Application of an in-hospital, surgeon-led anti-osteoporotic medication algorithm in patients with hip fractures improves persistence to medication and can prevent the second fragility fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary fracture prevention is an essential part of hip fracture treatment. Despite this, many patients are discharged without the appropriate anti-osteoporotic medication. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of the application of an in-hospital, surgeon-led anti-osteoporotic medication algorithm to patients with hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study followed patients with hip fractures who were treated at a tertiary referral hospital between 2020 and 2022. At discharge, anti-osteoporotic medication according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) Foundation algorithm was prescribed to all patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the risks of non-persistence to medication and of secondary fracture. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen consecutive patients were prospectively followed. Mean follow-up was 17.2 ± 7.1 months. Persistence to medication at 2 years was 58% (95%CI 51-65%). A secondary osteoporotic fracture occurred in 1/126 (0.8%) persistent patients and 9/87 (11.4%) non-persistent patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that persistence to medication was significantly associated with a lower risk of secondary fracture (cause-specific hazard ratio [csHR] 0.05; 95%CI 0.01-0.45; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The application of the surgeon-led AO Foundation algorithm enables the in-hospital initiation of anti-osteoporotic treatment, leading to better persistence to medication and decreased incidence of secondary osteoporotic fractures.

The Top Three Burning Questions in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for end-stage osteoarthritis is one of the most effective surgical treatments in medicine. Impressive outcomes have been well documented in the literature with patients gaining ambulation and recovery of hip joint function. Nevertheless, there are still debatable issues and controversies that the orthopedic community has not been able to provide a definitive answer for. This review is focused on the current three most debatable issues surrounding the THA procedure: (1) new cutting-edge technology, (2) spinopelvic mobility, and (3) fast-track protocols. The scope of the herein narrative review is to analyze the debatable issues surrounding the three aforementioned topics and conclude the best contemporary clinical approaches regarding each issue.

Revision of a Failed Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty following Excessive Reaming with a Medial Cup Protrusion.

Background and Objectives: Atraumatic intrapelvic protrusion of the acetabular component following excessive reaming of the acetabulum with a far medial positioning of the cup is a rare, but serious complication of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study analyzes the factors contributing to this uncommon complication and presents the outcome after the revision surgery using the Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft and plating of the posterior column and/or screws for the anterior column. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study with seven patients (four males, mean age 76 ± 10 years (60−86)) that underwent a revision THA within 24 ± 17 days (5−60) after an atraumatic periprosthetic acetabular fracture with a medial cup protrusion was performed. All fractures were reconstructed with a Ganz reinforcement ring and bone graft with a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.7 years (0.5−5). Radiographs were evaluated for the following: (i) cup positioning immediately after the primary THA and the revision surgery, (ii) cup migration in the follow-up, and (iii) fracture healing. Results: The position of the acetabular component as assessed on the postoperative radiographs after the index surgery and before the complete medial cup protrusion showed a cup placement beyond the ilioischial line indicative of a fracture of the medial wall. The revision surgery with the reconstruction of the medial wall with a Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft restored in the presented cases the center of rotation in the horizontal direction with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). During the follow-up, there was no aseptic loosening with the relevant cup migration or significant change in the position of the acetabular cup at the final follow-up (p > 0.05) after the revision. All seven fractures and bone grafts realized a bone union until the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Following excessive reaming, the acetabular component was placed too far medially and resulted in an intrapelvic cup protrusion. An unstable cup following a fracture of the medial wall was evident on the immediate postoperative radiographs. In the case of the medial wall perforation with an intrapelvic cup protrusion after the primary THA, the reconstruction with a Ganz reinforcement ring was a successful treatment option resulting in the fracture healing and a stable cup positioning. Surgeons should be aware of that rare and probably underreported complication and restore the anatomic center of rotation by treating the defect intraoperatively.

