Nailing the fibula: alternative or standard treatment for lateral malleolar fracture fixation? A broken paradigm.

PURPOSE: Despite the fact that open reduction and internal fixation with a plate, either non-locked or locked, is the standard of care for managing lateral malleolus fractures, intramedullary (IM) fixation of the fibula has been recently introduced as an alternative, mainly for some potential complicated situations. We hypothesized that almost all patterns of distal fibula fracture can be safely fixed with an IM device, with the potential benefit of providing biomechanical efficiency, but using a soft-tissue friendly implant. Here, we present a multicenter case series based on a proposed algorithm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients were managed with fibular IM fixation for closed malleolar fractures. Twenty patients were managed by IM screw fixation and 49 by fibular nailing. Outcome was measured both according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for ankle and hindfoot, and the time to bone union. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS for Group I was 99.35 ± 1.95 points and that for Group II was 89.30 ± 16.98 points. There were no significant differences between the fracture pattern, according to the Lauge-Hansen classification, and post-operative levels of pain and functional activity among patients in both groups (p > 0.05). All fractures healed uneventfully in both groups. The mean time to union for Group I was 8.15 weeks and for Group II was 8.25 weeks (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this multicenter case series, intramedullary fixation for the lateral malleolus fracture presented itself as a viable and safe option for the treatment of almost all patterns of fibula fracture in adults. Overall, we were able to demonstrate the potential indications of the proposed algorithm for the choice of IM implant for the lateral malleolus fracture in terms of the Lauge-Hansen staged classification.

Immediate weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) correlates with a decreased length of stay post intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Subtrochanteric femur fractures associate with a relatively high complication rate and are traditionally treated operatively with a period of limited weight bearing. Transitioning from extramedullary to intramedullary implants, there are increasing biomechanical and clinical data to support early weight bearing. This multicenter retrospective study examines the effect of postoperative weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) for subtrochanteric femur fractures. We hypothesize that WBAT will result in a decreased length of stay (LOS) without increasing the incidence of re-operation. METHODS: This study assesses total LOS and postoperative LOS after intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures between postoperative weight bearing protocols across 6 level I trauma centers (n = 441). Analysis techniques consisted of multivariable linear regression and nonparametric comparative tests. Additional subanalyses were performed, targeting mechanism of injury (MOI), Winquist-Hansen fracture comminution, 20-year age strata, and injury severity score (ISS). RESULTS: Total LOS was shorter in WBAT protocol within the overall sample (7.4 vs 9.7 days; p < 0.01). Rates of re-operation were similar between the two groups (10.6% vs 10.5%; p = 0.99). Stratified analysis identified patients between ages 41-80, WH comminution 2-3, high MOI, and ISS between 6-15 and 21-25 to demonstrate a significant reduction in LOS as a response to WBAT. CONCLUSION: An immediate postoperative weight bearing as tolerated protocol in patients with subtrochanteric fractures reduced length of hospital stay with no significant difference in reoperation and complication rates. If no contraindication exists, immediate weight bearing as tolerated should be considered for patients with subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with statically locked intramedullary nails. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Outcome Of Open Interlocking Nailing In Closed Fracture Shaft Of Femur.

BACKGROUND: Various treatment modalities have been used in treating femoral shaft fractures, i.e., open intramedullary nailing, plating and external fixators but these does not always produce stable fixation and there is increased risk of infection, closed locked intramedullary nailing technique has being the gold standard and is a routine procedure but it requires proper orthopedic operation table with traction apparatus and the use of image intensifier. The use of open interlocking nailing technique doesn't require any special orthopaedic table nor it requires use of Image intensifier. The objective of this study is to find out and determine the frequency of fracture union and wound infection in open reamed interlocking nailing of close fractures of shaft of femur. METHODS: This study included fifty-eight patients from either gender, above 14 years of age with closed femoral shaft fracture presenting within 2 weeks. Data was collected on Performa about gender, age, address, date of fracture, date of operation and discharge, type of fracture and follow-up visits. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients were 31.24±8.662. According to Winquist & Hansen, femur shaft fractures were divided into four types. Type I were found in the 16(27.6%), Type II in 21 (36.2%), Type III in 12 (20.7%) and Type IV in 9 (15.5%). Total number of fracture union with regard to Winquist & Hensen Classification of fracture shaft femur were, Type I, 14 (24.1%), Type II, 21 (36.2%), Type III, 12 (20.7%), Type IV, 8 (13.8%) respectively while the rest 3 (5.2%) were found in non-union. Total number of fracture union with regard to gender of the patients were, 41 (70.7%) males and 14 (24.1%) were females while the rest 3 (5.2%) patients fracture union has not occurred. Fracture union was found in 55 (94.8%) out of 58 patients; while fracture union had not occurred in 3 (5.2%) out of 58 patients. The total number of patients who developed wound infection following surgery were 5 (8.6%) out of 58 patients; while the non-infected patients were 53 (91.4%) out of 58 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The open interlocking nailing technique for close fractures shaft of femur without the use of image intensifier achieved excellent results in terms of fracture union. Results obtained are mostly similar to the results of close interlocking nailing and it also requires less expertise, recourses and without the use of image intensifier.

