Assessing functional and radiological outcomes: open reduction and internal fixation vs. minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus shaft fractures - a prospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: To analyse and compare the functional and radiological outcome of different methods of surgical management of humerus shaft fractures in 30 patients treated by conventional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). METHODS: This prospective interventional study was conducted among 30 patients by dividing into two equal groups over one year and six months. All patients were followed up for a minimum of at least six months. Radiological outcome was assessed using fracture union in serial radiographs and functional outcome was measured using DASH scoring. RESULTS: The majority of patients (26.7%) were between 18 to 30 years, overall mean age was 44.4 years, most of the patients (50%) had 12A3 AO type fractures, and 73.3% of patients had injuries following two-wheeler road traffic accidents. On comparing multiple factors, we found a statistically significant reduction of intra-operative blood loss in MIPO compared to ORIF. Though time taken for fracture union, functional outcome and complication rate were better in MIPO when compared to ORIF, these differences were not statistically significant. two patients in the MIPO group and one patient in the ORIF group had a peri-implant fracture following slip and fall again within the study period and underwent Revision plating. Excluding cases of peri-implant fractures, out of 13 patients in the MIPO group, only one patient developed fracture non-union. Of 14 patients in the ORIF group, three developed fracture non-union. CONCLUSION: MIPO is a safe, reproducible, efficient and good if not a better alternative to ORIF as it offers good radiological and functional outcomes with advantages of minimal soft tissue damage, minimal blood loss, better cosmesis, no incidence of radial nerve palsy and with few concerns such as the need for fluoroscopy, and a learning curve.

The application of inverted lateral clavicle locking compression plate for medial clavicle fractures: biomechanical study and clinical implementation.

BACKGROUND: There has been no absolute consensus on the optimal implant for fixation of medial clavicle fracture. The purpose of the present study was to test the biomechanical efficacy of inverted lateral clavicle locking compression plate (LCP-LC) in fixation of this specific fracture location by finite element analysis. METHODS: Transverse and comminuted medial clavicle fracture simulated models stabilized by three different devices including inverted LCP-LC, superior clavicle LCP (LCP-SC), and dual reconstruction (LCP-RP) with LCP-SC were investigated biomechanical performance under three loading conditions, i.e., axial compression, inferior bending, and axial torsion. RESULTS: EQV stress exhibited on implant and elastic strain at fracture site under inferior bending was greater than other loading cases. LCP-SC construct represented the greatest EQV stress and elastic strain. The inverted LCP-LC construct demonstrated lower EQV stress than the LCP-SC construct and was comparable to dual plating. Under axial compression and axial torsion, elastic strain produced from the inverted LCP-LC construct was comparable to dual plating, but greater than dual plating when subjected to inferior bending. CONCLUSION: By the results of FE analysis, inverted LCP-LC could be a potential application for fixation of clavicle fracture with short medial fragment.

Usefulness of double plate fixation after failed ORIF for clavicle shaft fracture.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of double plate fixation for failed clavicle shaft fracture surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 14 patients who underwent double plate fixation due to plate failure after clavicle shaft fracture surgery from March 2016 to March 2021. The study used 3.5 mm locking compression plates for superior clavicle and anterior reconstruction in all patients. In addition, moldable allograft bone was used to fill the bone defect. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed immediately, at 2 and 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and range of motion of the shoulder were evaluated as clinical results. For radiological evaluation, anteroposterior, caudal, and cephalad views of both clavicles were used. Successful bone union was defined as complete adjoining of the fracture site through callus formation. RESULTS: Successful bone union was achieved in all patients, and the mean time to bone union was 16.7 ± 1.2 weeks (range, 12-24 weeks). Statistically significant improvement in forward flexion and external and internal rotation was observed from 135.5° ± 6.3, 45.2° ± 5.3, and 13° ± 2.3 preoperatively to 157.0° ± 9.3, 68.7° ± 6.3, and 9.8° ± 3.1 at the final follow-up, respectively. The VAS score improved from an average of 6.2 ± 2.8 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.7 at the final follow-up, which was statistically significant (P = 0.018). In addition, the ASES score significantly increased from a mean of 52.1 ± 6.3 points preoperatively to 83.6 ± 7.8 points at the final follow-up (P = 0.001). The average UCLA shoulder score was 16.7 ± 1.4 and 31.4 ± 2.2 points preoperatively and at the final follow-up, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Double plate fixation has shown good results after failed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle shaft fractures. Therefore, in complicated situations after ORIF, double plate fixation is considered a surgical treatment option.