The level of bifurcation of peroneal artery and its implications for posterolateral approach to the ankle: a CT angiography study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide data, with the use of computed tomography angiography, regarding the level of bifurcation of the peroneal artery to the anterior perforating branch and the lateral calcaneal branch, in relation to the osseous anatomic structures of the tibial plafond, the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent diagnostic computed tomography angiography of the lower extremities. Measurements were performed in two-dimensional reconstructions and included the perpendicular distance from peroneal artery bifurcation into anterior perforating branch and lateral calcaneal branch to the lowest level of tibial plafond (D1), medial malleolus (D2) and lateral malleolus (D3). The distances were also normalized to the length of the tibia. RESULTS: Sixty patients and a total of 115 limbs were enrolled in this study. The mean distance ± standard deviation from peroneal artery bifurcation to tibial plafond (D1) was 4.33 ± 1.12 cm (normalized 0.12 ± 0.03) (range 2.54-8.26 cm), to medial malleolus (D2) was 5.53 ± 1.18 cm (normalized 0.16 ± 0.03) (range 3.27-9.5 cm) and to lateral malleolus (D3) was 6.53 ± 1.17 cm (normalized 0.18 ± 0.03) (range 4.71-10.2 cm), respectively. There was no significant difference between right and left limb measurements (p > 0.05). Females presented lower, but not statistically significant (p > 0.05), D1, D2 and D3 measurements compared to males. CONCLUSION: The bifurcation of the peroneal artery takes place at lower level compared to previously published studies and consequently extreme caution should be exercised when performing the posterolateral approach to the ankle. This study adds to the understanding of the relevant vascular anatomy of the region and assists in performing the posterolateral approach to the ankle with safety.

Operative treatment of acute shaft and neck lesser metatarsals fractures: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Metatarsal fractures are relatively common injuries that they might lead to significant disability and chronic pain if suboptimally treated. Operative treatment is reserved for the displaced fractures. The primary aim of the herein study is to present the union time and rate, as well as the functional outcome of the surgically treated isolated lesser metatarsal shaft and neck fractures. The secondary aim is to present the related complications of each fixation method. METHODS: The electronic databases of Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane libraries were searched from January 1990 to December 2020. PRISMA guidelines were used for data collection. We retrieved five articles including in total 154 patients, which were compatible to our inclusion criteria and they were used for this systematic review. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were treated with percutaneous antegrade pinning resulting in AOFAS score: 96.4 ± 4.8 and time to heal 7.4 ± 1 weeks, 34 patients underwent ante/retrograde pinning resulting in AOFAS score: 95.2 ± 4.75 and time to heal 6.5 ± 1 weeks, and 45 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws resulting in a time to union 10.9 ± 0.5 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that K wire intramedullary nailing regardless of the specific technique (antegrade, retrograde, ante/retrograde) is associated with better outcomes compared to open reduction and internal fixation as it permits faster weight bearing and quicker rehabilitation. K-wire fixation is related to statistically significant shorter time for the fracture to heal, by approximately three weeks compared to open reduction and internal fixation. Future research should focus on studies directly comparing the different intramedullary K-wiring techniques and also K-wiring versus plate fixation.

What predicts mortality in the elderly patient presenting as a trauma call? A report from a Major Trauma Centre.

PURPOSE: Within the UK there is a continued expansion of the population over the age of 65, this currently accounts for 17.8% of the British population. We review the impact that centralization of Major Trauma has had, as well as analysing for significant predictors of poor outcome. METHOD: All patients presenting to Leeds Major Trauma Centre as a 'Major Trauma' who were equal to or over the age of 65 were included in this study. Prospectively collected data from the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) was collated to include the above data set from the 1st April 2012 - 1st April 2016. The 1st April 2012 represents the commencement of the Major Trauma Network within Yorkshire. To allow more quantative assessment of patients' co-morbidities, they were coded as per Charlson Co-morbidity Index for analysis. RESULTS: 1167 patients presented within the above timeframe. Mean age was 79.5 (range 65-103.5). Mean ISS was 14.8 of the entire cohort. Mortality was 12.9% of the entire cohort. The leading mechanisms of injury were from low energy falls <2m-59.89%, Fall >2m-23.05% and Road Traffic Collision - 16.45%. CONCLUSION: Mortality rates since the commencement of the Major Trauma Network within this age group have reduced. This is likely secondary to centralization of major trauma. Variables found to be statistically significant with increased mortality were increasing age, head injury, presence of Chronic Lung Disease, presence of metastases, decreased GCS and increased ISS.

