Is an Anatomical Suprapectineal Quadrilateral Surface Plate Superior to Previous Fixation Methods for Anterior Column-Posterior Hemitransverse Acetabular Fractures Typical in the Elderly?: A Biomechanical Study

Background@#This study aimed to compare the mechanical characteristics of four fixation methods including an anatomical suprapectineal quadrilateral surface (QLS) plate in hemipelvic models of anterior column–posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures typical in elderly patients. @*Methods@#In total, 24 composite hemipelvic models were used and allocated to four groups: group 1, pre-contoured anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate; group 2, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with two periarticular long screws; group 3, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with a buttress reconstruction plate; group 4, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with a buttress T-plate. Axial structural stiffness and displacement of each column fragment in four different fixation constructs were compared. @*Results@#Multiple group comparisons of axial structural stiffness demonstrated significant difference (p = 0.001). Although there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.699), group 1 showed greater stiffness than groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Group 1 showed less displacement in the anterior region of the anterior fragment than group 4 (p = 0.009) and in the posterior region than groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively). However, group 1 demonstrated greater displacement than group 2 in the posterior region of the posterior fragment (p = 0.004), while showing similar displacement to groups 3 and 4. @*Conclusions@#The anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate provided the mechanical stability comparable or superior to other existing fixations in osteoporotic models of anterior column–posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures typical in the elderly. However, additional plate modification would be needed for better stability and outcomes.

Laryngotracheal Separation for Intractable Aspiration in Severe Brain Damage / 대한연하장애학회지

Laryngotracheal separation (LTS) is one of the treatment options for intractable aspiration. Here, we present two cases of LTS with successful prevention of intractable aspiration.The first case was a 60-year-old man with severe hypoxic brain damage caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) intoxication; he was admitted to our department for comprehensive rehabilitation. Frequent tracheal suction was required due to the excess secretion from saliva aspiration. Matters were complicated when he suffered frequent regurgitation and vomiting, which was followed by tracheal aspiration. In the second case, a 78-year-old man presented with a severe traumatic brain injury. He had experienced recurrent aspiration pneumonia, which was unresponsive to conventional therapy. In both cases, LTS was performed to prevent intractable aspiration pneumonia. Subsequent to the LTS procedure, videofluoroscopic swallowing study showed complete prevention of the aspiration in both patients. Moreover, tracheal secretion was reduced, and tracheal suction was no longer required. Post-surgery, there was no development of aspiration pneumonia during their hospital stays.

Locked Plating in Elderly Patients with Distal Femur Fracture: How to Avoid Complications?

Distal femur fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis are complicated because poor bone quality makes screw purchase and fixation less secure, presenting many clinical challenges to the orthopedic surgeon. Minimally invasive locked plating using an angularly stable locking compression plate has become an integral tool for achieving secure fixation in osteoporotic distal femur fractures with improved biomechanical performance. On the other hand, complications, such as implant failure and periplate fracture, have still occurred. This paper describes the principles of internal fixation in minimally invasive lateral locked plating in elderly patients with osteoporotic distal femur fractures as well as how to avoid complications.

The Risk Evaluation of Delirium in Elderly Patients with Lower Extremity Fractures

OBJECTIVE: Delirium is very common in orthopedic elderly patients and increase comorbidity and mortality rates. By controling the risk factors of delirium, prevention strategy can be effective and reduce negative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of delirium risk assessment with some simple collateral questionaires. METHODS: The subjects were 50 elderly patients (≥65 years old) who admitted to a department of orthopedic surgery for operations of lower extremity fractures. They were evaluated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, Confusion Assessment Method and Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire (KDSQ) by psychiatrists. The demographic data, medical histories, and orthopedic chart were checked through medical records of patients. RESULTS: 27 subjects (54.0%) were diagnosed as delirium. There was a significant difference between delirium group and control group with all KDSQ scores. Depressive category of KDSQ score had the highest correlation (coefficient=0.399) and can be independent risk factor of delirium (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms have high correlation with delirium. We found that just a few questions of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms by caregivers can evaluate the risk factors of delirium. The simple collateral questionaires can be useful tool for exploring delirium risk factors.

