Distal radial fractures: a nationwide register study on corrective osteotomies after malunion.

The aim of the present study was to explore the incidence of corrective osteotomies after conservatively treated distal radial fracture and the risk for late correction depending on the patient's age. Based on data from the Finnish National Care Register of Health Care, Specialist Care, on all corrective osteotomies carried out in Finland during 2015-2019 in adults aged ≥20 years, we calculated the mean annual incidence rates per 100,000 person-years, standardized with the European Standard Population 2013. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated the risk of corrective osteotomies in various age groups. In total, 41,418 distal radial fractures were identified. Of those, 10,577 received surgical treatment in the acute phase. The incidence rate of primary operations for distal radial fractures was 47.9 per 100, 000 person-years. A total of 321 conservatively treated fractures needed corrective osteoteomy, with a surprisingly low mean annual incidence rate of 1.5 per 100,000 person-years. The risk for this was highest in patients in their fourth or fifth decade.Level of evidence: III.

The Impact of Treatment Delay on Malunion and Nonunion After Open Reduction of Mandible Fractures.

Importance: Time to surgical intervention is an oft-investigated potentially modifiable risk factor for complications after mandible fracture. Objective: To identify novel risk factors for malunion/nonunion after mandible fracture and determine the impact of treatment delay on malunion and nonunion after open reduction of mandible fractures. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting and Participants: Encounter billing records from the New York State Inpatient Databases, State Emergency Department Databases, and State Ambulatory Surgery Databases. Patients aged 18 years and older with isolated mandible fracture in the emergency department or inpatient setting from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: Mandibular Malunion/Nonunion. Results: A total of 19,152 adults were diagnosed with isolated mandible fracture. After fracture, 247 patients (1.3%) developed mandibular malunion or nonunion. In multivariable analysis, patients with open fractures (odds ratio [OR] 1.93, confidence interval [95% CI] 1.40-2.65), body fractures (OR 2.00, 1.50-2.65), alcohol abuse (OR 1.61, 1.22-2.11), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.57, 1.02-2.42), and Medicaid insurance (OR 1.46, 1.03-2.07) had increased risk, whereas patients with subcondylar fractures had reduced risk (OR 0.45, 0.28-0.72) of mandibular malunion/nonunion. The risk of mandibular malunion/nonunion after open reduction increased with treatment delay until 6-7 days after presentation (OR 1.84, 1.11-3.06). Conclusion and Relevance: Although treatment delay is often unavoidable, these findings suggest that physicians should consider early intervention in patients requiring open reduction of mandible fractures when able.

Comparison between open reduction with internal fixation to circular external fixation for tibial plateau fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Peer-reviewed published studies on tibial plateau fractures treated with either open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) or circular external fixation were reviewed to compare functional, radiological outcomes, postoperative complications, and reoperation rates between the two methods. A systematic search of various databases including Medline, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from inception until June 2019 was performed. 17 studies with 1168 participants were included in the review. Most of the studies (76%) were retrospective in nature and had low or unclear bias risks. Incidence of total infection (Odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.33-5.02) and malunions (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.12-5.84) were higher and length of hospital stay was shorter in patients treated with circular external fixator (Mean difference [MD], -6.1; 95% CI, -11.1--1.19). There were no differences in the incidence of secondary osteoarthritis (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.92-2.42), range of motion (MD, 2.28; 95% CI, -11.27-15.82) non-union (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.14-14.27) and reoperation rates (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.90-3.78) between the two groups. Results from this investigation suggest that circular fixation may offer some advantages over ORIF such as a shortened length of hospital stay and early return to preinjury activities. Definitive clinical recommendations cannot be made as it also presents higher rates of postoperative complications than ORIF.

