Biomechanical study of a low-cost external fixator for diaphyseal fractures of long bones.

BACKGROUND: External fixation improves open fracture management in emerging countries. However, sophisticated models are often expensive and unavailable. We assessed the biomechanical properties of a low-cost external fixation system in comparison with the Hoffmann® 3 system, as a reference. METHODS: Transversal, oblique, and comminuted fractures were created in the diaphysis of tibia sawbones. Six external fixators were tested in three modes of loading-axial compression, medio-lateral (ML) bending, and torsion-in order to determine construction stiffness. The fixator construct implies two uniplanar (UUEF1, UUEF2) depending the pin-rods fixation system and two biplanar (UBEF1, UBEF2) designs based on different bar to bar connections. The designed low-cost fixators were compared to a Hoffmann® 3 fixator single rod (H3-SR) and double rod (H3-DR). Twenty-seven constructs were stabilized with UUEF1, UUEF2, and H3-SR (nine constructs each). Nine constructs were stabilized with UBEF1, UBEF2, and H3-DR (three constructs each). RESULTS: UUEF2 was significantly stiffer than H3-SR (p < 0.001) in axial compression for oblique fractures and UUEF1 was significantly stiffer than H3-SR (p = 0.009) in ML bending for transversal fractures. Both UUEFs were significantly stiffer than H3-SR in axial compression and torsion (p < 0.05), and inferior to H3-SR in ML bending, for comminuted fractures. In the same fracture pattern, UBEFs were significantly stiffer than H3-DR (p = 0.001) in axial compression and torsion, while only UBEF1 was significantly stiffer than H3-DR in ML bending (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the stiffness of the UUEF and UBEF device compares to the reference fixator and may be helpful in maintaining fracture reduction. Fatigue testing and clinical assessment must be conducted to ensure that the objective of bone healing is achievable with such low-cost devices.

Expert Consensus for a Principle-based Classification for Treatment of Diaphyseal Pediatric Femur Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies demonstrate considerable deviation from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures (PDFFs). This study aimed to determine if expert-consensus can be reached on a principle-based classification to be applied broadly to a wide variety of PDFF scenarios and if outcomes correspond to adherence to the classification. METHODS: A 2-stage study was performed. First, a survey of experts using a principle-based approach to PDFF. We conducted a survey of 17 thought-leaders (criteria≥20 y' experience+authors of the seminal pediatric femur fracture studies) who were asked to classify 15 cases of PDFF using the principle-based classification for agreement. Next, we conducted a retrospective review of 289 consecutive PDFF treated (2011-2015) at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. For each case, we compared the actual treatment and proposed "ideal" principle-based classification. We then compared clinical results and outcome data points including the length of stay, physician visits, and hospital charge data. RESULTS: A substantial (κ=0.7) expert-agreement was noted for assigning treatment principles with near-perfect (κ=0.93) agreement on conservative versus surgical management. We obtained agreement on employing a flexible implant (κ=0.84) rigid fixation (κ=0.75) and damage control philosophy (κ=0.64). Suboptimal clinical results were noted in 43% of the undertreated patients (24/56), 18.8% of the adequately treated, and 14.3% of overtreated (P<0.01) patients. An increasing trend for the length of hospital stay and a number of clinic visits was noted as the treatment class increased (P<0.01). Charges were 4.2 times higher for an episode of operative versus nonoperative care (P<0.01). Rigid fixation (class 4) had significantly (P=0.01) higher total and material charges than flexible fixation (class 3). DISCUSSION: The proposed classification has a substantial agreement among thought-leaders. Clinical results demonstrated significantly more suboptimal results in undertreated fractures, compared with ideally treated or more invasively treated fractures. More invasive treatments led to increased burden to families and the system in terms of length of stay and hospital charges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is not cost-effective.