Comparative analysis of external locking plate and combined frame external fixator for open distal tibial fractures: a comprehensive assessment of clinical outcomes and financial implications.

BACKGROUND: Open distal tibial fractures pose significant challenges regarding treatment options and patient outcomes. This retrospective single-centre study aimed to compare the stability, clinical outcomes, complications, and financial implications of two surgical interventions, namely the external locking plate and the combined frame external fixator, to manage open distal tibial fractures. METHODS: Forty-four patients with distal open tibial (metaphyseal extraarticular) fractures treated between 2020 and 2022 were selected and formed into two main groups, Group A and Group B. Group A (19 patients) are patients that underwent treatment using the external locking plate technique, while Group B (25 patients) received the combined frame external fixator approach. Age, gender, inpatient stay, re-operation rates, complications, functional recovery (measured by the Johner-Wrush score), pain ratings (measured by the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and cost analyses were evaluated for each group. Statistical analyses using SPSS were conducted to compare the outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The research found significant variations in clinical outcomes, complications, and cost consequences between Group A and Group B. Group A had fewer hospitalisation periods (23.687.74) than Group B (33.5619.47). Re-operation rates were also considerably lower in Group A (26.3%) than in Group B (48%), owing to a greater prevalence of pin-tract infections and subsequent pin loosening in the combination frame external fixator group. The estimated cost of both techniques was recorded and analysed with the locking average of 26,619.69 ± 9,602.352 and the combined frame average of 39,095.64 ± 20,070.077. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that although the two approaches effectively manage open distal tibia fractures, the locking compression plate approach (Group A) has an advantage in treating open distal tibia fractures. Shorter hospitalisation times, reduced re-operation rates, and fewer complications will benefit patients, healthcare systems, and budget allocation. Group A's functional recovery results demonstrate the locking plate technique's ability to improve recovery and patient quality of life. According to the cost analysis, the locking plate technique's economic viability and cost-effectiveness may optimise healthcare resources for open distal tibia fractures. These findings might improve patient outcomes and inform evidence-based orthopaedic surgery.

Biomechanical study of the stiffness of the femoral locking compression plate of an external fixator for lower tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND: A locking compression plate (LCP) of the distal femur is used as an external fixator for lower tibial fractures. However, in clinical practice, the technique lacks a standardized approach and a strong biomechanical basis for its stability. METHODS: In this paper, internal tibial LCP fixator (Group IT-44), external tibial LCP fixator (Group ET-44), external distal femoral LCP fixator (Group EF-44, group EF-33, group EF-22), and conventional external fixator (Group CEF-22) frames were used to fix unstable fracture models of the lower tibial segment, and anatomical studies were performed to standardize the operation as well as to assess the biomechanical stability and adjustability of the distal femoral LCP external fixator by biomechanical experiments. RESULTS: It was found that the torsional and flexural stiffnesses of group EF-44 and group EF-33 were higher than those of group IT-44 and group ET-44 (p < 0.05); the flexural stiffness of group EF-22 was similar to that of group IT-44 (p > 0.05); and the compressive stiffness of all three EF groups was higher than that of group ET-44 (p < 0.05). In addition, the flexural and compressive stiffnesses of the three EF groups decreased with the decrease in the number of screws (p < 0.05), while the torsional stiffness of the three groups did not differ significantly between the two adjacent groups (p > 0.05). Group CEF-22 showed the highest stiffnesses, while group ET-44 had the lowest stiffnesses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the distal femoral LCP has good biomechanical stability and adjustability and is superior to the tibial LCP as an external fixator for distal tibial fractures, as long as the technique is used in a standardized manner according to the anatomical studies in this article.

Effectiveness of locking compression plate for proximal humeral fracture in elderly patients without structural bone grafting: age group of 65-79 compared to 80 and above.

