Fibular Fixation in Same-Level Distal Third Tibiofibular Fractures: Is Fibular Fracture Regarded as a Secondary Importance?

Background@#Although most studies focused on the alignment or union of the tibia in same-level distal third tibiofibular fractures, the outcome of a concomitant fibular fracture is generally regarded as being of secondary importance in the literature. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of fibular fractures in same-level distal third tibiofibular fractures. @*Methods@#In this retrospective study, we enrolled 111 patients with same-level distal third tibiofibular fractures treated at our institute between January 2016 and August 2020. Tibial fractures were stabilized with intramedullary nailing, and the cases were divided into two groups based on whether they additionally underwent fibular fixation (group 1, 57 cases) or not (group 2, 54 cases). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were used for the evaluation of tibial and fibular alignments, union of the tibia and fibula, number of interlocking screws in the distal tibial fragment, range of motion of the ankle joint, and complications. @*Results@#No statistically significant differences in the tibial union rate or mean tibial alignment were observed between the two groups on either the immediate postoperative or final radiographs. The fibular union rate in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (fibular nonunion, 0 vs. 15; p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in fibular displacement were observed on immediate postoperative radiographs between patients with fibular union and those without it. At the final follow-up, the mean range of ankle motion and lower extremity functional scale scores did not differ between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#Regardless of whether fibular fixation was performed, the overall tibial alignment with intramedullary nailing was well restored and the union rate of the tibia was comparable in the two groups. Fibular nonunion is not uncommon in unfixed fibula fractures. Displacement of the fibula as seen on immediate postoperative radiographs was related to fibular nonunion.

Denosumab (RANKL Inhibitor): A Potent Anti-Resorptive Agent

Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand, was introduced and used as an anti-osteoporotic agent. Denosumab prevents bone resorption by inhibiting the differentiation and action of osteoclasts, resulting in an increase of bone mineral density and broad-spectrum anti-fracture efficacy. Clinical studies, including FREEDOM (Fracture Reduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis Every Six Months) and its extension up to 10 years, FREEDOM Extension, demonstrated its long-term efficacy and safety in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In addition, the efficacy and safety of denosumab were confirmed in male osteoporosis and glucocorticoid- induced osteoporosis. Therefore, recent clinical guidelines recommend denosumab as an initial treatment. This review summarizes the mechanism of action, pharmacological characteristics, efficacy, and safety issue of denosumab.

Preventive Effects of Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels on Hip Fracture in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study is to determine the role of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) on hip fracture development by retrospectively analyzing the relationship between vitamin D and PTH levels and hip fracture prevalence. METHODS: Among 288 patients over 50 years of age, 113 patients with hip fracture and 111 controls without fracture were analyzed after excluding patients with conditions affecting bone metabolism. Bone mineral density and serum biochemical markers were measured, while demographic data were obtained. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-[OH]D) and PTH levels: LowD+LowP (low 25[OH]D and PTH); LowD+HighP, (low 25[OH]D and high PTH); HighD+LowP (high 25[OH]D and low PTH); and HighD+HighP, patients with (high 25[OH]D and PTH). Measured values and percentages of patients with hip fracture in each group were then determined and compared. RESULTS: The number of patients included in the LowD+LowP, LowD+HighP, HighD+LowP, and HighD+HighP groups was 116, 17, 87, and 4, while the percentages of patients with hip fracture in the same groups were 60.3%, 88.2%, 27.6%, and 100%, respectively. The percentage of hip fracture was significantly lower in the LowD+LowP than the LowD+HighP group (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels showed lower hip fracture prevalence, indicating the potential protective role of low PTH levels on bone health in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, clinicians should pay more attention to the possibility of fractures in patients with vitamin D deficiency who present with high PTH levels.

