Management of Non-Union Distal Femur Fracture with Augmentation Nail-Plate Construct: A Case Report.

Introduction: Non-union fractures of the distal femur pose significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, often requiring revision procedures to achieve successful bone healing. In cases where the initial implant has failed, innovative solutions are necessary to promote bone union and functional recovery. Case Report: We present a case of a non-union distal femur fracture in a 22-year-old male patient, with a broken implant in situ. The patient had previously undergone internal fixation with a locking plate, which subsequently failed to promote bone healing. The patient was reoperated using a supracondylar nail and augmented with a distal femur locking plate to address the non-union. The combination of the supracondylar nail and distal femur locking plate successfully provided stability to the fracture site, promoting bone union and enabling functional recovery. Radiographic evidence and clinical assessment demonstrated excellent healing progress. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of individualized treatment for non-union distal femur fractures, especially when prior implant failure occurs. The combined approach of a supracondylar nail and distal femur locking plate can be a valuable option in addressing complex non-union fractures, achieving stable fixation, and facilitating successful bone healing.

Functional Outcomes of Gap Non-Union Humerus Fractures Treated with Fibular Strut Graft, Iliac Crest Graft, and Locking Compression Plate.

Introduction: The humeral shaft gap non-union treatment surgically after unsuccessful fixation is difficult. In this study, the functional outcome of unsuccessful fixation of humeral shaft gap non-unions using a locking compression plate (LCP), fibular strut graft, and iliac bone graft was evaluated. Case Report: After taking ethical approval, we studied 10 patients with humeral shaft gap non-unions with unsuccessful surgical fixation treated with open reduction and internal fixation using LCP with fibular strut graft and iliac cancellous bone graft. The study duration was from January 2022-January 2024. The mean time from non-union was 7 months. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores improved significantly from a pre-operative average of 59.2 ± 7.3 to a mean final score of 24.6 ± 4.8 reflecting a mean improvement of 34.6 with no complications. Conclusion: This study shows that LCP with fibular strut graft and iliac bone grafts is a good alternative for diaphyseal humerus gap non-union along with statistically significant improvement in functional outcome, with union seen in all cases. This construct augments biomechanical stability and good biological healing in these gap non-unions.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: A Promising Approach for Enhancing Fracture Healing.

Fracture healing is a complex biological process that can be delayed or impaired in certain situations. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to promote bone formation and accelerate fracture healing. This editorial talks about the current understanding of BMPs, their mechanisms of action in fracture healing, and their potential applications in orthopedic trauma management. We also discuss the ongoing challenges and future directions for research on BMPs in fracture healing.

Treatment of Infected Tibia Non-union Using a Novel Solid Intramedullary Nail Custom-Made for Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement Coating.

The chronic and incapacitating condition of infected non-union of the long bones continues to be a challenging issue for surgeons in terms of efficient and economical treatment. A number of variables, such as open fractures, soft tissue or bone loss, infection following internal fixation, persistent osteomyelitis with pathologic fractures, and surgical debridement of infected bone, can result in infected non-unions. An infected non-union is typically treated in two stages. To transform an infected non-union into an aseptic non-union, the initial step involves debridement, either with or without the insertion of antibiotic cement beads and systemic antibiotics. In order to ensure stability, external or internal fixation - with or without bone grafting - is carried out in the second stage. There is a wealth of literature supporting the use of antibiotic-impregnated cement-coated intramedullary (IM) nailing for infected non-union of tibia and femur fractures. In contrast to cement beads, the cement nail offers stability throughout the fracture site, and osseous stability is crucial for the treatment of an infected non-union. When using antibiotics for this purpose, they should possess unique qualities, including low allergenicity, heat stability, and a broad spectrum of activity. The most commonly utilised medication has been gentamicin, which is followed by vancomycin. Furthermore, it has been discovered that solid nails are more resistant to local infection than cannulated IM nails. In this case study, the patient was treated with a solid IM nail that had a specially designed slot on its exterior surface for the application of cement impregnated with antibiotics. In conclusion, an easy, affordable, and successful treatment for infected non-union of the tibia is antibiotic cement-impregnated nailing. It has strong patient compliance and removes the problems associated with external fixators, which makes it superior to them. A few benefits of this approach are early weight-bearing, stabilisation of the fracture, local antibiotic treatment, and the potential for accelerated rehabilitation. Additionally, lowering the requirement for continuous antibiotic medication may lessen the chance that antibiotic resistance may arise.

