A Randomized Controlled Study on the Efficacy of Different Approaches of Intramedullary Nailing with Blocking Screws for Proximal Tibial Fractures

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the clinical efficacy of different approaches of intramedullary nailing with blocking screws for proximal tibial fractures. One hundred cases of proximal tibial fractures treated in the orthopedic department from April 2021 to September 2023 were included in the study and divided into control and treatment groups using a random number table. A control group (n=50) treated with infrapatellar intramedullary nailing with blocking screws, and a treatment group (n=50) treated with suprapatellar intramedullary nailing with blocking screws. We observed the excellent and good rates in both groups, compared various perioperative indicators, changes in joint range of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Lysholm knee joint function scores, changes in inflammatory factors, and various bone markers before and after treatment, and analyzed postoperative complications. There were no significant differences in baseline data such as age, sex, body mass index, fracture site, concomitant fibular fractures, time from fracture to surgery, injury mechanism, and AO/OTA fracture classification between the two groups (P>0.05). The excellent and good rate in the treatment group after treatment was 90.00 % (45/50), significantly higher than 72.00 % (36/50) in the control group (P0.05). However, the treatment group had shorter surgical times and fewer fluoroscopy times than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased ROM and Lysholm scores, as well as decreased VAS scores. Moreover, compared to the control group, the treatment group had higher ROM and Lysholm scores and lower VAS scores (P<0.05). Inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteocalcin (BGP), and calcitonin (CT) increased in both groups after treatment, while total n- terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (Total-PINP) and b-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) decreased. Compared to the control group, the treatment group exhibited greater increases in inflammatory factors and lower levels of Total-PINP and β-CTX, but higher BGP and CT levels (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 8.00 % (4/50) in the treatment group and 24.00 % (12/50) in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P=4.762, X2=0.029). In the treatment of proximal tibial fractures, intramedullary nailing with blocking screws using the suprapatellar approach achieves significant clinical efficacy. It reduces surgical time, minimizes radiation exposure to healthcare workers and patients, improves knee joint range of motion and function, decreases postoperative pain and complication rates, suppresses inflammatory reactions, and promotes the improvement of bone markers related to fracture healing.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar y analizar la eficacia clínica de diferentes abordajes de clavo intramedular con tornillos de bloqueo para las fracturas de tibia proximal. Se incluyeron en el estudio 100 casos de fracturas de tibia proximal tratados en el departamento de ortopedia desde abril de 2021 hasta septiembre de 2023 y se dividieron en grupos de control y de tratamiento mediante una tabla de números aleatorios. Un grupo control (n=50) tratado con clavo intramedular infrapatelar con tornillos de bloqueo, y un grupo tratamiento (n=50) tratado con clavo intramedular suprapatelar con tornillos de bloqueo. Observamos excelentes y buenas tasas en ambos grupos, comparamos varios indicadores perioperatorios, cambios en el rango de movimiento articular (ROM), puntuaciones de dolor en la escala visual analógica (EVA), puntuaciones de función Lysholm de la articulación de la rodilla , cambios en factores inflamatorios y varios marcadores óseos, antes y después del tratamiento, y se analizaron las complicaciones postoperatorias. No hubo diferencias significativas en los datos iniciales como edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, sitio de fractura, fracturas de fíbula concomitantes, tiempo desde la fractura hasta la cirugía, mecanismo de lesión y clasificación de fractura AO/OTA entre los dos grupos (P>0,05). La tasa de excelente y buena en el grupo con tratamiento después del tratamiento fue del 90,00 % (45/50), significativamente mayor que el 72,00 % (36/50) en el grupo control (P0,05). Sin embargo, el grupo con tratamiento tuvo tiempos quirúrgicos más cortos y menos tiempos de fluoroscopía que el grupo control (P <0,05). Después del tratamiento, ambos grupos mostraron un aumento de las puntuaciones de ROM y Lysholm, así como una disminución de las puntuaciones de VAS. Además, en comparación con el grupo control, el grupo con tratamiento tuvo puntuaciones ROM y Lysholm más altas y puntuaciones EVA más bajas (P <0,05). Los factores inflamatorios que incluyen interleucina-1β (IL-1β), proteína C reactiva (CRP), factor de necrosis tumoral-α (TNF-α), osteocalcina (BGP) y calcitonina (CT) aumentaron en ambos grupos después del tratamiento, mientras que el total disminuyó el propéptido n-terminal del procolágeno tipo I (Total-PINP) y el telopéptido β-C-terminal del colágeno tipo I (β-CTX). En comparación con el grupo control, el grupo con tratamiento mostró mayores aumentos en los factores inflamatorios y niveles más bajos de Total-PINP y β-CTX, pero niveles más altos de BGP y CT (P <0,05). La incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias fue del 8 % (4/50) en el grupo de tratamiento y del 24 % (12/50) en el grupo control, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P=4,762, X2=0,029). En el tratamiento de las fracturas de tibia proximal, el clavo intramedular con tornillos de bloqueo mediante el abordaje suprapatelar logra una eficacia clínica significativa. Reduce el tiempo quirúrgico, minimiza la exposición a la radiación de los trabajadores de la salud y los pacientes, mejora el rango de movimiento y la función de la articulación de la rodilla, disminuye el dolor postoperatorio y las tasas de complicaciones, suprime las reacciones inflamatorias y promueve la mejora de los marcadores óseos relacionados con la curación de las fracturas.

