Closed reduction and minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis of Pipkin femoral head fractures.

BACKGROUND: Femoral posterior hip dislocation with associated femoral head fractures (Pipkin fractures) are rare high-energy injuries. Published treatment modalities involve conservative treatment, head fragment resection, open reduction and internal fixation, and total hip replacement. The experience with mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis of these fractures is the main focus of our study. METHODS: Seven Pipkin fractures (five Pipkin II and two Pipkin I) in six patients were treated by closed reduction of hip dislocation, followed by minimal invasive lag screw osteosynthesis. Cancellous screw(s) were inserted from the incision on the lateral hip through the femoral neck to the reduced fracture fragment. In all patients, postoperative CT was performed to check the quality of surgery. Active physiotherapy with immediate toe-touch weight bearing was the routine postoperative protocol. In all patients, radiological and clinical results were evaluated with the Thompson Epstein, Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score, and Harris hip score. RESULTS: All fractures united, and all femoral heads survived. Infectious complications were not observed, and no secondary surgery was needed. After an average follow-up of 18.4 months, the average Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score was 17.7 points, while the mean Harris hip score reached 98.1 points. The majority of patients achieved an excellent Thompson-Epstein clinical and radiological outcome. All patients returned to their original occupation. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis can be used for the treatment of Pipkin type I-II femoral head fractures. Successful reduction of hip dislocation and head fracture is necessary for using this technique. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm this technique.

Intramedullary nailing of displaced four-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing is already established technique for the treatment of two and three-part fractures of proximal humerus. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and functional outcome after treatment of four-part fractures of proximal humerus with Multiloc proximal humeral nail. DESIGN: prospective monocentric cohort study. SETTING: single level 1 traumacenter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2011 to March 2016, 40 patients with displaced four-part proximal humeral fractures were treated with intramedullary nail inserted through anterolateral approach. Minimum one year follow up completed 35 patients and were involved into the study. RESULTS: After mean follow up period of 25.8 months 29 of 35 fractures healed. Average absolute Constant score in all 35 patients reached 57.7 points, relative side related Constants score 66.8% of contralateral extremity. Together there were 20 complications. in 6 cases (17%) developed complete avascular necrosis of the head. One deep infection was treated by implantation of antibiotic cement discs. Twelve secondary surgeries were performed, mostly for avascular necrosis development. Function and pain were significantly influenced by the quality of fracture reduction (p < 0.05) and development of complete AVN (p = 0.001). Group of 29 patients without AVN reached relative Constant score 73% of contralateral extremity. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary nailing can be used as possible fixation technique for the treatment of four-part fractures of proximal humerus. In experienced hands provides nailing osteosynthesis similar results as reconstruction with locking plates. Appropriate reduction of fracture fragments is the key for good functional result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2b - monocentric prospective cohort study.