Non-vascularised fibula as an adjuvant in the management of diaphyseal humerus non-union- A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Introduction: There is no standard protocol for managing non-union of diaphyseal humerus bone, with several authors reporting their results using various techniques and methods for its management. No meta-analysis has reported the results of managing these cases with non-vascularized fibula grafting as an adjuvant for osteosynthesis. Materials and methods: This meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled data for calculating the union rates in diaphyseal humerus fractures managed with non-vascularized fibula grafting. Risk of Bias was computed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool. Results: A total of 5 studies, comprising 102 patients, were included. The pooled estimate demonstrated that 94 patients achieved bone union with intramedullary fibular strut grafting. The pooled union rate (per 100 events) was 90.59 (95 % CI, 82.86-95.04, I2 = 0). The present meta-analysis also showed a significant improvement in DASH scores following the use of a non-vascularized fibula graft with a common effects model (SMD = 4.08; 95%CI: 3.44; 4.72; p < 0.01 I2 = 19 %, p-value for Q test = 0.29). Conclusion: Non-vascularized fibula grafting is an excellent adjuvant for the internal fixation of non-union diaphyseal humerus fractures. Although there is limited literature, further studies should highlight and assess the treatment of these uncommon but disabling conditions.

Management of Infected Gap Non-union of Distal Femur with Induced Membrane Technique using Limb Reconstruction System Followed by Augmentation Plating and Bone Grafting: A Case Report.

Introduction: Distal femur fractures are high-velocity injuries which accounts for 7-10% of all femoral fractures of which 5-10% are open fractures. Despite advances in techniques and implants, treatment remains a challenge, in many situations due to increased risk of infection, non-union and loss of range of motion. Surgical management of such complex injury includes radical debridement with stabilization followed by management of gap non-union with appropriate techniques and restores the range of motion. Case Report: We present a case of 20-year-old man who had suffered multiple orthopedic trauma following accident. The patient had open comminuted fracture of the right distal femur, closed fracture of the same side tibia shaft, and right side closed both bone forearm shaft fracture. The patient was initially treated with debridement and knee-spanning limb reconstruction system (LRS). The patient developed infection and subsequently osteomyelitis of the distal femur shaft and gap non-union of 8 cm. The patient was operated for two-stage-induced membrane technique (IMT) and bone grafting using LRS followed by non-vascularized fibula strut grafting and plating. Quadriceps contracture was later on treated with quadricepsplasty to get good functional and radiological outcome. Conclusion: A case of open distal femur comminuted fracture with a very small distal fragment complicated with osteomyelitis and gap non-union. We have shown that the use of IMT followed by non-vascularized fibula strut grafting and plating along with quadricepsplasty can give a very good outcome.

