Impact of Different Osteotomy Techniques on Bone Reserve in the Osteotomy Line in Sagittal Split Osteotomy: Experimental In Vitro Study in Caprine Mandible Model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate of the effect of piezzo and conventional osteotomy techniques on bone reserve in the osteotomy line and comminuted fracture ratios that is able to compromise bone to bone contact negatively. METHODS: Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy was performed on 12 fresh male Thracian curly caprine mandible. In the first group (n: 12) osteotomies were performed with piezzo device. In the second group (n: 12) osteotomies were performed with micromotor and manual osteotomes. Operative time was measured. The number of comminuted fractures, length and width of the osteotomy, and the space between the osteotomy lines was evaluated from 3-dimensional computed tomography scans. RESULTS: The mean value of procedure duration was 320.4±10.76 seconds for piezo osteotomy and 238.8±8.29 seconds for conventional micromotor ( P <0.0001). Number of comminuted fractures was 1.41±1.3 in piezoelectric group, 1.5±1.3 in conventional group and the difference was not statistically significant (p: 0,88). Osteotomy lengths and widths were 35.58±5.2, 2.196±1.9 and 36.23±5.05, 2.27±1.85 in the piezzo and conventional groups, respectively. (p lengths :0,75; p widths :0,92) The volume of the bony interface between the distal and proximal segments of the mandible after osteotomy was 166.3±184.2 mm 3 in the piezzo group and 163.5±129.3 mm 3 in the conventional group (p: 0,96). CONCLUSION: The piezo surgery and the conventional osteotomy were found to be similar in terms of the gap between the distal and proximal mandible and the number of comminuted fractures. The duration to perform the conventional osteotomy was found to be shorter than the piezo surgery.

Removal of Fracture Fragments in Intracapsular Condylar Fractures: An Alternative Treatment Option.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore bone remodeling after condylar fracture fragments have been removed from patients with intracapsular condylar fractures. it also evaluated whether condyle fracture removal can be used alternatively when the authors treat patients with comminuted or small pieces of fracture or in extremely difficult operations. METHODS: Records of patients who sustained intracapsular condylar fractures and treated by removal of fragments for the period of February 2013 to September 2019 were retrieved. Data about age, gender, date of injury, dates of admission and discharge, mechanism of trauma, location and pattern of fracture, other mandibular fracture, treatment methods and time of review were recorded and analyzed. Image dates of pre- and post-treatment (including the time of review) were also recorded. RESULTS: The data of a total of 103 patients ranging from 5 to 84 years old were retrieved during this study. A total of 135 sides of condylar fragments were removed. Almost all of the patients with comminuted condyle head fracture or type A fracture presented apparent shortening of the ramus height, and none of them showed osteogenesis (or new bone formation) during their follow-up. Present study only observed osteogenesis in few patients who sustained type B/C intracapsular condylar fractures during their follow-up. The younger the patient was, the longer the follow-up time was, and the higher the possibility of new bone formation was. No correlation was found between the amount of osteogenesis and follow-up time, the amount of osteogenesis was generally small, and no patient could form a new condyle head similar to the normal (or original) condyle head. Condylar hypertrophy only occurred in children. Four patients developed temporomandibular joint ankylosis. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of fracture fragments is an alternative treatment option for patients who sustained comminuted or small pieces of fracture or in extremely difficult operations.

Experience in surgical treatment of type â ¡ odontoid fractures: A report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fractures were reported to share our experience in surgery treatment of such cases. A 33-year-old woman with comminuted type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and a 42-year-old man with fracture end hardened type Ⅱ odontoid fracture received surgical treatment in our hospital. Though imaging examination suggested that these two patients were suitable for anterior screw fixation, we encountered difficulties during the operation. The two patients eventually underwent posterior C1-C2 fusion surgery and recovered well. According to the experience of these two cases, we found that the fracture line angle and the degree of comminution are two important factors affecting surgical decision-making. Although anterior screw fixation is the ideal choice for type Ⅱ odontoid fractures with anterior superior to posterior inferior fracture line, it may not be the best choice for comminuted or fracture end hardened type Ⅱ odontoid fractures.