Replacement or repair of terrible triad of the elbow: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for terrible triad injuries remains a challenging clinical problem, and controversy exists of whether it is better to repair or replace the radial head. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of repair and arthroplasty replacement of the radial head in patients with terrible triad injury. METHODS: Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched up to July 30, 2018 to identify the relevant studies, which included patients who had received treatments of the terrible triad of the elbow and also had reported with the quantitative outcomes. Outcomes of interest were functional outcomes. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 115 patients were included in the systematic review. Most patients were type II or III radial head fractures based on the Mason classification systems. Fifty-one patients received radial head repair surgery and 64 underwent replacement. Two studies had indicated that patients in the replacement group were significantly associated with better treatment outcome assessed by DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) scores. The meta-analysis indicated that patients with the arthroplasty replacement were associated with significantly better ROM outcomes in flexion, extension, pronation than those with radial head repaired. In addition, patients in the replacement group showed fewer post-surgery complications than those in the repair group. CONCLUSIONS: Our review had indicated that patients with terrible triad injuries undergo arthroplasty replacement have better clinical outcomes and fewer post-surgery complications than those received the repair surgery. Radial head replacement might be a more effective treatment approach with good clinical outcomes for patients with a terrible triad of the elbow.

Risk factors associated with non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy (Toennis and Kalchschmidt technique): a case-control study and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Dysplasia of the hip is a well known cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. The triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), according to the technique described by Toennis and Kalchschmidt, is a well established procedure to address dysplasia of the hip joint. Non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomies are rare and can occur at each of these osteotomies. The literature is lacking in studies investigating larger group of patients with non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors leading to a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy. METHODS: A total of 53 patients with a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy were included in this retrospective case-control. In addition, we identified a cohort of randomly selected patients undergoing hardware removal after triple pelvic osteotomy ("union" group) but had not developed non-union as the control group. This control group underwent the same procedure by the same group of surgeons in the same time period. The variables obtained from the review of the two groups were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods including Bivariable Analysis (p < 0.005) and Multivariable logistic regression analysis (p < 0.015). RESULTS: We identified a total of 53 patients out of the 3269 who had undergone TPO and had developed a non-union. The control group consisted of 117 patients who did not experience a non-union. Bivariable analysis of basic demographic characteristics demonstrated that gender, BMI, smoking, preoperative CE angle and degree of surgical correction did not differ significantly between the groups. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between age (31.5 ± 9.4 vs. 27.5 ± 9.0 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = < 0.001) and postoperative CE angle (34.4 ± 5.0 vs. 32.8 ± 3.5 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that an age over 30 was significantly associated with non-union (p = 0.01, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.3). CONCLUSION: Non-unions after TPO are rare. A higher age and higher degree of surgical correction might be associated risk factors for developing a non-union. Furthermore, smoking, obesity and previous hip surgeries might also contribute to developing a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy.

Surgical Complications Associated With Atypical Femur Fractures Attributed to Bisphosphonate Use.

Complications of atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are common. AFFs often receive the same treatment as other femoral fractures; however, there appears to be a higher rate of adverse outcomes. Nine patients sustained a total of 13 AFFs, had documented bisphosphonate use before fracture, and had surgery between 2006 and 2012. Complications included continued pain, surgical revision, nonunion, malunion, deformity, or heterotopic ossification. The overall complication rate was 33.3%, with four of the 12 surgeries performed at this institution resulting in one nonunion and three minor complications. None of the primary fixations required revision. There was a higher complication rate for AFFs when compared with non-bisphosphonate-related intramedullary nail femur fracture fixations. This cohort demonstrated a lower rate of major complications compared to the literature. Using a reamed, statically locked nail, halting bisphosphonate medication, and allowing early weight bearing is a safe and efficacious method to treat atypical femur fractures. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(1):14-20, 2018).

Nonunion and delayed union in lateral open wedge distal femoral osteotomies-a legitimate concern?

INTRODUCTION: Due to a supposed high rate of nonunions in lateral open wedge distal femur osteotomy (LOWDFO), the medial closing wedge technique has been favoured for a long time. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of delayed- and nonunions following LOWDFO. We hypothesized that the occurrence of nonunions needing revision surgery is comparable to medial closing osteotomies. METHODS: Forty-one patients were treated with LOWDFO with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Parameters such as age, gender, body mass index, valgus angle, the heights of the opening wedge, as well as the type of osteotomy (biplane vs single plane) were collected. Delayed union and nonunion were evaluated on radiographs along with clinical symptoms. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 21 females and 20 males, with a median age of 37 years at the time of surgery. Removal of hardware was performed in 63% after 1.3 years (0.6-2.1 years). The median preoperative valgus angle was 6.1° valgus (range 2-15.5°). The heights of the opening wedge ranged from 2 to 12 mm (mean 5.3 mm). Hinge fracture of the medial cortex was seen in 39%. Three patients had a delayed union, and one patient had a nonunion requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: LOWDFO is a safe alternative to MCWDFO. Although radiolucency of the osteotomy gap can be evident on radiographs even after 12 months, this does not reflect the clinical finding. The nonunion rate is proven to be low and comparable with the nonunion rates of MCWDFOs as well as open wedge HTOs.