Percutaneous injection of autologous platelet gel accelerate healing in diabetic tibial non union: On going longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: In this study the tibial shaft fracture non unions in diabetes mellitus are evaluated with percutaneous autologous platelet gel supplementation to accelerate union are compared with individually matched control group with autologous iliac crest bone marrow aspirate injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This present study was carried out on tibial non unions in diabetic patients recruited in an ongoing longitudinal study over a period of 2006 to 2017, treated by one surgeon at one institute, are included in this report. Each of 18 established tibial atrophic, aseptic non unions treated by percutaneous autologous platelets and iliac crest bone marrow aspirate were followed up on regular basis up till 9 months. The healing of non union was assessed clinically by painless full weight bearing and the radiological union was judged by bridging callus formation observed on at least 3 of 4 cortices in anteroposterior and lateral views. RESULTS: Union was observed in 17 (94.4 %) patients of the autologous platelet group. The average time to union was 9.2 weeks (range 8 to 18 weeks) after percutaneous autologous platelet injection (P < 0.0517) .In the control group, union was observed in 14 (77.8 %) patients (P = 0.672). The average time to union following percutaneous bone marrow injection was 11.6 weeks (range 9 to 28 weeks). The proximal 1/3 shaft non union healed comparatively faster than the distal 1/3 shaft tibia (P ≤ 0.0612). No correlation was observed between the comminuted and non comminuted fracture non union (P = 0.789). A significant correlation was noted as regards the non union healing time duration in patients who were on insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs (P ≤ 0.001) and also about the total duration of diabetes mellitus in years (P ≤ 0.003). CONCLUSION: This investigation showed that percutaneous autologous platelet gel delivery is sufficient method to obtain union in diabetic tibial fracture non unions, which is less invasive procedure than bone marrow injection. The efficacy of this autologous platelets is once again well established and this study reinforced categorically the previously published report by the author.

Ultrasound-based Measurement of the Intra-scaphoid angle.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound is gaining popularity for diagnosing scaphoid fractures. However, it hasn't been used to assess fracture displacement, such as humpback deformity. We propose a sonographic method to measure the intra-scaphoid angle, potentially serving as an alternative to CT scans for detecting fragment malposition after a scaphoid fracture. METHODS: We recruited 11 healthy adult volunteers without wrist pathology and performed bilateral wrist ultrasounds, totaling 22 examinations. Each wrist was splinted at 50 ° extension and fully supinated. Two hand surgeons independently performed the ultrasounds. All images were then evaluated separately by two evaluators. The following measurements were taken: 1. Inter-poles distance (IPD): Distance between the summits of the two scaphoid poles on the palmar cortex. 2. Palmar cortical intra-scaphoid angle (PCISA): Angle between the two summits and the deepest point of the waist on the palmar cortex. Measurements were compared for inter-investigator and inter-evaluator reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The study included four males and seven females, with an average age of 35 years (range 21-56). The mean PCISA was 142 ° (SD 10 °) and the mean IPD was 16.3 mm (SD 2.1 mm). Differences in IPD measurements averaged 0.3 mm (range 0-5.2 mm) among investigators and 1.0 mm (range 0.1-3.8 mm) among evaluators. For PCISA, the differences averaged 4 ° (range 0-17 °) among investigators and 6 ° (range 0-15 °) among evaluators. The ICC for IPD was 0.804 (investigators) and 0.572 (evaluators); for PCISA, it was 0.704 (investigators) and 0.602 (evaluators). CONCLUSION: This study presents a cost-effective and accessible sonographic technique to measure the intra-scaphoid angle. Further research is required to assess its effectiveness in scaphoid fractures and compare it to CT-based measurements like the H/L ratio, LISA, and DCA.

Clinical management and innovation in fracture non-union.

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction and continuous improvement in operative fracture fixation, even the most severe bone fractures can be treated with a high rate of successful healing. However, healing complications can occur and when healing fails over prolonged time, the outcome is termed a fracture non-union. Non-union is generally believed to develop due to inadequate fixation, underlying host-related factors, or infection. Despite the advancements in fracture fixation and infection management, there is still a clear need for earlier diagnosis, improved prediction of healing outcomes and innovation in the treatment of non-union. AREAS COVERED: This review provides a detailed description of non-union from a clinical perspective, including the state of the art in diagnosis, treatment, and currently available biomaterials and orthobiologics.Subsequently, recent translational development from the biological, mechanical, and infection research fields are presented, including the latest in smart implants, osteoinductive materials, and in silico modeling. EXPERT OPINION: The first challenge for future innovations is to refine and to identify new clinical factors for the proper definition, diagnosis, and treatment of non-union. However, integration of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico research will enable a comprehensive understanding of non-union causes and correlations, leading to the development of more effective treatments.