The Use of Microplates for Internal Fixation of Comminuted Mandibular Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Although clinical trials have successfully applied microplates for the internal fixation of single or double isolated mandibular fractures, the use of microplate systems in comminuted mandibular fractures is not widely accepted. This study aimed to evaluate the use of microplates for internal fixation of comminuted mandible fractures and to discuss their applicability. METHODS: Fourteen patients with comminuted mandibular fractures (10 at a single region, 3 at 2 regions, and 1 at 4 regions) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using 0.5- or 0.6-mm-thick titanium microplates and 1.0-, 1.2-, or 1.3-mm monocortical microscrews. Three-level fixation at the lower border, upper border (as interdental wiring), and middle of the mandible was performed. Maxillomandibular fixation was applied only when premature occlusal contact was observed after fracture fixation. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (3-55 months), all fractures showed favorable and complete bone healing. Six patients experienced minor complications, including minimal malocclusion (n = 5) and a localized infection (n = 1). Most of these complications were managed with conservative treatment. No major complications that required further orthodontic treatment or reoperation occurred. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 3-level fixation using microplates is appropriate for the reconstruction of comminuted mandibular fractures without bony defects. The small size and malleability of these devices facilitate accurate anatomical reduction for complete contact of the comminuted bony segments by multiple fixation. Furthermore, microplates allow for preservation of sufficient periosteal blood supply and restoration of premorbid occlusion (by occlusal self-adjustment) while providing sufficient stability.

Acute burst fracture in Kummell's disease with acute onset neurological deficit: a case report on role of spinal stability and technical notes on "pivot ligamentotaxis".

BACKGROUND: Kummell's Disease has insidious progression. Neurological deficit is usually slow in onset and progression and only few cases of acute neurological deficit have been reported. We came across a case of Kummell's disease which progressed to burst fracture, developed neurological deficit within two weeks. We managed patient with "pivot ligamentotaxis" and Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. CASE PRESENTATION: Eighty-three years old woman following fall was on conservative management at another hospital. She had no neurological deficit. A week later her back pain aggravated and two weeks later developed bilateral buttock pain, bilateral lower limb weakness and diminished sensation in the sacral area. Radiological investigations (X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging and Computed tomography) showed L1 vertebral body fracture with vacuum cleft and fracture fragment retropulsed into the spinal canal. A diagnosis of Kummell's disease with burst fracture of L1 vertebra & neurological deficit was made. Patient was managed with Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The reduction of the retropulsed fragment was achieved by virtue of "Pivot ligamentotaxis". The patient got relieved of the symptoms (Preoperative VAS 8 and postoperative VAS 3) and was allowed brace assisted ambulation on first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: This study reports acute occurrence of the burst fracture in unstable vertebra inflicted by Kummell's disease and role of spinal stability in recovery. We achieved closed reduction of the fracture fragments and relief of the cord compression by posterior compression with "pivot ligamentotaxis".

A New Method To Reposition the Displaced Articular Disc For a Patient With Comminuted Condylar Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Repositioning the displaced articular disc is the key procedure that prevents ankylosis of the temporomandibular mandibular joint (TMJ) in the treatment of patients with comminuted condylar fractures. The conventional procedure performed clinically is to use two anchors and sutures to reposition the displaced articular disc. Therefore, this paper introduces a new and economical method to reposition the articular disc without metallic implantation materials. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old male patient who had fainted suddenly 3 days before came to our hospital to complain of pain of the bilateral TMJ areas and limited mouth opening. Clinical examination revealed severe restriction of mouth opening and the disappearance of bilateral condylar movements. Preoperational 3-dimensional computed tomography (3-DCT) indicated bilateral intracapsular comminuted fractures of the mandibular condyles. The patient was operated in a bilateral preauricular approach for repositioning of the bilateral articular discs and removal of the fracture fragments. Instead of repositioning the displaced disc with anchors, we designed a method to use sutures to stabilize the TMJ disc and to assess the disc's position using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan when following up. There were no severe complications during the operation. Results of an MRI scan 1 month after operation showed that post-operation articular discs kept their normal position, the mouth opening and the lateral and protrusive movements of the mandible recovered when followed up for 3 months. CONCLUSION: The method of using sutures to reposition and stabilize the articular disc for a patient with comminuted fractures is effective. There is great significance not only for patients with comminuted condylar fractures but for treatment of TMJ dysfunction especially for patients with high psychological pressure who persist in requiring the removal of metallic anchors although there are no clinical symptoms.

Post traumatic immediate GBR: alveolar ridge preservation after a comminuted fracture of the anterior maxilla.