Low complication rate of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of pediatric forearm fractures: A retrospective study of 202 cases.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been established as state of the art treatment for forearm fractures in children, if operative stabilization is required. Their use has been expanded to single bone shaft fractures, and also more complex injuries such as Monteggia fractures or Monteggia-like lesions. A wide range of complications has been reported in the literature, up to 70% in certain investigations. The purpose of this study was to assess the complication rate after ESIN treatment of forearm fractures in children and adolescents in a representative cohort of patients from a level 1 trauma center in Germany.Between 2000 and 2015, we retrospectively analyzed all patients, up to the age of 16 years, with forearm fractures, who were operatively treated using ESIN in our department of general and trauma surgery. The main outcome measurements were the rates of postoperative complications after ESIN such as re-fracture, malunion, nonunion, tendon lesion, wound infection, and limited range of motion.In all, 201 consecutive patients with 202 forearm fractures were included in this study. Age averaged 9.7 years (range 3-16 years). Fifteen (7.4%) fractures were open. Fractures were 82.2% diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. Follow-up averaged 10.2 months (range 0.7-176.3 months). Complications were 10 re-fractures, 2 malunions, 3 extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures, 1 superficial wound infection, and 2 limited range of motions. Fourteen (6.9%) children required a secondary operative intervention for their complication. Time to implant removal averaged 3.8 months (range 0.4-16.3 months).Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive and reliable technique with a low complication rate. Both-bone forearm fractures and single bone fractures, and also Monteggia and Monteggia-equivalent fractures can be successfully treated with this method. As a major complication, re-fractures are frequently seen, even with ESIN in situ.

Adverse Effects of Smoking on Musculoskeletal Health.

Smoking remains a prevalent part of present day society, with over 42 million Americans who continue to use cigarettes. Smoking is strongly associated with a variety of conditions that result in increased morbidity and mortality. Research also indicates that smoking has an adverse effect on surgical outcomes. Its effect on the musculoskeletal system is evident and results in postoperative complications such as infection, nonunion, and malunion. These complications also come with a price, as there are severe economic implications of smoking. Patients who smoke may benefit from a period of perioperative cessation to help diminish some of these negative outcomes. It is the physician's duty to educate patients preoperatively about these outcomes and the potential benefit of smoking cessation.