Acute Delayed or Late Infection of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Treated with Debridement/Antibiotic-loaded Cement Beads and Retention of the Prosthesis / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The treatment of infected revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is very challenging due to retained revision prosthesis, poor bone stock and soft tissue condition derived from previous revision surgeries, and comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and short-term outcomes of aggressive debridement and use of antibiotic-loaded cement beads with retention of the prosthesis for acute delayed or late infection of revision THAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with symptoms or signs of less than one-week evolution and well-fixed prostheses, were treated with this procedure and a postoperative course of organism-specific antibiotics for a minimum of 6 weeks. All hips presented with acute delayed or late infection of revision THAs. Patients with a mean age of 68.1 years (range, 59-78 years) underwent an average of 1.9 previous revision THAs (1-4) before the index surgery. The minimal follow-up was 2 years with a mean of 46.2 months (range, 24-64 months). RESULTS: There were 8 cures (80.0%) and 2 failures with no mortality during the study period. The 2 failures involved the same and resistant bacteria implicated in the primary infection (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Prevotella oralis, respectively). The mean Harris hip score was 65.2 (range, 26-83) and the mean visual analogue scale was 2.6 (range, 1-4) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: With a favorable success rate and no mortality, our procedure may be considered a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of acute delayed or late infection of revision THAs with well-fixed prostheses.

Cognitive Impairment in Hip Fracture Patients without Underlying Neurologic Diseases: Risk Factors and Relationship to Early Functional Recovery: Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the risk factors of cognitive impairment in elderly hip fracture patients with no underlying neurologic disease, and to determine its effect on functional recovery postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2012 to August 2013, 39 patients older than 65 years of age, who underwent hip fracture surgery and were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, were enrolled. All patients were assessed using Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) after admission. All patients were divided into cognitive normal group (MMSE-K> or =24) and cognitive impairment group (MMSE-K<24). WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University) score and Harris hip score were used for assessment of functional recovery at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (41.0%) were classified as the cognitive impairment group. The number of underlying diseases was the only statistically different factor between the two groups. In the evaluation of functional outcome, the functional decline was less in the cognitive normal group. Risk factors for cognitive impairment in elderly hip fracture patients were old age, high body mass index, and the number of underlying diseases, particularly an endocrinologic disease like diabetes. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment in elderly patients may have a negative effect on functional recovery after hip fracture surgery. Therefore, we recommend routine evaluation of cognitive function in elderly hip fracture patients even with no underlying neurologic disease.

Osteoporotic Fracture: 2015 Position Statement of the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Osteoporotic fractures are one of the most common causes of disability and a major contributor to medical care costs worldwide. Prior osteoporotic fracture at any site is one of the strongest risk factors for a new fracture, which occurs very soon after the first fracture. Bone mineral density (BMD) scan, a conventional diagnostic tool for osteoporosis, has clear limitations in diagnosing osteoporotic fractures and identifying the risk of subsequent fractures. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures using the clinical definition which is applicable practically and independent of BMD, is essential for preventing subsequent fractures and reducing the socioeconomic burden of these fractures. Fractures caused by low-level trauma equivalent to a fall from a standing height or less at major (hip, spine, distal radius, and proximal humerus) or minor (pelvis, sacrum, ribs, distal femur and humerus, and ankle) sites in adults over age 50, should be first regarded as osteoporotic. In addition, if osteoporotic fractures are strongly suspected on history and physical examination even though there are no positive findings on conventional X-rays, more advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography, bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging are necessary as soon as possible.

Separate Vertical Wiring for the Fixation of Comminuted Fractures of the Inferior Pole of the Patella

PURPOSE: Among patients over 50 years of age, separate vertical wiring alone may be insufficient for fixation of fractures of the inferior pole of the patella. Therefore, mechanical and clinical studies were performed in patients over the age of 50 to test the strength of augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire (i.e., combined technique). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple osteotomies were performed to create four-part fractures in the inferior poles of eight pairs of cadaveric patellae. One patella from each pair was fixed with the separate wiring technique, while the other patella was fixed with a combined technique. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the fixation were subsequently measured. In a clinical study of 21 patients (average age of 64 years), comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patellae were treated using the combined technique. Operative parameters were recorded from which post-operative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: For cadaveric patellae, whose mean age was 69 years, the mean ultimate loads to failure for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique were 216.4+/-72.4 N and 324.9+/-50.6 N, respectively (p=0.012). The mean stiffness for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique was 241.1+/-68.5 N/mm and 340.8+/-45.3 N/mm, respectively (p=0.012). In the clinical study, the mean clinical score at final follow-up was 28.1 points. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire provides enough strength for protected early exercise of the knee joint and uneventful healing.