Without a proper intervention, a crushed alveolar process fracture can cause significant dimensional changes on affected hard and soft tissue that lead to difficult circumstances for post traumatic bone augmentation and dental implant placement. We present herein the cases of immediate guided bone regeneration (GBR) for the maxillary anterior alveolar process with comminuted fracture. Shortly after the hospital visit, guided bone regeneration was conducted for three patients using only xenograft material and bone fragments from traumatic site, without an additional donor site. Resorbable collagen membrane was used on the bone graft site, and titanium mesh was also used if significant bone loss were expected. Radiographic evaluation 6 months after GBR confirmed that all three cases had sufficiently preserved alveolar bone which is clinically required for implant placement. Dental implant installation was carried out for two patients and no specific findings were noted in follow-up after the placement. In this method, additional operation sites for bone collection are not necessary and the number of surgical steps before implant placement can be reduced. Furthermore, this immediate intervention can effectively minimize the alveolar ridge shrinkage of anterior maxilla after injury.

Assessment of changing patterns of Le fort fracture lines using computed tomography scan: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the changing mid-face fracture patterns using a computed tomography scan. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with mid-face trauma requiring open reduction and fixation were studied using 1.6 mm axial, sagittal, coronal and 3D images. Images were evaluated clinically, intra-operatively and finally were compared with standard Le Fort lines. Results. The male population dominated the female at a ratio of 11.5:1. The majority of the mid-face fractures were seen in the age group of 21-30 years. Road traffic accident (78%) was the major etiological factor followed by work-related accidents (12%) and assaults (10%). The CT scan analysis included categorizing the patients into three groups: (1) Fracture patterns resembling Le Fort lines (24%); (2) Fracture patterns partially resembling Le Fort lines (56%); and (3) Fracture patterns that do not resemble Le Fort lines (20%). CONCLUSION: With the change in the velocity of wounding object, there is a change in the mid-face fracture patterns. The majority of the cases present as a variant of classical Le Fort fractures. Computed tomography is a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the fractures of the mid-face. 2D images are more sensitive than 3D images. However, both the images are required in delivery of an optimal treatment plan.

Less invasive reduction and fusion of fresh A2 and A 3 traumatic L 1-L 4 fractures with a novel vertebral body augmentation implant and short pedicle screw fixation and fusion.

The aim of this clinical study was to report on the efficacy in reduction and safety in PMMA leakage of a novel vertebral augmentation technique with PEEK and PMMA, together with pedicle screws in the treatment of fresh vertebral fractures in young adults. Twenty consecutive young adults aged 45 ± 11 years with fresh burst A3/AO or severely compressed A2/AO fractures underwent via a less invasive posterior approach one-staged reduction with a novel augmentation implant and PMMA plus 3-vertebrae pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Radiologic parameters as segmental kyphosis (SKA), anterior (AVBHr) and posterior vertebral body height ratio (PVBHr), spinal canal encroachment (SCE), cement leakage and functional parameters as VAS, SF-36 were measured pre- and post-operatively. Hybrid construct restored AVBHr (P < 0.000), PVBHr (P = 0.02), SKA (P = 0.015), SCE (P = 0.002) without loss of correction at an average follow-up of 17 months. PMMA leakage occurred in 3 patients (3 vertebrae) either anteriorly to the fractured vertebral body or to the adjacent disc, but in no case to the spinal canal. Two pedicle screws were malpositioned (one medially, one laterally to the pedicle at the fracture level) without neurologic sequelae. Solid posterolateral spinal fusion occurred 8-10 months post-operatively. Pre-operative VAS and SF-36 scores improved post-operatively significantly. This study showed that this novel vertebral augmentation technique using PEEK implant and PMMA reduces and stabilizes via less invasive technique A2 and A3 vertebral fractures without loss of correction and leakage to the spinal canal.

Cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with a cerclage cable technique for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of cemented bipolar arthroplasty as a primary treatment for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly patients. METHODS: Twenty hips with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were followed for more than 2 years after cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The mean age was 69 years, and the mean follow-up period was 30.5 months. We evaluated the results by Harris hip score, complications, and radiologic findings. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 83.3 points. Radiologically, there was no case of osteolysis. All stems were stable without significant changes in alignment or progressive subsidence. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty with calcar reconstruction is a good option for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis with strict indication selection. Longer-term studies with larger numbers of patients are required to address the issues of late complications.

