The outcomes of surgical treatment for lateral Hoffa fracture nonunions.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral Hoffa nonunion are rare injuries. A significant percentage of these nonunions are due to missed acute lateral Hoffa fractures. Operative management of these injuries is difficult and complicated by the presence of bone loss, infection, and soft-tissue contractures. In this study, the aim was to assess clinical and functional outcome in our group of patients with lateral Hoffa nonunion who had undergone operative management and to determine whether variables such as fracture type, infection, and previous surgery affect nonunion/complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were analyzed for patients with lateral Hoffa nonunion who underwent surgical fixation from January 2008 to December 2020 at a tertiary-care referral center. Patients with lateral condyle Hoffa nonunion and having a minimal follow-up of 1 year were included in this study. Patients with medial Hoffa nonunion, pathological fractures, and children aged less than 16 years were excluded from the study. The fractures were classified by the AO/OTA and Letenneur classification systems. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed by the Knee society score (KSS) and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). RESULTS: All the 12 patients had united in our series. One patient had reduction failure at 3 months who united after re-fixation. The union rate in our patients was 100%, with a loss of reduction rate of 7.7%, and post-traumatic arthrosis of 7.7%. The average follow-up period was 52.16 ± 27.7 months. The mean knee flexion obtained at the final follow-up was 104.5° (80°-130°). The average KSS clinical score was 80.6 (65-88). The average KSS functional score was 92 (70-100). The average LEFS score was 71 (47-79). There is a statistically significant improvement in the knee range of motion in our patients (p = 0.001). However, no correlation could be detected between variables like type of fracture, infection, and previous surgeries and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral Hoffa nonunion can be managed with careful planning of surgical approaches and fixation techniques.

Does hip structural analysis confer additional benefit to routine BMD assessment in postmenopausal women with hip fracture? A study from a tertiary center in southern India.

This study from southern India showed that proximal hip geometry was significantly impaired in postmenopausal women with femoral neck fracture. The trabecular bone score (TBS), which is reflective of bone microarchitecture, was also significantly impaired in patients with fracture. INTRODUCTION: There is limited information with regard to comprehensive bone health in Indian postmenopausal women with neck of femur fracture. We studied the bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), proximal hip geometry, and bone mineral biochemistry in postmenopausal women with and without femoral neck fractures. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center in South India. BMD, TBS, and hip structural analysis (HSA) were assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner. Bone mineral biochemical profiles were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 90 postmenopausal women with acute femoral neck fracture with mean (SD) age of 63.2 (6.1) years and 90 age-matched controls were included. The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher among cases as compared to controls (83.3% vs 47.8%; P < 0.001). Degraded bone microarchitecture (TBS value < 1.200) was more frequent among women with hip fracture as compared to controls (46.7% vs 31.1%; P = 0.032). Cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI) was significantly lower at the narrow neck (NN) and inter-trochanteric (IT) region in cases (P < 0.05) and buckling ratio (BR) was significantly higher at all three sites in postmenopausal women with femoral neck fracture as compared controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that femoral neck osteoporosis, low CSMI at NN and high BR at NN and femoral shaft emerged as factors significantly associated with femoral neck fractures. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that impaired parameters of proximal hip geometry and a low trabecular bone score may be significantly associated with femoral neck fractures in postmenopausal women.

Multiple High-Energy Open Injuries in the Same Limb: Comparison of Outcomes Between Salvage and Amputation Groups.

AIM: To analyze the functional outcomes between limb salvage and amputation patients who had multiple open injuries in the same lower limb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study analyzed 21 patients who were admitted with multiple open injuries in the same lower limb between January 2012 and December 2015 in our unit. Twelve patients underwent limb salvage and nine patients underwent amputation. The total number of surgeries, duration of hospital stays, ICU admission, complications, time to return to work and costs of inpatient treatment were analyzed. The functional outcome was assessed by using the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) in both groups, SF-12 score was done for both groups and amputation specific scoring was done by using locomotors capabilities index (LCI). RESULTS: The LEFS was lower in salvage group than amputation group. The SF-12 score was close to normal population in the amputation group and was higher than salvage group. The duration of hospital stays, total number of surgeries and the costs of inpatient admission were higher in salvage group. The time to return to work was earlier in amputation group. Sixty-seven percentage of patients in the salvage group developed complications. CONCLUSION: The functional outcome and SF-12 score was better in amputation group. Patients who had amputation returned to work earlier, had smaller number of secondary hospitalization and has less complications and incurred less expenditure for treatment. The treatment decision should be periodically reviewed when an initial choice of salvage is made. Amputation must be looked at as a treatment for early rehabilitation.

