Does the Nonunion Rate of Atypical Femoral Fractures Differ According to Fracture Site?: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The nonunion rate for atypical femoral fractures (AFF) is known to be higher than that for typical fractures of the femur. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence of nonunion necessitating reoperation following fixation for AFF and compare the rates according to the fracture site (subtrochanter or midshaft). Methods: A total of 742 AFFs from 29 studies were included. A proportion meta-analysis utilizing a random-effects model was conducted to estimate the prevalence of nonunion. The outcomes were the incidence of reoperations that included osteosynthesis. To determine the association of nonunion with patient mean age or average duration of bisphosphonate use, meta-regression analysis was done. Results: In proportion meta-analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence of nonunion was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-10%) from all studies. There was a significant difference in nonunion rate between the 2 groups (I2 = 34.4%, p = 0.02); the estimated prevalence of nonunion was 15% (95% CI, 10%-20%) in subtrochanteric AFFs and 4% (95% CI, 2%-6%) in midshaft AFFs. From meta-regression analysis, significant correlations were identified between nonunion rate and patient mean age (coefficient: -0.0071, p = 0.010), but not in the average duration of bisphosphonate use (coefficient: -0.0024, p = 0.744). Conclusions: A notable disparity existed in the nonunion rate among subtrochanteric AFFs and midshaft AFFs group. Therefore, it is critical for orthopedic surgeons to consider the complexity and challenges associated with AFF and to estimate the proper possibility of nonunion according to the fracture site.

The effect of anterior support screw (AS2) in unstable femoral trochanteric fractures: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to verify the effectiveness of Anterior Support Screw (AS2) for unstable femoral trochanteric fractures. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial SETTING: This study was conducted across 15 academic medical centers in Japan PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 240 cases of femoral trochanteric fractures with posterior crushing and intramedullary displacement of proximal bone fragments across 15 institutions in Japan. INTERVENTION: All patients were subjected to a reduction in which the anterior cortex was brought into contact. The patients were randomly assigned to the anterior support screw group (AS2 group) and the non-screw group (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Two computed-tomography (CT) scans were taken immediately after surgery and early postoperative period (day 14-21) to investigate the reduction loss rate of the anterior cortex and sliding distances in the early postoperative period. RESULTS: The reduction loss rate was 4.5 % in the AS2 group and 16.8 % in the control group, indicating a significantly lower reduction loss rate in the AS2 group (p = 0.003). The average sliding distance was 1.8 mm in the AS2 group and 2.8 mm in the control group, indicating a significantly shorter sliding distance in the AS2 group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adding a screw in front of the intramedullary nail significantly reduces reduction loss, and maintains anterior bony contact. This study also showed that these screws suppress the sliding distance during the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I.

Revisiting the Vertical Osteotomy Technique for the Removal of a 20-Year-Old Tibial Intramedullary V-Nail: A Case Report.

Vertical osteotomy is a procedure occasionally used for the removal of intramedullary nails when the nail has become jammed, either due to expansion after initial fixation or the formation of a new bone around the nail. Implant removal of any type is usually performed when it is either recommended by the doctor or in response to the complaints of the patients, like sensations of pain, disorder, and infection associated with the potential complications of the given implant. There are different types of cases, which range from a simple procedure of K-wire removal or more complex procedures like intramedullary nail or plate removal. During the removal of implants, certain unforeseen complications can occur such as excessive bleeding, neurovascular deficit, and some other issues related to implants like breakage of screws or implants while removing it, which might lead to its inability to be removed. We present here a technique of vertical osteotomy that was used for the removal of implants in cases of long-term implant retention, which leads to difficulty in removing it.

Articular Surface Damage Following Headless Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Proximal Phalanx Fractures.