PURPOSE: This study shows the effectiveness of locking compression plate for proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients over 80 years old without structural bone grafting compared age group of 65-79 (Group 1) with 80 and above (Group 2). METHODS: This study included sixty-one patients who underwent using locking compression plate for proximal humeral fractures between April 2016 and November 2021. The patients were divided into two groups. The neck shaft angle (NSA) was checked at immediately after surgery, at 1 month and the final follow-up visit. The NSA changes in the two groups were compared using the independent t-test. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to find out which factors affect NSA changes. RESULTS: In group 1, the mean difference between NSA immediately after surgery and 1 month after surgery was 2.74°, and group 2 was 2.89°. In group 1, the mean difference in NSA for 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up was 1.43°, and group 2 was 1.75°. No significant difference was observed in the NSA changes between two groups (p = 0.59, 0.173). Bone marrow density and four-part fracture type were significant difference in NSA changes (p = 0.003, 0.035). The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH scale), age, medical support, diabetes and three-part fracture type were no significant in NSA changes. CONCLUSIONS: Using locking compression plate without structural bone grafting is a good option in elderly patients over 80 years old and can help achieve radiological results similar to patients which age group of 67-79.

Comparison of the midterm result between locking plate and elastic intramedullary nail treating oblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute Monteggia fracture (AMF) is defined as a fracture of the proximal ulna combined with a dislocation of the radial head, with less than 1 percent prevalence in pediatric patients with an elbow injury. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of two treatment methods for oblique ulnar fracture AMF Bado type I in children. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 28 children with oblique ulnar fracture acute Monteggia injury Bado I were included. Patients was divided into two groups: In the EIN group 16 patients were fixed with elastic intramedullary nail after reduction, and in the LCP group 12 patients were fixed with locking compression plate after reduction. Operation time and blood loss were recorded and the patients were assessed clinically by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of movement(ROM) and range of rotation(ROR). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were accessible for durable follow-up, with a mean age of 7.7 ± 1.3 years, follow up by 33.7 ± 5.1 months. The average operation time was 48.1 ± 9.2 min for the EIN group and 67.1 ± 7.2 min for the LCP group. The average blood loss was 8.2 ± 2.3 ml for the EIN group and 18.8 ± 3.8 ml for the LCP group. The average operation time and average blood loss in the EIN group are significant less than the LCP group. Mean MEPS, ROM, ROR in both group improved significantly before sugery to three months after surgery, and maintained very good results at last follow up. There is no significant difference between the EIN group and the LCP group in MEPS, ROM and ROR. CONCLUSIONS: Oblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients fixed by EIN and LCP can both get good mid-term results measured by MEPS, ROM and ROR, Fixed by EIN have shorter operation time and less blood loss than fixed by LCP.

A novel bone graft technique combined with plating for aseptic recalcitrant long bone nonunion.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of a new technique of autogenous iliac crest bone grafting combined with locking compression plate (LCP) vertical fixation for aseptic recalcitrant long bone nonunion. METHODS: From July 2010 to September 2020, 36 aseptic recalcitrant long bone nonunions were treated with a bone-forming channel technique and internal LCP fixation. All the patients had received one or more failed treatments. The injury mechanism, nonunion type and duration, and prior treatments were recorded pre-operation. The routine treatment process included nonunion area exposure, previous implant removal, sclerotic bone debridement, LCP fixation, bone-forming channel creation, and iliac bone grafting, and a second LCP fixation when required. At follow-up, X-ray images were obtained to assess bone healing and implant failure. Visual analog scale (VAS), fracture site stability, limb function, activity, muscle strength, limb length, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (24 males and 10 females) were finally enrolled, with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.3 years. At a mean follow-up of 35.6 ± 22.0 months, 32 patients displayed bone union, with a healing rate of 94.1% and mean union time of 6.8 ± 2.4 months. The VAS score was 0.7 ± 1 at the final follow-up. The functional results showed that 19 patients were excellent, 11 patients were good, 2 patients were poor, and 2 patients did not heal. CONCLUSION: Bone-forming channel technique combined with LCP vertical fixation is an excellent option to treat recalcitrant long bone nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