Intravenous Mannitol reduces intracompartmental pressure following tibia fractures: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Impending compartment syndrome is a common event following closed tibia fractures, which can progress to sinister compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy is the only definitive treatment available, though it has its own drawbacks and complications. Medical management at present consists of limb elevation and adequate hydration. This study aims at determining whether intravenous administration of Mannitol reduced the intracompartmental pressure in patients with closed tibial fractures. METHODS: This is a double blinded, randomized control trial done in a single tertiary care center in India. Forty-five patients were recruited between February 2012 and October 2012. Forty patients who presented to the emergency department with isolated, closed, high velocity, and proximal 2/3 tibia fractures were included in this study. Patients with contraindication to Mannitol were excluded. They were allocated into 2 groups by the investigator using computer generated randomization. The pressure in the anterior compartment of the leg was measured with a handheld Stryker pressure monitor. Then either 20% Mannitol or 0.9% normal saline as given intravenously in a blinded manner, based on the randomization. The intracompartmental pressure was measured at 0, 1 and 3 h after the infusion. The participant, investigator and statistician were masked to the group assessment. RESULTS: There was no difference in intracompartmental pressures at 1 or 3 h, between the groups. However, in patients with the baseline of compartmental pressures ≥30 mmHg, Mannitol showed a marked reduction in pressure of 8.5 mmHg at 1 h compared to almost no change in pressure in the saline group. There were no adverse events with the use of Mannitol. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study appears to show that Mannitol is useful in the management of the increased compartment pressure. The limitations of this study were that it only involved a small group of patients and the baseline pressures in both the groups were not comparable. More studies are required before the use of Mannitol as a standard of care in the management of compartment syndrome can be established.

Time to debridement in open high-grade lower limb fractures and its effect on union and infections: A prospective study in a tropical setting.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate whether time to debridement has any correlation with union, infection, and quality of life in high-grade lower limb fractures in a tropical setting. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in South India. Two hundred fifty-four adult skeletally mature patients with 301 grade 3 fractures involving the femur, tibia, or fibula were recruited. The cohort was empirically divided into two groups (early and late) based on the time to debridement (less than or more than 12 h from injury). OUTCOME: The primary outcome was nonunion. Secondary outcomes were deep infection rates and patients' quality of life. Short form-36 (SF-36) and short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) questionnaires were also used. Patients were followed up for 9 months. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 93%. The late group had a significantly higher risk of nonunion (odds ratio(OR): 6.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.82-14.95) and infections (OR: 6.05, 95% CI: 2.85-12.82). There was a 4% increase in the infection risk for each hour of delay for the initial 50 h (p < 0.0001). SF-36 and SMFA scores were superior in the early group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study contradicts findings reported in the literature from the West. Our study was in agreement with our hypothesis and proved that debridement within 12 h resulted in significantly lower rates of nonunion and infections and an overall improved quality of life in high-grade open lower limb fractures in a developing country. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015186.

Early outcome of culture-negative infection in open fractures of the lower limb: A prospective study.

