Outcomes of spring-locking plate fixation method using locking mesh plate/box plate for posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum: a retrospective single-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of variable-angle locking compression plate, mesh plate, or footplate box fixation for posterior acetabular wall fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included nine patients with unstable posterior acetabular wall fractures who underwent internal fixation with the "spring-locking plate fixation method" between January 2015 and December 2019. Patient demographics, fracture classifications, surgical details, radiological and clinical evaluations, and complications were collected from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between preoperative and postoperative dislocations. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 46 years, and the majority were men (88.9%). Fracture types included posterior wall fractures and posterior column plus posterior wall fractures. The mean operative time was 246 min and the mean blood loss was 663 mL. The surgical approaches included the Kocher-Langenbeck, Ganz trochanteric flip, and transtrochanteric approaches. Variable-angle locking compression plate mesh plates and footplate box type implants were used for fixation. The mean preoperative dislocation was 23 mm, which was significantly reduced to 1 mm immediately post-operation and at the final observation. The bone fusion rate was 100% and radiological and clinical evaluations revealed favourable outcomes. Complications were minimal, with mild heterotopic ossification observed in four patients. CONCLUSION: The spring-locking plate fixation method demonstrated satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of posterior acetabular wall fractures. This technique provides rigid fixation. Furthermore, the use of variable-angle locking screws minimizes the risk of intra-articular perforations. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and the absence of a control group, the results suggest that the spring-locking plate fixation method may be valuable in managing these fractures.

Effectiveness of Specific Single-Use Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (PICO System) After Major Lower Extremity Amputation.

Lower extremity amputation (LEA), particularly in patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, often results in complications such as surgical site infections (SSIs) and wound dehiscence. This study examined whether utilizing the portable and user-friendly PICO system (Smith and Nephew Medical Ltd, Hull, UK) as incisional negative-pressure wound therapy can reduce post-LEA complications. This study was conducted at a Japanese tertiary medical center and involved a retrospective analysis of LEA cases (n = 32) between January 2021 and December 2022. The PICO dressing group (n = 16) was compared to the conventional dressing group (n = 16) for post-LEA wound management. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative wound complications, including SSI and wound dehiscence, within 15 days of LEA. Superficial/deep SSI and wound dehiscence occurred less frequently in the PICO dressing group than in the conventional dressing group (12.5% vs 43.8%; p = .054). There were no cases of deep SSIs in the PICO dressing group. Although this study has limitations owing to its retrospective design and small sample size, the results suggest the potential of the PICO system for improving outcomes in post-LEA wound management.

Locked Tension Band Wiring: A Modified Technique for Olecranon Fractures-A Multicenter Study Comparing Clinical Outcomes and Complications with Conventional Methods.

Purpose: Tension band wiring is the standard treatment for olecranon fractures, but it is associated with high rate of implant-related complication. To reduce this high complication rate, we developed a modified technique, locked tension band wiring (LTBW). The aim of this study was to investigate whether LTBW reduces complication and reoperation rates compared to conventional methods (CTBW). Methods: We identified 213 olecranon fractures treated with tension band wiring: 183 were treated with CTBW, and 30 were treated with LTBW, and patients in each group were selected using propensity score matching. We evaluated operation time, intraoperative bleeding, complication and reoperation rates, the amount of Kirschner's wire (K-wire) back-out, and Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). Complications included nonunion, loss of fracture reduction, implant failure, infection, neurological impairment, heterotopic ossification, and implant irritation. Implant removal included at the patient's request with no symptoms. Results: We finally investigated 29 patients in both groups. The mean operation time was significantly longer in the LTBW (106.7 ± 17.5 vs. 79.7 ± 21.1 min; p < 0.01). Complication rates were significantly lower in the LTBW than the CTBW group (10.3 vs. 37.9%; p = 0.03). The rate of implant irritation was more frequent in the CTBW, but there was no significant difference (3.4 vs. 20.7%; p = 0.10). Removal rate was significantly lower in the LTBW (41.4 vs. 72.4%; p = 0.03). The mean amount of K-wire backout at last follow-up was significantly less in the LTBW (3.79 ± 0.65 mm vs. 8.97 ± 3.54 mm; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in mean MEPI at all follow-up periods (77.4 ± 9.0 vs. 71.5 ± 14.0; p = 0.07, 87.4 ± 7.2 vs. 85.2 ± 10.3; p = 0.40, 94.6 ± 5.8 vs. 90.4 ± 9.0; p = 0.06, respectively). Conclusion: Our modified TBW significantly increased operation time compared to conventional method, but reduced the complication and removal rate and had equivalent functional outcomes in this retrospective study.