Research progress on biomechanics for internal fixation in tibial plateau fracture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To review the biomechanical research progress of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture in recent years and provide a reference for the selection of internal fixation in clinic.@*METHODS@#The literature related to the biomechanical research of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the biomechanical characteristics of the internal fixation mode and position as well as the biomechanical characteristics of different internal fixators, such as screws, plates, and intramedullary nails were summarized and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common types of knee fractures. The conventional surgical treatment for tibial plateau fracture is open or closed reduction and internal fixation, which requires anatomical reduction and strong fixation. Anatomical reduction can restore the normal shape of the knee joint; strong fixation provides good biomechanical stability, so that the patient can have early functional exercise, restore knee mobility as early as possible, and avoid knee stiffness. Different internal fixators have their own biomechanical strengths and characteristics. The screw fixation has the advantage of being minimally invasive, but the fixation strength is limited, and it is mostly applied to Schatzker typeⅠfracture. For Schatzker Ⅰ-Ⅳ fracture, unilateral plate fixation can be used; for Schatzker Ⅴand Ⅵ fracture, bilateral plates fixation can be used to provide stronger fixation strength and avoid the stress concentration. The intramedullary nails fixation has the advantages of less trauma and less influence on the blood flow of the fracture end, but the fixation strength of the medial and lateral plateau is limited; so it is more suitable for tibial plateau fracture that involves only the metaphysis. Choosing the most appropriate internal fixation according to the patient's condition is still a major difficulty in the surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures.@*CONCLUSION@#Each internal fixator has good fixation effect on tibial plateau fracture within the applicable range, and it is an important research direction to improve and innovate the existing internal fixator from various aspects, such as manufacturing process, material, and morphology.

Stability of Proximal Femoral Osteotomies in Pediatric Bone Models Fixed with Flexible Intramedullary Nails and Evaluated by the Finite Element Method / Estabilidade de osteotomias proximais em modelos do fêmur pediátrico fixadas por hastes intramedulares flexíveis e avaliadas pelo método dos elementos finitos

Abstract Objective To evaluate the stability of osteotomies created in the subtrochanteric and trochanteric regions in a pediatric femur model fixed by flexible intramedullary rods. Methods Tomographic sections were obtained from a pediatric femur model with two elastic titanium rods and converted to a three-dimensional model. This model created a mesh with tetrahedral elements according to the finite element method. Three virtual models were obtained, and osteotomies were performed in different regions: mediodiaphyseal, subtrochanteric, and trochanteric. A vertical load of 85N was applied to the top of the femoral head, obtaining the displacements, the maximum and minimum main stress, and the equivalent Von Mises stress on the implant. Results With the applied load, displacements were observed at the osteotomy site of 0.04 mm in the diaphyseal group, 0.5 mm in the subtrochanteric group, and 0.06 mm in the trochanteric group. The maximum stress in the diaphyseal, subtrochanteric, and trochanteric groups was 10.4 Pa, 7.52 Pa, and 26.4 Pa, respectively. That is around 40% higher in the trochanteric group in regards to the diaphyseal (control). The minimum stress of the bone was located in the inner cortical of the femur. The equivalent Von Mises stress on the implants occurred at osteotomy, with a maximum value of 27.6 Pa in the trochanteric group. Conclusion In both trochanteric and subtrochanteric osteotomies, fixation stability was often lower than in the diaphyseal model, suggesting that flexible intramedullary nails are not suitable implants for proximal femoral fixations.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a estabilidade de osteotomias criadas nas regiões subtrocantérica e trocantérica em modelo de fêmur pediátrico, fixadas por hastes intramedulares flexíveis. Método A partir de um modelo de fêmur pediátrico com duas hastes elásticas de titânio, foram obtidos cortes tomográficos que foram convertidos para um modelo tridimensional. Neste modelo foi criado uma malha com elementos tetraédricos, de acordo com o método dos elementos finitos. Foram obtidos três modelos virtuais, e realizadas osteotomias em regiões diferentes: mediodiafisária, subtrocantérica e trocantérica. Foi aplicado um carregamento vertical de 85N no topo da cabeça do fêmur, obtidos os deslocamentos, a tensão máxima e mínima principal e tensão equivalente de Von Mises no implante. Resultados Com o carregamento aplicado foram observados deslocamentos no local da osteotomia de 0,04mm no grupo diafisário, 0,5mm no subtrocantérico e 0,06mm no trocantérico. A tensão máxima principal foi 10,4Pa, 7,52Pa e 26,4Pa nos grupos diafisário, subtrocantérico e trocantérico, respectivamente. Ou seja, a tensão máxima foi em torno de 40% maior no grupo trocantérico, em relação ao diafisário (controle). A face de tensão mínima do osso localizou-se na cortical interna do fêmur. A tensão equivalente de Von Mises nos implantes ocorreu na osteotomia, com valor máximo de 27,6Pa no grupo trocantérico. Conclusão Tanto nas osteotomias no nível trocantérico, quanto subtrocantérico, a estabilidade da fixação foi muitas vezes menor que no modelo diafisário, sugerindo que as hastes intramedulares flexíveis não são implantes adequados para as fixações proximais do fêmur.