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is nonoperative. Recent studies have implied that operative treatment might result in a faster return to work, resulting in a decreased productivity loss for society. The cost utility of plate fixation vs. nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures has not previously been investigated using a societal perspective. METHODS: Decision analytical modeling of incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) was performed. Data on utility, hospitalization, and productivity costs were retrieved from a Danish randomized controlled trial. Supplementary data were taken from randomized controlled trials identified in the literature. A 1-year time horizon was applied, and all prices were reported with respect to a 2016 level. RESULTS: Operative treatment was associated with a larger QALY gain in patients and a higher cost compared with nonoperative treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated in Danish currency (Danish krone [kr]) at kr1,360,000 (€182,306) per QALY from a health-sector perspective and kr1,388,738 (€186,158) per QALY from a societal perspective. Considering a subgroup analysis of patients with a high-load shoulder profession, operative treatment was dominated by nonoperative treatment from a health-sector perspective. Considering a societal perspective, the ICER was estimated at -kr889,091 (-€119,181) per reduction of 1 QALY. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that the results were subject to uncertainty. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment is not cost-effective when considering a threshold of €34,000/QALY. However, for a subgroup of patients with a high-load shoulder profession, operative treatment might be cost-effective compared with nonoperative treatment.

Assessing the capacity of Malawi's district and central hospitals to manage traumatic diaphyseal femoral fractures in adults.

BACKGROUND: The burden of musculoskeletal trauma is growing worldwide, disproportionately affecting low-income countries like Malawi. However, resources required to manage musculoskeletal trauma remain inadequate. A detailed understanding of the current capacity of Malawian public hospitals to manage musculoskeletal trauma is unknown and necessary for effective trauma system development planning. METHODS: We developed a list of infrastructure, manpower, and material resources used during treatment of adult femoral shaft fractures-a representative injury managed non-operatively and operatively in Malawi. We identified, by consensus of at least 7 out of 10 experts, which items were essential at district and central hospitals. We surveyed orthopaedic providers in person at all 25 district and 4 central hospitals in Malawi on the presence, availability, and reasons for unavailability of essential resources. We validated survey responses by performing simultaneous independent on-site assessments of 25% of the hospitals. RESULTS: No district or central hospital in Malawi had available all the essential resources to adequately manage femoral fractures. On average, district hospitals had 71% (range 41-90%) of essential resources, with at least 15 of 25 reporting unavailability of inpatient ward nurses, x-ray, external fixators, gauze and bandages, and walking assistive devices. District hospitals offered only non-operative treatment, though 24/25 reported barriers to performing skeletal traction. Central hospitals reported an average of 76% (71-85%) of essential resources, with at least 2 of 4 hospitals reporting unavailability of full blood count, inpatient hospital beds, a procedure room, an operating room, casualty/A&E department clinicians, orthopaedic clinicians, a circulating nurse, inpatient ward nurses, electrocardiograms, x-ray, suture, and walking assistive devices. All four central hospitals reported barriers to performing skeletal traction. Operative treatment of femur fracture with a reliable supply of implants was available at 3/4 hospitals, though 2/3 were dependent entirely on foreign donations. CONCLUSION: We identified critical deficiencies in infrastructure, manpower, and essential resources at district and central hospitals in Malawi. Our findings provide evidence-based guidance on how to improve the musculoskeletal trauma system in Malawi, by identifying where and why essential resources were unavailable when needed.

Assessment of incidence and various demographic risk factors of traumatic humeral shaft fractures in China.

As a sub-study of the China National Fracture Study, this study aimed to better determine the incidence and risk factors of humeral shaft fracture in mainland China. We obtained all the data on humeral shaft fracture from the China National Fracture Study reported in 2017. Trained research teams personally interviewed all qualifying household members using a standardised questionnaire. A total of 512,187 (259649 boys and men, 252538 girls and women) questionnaires were collected and analysed from 112 neighbourhood communities and 223 administrative villages using stratified random sampling and the probability proportional to size method. The population-weighted incidence rate of humeral shaft fracture was 7.22 (95% confidence interval 4.90, 9.55) per 100,000 populations in 2014. Previous fracture history was an independent risk factor in adults of both sexes. Smoking was identified as an independent risk factor for humeral shaft fracture for men. Alcohol consumption and menstruation ceasing before the age of 46 years were considered as independent risk factors for women. Given the above data, specific public-health policies focusing on promoting a smoke-free environment and reducing alcohol intake should be encouraged. People who have had a fracture and women whose menstruation had ceased before the age of 46 should be vigilant against humeral shaft fracture.