Primary Wound Closure After Open Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study Examining Nonunion and Deep Infection.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the proportion of subjects developing deep infection or nonunion after primary wound closure of open fractures (humerus, radius/ulna, femur, and tibia/fibula). Secondarily, a matched-series analysis compared outcomes with subjects who underwent delayed wound closure. DESIGN: Prospective cohort between 2009 and 2013 of subjects undergoing primary closure. SETTING: Trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-three (84 fractures) subjects were enrolled. Eighty-two (99%) subjects (83 fractures) provided follow-up data. Matching (age, sec, fracture location, and grade) was performed using study data of delayed wound closure undertaken at the same center between 2001 and 2009 (n = 68 matched subjects). INTERVENTION: Primary wound closure occurred when the fracture grade was Gustilo grade 3A or lower and the wound deemed clean at initial surgery. Standardized evaluations occurred until the fracture(s) healed; phone interviews and chart reviews were also undertaken at 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Deep infection is defined as infection requiring unplanned surgical debridement and/or sustained antibiotic therapy after wound closure; nonunion is defined as unplanned surgical intervention after definitive wound closure or incomplete radiographic healing 1-year after fracture. RESULTS: Three (4%) subjects had deep infections, whereas 10 (12%) subjects developed nonunion in the primary closure cohort. In the matched analyses [n = 68 pairs; (136 subjects)], the primary closure cohort had fewer deep infections [n = 3 (4%) vs. n = 6 (9%)] and nonunions [n = 9 (13%) vs. n = 19 (29%)] than the delayed closure cohort (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary wound closure after an open fracture appears acceptable in appropriately selected patients and may reduce the risk of deep infection and nonunion compared with delayed closure; a definitive randomized trial is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment Options for Nonunion With Segmental Bone Defects: Systematic Review and Quantitative Evidence Synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which reconstruction treatment of long bones nonunion with segmental bone defects (SBDs) is effective to restore bone length and union with good function. DATA SOURCES: PubMed was used to identify published literature on treatment of SBD caused by fracture nonunion regardless of infection between January 1975 and December 2014. STUDY SELECTION: We included retrospective cohort studies with a minimum sample size of 10 consecutive patients with minimum follow-up of 18 months and available data on radiographic and functional outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Literature review revealed 24 publications with a sample size of 504 patients (395 males, 109 females). Data on bone union and functional outcome and complications were collected and analyzed based on validated classification systems. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two outcome groups were categorized for bone union and functional outcome, success, and failure. We then performed heterogeneity test to examine the variability or differences in the methods used by these studies and based on that we determined whether the fixed effect or random effect method is appropriate in examining the summary or pool estimate. Pool estimate was examined for bone union and functional outcome in each surgical modality and in each anatomic location when data were available. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SBD can be challenging. This quantitative evidence synthesis shows that bone union was achieved by different procedures with variable bone union and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial: a pragmatic, multicentre, equivalence randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation comparing close contact casting with open surgical reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in patients aged over 60 years.

BACKGROUND: Close contact casting (CCC) may offer an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for unstable ankle fractures in older adults. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to (1) determine if CCC for unstable ankle fractures in adults aged over 60 years resulted in equivalent clinical outcome compared with ORIF, (2) estimate cost-effectiveness to the NHS and society and (3) explore participant experiences. DESIGN: A pragmatic, multicentre, equivalence randomised controlled trial incorporating health economic evaluation and qualitative study. SETTING: Trauma and orthopaedic departments of 24 NHS hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged over 60 years with unstable ankle fracture. Those with serious limb or concomitant disease or substantial cognitive impairment were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: CCC was conducted under anaesthetic in theatre by surgeons who attended training. ORIF was as per local practice. Participants were randomised in 1 : 1 allocation via remote telephone randomisation. Sequence generation was by random block size, with stratification by centre and fracture pattern. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks and, by blinded outcome assessors, at 6 months after randomisation. The primary outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), a patient-reported assessment of ankle function, at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (as measured by the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions, Short Form questionnaire-12 items), pain, ankle range of motion and mobility (as measured by the timed up and go test), patient satisfaction and radiological measures. In accordance with equivalence trial US Food and Drug Administration guidance, primary analysis was per protocol. RESULTS: We recruited 620 participants, 95 from the pilot and 525 from the multicentre phase, between June 2010 and November 2013. The majority of participants, 579 out of 620 (93%), received the allocated treatment; 52 out of 275 (19%) who received CCC later converted to ORIF because of loss of fracture reduction. CCC resulted in equivalent ankle function compared with ORIF at 6 months {OMAS 64.5 points [standard deviation (SD) 22.4 points] vs. OMAS 66.0 points (SD 21.1 points); mean difference -0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.98 to 2.68 points; standardised effect size -0.04, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.15}. There were no differences in quality of life, ankle motion, pain, mobility and patient satisfaction. Infection and/or wound problems were more common with ORIF [29/298 (10%) vs. 4/275 (1%)], as were additional operating theatre procedures [17/298 (6%) vs. 3/275 (1%)]. Malunion was more common with CCC [38/249 (15%) vs. 8/274 (3%); p < 0.001]. Malleolar non-union was lower in the ORIF group [lateral: 0/274 (0%) vs. 8/248 (3%); p = 0.002; medial: 3/274 (1%) vs. 18/248 (7%); p < 0.001]. During the trial, CCC showed modest mean cost savings [NHS mean difference -£644 (95% CI -£1390 to £76); society mean difference -£683 (95% CI -£1851 to £536)]. Estimates showed some imprecision. Incremental quality-adjusted life-years following CCC were no different from ORIF. Over common willingness-to-pay thresholds, the probability that CCC was cost-effective was very high (> 95% from NHS perspective and 85% from societal perspective). Experiences of treatments were similar; both groups endured the impact of fracture, uncertainty regarding future function and the need for further interventions. LIMITATIONS: Assessors at 6 weeks were necessarily not blinded. The learning-effect analysis was inconclusive because of limited CCC applications per surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: CCC provides a clinically equivalent outcome to ORIF at reduced cost to the NHS and to society at 6 months. FUTURE WORK: Longer-term follow-up of trial participants is under way to address concerns over potential later complications or additional procedures and their potential to impact on ankle function. Further study of the patient factors, radiological fracture patterns and outcomes, treatment responses and prognosis would also contribute to understanding the treatment pathway. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04180738. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 75. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. This report was developed in association with the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit funding scheme. The pilot phase was funded by the AO Research Foundation.