Open reduction and locked compression plate fixation, with or without allograft strut, for periprosthetic fractures in patients who had a well-fixed femoral stem: a retrospective study with an average 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The use of cortical strut allograft has not been determined for Vancouver type B1 or C fracture. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of locking compression plating with or without cortical strut allograft in managing these types of fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 32 patients (17 males, 15 females; 23-88 years, mean: 67.2 years) with Vancouver type B1 or C fractures. Seventeen patients (Group A; B1 fractures in 15 hips, C fractures in 2 hips) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plates (group A). The other 15 patients (Group B; B1 in 14 hips, C in 1 hip) were fixed by locking compression plating combined with cortical strut allografting (group B). The fracture healing rate, healing time, complications and function were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 32.4 months (12 to 66), and the overall fracture union rate of the 32 patients was 96.9%. Group B had a higher fracture union rate than Group A, but the difference was not statistically significant. Group A had one case of nonunion of type B1 fracture and one case of malunion; the mean time to fracture healing was 5.3 months (3 to 9). In group B, all patients reached bony union without malunion, with a mean time of fracture healing of 5.1 months (3 to 8). CONCLUSION: Treatment of Vancouver type B1 or C fractures by locking compression plating, with or without cortical strut allografting, resulted in similar union rates in these patients. This suggest that, the use of cortical strut allografting should be decided cautiously.

Improved outcomes for proximal humerus fracture open reduction internal fixation augmented with a fibular allograft in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To date, no meta-analysis has been performed on the efficacy of fibular allograft augmentation for the management of proximal humerus fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of proximal humerus fractures treated with a locking compression plate (LCP) with or without fibular allograft augmentation. METHODS: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were queried in June of 2021 for literature comparing the radiographic and clinical outcomes for patients with proximal humerus fractures that were treated with an LCP only or an LCP augmented with a fibular allograft. Data describing study design, level of evidence, demographic information, final follow-up, radiographic changes in humeral head height (HHH), radiographic changes in neck shaft angle (NSA), final American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, final Constant-Murley scores, and major complications were collected. Risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A meta-analysis was performed using pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) to compare changes in HHH, NSA, final ASES and final Constant-Murley scores between the 2 groups; a pooled odds ratio (OR) was used to compare complications between the groups. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 802 patients were identified. There was a significant difference that favored patients augmented with a fibular allograft for change in HHH (WMD = -2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.49 to -2.31; P < .00001), change in NSA (WMD = -5.71; 95% CI, -6.69 to -4.72; P < .00001), final ASES scores (WMD = 5.08; 95% CI, 3.69-6.48; P < .00001), and OR for developing a major complication (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23-0.59; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in final Constant-Murley scores (WMD = 3.36; 95% CI, -0.21 to 6.93; P = .06) or revision surgery rate (P = .182) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The pooled WMD and prediction interval suggest that 95% of patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with an LCP augmented with a fibular allograft will have improved radiographic outcomes, improved ASES clinical outcome scores, and decreased odds of a major complication when compared with patients treated with an LCP alone. Limitations of this study include a relatively short average final follow-up time (<2 years) and a potential lack of standardization for radiographic outcomes among included studies.

Functional Outcomes and Complication Analysis of Plate Osteosynthesis versus Hemiarthroplasty in Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results and complications of open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty performed in Neer three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, and comprised data of patients who were diagnosed with three-part or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus and underwent surgical procedure between January 2008 and April 2013. Those who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation using anatomical locking plates were placed in group A, and those who had undergone hemiarthroplasty were in group B. Constant-Murley shoulder outcome, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder and visual analogue scale scores were compared between the two groups. The degrees of forward flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint were recorded. Complications in both the groups were recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.\. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 30(62.5%) were in group A; 16(53.3%) males and 14(46.7%) females, with an overall mean age of 60.0±9.4 years. The remaining 18(37.5%) were in group B; 7(39%) males and 11(61%) females, with an overall mean age of 67.3±10.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±16.4 months. The mean Constant-Murley and University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p=0.021). In group A, heterotropic ossification was observed in 1(3.4%) patient, avascular necrosis in 3(10%), screw penetration without avascular necrosis in 4(13.2%), and non-union in 1(3.4%), while in group B, shoulder subluxation was noted in 2(11.1%) patients and malunion of the greater tubercle in 6(33.3%). CONCLUSION: Although statistically non-significant, higher functional scores, forward flexion and abduction degrees were observed in patients who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation, while significantly lower visual analogue scale scores were recorded in the hemiarthroplasty group.