Incidence of complications and functional outcomes following segmental femoral shaft fractures: a critical review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Although segmental femoral shaft fractures (SFSF) are very challenging to manage, there has been no critical evaluation of the current practices and outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate their characteristics, management trends, outcomes, and complications. METHODS: A literature search was conducted via the SCOPUS, Embase (via SCOPUS) and MEDLINE (via PubMed) between 1995 and 2023. Studies were included if they reported patient demographics, mechanism of injury, classification of fractures, associated injuries, type of management, outcomes, and complications. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: only diaphyseal fractures were included and proximal and distal femoral fractures were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Overall, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria reporting on 313 patients. Mean age was 36.2 years with male-female ratio of 4.8 to 1. The majority were high-energy fractures secondary to road traffic accidents and 16% were open. The most commonly associated injuries included chest injury (27%) and lower leg fractures (24%). Treatment consisted of intramedullary nailing (IMN) (72%), plating (22%) or both combined (6%). Outcomes reported: good in 70%, fair in 10%, excellent in 19% and poor in 2% of cases. Mean time to union was 20 weeks. Complications are reported in 24% of cases, with most common delayed union (5%) and non-union (4%). CONCLUSION: SFSF are high-energy fractures occurring most commonly in young males, are open in 16% of cases and have significant associated injuries. In their overwhelming majority, IMN is the mainstay of treatment. The expected outcome is generally good in 70% of cases, although not devoid of complications in 24% of cases and patients must be aware of this during the consent process.

Successful Management of a Pediatric Patient with Humeral Lateral Condyle Non-union, Elbow Valgus Deformity and Ulnar Neuropathy.

Background: Humeral lateral condyle fracture is the most common elbow fracture in children after supracondylar fractures. Non-union of these fractures may cause ulnar nerve deficit, deformity and loss of joint motion, which are difficult to manage. Treatment of lateral condyle non-union can be done in two stages or one stage. However, despite all types of treatment, the chance of success is very variable. Many complications such as avascular necrosis, loss of motion, non-union, chronic pain, and heterotopic ossification have been reported as a result of surgeries performed for lateral condyle pseudoarthrosis. Objective: In this article, we applied two-stage surgical treatment to a pediatric patient who developed ulnar neuropathy and elbow valgus deformity as a result of lateral condyle non-union. Case report: A 8-year-old boy with lateral condyle nonunion presented to our clinic with pain and deformity. After initial examination, two-stage surgical treatment was planned to achieve union and deformity correction. In the first stage, we performed pseudoarthrosis surgery and ulnar nerve anterior transposition, and in the second stage, we performed elbow valgus deformity correction surgery. In three year follow-up, the range of elbow was 130/5/0 flexion/extension, with full supnation and pronation. Carrying angle was same with the opposite side. Conclusion: Pediatric humeral lateral condyle nonunions cause deformity, pain, loss of motion, instability and neuropathy. Surgical treatment of nonunions with a careful planning provide excellent clinical and functional results.

Sternal fixation and autologous bone grafting for post sternotomy non-union: a case series.