Optimization of technique for insertion of implants at the supra-acetabular corridor in pelvis and acetabular surgery.

The technique for application of implants at the sciatic buttress has been well described in the pelvic and acetabular fracture reconstruction literature. We described a new use of the inlet-obturator oblique view for the identification of the anterior inferior iliac spine, which is the entry point of implants, and we provide a detailed fluoroscopic and radiographic description of this view. A small series of 15 patients who underwent an application of an anterior inferior pelvic external (supra-acetabular) fixator via this technique is presented. We consider the use of the obturator oblique for the identification of the entry point unnecessary, and we advocate for the use of only the inlet-obturator oblique and iliac oblique views when implants are applied to the sciatic buttress.

The role of "cell therapy" in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of 7 studies.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The value of core decrompression for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is unclear. We investigated by a literature review whether implantation of autologous bone marrow aspirate, containing high concentrations of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells, into the core decompression track would improve the clinical and radiological results compared with the classical method of core decompression alone. The primary outcomes of interest were structural failure (collapse) of the femoral head and conversion to total hip replacement (THR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All randomized and non-randomized control trials comparing simple core decompression with autologous bone marrow cell implantation into the femoral head for the treatment of ONFH were considered eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized studies. Of 496 relevant citations identified, 7 studies formed the basis of this review. RESULTS: The pooled estimate of effect size for structural failure of the femoral head favored the cell therapy group, as, in this treatment group, the odds of progression of the femoral head to the collapse stage were reduced by a factor of 5 compared to the CD group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.08-0.6; p = 0.02). The respective summarized estimate of effect size yielded halved odds for conversion to THR in the cell therapy group compared to CD group (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-1.02; p = 0.06). INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that implantation of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the core decompression track, particularly when employed at early (pre-collapse) stages of ONFH, would improve the survivorship of femoral heads and reduce the need for hip arthroplasty.

The use of buttress plates in the management of acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement: is it still a valid option?

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to report on the mid-term outcomes after quadrilateral plate reconstruction of acetabular fractures using a buttress/spring plate through an ilioinguinal approach. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2011, 30 adult patients (25 males) with mean age 54 years (range 17-80) who underwent surgical fixation for an acetabular fracture and had minimum follow up of 24 months (mean 46.2, range 24-78.6) were retrospectively reviewed. Standard demographics, admission and hospitalization data (concomitant injuries, number of operative procedures, time to operating theatre, early and late complications) were correlated to the clinical (Harris Hip Score) and radiological (Matta Reduction Score and Matta Arthritis Score) outcome. RESULTS: Three patients underwent a Total Hip Replacement. Functional score was excellent in 17 (56.6 %), good in 4 (13.3 %), fair in 6 (20 %) and poor in 3 (10 %) cases. Surgery-related complications included two patients with temporary lateral femoral cutaneous palsy and three with heterotopic ossification. The quality of the postoperative reduction was associated to Harris Hip Score (p = 0.015) and postoperative arthritis (p = 0.010). Strong association was evident between age and both post-operative reduction (p = 0.010) and arthritis (p = 0.014). The presence of quadrilateral plate comminution and gull-sign were associated to poor post-operative reduction (p = 0.016) and low Harris Hip Score (p = 0.049) respectively. CONCLUSION: Quadrilateral plate reconstruction with a buttress plate though the ilioinguinal approach remains a valid method of fixation in acetabular surgery. Additional studies are needed to compare the efficiency of this method to new surgical approaches and fixation implants.

Endovis Nail versus Dynamic Hip Screw for Unstable Pertrochanteric Fractures: A Feasibility Randomised Control Trial including Patients with Cognitive Impairment.