Stable osteosynthesis of cage in cage technique for surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of a displaced proximal humeral fracture is still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes at a long-term follow-up after fixation augmentation using peek (polyether-ether-ketone) cage and locking compression plate (LCP). METHODS: A total of 27 patients (average age 53.8 years, range 19-86 years) were treated with peek cage and LCP. All of them had a minimum radiographic and clinical follow-up of 1 years. Outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score (CMS), disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Complications were also recorded during follow-up. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 28 months (range 12-48 months). The mean functional outcomes were as follows: CMS, 73.3 (range 61-86); DASH, 45.9 (range 27-68). A total of 4 patients had complications: osteonecrosis developed in one patient, loss of reduction was observed in 1 patient and stiffness was occurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: The use of peek cage and LCP has been a valuable option in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The complication rate was acceptable. Suitable void filler in the proximal humerus for reconstructing the medial column integrity attains mechanical stability in reducing the incidence of the complications.

Incidence of nonunion after surgery of distal femoral fractures using contemporary fixation device: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Nonunion is the most frequent cause of reoperation and is associated with high morbidity after distal femur fracture (DFF). We examined the rates of nonunion requiring reoperation after fixation for DFF using a locking compression plate (LCP) or retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN). METHODS: We included four studies comparing LCP and RIMN and 38 single-cohort studies reporting LCP or RIMN. In total, 2156 femurs were included and 166 non-unions were detected. We conducted a pair-wise meta-analysis (with a fixed-effects model) on the four comparative studies and a proportional meta-analysis on the 38 articles to estimate the nonunion rate. We performed sensitivity analysis by comparing studies using LCP with less invasive surgical systems (LISS) with those that used RIMN. RESULTS: The pairwise meta-analysis showed a similar nonunion rate between the groups [odds ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.11, p = 0.633]. According to proportional meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of nonunion was 5% (95% CI 4-7) totally, 6% (95% CI 4-8) in the LCP group, and 4% (95% CI 2-6) in the RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.105). According to the sensitivity analysis, there was no difference in the union rate. The pooled prevalence of nonunion from sensitivity analysis was 4 % (95% CI, 3-5); it was 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in LCP with LISS and was 4% (95% CI, 2-6) in RIMN group (heterogeneity: p = 0.941). CONCLUSION: Approximately 5% of patients who underwent LCP or RIMN fixation developed nonunion. Therefore, LCP and RIMN are effective DFF techniques and mastering one of them is essential.

Outcome of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using locking compression plate in long bone fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiological and clinical outcome of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using locking compression plate in long bone fractures. METHODS: This was a prospective study for the long bones fracture managed by MIPO using locking compression plate in thirty patients from January to December 2017. All the skeletally mature patients and the patients with osteoporotic bones were included. Patients with open injuries, paediatric patients and plating done in non-traumatic conditions were excluded. Patients were followed as outpatient after one week, six weeks, after three months and then after 6 months. RESULTS: Among 30 patients, 12(40%) were males and 18 (60%) females with male to female ratio 1:1.5. Average age of 30 patients was 59.5 ± 16.72 years (Range =21 to 91 years). Mean duration of surgery was 98.0±27.1 (Range=50 to 150) minutes. Majority 14(46.7%) had operative time 90-110 minutes. There were two complications, one (3.3%) had screw pull out and other had deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: LCP system is a reliable and safe tool that extends the options for fixation by plating and has advantages over the other systems in term of stability that can be achieved with it especially in osteopenic bones.