Background: Culture-negative infections in open long bone fractures are frequently encountered in clinical practice. We aimed to identify the rate and outcome of culture-negative infections in open long bone fractures of lower limb. Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2017 on Gustilo and Anderson Grade III open long bone fractures of the lower limb. Demographic data, injury details, time from injury to receiving antibiotics and index surgical procedure were noted. Length of hospital stay, number of additional surgeries and occurrence of complications were also noted. Patients with infected open fractures were grouped as culture positive or culture negative depending on the isolation of infecting microorganisms in deep intraoperative specimen. The clinical outcome of these two groups was statistically analysed. Results: A total of 231 patients with 275 open fractures involving the femur, tibia or fibula were studied. There was clinical signs of infection in 84 patients (36.4%) with 99 fractures (36%). Forty-three patients (51.2%) had positive cultures and remaining 41 patients had negative cultures (48.8%). The rate of culture-negative infection in open type III long bone fractures in our study was 17.7%. There was no statistical difference in the clinical outcome between culture-negative and culture-positive infections. Conclusion: Failure to identify an infective microorganism in the presence of clinical signs of infection is routinely seen in open fractures and needs to be treated aggressively.

Clinical Outcomes in Musculoskeletal Involvement of Burkholderia Pseudomallei Infection.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal involvement in melioidosis is often seen in conjunction with a disseminated illness. Recent reports suggest that operative management of musculoskeletal melioidosis has favourable results. The purpose of this study was to review the patient profile and clinical outcomes of Burkholderia pseudomallei infection in the musculoskeletal system. METHODS: Hospital records of 163 patients who were diagnosed to have B. pseudomallei infection between January 2009 and December 2014 were reviewed. Patients underwent surgical and nonsurgical management depending upon the tissue of involvement. Epidata software was used to record the data. The SPSS ver. 17.0 was used for analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 24 patients who had musculoskeletal melioidosis were available for follow-up. Septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and intramuscular abscess were the common diagnosis, with 6 patients in each group. Twelve patients required surgical intervention. All patients received a full course of parenteral ceftazidime followed by oral doxycycline and co-trimoxazole. Two out of 6 patients (33.3%) died among those who had nonsurgical management as compared to none in the group who had surgical management. This was significant at 10% level of significance (p = 0.098). The rest were followed up for a minimum of 1 year with no evidence of disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This series describing musculoskeletal involvement in melioidosis is the largest such study from a recently recognized 'endemic' region. Of importance are the patterns of musculoskeletal involvement, pitfalls in diagnosis and adequate clinical response with timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management.

Incidence and predictors of radial nerve palsy with the anterolateral brachialis splitting approach to the humeral shaft.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%-5% of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. METHODS: The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. RESULTS: Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven (16%) patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy (p=0.002). Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy (p=0.004). The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures (p =0.338). For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperative deficit. From our study, we also conclude that radial nerve recovery can be reasonably expected in all patients with a postoperative palsy following the anterolateral approach.

Time required for effective action of phenol against giant cell tumour cells.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the time required for effective action of phenol against the giant cell tumour (GCT) cells. METHODS: Fresh GCT cells were harvested from 9 patients with primary GCT of the distal femur (n=4), proximal tibia (n=4), and proximal humerus (n=1), with the Campanacci tumour grades 3 (n=6), 2 (n=2), and 1 (n=1). Specimens were immersed in 80 % phenol for one, 3, 6, and 10 minutes, and were assessed by a single pathologist for irreversible cell death and the depth of phenol penetration. RESULTS: Phenol caused consistent GCT cell death in 6 of the 9 specimens after 3 minutes and in all 9 specimens after 6 minutes, compared to none in controls (p<0.0001). The mean depths of phenol penetration were 15 (range, 11-20) and 19 (range, 15-25) cell thickness after 6 and 10 minutes, respectively (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: GCT cells immersed in 80% phenol for 6 minutes resulted in consistent cell death.

Functional outcome of biological condylar blade plating of subtrochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review high-energy subtrochanteric fractures treated biologically with the 95° angled blade plate, to assess the time to union and return to work, and to perform a functional evaluation using the traumatic hip rating scale. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 22 patients with 23 fractures. Twenty-one patients (96%) with 22 fractures were available for analysis. The average age was 33 years (range 18-47). There were seventeen males and four females. The right side was involved in fifteen patients, the left in five patients, and one patient had bilateral fractures. Motor vehicle accident was the predominant mode of injury in eleven patients. Seven patients had other associated injuries. 32B2.1 (40%) was the commonest fracture pattern according to the OTA classification. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 29 months (range 12-49). The mean time to fracture healing was 16 weeks (range 12-32). All patients returned to their pre-fracture occupation (100%). Eighteen patients (86%) healed without any additional surgery. The outcome according to the hip rating scale was excellent in ten patients and good in eleven patients. Two patients (9%) required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Biological fixation of subtrochanteric fractures using 95° CBP results in a high union rate with low morbidity and good functional outcome.