Selection of Plate in Internal Fixation of Fractures: Locking Plate and Compression Plate

No abstract available.

Analysis of the Fixation Failure in Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures Treated with Hip Nailing

PURPOSE: To analyze the patterns of and risk factors for fixation failure after hip nailing in intertrochanteric (IT) hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients who sustained a fixation failure after hip nailing for IT hip fractures were enrolled in this study. The mean age at the index surgery was 74.5 years and the mean time to the fixation failure was 6.6 weeks. All of the serial radiographs up to the fixation failure and pre-operative 3-D computed tomography were analyzed. RESULTS: According to AO classification, there were 7 stable fractures and 7 unstable ones. Of the total of 14 cases, 10 showed a comminution of the greater trochanter tip and incomplete anatomical reduction of the medial and anterior cortex at the fracture site. Of the 10 cases with appropriate position of the lag screw within the femoral head, 9 showed a high pertrochanteric fracture (HPF) pattern. The mechanism of the fixation failure was rotation of the femoral head in 7 of 9 cases with HPF and varus collapse of the proximal fragment in 4 of the other 5 cases. CONCLUSION: The HPF pattern, the comminution of the greater trochanter tip, and incomplete reduction of the medial and anterior cortex may be additional risk factors of fixation failure after treating IT hip fractures with hip nailing in.

A Case of Sleeve Fracture at the Superior Pole of the Patella Secondary to Disuse Osteopenia

Sleeve fracture at the inferior pole of the patella in children is relatively common, yet it is rare for the superior pole to be affected. So, only a few such cases have currently been reported. We experienced a 15 years-old patient with a sleeve fracture at the superior pole of the patella secondary to disuse osteopenia after cast immobilization due to knee trauma. We report on this case and we review the relevant literature.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Hip Fractures in Patients Aged over 90 Years: The Factors Influencing the Postoperative Mortality

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the factors that influence the one-year mortality rate after bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients over 90 years of age and who had hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 42 cases (29 females and 12 males) that were treated by bipolar hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures between April 1999 and April 2008. The mean age was 94 (range: 90~101) years. We compared such variables as age, gender, BMD (bone mineral density), the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, the type of fracture, the operation time, the type of anesthesia, the length of the ICU (intensive care unit) care, the length of hospitalization, operative delay and the postoperative ambulatory capability between the one-year mortality group and the control group (alive over a minimum of 1-year), and we investigated the risk factors related to one-year mortality. RESULTS: The one-year mortality rate was 32%. There were significant relationships between the postoperative one-year mortality and the ASA score, the length of the ICU care, operative delay and the postoperative ambulatory capability. The one-year mortality rate in the trochanteric fracture group was significantly higher than that in the neck fracture group. However, there were no relationships between the one-year mortality and age, gender, BMD, the length of operation, the type of anesthesia and the length of the hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The preoperative ASA score was significantly higher in the one-year mortality group among the elderly patients over 90 years of age and who were treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures. The length of the ICU care, operative delay and the postoperative ambulatory capability were significantly associated with one-year mortality, and so all of these should be considered as postoperative prognostic factors.

Dantrolene and Post-operative Hyperthermia: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, fatal pharmacogenetic disorder that occurs during general anesthesia following exposure to a depolarizing muscle relaxant, such as succinylcholine, or volatile anesthetics. Clinical findings in malignant hyperthermia include muscle rigidity, sinus tachycardia, increased CO2 production, skin cyanosis with mottling, and marked hyperthermia. For treatment, cooling techniques must be accompanied by discontinuation of the provocative medication. Furthermore, dantrolene administration is the mainstay of treatment for malignant hyperthermia, and should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. We recently experienced a case with post-operative fever of 41.0degrees C refractory to conventional anti-pyretic measures and finally resolved with dantrolene administration, in a patient with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus monoarthritis of the knee and rapid progression of diffuse septic pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.