Does Screw Configuration or Fibular Osteotomy Decrease Healing Time in Exchange Tibial Nailing?

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study was designed to evaluate whether tibia fracture nonunions treated with exchange nailing proceed to union faster with dynamically- versus statically-locked nails, or with fibular osteotomy versus no fibular osteotomy. DESIGN: Retrospective, chart-review, multicenter study. SETTING: Multicenter review of 6 level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients who had a tibia fracture treated with an intramedullary nail that progressed to nonunion, and were subsequently treated with exchange nailing, were identified. All patients that met inclusion criteria and subsequently progressed to union were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent tibial exchange nailing to repair nonunions, with screws in either a dynamically- or statically-locked configuration with or without fibular osteotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was a comparison of time to healing of tibial nonunion comparing different screw configurations and fibular osteotomy. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent an exchange nail procedure and their outcomes were used for the primary analysis. Patients with dynamically-locked nails proceeded to union 7.9 months after revision surgery compared with 7.3 months for those with statically-locked nails, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.68). Patients with fibular osteotomy proceeded to union 2.9 months faster than those without fibular osteotomy, and this trended toward significance (P = 0.067). Obese patients healed on average 8.8 months after surgery compared with 6.8 months for nonobese patients (P = 0.27). Closed fractures healed after 6.4 months compared with 7.7 months for open fractures (P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in time to union between patients who had a dynamic screw configuration compared with a static screw configuration for their exchange nail. Patients who underwent fibular osteotomy proceeded to union faster than those without an osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Iatrogenic Radial Nerve Palsy After Humeral Shaft Nonunion Repair: More Common Than You Think.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy (RNP) after surgical repair of established humeral shaft nonunion (HSNU). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four patients with HSNU, 10 (18.5%) of whom developed an iatrogenic RNP after nonunion repair. INTERVENTION: HSNU repair with compression plate stabilization with or without autogenous bone graft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative iatrogenic RNP. RESULTS: Ten (18.5%) patients developed iatrogenic radial nerve palsies: 8 experienced complete resolution (mean, 2.5 months) and 2 experienced partial resolution. There were no statistically significant differences between patients who developed nerve palsy and those who did not in regard to age, gender, tobacco use, diabetic status, previous RNP, initial management (operative vs. nonoperative), surgical approach, presence of infected nonunion, number of previous surgeries, or operative time (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of iatrogenic RNP for patients undergoing surgical repair of an HSNU was 18.5%. According to historical data, this rate is nearly 3 times higher than for those undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of either acute humeral shaft fractures or HSNUs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

