Outcomes of distal ulna locking plate in management of unstable distal ulna fractures: a prospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Given the absence of a satisfying plate system to deal with multifragmentary or subcapital distal ulnar fractures, the Distal Ulna Locking Plate (DUL, I.T.S. GmbH, Graz, Austria) could become a useful treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the results of this anatomically pre-contoured plate regarding patients with unstable or displaced distal ulnar fractures. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, 20 patients (18 female, two male; mean age 70 years (24-91 years)) with unstable or displaced distal ulna fractures between December 2010 and August 2015 were analyzed. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the DUL. They were evaluated at three follow-up appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively regarding their bone healing, ulnar variance (UV), range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Patient related outcomes were measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The results after one year were compared to the outcome of the healthy contralateral side. RESULTS: All fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the Distal Ulna Locking Plate healed within 6 months and showed stable ulnar variances after surgery. ROM (rotational plane 81.1 ± 9.0°, sagittal plane 55.1 ± 14.6°, frontal plane 33.0 ± 9.4°) and grip strength (18.7 ± 7.1 N) at the follow-up after 12 month had similar values compared with the uninjured side. The mean DASH score (36.4 ± 29.0), the PRWE-score (14.5 ± 27.0), and the VAS (at rest 0.5 ± 1.1, during activity 1.2 ± 2.4) after one year had no significant difference to the uninjured side. The surgeon's overall satisfaction rate regarding plate handling reached 81.8%. CONCLUSION: Stabilization of unstable distal ulna fractures using the DUL restores nearly normal anatomy and function. Its pre-countered design, volar placement, and enhanced stability present a satisfying plate system. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  The trial was retrospectively Registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov on 16 December 2021 (Trial Registration Number: NCT05329012).

Mid-term follow-up of surgically treated and healed scaphoid fractures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of surgically treated scaphoid fractures since we were concerned that good results might deteriorate over time due to osteoarthritis or functional impairment. Thirty-three out of 121 surgically treated patients (isolated scaphoid fractures n = 23; scaphoid fractures with concomitant injuries n = 10) were evaluated retrospectively (47-138 months). Five patients (4%) had a non-union after internal fixation and were excluded because of additional treatment. The remaining 83 patients were not available for a follow-up examination. Patients with an isolated scaphoid fracture had a mean extension-flexion of 68°-0°-64°, a radial-ulnar deviation of 27°-0°-41° and a grip strength of 39 kg (corresponding to 87-98% of the uninjured contralateral wrist), while patients with concomitant injuries had a mean extension-flexion of 60°-0°-44°, radial-ulnar deviation of 22°-0°-38° and a grip strength of 42 kg (corresponding to 73-98% of the uninjured contralateral wrist). The Michigan Hand Questionnaire score was 85 and 75 and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 8 and 21, respectively. Fifteen patients had radiological signs of radiocarpal osteoarthritis with a significantly higher occurrence in those who had concomitant injuries compared to those with isolated scaphoid fractures (p < 0.01). There was no significant group difference in scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis (p = 0.968). One STT osteoarthritis case occurred after plate fixation, one after antegrade screw fixation and 10 after retrograde screw fixation. Surgical treatment of an acute isolated scaphoid fracture has excellent clinical, functional, and radiologic mid-term results, while scaphoid fractures with concomitant wrist injuries have slightly inferior results.

Clinical and radiological midterm outcome after treatment of pilonoidal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint with a parabolic dynamic external fixator.

INTRODUCTION: Several methods treating proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) fracture dislocations have been established providing early joint mobilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of unstable fracture dislocations of the PIP treated with a parabolic dynamic external fixator consisting of two Kirschner (K)-wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients who sustained a pilonoidal fracture of the PIP joint and were treated with a dynamic external fixator were evaluated retrospectively. The active range of motion, pain level, DASH score, Buck Gramcko Score, and the patient's satisfaction and acceptance were assessed. X-ray images were evaluated for bone healing, joint alignment, and signs of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: Mean PIP joint range of motion was 76°. Patients showed very mild discomfort (mean 0.7), high patient satisfaction (mean 1.9), and a moderate acceptance (mean 2.7). The mean DASH score was 11.6 and the Buck Gramcko score 13. All patients showed bone healing. One patient suffered from a recurrent dislocation, and another a subluxation of the PIP joint while wearing the fixator. Both joints could be corrected by modifying the fixator under image intensifier. Twenty patients (95%) showed a concentric and stable aligned joint. Three patients showed an osteoarthritis stage 0, five stage 1, nine stage 2, three stage 3, and one stage 4 according to the Kellgran-Lawrence Score. CONCLUSION: The use of a parabolic dynamic external fixator constructed from two K-wires restores joint alignment and stability in unstable pilonoidal PIP joint disclocation fractures. It allows immediate PIP joint mobilization to avoid adhesions. Modifications of the radius of the parabolic construct within cases of postoperative malalignment, without anesthesia, can restore joint axis and malalignment. This fixator is a cost-effective alternative, showing a good clinical outcome.