Desde el análisis biomecánico óseo de koch hasta el manejo contemporáneo de la fractura del fémur proximal / From koch's bone biomechanical analysis to contemporary proximal femur fracture management

Este artículo representa una revisión actual y completa de las fuerzas biomecánicas en el fémur proximal, tal como Koch presentó preliminarmente en su trabajo sobre la arquitectura ósea del fémur proximal. Su trabajo reflejó en la complejidad de las fracturas de fémur proximal y el manejo de las fracturas subtrocantéricas en paralelo con su clasificación y con la evolución de implantes. Existen múltiples formas de clasificar las fracturas subtrocantéricas; sin embargo, no existe un sistema de clasificación que se utilice para guiar el manejo quirúrgico. El tratamiento de las fracturas subtrocantéricas es la fijación quirúrgica, que implica el enclavado endomedular y placas de osteosíntesis. El tratamiento estándar es el enclavado endomedular con opciones de enclavado anterógrado y retrógrado. Aunque el enclavado anterógrado presenta una ventaja debido a las fuerzas deformantes, el enclavado retrógrado de las fracturas de fémur proximal ofrece menos tiempo quirúrgico y pérdida de sangre. Se han informado resultados similares entre los dos métodos. La toma de decisiones cuando se contempla el enclavado anterógrado versus retrógrado para las fracturas de fémur se basa principalmente en la constitución corporal y las lesiones asociadas, y no en la distancia de la fractura del fémur proximal a la región trocantérica

This article presents a current and comprehensive review of the biomechanical forces on the proximal femur, as preliminarily presented by Koch's cornerstone work on the bone architecture of the proximal femur. His work reflected on the complexity of proximal femur fractures and subtrochanteric fracture management in parallel with implant evolution and classification. Multiple ways of classifying subtrochanteric fractures exist, however, there is not one classification system that is used to guide operative management. The management of subtrochanteric fractures is surgical fixation which involves intramedullary nailing and plating (e.g., fixed angle and locking). The gold standard management is intramedullary nailing with antegrade and retrograde nail options. Though antegrade nailing presents an advantage due to the deforming forces, retrograde nailing of proximal femur fractures offers less operative time and blood loss. Similar outcomes have been reported between the two methods. Decision making when contemplating antegrade versus retrograde nailing for femur fractures is mostly driven by body habitus and associated injuries, and not by fracture distance of the proximal femur to the trochanteric region

Surgical treatment for ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To retrospectively analyze efficacy of single structure internal fixation and double structure internal fixation in the treatment of ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fracture, and analyze their indications.@*METHODS@#From June 2015 to December 2020, 21 patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and femoral neck fracture were treated, including 14 males and 7 females, aged 23 to 69 years old with an average of(38.1±12.9) years old. According to different femoral shaft fracture sites, some patients were fixed with cephalomedullary implant for both femoral neck and the femoral shaft(single structure, InterTan or PFNA Ⅱ), some patients were fixed with cannulated screws for the femoral neck and a retrograde locking nail for the femoral shaft (dual structure), and postoperative function and complications were recorded during follow-up. In 10 cases of single-structure fixation, the femoral necks were all basicervical fractures, and the femoral shaft fractures were located in the proximal isthmus;11 cases were double-structure fixation, 9 cases in 11 were basal type of femoral neck, 2 cases in 11 were neck type, and the femoral shaft fractures were located in the isthmus and the distal isthmus.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12 to 27 months. No femoral head necrosis, deformity, delay or nonunion occurred in the patients with single-structure fixation, and no delayed union or nonunion occurred in femoral shaft fractures;At the final follow-up, Harris score of patients with single-structure fixation was 91.8±4.1, with 8 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good. The fractures of patients with dual-structure fixation achieved good union without femoral head necrosis, except 1 case of femoral shaft fracture had delayed union;At the final follow-up, Harris score of patients with dual-structure fixation was 92.4±5.9, 7 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 1 case was fair.@*CONCLUSION@#Good reduction and fixation is the key to the treatment of such fractures. Both the single-structure fixation and the dual-structure fixation are good methods, and it should be selected according to the locations of femoral shaft and femoral neck fractures. Single-structure fixation is a good choice for femoral shaft fractures located at the proximal isthmus and basal femoral neck fractures. For isthmus and distal femoral shaft fractures combined with ipsilateral femoral neck fractures, dual-structure fixation is recommended.