A prospective, feasibility, randomised study was performed to compare intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation of unstable pertrochanteric fractures and to assess the feasibility of including patients with dementia. From July 2016 to November 2017, 60 consecutive patients with an unstable pertrochanteric (OTA/AO 31-A2) fracture were randomized to either receive a short cephalomedullary nail (Endovis EBA2, Citieffe) or a dynamic hip screw (DHS, Zimmer Biomet). Primary feasibility measures included randomisation, recruitment, and retention rates. Secondary outcomes included peri-operative parameters, patient-reported outcomes and radiographic outcomes. Patients were followed-up at two, four, and twelve weeks. There was no difference in the randomisation rate between patients with and without cognitive impairment. Significantly more patients without cognitive impairment attended the 12-week follow-up. The overall recruitment rate was 0.9 patients per week. Patients treated with the nail had less pain at 2 weeks and less neck collapse, medialisation, and leg shortening at all time points. The rest of secondary outcomes were similar. Patients with dementia can successfully be enrolled in a randomised trial on hip fractures. Patients treated with the Endovis nail had lower levels of pain at two weeks and better radiographic outcomes.

Elbow heterotopic ossification after distal biceps tendon repair presenting as median nerve neuropathy: A case report.

Ruptures of the distal attachment of the biceps brachii are rare injuries that typically occur in the dominant arm of men between the third and fourth decade of life. Surgical repair is indicated in active patients. Complications of surgical repair include neurovascular injury, heterotopic ossification, wound infection, elbow stiffness and re-rupture. Heterotopic ossification of the elbow is a rare complication of distal biceps tendon repair operations. It may be entirely asymptomatic or present with symptoms and signs such as swelling, erythema, pain, palpable mass, vascular and nerve compression or joint movement restriction. We present a case of heterotopic ossification presenting as median nerve neuropathy after distal biceps tendon repair using a limited volar single incision.

Sciatic nerve injury after acetabular fractures: a meta-analysis of incidence and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and the outcome of post-traumatic and iatrogenic sciatic nerve palsy (SNP) associated with fractures of the acetabulum. The results of sciatic nerve grafting for treatment were also investigated. METHODS: PUBMED, SCOPUS and COCHRANE databases were searched for longitudinal observational studies reporting sciatic nerve palsy related to acetabular fractures in adult patients over the last 20 years. Data regarding patients demographics, type of acetabular fracture, rate of post traumatic and iatrogenic sciatic nerve palsies as well as recovery rate are reported. Studies were assessed for their quality. Random effects meta-analyses were carried out to pool overall proportions of SNP incidence and complete recovery. Variations in SNP incidence by main study characteristics were assessed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A narrative review of sciatic nerve grafting was also conducted. RESULTS: Twenty studies reporting 44 post-operative and 18 iatrogenic SNPs in 651 patients were reviewed. The pooled incidence of posttraumatic SNP was 5.1% (95% CI 2.7-8.2%). The pooled incidence of iatrogenic SNP was 1.4% (95% CI 0.3-2.9%). Complete recovery of post-traumatic and iatrogenic SNP occurred in 64.7% (95% CI 41.7-85.4%) and 74.1% (95% CI 31.5-100%), respectively. CONCLUSION: A favorable outcome of both post-traumatic and iatrogenic SNP related to acetabular fractures has been found. Due to the poor results of sciatic nerve grafting, a "wait and see" approach may be the best option, in cases of a contused but anatomically intact sciatic nerve.

Anterior hip dislocation with simultaneous anterior column and anterior wall acetabular fracture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated anterior column and anterior wall fractures are a relatively rare subgroup of acetabular fractures. They represent 6,3% of all acetabular fractures. Surgical treatment is indicated for fractures with displacement more than 5 mm and when incongruence of the articular surface and/or instability of the joint is evident, in order to allow early mobilization and prevent further complications, such as posttraumatic hip arthritis. Open reduction and internal fixation is the usual standard of care. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation can be performed in minimally displaced fractures. In the herein article, we describe the unique combination of anterior hip dislocation along with anterior column and anterior wall fractures in a middle-aged patient, after a fall from small height. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old female patient was brought to the emergency department after an accidental fall from height less than 2 m. Upon arrival her right hip was abducted, shortened and externally rotated. CT scan of the pelvis revealed anterior dislocation of the right hip, an impaction injury of the femoral head, and fractures of anterior column and anterior wall of the acetabulum. Closed reduction of the hip was performed. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures was carried out utilizing the extended Smith-Petersen approach in a scheduled manner 5 days after admission. At one-year follow-up after the injury the patient had returned to all of her pre-injury activities and she was able to walk exercising full weight bearing without residual pain. CONCLUSION: Anterior hip dislocation with simultaneous isolated anterior column and anterior wall fracture is an injury of rare incidence. Orthopaedic surgeons treating fractures should be aware of this entity and the herein article can serve as a reference regarding the management of such an uncommon injury.