External mandibular fixation for gunshot fractures: report of 2 cases.

High-energy ballistic injuries may cause comminuted facial fractures. Treatment of such fractures might be challenging because of in-fection and soft- and hard-tissue loss. These cases may not be amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. We present 2 cases of gunshot fractures, for which external fixation was used as a surgical step before definitive treatment. With the use of external fixation, existing infection had been controlled and soft tissues had been restored, which allowed oral rehabilitation with reconstruction plates and autogenous bone grafting, if needed.

Conservative treatment of comminuted mandibular fracture involving maxillomandibular fixation with miniplates.

Bars and steel wires are the most commonly used methods to achieve maxillomandibular fixation, although there are numerous alternatives described for this same purpose. In cases of edentulous candidates for the conservative treatment of facial fractures, none of the conventional methods can be instituted for maxillomandibular fixation. Fixation in such cases is achieved with the aid of the total dentures of the patient or the confection of splints, but these methods lead to eating and oral hygiene problems. This article reports the case of an edentulous patient with a comminuted mandible fracture treated with a rarely described technique in which intermaxillary fixation was achieved with titanium miniplates.

Computed tomography-guided cement augmentation for pain relief of a symptomatic sternal fracture.

The authors report a novel application of cement augmentation for treatment of a symptomatic sternal fracture. Sternal fractures often cause debilitating pain and can affect ventilation. Given the success of vertebroplasty in patients in treating back pain, the authors used a similar technique in a 56-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an acute comminuted sternal fracture refractory to conservative management. The authors used computed tomography guidance and cement augmentation for the fracture. The patient subsequently reported good pain relief and improved breathing. Sternoplasty may be a viable alternative for patients with sternal fractures and refractory pain.

Is a silastic radial head still a reasonable option?

BACKGROUND: The importance of the radial head to elbow function and stability is increasingly apparent. Although preservation of the native radial head is preferred, severely comminuted fractures may necessitate resection or arthroplasty. Silastic radial head arthroplasty has been condemned on the basis of several sporadic reports of silicone synovitis. However, problems of "overstuffing," cartilage wear, and motion loss are becoming apparent with metal prostheses, indicating this also is not an ideal solution. Thus, the choices remain controversial. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether intact or reconstructed primary elbow stabilizers permit use of silastic radial head implants without fragmentation, failure, and silicone synovitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures who were treated with silastic radial head arthroplasty and concomitant repair and/or reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament and/or lateral ulnar collateral ligament. Analysis included range of motion, pain, stability, and radiographic assessments; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The minimum followup was 16 months (average, 69.6 months; range, 16-165 months). RESULTS: At last followup, the mean elbow flexion was 145°, extension 11°, supination 80°, and pronation 83°. The mean MEPS score was 88.9. The mean DASH score was 11.8. There were eight reoperations, none resulting from failure of the radial head implants. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate silastic radial heads can be used with low complication rates and without evidence of synovitis when concomitant elbow ligament repair or reconstruction is performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Titanium mesh osteosynthesis for the treatment of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures in four dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Major goals in maxillofacial fracture treatment include to restore the dental occlusion, stabilise the major skeletal supports, restore the contour of the face and achieve proper function and appearance of the face. Titanium is considered an optimal material for maxillofacial reconstruction due to its biocompatibility, high strength, minimal inflammatory reaction and minimal imaging artefact. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical details, surgical technique, pre- and postoperative imaging and short- and long-term follow-up of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures treated with titanium mesh and titanium screws in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective short case series included four client-owned dogs with maxillofacial fractures. After appropriate medical stabilisation, preoperative CT examination of the head was obtained in all patients for evaluation of fracture configuration and surgical planning. The maxillofacial fractures were stabilised by titanium mesh osteosynthesis. Short- and long-term clinical and radiographic follow-ups were available for all dogs. RESULTS: Proper dental occlusion and reconstruction of the anatomic buttresses was achieved in all cases. All dogs recovered uneventfully from the surgery and no complications were recorded on the long-term follow-up up to 43 months. Occlusion was maintained in all dogs, as well as excellent cosmesis of the midface. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Titanium mesh osteosynthesis can achieve sufficient rigidity and lead to uncomplicated healing of severely comminuted maxillofacial fractures. This internal fixation method can be considered a valuable option to treat maxillofacial fractures in particular in cases of large bone defect and midface reconstruction.

