Working length and proximal screw constructs in plate osteosynthesis of distal femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: The study purpose is to evaluate the working length, proximal screw density, and diaphyseal fixation mode and the correlation to fracture union after locking plate osteosynthesis of distal femoral fractures using bridge-plating technique. METHODS: A four-year retrospective review was performed to identify patients undergoing operative fixation of distal femur fractures with a distal femoral locking plate using bridge-plating technique for the metadiaphyseal region. Primary variables included fracture union, secondary surgery for union, plate working length, and diaphyseal screw technique and configuration. Multiple secondary variables including plate metallurgy and coronal plane fracture alignment were also collected. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with distal femur fractures with a mean age 60 years met inclusion criteria. None of the clinical parameters were statistically significant indicators of union. Likewise, none of the following surgical technique parameters were associated with fracture union: plate metallurgy, the mean working length, screw density and number of proximal screws and screw cortices. However, diaphyseal screw technique did show statistical significance. Hybrid technique had a statistically significant higher chance of union when compared to locking (p=0.02). All proximal locking screw constructs were 2.9 times more likely to lead to nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Plating constructs with all locking screws used in the diaphysis when bridge-plating distal femur locking plates were 2.9 times more likely to incur a nonunion. However, other factors associated with more flexible fixation constructs such as increased working length, decreased proximal screw number, and decreased proximal screw density were not significantly associated with union in this study.

Role of acute negative pressure wound therapy over primarily closed surgical incisions in acetabular fracture ORIF: A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy use over closed surgical incisions (iNPWT) has proven to be effective at reducing hematoma, wound drainage and infection in high-risk wounds. The purpose of this study was to determine if iNPWT decreased the risk of infection in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for acetabular fractures. METHODS: 71 patients who underwent operative intervention for an acetabular fracture between March 2008 and September 2012 consented and prospectively randomized to iNPWT or a standard postoperative (dry gauze) dressing. The primary endpoint was deep infection, i.e. necessitating surgical debridement. Patients were followed until fracture union. RESULTS: 33 patients were randomized to treatment with a standard gauze dressing and 33 patients were randomized to the iNPWT cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to patient demographics, clinical, or surgery characteristics. Overall, seven patients (10.6%) were diagnosed with infections; two patients (6.1%) in the placebo group and 5 (15.2%) in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized prospective trial, iNPWT did not decrease the incidence of deep infections when compared to gauze dressings in patients with acetabular fractures. Although not statistically significant, patients in the iNPWT cohort were 2.77 times more likely to develop a deep infection.

The Management of Bone Defects in Periarticular Knee Injuries: A Review Article.

Traumatic bone defects of the distal femur and proximal tibia present treatment challenges for the orthopaedic traumatologist. In addition to bone loss, significant soft tissue compromise and cartilage defects leave the patient and surgeon with few reconstructive options for proper long-term joint function. These injuries are often complicated by delayed healing, nonunion, malunion, infection, and poor subjective patient outcomes. There are a variety of clinical problems associated with the treatment of periarticular fractures about the knee. This article will describe the surgical options for these difficult problems.

Prevalence of Low Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Orthopedic Trauma.

Low levels of serum vitamin D have been linked to numerous musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal conditions. Vitamin D deficiency appears relatively high among various patient subpopulations, including patients with fracture nonunion. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a large population of patients with orthopedic trauma. The study included all patients who were over age 18 years, had no risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, and were treated for an acute fracture at a Level 1 trauma center. Between January 2009 and September 2010, 889 trauma patients had recorded serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Overall prevalence of combined vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was 77%; prevalence of vitamin D deficiency alone was 39%. There were no statistically significant (P < .05) age or sex differences among the population. There did not appear to be a seasonal difference. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in acute orthopedic trauma patients appear very common. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the clinical significance.

Effectiveness of Vitamin D Therapy in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of our vitamin D treatment protocol in managing low serum vitamin D levels in orthopaedic trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all orthopaedic trauma patients at a university level I trauma center over 20 months. Patients were included if they had an initial and repeat 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D serum level available. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level with less than 20 ng/mL. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between 20 and 32 ng/mL. The standard regimen for all patients was over-the-counter vitamin D3 1000 IU and 1500 mg of calcium daily. Patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency also received 50,000 IU of ergocalciferol (D2) weekly until their 25-hydroxyvitamin D level normalized or their fracture healed. No compliance monitoring was performed except for questioning at each clinic visit. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two patients had a normal initial 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and 84% maintained their normal level, whereas 16% became insufficient or deficient. There were 88 patients insufficient initially and 54.5% improved to normal and 8% became deficient. In the vitamin D deficiency group (81), 26% remained deficient and 74% improved to insufficient. The average increase in serum 25-OH vitamin D with treatment (in nanograms per milliliter) was statistically significant for both the insufficient and deficient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D therapy improved the majority of the patients' vitamin D-25-OH level but did not normalize most. Patients with initial deficiency had the largest improvement. This study indicates that vigilance is required to adequately treat a low serum vitamin D-25-OH level.