The Cost of Intramedullary Nailing Versus Skeletal Traction for Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Malawi: A Prospective Economic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In many low- and middle-income countries, non-surgical management of femoral shaft fractures using skeletal traction is common because intramedullary (IM) nailing is perceived to be expensive. This study assessed the cost of IM nailing and skeletal traction for treatment of femoral shaft fractures in Malawi. METHODS: We used micro-costing methods to quantify the costs associated with IM nailing and skeletal traction. Adult patients who sustained an isolated closed femur shaft fracture and managed at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi were followed from admission to discharge. Resource utilization and time data were collected through direct observation. Costs were quantified for procedures and ward personnel, medications, investigations, surgical implants, disposable supplies, procedures instruments and overhead. RESULTS: We followed 38 nailing and 27 traction patients admitted between April 2016 and November 2017. Nailing patient's average length of stay (LOS) was 36.35 days (SD 21.19), compared to 61 (SD 18.16) for traction (p = 0.0003). The total cost per patient was $596.97 ($168.81) for nailing and $678.02 (SD $144.25) for traction (p = 0.02). Major cost drivers were ward personnel and overhead; both are directly proportional to LOS. Converting patients from traction to nailing is cost-saving up to day 23 post-admission. CONCLUSION: Savings from IM nailing as compared with skeletal traction were achieved by shortened LOS. Although this study did not assess the effectiveness of either intervention, the literature suggests that traction carries a higher rate of complications than nailing. Investment in IM nailing capacity may yield substantial net savings to health systems, as well as improved clinical outcomes.

Diaphyseal long bone nonunions - types, aetiology, economics, and treatment recommendations.

The intention of the current article is to review the epidemiology with related socioeconomic costs, pathophysiology, and treatment options for diaphyseal long bone delayed unions and nonunions. Diaphyseal nonunions in the tibia and in the femur are estimated to occur 4.6-8% after modern intramedullary nailing of closed fractures with an even much higher risk in open fractures. There is a high socioeconomic burden for long bone nonunions mainly driven by indirect costs, such as productivity losses due to long treatment duration. The classic classification of Weber and Cech of the 1970s is based on the underlying biological aspect of the nonunion differentiating between "vital" (hypertrophic) and "avital" (hypo-/atrophic) nonunions, and can still be considered to represent the basis for basic evaluation of nonunions. The "diamond concept" units biomechanical and biological aspects and provides the pre-requisites for successful bone healing in nonunions. For humeral diaphyseal shaft nonunions, excellent results for augmentation plating were reported. In atrophic humeral shaft nonunions, compression plating with stimulation of bone healing by bone grafting or BMPs seem to be the best option. For femoral and tibial diaphyseal shaft fractures, dynamization of the nail is an atraumatic, effective, and cheap surgical possibility to achieve bony consolidation, particularly in delayed nonunions before 24 weeks after initial surgery. In established hypertrophic nonunions in the tibia and femur, biomechanical stability should be addressed by augmentation plating or exchange nailing. Hypotrophic or atrophic nonunions require additional biological stimulation of bone healing for augmentation plating.

Intramedullary Implant Choice and Cost in the Treatment of Pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes and costs between titanium elastic nails (TENs), stainless steel elastic nails (SENs), and Kirschner wires (K-wires) in the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures with intramedullary fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100 patients (65 male and 35 female) younger than 18 years with diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with intramedullary fixation were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients received single or both bone intramedullary fixation with either TENs, SENs, or K-wires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Time to radiographic union, complication rate, surgical time, and average cost per implant. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in the study. Thirty-one patients were treated with TENs, 30 with SENs, and 39 with K-wires. No significant difference in time to radiographic union, complication rate, or surgical time was found between the 3 types of fixation. Average time to union was 9.4 ± 5.4 weeks, and complication rate was 12.9% for TENs, 10.0% for SENs, and 12.8% for K-wires. There was a significant difference in cost per implant, with an average cost of $639, $172, and $24 for TENs, SENs, and K-wires, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates no difference between TENs, SENs, and K-wires in the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures with regards to outcome, time to union, surgical time, or complication rates. Given the significant cost difference between these implants, we recommend that surgeons consider modifying their implant selection to help mitigate cost. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intramedullary Nailing System in Unstable Both Bone Diaphyseal Fractures in Children.

