Injury to the posterior malleolus in Maisonneuve fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and a complex pathoanatomy of posterior malleolus fractures in a Maisonneuve fracture. METHODS: The study included 100 prospectively collected patients with a complete clinical and radiological documentation of an ankle fracture or fracture-dislocation including a fracture of the proximal quarter of the fibula. RESULTS: A posterior malleolus fracture was identified in 74 patients, and in 27% of these cases it carried more than one quarter of the fibular notch. Displacement of the posterior fragment by more than 2 mm was shown by scans in 72% of cases. Small intercalary fragments were identified in 43% of cases. Fractures of the Tillaux-Chaput tubercle were identified in 20 patients. CONCLUSION: Our study has proved a high rate of posterior malleolus fractures associated with a Maisonneuve fracture, and documented their considerable variability in terms of involvement of the fibular notch, tibiotalar contact area, direction of displacement and frequency of intercalary fragments. Of no less importance is a combination of Tillaux-Chaput fractures with a Maisonneuve fracture.

Intercalary fragments in posterior malleolar fractures: incidence, treatment implications, and distribution within CT-based classification systems.

INTRODUCTION: Complex ankle fractures frequently include the posterior malleolus (PM). Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies, PM fracture involvement still predisposes to worse outcomes. While not incorporated into the most common PM fracture classifications, the presence of an intercalary fragment (ICF) complicates treatment. This study aims to describe the incidence, morphology, and location of ICFs in PM fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 135 patients with a mean age of 54.4 (SD ± 18.9) years and PM fractures were analyzed for the presence of an ICF. Patients with an ICF were compared to those without in terms of age, gender, and treatment received. Characteristics of the ICFs in terms of location and size were assessed. Furthermore, the presence of an ICF in relation to the PM fracture classification according to Haraguchi et al., Bartonícek/Rammelt et al., and Mason et al. was investigated. RESULTS: ICFs presented in 55 (41%) of the 135 patients. Patients with an ICF were younger, and the PM was more often operatively treated when compared to patients without an ICF. A posterolateral approach was used significantly more often in patients with an ICF. Almost all ICFs were found in the posterolateral (58%) and posterocentral (35%) regions. The majority of fragments were found in Bartonícek/Rammelt type 2 fractures, the most common fracture type. Bartonícek/Rammelt type 3 fractures had the highest relative frequency of ICFs. CONCLUSION: ICFs are frequently found in PM fractures; however, they are not incorporated into any of the common classifications. They are generally found in younger patients and associated with more complex PM fractures. As they can complicate reduction of the main fragment and may require direct exposure to restore joint congruency, ICFs should be considered in PM fracture classifications. Due to their location, the majority of ICFs are able to be accessed using a posterolateral approach.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Scapular Fractures in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Analysis Review.

¼: Fractures of the growing scapula account for about 0.1% of all pediatric fractures, with the majority occurring at an age of ≥10 years. ¼: Radiographic diagnosis requires a detailed knowledge of the ossification sequence of the growing scapula. Computed tomography examination is indicated for displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa, the scapular neck, and complex fractures; magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in cases of suspected injury to the physis and with stress fractures, depending on patient age and the potential need for general anesthesia during the scanning process. ¼: Separation of the base of the coracoid process is often associated with acromioclavicular dislocation. Clavicular fractures rarely occur in combination with injuries to the growing scapula. ¼: The majority of scapular fractures can be treated nonoperatively. Indications for surgery are displaced intra-articular fractures, scapular neck fractures with a displacement of >2 cm, coracoid base separation associated with acromioclavicular dislocation, and scapulothoracic dissociation. ¼: Displaced intra-articular fractures of the glenoid fossa should be followed after healing until skeletal maturity. Complications are rare and occur most frequently with scapulothoracic dissociation.