Comminuted long bone fractures in children. Could combined fixation improve the results?

Comminuted diaphyseal fractures in the pediatric age group represent a major orthopedic problem. It is associated with a high incidence of complications and poor outcomes because of the instability and difficulty in treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined external skeletal fixation and flexible intramedullary nails in reconstruction of comminuted diaphyseal fracture in skeletally immature patients. Combined external fixator and elastic stable intramedullary nails were used in the management of 27 pediatric patients (15 males and 12 females) with unstable comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the tibia and femur. There were 19 fractures of the femur and eight fractures of the tibia. The average age of the patients was 8.7 years (range 7-14 years) for the femur and 10.8 years (range 6-15 years) for the tibia. Fractures were classified according to the system of Winquist and Hansen as grade II (five cases), grade III (nine cases), and grade IV (13 cases). All cases were operated within 6 days (range 0-6 days) after injury. The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years (range 2-3.5 years). The average duration of the external fixation was 1.6 months for fractures of the tibia, whereas it was 1.4 months for fractures of the femur. The average time for tibia fracture union was 2.8 months for fractures of the tibia, whereas it was 1.9 months for fractures of the femur. Malalignment in varus less than 5° was noted in one patient. One patient had a limb-length discrepancy of 1.5 cms. There were five cases (18.5%) with pin-tract infection. According to the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov evaluation system, bone results were excellent in 23 cases (85.2%), good in three cases (11.1%), and poor in one case (3.7%). Functional results were excellent in 22 (81.5%) cases and good in five (18.5%) cases. Combined use of external fixators and elastic intramedullary nails is a good method for the treatment of comminuted long bone fractures in children.

Treatment With the SIGN Nail in Closed Diaphyseal Femur Fractures Results in Acceptable Radiographic Alignment.