PURPOSE: Offering the benefits of rigid fixation while minimizing soft tissue dissection, intramedullary implants have become a popular choice among hand surgeons. Their placement often requires traversing or passing in proximity to joint surfaces. This study aimed to assess the damage to the articular cartilage of the base of the proximal phalanx resulting from antegrade placement of threaded headless intramedullary nails. METHODS: A cadaveric study comparing two techniques for antegrade placement of threaded headless intramedullary nails was conducted in 56 digits. The first entailed a single 2.1 mm intramedullary nail placed via the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx, whereas the second used two 1.8 mm intramedullary nails inserted via the collateral recesses of the phalangeal base. All specimens were analyzed for articular surface damage with the cartilage defect measured as a percentage of total joint surface area. Damage to the extensor tendons was also assessed in a subset of specimens. RESULTS: No significant difference in the percentage of articular surface damage was observed, with an average 3.21% ± 2.34% defect in the single 2.1 mm nail group and a 2.71% ± 3.42% mean defect in the two 1.8 mm nails group. There was no articular surface injury in 18% of digits in each group. Damage to extensor tendons was seen in three (9.4%) specimens and in all cases involved either the extensor indicis proprius or extensor digiti minimi. CONCLUSIONS: Hardware insertion using either the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx or the collateral recesses of the phalangeal base both demonstrated minimal articular cartilage damage and infrequent injury to the extensor tendons. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With proper technique for antegrade insertion into the proximal phalanx, the cartilage defect observed often encompasses only a small percentage of the overall joint surface area.

Short-term complication rates of open reduction and plate fixation and intramedullary nailing in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: a propensity score matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This is a retrospective cohort study designed to compare short-term postoperative complication rates between closed humeral shaft fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus intramedullary nailing (IMN), as well as secondary independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried using CPT codes to identify patients that underwent an open reduction and plate fixation or intramedullary nailing procedure for a closed humeral shaft fracture from 2010 to 2021. Cohorts were matched using propensity scores to account for demographic differences and rates of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: From the database, a total of 4,222 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria, with 3,326 and 896 undergoing ORIF and IMN respectively. After propensity score matching, 866 of the nearest-neighbor matches were included in each cohort for a total of 1,732 patients in the final analysis. The rate of any adverse event (AAE) was significantly higher in the ORIF cohort (16.3%) than the IMN cohort (12.1%, p = 0.01). The ORIF group had higher rates of postoperative transfusion (p = 0.002), return to OR (p = 0.005), and surgical site infection (SSI, p = 0.03). After multivariate analysis, ASA class 4, increasing age, increasing operative time, and history of bleeding disorder were found to increase the risk of AAE in both ORIF and IMN patients. CONCLUSIONS: While prior studies have claimed higher complication rates in IMN patients, this study found a significantly higher short-term risk of AAE in ORIF patients when compared in matched cohorts. However, individual 30-day complication rates do not differ significantly between procedures, and both have been shown to be safe and effective tools in the management of humeral shaft fractures.

Retrospective evaluation of perioperative clinical outcomes of diaphyseal femoral fractures repaired with the string-of-pearls locking plate system with adjunctive fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes and complication rate of utilizing a string-of-pearls (SOP) plate augmented with adjunctive fixation in the repair of canine femur fractures. METHODS: Records of canine patients with mid-diaphyseal femoral fractures repaired with the SOP plate and adjunctive fixation were reviewed. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, patient weight, fracture configuration, repair technique, healing time, and complications based on perioperative radiographic follow-up to clinical union. Forty client-owned dogs met inclusion criteria for this study. Variables analyzed for association with major complications included body weight, fracture configuration, repair technique, and adjunctive fixation. RESULTS: Major complications requiring surgical revision occurred in 8 of 40 fractures. Five cases experienced intramedullary pin migration and were successfully treated with sedated pin removal. The remaining 3 cases involved implant failure via screw shear breakage and required surgical revision of the fixation to achieve a successful outcome. On the basis of a calculated Bonferroni correction, no statistical significance of the tested variables was found in association with major complications; however, significance was limited due to the low statistical power of this study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of adjunctive fixation with the SOP locking plate system led to radiographic union without complication in most cases, and no instances of plate breakage were reported. However, implant complications secondary to the adjunctive fixation can occur. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjunctive fixation used with the SOP plate for repair of canine femur fractures has a high success rate, though pin migration as a complication persists.

TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC FEMUR FRACTURES WITH FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the characteristics of patients and femur fractures treated with a stainless steel intramedullary nail (ESIN) in children under 15 years of age. Know the results of using the ESIN of related steel in the service. METHODS: Retrospective study with review of hospital records and organization of data in spreadsheets. RESULT: 24 cases were identified, 17 male cases and 7 female cases. A minimum age of 4 years and a maximum of 11 years were observed (average of 7 years). The 3 most common trauma mechanisms were being run over (n:8, 33%) and falling from a height (n:8, 3%). The most common location of the fractures was in the mid-diaphyseal region (n: 20, 88%), only one case presented a bilateral femur fracture. The most common associated trauma was traumatic brain injury. The observation period observed several months between 2 and 5. With regard to complications, 3 cases were observed (12.5%) being bursitis, vicious construction and loss of reduction. CONCLUSION: Steel HIF shows similar good results. As the study includes the retrospective profile, the absence of a group and the small sample size. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar as características dos pacientes e das fraturas de fêmur tratadas com haste intramedular flexível (HIF) de aço inoxidável em menores de 15 anos. A partir disso, conhecer os resultados relacionados ao uso da HIF de aço inoxidável no serviço. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, com revisão de prontuários hospitalares e organização dos dados em planilhas. RESULTADO: Identificados 24 casos, sendo 17 do gênero masculino e sete do gênero feminino. Foram observadas idade mínima de 4 anos e máxima de 11 anos (média de 7 anos). Os mecanismos de trauma mais comuns foram atropelamento (n: 8, 33%) e queda de altura (n: 8, 33%). A localização mais comum das fraturas foi na região médio diafisária (n: 20, 88%), apenas um caso apresentou fratura de fêmur bilateral. O trauma associado mais comum foi traumatismo crânio-encefálico. O período de consolidação observado variou entre 2 e 5 meses. No que se refere a complicações, foram observados três casos (12,5%), sendo estes: bursite, consolidação viciosa e perda de redução. Conclusão: A HIF de aço apresenta bons resultados, semelhantes aos das hastes de titânio. As limitações do estudo incluem o perfil retrospectivo, a ausência de grupo controle e o número pequeno da amostra. Nível de evidência IV, Série de casos.

Risk of Axillary Nerve Injury With Medial Support Screws in Intramedullary Nails: An Anatomical Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, intramedullary nails with medial support screws for proximal humeral fractures have become available. Although these devices have a potential risk of iatrogenic axillary nerve injury, no studies have investigated the anatomical relationship between the medial support screws in the modern intramedullary nail and the axillary nerve. This study aimed to clarify the anatomical relationship between the medial support screws in the intramedullary nail and the axillary nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 29 cadaveric shoulders (mean age: 82.6 years old (range: 61-105); 15 males and 14 females) were included in this study. Shoulders within whole-body cadavers were used in all cases. A single proximal humeral nail with medial support screws (ARISTO Proximal Humeral Nail; MDM, Tokyo, Japan) was used. The distance of each medial support screw from the axillary nerve and its branches was measured. RESULTS: In two (6.90%) of 29 shoulders, the axillary nerves came into contact with the medial support screws. In the remaining 27 of 29 shoulders (93.1%), the nerves were located proximal to the medial support screws. CONCLUSION: Medial support screws in proximal humeral fracture nails had the potential to injure the axillary nerve and its branches.

Fast and accurate distal locking of interlocked intramedullary nails using computer-vision and a 3D printed device.

INTRODUCTION: Distal locking is a challenging and time-consuming step in interlocked intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures. Current methods have limitations in terms of simplicity, universality, accuracy, speed, and safety. We propose a novel device and software for distal locking using computer vision. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The device consists of an universal ancillary clamp, a telescopic arm, a viewfinder clamp, and a radio-opaque cross. The software uses a camera photo from the C-arm intensifier and adjusts for geometric projection deformities. The software employs edge detection, Hough transform, perspective interpolation, and vector calculation algorithms to locate the distal hole center. The device and software were designed, manufactured, and tested using 3D CAD, FEM, DRR, and performance testing on phantom bones. RESULTS: The device and software showed high accuracy and precision of 98.7% and 99.2% respectively in locating the distal hole center and calculating the correctional vector. The device and software also showed high success ratio in drilling the hole and inserting the screw. The device and software reduced the radiation exposure for the surgeon and the patient. The success ratio of the device and software was validated by the physical testing, which simulated the real clinical scenario of distal locking. The radiation exposure was as low as 5 s with a radiation dose of 0.2mSv, drastically reducing radiation exposure during distal locking. DISCUSSION: Our device and software have several advantages over other distal locking methods, such as simplicity, universality, accuracy, speed, and safety. Our device and software also have some disadvantages, such as reliability and legislation. Our device and software can be compared with other distal locking methods based on these criteria. Our device and software have some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed in the future, such as clinical validation, and regulatory approval. CONCLUSION: The device showed promising results in terms of low-cost, reusability, low radiation exposure, high accuracy, fast distal locking, high stiffness, and adaptability. The device has several advantages over other distal locking techniques, such as free-hand technique, mechanical aiming devices, electromagnetic navigation systems, and computer-assisted systems. We believe that our device and software have the potential to revolutionize the distal locking technique and to improve the outcomes and quality of life of the patients with long bone fractures.