A nerve-to-implant distance as a novel predictor for lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries after anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation.

Although anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation is a valuable tool for the reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation by the implant is the most common complication. This study aimed to investigate the association between the nerve-to-implant distance and the postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve symptom. Patients who underwent anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve status was defined as follows: not identified, nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, and ≥13 mm. The proportion of patients who experienced postoperative nerve disorders was compared using the nerve status. Nerve-to-implant distances were compared using the presence or absence of postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve disorders. The predictive value of a nerve-to-implant distance of 13 mm for postoperative nerve disorders was assessed. Overall, 26 lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were included. Ten patients had postoperative nerve disorders, of which seven had an nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, while the other three occurred in patients whose nerves were not identified. A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm was significantly associated with a decreased risk of postoperative nerve disorder compared to a nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm (p = 0.017). A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm had a perfect sensitivity (100%) and modest specificity (58.3%). Nerve-to-implant distance was ≥13 mm. Nerve disorders were frequently observed when the nerve-to-implant distance was <13 mm or the nerve was not identified intraoperatively. Efforts to identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may be useful to avoid internal fixation-related nerve disorders.

Mid-term outcomes of digital nerve injuries treated with Renerve® synthetic collagen nerve conduits: A retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable synthetic nerve conduits have become widely used for peripheral nerve injuries. Recently, bioabsorbable collagen conduits filled with collagen fibers (Renerve®) are commercially available in Japan. We investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of Renerve® conduits for digital nerve repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent digital nerve repair using Renerve® conduits between August 2017 and February 2022 at our hospital and were followed up for at least 12 months. Seventeen patients (20 nerves) with a median age of 46.5 years (interquartile rage: 26-48 years) were included in the analysis. We analyzed sensory nerve function recovery and residual pain or uncomfortable tingling, as well as safety outcomes. The relationship between nerve defect length and sensory function data was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Sensory nerve function at 12 months postoperatively was excellent in six, good in 10, and poor in four nerves, and that at the final follow-up (median period, 24 months; range, 12-30 months) was excellent in nine, good in 10, and poor in one nerve. All nerves with a defect length of <12 mm had excellent or good sensory outcomes. At 12 months postoperatively, the correlation coefficients between nerve defect length and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results, static two-point discrimination, and dynamic two-point discrimination were 0.35 (p = 0.131), 0.397 (p = 0.0827), and 0.451 (p = 0.0461), respectively. Residual pain or tingling sensation were observed in four nerves at the final follow-up. No postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the clinical efficacy and safety of Renerve® conduits for digital nerve repair. Our results will be useful in clinical practice because of the scarcity of real-world data on the use of Renerve® conduits for digital nerve repair.

Locked Tension Band Wiring for Mayo IIA Olecranon Fractures: Modified Surgical Technique and Retrospective Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness with Locking Plate.

Background: Tension band wiring (TBW) has traditionally been used for simple olecranon fractures, but due to its many complications, locking plate (LP) is increasingly being employed. To reduce the complications, we developed a modified technique for olecranon fracture repair, locked TBW (LTBW). The study aimed to compare (1) the frequency of complications and re-operations between LP and LTBW techniques, (2) clinical outcomes and the cost efficacy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data of 336 patients who underwent surgical treatment for simple and displaced olecranon fractures (Mayo Type ⅡA) in the hospitals of a trauma research group. We excluded open fractures and polytrauma. We investigated complication and re-operation rates as primary outcomes. As secondary outcomes, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and the total cost, including surgery, outpatients and re-operation, were examined between the two groups. Results: We identified 34 patients in the LP group and 29 patients in the LTBW group. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 ± 3.9 months. The complication rate in the LTBW group was comparable to that in the LP group (10.3% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.49). Re-operation and removal rates were not significantly different between the groups (6.9% vs. 8.8%; p = 1.000 and 41.4% vs. 58.8%; p = 1.00, respectively). Mean MEPI at 3 months was significantly lower in the LTBW group (69.7 vs. 82.6; p < 0.01), but mean MEPI at 6 and 12 months were not significantly different (90.6 vs. 85.2; p = 0.06, 93.9 vs. 95.2; p = 0.51, respectively). The mean cost/patient of the total cost in the LTBW group were significantly lower than those in the LP group ($5,249 vs. $6,138; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that LTBW achieved clinical outcomes equivalent to those of LP and was significantly more cost effective than LP in the retrospective cohort. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with thoracic costovertebral joints fracture-dislocations: A case report.