Non-vascularised fibular graft as an intramedullary strut for infected non-union of the humerus.

PURPOSE. To review outcomes of 7 patients who underwent revision surgery for infected non-union of the humerus using a fibular graft as an intramedullary strut. METHODS. Records of 7 men aged 29 to 59 (mean, 40) years with humeral diaphyseal infected non-union who underwent fixation using a compression plate and a non-vascularised fibular graft as an intramedullary strut were reviewed. The mean number of previous surgeries was 2.7 (range, 2-4). Three of the patients had active draining sinuses previously. Their C-reactive protein levels were normal and tissue cultures negative. The remaining 4 patients had active draining sinuses. They first underwent implant removal and debridement. Tissue cultures confirmed infection in 3 of them. The mean duration between debridement and the index surgery was 5 (range, 3-10) months. RESULTS. The mean length of the fibulae harvested was 13 (range, 12-15) cm. All 7 non-unions healed. The mean time to healing was 5.4 (range, 4-8) months. The mean follow-up period was 15 (range, 13-24) months. All patients had weakness of the extensor hallucis longus, which improved to near normal at month 3. There was no donor-site morbidity. Three patients with active infection at presentation underwent repeat surgery. Two of them had wound washouts, and their non-unions went on to heal successfully; one underwent implant removal after union due to an active sinus. Six of the patients returned to their pre-injury activity level, and one endured a brachial plexus injury. CONCLUSION. Fixation using a compression plate and a non-vascularised fibular graft as an intramedullary strut achieved good outcome for infected non-union of the humerus despite prior multiple failed surgeries.

Experience of using local flaps to cover open lower limb injuries at an Indian trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Optimal care of open, high-velocity, lower limb injury requires surgical skills in debridement, skeletal stabilization, and in providing appropriate soft tissue cover. Timely coordination between orthopedic and plastic surgeons, though ideal, is often difficult. In our center, orthopedic surgeons undertake comprehensive treatment of open fractures including soft tissue cover. We reviewed the results of the local flaps of lower limb, done by orthopedic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of the lower limb flaps done between January 2005 and December 2006. All flaps done at and below the level of knee were included. RESULTS: There were 105 patients with 120 flaps during this period. Two patients with two flaps were lost to follow-up. The average age was 32 years. Sixty-four patients had Type IIIB Gustilo and Anderson injuries. Thirty-nine patients had isolated soft tissue injuries. The indications for flaps were exposed bone, tendon, and joint in 45, 11, and 12, respectively, or a combination in 35 patients. The flaps done were 51 reverse sural artery, 35 gastrocnemius, 25 local fasciocutaneous, and seven foot flaps. The flap dimensions ranged from 2 × 2 to 30 × 15 cm. Ninety-three flaps (79%) healed primarily. Among 25 flaps (21%) with necrosis, 14 flaps required secondary split skin graft for healing, while the other nine flaps healed without further surgery. CONCLUSION: Appropriate soft tissue cover provided by orthopedic surgeons can help in providing independent, composite care of lower limb injuries.