Pathoanatomy of the Anterolateral Tibial Fragment in Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The anterior distal tibial tubercle provides attachment to the anterior tibiofibular syndesmosis. It may be considered a fourth, or anterior, malleolus (AM). Fractures of the AM may extend into the tibial incisura and tibial plafond. The purpose of this study was to analyze the pathoanatomy of AM fractures and associated ankle injuries. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (median age, 61.0 years) with a total of 140 acute malleolar fractures (OTA/AO 44) involving the anterolateral distal tibial rim were analyzed with computed tomography (CT) imaging. All components of the malleolar fractures were analyzed and classified. Fracture patterns were compared with those of all patients with malleolar fractures treated during the same 9-year period. Patients with fractures of the tibial pilon (OTA/AO 43) and patients <18 years of age were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 140 AM fractures, 52.9% were classified as type 1 (extra-articular avulsion); 35.7%, type 2 (incisura and plafond involvement); and 11.4%, type 3 (impaction of the anterolateral plafond). The fibula was fractured in 87.1%; the medial malleolus, in 66.4%; and the posterior malleolus, in 68.6%. An isolated AM fracture was seen in 4.3%. The size of the AM fractures correlated negatively with that of the posterior malleolar fractures. The proportion of pronation-abduction fractures increased and the proportion of supination-external rotation fractures decreased as the type of AM fracture increased. A fracture involving the AM occurred in 12.6% of all ankle fractures and occurred significantly more frequently in pronation-type injuries and elderly patients. No supination-adduction fractures with AM involvement were seen. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the proposed classification of the AM fractures was 0.961 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.933 to 0.980) for interobserver agreement and 0.941 (95% CI = 0.867 to 0.974) for intraobserver agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the 3D pathoanatomy of AM fractures and associated malleolar fractures may help with surgical decision-making and planning. CT imaging should be employed generously in the diagnosis of complex ankle fractures, in particular with pronation-type injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Depending on the individual 3D fracture pattern, fixation of displaced anterolateral distal tibial fragments potentially contributes to the restoration of joint congruity, tibiofibular alignment, and syndesmotic stability in complex malleolar fractures.

Bosworth fracture complicated by unrecognized compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Compartment syndrome (CS) is exceedingly rare in ankle fractures. However, the risk of CS development seems to be increased in the presence of a Bosworth fracture-dislocation (BF), a rare variant of locked dislocation of the fibula behind the tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we report the case of a 39-year old man with delayed diagnosis of CS after having sustained a BF and failed attempts on closed reduction. The patient developed a flexion contracture of the hallux necessitating secondary fusion. RESULTS: At 3 years after the injury, the patient was capable of running, but had 10 degrees limitation of ankle dorsiflexion, persisting decreased sensation on the plantar surface and clawing of the lesser toes. A thorough review of the literature revealed nine cases of CS after 167 reported BF resulting in a calculated prevalence of 5.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Given the extreme paucity of CS in malleolar fractures, CS in BF has a relatively high prevalence. Risk factors include severe dislocations, repeated attempts on closed reduction, and a long interval to definite surgery. A high index of suspicion is required because delayed diagnosis leads to lasting functional restrictions.

History of diagnostics and treatment of scapular fractures in children and adolescents and its clinical importance.

Almost 70 scapular fractures in children and adolescents, up to the age of 17 years, have been described in detail in the literature since 1839. The diagnosis of these injuries was based on autopsy, radiographs, CT and MRI examinations. The most frequent findings were fractures/epiphyseolyses of the coracoid, followed by fractures of the infraspinous part of the body and avulsion of the inferior angle of the scapular body. Less common were fractures of the acromion. Intra-articular fractures of the glenoid, or separation of an intact glenoid along the line of the anatomical or surgical necks, were reported only sporadically. Scapulothoracic dissociation was also recorded in several cases. The majority of fractures were treated non-operatively; operative treatment was used in glenoid fractures, certain fractures of the coracoid and fractures of the scapular body with intrathoracic penetration. Except for scapulothoracic dissociation, outcomes of treatment of these injuries were very good.

"Double Maisonneuve fracture": an unknown fracture pattern.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe pathoanatomy and to raise awareness of a fracture of the lateral malleolus combined with a high subcapital fracture of the fibula caused by a dislocation mechanism. METHODS: The study comprised 11 patients, 5 men and 6 women, with the mean age of 57 years (range, 21-87), with a "Double Maisonneuve fracture". Individual lesions of ankle structures were described on the basis of radiographs, CT, and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The distal fibular fracture was classified as Weber type B in 1 case and Weber type C in 10 cases. The proximal fibular fracture was described as a subcapital oblique spiral fracture with metadiaphyseal involvement in nine cases and a high short oblique fracture with fibular head involvement in two cases. Injury to the deltoid ligament was revealed in six cases; a bicollicular fracture of the medial malleolus was found in five patients. Posterior malleolar fractures were classified as type 1 in eight cases and type 2 in three cases. Avulsion of the Chaput tubercle was detected in four cases. Injury to the interosseous tibiofibular ligament was assessed in nine patients. CONCLUSION: Double Maisonneuve fracture is a rare but probably underreported injury that must be taken into consideration during examination, as it may be easily overlooked. The essential part of diagnosis is a careful clinical examination and radiological assessment of the lower leg with additional CT examination of the ankle.