[Proximal Row Carpectomy - Five-Year Results]. / Proximální karpektomie ­ petileté výsledky.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aims to evaluate the results of patients treated by proximal row carpectomy at a follow-up of at least 5 years after the surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 25 patients were treated by proximal row carpectomy for degenerative changes of the wrist as a consequence of the previous trauma or avascular necrosis of the lunate bone, of whom 21 patients underwent a follow-up examination at least 5 years postoperatively. Proximal row carpectomy was indicated in 15 patients for SLAC wrist, in 4 patients for avascular necrosis of the lunate bone, in 1 patient for SNAC wrist, and in 1 patient for inveterate dislocation of the wrist. The follow-up clinical and radiological examinations were performed at least 5 years after the surgery. The range of wrist motion, grip strength, presence of pain at rest or pain under loads, total clinical score according to the Green and O'Brien scoring system, patient satisfaction with the outcome of surgery were assessed. By fluoroscopy the range of wrist motion, degenerative changes of the radiocapitate joint, and translation of the capitate bone with respect to the distal radius were evaluated. RESULTS Postoperative improvements in the range of motion and grip strength were confirmed. Also, the pain relief at rest and under loads was achieved. Five years after the surgery, most of the patients (85.6%) reported an overall improvement. The total clinical score according to the Green and O'Brien scoring system improved from 35.8 preoperatively to 63.1 postoperatively. DISCUSSION The advantage of this procedure is a low percentage of complications, relative technical simplicity, maintenance of functional motion of the wrist, satisfactory grip strength, and pain relief. There are no complications related to the implant, no risk of a non-union. CONCLUSIONS As shown by our results obtained 5 years after the surgery as well as the published data, in the indicated cases the proximal row carpectomy is an appropriate surgical technique to treat the degenerative changes of the wrist. In most of the patients, favourable functional results and pain relief can be expected. Key words:proximal row carpectomy, SLAC wrist, SNAC wrist, avascular necrosis of the lunate bone, dislocation of the wrist.

Comparison of volarly and dorsally displaced distal radius fracture treated by volar locking plate fixation.

INTRODUCTION: In case of distal radius fractures (DRF) the distal fragment generally displaces either dorsally or volarly. Scientific literature however, seldom differentiates between volarly and dorsally displaced DRFs when reporting results. It is no clear, if the direction of displacement has an influence on the clinical and radiological outcome. This study was intended to evaluate the influence of displacement direction in adult patients with surgically treated Colles or Smith type fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After a mean follow up (FU) time of above 5 years, 50 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for DRFs (25 Smith type fractures, 25 Colles type fractures) were included. Upon FU, standard X-rays and a clinical evaluation as well as evaluation scores were raised and analysed. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation showed no difference between the Colles and the Smith group. Radiologic and clinical results for the Colles group showed diminished flexion compared to the healthy wrist, decreased radial inclination and dorsal tilt during FU and progression of osteoarthritis. For the Smith group decreased grip strength compared to the healthy wrist and osteoarthritis-progression was found. For both groups there was no correlation between radiologic values, grip strength, arthrosis grading, disability of arm, shoulder and hand score and patient rated wrist evaluation score. DISCUSSION: Decreased flexion in combination with a decreased dorsopalmar tilt might hint towards a mechanical inhibition in the Colles group. Altogether, the study showed good clinical outcome with satisfactory radiological result. As all patients showed arthrosis progression, the fracture per se is to be seen as a prearthrotic factor. It still remains unclear which measures could be taken to prevent this.