Ketorolac Administered in the Recovery Room for Acute Pain Management Does Not Affect Healing Rates of Femoral and Tibial Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether ketorolac administered in the immediate perioperative period affects the rate of nonunion in femoral and tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Single Institution, Academic Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Three hundred and thirteen skeletally mature patients with 137 femoral shaft (OTA 32) and 191 tibial shaft (OTA 42) fractures treated with intramedullary rod fixation. INTERVENTION: Eighty patients with 33 femoral shaft and 52 tibial shaft fractures were administered ketorolac within the first 24 hours after surgery (group 1-study group). Two-hundred thirty-three patients with 104 femoral shaft and 139 tibial shaft fractures were not (group 2-control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rate of reoperation for repair of a nonunion and time to union. RESULTS: Average time to union of the femur was 147 days for group 1 and 159 days for group 2 (P = 0.57). Average time to union of the tibia was 175 days for group 1 and 175 days for group 2 (P = 0.57). There were 3 femoral nonunions (9%) in group 1 and eleven femoral nonunions (11.6%) in group 2 (P = 1.00). There were 3 tibial nonunions (5.8%) in group 1 and 17 tibial nonunions (12.2%) in group 2 (P = 0.29). The average dose of ketorolac for patients who healed their fracture was 85 mg, whereas it was 50 mg for those who did not (P = 0.27). All patients with a nonunion in the study group were current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac administered in the first 24 hours after fracture repair for acute pain management does not seem to have a negative impact on time to healing or incidence of nonunion for femoral or tibial shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is internal fixation of the intertrochanteric fractures reliable option in patients with cognitive dysfunction?

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of hemiarthroplasty with those of treatment internal fixation devices for stable intertrochanteric fractures in patients with moderate and severe cognitive dysfunction. 155 patients were evaluated retrospectively. 54 patients were treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN), 57 with dynamic hip screw (DHS) and 44 were underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA). Activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated with the Barthel Activity Index (BI) score and the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) with the Euroquol-5D (EQ-5D) test. The BI scores in HA patients were found to be at significantly high compared to the PFN and DHS groups both at the one and two years. A significant difference was also found in the EQ-5D scores in favor of HA group at one year. The most common complications in internal fixation patients were malunion (7/54 for PFN, 9/57 for DHS group), fixation failure (8/54 for PFN, 12/57 for DHS group) and dislocation (10/44), deep infection (8/44) for HA group. The strong predictive variables on ADL in dementia patients were, duration time to surgery and pre-operative MMSE score. In conclusion, HA is the prefered treatment for stable intertrochanteric fractures but that the dislocation (10/44) and infection rates (8/44) are very high in dementia.

Factors Associated With Development of Nonunion or Delayed Healing After an Open Long Bone Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study of 736 Subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with developing nonunion or delayed healing after open fracture. DESIGN: Prospective cohort between 2001 and 2009. SETTING: Three level 1 Canadian trauma centers. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred thirty-six (791 fractures) subjects were enrolled. Six hundred eighty-nine (94%) subjects (739 fractures) provided adequate outcome data. INTERVENTION: Subjects were followed until fracture(s) healed; phone interviews and chart reviews were conducted 1 year after fracture. Patient, fracture, and injury information, and time to surgery and antibiotics were recorded during hospitalization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Nonunion defined as unplanned surgical intervention after definitive wound closure or incomplete radiographic healing at 1 year and delayed healing defined as 2 consecutive clinical assessments showing no radiographic progression or incomplete radiographic healing between 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: There were 413 (52%) tibia/fibular, 285 (36%) upper extremity, and 93 (13%) femoral fractures. Nonunion developed in 124 (17%) and delayed healing in 63 (8%) fractures. The median time to surgery was not different for fractures that developed nonunion compared with those who did not (P = 0.36). Deep infection [Odd ratio (OR) 12.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.07-26.8], grade 3A fractures (OR 2.49; 95% CI, 1.30-4.78), and smoking (OR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.09-2.76) were significantly associated with developing a nonunion. Delayed healing was also significantly associated with deep infection (OR 4.34; 95% CI, 1.22-15.48) and grade 3B/C fractures (OR 3.69; 95% CI, 1.44-9.44). Multivariate regression found no association between nonunion and time to surgery (P = 0.15) or antibiotics (P = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Deep infection and higher Gustilo grade fractures were associated with nonunion and delayed healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fate of Patients With a "Surprise" Positive Culture After Nonunion Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Review the impact of unexpected positive cultures from definitive surgery for nonunion regarding postoperative treatment and ultimate result. DESIGNS: Retrospective multicenter case series. SETTING: Three level-one trauma centers. PATIENTS: Six-hundred sixty-six consecutive nonunions were treated during the study period. Four-hundred fifty-three cases (68%) were considered at risk for indolent infection (prior open fracture, surgery, or infection) and had cultures taken at the time of definitive surgery. INTERVENTION: Intraoperative cultures during definitive operative treatment of nonunions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The incidence of "surprise" positive cultures was determined, and the course of the patients was documented including the use of antibiotics, surgery performed, and the outcome regarding infection and union. RESULTS: Ninety-one (20%) cases had a surprise positive culture despite negative inflammatory markers. Most of bacteria isolated from the cultures were Staphylococcus species. Eight (9%) of the ninety-one cultures were considered probable contaminants and no antibiotics were given, 5 of these patients healed. The other 83 patients were treated with antibiotics, initially 66 (80%) healed and 12 (14%) remained infected. Eighty-two percent of patients with augmentation healed as compared with 86% of those not grafted. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of nonunions is challenging, and in patients with a history of surgery or open fracture, we found that 20% had positive intraoperative cultures from the definitive surgery. We recommend intraoperative cultures for all patients undergoing revision surgery. The use of culture-specific antibiotics is justified based on the overall low rate of infection in this complex population and the high rate of chronic infection (25%) for those treated as contaminants. Patients may be counseled that a positive culture after nonunion surgery is a treatable problem but does increase the risk of infection and additional surgery as compared with those with a negative intraoperative culture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open distal tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective comparison of medial plate versus nail fixation.