Surgical timing of treating injured extremities: an evolving concept of urgency.

The management of some orthopaedic extremity injuries has changed over the past decade because of changing resource availability and the risks of complications. It is helpful to review the current literature regarding orthopaedic extremity emergencies and urgencies. The effects of the techniques of damage control orthopaedic techniques and the concept of the orthopaedic trauma room have also affected the management of these injuries. The available literature indicates that the remaining true orthopaedic extremity emergencies include compartment syndrome and vascular injuries associated with fractures and dislocations. Orthopaedic urgencies include open fracture management, femoral neck fractures in young patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and talus fractures that are open or those with impending skin compromise. Deciding when the definitive management of orthopaedic extremity injuries will occur has evolved as the concept of damage control orthopaedics has become more commonly accepted. Patient survival rates have improved with current resuscitative protocols. Definitive fixation of extremity injuries should be delayed until the patient's physiologic and extremity soft-tissue status allows for appropriate definitive management while minimizing the risks of complications. In patients with semiurgent orthopaedic injuries, the use of an orthopaedic trauma room has led to more efficient care of patients, fewer complications, and better time management for surgeons who perform on-call service for patients with traumatic orthopaedic injuries.

Pilon fractures: advances in surgical management.

Pilon fractures are challenging to manage because of the complexity of the injury pattern and the risk of significant complications. Variables such as fracture pattern, soft-tissue injury, and preexisting patient factors can lead to unpredictable outcomes. Avoiding complications associated with the soft-tissue envelope is paramount to optimizing outcomes. In persons with soft-tissue compromise, the use of temporary external fixation and staged management is helpful in reducing further injury and complications. Evidence in support of new surgical approaches and minimally invasive techniques is incomplete. Soft-tissue management, such as negative-pressure dressings, may be helpful in preventing complications.

A new technique for removing intramedullary cement.

Treatment of infected long bone fractures or nonunions requires stability for bony union, yet retained implants can lead to persistent infection. Antibiotic cement intramedullary nails, in addition to external fixation, are commonly used to deliver intramedullary antibiotics in infected long bone fractures and provide temporary stability. However, the retrieval of these nails can result in debonding of antibiotic cement, which can require significant time and effort to remove. A variety of methods, including intramedullary hooks, reverse curettes, flexible osteotomes, and stacked guide rods, are commonly used to remove cement fragments. When these methods fail to allow access to the entire length of the canal, the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system (Synthes, Paoli, PA) serves as an effective method for removing retained intramedullary cement. The surgical technique is described, and three cases illustrate the successful use of the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system for removal of an antibiotic cement intramedullary nail.

Pilon fracture complicated by compartment syndrome: a case report.

Pilon fractures associated with compartment syndrome are rare occurrences despite the relatively high-energy mechanisms that cause many pilon fractures. We report an unusual case of pilon fracture in an adult, which was complicated by development of compartment syndrome. It was successfully treated with four-compartment leg fasciotomy with good results. A high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome should be maintained in patients with intractable pain after pilon fracture.

Parathyroid hormone: is there a role in fracture healing?

Parathyroid hormone is a well-known regulator of calcium metabolism in the body. It binds to osteoblasts and assists in the regulation of bone turnover. Changes in parathyroid hormone levels have been documented in pathologic states such as osteoporosis, and fluxes are also noted during healing of fractures. Because fracture healing requires time and is sometimes unreliable, a search for fracture-healing adjuvants that accelerate the healing rate and improve reliability of healing is compelling. Parathyroid hormone, as a systemic mediator of calcium and bone metabolism, is a good candidate. Much research has been accomplished in animal models examining the role of parathyroid hormone in fracture healing. Although further research is required, especially in human fracture patients, early indicators are that parathyroid hormone may play a role in accelerating fracture healing in healthy patients and in reducing rates of fracture nonunion in compromised patients or tissue beds.

Treatment of acute distal femur fractures.

An emphasis on indirect reduction techniques to restore limb alignment has improved the rate of fracture healing and decreased infection rates, fixation failure, and the need for bone grafting.

Soft-tissue distraction with a ring external fixator before centralization for radial longitudinal deficiency.

PURPOSE: To review the techniques and evaluate the use of soft-tissue distraction with a ringed fixator for radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD) before centralization. METHODS: Eight extremities in 6 patients with severe RLD were treated with ring fixator distraction followed by centralization. A clinical examination was performed and radiographic data were obtained prospectively and at an average follow-up period of 17 months. The techniques and the early objective (range of motion, position) and radiographic outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: The preoperative ring fixator accomplished an average of 16 mm of distraction and allowed the centralization procedure to be performed effectively and without tension. Clinical alignment was improved markedly. The hand-forearm angle improved from 72 degrees radial to 8 degrees ulnar after surgery. The volar carpal subluxation improved by an average of 6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Precentralization ring fixator distraction allows the performance of a tensionless centralization procedure with good early radiographic and clinical outcome in patients severely affected with RLD. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.