[Treatment of Dupuytren's disease with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum]. / Therapie des Morbus Dupuytren mit Kollagenase Clostridium histolyticum.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease as a benign fibroproliferative disease leads to hyperplasia of the collagen fibers of the fascia of the palm, which can result in severe impairment of the functionality of the hand. OBJECTIVES: Examination of the significance of non-operative treatment of Dupuytren's disease with injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) METHODS: Observation of 120 patients treated with injectable collagenase. Documentation of the range of motion before the intervention, 12 months after the intervention, and documentation of any adverse events. RESULTS: All in all, 120 patients were treated (107 male, 13 female) (mean age 62 years, range 30-84 years). In 49% the little finger, in 44% the ring finger, in 4% the middle finger, and in 3% the index finger were treated. Full release was accomplished in 71%, partial release in 26%, and no change in 3% of the patients. The median contracture before the treatment was 37° for the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint (range 25-100°) and 51° for the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (range 30-97°). After 12 months, the mean contracture for the MP joint was 9° (range 0-25°) and 21° (range 10-36°) or the PIP joint. Adverse events occurred in 96% of patients within 3 months after treatment. No tendon ruptures, anaphylactic reactions, nerve, or ligament injuries were observed.

Do we still need autopsy in times of modern multislice computed tomography?-Missed diagnoses in the emergency room.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of increasing quality of emergency room (ER) assessment in trauma patients and improved accuracy of modern multislice computed tomography (MSCT), the number of potentially missed diagnoses is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the initial findings of ER assessment and MSCT to the findings during autopsy in trauma patients not surviving the first 48 h after admission. We hypothesized that autopsy was more accurate than MSCT in diagnosing potentially fatal diagnoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and September 2007, all trauma patients undergoing ER treatment in our institution who deceased within 48 h after admission were analyzed regarding diagnoses from initial ER assessment, including MSCT, and diagnoses from autopsy. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Autopsy reports were compared to diagnoses of ER assessment and MSCT. Missed diagnoses (MD) and missed potentially fatal diagnoses (MPFD) were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients with a mean age of 53.2 years were included into the study. Sixty-three percent were male. Autopsy revealed at least one missed diagnosis in 25% of the patients, with the thoracic area accounting for 67% of these. At least one MPFD was found in 4.1% of the patients, all of them being located in the thorax. Total numbers of MD and MPFD were significantly lower for the newer CT generation (64 MSCT, N = 11), compared to older one (4 MSCT, N = 26). CONCLUSIONS: As determined by autopsy, modern multislice computed tomography is an accurate method to diagnose injuries. However, 25% of all diagnoses, and 4.1% of potentially fatal diagnoses are still missed in trauma patients, who deceased within the first 48 h after admission. Therefore, autopsy seems to be necessary to determine potentially missed diagnoses for both academic and medicolegal reasons as well as for quality control.

Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum as a nonsurgical treatment for Dupuytren's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Nonsurgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease using collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH). INDICATIONS: Metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint (20-100°) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (20-80°) contractures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, previous hypersensitivity to collagenase or excipients, anticoagulant use within 7 days prior to treatment. INJECTION TECHNIQUE: CCH injected directly into the Dupuytren's cord weakening the contracted cord. After injection, the patient returns the following day to allow CCH to lyse the collagen within the cord. An extension force is then applied to the involved finger to disrupt the weakened cord. POSTMANIPULATION MANAGEMENT: Use of extension splint at night, movement instructions during the day. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (107 men; 13 women; mean age 62 years, range 30-84 years) were treated. In 49% the little finger, in 44% the ring finger, in 4% the middle finger, and in 3% the index finger was treated. Full release was achieved in 71%, partial release in 26%, and no change in 3% of patients. The median pretreatment contracture for the MP joint was 37° (range 25-100°) and PIP joint 51° (range 30-97°). At 12 months, the mean contracture for the MP joint was 9° (range 0-25°) and for the PIP joint 21° (range 10-36°). Adverse events observed in 96% of patients for 3 months . No tendon ruptures, anaphylactic reactions, or nerve or ligament injuries observed.