Background Forearm fractures in pediatric population is usually managed conservatively. Unstable fractures need operative intervention like closed or open intramedullary nailing or open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. However, there is no consensus regarding the method of treatment according to age group. Objective To standardize the use of elastic nailing system as effective form of treatment in terms of function, cost and lower complications as compared to widely used titanium nails in developed countries.Method Sixty eight pediatric patients with both bone forearm diaphyseal fractures were managed with closed reduction and intramedullary fixation with rush nail or k-wire and followed at least for 6 months for evaluation of radiological and functional outcome. Result Patients were divided into two age groups, Group A for age of 5 to 9 years (26 patients) and Group B for age of 10-15 years (42 patients). The mean time for union for Group A patient was 7.31 weeks which was significantly lower than that of Group B patients of 9.33 weeks (p-value < 0.05). All the patients in Group A had excellent outcome and 36 (85.7%) patients had excellent outcome and 6 (14.3%) had good outcome in Group B. 5 out of 68 cases (7.35 %) had minor complications (2 in Group A and 3 in Group B). The mean time for implant removal was 17.9 weeks in Group A and 22.9 in Group B. Conclusion Intramedullary fixation for unstable diaphyseal both bone fractures of forearm is safe and cost effective method of treatment with good to excellent functional outcome with union time being significantly lower in younger age group.

[Shortening deformities of the clavicle after diaphyseal clavicular fractures : Influence on patient-oriented assessment of shoulder function]. / Verkürzungsfehlstellung des Schlüsselbeins nach diaphysären Klavikulafrakturen : Einfluss auf die patientenorientierte Bewertung der Schulterfunktion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the evaluation of patient-oriented outcome scores for shoulder function and residual complaints after diaphyseal clavicular fractures with respect to shortening deformities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was based on data of 172 adult patients (mean age 39 ± 14 years) with healed clavicular fractures treated operatively (n = 104) or conservatively (n = 67). The control population consisted of 35 healthy adults without shoulder problems and 25 patients with nonunion after conservative treatment. The subjective estimation of the level of pain was collated on a visual analog scale (VAS 1-100 points), together with the relative Constant and Murley score, the Cologne clavicle score, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and a bilateral comparison of the length difference of the clavicles. RESULTS: Patients with a clavicular length difference of > 2 cm had significantly (p < 0.001) more pain, a greater loss of mobility and significantly lower values in the scoring system of Constant and Murley, the DASH and Cologne clavicle scores compared to patients with clavicular length differences < 0.5 cm and healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that shortening deformities after clavicular fractures in adults have a large impact on the functional result and patient-oriented outcome scores. The aim of the therapy of diaphyseal clavicular fractures should therefore concentrate on reconstruction of the anatomical length of the clavicle.

Uniplanar Versus Taylor Spatial Frame External Fixation For Pediatric Diaphyseal Tibia Fractures: A Comparison of Cost and Complications.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and cost variations between uniplanar (UNI) and Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) external fixation for unstable pediatric tibial diaphyseal fractures. METHODS: We performed an IRB approved, retrospective review of 44 diaphyseal tibial fractures in 42 children treated with external fixation (16 TSF and 28 UNI) between 2003 and 2011, at a single level 1 pediatric trauma center. Data on demographic, clinical, radiographic, treatment cost, and complication differences were analyzed between the 2 groups. The Student t tests, Fisher's exact tests, χ trend tests, logistic regression, and a cost analysis comparison was used to assess the differences. RESULTS: The mean age in both groups was 13 years (range: 6 to 18 y TSF, 9 to 17 y UNI). The mean follow-up was 8 months (TSF) and 13 months (UNI). According to the AO classification, there were 28 type A, 13 type B, and 3 type C fractures with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P=0.69). Total time in the fixator was not different between the 2 groups (UNI 14 wk, TSF 12 wk, P=0.10), but time to union was less in the TSF group (UNI 16 wk, TSF 13 wk, P<0.01). There were no differences in the final radiographic alignment between the groups. The UNI group experienced more complications (7 pin-site infections and 9 reoperations) compared with 4 pin-site infections and 2 reoperations in the TSF group. A cost analysis revealed significant differences in equipment cost (UNI frame=$5074 vs. TSF frame=$10,675; P<0.0001); however, after corrected cost analysis with calculated return to the operating room for complications, there was no difference in cost of treatment (UNI treatment=$20,113 vs. TSF treatment=$19,138). CONCLUSIONS: Despite an initial equipment cost difference between UNI and TSF frames, corrected cost analysis reveals equivalent costs for care delivery. Therefore, TSF can be considered as a cost-conscious device for the treatment of unstable pediatric tibial diaphyseal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative cohort study.