BACKGROUND: The burden of orthopaedic trauma in the developing world is substantial and disproportionate. SIGN Fracture Care International is a nonprofit organization that has developed and made available to surgeons in resource-limited settings an intramedullary interlocking nail for use in the treatment of femoral and tibial fractures. Instrumentation also is donated with the nail. A prospectively populated database collects information on all procedures performed using this nail. Given the challenging settings and numerous surgeons with varied experience, it is important to document adequate alignment and union using the device. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The primary aim of this research was to assess the adequacy of operative reduction of closed diaphyseal femur fractures using the SIGN interlocking intramedullary nail based on radiographic images available in the SIGN database. The secondary aims were to assess correlations between postoperative alignment and several associated variables, including fracture location in the diaphysis, degree of fracture site comminution, and time to surgery. The tertiary aim was to assess the functionality of the SIGN database for radiographic analyses. METHODS: A review of the prospectively populated SIGN database was performed for patients with a diaphyseal femur fracture treated with the SIGN nail, which at the time of the study totaled 32,362 patients. After study size calculations, a random number generator was used to select 500 femur fractures for analysis. Exclusion criteria included open fractures and those without radiographs during the early postoperative period. The following information was recorded: location of the fracture in the diaphysis; fracture classification (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] classification); degree of comminution (Winquist and Hansen classification); time from injury to surgery; and patient demographics. Measurements of alignment were obtained from the AP and lateral radiographs with malalignment defined as deformity in either the sagittal or coronal plane greater than 5°. Measurements were made manually by the four study authors using on-screen protractor software and interobserver reliability was assessed. RESULTS: The frequency of malalignment greater than 5° observed on postoperative radiographs was 51 of 501 (10%; 95% CI, 6.5-11.5), and malalignment greater than 10° occurred in eight of 501 (1.6%) of the femurs treated with this nail. Fracture location in the proximal or distal diaphysis was strongly correlated with risk of malalignment, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.7 (95% CI, 1.5-9.3) for distal versus middle diaphyseal fractures and an OR of 4.7 (95% CI, 1.9-11.5) for proximal versus middle fractures (p < 0.001). Time from injury to surgery greater than 4 weeks also was strongly correlated with risk of malalignment (p < 0.001). Inherent fracture stability, based on fracture site comminution as per the Winquist and Hansen classification (Class 0-1 stable versus 2-4 unstable) showed an OR of 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2-4.3) for malalignment in unstable fractures. Interobserver reliability showed agreement of 88% (95% CI, 83-93) and mean kappa of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-0.87). The SIGN database of radiographic images was found to be an excellent source for research purposes with 92% of reviewed radiographs of acceptable quality. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of malalignment in closed diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with the SIGN nail closely approximated the incidence reported in the literature for North American trauma centers. Increased time from injury to surgery was correlated with increased frequency of malalignment; as humanitarian distribution of the SIGN nail increases, local barriers to timely care should be assessed and improved as possible. Prospective clinical study with followup, despite its inherent challenges in the developing world, would be of great benefit in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Outcome of Titanium Elastic Intramedullary Nail in the Treatment of Shaft of Femur Fracture in Children.

Background Femoral-shaft fractures are among the most common fractures of the lower extremity in children. There are several different options for treating femoral-shaft fractures in children. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has become the standard treatment for fractures of shaft of femur in children for reasons including mini-invasive surgery, no need for casting, early mobilization and discharge as well as growing concerns toward cost-effectiveness. Objective To demonstrate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation of fracture shaft of femur in skeletally immature children using the titanium elastic intramedullary nails. Method Forty children who underwent fixation with titanium intramedullary nails because of fracture of shaft of femur (Winquist and Hansen type 1 and 2) were reviewed. There were 60% male and 40% female patients and mean follow-up was six months. Time of union, deformity at fracture site, limb length discrepancy, knee range of motion and complications were assessed. Result Average age of the patients was 5.17 years (range 3 to 10). All patients achieved complete healing at a mean 12.8 weeks (range 10 to 20 weeks). Average limb length discrepancy was -0.16 cm (range -1.0 to 1.1 cm) average knee range of motion was 137.55 degrees (range 118 to 152 degrees). Complications were recorded in 13 (31.7%) patients and included: Five malunion which did not show any deformity or functional impairment and eight superficial wound infections which were healed after removal of nail. All patients were active as their pre injury levels at six months follow up. Conclusion Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is the method of choice for the simple pediatrics fracture shaft of femur, as it is minimally invasive and shows good functional and cosmetic results. It allows short hospital stay and quick recovery from pain and is cast-free.

Retrograde reamed femoral nailing.

Closed, reamed, antegrade nailing remains the standard of care for femoral shaft fractures. This technique however, may be less attractive in the management of femoral shaft fractures associated with (a) ipsilateral acetabular, pelvis, or femoral neck fractures; (b) poly trauma requiring multiple simultaneous surgical procedures; and (c) pregnancy. We now report on our experience with the retrograde femoral nailing as a treatment option in these situations. Between 4/88 and 10/90, 29 retrograde femoral nailing in 24 patients were attempted. Average age was 29.3 (16-74) years. Five fractures were open. Fracture location was isthmal in 14 and infraisthmal in 15. The comminution was classified according to Winquist and Hansen: I(10), II(7), III(7), and IV(5). Nailing was possible in 28/29 cases. Insertion was made through an extraarticular medial condylar portal. Nail diameter ranged from 10 to 13 mm. An AO Universal Femoral Nail was used in the first 11 cases; all subsequent fractures were stabilized using an AO Universal Tibial Nail because its design appeared better suited to this technique. Follow-up was possible for 25 fractures in 21 patients and averaged 16.0 (range, 11-27); months 23/25 (92%) fractures healed within 12 weeks. No case was associated with an infection, loss of reduction, or nail failure. Knee flexion averaged 122°; only two knees had an extensor lag of >5°. Intraoperative complications included three cases of crack propagation at the insertion site, and four infraisthmal malreductions (two valgus, two flexion). Based on these results, we feel that retrograde reamed femoral nailing is a suitable alternative to antegrade nailing and should be considered in situations where proximal access is neither possible nor desirable.