Prediction of internal fixation failure of femoral trochanteric fracture by external wall morphology / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between the shape of the lateral wall and the early failure of internal fixation in the fracture of the femoral trochanteric region(FFT).@*METHODS@#Total 295 patients with femoral trochanteric fracture underwent internal fixation from January 2015 to January 2020 were selected. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether there was early internal fixation failure after surgery, 19 patients in the failure group and 276 patients in the normal group. Gender, affected side, age, AO classification, body mass index(BMI), preoperative hemoglobin, X-ray measurement of lower lateral wall thickness, preoperative internal diseases, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative tip apex distance(TAD), postoperative neck shaft angle, operation time and other data were compared between two groups. The shape of the lateral wall was compared between two groups, and the correlation between the shape of the lateral wall and the early internal fixation failure of femoral trochanteric fracture was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for more than 1 year. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative TAD, and postoperative neck shaft angle(P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, the visual anaglue scale (VAS) of the failure group was higher than that of the normal group(P<0.01), and the Harris score of the failure group was lower than that of normal group(P<0.05). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve between shape of lateral wall and failure of early internal fixation of femoral trochanteric fracture was drawn. The critical value of the midpoint lateral wall thickness was 16.5 mm, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.845;The critical value of average sidewall thickness was 16.5 mm, and the area under ROC curve was 0.838;The critical value of the axial area of the sidewall was 7.5 mm, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.826.@*CONCLUSION@#The shape of the lateral femoral wall measured by CT could be used as a predictive factor for the early failure of internal fixation of femoral trochanteric fractures. For patients at risk, more reasonable surgical plans and postoperative preventive measures should be developed.

A comparative analysis of distal locked and unlocked long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) in the fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Long proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-II) is a preferred implant in recent years for fixation of pertrochanteric fractures, especially in osteoporotic patients. The purpose of this study is to prospectively investigate the effect of distal locking in long PFNA-II fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures.@*METHODS@#A total of 58 patients with isolated stable intertrochanteric fractures and treated in our hospital during the study period of 2017-2019 by distal locked or unlocked long PFNA-II fixation were included in this study. Patients who had multiple injuries or open fractures were excluded. There were 40 female and 18 male patients, with 33 affecting the left side and 25 the right side. Of them, 31 belonged to the distal locked group (group A) and 27 to the unlocked group (group B). Surgical procedures and implants used in both groups were similar except for the distal locking of the nails. General data (age, gender, fracture side, etc.) showed no significant difference between two groups (all p > 0.05). The intraoperative parameters like operative time, radiation exposure and follow-up parameters like functional and radiological outcomes were recorded and compared. Statistical tests like the independent samples t-test Fischer's exact and Chi-square test were used to analyze association.@*RESULTS@#The distribution of the fractures according to AO/OTA classification and 31A1.2 type of intertrochanteric fractures were most common in our study. All the included fractures united and the average functional outcome in both groups were good and comparable at the end of one year. The operative time (mL, 107.1 ± 12.6 vs. 77.0 ± 12.0, p < 0.001) and radiation exposure (s, 78.6 ± 11.0 vs. 40.3 ± 9.3, p < 0.001) were significantly less among the patients in group B. Fracture consolidation, three months after the operative procedures, was seen in a significantly greater proportion of patients in group B (92.6% vs. 67.7%, p = 0.025). Hardware irritation because of distal locking bolt was exclusively seen in group A, however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.241).@*CONCLUSION@#We conclude that, in fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures by long PFNA-II nail, distal locking not only increases the operative time and radiation exposure but also delays the fracture consolidation and increases the chances of hardware irritation, and hence is not required.

Clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of pediatric both-bone forearm fractures at high altitude area / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in children of high altitude area.@*METHODS@#From August 2020 to December 2021, 19 children were treated with Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation including 11 males and 8 females, aged from 4 to 13 years old with an average of (8.16±2.71) years old. The course of disease was 1 to 10 days, with a mean of (4.11±2.51) d. First, close reduction was performed. If the reduction was unsuccessful, limited open reduction was performed, followed by Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation of the radius and ulna. The fracture healing was evaluated by X-ray after operation, and the curative effect was evaluated by Anderson forearm function score standard.@*RESULTS@#The wound healed well after operation, 2 cases had clinical manifestations of needle tail irritation after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after removing the internal fixation. The average follow-up time was(7.68±3.50) months (3 to 14 months). X-ray showed that all fracture healing in follow-up, Anderson forearm function score showed excellent in 16 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case at the final follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Children with fractures in plateau areas often have delayed medical treatment, lack of medical conditions and insufficient compliance. Based on these characteristics, Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation for the treatment of children's double forearm fractures has the advantages of small injury and rapid recovery. It is a kind of operation method that can be popularized.

