Ideal insertion point and projection of the infra-acetabular screw in acetabular fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: In acetabular fracture surgery, an infra-acetabular screw (IAS) is inserted from the anterior to the posterior column through the infra-acetabular corridor to stabilize both columns. Although the IAS is useful for increasing fixation strength, proper placement requires proficiency and often results in extraosseous screw penetration. The complex anatomy of the infra-acetabular corridor and difficult intraoperative detection of the ideal insertion point and angle make proper placement of the IAS challenging. This study aimed to detect the ideal insertion point and angle of the IAS based on anatomical landmarks that can be directly identified intraoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the pelvic CT of 50 adults who underwent serial slice CT imaging. The pelvic inlet plane (PIP), which contains the anterior border of both the sacroiliac joint and posterior superior edge of the pubic symphysis, was used as the reference plane for the pelvic coordinate system to simulate the ideal insertion of IAS. The distance from the posterior superior edge of the pubic symphysis to the ideal insertion point of the IAS (IAS distance) and the angle and length of the IAS that could be inserted from the ideal insertion point were measured. RESULTS: The mean IAS distance was 61.0 ± 5.7 mm (57.6 ± 4.3 mm in men and 64.4 ± 4.9 mm in women). The mean angle between ideal IAS and yz-plane on the outlet view (α-angle) was 8.4 ± 6.6 ° (6.4 ± 5.6° in men and 10.5 ± 7.0° in women). The mean angle between ideal IAS and y-axis on the yz-plane (ß-angle) was 86.5 ± 10.6 ° (86.0 ± 10.3° in men and 87.0 ± 10.9° in women). The length of IAS was 97.1 ± 4.7 mm in men and 89.2 ± 3.6 mm in women. CONCLUSION: The IAS ideal insertion point detected as a distance from the pubic symphysis may aid in the proper insertion of the IAS during surgery. The insertion angle was parallel or tilted 10 ° laterally to the longitudinal axis in the pelvic outlet plane and almost perpendicular to the PIP in the sagittal plane when inserted from the ideal insertion point.

Associations among Preoperative Malnutrition, Muscle Loss, and Postoperative Walking Ability in Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Retrospective Study.

Sarcopenia and malnutrition are increasing in older adults and are reported risk factors for functional impairment after hip fracture surgery. This study aimed to investigate the associations between skeletal muscle mass loss, malnutrition, and postoperative walking ability in patients with hip fracture. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent intertrochanteric fracture surgery at our institute. The psoas muscle index, controlling nutritional status score, and functional ambulation category (FAC) were used to evaluate skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status, and walking ability, respectively. Six months after surgery, walking ability was assessed as either "gait disturbance" or "independent gait". Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis, with skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status, and other factors, was used to predict the risk of being assigned to the gait disturbance group. This study included 95 patients (mean age, 85.2 years; 70 women). Sixty-six patients had low skeletal muscle mass, 35 suffered from malnutrition, and 28 had both. Malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass were significantly associated with postoperative gait disturbance (FAC < 3). Preoperative low skeletal muscle mass and malnutrition were risk factors for postoperative poor walking ability. Further preventive interventions focusing on skeletal muscle mass and nutritional status are required.

Butterfly needle tap and suction (BTS) technique: a treatment for recurrent chronic subdural hematoma after burr hole craniostomy.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we propose a butterfly needle tap and suction (BTS) technique for recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) as an alternative to reoperation with burr hole craniostomy (BHC) and investigate its efficacy and safety. The procedure involves percutaneous puncture through the burr hole created during the previous surgery and subsequent hematoma evacuation using a butterfly needle. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BTS for CSDH at Ogaki Municipal Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020. The follow-up CT scans were reviewed after several weeks. We evaluated the number of percutaneous punctures required to resolve CSDH during the BTS technique, the volume of the evacuated hematoma, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the study, 21 of whom achieved resolution of the hematoma using punctures with the BTS technique alone (mean, 2.2 ± 1.5). Five patients had a recurrence of hematoma after one or more punctures during the BTS technique, and they underwent reoperation with BHC according to the surgeon's decision or patient requests. Among the 55 punctures, 43.0 ± 16.0 ml of hematoma was evacuated per puncture. The evacuated hematoma volume was 41.9 ± 16.4 ml in the BTS-alone group and 49.4 ± 12.9 ml in the reoperation group, with no significant difference (p = 0.25). Three patients complained of a headache during the puncture procedure, and no other complications, including intracranial hemorrhage or infection, were reported therein. CONCLUSIONS: The BTS technique is an effective alternative to reoperation with BHC.