Intramedullary nailing of proximal humerus fractures does not achieve superior functional results to non-operative treatment in the long term.

INTRODUCTION: Non-operative treatment (NOT) of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) has regained significance due to recent evidence. Additionally, positive outcomes of plate osteosynthesis and fracture arthroplasty prompt a reassessment of the role of intramedullary nailing (IMN). While favorable short and medium-term results have been documented following IMN, little is known regarding functional outcomes and quality of life in the long-term. METHODS: Data from 180 patients with dislocated PHF of Neer types III, IV and V, treated at our level-I trauma center between 2004 and 2014 using IMN or NOT therapy, were scanned. Patients were re-evaluated after a minimum of 5 years to assess functional outcomes (age- and sex-adapted Constant Score, QuickDASH), quality of life (SF12), and complications or reoperations. RESULTS: Out of the initially identified 180 patients, 51 were unavailable for follow-up (FU) and 71 had deceased during the FU period. Functional outcomes and quality of life was, therefore, assessed in 58 patients (30 IMN, 28 NOT) with an average age at injury of 68 years after a mean FU time of 10.3 ± 3.4 years. Epidemiological patient characteristics did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups (p > .05). The functional outcome assessed by age- and sex-adapted Constant Score (NOT: 74 ± 28; IMN: 68 ± 24; p = .438), QuickDASH (NOT: 25 ± 27; IMN: 31 ± 23; p = .374) or quality of life using the SF12 (p > .05) revealed no significant disparities in long-term outcomes between the treatment groups. 10 of 30 patients in the IMN group underwent surgical revision to address complications, exceeding mere implant removal. Conversely, no patient in the NOT group underwent a revision surgery during the FU period. CONCLUSIONS: In the long-term, functional and quality of life-related outcomes of IMN did not diverge significantly from those of NOT, while causing a higher incidence of follow-up interventions.

A novel assisted reduction method in extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nail.

Background: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Kirschner wires (KWs) as a blocking screw technique for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nails (IMNs). Methods: Fifty-three patients were treated with KW-assisted IMN for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia via the blocking screw technique or Poller screw (PS) technique. The operation time, number of fluoroscopies, number of blocking screws used, blood loss and time to union were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the functional outcomes of the two groups were compared using range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Lysholm scores. Results: Compared with those in the PS group, the operation time in the KW group was significantly shorter, and the number of fluoroscopy procedures and amount of blood loss during KW surgery were also significantly lower (p = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.036, respectively). Regarding the functional outcomes, there were no significant differences in the ROM, VAS score, AOFAS score or Lysholm score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia with nails, the use of KW as a blocking screw technique is safe and reliable.

Effect of bone grafting on bone union in exchange nailing for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of bone grafting on the bone union in exchange nailing (EN) for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions. METHODS: A total of 26 patients (16 male) were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 36.1±9.3. Bone grafts were used in 8 patients (bone graft group), and EN was performed without bone grafting (no bone graft group) in 18 patients. Etiology, fracture type, location, and classification of the fractures at the time of initial injury were evaluated. The reduction type (open or closed) and locking status of the nails were also noted. Nonunion types were recorded. In the bone grafting group, iliac bone autografts were used in seven patients and a synthetic bone graft was used in one patient. Following EN, the presence and duration of bone union, and the increase in the nails' diameter were analyzed for each group and compared. RESULTS: Union rates were 100% and 94.4% in bone grafting and no bone grafting groups, respectively. The mean union period was not significant between the groups (22.5 and 16.5 months, respectively). The mean increase in the nail diameter was 1.88 mm in the bone graft group and 2.00 mm in the no bone graft group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that high union rates can be achieved with EN by means of using larger diameter nails with or without bone grafting in the management of femoral shaft nonunions, and bone grafting had no significant effect on union rates and periods.