PURPOSE: Studies comparing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) vs. intramedullary nailing (IMN) for distal tibia shaft fractures focus upon closed injuries containing small patient series with open fractures. As such, complication rates for open fractures are unknown. To characterize complications associated with ORIF vs. IMN, we compared complications based on surgical approach in a large patient series of open distal tibia shaft fractures. METHODS: Through retrospective analysis at an urban level I trauma center, 180 IMN and 36 ORIF patients with open distal tibia fractures from 2002 to 2012 were evaluated. Patient charts were reviewed to identify patient demographics, fracture grade (G), patient comorbidities, and postoperative complications including nonunion, malunion, infection, hardware-related pain, and wound dehiscence. Fisher's exact tests compared complications between ORIF and IMN groups. Multivariate regression identified risk factors with statistical significance for the development of a postoperative complication. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty IMN (G1 22, G2 79, and G3 79) and 36 ORIF (G1 10, G2 16, and G3 10) patients were included for analysis. ORIF patients had a higher rate of nonunion (25.0 %, n = 9) compared with IMN patients (10.6 %, n = 20, p = 0.03). No additional complication had a significant statistical difference between groups. Multivariable analysis shows only surgical method influenced the development of complications: ORIF patients had 2.52 greater odds of developing complications compared with IMN patients (95 % CI 1.05-6.02; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: ORIF leads to higher rates of nonunion and significantly increases the odds of developing a complication compared with IMN for open distal tibia fractures. This is the first study investigating complication rates based on surgical approach in a large cohort of patients with exclusively open distal tibia fractures.

Comparison of Surgical versus Non-Surgical Treatment of Displaced 3- and 4-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE/AIM: This meta-analysis compares the clinical outcomes of surgical versus conservative treatment of displaced, 3- or 4-part, proximal humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published until October 2013, reporting functional outcomes of 3- or 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus in skeletally mature patients. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The treatments that were evaluated included non-surgical, open surgery, intramedullary pin, locking plate, arthroplasty, and minimally invasive surgical treatments. A meta-analysis was performed on the difference in functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) between participants undergoing surgical versus non-surgical treatment. RESULTS: Out of 254 participants in the studies who were analyzed, 127 were treated surgically. The difference in mean values of functional score showed similar results between surgical and non-surgical treatments (difference in mean values = 0.015, 95% CI = -0.232 to 0.261, p = .908).The difference in mean values of QoL showed that surgical treatment provided better post-operative QoL than non-surgical treatment (difference in mean values = 0.146, 95% CI = 0.052 to 0.240, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of displaced, multi-fragment fractures of the proximal humerus did not improve shoulder functional outcome, based on the Constant-Murley Score, when compared with conservative and non-surgical treatments. However, health-related QoL was significantly improved with surgical treatment compared with conservative treatment.