Ipsilateral Periprosthetic Fractures above and below the Knee Associated with Navigation Tracker Pin and Bone Fragility.

We report a case of ipsilateral periprosthetic fractures above and below the knee that occurred at different times due to navigation tracker pin and bone fragility. A 66-year-old Japanese woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) underwent a total knee arthroplasty. Four months post-surgery, a periprosthetic fracture above the knee at the navigation pin hole was detected. She underwent osteosynthesis and could walk independently, but she developed an ipsilateral tibial component fracture. Conservative treatment with a splint was followed by bone union. Patients with RA treated with oral steroids tend to develop ipsilateral periprosthetic fractures around the knee due to bone fragility.

The impact of system and diagnostic errors for medical litigation outcomes in orthopedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Medical litigation resulting from medical errors has a negative impact on health economics for both patients and medical practitioners. In medical litigation involving orthopedic surgeons, we aimed to identify factors contributing to plaintiff victory (orthopedic surgeon loss) through a comprehensive assessment. METHODS: This retrospective study included 166 litigation claims against orthopedic surgeons using a litigation database in Japan. We evaluated the sex and age of the patient (plaintiff), initial diagnosis, diagnostic error, system error, the time and place of each claim that led to malpractice litigation, the institution's size, and clinical outcomes. The main outcome was the litigation outcome (acceptance or rejection) in the final judgment. Acceptance meant that the orthopedic surgeon lost the malpractice lawsuit. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the association of factors with an accepted claim. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 42 years, and 65.7% were male. The litigation outcome of 85 (51.2%) claims was acceptance. The adjusted median indemnity paid was $151,818. The multivariable analysis showed that diagnostic error, system error, sequelae, inadequate medical procedure, and follow-up observation were significantly associated with the orthopedic surgeon losing the lawsuit. In particular, claims involving diagnostic errors were more likely to be acceptance claims, in which the orthopedic surgeon lost (adjusted odds ratio 16.7, 95% confidence intervals: 4.7 to 58.0, p < 0.001). All of the claims in which the orthopedic surgeon lost were associated with a diagnostic or system error, with the most common one being system error. CONCLUSIONS: System errors and diagnostic errors were significantly associated with acceptance claims (orthopedic surgeon losses). Since these are modifiable factors, it is necessary to take measures not only for individual physicians but also for the overall medical management system to enhance patient safety and reduce the litigation risk of orthopedic surgeons.

Cumulated ambulation score as predictor of postoperative mobility in patients with proximal femur fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The cumulated ambulation score (CAS) has been developed as an index for evaluating mobility in the early postoperative period. This study aimed to estimate the association between CAS and independent ambulation after surgery for proximal femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 223 elderly patients who underwent surgery for proximal femur fractures and had independent ambulation before the injury. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with cognitive impairment, pre-injury Barthel index, and CAS as the test variables were used to predict independent ambulation at 2 weeks (model 1) and 3 months (model 2) postoperatively. We established scoring systems based on the modeling results. RESULTS: The number of patients with independent ambulation at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively was 115 and 169, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the CAS was significantly associated with independent ambulation at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Multivariable analysis showed that models 1 and 2 had good predictive accuracies, with areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.855 and 0.868, respectively. Among the explanatory variables, only the CAS in model 2 was not significantly associated with the postoperative ambulatory ability. Scoring systems for both models 1 and 2 also had good predictive accuracies, with cut-off scores of 3.5 for model 1 and 9.5 for model 2. CONCLUSIONS: The CAS predicted independent ambulation at 2 weeks postoperatively; however, this relationship was limited at 3 months postoperatively. Therefore, the CAS may help estimate independent ambulation at discharge from an acute-care hospital.