Intramedullary Nail Fixation for Metacarpal Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Clinical and Biomechanical Evidence.

We present two cases of complex metacarpal fractures treated with an intramedullary locking nail. This is an emerging fixation method that minimizes tissue insult, provides sufficient stability, and allows early mobilization. Locking nails accommodate the capture of fractured fragments in complex unstable patterns and provide longitudinal and rotational stability. The described intrafocal technique is intended to improve coaxial placement of the wire into the medullary canal.

[Stereotactic high-dose irradiation for intramedullary metastases]. / Stereotaksicheskoe vysokodoznoe obluchenie v lechenii intramedullyarnykh metastazov.

Intramedullary metastases (IMM) lead to severe neurological symptoms. They are extremely rare in clinical practice. Optimal management of such patients is not clearly defined. Surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy are the main options. OBJECTIVE: To study the results of stereotactic high-dose irradiation for IMM considering local control of metastases, neurological status and life expectancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with 29 IMMs underwent high-dose irradiation (Cyber Knife G4 and TrueBeam STx devices) between 2016 and 2022. There were 1-10 fractions, radiation dose 14.0-35.0 Gy with isodose 70-100%. Local control and new spinal cord metastases were assessed using contrast-enhanced MRI. Clinical status and neurological functions were assessed using the Karnofsky and McCormick scales. RESULTS: Local control rates were 91% and 78% after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Overall survival after treatment was 7.3 months, 6- and 12-month overall survival - 58% and 37%, respectively. In addition, 8 patients were available for follow-up. Of these, 6 ones demonstrated improvement or stabilization of neurological function after treatment. The main cause of death was progression of the underlying disease. No significant treatment-related toxic effects were observed. CONCLUSION: High-dose irradiation is a safe, effective and time-saving treatment for IMM. Considering unadvisable surgical methods and chemotherapy for this pathology, we can recommend high-dose irradiation for patients with spinal cord metastases.

Intramedullary versus locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures: indications and technical considerations.

Background: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) continues to increase with an aging population, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) and locking plate fixation are two commonly employed techniques for the surgical management of PHF. However, the optimal fixation method can be a source of ongoing controversy. Some influencing factors include the extent of humeral head involvement, fracture complexity, patient age, and surgeon preference. There are many studies that provide a mix of data either when comparing the two techniques or analyzing them in isolation. The aim of this review is to further elucidate the indications and technical considerations involved specifically in IMN vs. locking plate fixation for PHF to further aid orthopedic surgeons when choosing surgical management. Methods: A narrative approach was chosen for this review allowing for a comprehensive review of literature, including recent findings pertaining to the comparison of management options for PHF. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria involved studies that discussed "proximal humerus fracture" and either "intramedullary nail" or "locking plate fixation." Results: Complications such as avascular necrosis, hardware failure, additional surgical interventions, infection, fracture redisplacement, rotator cuff rupture, and nonunion did not show significant differences between the two groups. Newer generation humeral nails have minimized early complications. As both techniques undergo further refinement and utilization when specifically indicated, functional outcomes, potential complications, and postoperative pain continue to be improved. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that both intramedullary nails and locking plates can effectively restore shoulder function in the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures, with unclear superiority of either method. The choice of technique should be tailored to patient factors such as fracture type, age, bone quality, and functional expectations. Surgeon experience also plays a role. While certain presentations may exhibit trends that favor one fixation, no specific technique can be universally recommended. Both IMN and LP have shown comparable and satisfactory outcomes, and the final fixation method chosen should take into account the unique characteristics of each patient.

Challenges of perioperative pain control in opioid use disorder patients following intramedullary nail fixation.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of patients with opioid use disorder undergoing elective procedures have been well studied, but research is lacking in the orthopaedic trauma population. AIM: The aim was to compare perioperative pain and morphine equivalents required by patients with versus without opioid use disorder following intramedullary nail fixation of femoral or tibial fractures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with isolated femoral or tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation. Outcomes were compared between patients with diagnosed opioid use disorder and controls without, including daily morphine equivalents and patient-reported pain scores. RESULTS: Patients with opioid use disorder (n = 42) required greater morphine equivalents and reported higher pain than controls (n = 42) at all time points but did not differ in change of morphine equivalents over the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: This highlights the challenge of perioperative pain control in this population and need for improved specific pain management protocols.

