Monofilament Cerclage Wiring Fixation with Locking Plates for Distal Femoral Fracture: Is it Appropriate?

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the efficacy of cerclage wiring by comparing the clinical and radiological results between internal fixation with locking plates after distal femoral fracture reduction with or without cerclage wiring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients who received open reduction internal fixation for distal femoral fractures of oblique, spiral, and spiral wedge type between 2007 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Only locking plate fixation was performed in 46 patients, and locking plate fixation with additional cerclage wiring was performed in 55 patients (Group CW). Demographic, clinical, and radiologic factors were evaluated in both the groups. Age, gender, bone mineral density, bone graft, and the presence of concomitant fractures were measured as demographic factors. The range of motion of knee joint, Lysholm knee score, visual analog scale score, procedure time, and C-arm time were measured as clinical factors preoperatively and at the final followup. We also evaluated the duration of bone union and knee joint alignment radiologically. RESULTS: There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical and radiological parameters. However, the procedure time used was significantly longer in Group LP than in Group CW (108.4 vs. 95.2 min; P = 0.027). The C-arm time was longer in Group LP (2.8 vs. 1.2 s; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and locking plate fixation with additional cerclage wiring is a useful method for the reduction of complicated distal femoral fractures, without increased complications such as nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort design, treatment study.

Comparative study of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release versus blinded percutaneous A1 pulley release.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of blind versus ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger. METHODS: This prospective study included 21 patients (25 fingers) who underwent blind release and 20 patients (23 fingers) who underwent ultrasonography-guided release. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, proximal interphalangeal joint contracture, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, triggering had disappeared in all patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release, whereas three patients who underwent blind release required revision surgery for postoperative triggering. No complications were observed. VAS score was significantly different between groups at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release were satisfied, whereas three patients who underwent blind release were not satisfied. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger reduces postoperative pain and complications, such as incomplete release, compared with a blind procedure.

Outcomes of Cephalomedullary Nailing in Basicervical Fracture.

PURPOSE: A basicervical femoral fracture is defined as a fracture of base of neck of femur that occurs medially from intertrochanteric line above lesser trochanter. In this study, we intended to evaluate radiological and clinical results of basicervical femoral fractures treated by intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, who underwent intramedullary nailing among 50 patients, out of 50 who were diagnosed with basicervical femoral fractures from July 2012 to May 2015 were studied. All of 15 patients' fracture were two-part basicervical fractures. Using radiography, we characterized the: i) state of reduction, ii) location of the lag screw, iii) tip apex distance (TAD), and iv) sliding distance of lag screw and bone union. Additionally, we performed clinical assessment before injury and at final follow-up. RESULTS: In radiological assessment, we achieved acceptable reduction state in all patients. All lag screws were fixated on appropriate locations. Mean TAD was 17.3 mm (11.0-21.1 mm), which showed insertion point of <25 mm in all cases. The mean sliding distance of the lag screw was 5.1 mm (0.1-16.0 mm) at the final follow-up. The mean bone union period was 4.8 months (3-10 months) with achieving in all cases. In clinical assessment, Harris hip score, visual analogue scale score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, all of them significantly improved postoperatively compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with basicervical femoral fractures, treatment with intramedullary nailing showed satisfactory results, considered to be a useful method if performed with skilled technique.