[Reconstruction intramedullary nailing for the treatment of ipsilateral fractures of shaft of femur and hip].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the curative effect and surgical skills of reconstruction intramedullary nailing for ipsilateral fractures of shaft of femur and hip. METHODS: Fifteen patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and hip fractures from June 2002 to June 2008 were treated with reconstruction intramedullary nails. All of them were male with an average age of 45 years (range,34-85 years). According to the Winquist-Hansen classification, there were 2 type I, 6 type II, 2 type III, and 2 type IV shaft fractures. Hip fractures consisted of 7 intertrochanteric and 8 (53.3%) neck fractures. According to Garden's classification, 1 femoral neck fracture was type I, 3 were type II, 2 were type III and 2 were type IV. RESULTS: All of the patients were followed up for an average of 30.9 months (range, 12 to 55 months). Due to other combined severe injuries, operations were delayed for 1-14 days (average is 5 days). Delayed union of femoral shaft occurred in 1 case; nonunion of femoral shaft occurred in 2 cases. Nonunion of femoral neck occurred in 1 and coxa vara occurred in 1. Hip fractures healed in 14 (93.3%) patients, and shaft fractures healed in 13 (86.7%)patients. The average union time was 4 months (range, 2-6 months) for the hip fractures and 5.5 months (range, 4-9 months) for the shaft fractures. No femoral head osteonecrosis, wound infection or shortening more than 2 cm occurred. Functional results using Friedman-Wyman criteria were good in 13 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction intramedullary nails can provide biological fixation of both fractures with fewer complications, and is an effective device to treat this kind of combined fractures.

The role of dynamisation vis-à-vis non-dynamisation after closed interlocking nailing in cases of closed tibial shaft fractures in adults.

The importance of dynamisation after static locked nailing in comminuted closed tibial fractures is a matter of contention. A prospective study was undertaken among 178 patients in the department of orthopaedics at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata from January 2002 to December 2006, to analyse the usefulness of this procedure with respect to the degree of comminution. In this study it was seen that dynamisation was found to be of statistical significance in relatively less comminuted fractures as per Winquist-Hansen's classification.

Leg length discrepancies in adult femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the leg length discrepancy (LLD) retrospectively in adult femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN). METHODS: Sixty-three patients (58 male, 5 female; mean age 29.9+/-12.4; range 15 to 77 years) were included in the study. Fractures were identified according to the Winquist-Hansen (W) system and AO classification. 16 W0, 18 WI, 16 WII, 7 WIII, and 6 WIV fractures and 35 type A, 22 type B, and 6 type C fractures were repaired. Thirty-one (49.2%) patients had multiple injuries. Fourteen patients sustained an open fracture. LLDs were measured on physical examination and using orthoroentgenography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 90.2+/-29.9 (39-193) months. The mean LLD was 12.3+/-15.2 [12-(-60)] mm using orthoroentgenography and 12.9+/-13.7 [10-(-60)] mm according to manual measurement. In seven cases, no LLD was observed. Twenty-seven shortenings and one lengthening were observed in the 28 femurs with a discrepancy greater than 10 mm (44.4%). There was no statistical correlation between LLD and open or closed fracture (r=0.02, p=0.86), polytrauma (r=-0.09, p=0.47), or delayed surgery (p=0.31), but there was a tendency to a greater discrepancy in comminuted fractures (WIII, IV) (r=0.33, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: LLD may be seen in high rates in adult femoral shaft fracture cases treated with IMN. Static IMN following absolute restoration of the length may prevent this problem in femoral diaphysis fractures, especially comminuted WIII and IV types.

Locked intramedullary nailing for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures: experience and result in 19 cases.