Comparison of screw versus locking plate fixation via sinus tarsi approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) is controversial. This study compared the fixation stability of screws and locking plates in DIACF treated via the sinus tarsi approach (STA). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 118 DIACF cases treated via STA and extracted data that could affect treatment outcomes. Loss of Böhler's angle after surgery was measured to compare fixation stability. RESULTS: The loss of Böhler's angles was significantly smaller in the locking plate group than in the screw group (2.6 ± 2.7º vs. 5.6 ± 5.3º, P < 0.01). There was no difference in the clinical outcomes between the groups. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, screw fixation was significantly associated with loss of Böhler's angle by> 10º (odds ratio, 8.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-64.4; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Locking plate fixation is more reliable than screw fixation for preventing correction loss in DIACF treated via STA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck: a comparison with basicervical fractures.

PURPOSE: We propose coronal shear fracture of the femoral neck (CSFF) as a new type of fracture that differs from a basicervical fracture. This study aimed to present the incidence of CSFF and compare its clinical characteristics and outcomes with those of basicervical fractures. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 2207 patients with hip fractures were identified using computed tomography (CT), 17 and 27 patients were diagnosed with CSFF (CSFF group) and basicervical fractures (basicervical fracture group), respectively. The primary outcome was reoperation, while the secondary outcomes were postoperative radiographic findings, ambulatory ability, and 1-year mortality rate. These outcomes were compared between the two groups. We also conducted diagnostic reliability tests for these fractures using the Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The incidence of CSFF and basicervical fractures in the 2207 patients were 0.77% and 1.22%, respectively. The inter-and intra-observer agreements for the diagnosis were almost perfect. The comorbidity score was significantly higher in the CSFF group than in the basicervical fracture group. No reoperations occurred in both groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in the postoperative radiographic findings. The 1-year mortality rate was higher in the CSFF group than in the basicervical fracture group (38.5% vs. 5.3%; odds ratio: 11.9, 95% CI: 1.2-118.5; p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: This study presents the definition and incidence of CSFF with a high diagnostic reliability. Patients with CSFF had similar reoperation rate postoperative radiographic outcomes to basicervical fractures, while 1-year mortality rate was high.

Fragility Fracture Systems: International Perspectives - Asia & Australia.

Background: The incidence and burden of fragility fractures have reached the level where comprehensive systematic care is warranted to optimize the care of these patients. Hip fractures are the most frequently lethal and independence level changing fragility fractures, responsible for 30-day mortality comparable to high-energy trauma patients with injury severity scores over 12. It is a reasonable expectation that countries have a hip fracture treating system of care in place for this high-risk population. This review explores the systems of care from the Asia-Pacific Perspective. Methods: From the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association's member societies, nations from the Asia-Pacific Region were requested to contribute with an overview of their fragility fracture management systems. The content or the review was standardized by a template of headings, which each country endeavored to cover. Results: Australia, Japan, and South Korea contributed voluntarily from the 5 member countries of the region. Each country has made considerable efforts and achievements with diverse approaches to standardize and improve the care of fragility fractures, particularly hip fractures. Beyond the individual nations' efforts there is also an existing Asia-Pacific Collaborative. The data collection and in some counties the existence of a registry is promising; funding and recognition of the problem among competing health care budget priorities are common. Conclusions: Our review covers some of the countries with strongest economy and highest health care standards. The lack of a universal robust system for hip fracture care is apparent. The data collection from registry initiations is expected to drive system development further in these countries and hopefully fast track the development in other countries within the most populous geographical region of the Earth.

Late-onset implant-related neuropathy: Three years after proximal humeral fracture.

There are currently no reports of implant-related neuropathy associated with humeral proximal fracture surgery. Herein, we report a case of implant-related late-onset neuropathy that developed 3 years after proximal humeral fracture surgery. A 51-year-old man underwent minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for a left proximal humeral fracture 3 years prior. Left upper limb pain and reduced angle of elevation of the shoulder were recognized 1 month before the outpatient consultation. Numbness was noted on the ulnar side of the hand, and radiating pain to the ulnar nerve region was noted during shoulder abduction and compression of the medial side of the upper arm. Computed tomography revealed close proximity of the neurovascular bundle to the locking screw along with muscle atrophy around the shoulder. Hence, the patient was diagnosed with neuropathy. After implant removal, the pain in the ulnar nerve region improved, and the upper arm could be elevated. In our case, the cause of muscle atrophy was axillary nerve manipulation and cervical myelopathy caused by the operation. When late-onset neuropathy occurs, implant-related neuropathy with muscle atrophy should be considered.