Long-term patient reported outcome measures and kneeling function in patients with tibial intramedullary nails.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common complaint following intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion for tibial shaft fractures. There is a lack of long-term patient reported outcome data following tibial IMN, with conflicting evidence of the role of nail protrusion on AKP. In this study, we assess the long-term patient reported outcome measures and kneeling function in patients with tibial IMNs and compare the results with IMN protrusion, measured radiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 128 patients, from a single UK centre, were invited to participate in the study, to complete a Kujala score, KOOS, EQ-5D-5L and a four-posture kneeling assessment. We report the outcomes of 45 patients at an average follow-up of 6.9 years. RESULTS: The mean Kujala score was 80.7. The mean KOOS score was 83.2, 83.9, 85.8, 70.7 and 72.8 for symptoms, pain, daily living, sport and quality of life, respectively. We found 20.5% of patients experienced daily AKP. Pain and fear of pain were the most common limiting factors in the kneeling assessment. No significant correlation was found between the KOOS or Kujala score and nail-plateau distance, nail-anterior cortex distance, or the overall nail prominence. CONCLUSION: AKP affects a subset of patients more than five years post-tibial IMN, limiting their ability to kneel and other functions of daily living. Tibial IMN prominence does not seem to be associated with AKP.

Assessment of MDM2 Gene Locus Amplification by Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization in Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is an uncommon benign fibro-osseous lesion (BFOL) of the maxillofacial bones with a locally aggressive nature and a high recurrence rate. Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) is an oncogene located at chromosome 12 (12q13-15) that inhibits the tumor suppressor gene TP53. The presence of MDM2 gene locus amplification is a useful molecular adjunct in the evaluation of some sarcomas, including low-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma (LGIOS). JOF and LGIOS have some overlapping clinical and histopathological features. The aim of this study is to evaluate a series of JOF for the presence of MDM2 gene locus amplification using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: With IRB approval, a search of the institutional files of the archives of the Oral Pathology and Surgical Pathology biopsy services at the University of Florida Health was performed. The cases were re-evaluated by an oral pathology resident, an oral and maxillofacial pathologist, and a bone and soft tissue pathologist. Cases with consensus in diagnosis were selected (n = 9) for MDM2 testing. Testing by FISH for MDM2 gene locus amplification was applied to all retrieved cases. RESULTS: The examined cases were all negative for MDM2 gene locus amplification via FISH testing. CONCLUSION: In our small series, JOF did not demonstrate MDM2 gene locus abnormality, a characteristic of LGIOS. This finding suggests that JOF has a distinct underlying pathogenesis. If confirmed in a larger series, these findings may be useful in distinguishing these two entities in cases with overlapping features or when minimal biopsy material is available.

Retrograde tibial intramedullary nail versus minimally invasive locking plate for extra-articular distal tibial fractures: a comparative and retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Distal tibial fractures represent common lower limb injuries, frequently accompanied by significant soft tissue damage. The optimal surgical approach for managing these fractures remains a topic of considerable debate. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the outcomes associated with retrograde intramedullary tibial nails (RTN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in the context of treating extra-articular distal tibial fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on a cohort of 48 patients who sustained extra-articular distal tibial fractures between December 2019 and December 2021. Patients underwent either RTN or MIPO procedures. Various parameters, including operative duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure, time to union, duration until full weight-bearing, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications, were recorded and compared between the two treatment groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in operative duration, time to union, angulation of the distal tibial coronal plane, or AOFAS scores between the RTN and MIPO groups. However, the RTN group had a higher average number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images (8.2 ± 2.3) compared to the MIPO group (4.1 ± 2.0). The RTN group demonstrated shorter average hospital stays (7.1 ± 1.4 days) and a quicker return to full weight-bearing (9.9 ± 1.3 weeks), which were significantly superior to the MIPO group (9.0 ± 2.0 days and 11.5 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively). In terms of complications, the RTN group had one case of superficial infection, whereas the MIPO group exhibited two cases of delayed union and nonunion, two occurrences of deep infection, and an additional three cases of superficial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Both RTN and MIPO are effective treatment options for extra-articular distal tibial fractures. However, RTN may offer superior outcomes in terms of decreased inpatient needs, faster return to full weight-bearing capacity, and a lower rate of complications.