Case: A 59-year-old man presented with posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation concomitant with fracture-dislocations of multiple thoracic costovertebral joints caused by traumatic injury. The posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation was treated using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber cable and the joint was stabilized. The degree of malpositioning of the thoracic costovertebral joints was difficult to reduce. Conclusion: The patient achieved an excellent shoulder range of motion at 12 months postoperatively; however, chronic shoulder stiffness and posterior neck discomfort persisted.

Total Hip Arthroplasty With Impacted Bone Graft on Acetabulum for Osteoporotic Acetabular Fractures: A Report of 3 Cases.

Osteoporotic acetabular fractures in elderly patients have recently been increasing, but the best treatment remains uncertain due to the difficulty in stabilizing these fractures with osteosynthesis. We performed total hip arthroplasty with an impacted bone graft on the acetabula of 3 elderly patients with comminuted acetabular fractures after confirming acetabular callus formation via radiographic imaging 2 months following the patients' initial injuries. Two of the patients presented in the subacute phase after conservative treatment, and 1 patient had no history of trauma or quadrilateral surface destruction. Two patients achieved good functional results at the 3-year follow-up. Furthermore, no loosening of the prosthesis components or subsidence of the acetabular cemented cup was evident on radiographic imaging in any of the patients.

Satisfactory mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgical treatment of radial neck fracture in 10 children.

Complications after surgical treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures are common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgical treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures. We assessed 10 children who had been surgically treated for radial neck fractures. We mainly performed percutaneous intrafocal pinning to reduce the fracture; where this was inappropriate, we performed open reduction. Mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed, as well as whether these affected patient-related outcomes (Hand 20 questionnaire) at the final follow-up. Of the 10 patients (seven boys; mean age, 9 years; age range, 5-14 years; four fractures on the right-hand side, six on the left), four each were grades II and III, and two were grade IV, according to the Judet classification. The mean follow-up time was 6.7 (range, 3.6-11.2) years. Eight patients had restricted forearm pronation. The mean radial neck angulation on the fractured side was 36° (range, 5°-96°), preoperatively, and 2° (range, 0°-11°) at the final follow-up. There were eight cases of radial head overgrowth, three of premature physeal closure, two of notching of the radial neck, and one of heterotopic ossification. According to the Leung/Peterson Classification, four patients had "excellent," three had "good," and three had "fair" functionality. Eight patients had a perfect score upon completing the Hand 20 questionnaire. In conclusion, postsurgical patient-related outcomes for the 10 cases were satisfactory despite slightly restricted forearm range of motion and complications detected using radiography.

Surgical fixation of ulnar coronoid process fractures via mesh plate: A case report.

Introduction: The coronoid process of the ulna is the primary stabilizer of the elbow joint. There has not yet been an accurate off-the-shelf dedicated implant because fragments of coronoid process fractures are often small and diverse. The variable angle locking compression mesh plate 2.4/2.7 (Depuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA) acts as a versatile, low-profile implant that can be cut to suit the specific fracture pattern and fits anatomically. Case presentations: We report two cases of Regan-Morrey type II ulnar coronoid process fractures in terrible triad elbow injuries. In both cases, persistent instability was fluoroscopically diagnosed after repair of the lateral structures. We performed osteosynthesis for the ulnar coronoid process fractures using a mesh plate, which we cut into a rhombus-like shape and used as a buttress plate. Here we report the good results obtained thereof. Conclusion: Considering our positive experience with using mesh plates, the mesh plate may be a good method of fixation for ulnar coronoid process fractures.

The First Fatal Case of Chromobacterium violaceum Infection in Japan.