Miller Edwin Preston (1879-1928); pioneer of fracture biomechanics-a biographical vignette.

Miller Edwin Preston (1879-1928) is cited in the literature in connection with the first angled implant for the fixation of fractures of the femoral neck. Further research has shown that this surgeon emphasised the principles of internal fixation and is the author of several extraordinary and still-valid concepts: "There is no branch of surgery in which nature is more exacting than bone work. To be successful in this field, the cases must be carefully selected, the most rigid asepsis should be observed, the surgeon must possess a good working knowledge of anatomy and fully appreciate the laws of stress, strain and leverage. The internal fixation of a fracture is decidedly an engineering problem, as well as a surgical procedure, and it is probable that a larger percentage of failures have resulted from violation of mechanical laws than have been due to faulty surgical asepsis." However, his merit has never been fully appreciated and his name fell into oblivion.

Fixation of anterolateral distal tibial fractures: the anterior malleolus.

OBJECTIVE: The anterior tibial rim with the anterolateral tibial tubercle provides attachment to the anterior tibiofibular syndesmosis. It may be considered an anterior or "fourth" malleolus. Fixation of a displaced anterior tibial fragment in the treatment of malleolar fractures aims at providing a bone-to-bone fixation of the anterior tibiofibular ligament and restoring the integrity of the tibial incisura. INDICATIONS: Displaced intra-articular fragments of the anterior tibia; fractures involving the tibial incisura; fractures with intercalary fragments; impaction of the anterior tibial plafond; syndesmotic avulsions producing instability or preventing reduction of the distal fibula into the tibial incisura. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Critical local soft tissues preventing an anterolateral approach; missing consent to surgery by the patient; overall critical general condition preventing surgery to the extremities. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anterolateral approach over the tibial tubercle. Identification and mobilization of the anterior tibial fragment without dissecting the anterior syndesmosis. Reduction of the anterior tibial fragment with a pointed reduction clamp. Fixation of extra-articular avulsion fractures (type 1) with suture anchor. Screw fixation of larger fragments involving the joint surface and incisura (type 2). Disimpaction, realignment of the joint surface, bone grafting as needed and plate fixation of impaction fractures of the anterolateral tibial plafond (type 3). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization with partial weight bearing (15-20 kg) in a special boot (ankle foot orthosis) or cast for 6-8 weeks depending on the overall malleolar fracture pattern, bone quality and patient compliance. RESULTS: Few studies report the results of anterior tibial fractures in adults. Failure to fix displaced fragments frequently leads to nonunions. Overlooked Chaput fractures have been reported to result in malpositioning of the distal fibula in the tibial incisura leading to incongruity of the ankle mortise requiring revision surgery. Secondary avascular necrosis of the anterolateral tibial plafond may develop after joint impaction.

CT controlled results of direct reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus in ankle fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present outcomes of operative treatment of the posterior malleolus fractures of type four of the Bartonícek/Rammelt classification. METHODS: In 19 patients, direct reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolus was performed from the posterolateral or posteromedial approaches. The accuracy of reduction was assessed with the use of postoperative CT scans. RESULTS: The mean size of the avulsed articular surface carried by posterior malleolus amounted to 36%. Reduction of the posterior malleolus fracture was assessed as anatomical in 14 cases and as satisfactory in five cases. Position of the distal fibula was assessed as anatomical in 15 cases. The mean AOFAS score was 89.4 points. All nine patients with anatomical reduction of all lesions achieved the mean AOFAS score of 93.1 points, five patients with malposition of posterior malleolus 89.1 points and five patients with malposition of the fibula in the fibular notch 87.8 points. A total of six patients developed osteoarthritic changes of grades one and two according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of the study demonstrated good mid-term results in type four fractures of the posterior malleolus treated by direct reduction from posterior approaches. Postoperative CT examination allowed evaluation of the accuracy of reduction of all fractures and reduction of the distal fibula into the fibular notch. Based on postoperative CT examination, it will be possible to assess the effect of reduction of individual lesions on the functional results.

Posterior Malleolar Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review.

In patients with ankle fractures, the presence of a posterior malleolar fracture has a negative impact on the prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is essential for fracture classification and treatment planning, as the indication for surgery depends on the 3-dimensional fragment outline and displacement, incisura involvement, and the presence of joint impaction. Anatomic reduction of a posterior malleolar fragment restores the incisura, facilitating reduction of the distal part of the fibula, and it also restores the integrity of the posterior portion of the syndesmosis, reducing the need for additional syndesmotic stabilization. Direct open reduction and fixation of posterior malleolar fragments from a posterior orientation is biomechanically more stable and provides a more accurate reduction than does indirect reduction and anterior-to-posterior screw fixation. Intra-articular step-off of >=2 mm is an independent risk factor for an inferior outcome and the development of posttraumatic arthritis, irrespective of the fragment size.