Background: Sternal non-union is a rare but serious complication post cardiac surgery. It is defined as sternal pain with clicking, instability or both, lasting for more than 6 months in the absence of infection. It usually presents in an outpatient setting and is confirmed on computed tomography (CT) scanning. Despite many corrective methods described in the literature, there is a lack of consensus amongst cardiac surgeons as to the ideal surgical management of sternal non-union post cardiac surgery. We describe our experience of sternal plating combined with autologous iliac crest bone grafting (AICBG) for sternal fixation and explore its safety and feasibility in patients with non-union post cardiac surgery. Case Description: Patients who underwent sternal non-union surgery between 2015 and 2020 were included. Their primary cardiac surgical interventions occurred between 2011-2018. Demographic, clinical and outcome data obtained from a local database was analyzed retrospectively. Surgical procedure: sternal edge debridement, plate fixation with screws, filling with AICBG. Due to variable pathoanatomy of non-union, residual wires and multiple fragments of poor bone quality were cut and the sternal halves were stabilised by titanium plates and screws. These were reinforced with AICBG applied in the residual sternal gap created after debridement. Seven patients were included in the study. Median age was 65 years (54-75 years). Four patients (57.1%) were male. Demographic risk factors for sternal non-union prior to their initial cardiac surgery included diabetes (N=6), smoking history (N=3), and a median body mass index (BMI) of 31.2 kg/m2. The median interval between primary surgery and sternal fixation was 2.2 years. There were no perioperative deaths. Complications post sternal plating such as iliac crest pain (n=3) and acute tubular necrosis (n=1) were managed conservatively with long-term resolution. None of the patients required further intervention post sternal fixation after a mean follow-up of 18.0 months. Conclusions: The use of AICBG in addition to sternal plating is a viable and innovative method of treating sternal non-union post-cardiac surgery with lasting effects and without any serious long-term complications. However, further larger studies are required to validate our results.

Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Strategies for Forearm Shaft Non-union: A Contemporary Perspective.

Forearm non-union poses a challenge in orthopaedic surgery due to its intricate anatomy and functional significance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the assessment, diagnosis and management of forearm non-union. Initial evaluation involves a meticulous history, physical examination and imaging studies to identify factors contributing to non-union, including infection. Surgical approaches are discussed, with emphasis on restoring biomechanical stability and promoting bone healing. Treatment options range from autografts to allografts, with considerations for vascularised bone transfers in complex cases. Decision-making strategies are outlined, considering patient-specific factors and individualised treatment plans. Special considerations for specific types of forearm non-unions are addressed, along with postoperative care protocols to optimise healing and functional outcomes. Overall, this review aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of forearm non-union management based on current evidence and clinical practice. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Graft choice for managing scaphoid non-union: umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of the non-vascularized bone graft by Matti and Russe, followed by vascularized grafts and more recently by free vascularized bone grafts, the choice of technique in scaphoid non-union has been controversial. The purpose of the present study was to address the following questions in an umbrella review: Do union rates differ between techniques? Is there any evidence that one technique is superior to another? METHODS: An umbrella review conducted during September 2023 month included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The primary criterion was mean union rate according to technique. The secondary criterion was indication according to type of non-union. The PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases were searched using a predefined methodology according to the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA version 2020). The quality of the systematic reviews included was evaluated by the "Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews" instrument (AMSTAR 2). RESULTS: Nine studies (systematic reviews or meta-analyses) were included. Quality ranged between low and high. A Table was constructed to summarize the qualitative findings of each article. There was no significant difference in union rates between vascularized and non-vascularized bone grafts in 8 of the 9 studies: vascularized bone graft, 84-92%; non-vascularized bone graft, 80-88%. One study found higher union rates with vascularized bone graft (RR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = 0.02), but no significant difference in functional results. However, vascularized bone graft was more effective in case of avascular necrosis of the proximal pole (74-88% union for vascularized bone graft vs. 47-62% for non-vascularized bone graft) and in revision cases, while non-vascularized bone graft showed fewer failures in case of humpback deformity and/or dorsal intercalated segment instability (IRR 0.7 ± 0.09; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review provides an overview for management of scaphoid non-union. There were no significant global differences between techniques. Thus, various factors need to be considered when selecting the appropriate technique.

Osteoperiosteal fibular strut grafting - A technique to improve union rates.