Pediatric Cartilaginous Tibia Eminence Fracture Overlooked on Plain Radiograph: A Report of Two Cases

In children with open physis, avulsion fracture of the tibia eminence, as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, is more commonly observed than an ACL rupture. Pure cartilaginous avulsions of the ACL tibia insertion seldom occurs. In such case, cartilaginous lesion is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed on plain radiograph and may result in a less favorable treatment outcome. We report two cases of cartilaginous tibia eminence fractures of the children that were initially overlooked from plain radiographs, and then diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, which was ultimately treated by arthroscopyassisted headless compression screw fixation.

Pediatric Cartilaginous Tibia Eminence Fracture Overlooked on Plain Radiograph: A Report of Two Cases

In children with open physis, avulsion fracture of the tibia eminence, as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, is more commonly observed than an ACL rupture. Pure cartilaginous avulsions of the ACL tibia insertion seldom occurs. In such case, cartilaginous lesion is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed on plain radiograph and may result in a less favorable treatment outcome. We report two cases of cartilaginous tibia eminence fractures of the children that were initially overlooked from plain radiographs, and then diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, which was ultimately treated by arthroscopyassisted headless compression screw fixation.

Surgical Outcomes after Olecranon Plating with Retrograde Coronoid Process Screw Fixation through the Plate Hole in the Bifocal Fracture of the Proximal Ulna / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Bifocal fracture of the proximal ulna is a fracture of the olecranon accompanied by fracture of the coronoid process. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the clinical results of the author's technique in bifocal fracture of the proximal ulna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (10 men, 5 women) treated at CHA Bundang Medical Center from April 2006 to October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent internal fixation using a locking compression plate (LCP) with retrograde screw fixation of the coronoid process through a screw hole of the plate. Mean age of the patients was 42.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 18.6 months. Comminuted coronoid fractures with hard to screw fixation, complex injuries combined with open damage, and complete ligament rupture were excluded. Fracture union and articular congruity were examined on the follow-up radiographs. Range of motion, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and Mayo elbow performance score were evaluated for functional analysis. RESULTS: Fracture union was achieved and articular step off was less than 2 mm in all patients on the follow-up radiographs. The mean value of modified Mayo elbow score was 92.14 (80–100) and DASH score was 7.11 at last follow-up. The mean range of motion of elbow was 128o. There was one case of small heterotopic ossification as a radiographic complication which had no functional deficit. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of bifocal multifragmentary articular fractures of the proximal ulna with anatomically contoured LCP olecranon plate and retrograde long screws could be a recommendable surgical procedure. This study showed that the precontoured plate with retrograde coronoid process screw fixation can produce good clinical and radiographic outcomes in bifocal fractures of the proximal ulna. We recommend this procedure in this type of fracture.

Usefulness of Computed Tomography on Distal Tibia Intra-Articular Fracture Associated with Spiral Tibia Shaft Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) for spiral tibia shaft fracture by analyzing associated distal tibia intra-articular fractures diagnosed by CT only which met the indication of surgical fixation and were fixed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five spiral tibia shaft fractures with preoperative ankle plain radiographs and CT were analyzed retrospectively. The incidence and type of associated distal tibia articular fractures were evaluated by reviewing ankle plain radiography and CT. The number of fractures diagnosed by CT that correspond with the indication of fixation and that were actually fixed were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 95 spiral tibia shaft fractures, 62 cases (65.3%) were associated with distal tibia intra-articular fracture. There were 37 cases of posterior malleolar fracture, 5 cases of avulsion fracture of the distal anterior tibiofibular ligament, 5 cases of medial malleolar fracture, and 15 cases of complex fracture. Among 52 posterior malleolar fractures including complex fracture, 20 cases were diagnosed by ankle plain radiograph. Of these 20 cases, 16 posterior malleolar fractures (80.0%) met the indication of surgical fixation, and 14 cases were actually fixed with a screw. Among 32 posterior malleolar fractures diagnosed by CT only, 26 cases (81.3%) met the indication of surgical fixation and 18 cases (56.3%) were fixed by screw. CONCLUSION: Approximately 50% of associated fractures were diagnosed by CT only and more than 80% of associated posterior malleolar fractures met the indication of surgical fixation and among these fractures, 18 cases (56.3%) were actually fixed by screw. This result suggests that CT is useful in diagnosis and treatment of distal tibia intra-articular fracture associated with spiral tibia shaft fracture.

