Temporary immobilization methods for closed low-energy ankle fracture-dislocations: comparative analysis of a retrospective cohort.

PURPOSE: Ankle fracture-dislocations (AFD) often necessitate staged management involving temporary external fixation (EF) due to mechanical instability or blistering. However, limited literature exists on the optimal temporary immobilization method for low-energy closed AFD. This study compared baseline patient and fracture characteristics, along with clinical and radiological outcomes between AFD initially immobilized with EF versus splinting. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients with AFD temporarily immobilized using EF or splinting, followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation. Quality of reduction (QOR) was assessed for each patient post-initial immobilization and after the definitive surgery. RESULTS: The study encompassed 194 patients: 138 treated with a splint (71.1%) and 56 (28.9%) with EF. Secondary loss of reduction had occurred in three patients who were splinted (2.2%). The mean ages in the EF and splint groups were 63.2 and 56.1 years, respectively (p = 0.01). Posterior malleolus fracture (PMF) and blisters were more prevalent in EF patients (69.6% vs. 43.5% for PMF and 76.8% vs. 20.3% for blisters, respectively; p = 0.05 and p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were 8.9% for EF versus 10.9% for splinting (p = 0.69). Satisfactory final QOR was attained in 79.8% of patients treated with a splint versus 64.3% with EF (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients immobilized by EF presented with poorer baseline characteristics and had more unstable injuries. Nevertheless, postoperative complication rates were comparable. Thus, EF appears to be a valuable tool for standardizing outcomes in AFD patients with a less favorable prognosis.

Outcomes and their predictors in suprapatellar nailing for tibia fractures. Multivariable analysis of 293 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures is one of the most common procedures in orthopedic surgery. It can be technically demanding in proximal or distal fractures, which may be facilitated using semi-extended approaches. The aim of this study is to identify outcomes and their predictors using a semi-extended suprapatellar approach for tibial fracture nailing. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 293 patients who underwent intramedullary nail fixation of a tibial fracture through a suprapatellar approach, considering a postoperative follow-up of 1 year. Data on patient's baseline characteristics, injuries, treatments, and outcomes regarding alignment, fracture union, and complications were recorded. For multivariable analysis, hierarchical binary (logistic) regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 47.7 years (SD 18.9), with 42A1 the most frequent fracture pattern (n = 98, 33.5%). Correct or anatomical alignment (≤ 5º in both planes) was achieved in 272 (92.8%) of the patients. On multivariate analysis, surgical delay ≥ 7 days (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.3-8.1) and age over 50 years (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.2-8.3) were found as predictors of fracture malalignment. Fracture healing was achieved in 97.6%, and reoperation rate was 6.14%. Overall complication's predictors were proximal fracture (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.1-7.2), temporary external fixation (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2-4.9), and fracture malalignment (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.9). CONCLUSION: The suprapatellar approach is a safe and useful technique for treating tibial fractures, leading to no less than correct reduction in almost all patients and achieving a high fracture healing rate, at very low rates of complications. Pre- and postoperative predictors identified must be taken into account to improve outcomes while treating these fractures.

Multiligament knee injuries. Ten years' experience at a public university, level I Trauma Center.

PURPOSE: To describe our institutional experience and results in the surgical management of multiligament knee injuries (MLKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective series of MLKI consecutively operated on at a single, level I Trauma Center. Data on patients' baseline characteristics, injuries, treatments, and outcomes were recorded up to one-year follow-up. Recorded outcomes included the Tegner-Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (TLKSS), return to work, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: MLKI incidence was 0.03% among 9897 orthopedic trauma admissions. Twenty-four patients of mean age 43.6 years were included in analysis. The mean Injury Severity Score was 12.6. Five patients presented with knee dislocations and six had fracture-dislocations, two of them open fractures. There was one popliteal artery injury requiring a bypass and four common peroneal nerve palsies. Staged ligamental reconstruction was performed in all cases. There were seven postoperative complications. The median TLKSS was 80 and, though patient satisfaction was high, and dissatisfaction was largely restricted to recreational activities (only 58.3% satisfied). Seventeen patients returned to their previous employment. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high aggregation of fracture-dislocations secondary to road traffic accidents. One in four patients experienced complications, particularly stiffness. Complications were more common in cases involving knee dislocation. Most patients had good functional results, but 25% were unable to return to their previous work, which demonstrates the long-lasting sequelae of this injury.

Staged treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: influence of frame configuration and quality of reduction on outcomes.