BACKGROUND: Fractures in the proximal or distal third of the femoral shaft or those with severe comminution are known to be less suitable for intramedullary nailing with Kuntscher nail. With the introduction of interlocking intramedullary nailing the problems of rotational malalignment and shortening that accompany such fractures are now less common. At the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing was introduced as a form of surgical treatment for fractures of the femur, our initial experience in this type of intramedullary nailing form the basis of this report. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of all cases of fractured femur that were treated with locked intramedullary nailing between March 2002 and September 2003. RESULTS: During a 19-month period, 19 patients with 19 fractures were treated for fracture of the femoral shaft with locked intramedullary nailing using the Russell-Taylor (18 fractures) and Grosse-Kempf (1 fracture) nails. Thirteen fractures (68.5%) had comminution of the Winquist-Hansen type III and IV 12 of which were statically locked. There were three intra-operative technical problems including the case of a subtrochanteric fracture, where the nail missed the medullary canal of the proximal segment. There were 2 cases of superficial wound infection, which responded to local wound care and antibiotics. Although limb length discrepancy and rotational mal-alignment were not assessed routinely during the follow-up of patients, no symptomatic malrotation was recorded. Sixteen out of the 19 patients were available for follow-up for an average period of 11 months. All these cases progressed to union, without the need for dynamization in statically locked fixations. CONCLUSION: In spite of the initial problems encountered with this relatively new procedure in our centre, we were able to achieve a reasonably good result in addition to supporting the notion that dynamization of a statically locked nail is not always necessary for healing of fractures.

[Radiographic and functional results of osteosynthesis with locked unreamed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in adults]. / Eriskinlerdeki femur cisim kiriklarinda kilitli oymasiz intramedüller çivi osteosentezinin radyografik ve fonksiyonel sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the radiographic and functional results of treatment with locked unreamed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in adults. METHODS: Seventy-eight femoral shaft fractures of 70 adult patients (57 men, 16 women; mean age 36 years; range 18 to 77 years) were treated with locked unreamed intramedullary nailing. The fractures were on the right in 39, on the left in 29, and bilateral in five patients. Eighteen patients (24.7%) had open fractures and 28 patients had associated pathologies. The mean time from injury to surgery was 10.7 days (range 3 to 15 days). The fractures were classified according to the Winquist-Hansen system and functional results were evaluated according to the Thoresen criteria. The mean follow-up was 25 months (range 12 to 54 months). RESULTS: Union was achieved in 73 fractures (93.6%) of 69 patients within a mean duration of 14 weeks (range 10 to 28 weeks). Four fractures (5.2%) united after dynamization and one patient (1.2%) required revision with a circular external fixator following dynamization. The mean duration of hospitalization was 19.8 days (range 8 to 26 days). According to the Thoresen criteria, the results were excellent or good in 64 patients (87.7%), and moderate or poor in nine patients (12.3%). Fifty-six (76.7%) and 13 (17.8%) patients returned to previous work and daily activities with no or minor limitations in a mean of 12 weeks, respectively. Perioperatively, a distal fissure occurred in nine patients, and distal locked screws were improperly placed in two patients. Postoperative complications included delayed union in four patients, nonunion in one patient, and superficial infection at the site of distal screws in two patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary locked nailing may be the preferred method in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in adults due to high union but low complication rates, early mobilization of the patient, and satisfactory functional results.

Tibiotarsal fracture repair in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) using an interlocking nail.

A 14-yr-old, 5.13-kg bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was hit by a car and presented to the Michigan State University Small Animal Clinic with an open, grade II, transverse, midshaft, Winquist-Hansen type-II-comminuted left tibiotarsal fracture. The fracture was reduced and fixation established with a 4.7-mm-diameter, 112-mm-long, four-hole veterinary intramedullary interlocking nail maintained in position by single 2-mm transcortical screws placed in the main proximal and distal fragments. The bird was weight bearing on the bandaged limb 48 hr postoperatively. Radiographs obtained 4 wk postoperatively revealed bridging callus over three of four cortices. The bird was released after 5 mo of rehabilitation.