PURPOSE: Gap non-union of long bones are challenging problems in orthopaedic patients. Non-vascularized fibular grafting is a simple, cost effective, single stage procedure and is an accepted method of reconstruction for gap non unions in children. However, there is a risk of non-union when a long avascular strut of fibula is used. The periosteum, by itself has high biological activity and is helpful in osteointegration. Harvesting the fibula with the periosteum gives the advantage of mechanical and biological support in a gap non-union. METHODS: During 2020 to 2022, 13 patients presented to us with gap nonunion of long bones due to various aetiology. The mean age of the patients was six years with a mean bone gap of 4.2 cm. A modified technique of harvesting the fibula with the periosteum is described. The graft was stabilized with the recipient bone by intra medullary or extra medullary implants. RESULTS: Union occurred in average 12.7 weeks in all except one patient with congenital pseudoarthrosis of tibia. The fibula on the harvest site regenerated completely in all other patients. One patient had a superficial infection. Children were followed were an average of 17.5 months and there was no incidence of graft resorption or fracture. Osteoperiosteal fibula graft is a simple, effective and cost-effective procedure for the treatment of gap non-unions in children. It offers the advantage of both biological and mechanical support, with high union rates and low complication rates.

Determinants of non-union after standard plate fixation for combined radial and ulnar fractures in adults.

Treatment of mid-shaft fractures of both forearm bones in adults typically consists of individual plate fixation of each bone according to AO principles. The primary objective of this multicentre retrospective study was to identify predictive and prognostic factors of failed bone union after internal fixation with a standard plate in adults. 130 mid-shaft fractures of both forearms occurred in 92 men and 38 women, who had a mean age of 35.1 years were reviewed; 42 were open: 31 were Gustilo type I, 10 were type II and 1 was type III. All patients underwent ORIF using a direct approach over the supinator crest for the ulnar fracture and using an anterior approach at the level of the radial fracture by dynamic compression plate in 90 cases and a limited-contact dynamic compression plate in 40 cases, all with 3.5 mm diameter screws. The radiographs from all patients were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 12 months: primary union of both forearm bones occurred in 121 of the 130 cases after a mean of 4.6 months (±2.6). 104 patients were reviewed clinically with a minimum follow-up of 12 months and a mean of 36 months (±21.7). According to Tscherne-Oestern classification, 79 % of patients had a very good outcome, 6 % had a good outcome, 10 % had a fair outcome and 5 % had a poor outcome Non-union occurred in 9 patients (one septic): 4 times at both fracture sites, 4 times at the ulna only and once at the radius only. The mean age was higher in the patients with non-union: 46.4 years versus 34.2 (P = 0.08). Smoking, alcoholism, associated head trauma, presence of pre-operative nerve deficit and open fracture did not appear to be risk factors for non-union. The type of plate used and the number of screws placed on either side of the fracture site had no effect on union. This patient series had a similar non-union rate to the one reported in other published studies, likely because the technical rules were followed. A lack of statistical power probably prevented us from identifying prognostic factors for bone union.

Applying 3D-printed prostheses to reconstruct critical-sized bone defects of tibial diaphysis (> 10 cm) caused by osteomyelitis and aseptic non-union.

BACKGROUND: Clinical repair of critical-sized bone defects (CBDs) in the tibial diaphysis presents numerous challenges, including inadequate soft tissue coverage, limited blood supply, high load-bearing demands, and potential deformities. This study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of employing 3D-printed prostheses for repairing CBDs exceeding 10 cm in the tibial diaphysis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 patients (11 males and 3 females) with an average age of 46.0 years. The etiologies of CBDs comprised chronic osteomyelitis (10 cases) and aseptic non-union (4 cases), with an average defect length of 16.9 cm. All patients underwent a two-stage surgical approach: (1) debridement, osteotomy, and cement spacer implantation; and (2) insertion of 3D-printed prostheses. The interval between the two stages ranged from 8 to 12 weeks, during which the 3D-printed prostheses and induced membranes were meticulously prepared. Subsequent to surgery, patients engaged in weight-bearing and functional exercises under specialized supervision. Follow-up assessments, including gross observation, imaging examinations, and administration of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, followed by annual evaluations thereafter. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 28.4 months, with an average waiting period between prosthesis implantation and weight-bearing of 10.4 days. At the latest follow-up, all patients demonstrated autonomous ambulation without assistance, and their LEFS scores exhibited a significant improvement compared to preoperative values (30.7 vs. 53.1, P < 0.001). Imaging assessments revealed progressive bone regeneration at the defect site, with new bone formation extending along the prosthesis. Complications included interlocking screw breakage in two patients, interlocking screw loosening in one patient, and nail breakage in another. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of 3D-printed prostheses facilitates prompt restoration of CBDs in the tibial diaphysis, enabling early initiation of weight-bearing activities and recovery of ambulatory function. This efficacious surgical approach holds promise for practical application.