Radiographic Evaluation During Treatment of Pediatric Forearm Fractures: Implications on Clinical Care and Cost.

BACKGROUND: As ≥30% of displaced pediatric forearm fractures demonstrate loss of reduction (LOR) following closed reduction (CR); radiographic follow-up is advocated at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks for detection of redisplacement. We hypothesized that there is minimal change in fracture alignment 2 weeks after CR, and consequently, that radiographs at 4 weeks add cost but little value to clinical care. METHODS: A total of 184 patients enrolled in a prospective study of pediatric forearm fractures including both distal and diaphyseal injuries were evaluated. All were treated with CR, casting, and radiographic evaluation at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postinjury. Primary endpoint was radiographic LOR. Secondary endpoint was need for any intervention. A modified number-needed to treat analysis estimated the utility of the week 4 x-ray in predicting intervention. Relative value unit (RVU) costing, time-derived activity-based costing (TDABC), and billing totals were used for cost analysis. RESULTS: Seventy patients (38%) demonstrated radiographic LOR. Independent predictors of LOR were initial radius displacement >75% (OR=5.40; CI, 2.23-12.60), concomitant ulna fracture (OR=1.71; CI, 1.15-2.54), and dominant arm involvement (OR=2.87; CI, 1.40-5.87). Eighty percent of all LORs occurred within the first 2 weeks. There was no statistically significant change in radiographic alignment after week 2. Of 40 total interventions, all were performed within the first 2 weeks of follow-up. The 4-week x-ray did not influence decision to intervene, and at most, 1 in every 40 patients would require an intervention after week 2. Elimination of the 4-week x-ray would result in a savings of 4.8% (RVU method) to 11.9% (TDABC method) in the overall cost of nonoperative fracture care. CONCLUSIONS: There is minimal change in fracture alignment 2 weeks following CR of pediatric forearm fractures, and all interventions are based on early radiographic follow-up. The week 4 x-ray adds little value to clinical decision making, and its elimination would result in savings up to 11.9% of the overall cost of nonoperative fracture care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic.

Pediatric clavicular fractures: assessment of fracture patterns and predictors of complicated outcome.

BACKGROUND: Clavicular fractures are the most common pediatric long-bone fracture, and although the vast majority heal with supportive treatment, complications do occur and can lead to pain and disability. Although many studies have characterized adult complication rates and risk factors, to our knowledge no comparable studies to date have looked at clavicular fractures in the pediatric population. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to identify the radiological and clinical variables that increase the complication rate of clavicular fractures. Identification of these variables would help emergency physicians identify patients who require more thorough follow-up or surgical intervention. METHODS: We analyzed radiographs of 537 clavicular fractures on initial presentation to the Pediatric Emergency Department at the Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center over a 4-year period, collecting data on variables such as displacement, angulation, and comminution, as well as demographic data such as age and gender. We then determined the outcome of each fracture by reviewing each patient's chart, and through a logistic regression analysis, determined the variables associated with complications. RESULTS: Of all the fractures treated supportively (i.e., non-operatively), only 2.5% resulted in a complication. Our analysis determined that patient age was an independent predictor of complications, with each year past zero conferring an 18.1% increase in risk of complication. Furthermore, completely displaced fractures were shown to increase the odds of complication by a factor of 3.2. CONCLUSION: These findings help the emergency physician identify a group of high-risk pediatric patients with clavicular fractures for which more thorough follow-up should be considered.

Validation of diagnostic codes for subtrochanteric, diaphyseal, and atypical femoral fractures using administrative claims data.

Administrative claims databases have large samples and high generalizability. They have been used to evaluate associations of atypical femoral fractures with bisphosphonates. We developed and assessed accuracy of claims-based algorithms with hospital and physician diagnosis codes for these fractures. Medical records and radiology reports of all adults admitted at University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System from 2004 to 2008 with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision hospital discharges and surgeons' fracture repair codes for subtrochanteric femoral fractures and random sample of other femoral fractures were reviewed. We identified 137 persons with suspected subtrochanteric femoral fractures and randomly selected 50 persons with either suspected diaphyseal femoral fractures or hip fractures other than subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures (typical hip fractures). Eleven patients had radiographic features indicative of atypical femoral fractures. The positive predictive value (PPV) of claims-based algorithms varied with primary or secondary positions on discharge diagnoses and the sources of diagnosis codes. The PPV for fractures ranged 69-89% for subtrochanteric femoral, 89-98% for diaphyseal femoral, and 85-98% for typical hip fractures. The PPV of administrative codes for defining a femoral fracture as atypical was low and imprecise. Claims-based algorithms combining hospital discharges with surgeon's diagnosis codes had high PPV to identify the site of subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fractures vs typical hip fractures. However, claims-based data were not accurate in identifying atypical femoral fractures. These claims algorithms will be useful in future population-based observational studies to evaluate associations between osteoporosis medications and subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures.

