by dietary restriction in growing rats sustaining a femoral fracture

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of food restriction on fracture healing in growing rats. Methods: Sixty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups: (1) Control and (2) Dietary restriction. After weaning the dietary restricted animals were fed ad libitum for 42 days with 50% of the standard chow ingested by the control group. Subsequently, the animals underwent bone fracture at the diaphysis of the right femur, followed by surgical stabilization of bone fragments. On days 14 and 28 post-fracture, the rats were euthanized, and the fractured femurs were dissected, the callus was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, mechanical tests, and gene expression. Results: Dietary restriction decreased body mass gain and resulted in several phenotypic changes at the bone callus (a delay in cell proliferation and differentiation, lower rate of newly formed bone and collagen deposition, reductions in bone callus density and size, decrease in tridimensional callus volume, deterioration in microstructure, and reduction in bone callus strength), together with the downregulated expression of osteoblast-related genes. Conclusion: Dietary restriction had detrimental effects on osseous healing, with a healing delay and a lower quality of bone callus formation.

Defectos óseos segmentarios infectados en huesos largos: tratamiento con técnica de Masquelet / Masquelet technique for the treatment of infected segmental long-bone defects

Introducción: Los defectos óseos segmentarios infectados son entidades de complejo tratamiento. La técnica de Masquelet representa una alternativa para estos casos. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico fue mostrar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos obtenidos con esta técnica de reconstrucción en defectos óseos segmentarios infectados de fémur y tibia, caracterizar los defectos tratados y describir los diferentes aspectos de la técnica quirúrgica. Materiales y Métodos: Analizamos a 24 pacientes (14 hombres y 10 mujeres; edad promedio 36.16 años [rango 18-67]) tratados con la técnica de Masquelet, operados entre 2011 y 2016. El seguimiento promedio fue de 16.5 meses (rango 12-27) desde el segundo tiempo quirúrgico. Se analizaron el hueso afectado, la longitud del defecto (en cm), el tiempo de consolidación y el control del proceso infeccioso. Resultados: La longitud del defecto óseo tratado fue, en promedio, de 5,7 cm (rango 3-12), fue superior a 4 cm en el 50% de los casos, el defecto óseo segmentario de mayor tamaño en la tibia fue de 12 cm y de 10 cm en el fémur. Se logró la consolidación ósea, en todos los casos, en 4.5 meses. Un paciente presentó una recidiva del proceso infeccioso a los 12 meses de la consolidación. Conclusiones: La técnica de Masquelet o de la membrana inducida ofrece una alternativa razonable y sencilla para un problema altamente desafiante como son los defectos óseos segmentarios infectados. La tasa de consolidación es superior al 90% aun en casos complejos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Infected segmental bone defects are challenging conditions, which require a complex treatment. The Masquelet technique is an alternative for these cases. The aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to show clinical and radiological outcomes achieved with the use of this reconstruction technique in infected femoral and tibial segmental defects in order to characterize the defects treated and describe different aspects of this surgical approach. Methods: We analyzed 24 patients (14 men and 10 women; average age 36.16 years [range 18-67]) treated with the Masquelet technique between 2011 and 2016. The average follow-up was 16.5 months (range 12-27) from the second surgical stage. We analyzed the affected bone, defect length (cm), consolidation time and infection control. Results: Average length of treated bone defect was 5.7 cm (range 3-12), exceeding 4 cm in 50% of the cases. The largest segmental bone defect was 12 cm at the tibia and 10 cm at the femur. Bone consolidation was achieved in all cases, on an average of 4.5 months. One patient presented a recurrent infection 12 months after the successful consolidation. Conclusions: The Masquelet technique, or induced membrane technique offers a reasonable and simple alternative to a highly challenging problem, such as infected segmental bone defects, achieving a consolidation rate greater than 90% even in complex cases. Level of Evidence: IV