Long-term outcome of high-energy open Lisfranc injuries: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of open Lisfranc injuries has been reported infrequently. Should these injuries be managed as closed injuries and is their outcome different? METHODS: We undertook a retrospective study of high-energy, open Lisfranc injuries treated between 1999 and 2005. The types of dislocation, the associated injuries to the same foot, the radiologic and functional outcome, and the complications were studied. There were 22 patients. Five patients died. One had amputation. Of the remaining 16 patients, 13 men were followed up at a mean of 56 months (range, 29-88 months). The average age was 36 years (range, 7-55 years). RESULTS: According to the modified Hardcastle classification, type B2 injury was the commonest. Ten patients had additional forefoot or midfoot injury. All patients were treated with debridement, open reduction, and multiple Kirschner (K) wire fixation. All injuries were Gustilo Anderson type IIIa or IIIb. Nine patients had split skin graft for soft tissue cover. Mean time taken for wound healing was 16 days (range, 10-30 days). Ten patients (77%) had fracture comminution. Eight patients had anatomic reduction, whereas five had nonanatomic reduction. Ten of 13 (77%) patients had at least one spontaneous tarsometatarsal joint fusion. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 82 (range, 59-100). Nonanatomic reduction, osteomyelitis, deformity of toes, planus foot, and mild discomfort on prolonged walking were the unfavorable outcomes present. CONCLUSION: In open Lisfranc injuries, multiple K wire fixation should be considered especially in the presence of comminution and soft tissue loss. Although anatomic reduction is always not obtained, the treatment principles should include adequate debridement, maintaining alignment with multiple K wires, and obtaining early soft tissue cover. There is a high incidence of fusion across tarsometatarsal joints.

Reconstruction of traumatic medial malleolus loss: A case report.

We describe the reconstruction of the medial malleolus in a severe open ankle injury with iliac crest bone graft and sural artery flap in a young adult. At two years follow-up he had a good outcome with a painless, stable ankle with nearly full plantarflexion but restricted dorsiflexion.

Lateral gastrocnemius flap cover for distal thigh soft tissue loss.

BACKGROUND: The gastrocnemius muscle flap has been used extensively for cover around the knee. However, the use of the lateral gastrocnemius for cover of the distal thigh has not been well described. METHODS: The lateral gastrocnemius flap was used in eight patients from October 2004 to February 2009 for cover of the distal thigh proximal to the knee joint. We included patients who had soft tissue loss secondary to trauma and infection and who required soft tissue cover in the distal lateral thigh (>8 cm proximal to the joint line). The average age of the patients was 40 years (21-64 years). Four patients had soft tissue loss secondary to trauma, two had loss secondary to chronic infection, and two patients had soft tissue loss after surgical infection. RESULTS: All patients had resolution of infection at final follow-up. The average area of soft tissue cover achieved was 14 × 9 cm. The maximal proximal extent reached with lateral gastrocnemius flap from the joint line was 17 cm (8-17 cm) measured in full knee extension. There were two complications. One patient developed a common peroneal palsy and infection, which recovered after re-exploration. Another patient developed a sinus, which resolved after removal of a loose screw. CONCLUSION: The lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap is effective in the cover of the lateral distal thigh.

Reconstruction of open contaminated achilles tendon injuries with soft tissue loss.

BACKGROUND: Open achilles tendon injuries, present a complex problem to the treating surgeon especially if associated with tendon and soft tissue loss. We present eight such patients treated with tendon repair/reconstruction and reverse flow sural artery flap for soft tissue cover. PATIENTS: Eight patients (age, 12-64 years) with a spectrum of open tendo-achilles injuries of acute and chronic (infected), including loss of tendon of up to 10 cm, tendon defects with no distal attachment and one with partial loss of the calcaneum were treated between November 2005 and July 2006. Two of them had significant medical comorbid factors. The skin defect measured after debridement ranged from 6 x 5 cm to 15 x 10 cm. The tendon injuries were sutured directly when possible or sutured to bone if avulsed from the calcaneum. They were otherwise reconstructed using the central part of the proximal segment. A reverse sural artery was used to provide soft tissue cover. RESULTS: All flaps survived. All patients had a normal gait, were able to stand on tip toes, had active plantar flexion and had returned to their original occupation 4 months after reconstruction. They had full range of movement at the ankle. One diabetic patient had terminal necrosis of the flap that required a split skin graft. He developed a late infection which did not compromise the functional result. CONCLUSION: In the management of complex tendo-achilles injuries with tendon and soft tissue loss, radical debridement, single stage tendon reconstruction, and reverse flow sural artery flap gives good functional outcome. This gives consistent results across a spectrum of open tendo-achilles injury.