Anterior Column and Anterior Dome Marginal Impaction Acetabular Fracture Treated with a Modified Smith-Petersen Approach along with Anterior Superior Iliac Spine Osteotomy using the Two-level Reconstruction Technique.

Introduction: A case of anterior column (AC) and anterior dome marginal impaction acetabular fracture with concomitant injury of the common femoral artery (CFA) is presented. Case Report: A 31-year-old patient suffered an anterior hip dislocation with ipsilateral fracture of the AC of the acetabulum and anterior dome impaction along with CFA injury. The fracture was treated utilizing the Smith-Petersen approach along with Anterior Superior Iliac Spine osteotomy. The impacted anterior dome and was stabilized using the two-level reconstruction technique. The patient was mobilized the first post-operative day and toe-touch weight bearing was exercised for 12 weeks. At 36 months post-operative, the patient was free of any hip symptoms and no radiographic signs of hip arthritis were present. Conclusions: This above surgical approach provided adequate exposure of the anterior dome impaction fracture with subsequent excellent reduction and secure fixation. Surgeons treating these types of injuries should be aware of this surgical option.

Can CRP Levels Predict Infection in Presumptive Aseptic Long Bone Non-Unions? A Prospective Cohort Study.

Nonunion remains a major complication of the management of long bone fractures. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether raised levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), in the absence of clinical signs, are correlated with positive intraoperative tissue cultures in presumptive aseptic long-bone nonunions. Infection was classified as positive if any significant growth of microorganisms was observed from bone/tissue samples sent from the theater at the time of revision surgery. Preoperatively all patients were investigated with full blood count, white blood count differential as well as C-reactive protein (CRP). A total of 105 consecutive patients (59 males) were included in the study, with an average age of 46.76 years (range 16-92 years) at the time of nonunion diagnosis. The vast majority were femoral (56) and tibial (37) nonunions. The median time from the index surgical procedure to the time of nonunion diagnosis was 10 months (range 9 months to 10 years). Positive cultures revealed a mixed growth of microorganisms, with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (56.4%) being the most prevalent microorganism, followed by Staphylococcusaureus (20.5%). Pseudomonas, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coliforms and micrococcus were present in the remainder of the cases (23.1%). Overall, the risk of infection with normal CRP levels (<10 mg/L) was 21/80 = 0.26. Elevated CRP levels (≥10 mg/L) increased the risk of infection to 0.72. The relative risk given a positive CRP test was RR = 0.72/0.26 = 2.74. Overall, the WBC count was found to be an unreliable marker to predict infection. Solid union was achieved in all cases after an average of 6.5 months (3-24 months) from revision surgery. In patients with presumed aseptic long bone nonunion and normal CRP levels, the risk of underlying low-grade indolent infection can be as high as 26%. Patients should be made aware of this finding, which can complicate their treatment course and outcomes.

International trauma care: initial European approaches during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The world was not prepared for the global of pandemic in early 2020 with the arrival of COVID 19. Europe has some of the most developed health care systems in the world and this article explains the initial response to the pandemic from an orthopaedic and trauma viewpoint from 8 nations. Italy reported the first cluster in February, which then rapidly spread around the continent, requiring a rapid reorganization of services. The reports highlight how elective surgery was universally stopped, surgical services were reconfigured, and new practices, such as the widespread use of telemedicine, may well become permanent. It also emphasizes how the pandemic has re-educated us on the importance of a consistent and central approach to deal with a global health crisis, and how medical services need to remain flexible and responsive to new ways of working.

Acute and chronic infection: Is there a gold standard for management of the wound and bone defect?