Tratamento das fraturas diafisárias do femur com a haste intramedular bloqueada desenvolvida na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto / Treatment of fractures of the shaft of the femur with locked intramedullary nail developed at Ribeiräo Preto Medical School

Relatam-se os resultados obtidos no tratamento de 50 pacientes com 51 fraturas da diáfise femoral, submetidos no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Universidade Federal Fluminense à osteoss¡ntese intramedular bloqueada com a haste desenvolvida na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeiräo Preto, entre dezembro de 1994 e dezembro de 1997. Trinta e cinco fraturas foram classificadas de acordo com Winquist e Hansen, nove eram segmentares, sete tinham traço obl¡quo longo e 11 eram expostas. Três pacientes faleceram antes da consolidaçäo das fraturas; duas näo consolidaram, pois houve quebra da haste. O tempo médio de consolidaçäo das 46 fraturas restantes foi de 13,76 semanas. Utilizando-se os critérios de Thorensen para avaliar os resultados, ficou demonstrado que, dos 46 pacientes cujas fraturas consolidaram, 42 tiveram resultado excelente ou bom; em dois, regular; e em dois o resultado foi mau

Tratamento de fraturas diafisárias do fêmur com a haste intramedular bloqueada Faculdade de Mediina de Ribeiräo Preto: análise de 5 fraturas em 50 pacientes / Femoral shaft fractures treated by locking intra medullary nailing with the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeiräo Preto nail: an analysis at 50 fractures in 50mpatients

O autor relata os resultados obtidos no tratamento de 50 pacientes, com 51 fraturas da diáfise femoral. submetidos à osteossíntese intramedular bloqueada com a haste "Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto", no Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, da Universidade Federal Fluminense, no período compreendido entre dezembro de 1994 e dezembro de 1997. Trinta e cinco fraturas foram classificadas de acordo com Winquist e Hansen, g eram segmentares, 7 tinham traço oblíquo longo e 11 eram expostas. Três pacientes faleceram antes da consolidação das fraturas e duas fraturas, nas quais houve quebra da haste, não consolidaram. O tempo médio de consolidação das 46 fraturas restantes foi de 13.76 semanas. Utilizando-se os critérios de Thorensen para avaliar os resultados, ficou demonstrado que dos 46 pacientes cujas fraturas consolidaram, 42 tiveram resultado excelente ou bom, 2 tiveram resultado regular e em, 2, o resultado foi mau

[Use of a Russel-Taylor nail for stabilizing fractures of the femur. Apropos of 57 fractures with 30 computed tomographies of the rotation]. / Utilisation d'un clou non fendu de Russel-Taylor pour la stabilisation des fractures du fémur. A propos de 57 fractures avec 30 études tomodensitométriques de la rotation.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: A clinical and radiographical study with CT in 30 cases was undertaken in femoral fractures fixed with Russel-Taylor intramedullary nail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study of 57 femoral fractures (mean follow-up 22 months), all fractures were analysed according to the classification of Wiss and Winquist-Hansen-Clawson. Fixation was performed with Russel-Taylor intramedullary mailing. Fifty fractures were classified as unstable due to the type of fracture and for its localization. Analysis of the clinical and radiographical results was performed immediately postoperatively and later by CT (30 cases). RESULTS: Clinical results showed seven cases of hip pain and limited walking capability; twenty with decreased hip mobility; twenty-one with functional impairment of the knee with limited flexion (11 cases) and/or knee sprain (15 cases). Radiographical results showed sixteen cases of leg shortening inferior to 1 cm, three between 1 and 2 cm, and one exceeded 2 cm; nine with varus angulation of 5 degrees, one with valgus angulation of 5 degrees, and seven with external rotation exceeding 10 degrees, five with internal rotation exceeding 10 degrees. Results were determined according to Thorensen's criteria. DISCUSSION: The use of Russel-Taylor intramedullary nail for the management of complex femoral fractures is discussed. Rotational deformities appeared related to the quality of reduction during surgery. Because of the stiffness of this type of nail, a smaller diameter can be used. Result analysis demonstrates that static nailing should probably be used more frequently in unstable femoral fractures.