Reconstruction of complete knee extensor mechanism loss with gastrocnemius flaps.

UNLABELLED: We assessed the outcome after reconstruction of traumatic, complete, infected, extensor mechanism loss attributable to high-velocity open knee injuries in eight consecutive patients (all males) who presented to us between February 2005 and September 2007 at an average followup of 24 months. All were treated with gastrocnemius flaps. The loss in extensor mechanism was the patellar tendon in five patients, patella and patellar tendon in two patients, and combined patella, quadriceps, and patellar tendon in one patient. The size of the defect ranged from 8 x 5 cm to 15 x 15 cm. The patients were evaluated for functional outcome of the knee, resolution of infection, range of flexion of the knee, and return to work. Four patients had an excellent outcome whereas the others had a good outcome using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee rating scale. All flaps healed primarily with resolution of infection. The average knee flexion was 110 degrees. All patients except two returned to their original occupation. Three patients had an extensor lag of 5 degrees. The gastrocnemius flap is a good option for open knee injuries with extensor mechanism loss, giving consistent results across a wide spectrum of presentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open intramedullary nailing in neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures are not uncommon in developing nations however there is a paucity of literature in this regard. Due to lack of effective traction, reduction or immobilisation these fractures are invariably associated with shortening and adjacent joint stiffness, presenting a challenging problem to the treating surgeon. The socioeconomic constraints in our society which result in patients seeking non-medical forms of treatment in the first place also warrant the need for an economically viable, simple effective form of treatment which can be carried out in a less advanced setup, gives reliable outcomes and allows early return to work. METHODS: Eleven patients with neglected or late presenting femoral diaphyseal fractures were considered for the study. All patients underwent open intramedullary nailing, bone grafting and manipulation of the knee under anaesthesia. Iliac crest graft was harvested when local callus did not suffice. All patients received a supervised regimen of physiotherapy. Patients were followed up clinically and with plain radiographs at 6 weeks and 3 months to assess union and at monthly intervals thereafter. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 28.8 years (15-48). The mean delay in presentation was 14 weeks (3-32 weeks). The mean shortening was 3.8 cm with four fractures showing signs of malunion. Five patients were given preoperative traction and bone resection was performed in only one patient. The mean hospital stay was 11 days (5-25 days). One patient was lost to follow up, of the remaining 10 patients all united at a mean of 11.9 weeks with 7 patients regaining full range of motion. The mean knee range of motion was 142.5 degrees . There were no wound related or neurological complications. One patient had a patellar tendon rupture which was repaired and another required dynamisation and bone marrow injection for delayed union. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the treatment of neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures with open intramedullary nailing and bone grafting followed by manipulation of the knee with preoperative traction in selected cases is a satisfactory method of treatment showing reliable bony union however knee mobilisation should be undertaken with caution.

Childhood nonunion of ulna presenting with wrist deformity in an adult: a case report.

We describe an adult patient with traumatic, nonunion of ulna sustained at 11 years of age who presented with wrist deformity. The possible pathogenesis, differential diagnoses and its successful management are described. A 23-year- old right hand dominant male presented with a progressive wrist deformity of his right upper limb. At 11 years of age, he sustained an isolated open fracture of the right forearm. He had nonoperative treatment. He had 60 degrees of ulnar deviation at wrist. He had no pain in the wrist or elbow. He was able to do all activities using his right upper limb. Radiograph revealed a nonunion of ulna in mid-shaft. The radius was bowed. Radiographs at the time of injury revealed a displaced both bones forearm fracture in mid-shaft. He underwent open reduction, internal fixation of ulna with bone grafting and a corrective osteotomy of the radius. The contracted Extensor carpi ulnaris was Z lengthened. Seven months postoperative, both the nonunion of ulna and radius osteotomy were consolidated. The wrist had no deformity. He had returned to preoperative activity level. Though nonunion is rare in pediatric forearm fractures, asymmetric bone and soft tissue growth can lead to deformities even in the absence of physeal injury. In addition to the standard treatment of nonunion, maintenance of the relative lengths of radius and ulna is essential, to obtain optimum function.