Pathoanatomy of Maisonneuve fracture based on radiologic and CT examination.

INTRODUCTION: Although Maisonneuve fracture (MF) is a well-known type of ankle fracture-dislocation, there is still a lack of information about the epidemiology and the extent of all associated injuries. The aim of study is to describe MF pathoanatomy on the basis of radiographs, CT scans and intraoperative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 54 adult patients. MF was defined as an ankle fracture-dislocation with a fracture of the fibula in its proximal quarter. Ankle radiographs and lower leg radiographs were obtained in all patients. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed in 43 patients, of these in 34 patients in combination with 3D CT reconstructions. A total of 51 patients were treated operatively, and in 38 of these an open procedure was performed. RESULTS: The fibular fracture-fibular head was involved in four cases, and the subcapital region of the proximal quarter of the fibula was affected in 50 cases. Fractures of the posterior malleolus were identified in 43 of 54 patients (80%). Injury to the deltoid ligament was recorded in 27 cases (50%), a fracture of the medial malleolus in 20 cases (37%) and medial structures were intact in 7 cases (13%). Position fibula in fibular notch-in 9 cases the position changed only minimally, in 11 cases the space between the tibia and the fibula was larger than 2 mm, in 20 cases widening of the tibiofibular space was associated with external rotation of the fibula, in 2 cases fibula was trapped behind the posterior tibial tubercle and in 1 case it was associated with a complete tibiofibular diastasis. CONCLUSION: MF is a variable injury, always associated with rupture of the anterior and interosseous tibiofibular ligaments. CT examination should be employed widely in MF, and MRI should be considered under special circumstances.

Early history of scapular fractures.

The first to use the term Scapula was Vesalius (1514-1564) and thus it has remained ever since. Probably the oldest injured scapula, from 250 million years ago, was described by Chinese authors of a skeletal examination of a fossilised remains of a dinosaur Yangchuanosaurus hepingensis. In humans, the oldest known scapular fractures date back to the prehistoric and early historic times. In ancient times, a fracture of acromion was described in the treatises of Hippocrates. Early modern history of the treatment of scapular fractures is closely interlinked with the history of the French surgery. The first to point out the existence of these fractures were Petit, Du Verney and Desault in the 18th century. The first study devoted solely to scapular fractures was published by Traugott Karl August Vogt in 1799. Thomas Callaway published in 1849 an extensive dissertation on injuries to the shoulder girdle, in which he discussed a number of cases known at that time. The first radiograph of a scapular fracture was published by Petty in 1907. Mayo Robson (1884), Lambotte (1913) and Lane (1914) were pioneers in the surgical treatment of these fractures, followed in 1923 by the French surgeons Lenormat, Dujarrier and Basset. The first internal fixation of the glenoid fossa, including a radiograph, was published by Fischer in 1939.

History of femoral head fracture and coronal fracture of the femoral condyles.

The first known description of the coronal fracture of the lateral femoral condyle was published by Busch in 1869. Hoffa used Busch's drawing in the first edition of his book in 1888 and accompanied it only with one sentence. A full case history of this fracture pattern was described by Braun in 1891. However, Braun's article fell into oblivion and so the fracture was popularized only in the fourth edition of Hoffa's textbook, particularly thanks to the drawing, rather than the brief description. Therefore, a fracture of the posterior femoral condyle, or more specifically, of the lateral condyle, could properly be called "Busch-Hoffa fracture". Femoral head fracture was initially described by Birkett in 1869. Of essential importance in this respect were the publications by Christopher in 1924 and, particularly, Pipkin's study of 1957, including his classification that is still in use today. A historically correct eponym for a femoral head fracture would therefore be "Birkitt-Pipkin fracture".