Treatment of unstable tibial fractures with interlocking nail versus Ender nail: a prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: For unstable tibial fractures, there are many methods of surgical treatment. The efficacy of the Ender nail and the interlocking nail in the treatment of such fractures is examined. METHODS: One hundred and seven cases of unstable tibial shaft fractures were collected for the prospective study. Randomly, 61 tibia were fixed with interlocking nails and 46, with Ender nails. The mean follow-up period was 30.5 (23 to 40) months. The results of the different treatments were compared. RESULTS: In the group with interlocking nails, the average blood loss was 265 cc; operation time was 61 minutes; hospital days were 10.4; and union time was 15.1 weeks for closed fractures and 17 weeks for Winquist-Hansen type III and IV fractures. In the group with Ender nails, the average blood loss was 135 cc, operation time was 32 minutes, hospital days were 8.3 days, and union time was 17.6 weeks for closed fractures and 22.5 weeks for Winquist-Hansen type III and IV fractures. Student t-test revealed statistically significant difference between the groups in all of the data described above. However, treatment with the different nails showed no significant difference in results for open type I and II fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Ender nail still has its superior usefulness in some aspects of treatment of less comminuted unstable tibial shaft fractures, but for the more comminuted unstable tibial shaft fractures, the interlocking nail is undoubtedly better used.

Treating gunshot femoral shaft fractures with immediate reamed intramedullary nailing.

Reamed intramedullary nailing was used within 36 hours of patient admission to treat 32 consecutive femoral shaft fractures caused by low-velocity gunshot wounds. The femoral shaft fracture was classified according to the AO system, and comminution was graded according to the classification of Winquest and Hansen. Patients were followed for an average of 14.7 months (range, 6 to 36 months), and the average time to union was 18.6 weeks. The average hospital stay was 7 days, which is approximately one half the average stay reported in the literature for treating this kind of injury with delayed nailing. The shorter hospital stay represents potential savings of up to $9,000 per patient. Immediate intramedullary rodding is a safe, effective, and economic option for the treatment of a femoral shaft fracture caused by a low-velocity gunshot wound. However, a lack of compliance with instructions concerning weight-bearing in this patient population needs to be taken into account when planning postoperative care.

[Intramedullary nailing of mid-femoral fractures].

75 consecutive cases of mid-shaft femoral fractures were treated by open intramedullary nailing, using the solid, diamond-shaped Hansen-Street nail. The average age was 32.5 years; road accidents accounted for 43 cases; average operative time was 40 minutes. There were 2 systemic complications but no infections. 56 of the 75 were studied after an average of 5 years and 19 were followed for at least 6 months. At 4 months all fractures were united except 1. Average time to sound bone union was 4 months. There was no residual deformity in varus-valgus or in the sagittal plane. Malrotation was rare and did not exceed 10 degrees. There was shortening of 2 cm in 3 cases of comminuted fractures. All patients followed up returned to regular daily function. The Hansen-Street nail used in an open procedure is an accurate method of anatomic reduction. As opposed to close techniques, we found the procedure to be simple and quick, without undue exposure of the surgical team to radiation and without other complications, such as nerve damage due to traction. This device is indicated for use only in fractures of the middle third of the femoral shaft.

Retrograde reamed femoral nailing.

Closed, reamed, antegrade nailing remains the standard of care for femoral shaft fractures. This technique however, may be less attractive in the management of femoral shaft fractures associated with (a) ipsilateral acetabular, pelvis, or femoral neck fractures; (b) polytrauma requiring multiple simultaneous surgical procedures; and (c) pregnancy. We now report on our experience with the retrograde femoral nailing as a treatment option in these situations. Between 4/88 and 10/90, 29 retrograde femoral nailing in 24 patients were attempted. Average age was 29.3 (16-74) years. Five fractures were open. Fracture location was isthmal in 14 and infraisthmal in 15. The comminution was classified according to Winquist and Hansen: I(10), II(7), III(7), and IV(5). Nailing was possible in 28/29 cases. Insertion was made through an extraarticular medial condylar portal. Nail diameter ranged from 10 to 13 mm. An AO Universal Femoral Nail was used in the first 11 cases; all subsequent fractures were stabilized using an AO Universal Tibial Nail because its design appeared better suited to this technique. Follow-up was possible for 25 fractures in 21 patients and averaged 16.0 (range, 11-27); months 23/25 (92%) fractures healed within 12 weeks. No case was associated with an infection, loss of reduction, or nail failure. Knee flexion averaged 122 degrees; only two knees had an extensor lag of > 5 degrees. Intraoperative complications included three cases of crack propagation at the insertion site, and four infraisthmal malreductions (two valgus, two flexion). Based on these results, we feel that retrograde reamed femoral nailing is a suitable alternative to antegrade nailing and should be considered in situations where proximal access is neither possible nor desirable.