Medium term follow up outcomes of uncemented total hip arthroplasty for traumatic arthritis after intramedullary nail fixation of femoral intertrochanteric fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of uncemented total hip arthroplasty(THA) on treatment of traumatic arthritis caused by intramedullary nailing interfixation of intertrochanteric fractures.@*METHODS@#Total of 22 patients treated with THA due to traumatic arthritis caused by intramedullary nailing interfixation of intertrochanteric fractures from January 2012 to January 2017 were studied retrospectively, including 10 males and 12 females with a mean age of (72.5±9.8) years old ranging from 61 to 84 years old. Initial internal fixation method:14 patients were treated with Gamma nails and 8 patients were treated wit PFNA.The time from internal fixation surgery to THA was 10 to 68 months with an average of (32.2±21.3) months.Harris scores of the hip joint before and after surgery were compared, and the position of the prosthesis through postoperative imaging at 3, 6, 12 months and the last follow-up were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#One patient was died due to heart failure 1 year after operation. Two patients was died to advanced tumor 2 years after operation. The other 19 patients were followed up for 36 to 64 months with an average of (48.5±11.9) months. At final follow up, 14 patients regained the ability to walk independently, 4 patients needed support of a cane, 1 patient needed assistance of a walker. No serious complications such as joint dislocation, periprosthetic fracture and deep venous thrombosis occurred during follow-up. There were no signs of loosening and subsidence of the prosthesis at the final follow-up. Mean Harris hip score increased from (29.2±12.9) points preoperatively to (74.2±11.2) points at the final follow up(P<0.05);the score was excellent in 9 patients, good in 7 and fair in 3.@*CONCLUSION@#Uncemented total hip arthroplasty for traumatic arthritis after intramedullary nail fixation of femoral intertrochanteric fracture can significantly improve hip function and effectively avoid bone cement implantation syndrome. The medium-term effect is satisfactory.

Comparative study of the effects of intramedullary nail fixation and minimally invasive percutaneous plate internal fixation technique on platelet activation and serum transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β) 1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in patients with tibial and fibular fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of intramedullary nail fixation (IMN) and minimally invasive percutaneous plate internal fixation (MIPPO) techniques on tibiofibular fractures and their effect on platelet activation and serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2).@*METHODS@#Total of 105 patients with tibiofibular fractures from February 2019 to February 2020 were selected and divided into 53 cases in the MIPPO group and 52 cases in the IMN group. There were 29 males and 24 females with an average age of (41.74±6.05) years old in MIPPO group;in IMN group, 31 males and 21 females with an average age of (40.59±5.26) years old. The perioperative surgical indexes, postoperative complications, ankle function recovery at 12 months postoperatively, platelet activation indexes at 3 and 7 days preoperatively and postoperatively, and serum TGF-β1 and BMP-2 levels at 4 and 8 weeks preoperatively and postoperatively were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The operating time and fracture healing time in the MIPPO group were shorter than those in the IMN group(P<0.05); Compared with the preoperative period, the levels of GMP-140, PAC-1, CD63, and CD61 increased in both groups at 3 and 7 days after surgery, but were lower in the MIPPO group than in the IMN group(P<0.05);the levels of serum TGF-β1 and BMP-2 increased in both groups at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery compared with the preoperative period, and the postoperative complication rate in the MIPPO group was lower than that in the IMN group(P<0.05);the difference was not statistically significant in the excellent rate of ankle function recovery at 12 months follow-up after surgery between two groups(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both intramedullary nail fixation and MIPO technique for treatment of tibia and fibula fractures can improve ankle joint function, but the latter has the advantages of short operation time, fast fracture healing, fewer complications, and light platelet activation. Serum TGF-β1, BMP-2 level improves quickly.

Augmenting locking plate with autologous bone graft for the treatment of nonunion of long bone fracture in the lower extremity with retaining of the original intramedullary nail / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of attaching locking plate with bone grafting based on retaining the original intramedullary nail in treating non-union after intramedullary nail fixation of long shaft fractures of lower limbs.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients treated with non-union fractures after intramedullary nailing of long shaft fractures of lower limbs from June 2015 to June 2020. All patients were treated with the original intramedullary nailing and bone grafting from the iliac bone, and were underwent open reduction plate internal fixation and bone grafting for old fractures. Among them, 14 were males and 6 were females, aged from 35 to 56 years old with an average of (42.2±9.6) years old. Nine patients were femoral shaft fracture and 11 patients were tibial shaft fracture. According to characteristics of fracture end nonunion, 6 patients were stable/atrophic, 9 patients were unstable/large, and 5 patients were unstable/atrophic. The nonunion time ranged from 8 to 12 months with an average of(9.8±2.0) months after the initial surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS), knee range of motion, bone healing time, complications and fracture-end healing were recorded before and at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 18 to 48 months with an average of (36.3±10.5) months. The incision of all patients were healed at stageⅠwithout complications such as infection or internal fixation ruptur. Healing time of femur and tibia was (8.5±2.6) months and (9.5±2.2) months. Knee joint motion increased from preoperative (101.05±8.98) ° to postoperative (139.35±8.78) ° at the latest follow-up (t=-12.845, P<0.001). VAS decreased from preoperative (5.15±1.72) to postoperative (0.75±0.96) at the latest follow-up (t=11.186, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of retaining the original intramedullary nail, the addition of locking plate internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone grafting have advantages of simple operation, less trauma, fewer complications and high fracture healing rate. It is one of the effective surgical schemes for the treatment of nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation of long bone fracture of lower extremity.