Reconstruction of gap non-union tibia with composite use of extramedullary fixation and bone transport by monorail fixator: a prospective case series.

Introduction: Non-union is a complex, multifactorial orthopaedic problem that requires multiple treatment modalities for its management. It can result from infection, segmental bone loss, soft-tissue loss, and associated host factors. External fixators as management of gap non-union are bulky and give rise to a number of complications In our study, we have described a technique where we have used extramedullary fixation in the form of a tibial locking plate and transportation of part of the tibial bone after corticotomy by a monorail fixator. Materials and Methods: The procedure was done in two stages where internal and external fixation was done after creating a gap at the non-union site. The bone was transported after corticotomy and fixed to the internal fixation device in the second stage. The external fixator was removed in the second stage and the patient was then followed up till the bony union. The evaluation was done by functional and radiological assessment along with the complications noted with the described procedure. Results: Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 33 years. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 ± 11.32 years with a mean size of the defect was 4.8 ± 1.7 cm. At 30 weeks out of nine patients, three patients had excellent and six had good functional results on the Association of Surgeons for Application and Methodology of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scale. The composite Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 76.66 % at the end of 30 weeks of follow-up. The mean time of consolidation was 134.4 days, whereas the mean union time was 145 days from index surgery. Ankle stiffness was the most common complication affecting 50% of the patients. Following closely was pin tract infection, which was present in 40% of the patients. According to Paley's classification, there were 11 obstacles, two problems and none were true complications. Conclusion: The integrated fixation is both safe and effective and has the advantage of early removal of the external fixator and a low complication rate as compared to use of a bulky conventional fixator alone. Moreover, it gives protection to the regenerated bone for a long period. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects.

Neglected Bicondylar Fracture of the Distal Humerus Treated With Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

A 69-year-old woman suffered a distal humerus fracture including the medial and lateral condyles. She received conservative treatment with a posterior arm splint at a local healthcare center where she was evaluated by a non-specialist physician. Eight months later, she presented to our department complaining about severe instability. An upper limb specialist examined the patient at the time, and after thoroughly explaining the condition, he suggested a surgical approach with total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), which was then performed. At the one-year follow-up, the patient had a full range of motion without any complications or pain complaints. TEA in neglected fractures of the distal humerus is a poorly researched topic in the field of upper limb surgery with only scarce literature available. In this case report, we present the excellent outcomes of the procedure performed on an elderly patient after non-union regaining her quality of life and suggest that TEA can be a viable solution in elderly patients with complicated or non-united elbow fractures.

Case Studies of a Simulation Workflow to Improve Bone Healing Assessment in Impending Non-Unions.

Background: The healing potential of a fracture is determined by mechanical and biological factors. Simulation-based workflows can help assess these factors to assist in predicting non-unions. The aim of this study was the introduction of two use cases for a novel patient-specific simulation workflow based on clinically available information. Methods: The used software is an extension of the "Ulm Bone Healing model" and was applied in two cases with non-union development after fracture fixation to show its principal feasibility. The clinical and radiographic information, starting from initial treatment, were used to feed the simulation process. Results: The simulation predicted non-union development and axial deviation in a mechanically driven non-union. In the case of a biological non-union, a slow, incomplete healing course was correctly identified. However, the time offset in callus bridging was discordant between the simulation and the distinctly slower healing response in the clinical case. Conclusions: The simulation workflow presented in the two clinical use cases allowed for the identification of fractures at risk for impending non-union immediately after the initial fixation based on available clinical and radiographic information. Further validation in a large non-union cohort is needed to increase the model's precision, especially in biologically challenging cases, and show its validity as a screening instrument.