Pressure distribution in carpometacarpal joint, due to step-off in operatively treated Bennett's fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of residual articular incongruity after Bennett's fracture on load distribution of the joint surface. Our aim was to investigate whether a residual joint step and the altered load distribution led to negative clinical outcomes or symptomatic degenerative osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were available for long-term follow-up examination and were contacted by phone, and they returned for follow-up examination. Computed tomography (CT) scans of both carpometacarpal (CMC) joints were performed. CT scans were taken in the sagittal plane of the forearms with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm for three-dimensional reconstruction. The CMC joints were analysed due to a residual step in the joint. Only patients with a residual step-off were included in this study. To determine the areas of maximum density in the joint, CT-osteoabsorptiometry was performed. RESULTS: Ten patients had the maximum loading area radial and two patients central. The second major position of mineralization was detected central in four patients, volar-ulnar in two patients, radial in one patient, dorso-radial in one patient, volar in one patient and volar-radial in two patients. CONCLUSION: Finally, no higher loading in the area of the beak fragment could be found. The Wagner technique, even if it results in a persistent 1-2-mm intra-articular step-off of the beak fragment, is still the favourable method for the treatment of Bennett's luxation fractures.

The impact of coagulopathy on the outcome of traumatic epidural hematoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of trauma-associated coagulation disorders on the neurological outcome in patients with traumatic epidural hematoma undergoing surgical or non-surgical treatment. A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data in a consecutive patient series from a level 1 trauma center. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with traumatic epidural hematoma were identified out of 1,633 patients admitted to our emergency room with traumatic head injuries between October 2004 and December 2008. The following prospectively assessed parameters were analyzed: Glasgow Coma Scale, coagulopathy, presence of skull fractures, additional injuries, the Injury Severity Score, hematoma volume and thickness at admission, hematoma volume progression over time and neurologic symptoms. Furthermore, patients were grouped based on whether they had undergone surgical or non-surgical treatment of the epidural hematoma. Clinical outcome was determined according to the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at hospital discharge. RESULTS: Patients with coagulopathy showed significantly lower GOS values compared to patients with intact blood coagulation. Initial and progressive hematoma volumes did not influence neurological outcome. Patients with multiple injuries did not show a worse outcome compared to those with isolated epidural hematoma. There was no difference in patient's outcome after surgical or non-surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Poor outcome after traumatic epidural hematoma was associated with coagulopathy. Progression of epidural hematoma volume was not associated with coagulopathy or with poor neurological outcome. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

[Augmented posterior instrumentation for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures]. / Die Behandlung osteoporotischer Wirbelkörperfrakturen mit augmentierter Instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE: Reduction and stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures using posterior short-segment instrumentation. Cement augmentation of the pedicle screws in order to improve the screw's holding power in osteoporotic bone and to reduce postoperative loss of reduction. Quick and painless postoperative mobilization without further bracing. INDICATIONS: Burst fractures (type A3 according to Magerl). Posttraumatic kyphosis following osteoporotic vertebral body fractures. Revision surgery after screw loosening. Type B and C fractures according to Magerl. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Osteoporotic fractures which are suitable for nonoperative treatment or percutaneous cement augmentation techniques (vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty). Vertebral body fractures in patients with good bone quality. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Insertion of pedicle screws in a typical manner. If perforated screws are used, cement application under fluoroscopic control via the central perforation of the screws. If pedicle screws without perforation are used, application of the cement using a Kyphoplasty technique and insertion of the screws. After hardening of the cement, completion of the instrumentation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization starting on the first day after surgery. Avoidance of heavy lifting and manual labor for 3 months. Implant removal only if it is necessary due to complications. RESULTS: Between July 2008 and December 2009, 10 patients with osteoporotic vertebral body fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine were treated with cement-augmented posterior instrumentation. The mean age was 65.8 years (range 35­94 years). There were six type A (2 A1 and 4 A3 lesions) and four type B lesions (1 B1, 1 B2, and 2 B3 lesions) according to Magerl. Indications for cement augmentation of the pedicle screws were the patients' age (4 patients), osteoporosis with t scores < − 2.5 (2 patients), poor intraoperative screw hold (2 patients), and revision surgery after loosening of pedicle screws (2 patients). Cement leakage was observed in 5 patients with no further clinical relevance. Loosening of cement augmented pedicle screws occurred in 1 patient with a consecutive loss of reduction of 10°. There was no need to remove any of the cement-augmented screws in the first 24 months.