PURPOSE: Despite evolving treatment, the surgical management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) remains challenging, associating high rates of complications. In recent decades, staged management has emerged as an encouraging option. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the influence of bridging external fixation (EF) frame configuration and the resultant quality of reduction (QOR) on outcomes after staged-treatment of bicondylar TPF. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with bicondylar TPF treated at our level-I trauma center using a staged-treatment protocol from January 2010 to January 2020. Data on baseline characteristics, injuries, treatments, and clinical/radiological results were collected. The QOR was evaluated on CT images after EF and on plain films after ORIF. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were eligible for analysis. By our criteria, QOR was good in 57.4% and 70.6% after EF and ORIF, respectively. A squared EF configuration was associated with superior EF QOR (p = 0.032), while better EF QOR was linked to improved ORIF QOR (p = 0.016). No relationship between ORIF delay and ORIF QOR was identified. Postoperative complications were documented in 19 patients. Average ROM at one-year follow-up was 114.9 ± 12.6°, and non-influenced by anterior femoral pin placement. CONCLUSIONS: Staged management of bicondylar TPF resulted in a reasonable rate of complications. A direct relationship between QORs obtained with EF and after ORIF was found. Squared frames were associated with faster and better reductions, regardless of the surgeon's background. Considering our results, we advocate for the wider use of squared EF configurations in these patients.

Open reduction and polyaxial plating for stemmed knee periprosthetic fractures: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Stemmed total knee arthroplasty (STKA) periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) are an emerging problem affecting frail patients. Their surgical fixation is challenging, due to intramedullary involvement and poor bone stock. Polyaxial locking plating has yielded good results in implant-related femur fractures. We hypothesized that this treatment would provide similar results for STKA PPFs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with a femoral PPF or inter-implant fracture around a knee revision stem who had undergone open reduction and periprosthetic-specific polyaxial plate fixation. RESULTS: We found 14 cases of mean age 85.4 years. Cerclages were used in 80% of cases. Fixation of a mean 8.6 cortices around the revision stem was achieved, with an overall screw density of 1:2 or 1:3. Four patients lost their ability to walk, while four experienced postoperative local complications. Bone healing was achieved in all except one who died during hospitalization. The 13 remaining survived the first year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: STKA PPFs are an emerging and challenging problem affecting frail patients. Treatment using polyaxial locking plates provides stable fixation allowing early mobilization despite high complication rates.

Non-prosthetic implant-related femur fractures in post-polio patients.

The overall societal impact of poliomyelitis worldwide is decreasing, rendering it almost absent in most developed countries. However, even there, patients are still seen who contracted it in endemic areas or developed polio before vaccinations became widely available. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) causes skeletal and neurological changes that increase affected individuals' likelihood of fractures, including fractures requiring complex surgical treatment. The existence of previous internal fixation creates a particularly difficult challenge. We present here the surgical management of four post-polio patients who suffered non-prosthetic implant-related femoral fractures. Injuries occurred at earlier ages than implant-related fractures in non-polio patients and three of the four fractures occurred around plates, a phenomenon which is usually rare. The treatment of implant-related fractures in patients with post-polio syndrome poses significant technical challenges, often creating problematic functional sequelae for patients and high costs for healthcare systems.

Salvage hip replacement after cut-out failure of cephalomedullary nail fixation for proximal femur fractures: a case series describing the technique and results.

BACKGROUND: Cut-out failure following proximal femoral fracture fixation is a compromising complication warranting surgical treatment. We describe 24 patients with cut-out failure after cephalomedullary nail fixation managed with salvage hip replacement. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients who had sustained a proximal femoral fracture from December 2009 to December 2019, were managed with cephalomedullary nail fixation and experienced a cut-out failure were reviewed retrospectively. Data on demographics, comorbidities, injury characteristics, treatment, and post-operative course were analysed. RESULTS: Among 2802 proximal femoral fractures assessed, 28 fixations failed due to cut-out, with 24/28 patients subsequently undergoing salvage hip replacement. Intertrochanteric fractures (66.7%) managed with short nails predominated (79.2%). The median tip-to-apex distance (TAD) was 19 mm, but only two fractures had a good quality of reduction. Inverse correlations were identified between patient age and the time from fixation to cut-out (r = - 0.57; p = 0.02), and between the time of nailing to failure among patients with a greater TAD (r = - 0.43; p = 0.04). Most patients were managed via cemented hemiarthroplasty (66.7%). Surgical time was longer for total hip replacements (175.4 vs. 136.8 min; p < 0.01), but no bleeding or blood transfusion requirement differences were found. Two patients had orthopaedic complications, and three patients died within the first follow-up year. CONCLUSION: In our series, 1% of the proximal femoral fractures managed with a cephalomedullary nail failed due to cut-out. Salvage hip replacement appeared to be a relatively safe and reliable procedure for managing this challenging complication in patients who typically are elderly and physically frail.

Fractures after cephalomedullary nailing of the femur : Systematization of surgical fixation based on the analysis of a single-center retrospective cohort.