Acute and chronic infections with bone involvement remain a challenge to manage. They pose a significant burden to the patient, the treating surgeon, and society. Multidisciplinary team involvement is mandatory for a successful outcome. Application of a gold standard approach is not possible due to the high heterogeneous patient population and the variable degree of severity of soft tissue and bone involvement. The mainstay of treatment remains the conversion of a septic environment to an aseptic one with aggressive debridement of the affected soft tissues and bone. Reconstruction of the soft tissue defect can be achieved using modern microsurgical techniques, whereas the induced membrane and distraction osteogenesis (bone transport) are currently the 2 most commonly used treatment modalities for bone loss. The safest approach to deal successfully with this multifaceted clinical pathology is to always follow well-established principles of management and adapt treatment to the personalized needs of the patient.

Fracture blisters: pathophysiology and management.

Open fractures are considered an orthopaedic emergency due to the severe soft tissue disruption that might potentially lead to devastating complications. On the other hand, closed fractures, and especially those resulting from high-energy mechanisms, are also often accompanied by severe soft tissue trauma. Soft tissue envelope compromise can have a detrimental effect on the final outcome of the patients. Fracture blisters in particular, develop as a sign of significant local tissue trauma and appear in a time period between 6 to 72 hours post-injury. They can delay the definitive fracture treatment for a considerable amount of time and at the same time they also increase the risk for post-operative wound complications. Awareness of fracture blisters pathophysiology and their management options are crucial for orthopaedic surgeons, in order to achieve a favorable clinical outcome. In the herein study we present a concise synopsis of the pathophysiology pathways and management options of fracture blisters.

Influence of reaming intramedullary nailing on MSC population after surgical treatment of patients with long bone fracture.

Reamed intramedullary nailing (RIN) is a surgical method of choice for treatment of diaphyseal fractures. This procedure affects the biological environment of bone tissue locally and systemically. This study investigated the influence of RIN on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with long bone fractures. The axis of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)/stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF­1) was selected since it is considered as major pathway for MSC homing and migration. Iliac crest bone marrow (IC­BM) samples and blood samples were collected at two different time points. One sample was collected before the RIN (BN) and the other immediately after RIN (AN). BM­MSCs were cultured and RT­qPCR was performed for CXCR4 mRNA levels and ELISA for the SDF­1 sera levels. The experimental study revealed that there was a correlation between the increase of SDF­1 levels in peripheral blood and a decrease in the levels of CXCR4 in MSCs in the IC­BM following RIN. The levels of SDF­1 showed a significant increase in the sera of patients after RIN. In conclusion, the present study is the first providing evidence of the effects of RIN on MSC population via the CXCR4/SDF­1 axis. The levels of serum SDF­1 factor were elevated after RIN while increased levels of SDF­1 in peripheral blood were inversely correlated with the mRNA levels of CXCR4 on BM­MSCs after RIN. Therefore, this study contributes to enlighten the systematic effects of RIN on the population of MSCs at a cellular level.

Post-operative outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation versus circular external fixation in treatment of tibial plafond fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plafond fractures (TPF) are complex injuries often resulting in poor outcomes. Combination of articular impaction, metaphysealcomminution and soft-tissue injury results in a significant treatment challenge. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare post-operative complications and functional outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus circular external fixation (CEF) for treatment of TPF. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane library was undertaken. All studies published in English language comparing ORIF with CEF for treatment of TPF were included. RESULTS: 5 comparative studies with 239 fractures met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in rates of non-union, malunion, superficial infection, deep infection, and secondary arthrodesis between the two treatment groups. Significantly higher rate of unplanned metalwork removal (RR 5.68, 95% CI 1.13 to 28.55, p = 0.04) and lower rate of post-traumatic arthritis (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.78, p = 0.003) were found in patients that underwent ORIF. 1 study showed significantly lower functional outcomes scores with CEF (p< 0.05), whereas 3 studies found comparable functional outcomes between the two treatment groups. Overall, there was a preference in treating more severe injuries with CEF. CONCLUSION: CEF and ORIF are both acceptable treatment options for surgical management of TPF, with comparable post-operative complication rates and functional outcomes. This study highlights paucity of high-quality evidence regarding the optimal fixation method for TPF.