Anatomy and classification of the posterior tibial fragment in ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the pathoanatomy of the posterior fragment on the basis of a comprehensive CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, in a large patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty one consecutive individuals with an ankle fracture or fracture-dislocation of types Weber B or Weber C and evidence of a posterior tibial fragment in standard radiographs were included in the study. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 19-83 years). The exclusion criteria were patients below 18 years of age, inability to provide written consent, fractures of the tibial pilon, posttraumatic arthritis and pre-existing deformities. In all patients, post-injury radiographs were obtained in anteroposterior, mortise and lateral views. All patients underwent CT scanning in transverse, sagittal and frontal planes. 3D CT reconstruction was performed in 91 patients. RESULTS: We were able to classify 137 cases into one of the following four types with constant pathoanatomic features: type 1: extraincisural fragment with an intact fibular notch, type 2: posterolateral fragment extending into the fibular notch, type 3: posteromedial two-part fragment involving the medial malleolus, type 4: large posterolateral triangular fragment. In the 4 cases it was not possible to classify the type of the posterior tibial fragment. These were collectively termed type 5 (irregular, osteoporotic fragments). CONCLUSION: It is impossible to assess the shape and size of the posterior malleolar fragment, involvement of the fibular notch, or the medial malleolus, on the basis of plain radiographs. The system that we propose for classification of fractures of the posterior malleolus is based on CT examination and takes into account the size, shape and location of the fragment, stability of the tibio-talar joint and the integrity of the fibular notch. It may be a useful indication for surgery and defining the most useful approach to these injuries.

Treatment of distal humerus fractures in adults: a historical perspective.

Nonsurgical treatment was the mainstay of management of distal humerus fractures for centuries and nonunions and malunions were common. The 19th century featured the recognition of distinct injury patterns. With advances in radiology, anesthesia, antisepsis, and hardware technology, surgical treatment is now generally preferred, yet loss of elbow joint mobility can still be a vexing problem.

The history of internal fixation of proximal femur fractures Ernst Pohl-the genius behind.

The most frequently used implants for internal fixation of proximal femoral fractures are currently the dynamic hip screw and the intramedullary hip nail. However, little has been written about one of the pioneers in this field, a German genius, the designer Ernst Pohl (1876-1962). Without his involvement the concepts of intramedullary nailing coined by Gerhard Küntscher, Richard Maatz and other surgeons could hardly have been implemented. Through his achievements Pohl has rightly merited his pre-eminent position in the history of bone surgery. This article outlines the extraordinary contribution of Ernst Pohl to the development of skeletal surgery and radiology, as well as other medical disciplines.

History of operative treatment of forearm diaphyseal fractures.

Diaphyseal fractures of the forearm have accompanied humanity throughout its history. Nonsurgical techniques dominated the treatment for centuries, and complications including nonunion and malunion were common. The 19th century featured the recognition of distinct injury patterns. With the development of anesthesia and antisepsis, the operative treatment became widespread. In 1878, Heine described fixation of the diaphyseal nonunion of the distal ulna using an intramedullary ivory peg. Parkhill reported on the application of external fixation for forearm fractures in 1897-1898. Hansmann published the case of plate osteosynthesis of an acute fracture of the radius in 1886. In 1913, Schöne published the technique of closed intramedullary fixation of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm using a silver wire. During the first 2 decades of the 20th century, plate osteosynthesis quickly spread across Europe and North America owing to the influence of Lambotte and Lane. After the World War II, plate osteosynthesis became the surgical treatment of choice for forearm diaphyseal fractures.

Fractures of the anatomical neck of the scapula: two cases and review of the literature.

Anatomical neck fractures of the scapula are rare. The authors have found in the literature only four radiologically documented fractures of the anatomical neck of the scapula. Two of them were published by Hardegger et al., the third case was published by Arts and Louette. The last case, in fact only a radiograph and a rather poor 3D CT reconstruction of a fracture of the anatomical neck of scapula, was published by Jeong and Zuckerman. Together with author's two patients, the group of radiologically verified anatomical neck fractures of the scapula comprises six cases in total (four men, one woman, one gender unspecified). Analysis of the radiographs showed that in all these cases, the fracture line separated only the glenoid fossa from the scapular body, with a short spike of the lateral border of the scapula. The proximal part of the vertical fracture line ran into the coracoglenoid notch, between the upper border of the glenoid and the base of the coracoid process. The distal part of the fracture line crossed the lateral border of the scapular body 2-4 cm distal to the inferior pole of the glenoid fossa. The gleniod fragment was always formed by the glenoid fossa and a short spike of the lateral border of the scapular body. In five cases, the glenoid fragment, together with the humeral head, was displaced distally and the humeral head came to lie below the level of the coracoid process. At the same time, the glenoid fragment rotated into a valgus position. Only in one case, did the radiographs fail to show valgus displacement and the fracture was angulated in the transverse plane. In all six cases, the subacromial space between the acromion and the humeral head was widened. All fractures were operated on via a Judet posterior approach. In five cases, the outcome of the operation was assessed at 3, 5, 12, 21 and 120 months after surgery, three-being rated as excellent or very good, one as good and one as poor.