How many distal bolts should be used in unreamed intramedullary nailing for diaphyseal tibial fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Unreamed intramedullary nailing (UIMN) is an effective treatment procedure for the majority of tibial fractures, with locking constituting the technical support for the buttressing and neutralisation principles underlying intramedullary nailing. It has been claimed that the added versatility obtained from the use of more bolts in distal locking is very important. Several studies have been made concerning the optimum number of locking bolts in distal tibial fractures; however, to the best of our knowledge, no study has dealt with the question of whether two or three bolts should be used in diaphyseal fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this paper, we evaluate the results of treating 86 diaphyseal tibial fractures (type 42 according to the AO classification) with Expert Tibial UIMN (Synthes™, West Chester, PA, USA) and distal blocking with either two or three bolts. Mean patient age was 35 years (21-51). RESULTS: We found that the consolidation time is shorter, less radiation time is needed and the material cost is lower when two bolts are used. No other differences were found regarding mean operative time, wound healing, pain at fracture site, joint function, angular deviation or rotation. CONCLUSIONS: For type 42 AO tibial fractures treated with Expert Tibial UIMN, distal blocking should be performed with only two bolts.

[Forensic-medical assessment of diaphysis fractures in childhood].

The authors established that special structure of bones in childhood have a significant influence on the fractures of long tubular bones. The formation of unusual fractures shows it. Under condition of low speed of bending in the area of fracture many microfissures are formed, which leads to structural failure of intraosseous microcirculation and osteocytes.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic assessment of uncomplicated secondary fracture healing of long bones in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of ultrasonography (US) to detect bone healing in uncomplicated diaphyseal fractures of dogs and cats, and to compare these observations with detection of healing by radiography (RG). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (33) and cats (11). METHODS: RG and brightness mode US were used to follow uncomplicated secondary fracture healing. Fractures were examined at admission and then every 2-4 weeks until healed or implant removal. Temporal differences in definitive detection of healed fracture by imaging technique were examined by species, patient age, bone, and fracture type. RESULTS: US images obtained during uncomplicated secondary fracture healing were consistent with images of fracture healing described in humans. Mean time to US diagnosis of a healed fracture (mean 46 days) was significantly shorter than by RG (mean 66 days). Mean time until diagnosis of a healed fracture (US and RG) did not differ significantly between open and closed treatment. Patients 36 months (n=11), but there was no significant difference between the latter 2 groups. Diagnosis of a healed simple fracture by US was significantly quicker than for a comminuted fracture (P<.05), but no difference was noted when using RG. CONCLUSIONS: US can be used to evaluate secondary fracture healing in biologically treated fractures in dogs and cats. US permits detection of a healed fracture earlier than RG. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Earlier diagnosis of a healed fracture by US can prevent unnecessarily long limb immobilization and allow earlier dynamization.

Extra-articular fractures of the proximal tibial diaphysis: their epidemiology, management and outcome.

In a study of 523 consecutive tibial fractures, 33 were located in the proximal extra-articular segment. There were two fracture groups with different epidemiological characteristics and prognoses: group 1 fractures were metaphyseal in location, follow low-velocity injuries and have a good prognosis with non-operative treatment; group 2 injuries are high-energy diaphyseal fractures. Treatment of these latter fractures proved difficult, with all methods showing significant complications. Overall there was a 26% incidence of malunion, 7% deep infection and 7% compartment syndrome. Only 44% of patients with group 2 fractures returned to full function. Epidemiological analysis showed that proximal tibial fractures are closer to comminuted and segmental fractures in severity than to middle- and distal-third fractures. It is suggested, on the basis of our results, that they should be treated with either compression plating or closed external fixation.