Effectiveness of proximal femur bionic nail for intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate effectiveness of proximal femur bionic nail (PFBN) in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly compared to the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was made on 48 geriatric patients with intertrochanteric fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2020 and December 2022. Among them, 24 cases were treated with PFBN fixation after fracture reduction (PFBN group), and 24 cases were treated with PFNA fixation (PFNA group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, cause of injury, side and type of fracture, time from injury to operation, and preoperative mobility score, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Alzheimer's disease degree scoring, self-care ability score, osteoporosis degree (T value), and combined medical diseases between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of blood transfusions, transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, occurrence of complications, weight-bearing time after operation, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, walking ability score, mobility score, self-care ability score were recorded and compared between the two groups. And the radiographic assessment of fracture reduction quality and postoperative stability, and fracture healing time were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The operations in both groups were successfully completed. All patients were followed up 6-15 months with an average time of 9.8 months in PFBN group and 9.6 months in PFNA group. The operation time was significantly longer in PFBN group than in PFNA group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, number of blood transfusions, transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, change in activity ability score, and change in self-care ability score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The weight-bearing time after operation was significantly shorter in PFBN group than in PFNA group ( P<0.05), and the postoperative VAS score and walking ability score were significantly better in PFBN group than in PFNA group ( P<0.05). Radiographic assessment showed no significant difference in fracture reduction scores and postoperative stability scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). All fractures healed and there was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly lower in PFBN group (16.7%, 4/24) than in PFNA group (45.8%, 11/24) ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with PFNA, PFBN in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures can effectively relieve postoperative pain, shorten bed time, reduce the risk of complications, and facilitate the recovery of patients' hip joint function and walking ability.

Comparison of effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in femoral subtrochanteric fracture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor (LEAD) and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 117 patients with subtrochanteric fracture of femur treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation between May 2012 and May 2022 who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. According to the auxiliary reduction tools used during operation, the patients were divided into LEAD group (62 cases with LEAD reduction) and traction table group (55 cases with traction table reduction). There was no significant difference in baseline data, such as gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, fracture Seinsheimer classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, between the two groups ( P>0.05). Total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, closed reduction rate, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, weight-bearing activity time, and incidence of complications, as well as hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), Harris score, and VAS score at 1 month and 6 months after operation and last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There were 14 cases in the LEAD group from closed reduction to limited open reduction, and 43 cases in the traction table group. The incisions in the LEAD group healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve and vascular injury occurred during operation. In the traction table group, 3 cases had perineal crush injury, which recovered spontaneously in 1 week. The total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, and closed reduction rate in the LEAD group were significantly better than those in the traction table group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction between the two groups ( P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-44 months, with an average of 15.8 months. In the LEAD group, 1 patient had delayed fracture union at 6 months after operation, 1 patient had nonunion at 3 years after operation, and 1 patient had incision sinus pus flow at 10 months after operation. In the traction table group, there was 1 patient with fracture nonunion at 15 months after operation. X-ray films of the other patients in the two groups showed that the internal fixator was fixed firmly without loosening and the fractures healed. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, weight bearing activity time, incidence of complications, and postoperative hip flexion and extension ROM, Harris score, and VAS score at different time points between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For femoral subtrochanteric fracture treated by close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, compared with traction table, LEAD assisted fracture reduction can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency, reduce incision length, effectively improve the success rate of closed reduction, and avoid complications related to traction table reduction. It provides a new method for good reduction of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.

Optimal entry point for antegrade and retrograde femoral intramedullary nails / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Surgical management of femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary nails has become the standard of care, with multiple options for entry point described, including piriformis entry, trochanter entry and retrograde femoral nails. Our present review describes the surgical anatomy of the proximal and distal femur and its relation to different entry points for intramedullary femoral nails. In addition, we reviewed relative indications for each technique, difficulties associated and possible complications.