Hip Fractures after Intramedullary Nailing Fixation for Atypical Femoral Fractures: Three Cases.

Secondary hip fractures (SHFs) rarely occur after intramedullary nailing (IMN) fixation without femoral neck fixation for atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). We report three cases of older Japanese women who sustained SHFs presumably caused by osteoporosis and peri-implant stress concentration around the femoral neck after undergoing IMN without femoral neck fixation for AFF. All cases were fixed with malalignment. In AFF patients, postoperative changes due to postoperative femoral bone malalignment may affect the peri-implant mechanical environment around the femoral neck, which can result in insufficiency fractures. At the first AFF surgery, we recommend femoral neck fixation after adequate reduction is achieved.

Preoperative and perioperative factors are related to the early postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fracture.

Previous studies have shown that preoperative factors predict the postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fractures, while there is less evidence on the effects of perioperative factors on the prediction. This study aimed to assess the effects of preoperative and perioperative factors on the early postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fractures. Consecutive 288 patients aged ≥60 years with trochanteric fractures who could independently walk before injury were included. Patients were grouped according to the Barthel Index score measured after 2 weeks of surgery; the cut-off value was 20 points. Two logistic regression models were created to assess the effects of preoperative (model 1: dementia, walking ability before injury, and nutrition status) and perioperative (model 2: independent variables in model 1, reduction quality, and basic mobility function) factors on the Barthel Index score. Sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the predicative accuracy of the models. Poor preoperative (model 1: χ2 = 34.626, P < 0.01) and perioperative (model 2: χ2 = 43.956, P < 0.01) characteristics were significantly related to lower Barthel Index score. Sensitivity and specificity were similar between the models (model 1: 83.3% and 38.9% and model 2: 82.2% and 42.6%, respectively). Both preoperative and perioperative factors were significantly related to the early postoperative Barthel Index score after trochanteric fracture. However, only minimal increase in predictive accuracy was observed when perioperative predictors were analyzed along with preoperative factors. Both baseline characteristics and basic postoperative mobility should be considered when treating patients with trochanteric fractures.

Cement augmentation of internal fixation for trochanteric fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of cement augmentation for internally fixed trochanteric fractures through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to identify RCTs, published until July 2020 that examined the effects of cement augmentation of internal fixation of trochanteric fractures. The primary outcomes were reoperation and Parker Mobility Score, whereas the secondary outcomes were 1-year mortality rate, EuroQol 5 Dimension, fixation failures, and adverse events. We conducted meta-analyses of the outcome measures using the random-effects models. We evaluated the certainty of evidence based on the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: We included three RCTs (326 participants). No significant effect was observed in favor of cement augmentation on all these outcomes. The certainty of evidence for fixation failures was very low and that for the other outcomes was low. The overall risk of bias for each outcome was high or of some concern in all included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of cement augmentation of internal fixation of trochanteric fractures was uncertain for the clinical outcomes due to the low certainty of evidence. Further RCTs with a low risk of selection bias may present convincing conclusions on the efficacy and safety of cement augmentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.

Postoperative computed tomography assessment of anteromedial cortex reduction is a predictor for reoperation after intramedullary nail fixation for pertrochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: Postoperative radiographs are routinely used to assess fracture reduction following intramedullary nail fixation for pertrochanteric fractures, even though computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality. We aimed to determine the association between reduction quality assessed by CT and rates of reoperation and to evaluate the association of reoperation and reduction quality according to the assessment modality (plain radiographs vs. CT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 299 consecutive patients treated with intramedullary nail fixation for pertrochanteric fractures was conducted. Fracture reduction measured by postoperative radiographs and CT was categorized as anatomical type, extramedullary type, or intramedullary type. Postoperative data for analysis included reduction status, tip-apex distance (TAD), screw position in the femoral head, sliding distance, and conditions associated with reoperation. RESULTS: Of the 299 patients included with a mean age of 83.1 ± 8.2 years, there were six patients who required reoperation (2.0%). According to the CT assessments, there were 42 intramedullary reductions (14.0%). Patients with a non-intramedullary reduction based on postoperative CT images were significantly more likely to have proper placement of the screw, a reduced TAD, a reduced sliding distance, and a lower reoperation rate than those with an intramedullary reduction (P < 0.05). The reduction quality assessed by postoperative CT was significantly associated with reoperation (95% CI, 1.45-29.31). CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary reduction assessed by CT was associated with reoperation. The reduction quality based on CT findings was more predictive for reoperation than that from plain radiographs.