Degenerative Change of Femoral Head Cartilage in the Elderly with Hip Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, grade and extent of the degenerative changes in the femoral head articular cartilage in the elderly with hip fracture through gross, histological and immunohistochemical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study examined 30 femoral heads obtained from patients over 65 years with no arthrosis by radiograph, who had undertaken bipolar hemiarthroplasty due to hip fracture. The mean age of patients was 79.7 years and the study examined three weight bearing zones (anterior, middle and posterior) and one non-weight bearing zone (inferior) of each femoral head. RESULTS: The gross findings showed significant correlation with the Mankin grade for each zone (p<0.05). Twenty four cases (80%) showed mild degeneration according to the Mankin grade and the others moderate. The mean Mankin score at each zone of all femoral heads was 5 points, which indicated mild degeneration. No significant difference was found between the weight bearing zone and the non-weight bearing zone (p=0.75). The distribution of type II collagen antibody stainabilities mainly showed normal or mild degeneration (93.3%). CONCLUSION: Degeneration of the articular cartilage of the femoral heads in the elderly with hip fracture and no arthrosis by radiograph was mostly mild, and showed generalized changes regardless of the zone.

The Harris-Galante-II Acetabular Componentin Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty : Average Ten-year Follow-up Results / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the average ten-year follow-up results of 98 total hip arthroplasties using Harris-Galante-II porous-coated acetabular components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight hips were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 45 years, and the mean follow-up was 121 months. The clinical and radiographic findings including the wear of the polyethylene liner were evaluated. The endurance of the acetabular component was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Retroacetabular osteolysis, dissociation of the PE liner and aseptic loosening of the acetabular component was observed in 25 hips (25.5%), 9 hips (9.2%), and 1 hip (1.0%), respectively. The average rate of liner wear was 0.16 mm/year. Twenty acetabular components (20.4%) were revised, and the survival probability of the acetabular components at 10 years was 87% (95% confidence limits, 83-90%). CONCLUSION: In this long-term follow-up study, the revision rate of Harris-Galante-II acetabular component was relatively high, and was associated with locking mechanism failure and retroacetabular osteolysis. However, the rarity of aseptic loosening suggests that excellent long-term fixation could be achieved with the surface treatment of a fiber-metal porous coating.

Cementless Zweymuller Stem for the Treatment of the Hip Fracture in Patients Older than 80 with Severe Osteoporosis: Case Control Study with Cemented Stem

PURPOSE: We tried to evaluate the usefulness of the cementless Zweymuller stem for treating hip fracture in those patients older than 80 years with severe osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cases were treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty with a cementless Zweymuller stem and they served as group I (the study group), and 30 cases treated with a cemented stem served as group II (the control group). We performed a comparative study between the two groups. RESULTS: The admission period (days) was 24.6+/-10.7 and 32.8+/-16.8 (p=0.047) for the 2 groups, respectively, and the average operation time (minutes) was 75.8+/-17.6 and 89.2+/-28.1 (p=0.024), respectively; the total blood loss (ml) was 457.2 and 548.3 (p=0.035) in group I and II, respectively. The incidence of staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the average time to start postoperative ambulation showed no significant differences between the two groups. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 1 case in group I and in 4 cases in group II, and intraoperative fracture of calcar occurred in 2 cases of group I. There was no case of position change of the femoral stem at 1 year postoperatively in both groups. CONCLUSION: The cementless Zweymuller stem, inserted by press fit in the patients who are older than 80 years and who have hip fracture with severe osteoporosis showed clinically better results as compared with the cemented stem.

Bone Ingrowth into Harris-Galante Porous-coated Acetabular Cup Retrieved during Revision

Purpose: To investigate the extent of bone ingrowth into the porous-coated acetabular cups as well as the factors that correlated with bone ingrowth in total hip arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Thirty six Harris-Galante porous-coated acetabular cups that were retrieved through revision surgery were examined in this study. Acetabular cups retrieved due to infection or severely destroyed cups (ed note: severe what?) were excluded. The extent of bone ingrowth into the acetabular cups was grossly measured, and its correlation with the variables including age, gender, weight, height, the duration of fixation, size, number of screws, inclination and anteversion was statistically analyzed. Results: The mean proportion of bone ingrowth was 52.9 21.9%(2~90%) and less than 30% in three cups(8.3%). The pattern and the location of bone ingrowth were not consistent. There was no correlation between the extent of bone ingrowth and age, gender, weight, height, the duration of fixation, cup size, number of screws, size, inclination and anteversion. Conclusion: Harris-Galante porous-coated acetabular cups showed satisfactory bone ingrowth regardless of the variables associated with the demographic or surgical conditions. Surface treatments with a fiber-metal porouscoating appears to be suitable for cementless acetabular cups in terms of the long term results.