Preoperative estimation of humerus intramedullary nail length using clinical landmarks / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Intramedullary interlocking nailing is one of the accepted methods of treating humerus diaphyseal fractures. Appropriate nail length and diameter are of paramount importance to achieve a stable fracture fixation. Estimating the nail length can be as challenging in certain cases as it is important. This study aims to provide an easy-to-use formula utilizing clinical measurements from contra lateral arm to accurately estimate humeral nail length.@*METHODS@#This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore, India. Patients above the age of 18 years coming to the outpatient department with elbow, shoulder or arm complaints requiring radiological investigation from July 2021 to July 2022 were included. Patients with fractures or dislocations of upper limbs, malunited or non-united fractures of upper limbs, congenital or developmental deformities and patients with open growth plates were excluded. Patients' variables (like age and gender), radiological humerus length and contralateral arm clinical measurements were recorded. An independent samples t-test was used for univariate analysis, and linear regression analysis was done to estimate the desired nail length using the clinical measurement of the humerus (cm) in both genders separately. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.@*RESULTS@#Our study included 204 participants of which 108 were male and 96 were female. The formula for predicting humeral nail length in males is (-2.029) + (0.883 × clinical measurement). The formula for females is 1.862 + (0.741 × clinical measurement). A simplified formula to determine humeral nail length is 0.9 clinical length - 2 cm (in males) and 0.7 × clinical length + 2 cm (in females).@*CONCLUSION@#To improve the stability of fixation with intramedullary nails it is imperative to select the appropriate nail length. There have been studies that devised reliable methods of determining nail lengths in the tibia and femur using preoperative clinical measurements. A similar clinical method of determining humeral nail length is lacking in the literature. Our study was able to correlate radiological lengths of the humerus medullary canal with clinical measurements performed using anatomical landmarks to arrive at a formula. This allows for a reliable and easy nail length determination preoperatively.

Outcome of buttress plate-nail construct used for reconstruction of broken lateral wall in intertrochanteric fractures / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Intramedullary implants are well accepted fixation of all types of intertrochanteric (IT) fractures, both stable and unstable types. Intramedullary nails have an ability to effectively support the posteromedial part, but fail to buttress the broken lateral wall requiring lateral augmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of proximal femoral nail augmented with trochanteric buttress plate for broken lateral wall with IT fractures, which was fixed to the femur through hip screw and anti-rotation screw nail.@*METHODS@#Of 30 patients, 20 had Jensen-Evan type III and 10 had type V fractures. Patients with IT fracture of broken lateral wall and aged more than 18 years, in whom satisfactory reduction was achieved by closed methods, were included in the study. Patients with pathologic or open fractures, polytrauma, prior hip surgery, non-ambulatory prior to surgery, and those who refused to participate were excluded. The operative time, blood loss, radiation exposure, quality of reduction, functional outcome, and union time were evaluated. All data were coded and recorded in Microsoft Excel spread sheet program. SPSS 20.0 was used for data analysis and normality of the continuous data was checked using Kolmogorv Smirnov test.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of patients in the study was 60.3 years. The mean duration of surgery (min), mean intra-operative blood loss (mL) and mean number of exposures were 91.86 ± 12.8 (range 70 - 122), 144.8 ± 3.6 (range 116 - 208), and 56.6 (range 38 - 112), respectively. The mean union time was 11.6 weeks and the mean Harris hip score was 94.1.@*CONCLUSION@#Lateral trochanteric wall in IT fractures is significantly important, and needs to be reconstructed adequately. Nail-plate construct of trochanteric buttress plate fixed with hip screw and anti-rotation screw of proximal femoral nail can be successfully used to augment, fix or buttress the lateral trochanteric wall giving excellent to good results of early union and reduction.

Fracturas basicervicales tratadas con clavo intramedular con tornillo cefálico único. Serie de casos y revisión bibliográfica / Basicervical fractures treated with single-screw cephalomedullary nail. Case series and review of the literature

Introducción: Debido a la inestabilidad rotatoria de las fracturas basicervicales, en estudios recientes, se sugiere el uso de una hoja espiral, doble tornillo o tornillos de compresión en lugar del tornillo cefálico único. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de las fracturas basicervicales tratadas con tornillo cefálico único en nuestro centro. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos formada a partir de la revisión de todas las fracturas extracapsulares de fémur proximal tratadas con clavo intramedular con tornillo cefálico único entre 2016 y 2020. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y las radiografías de 269 pacientes, y solo 12 (6,4%) de ellos cumplieron los criterios de inclusión (fracturas en dos fragmentos no patológicas y con seguimiento mínimo de 9 meses). Se evaluaron diferentes factores, como distancia punta-ápex, posición del tornillo cefálico, calidad de la reducción, tiempo quirúrgico, complicaciones y reintervención, y se analizaron las posibles diferencias entre los pacientes que sufrieron complicaciones y los que no. Resultados: Cuatro de los 12 pacientes tuvieron una falla de la fijación que evolucionó a cut-out (única complicación identificada en la muestra). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre pacientes con cut-outo sin cut-out respecto al resto de las variables analizadas. Conclusiones: La elevada proporción de pacientes que desarrollaroncut-out sugiere considerar la hipótesis de que debería evitarse fijar las fracturas basicervicales con tornillo cefálico único. Dada su alta tasa de inestabilidad rotatoria, podría ser más apropiado el uso de implantes que la contrarresten. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Background: Given the rotational instability of basicervical fractures, recent studies suggest using a spiral blade, a second screw or compression screws instead of single-screw cephalomedullary nail fixation. Objective: The aim of our study is to analyze the outcomes of basicervical fractures treated with single-screw cephalomedullary nails. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study based on a case series identified from all extracapsular femoral fractures treated with single-screw cephalomedullary nails in our hospital from 2016 to 2020. Clinical records and radiographs from 269 patients were reviewed; only 12 (6.4%) subjects met inclusion criteria (two-part non-pathologic fractures with at least a 9-month follow-up). Different factors were evaluated, including: tip-apex distance, cephalic screw position, reduction quality, surgical time, complications and re-operations; differences between patients who experienced complications and those who did not were also assessed. Results: Four subjects out of the 12 included patients experienced fixation failure and implant cut-out. There were no statistically significant differences between subjects with and without cut-out regarding the analyzed variables. Conclusions: The high cut-out rate observed in our sample suggests considering the hypothesis that single-screw cephalomedullary nail fixation should not be used in basicervical fractures. Alternative fixation devices capable of controlling the high rotational instability of these fractures may be preferable. Level of Evidence: IV