Associations between Early Surgery and Postoperative Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Distal Femur Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Previous literature has provided conflicting results regarding the associations between early surgery and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients with distal femur fractures. Using data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database from April 2014 to March 2019, we identified elderly patients who underwent surgery for distal femur fracture within two days of hospital admission (early surgery group) or at three or more days after hospital admission (delayed surgery group). Of 9678 eligible patients, 1384 (14.3%) were assigned to the early surgery group. One-to-one propensity score matched analyses showed no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the early and delayed groups (0.5% versus 0.5%; risk difference, 0.0%; 95% confidence interval, -0.7% to 0.7%). Patients in the early surgery group had significantly lower proportions of the composite outcome (death or postoperative complications), shorter hospital stays, and lower total hospitalization costs than patients in the delayed surgery group. Our results showed that early surgery within two days of hospital admission for geriatric distal femur fracture was not associated with a reduction in 30-day mortality but was associated with reductions in postoperative complications and total hospitalization costs.

Spinopelvic fixation with retention of external fixation in a lateral position for unstable pelvic fracture.

Anterior external fixation (EF), as the primary treatment for unstable pelvic fractures, is performed with patients in the supine position. In most cases, however, definitive surgery for posterior fixation is performed first in the prone position without EF. We report the case of a patient with unilateral and vertically unstable pelvic fracture whom we had treated with minimally invasive spinopelvic fixation, with retention of the anterior EF in a lateral position. Reduction of the residual displacement was performed with percutaneous spinal instrumentation, and acceptable reduction was achieved. At the 13-month follow-up, the functional outcome, calculated using the Majeed Score, was 87 points. The plain radiograph showed good bone union, except for the right superior pubic ramus. The radiological outcome, measured using the Matta rating, was excellent. Thus, retaining the EF facilitates safe and accurate reduction without major surgical complications and may offer surgeons an additional management option for such fractures.

Clinical prediction model for postoperative ambulatory ability outcomes in patients with trochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Regaining independent ambulatory ability is one of the primary goals of treatment in patients with trochanteric fractures. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the discriminative accuracy of a clinical prediction model for ambulatory ability outcomes 3 months after surgery for trochanteric fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 346 patients treated with intramedullary nailing for trochanteric fractures who had independent ambulatory ability before their injury. Multiple regression models with preoperative and postoperative factors were used to predict ambulatory ability outcomes at 3 months. A clinical prediction model (CPM) was created based on a decision tree developed using a chi-square automatic interaction detector technique. RESULTS: Three months after surgery, 263 (76.0%) and 83 (24.0%) patients regained and lost independent ambulatory ability, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the Barthel index (BI) total score at 2 weeks predicted the ambulatory ability outcome at 3 months with good discriminative accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.819; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.769, 0.868], cut-off value: 22.5; sensitivity: 69.5%; specificity: 82.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative factors (residence before injury, diagnosis of dementia, and serum albumin at admission) and postoperative factors (BI total score at 2 weeks) predicted ambulatory ability outcomes at 3 months (AUROC: 0.710; 95%CI: [0.636, 0.783]; sensitivity: 91.3%; specificity: 41.8%). The CPM with the BI total score at 2 weeks (≤10; 10<, ≤50; >50 points) and dementia status (present; absent) had a moderate discriminative accuracy (AUROC: 0.676; 95%CI: [0.600, 0.752]; sensitivity: 94.7%; specificity: 40.5%). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a CPM with moderate accuracy to predict ambulatory ability outcomes in patients 3 months after surgery for trochanteric fractures. Our results demonstrate the importance of the BI score measured soon after surgery and dementia status for the prediction of postoperative ambulation.