Maxillofacial injury related to an exploding e-cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems) were invented in China in 2003 then introduced to the British market in 2007. They remain popular among the public and are deemed to be effective in reducing tobacco smoking (the UK being one of the first countries to embrace them in a harm reduction policy). However, reports in the media of e-cigarettes exploding are of concern, considering the potential functional and psychological impairment that lifelong disfigurement will cause, especially given their uptake among people of any age. We present a case of this rare, but dramatic, effect of e-cigarette use as a warning to the public.

[Internal fixation of mandibular comminuted fracture with mini-titanium plate: a retrospective study of 21 cases].

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of internal fixation in management of mandibular comminuted fracture with mini-titanium plate. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with mandibular comminuted fracture treated in Stomatology Hospital of Shenyang from March 2017 to February 2018 were enrolled, the patients received internal fixation with mini-titanium plate. The lower mandibular margin, upper mandibular margin and middle outer cortex were fixed respectively. The postoperative fracture healing and adverse reactions were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients achieved bone healing within 3 months after surgery, with an average duration of (1.53±0.36) months. Among 21 patients, six patients (28.57%) had minimal occlusion, and 1 patient (4.76%) had local infection. No microtitanium plate fracture, persistent pain, limited mouth opening, tooth injury, facial nerve injury or nonunion were found. CONCLUSIONS: Internal fixation with mini-titanium for comminuted mandibular fracture patients without bone defects has the advantages of good postoperative fracture healing, short healing time and few adverse reactions.

Polylactide pins can effectively fix severely comminuted and unsalvageable radial head fracture: A retrospective study of 40 patients.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of comminuted unsalvageable radial head fracture remains controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation with metallic plates and screws are hard to achieve. Conventional techniques include radial head resection and arthroplasty. Both methods have inevitable complications. The purpose of this retrospective study is to prove the feasibility of treating unsalvageable radial head fractures with absorbable polylactide pins. METHODS: A total of 17 patients with severely comminuted Mason type III radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using polylactide pins and 23 with metallic plates and screws. Patients receiving both modalities were followed-up for a mean of 24 months (standard deviation SD: 2.6). Radiographic analysis was conducted 2, 30, 60, and 120 days after surgery. Measurements of range of motion (ROM), disability of arm shoulder and hands, Mayo elbow performance score, and Broberg and Morrey elbow score were recorded, with treatments compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULT: By the time of last follow up, All fractures in both groups healed successfully. The duration (134 min SD:21 min to 131 min SD:19 min) and blood loss (121 ml SD: 25 ml to 124 ml SD: 27 ml) during surgery of polylactide pin and metallic implant group have no statistical differences. The MEPI score (91 SD:7 to 94 SD:9), the Broberg and Morrey score (93 SD:3 to 93 SD:5), the DASH outcome measures (4.5 SD: 3.0 to 3.7 SD: 3.5), the range of motion also shows no statistical differences. Complications were infrequent and did not cause disability in both groups. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Polylactide pins can feasibly treat severely comminuted radial head fractures, which usually are considered unreducible. This technique provides an optional treatment plan in addition to resection or arthroplasty, especially for young patients that refuse that form of treatment.

Minimally invasive treatment of distal tibial fractures with locking and non-locking plates.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performances of stainless steel nonlocking plates and titanium locking plates in minimally invasive medial plating of extra-articular metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2006, 43 patients who sustained closed fractures of the distal tibia metaphysis were managed with either a stainless steel nonlocking plate (Group 1, n = 21) or a titanium locking plate (Group 2, n = 22). Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Function was assessed with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot instrument. The average followup period was 25 months. RESULTS: The average AOFAS foot and ankle scores in Group 1 and Group 2 at final followup were 85 and 81, respectively. Fracture reduction was anatomical or nearly anatomical without angular displacement in all cases except one patient in Group 2. (p > 0.05) The average time to full, unprotected weightbearing in Group 1 and Group 2 were 15 weeks and 18 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive medial plating with titanium locking plates resulted in prolonged secondary healing both in comminuted and simple fracture patterns compared to conventional stainless steel nonlocking plates. We believe that in biological fixation of distal tibial fractures, similarly good results may be obtained with both materials as the locking technology had a greater effect on stability.