Outcome of proximal femur shaft fractures in school going children treated with locking compression plates.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and radiological outcome of proximal femur shaft fractures in school going children treated with locking compression plates (LCP). METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in Orthopaedic Division Lady Ready Reading Hospital Peshawar from 25th June 2018 to 25th September 2020. Children of either gender and age 6 to 12 years old with subtrochanteric and proximal one third femur factures fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Open reduction and internal fixation with 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plates (LCP) were done in all. Post operative clinical outcome was evaluated by using Flynn scoring system and graded as excellent, satisfactory and poo results. Radiological assessment of fracture union was done through anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-ray radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 60 children with mean age 9.01±1.61 SD (range 6 to 12 years) were included in our study. Oblique fractures were present in 23(38.3%) children, spiral in 20(33.3%), transverse in 11(18.3%) and comminuted in 6 (10%) children. The radiological union time was 13.3±1.2 weeks (range 9.4 to 18 weeks). Majority (88.3%, n=53) of children had excellent clinical outcome according to Flynn's scoring system while satisfactory outcome was noted in 7(11.6%) children. No cases of delayed union, mal union, nonunion and implant failure was reported. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicated that proximal femoral shaft fractures in school going children treated with locking compression plates had excellent clinical and radiological outcome. We therefore recommend locking compression plate as the implant of choice to fix proximal femoral shaft fractures in school going children.

Locking compression plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures: which one is better? A single-centre prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of interlocking nail (ILN) and locking plate fixation (LCP) for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: A total of 63 patients with displaced humeral shaft fractures between October 2014 and January 2017 were evaluated prospectively. They were divided randomly into two as LCP fixation (group 1) and interlocking nail (ILN) (group 2). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, and pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: After fracture callus was radiologically observed, DASH, ASES, and UCLA scores as well as SF-36 questionnaires and VAS results were noted to have no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.109, p = 0.082, p = 0.146, p = 0.322, and p = 0.175, respectively). At the last follow-up (post-operative 24 months), the UCLA score was significantly better in group 1 (p = 0.034), whereas VAS result was significantly worse in group 2 (p = 0.017). DASH, ASES scores, and SF-36 questionnaires had no difference (p = 0.193, p = 0.088, p = 0.289). Other parameters revealed no significant differences. Fracture consolidation was observed at a mean of four months in both groups (3 to 7 months in group 1 and 3 to 8 months in group 2) (p = 0.189). Four patients in group 1 and five patients in group 2 underwent surgery for nonunion (p = 0.725). Post-operative radial nerve palsy was seen in one patient in group 2. Two patients in group 1 with superficial infection were treated with antibiotics, and they recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding our results, the LCP group had significantly better shoulder function than the ILN group, whereas the ILN group had significantly less pain, with similar complication rates. Therefore, both procedures are favourable surgical options for patients with humeral shaft fractures.

Clinical outcomes of revision with retrograde intermedullary nailing for failed plating of distal femoral fractures: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of retrograde intramedullary nail (RIN) revision surgeries for locking compression plate (LCP) failure in distal femoral fractures. METHODS: This retrospective study included 13 patients who suffered from metalwork failures after they initially underwent open reduction and LCP fixation. In patients who eventually underwent RIN revision from January 2014 to December 2016, range of motion (ROM) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores obtained before surgery and at the final follow-up time were analysed. RESULTS: The average operative time was 155 minutes (range, 120-210 minutes), and the average blood loss volume was 650 ml (range, 200-1350 ml). There were two cases of complications (15.38%): one was calf muscle vein thrombosis, and the other was a superficial infection. No deep tissue infection or deep vein thrombosis was observed post-operatively. The average follow-up time was 16 months (range, 12-24 months). All fractures healed in a mean of 6.5 months (range, 4-12 months), and one patient underwent an additional bone graft surgery that did not involve a bone graft during the RIN revision operation (this eventually healed at 12 months post-operatively). The mean ROM before the operation was 86.92 ± 12.34°. At the final follow-up, the mean ROM was 112.69 ± 9.27°. There was a significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative ROM (P < 0.01). The mean HSS score improved significantly from 38.85 ± 9.62 points pre-operatively to 79.62 ± 5.42 points post-operatively. There was a significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative HSS scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RIN revision surgery achieved excellent clinical results in patients with LCP failure.