Avulsion of the Femoral Attachment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Associated with Ipsilateral Femoral Shaft Fracture in Skeletally Mature Patient: A Case Report

Avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is very rare and has been reported mostly in skeletally immature patients. Authors experienced a case of avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of ACL in a skeletally mature, a 21-year-old male associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture. Here, authors report on the case with a literature review. Care should be taken because an avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of ACL can be accompanied by ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture in skeletally mature patients.

The Effect of a Lumbar Spinal Lesion on the Clinical Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint often concomitantly suffer from degenerative disease of the spine. Furthermore, resulting spinal problems could influence function and pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and hence, cause the results of TKA to be misinterpreted. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of spinal disorders, as assessed by Swiss Spinal Stenosis score (SSS scores), on knee function as assessed by knee scores, the Hospital for Special Surgery scale (HSS scale) and Western Ontario & McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores (WOMAC scores) in patients that after TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty nine osteoarthritic knees of 87 patients were enrolled in this study. All patients received TKA by single surgeon (W-S Cho) from August 2009 to May 2010. Preoperative and postoperative 1- and 2-years HSS scale, Knee, WOMAC, and SSS scores were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative HSS scale, Knee, and WOMAC scores showed marked improvements versus preoperative scores, and scores at 2 years postoperatively were better than at 1 year postoperatively. No significant correlation was found between postoperative Knee scores and SSS scores. On the other hand, statistically significant correlations were found between HSS and SSS scores and between WOMAC and SSS scores. Interestingly, differences between Knee scores and HSS scores were found to be significantly correlated with SSS scores. CONCLUSION: When evaluating outcome after TKA, spinal problems should be investigated concomitantly. SSS scores appear to provide a suitable means of assessing spinal problems.

The Effect of Cefazolin on Mechanical Properties and Antibacterial Reactions of Calcium Phosphate Cement / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change of mechanical properties and the effect of antibacterial reactions in calcium phosphate cement (CPC) mixed with cefazolin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We made CPC and a sodium alginate solution and we mixed in variable dosages of cefazolin and then we made a standard sized cement mold. With that we performed compression stress tests, drug releasing tests and antibacterial tests. RESULTS: We found the typical appearance of hydroxyapatite (HA) in the cement mixed with cefazolin. The compressive strength of the cement mixed with cefazolin was higher than that of the cement not mixed with cefazolin and the higher strength cement had a smaller pore size and less porosity. The sodium alginate solution showed the maximum compressive strength at 2 & 4 wt%, but this was decreased at 6 wt%. Cefazolin was released in proportion to the concentration for the first 8 days on the drug releasing test and then a similar amount was released until the tenth day. An antibacterial effect was detected at all dosages of cefazolin on the antibacterial test. CONCLUSION: The compressive strength of the cement mixed with cefazolin was higher than that of the cement not mixed with cefazolin. The drug was released from the cement in a proper fashion and the antibacterial effect was preserved.

Bursting Fracture of the Proximal Femur during Insertion of Unreamed Femoral Nail for Femur Shaft Fracture: A Case Report

When treating femur shaft fracture in adults, undreamed nail can be an option in order to avoid systemic complications. To appropriately insert unreamed intramedullary nail, an accurate entry point and sufficient reaming of the entry portal is essential. The intramedullary canal of the proximal femur must be reamed over than the diameter of the proximal end of the nail. If the proximal reaming is not sufficient, complications such as bursting fracture of proximal femur can occur. We present two cases of bursting fracture of proximal femur following insertion of undreamed intramedullary nail as well as a literature review.