The Treatment of Unstable Reverse Oblique Intertrochanteric Fractures with Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of treatment of unstable reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nail (PFN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 16 cases of AO 31-A3.3 intertrochanteric fracture treated with PFN from September 2000 to February 2004 which could be followed up for more than six months and untill bone union. The mean age was 60.2 years old. We investigated the union time and amount of sliding of two screws (neck screw and anti-rotational hip pin) and complications such as fixation failure and nonunion. Functional results were evaluated by the Parker and Palmer mobility score and Jensen social-function score. RESULTS: All fractures were united and the mean union time were 6.9 months. The amount of sliding of the neck screws and anti-rotational hip pin was 4.8 mm and 3.8 mm on average in 14 cases, respectively. Fixation failure and excessive migration of the screws occurred in two cases; One case showed so-called Z-effect of two screws (reciprocal movement of two screws) and nonunion. The other case showed proximal migration and cutout of the neck screw. There was one femoral shaft fracture at the nail tip caused by a slip. Eight cases (50%) and eleven cases (68.8%) were fully recovered according to Parker and Palmer mobility score and Jensen social-function score, respectively. CONCLUSION: We consider that PFN is a suitable implant for treatment of unstable reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures. However, the revision of implant design is recommended to prevent the excessive migration of the femoral neck screw and anti-rotational hip pin.

Roles of Distal Centralizer in Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to find out the influencing factors on cement mantle thickness in cemented total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly enrolled who received total hip arthroplasty with the third generation cementing technique. Four types of femoral prosthesis (20 patients in each type) were used: Centralign (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN), Precision (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ), Omnifit (Osteonics, Allendale, NJ), and Elite Plus (Depuy, Warsaw, IN). Size of femoral prosthesis, diameter of stem tip, shape and size of centralizer, and the condition of cement mantle on the radiograph were analyzed. RESULTS: Between the two groups of same or above C1 (> or =C1; A, B, and C1, n=69) and C2 (n=11) by Barrack classification, there was no difference in age, sex, underlying disease, size of applied stem, Dorr ratio, and the distance between stem tip and plug. The difference of distal diameter between centralizer and stem was less than 2 mm in 18 patients, and same or above 2 mm in 62 patients. C2 was more frequently observed in patients with the diameter difference or =2 mm (22.2% vs. 11.3%). However, C2 developed in all types of femoral stems, irrespective of their shapes, even the diameter difference was > or =2 mm. CONCLUSION: The diameter of distal centralizing device should be at least 2 mm larger than that of stem tip for an optimal cement mantle thickness. In addition, centralizers investigated in this study should be carefully used, and more improved shape of centralizer is required for the successful cement mantle formation.

Correlation between Anterior and Posterior Obliquity of the Sliding Lag Screw and Stability in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of the sliding pattern of the proximal fragment (head and neck) in unstable intertrochanteric fractures, which were fixed with a dynamic hip screw (DHS) with anterior to posterior or posterior to anterior insertion angle in the axial view. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AO type A2.1 intertrochanteric fracture was reproduced in 10 proximal femur model (Synbone, Malans, Switzerland). Five fractured models were reduced and fixed using DHS with anterior to posterior insertion angle (group 1) and five models were fixed with posterior to anterior angle (group 2). Load of 500 N (30 cycles) was applied to the fracture fragment-plate complex using Instron 6022. Data on the distance of sliding and the angle of rotation of the proximal fragment were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted statistically in the distance of sliding between the two groups (p=0.92). However, the mean angle of rotation was 13.4degrees and 8.0degrees in group 1 and 2, respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.012). Anterior cortical fracture of distal fragment was noted in 3 cases of group 1. There was no fracture of the anterior cortex in group 2. CONCLUSION: In unstable intertrochanteric fracture, the insertion angle of the lag screw in axial view does seem to play a role in the fate of bone-plate complex. Early eccentric contact of both fragments caused rotation of the proximal fragment in all cases and anterior cortical fracture of the distal fragment in 3 cases of group 1.