Conceptos actuales: ventajas del clavo endomedular para fracturas del húmero proximal / Current concepts: advantages of intramedullary nail for proximal humerus fractures

Las fracturas de húmero proximal (FHP) son una de las fracturas más frecuentes en la población anciana. La reducción abierta y fijación interna (RAFI) generalmente está indicada para pacientes con una FHP desplazada en jóvenes o pacientes mayores con alta demanda funcional y buena calidad ósea. No se ha llegado a un consenso sobre la técnica de fijación ideal. La RAFI con placas ha sido la más utilizada, pero se han reportado altas tasas de reintervenciones y complicaciones globales en la literatura. La necesidad de agregar técnicas de aumentación a la RAFI con placas bloqueadas en fracturas complejas puede resultar en un tiempo quirúrgico más largo, abordajes extensos y mayores costos. Debido a esto, se hace necesario considerar otras opciones para la osteosíntesis de FHP. Con una mayor comprensión de los mecanismos de falla de la osteosíntesis, la fijación intramedular se ha convertido en una opción de tratamiento aceptada para las FHP con ventajas biomecánicas y biológicas. La fijación intramedular para las FHP ha demostrado menor tiempo quirúrgico, sangrado intraoperatorio, tiempo hasta la unión ósea y menores tasas de infecciones, que las placas bloqueadas. La fijación intramedular es una opción válida para que las fracturas complejas se resuelvan con un implante que por sí solo puede satisfacer en gran medida todas las necesidades de aumento requeridas por una placa bloqueada

Proximal humeral fractures are one of the most frequent fractures in the elderly population. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is generally indicated for young patients and older patients with high functional demands and good bone quality. No consensus has been reached regarding the ideal fixation technique. Although ORIF with plates is the most widely used technique, high re-intervention rates and global complications with locked plate fixation have been reported in the literature. Addition of augmentation techniques to locked plate fixation in complex fractures may result in longer surgical times, extensive approaches, and higher costs. Therefore, considering other options for ORIF is necessary. With a greater understanding of the mechanisms of fixation failure, intramedullary fixation has become the accepted treatment option for proximal humeral fractures considering the specific biomechanical and biological advantages. Compared with ORIF with locked plates, intramedullary fixation for proximal humeral fractures has low surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, time to bone union, and rate of infections. Intramedullary fixation is a valid option to resolve complex fractures with an implant that may largely supply all the augmentation requirements of a locked plate.

Comparative study between intramedullary interlocking nailing and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for distal tibia extra-articular fractures / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Treatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods.@*METHODS@#This was the prospective comparative study of 100 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. The first group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while the second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0).@*RESULTS@#Average malunion (degrees) in the MIPPO group was 5 (3-7) ± 1.41 vs. 10.22 (8-14) ± 2.04 in the IMIL group (p = 0.001). Similarly postoperative knee pain in the IMIL group was 10% vs. 2% in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). In terms of superficial infection and nonunion, the results were 8% vs. 4% and 2% vs. 6% for the MIPPO and IMIL group, respectively (p = 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Both procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.

A rare complication of pelvic perforation by an excessive medial slide of the helical blade after treatment of an intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation: A case report and literature review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Intertrochanteric fractures have become a severe public health problem in elderly patients. Proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) is a commonly used intramedullary fixation device for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Pelvic perforation by cephalic screw is a rare complication. We reported an 84-year-old female who fell at home and sustained an intertrochanteric fracture. The patient underwent surgery with PFNA as the intramedullary fixation device. Routine postoperative examination revealed medial migration of the helical blade that eventually caused pelvic perforation. We performed a cemented total hip arthroplasty as the savage procedure. At the latest follow-up of 12 months after total hip arthroplasty, the patient had no pain or loosening of the prosthesis in the left hip. Pelvic perforation should be considered when choosing PFNA as the intramedullary fixation device, especially in patients with severe osteoporosis wherein the helical blade can be easily inserted during the operation. The lack of devices to avoid oversliding of the helical blade in PFNA is an unreported cause of this complication and should be considered in such cases.