BACKGROUND Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum) is a gram-negative and facultative anaerobic oxidase-positive bacillus generally seen in tropical or subtropical areas (latitudes between 35°N and 35°S). C. violaceum infection is a rare but serious infection with high morbidity and mortality rates. Most clinicians practicing in non-tropical counties, such as Japan, are unfamiliar with it. CASE REPORT We report the first fatal case of a 49-year-old man infected with C. violaceum after a traffic accident in Japan (latitude 34.8°N). The patient reported brief submergence in a marshy muddy rice field after the accident. There was some evidence of soil and water contamination of the patient's skin and clothing, but he denied swallowing water or soil. There were no findings of pneumonitis or severe open wounds on admission. Until the night of the 7th day of hospitalization, his general conditions remained stable despite a persistent fever. However, he suddenly collapsed on the 8th day of hospitalization and died. C. violaceum bacteremia led to fatal sepsis on dissemination to the iliopsoas abscess, which is a rare combination for this infection. CONCLUSIONS Episodes of exposure to contaminated water or soil, especially in summer, are important predisposing factors for C. violaceum infection. Thus, it is vital to include C. violaceum infections as a differential diagnosis, since the mortality rate of C. violaceum infections is high and the cases of this infection have increased in non-tropical counties.

An intraoperative small distractor for non-open reduction and intramedullary fixation of pediatric displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures.

This report describes technical tools for the treatment of pediatric displaced and unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures, which are difficult to treat by manual closed reduction. During intramedullary fixation with Kirchner wires, we propose our original small distractor as an intraoperative distraction apparatus without open reduction. This apparatus is made using parts of the Ilizarov external fixator. Apart from general external fixation devices, our apparatus is adequate for the effective shortening and lateral dislocation of the fracture site. This adequacy is not only because of the three-dimensional control by ball joints but also owing to the gradual adjustment structure of the Quick adjust strut (Orthofix, Verona, Italy), which allows tight and fine stretching, thus making the distractor an effective reduction tool. Our findings show the feasibility and usefulness of our reduction technique and small distractor. Our small distractor is a useful intraoperative distraction apparatus without open reduction for pediatric displaced and unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures that cannot be treated by manual closed reduction. In this report, we describe the distractor, the closed reduction technique, and the clinical results of four representative cases.

Ulnar Parametacarpal Flap for Small Finger Avulsion Injury.

In difficult cases of replantation following small finger avulsion injury, in which amputation occurs at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the ulnar parametacarpal island flap, rotated 180° (propeller flap), can be used as an alternative method for covering a skin defect of the proximal phalanx. This flap can prevent metacarpophalangeal joint dysfunction and additional finger shortening. We propose the use of an ulnar parametacarpal flap for this purpose and report the outcomes of two successful cases treated with this method and followed up for 12 months.

A Young Boy with Neck Pain.

CASE PRESENTATION: A five-year-old boy presented to our emergency department with severe posterior neck pain that was exacerbated upon neck movement. Cervical spine radiography revealed calcification in the cervical intervertebral disk 3-4. DISCUSSION: Pediatric idiopathic intervertebral disk calcification is a benign, rare condition that might be complicated by associated severe neurological symptoms. In this case, the symptoms gradually subsided with conservative management alone.

Adolescent Male with Severe Groin Pain Due to Traumatic Injury.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old boy presented to the emergency department complaining of severe groin pain on the right side following a minor fall. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hematoma in his right iliacus muscle. He was diagnosed with a traumatic iliacus hematoma, and he recovered spontaneously with short-term oral analgesics. DISCUSSION: Traumatic iliacus hematomas are rare entities and subside with conservative management in most cases. However, this condition may be associated with femoral nerve palsy, and surgery is indicated in severe cases. Traumatic iliacus hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe groin pain.

Surgical fixation by mesh plate and intraoperative safe techniques for the manubrium sterni.

Plate osteosynthesis for oblique fracture of the manubrium sterni is quite rare. We present a case of a 37-year-old man with oblique fracture of the manubrium sterni caused by a traumatic injury. He was operated on using a variable-angle locking compression plate Mesh Plate 2.4/2.7 and had a good postoperative result. We also discuss intraoperative safe techniques such as use of a cement spatula for reduction support tools and depth-limited drilling to prevent excess drilling of the opposite cortex.

Plate fixation of acromion fracture using a mesh plate.

In several cases of treatment of acromion fractures of the scapula, plate fixation provides more rigidity to the fractured area. However, no specific plates are available for the acromion because of high interindividual variation in the shape of the acromion. We report two cases of acromion fractures operated using a mesh plate (Depuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA), which acts as a versatile, low-profile implant, being cut according to the specific fracture pattern and anatomical fitting. Our positive experiences with using a mesh plate may help to establish it as the operative procedure of choice in cases of acromion fracture.