Reduction quality and nail fixation ratio as bone-implant stability factors associated with reoperation for trochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric trochanteric fractures are a major global issue, and their incidence is steadily rising. Bone quality, fracture type, fracture reduction quality, implant selection, and implant placement affect bone-implant stability in osteoporotic fractures. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the association between bone-implant stability factors, including nail construct, and the rate of reoperation in a more extensive case series with comprehensive variables. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 390 patients with trochanteric fractures aged ≥60 years and treated with intramedullary nailing. The primary outcome was the rate of reoperation due to any cause. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with reoperation. RESULTS: In this study, 15 patients (3.8%) required reoperation. Univariate analysis showed that the following variables were significantly different between patients who required reoperation and those who did not: T-score at the total hip and lumbar spine, cortical thickness index, fracture type, and reduction quality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for A3 fracture type was 2.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-9.76; p=0.116) and that for inadequate reduction, assessed by computed tomography, was 2.94 (95% CI, 0.89-9.69; p=0.076). These were independent predictors of reoperation. There was only one case (6.7%) of reoperation among patients with a distal femoral fragment fixation ratio (FR) >0.8. Considering the intraoperative decision-making process, the combination of inadequate reduction and an FR ≤0.8 were associated with the highest reoperation at a rate of 9.3% (OR, 3.327; 95% CI, 1.091-10.142; p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors on bone-implant stability for reoperation were the reduction quality and fracture type. Regarding the intraoperative decision-making process, the selection of a nail length with an FR >0.8 is a better option when the intramedullary reduction has been maintained intraoperatively.

Treatment for postoperative infection of pathological femoral fracture after radiotherapy: two case reports and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation-induced pathological fractures show high nonunion and infection rates. Successful treatment of postoperative infections of these fractures without limb amputation is extremely rare. METHODS: We report two cases of postoperative infection of pathological femoral fracture after radiation therapy for soft tissue tumors. Considering the poor condition of the irradiated site, a two-staged operation was selected to create the optimal situation for bone union. The treatment involved the Masquelet technique, latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, and a free vascularized fibula graft (FVFG). In the first stage, we drastically resected the necrotic bone and the surrounding infected tissue and placed antibiotic polymethylmethacrylate space on the bone gap according to the Masquelet technique. Next, we used an Ilizarov external fixator as a temporizing stabilizer and performed the LD flap. Six weeks later, in the second stage, we changed the external fixation to plate fixation; packed the artificial bone (ß-TCP) and autograft bone to the induced membrane; and performed FVFG on the other side of the plate. As postoperative therapy, toe touch was allowed immediately, and partial weight bearing was started 2 months after second surgery. RESULTS: Both patients achieved bone union and were able to walk without postoperative complications. At the 2-year follow-up, there was no recurrence of infection. CONCLUSION: Our treatment is effective for controlling postoperative infection of radiation-induced pathological fracture.

Radiological findings and outcomes of anterior wall fractures in pertrochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND: Anterior wall fractures with comminution at the anterior cortex in pertrochanteric fractures are relatively rare. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical findings of anterior wall fractures in this comparative cohort study. METHODS: We reviewed 516 consecutive patients who underwent internal fixation. Anterior wall fractures were classified into three types: proximal, distal, and proximal/distal. Outcome measures included demographic data, residual anterior cortex length, fracture reduction, tip-apex distance (TAD), sliding distance, bone union, and revision surgery. We compared radiological outcomes between patients with anterior wall fractures and posterior comminuted fractures without an anterior wall fracture. The groups were matched for age and sex. RESULTS: Anterior wall fractures were noted in 44 patients (8.5%). Residual anterior cortex length was shorter for the proximal/distal type. The distal type was the most common, was the most difficult to achieve an acceptable reduction status for, and was associated with the longest sliding distance. The proportion of unacceptable reduction status was higher for anterior wall fractures. However, there were no statistically significant differences between anterior wall fractures and posterior comminuted fractures without an anterior wall fracture in terms of TAD, sliding distance, bone union, and revision rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that anterior wall fracture is not a significant predictor of over-sliding distance.