Narrow locking compression plate vs long philos plate for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of spiral humerus shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Our hypothesis was that minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using long philos plate (LPP) would show better clinical and radiological outcomes and less complications than narrow locking compression plate (NLCP) for spiral humerus shaft fractures with or without metaphyseal fracture extension. METHODS: From January 2009 to May 2016, we retrospectively studied 35 patients who underwent MIPO for spiral humerus shaft fractures with or without metaphyseal fracture extension (AO classification 12 A, B, C except A3). Eighteen patients underwent MIPO with a 4.5 mm NLCP (group I) in the early period of this study, while 17 patients underwent MIPO with LPP (group II) in the later period. Range of motion (ROM), pre- and post-operative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral angulation of the fracture, operation time, amount of bleeding, and functional outcomes including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California at Los Angeles score, and Simple Shoulder Test score were analyzed at the final follow up. RESULTS: All patients had complete bony union and achieved satisfactory functional outcomes except 2 patients. In LPP group, better outcomes in postoperative fracture angulation on X-ray and operation time (p < 0.05) were shown. But, two revision surgery with NLCP and bone graft was performed owing to 2 metal failures. CONCLUSIONS: In spiral humeral shaft fractures, LPP group showed better fracture reduction on X-ray and shorter operation time except metal failure owing to weak fixation. Even though MIPO technique using LPP is easier and more accurate reduction method, rigid fixation should be considered.

Biomechanical Comparison of Locking Plate and Cancellous Screw Techniques in Medial Malleolar Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis.

As the commonly used fixation strategy of medial malleolar fractures, cancellous screws (CS) have been challenged for instability, bone destruction, and metal prominence. It is still unclear whether a locking compression plate (LCP) is a better choice in such fractures. Our purpose is to compare the mechanical efficacy of LCP with traditional 4.0-mm CS for transverse, oblique, and vertical medial malleolar fractures by using finite element analysis. In this study, 3-dimensional models of the distal tibia were reconstructed from a computed tomography scan of a young healthy male adult. Conditions included 3 fracture lines at 30°, 60°, and 90°; 2 groups of fixation (LCP and CS); and 3 adduction loads of 300, 500, and 700 N applied to the medial malleolar joint surface. The proximal part of the tibia was fixed for all degrees of freedom. The fracture displacements of the LCP were smaller than those of CS (p < .05). The stiffness of the LCP constructs was much higher than that of the CS constructs, especially in the 90° fractures (490.3 versus 163.6 N/mm). The mean stress around the CS was higher than that in LCP for 60° and 90° fractures, but there was no difference for 30°. Maximal bone stress increased (19.84 to 50.86 MPa) and concentrated on cortical bone in LCP, whereas it concentrated on cancellous bone in CS. The results showed that LCP could improve stability, preventing bone destruction in oblique and vertical medial malleolar fractures. However, in transverse fractures, CS provides sufficient stability, with no need to use LCP.

Excellent results and low complication rate for anatomic polyaxial locking plates in comminuted proximal ulna fractures.

BACKGROUND: Comminuted fractures of the proximal ulna remain a great challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of comminuted proximal ulna fractures treated with a new construct type-anatomically preformed polyaxial locking compression plates. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2016, 46 patients with isolated comminuted fractures were treated with a 2.7-/3.5-mm VA-LCP Olecranon Plate (Synthes, Umkirch, Germany). Of these, 44 were available for an assessment after a mean follow-up period of 2.5 years (range, 12-50 months). We evaluated range of motion, time to recovery, revision rate, and indications, as well as functional scores. Radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 8 Mayo IB, 29 Mayo IIB, and 7 Mayo IIIB fractures. All fractures showed bony union, and only 2 revision surgical procedures were performed because of a new trauma. No other complications occurred. Mean range of motion was 139° (range, 105°-150°), and the mean pain level was less than 1 on a visual analog scale. Regarding elbow function, we found a mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score of 98; a mean Oxford Elbow Score of 44; and a mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 6. Of the plates, 41% were removed after an average time of 16 months, whereby a significant improvement in extension deficit was detected (P < .01). Ninety-five percent of all patients returned to their pretrauma sports level. CONCLUSION: The 2.7-/3.5-mm VA-LCP Olecranon Plate represents an effective option with excellent fracture reduction, sufficient stability for early postoperative functional rehabilitation, and a minimum of complications.