PURPOSES: Femoral implant related fractures (IRF) are a growing pathology in an increasingly elderly and frail population. A series of IRF after cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation of a femoral fracture is analyzed and an algorithm described to guide the management of such fractures. METHODS: All eligible patients operated on for IRF fixation after CMN were reviewed regarding their demographics, comorbidities, injury pattern, and treatment. Primary outcomes were mortality and local complications. Secondary outcomes were time to consolidation, time to weight-bearing initiation, length of hospitalization, and discharge destination. RESULTS: The incidence of IRF requiring fixation was 1.3% after 3401 CMN implantation procedures. Elderly women with comorbidities and plate fixation predominated. One-year mortality was 18.6%, being higher for patients presenting with infection and those unable to walk at the end of follow-up. Local complications occurred in 25.6%. Median time to weight-bearing was 9.1 weeks, but longer for patients with plate fixation or complications. Patients presenting with an infection and those discharged to nursing facilities had more comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Following an algorithm presented here, patients were treated either with nail exchange or lateral locking plate fixation, permitting straightforward evaluations and acceptable results in a very high-risk population.

Challenges and outcomes in the treatment of floating knees. A case series of ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures around the knee.

BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures around the knee (floating knee) are rare injuries that threaten both limb viability and patient life. A correct surgical strategy is essential to reduce complications and sequelae. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and results of treatment in patients with a floating knee treated at a single trauma center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and non-consecutive case series of 18 floating knees occurred in 17 patients. All patients were operated in a single third-level public and university hospital from December 2010 to December 2018. Data on demographics, injuries, treatment and follow-up were collected. A general health questionnaire (SF-12) and a knee functional questionnaire (KOOS-PS) were used to display results. RESULTS: We identified 13 men and 4 women, aged between 16 and 52. Mean follow-up period was 16.49 months. High-energy trauma following a traffic collision was the most frequent mechanism. Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 39.05, and a damage control strategy was used in 15 (83.33%) injuries. Extra-articular fractures (Fraser I) largely predominated, resulting in double intramedullary nailing in 72.22% of cases. Eleven injuries (61.11%) presented with an open fracture. Complications appeared in 6 (33.33%) injuries, being 3 infections. Mean score for the SF-12 was 35.59 for the physical dimension and 50.44 for mental dimension. Mean score for the KOOS-PS was 43.64. CONCLUSION: Floating knee injuries usually occur in polytrauma contexts. Visceral involvement and exposed fractures are common, so the most appropriate strategy is usually a staged treatment. Complications and sequelae are frequent.

Treatment of a post-traumatic stiff knee after an open extensor apparatus injury by arthroscopic arthrolysis through a free flap.

Open patella fractures have high complication rates. Post-traumatic joint stiffness is particularly common. The management of this complication is even more difficult if free flap was used to cover a soft tissue defect. Late surgical manipulation of free flaps can lead to their failure, with catastrophic consequences. The use of minimally invasive techniques could reduce the associated risks. We present a case of knee stiffness after the fix and flap treatment of a grade IIIB open patella fracture. We performed an arthroscopic arthrolysis with portals through the flap. The pedicle was preoperatively located and avoided. Joint range of motion remarkably improved without records of flap complications. We consider that the technique is feasible. Its success was based on the multidisciplinary collaboration between orthopaedic and plastic surgeons and rehabilitation medicine specialists.

Major trauma and severe burn: a synergistic mortality: case report and literature review / Traumatismo grave y quemadura severa: una mortalidad sinérgica: reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica

CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old man was transferred to our institution after a highenergy accident (an explosion). He presented second-degree burns on 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA), affecting the lower hemiabdomen and the lower right limb. He also presented a supraintercondylar open fracture of the right femur (Gustilo I). The burns were treated with debridement and coverage withmesh graft, while the fracture required an early transitory transarticular external fixation with delayed definitive osteosynthesis. Our patient presented good local and systemic evolution. We can offer a eleven-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: The literature supports that the combination of trauma and burn injuries is a relatively rare pattern, which may explain the lack of knowledge and studies on this subject. This double injury has demonstrated a synergistic effect on mortality. The management of soft tissues in the coexistence of an open fracture and a burn in the same limb is a challenge. The method and timing of the treatment of the fracture directly impacts the treatment of the burn (and vice versa), and most authors tend to treat the fracture first. All of the studies reviewed emphasized the importance of the multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a complex case combining major trauma and severe burns. Although there is a lack of studies in the literature on this subject, the papers state that this is an unusual pattern with a synergistic effect on mortality. In our experience, the management of soft tissues and the multidisciplinary approach play a central role, as it is also stated in the literature. The management of these patients is still controversial, and more studies are needed.

PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Hombre de 42 años trasladado a nuestra institución tras un accidente de alta energía (explosión). Presentaba quemaduras de segundo grado del 20% de la superficie corporal total (SCT), afectando el hemiabdomen inferior y la extremidad inferior derecha. También presentaba una fractura abierta supraintercondílea de fémur derecho (Gustilo I). Las quemaduras fueron tratadas mediante desbridamiento y cobertura mediante injerto mallado, mientras que la fractura requirió un fijador externo transarticular precoz de forma transitoria con una osteosíntesis definitiva diferida. Nuestro paciente presentó buena evolución local y sistémica. Podemos ofrecer un seguimiento a 11 meses. DISCUSIÓN: La bibliografía defiende que la lesión combinada de traumatismo y quemadura es un patrón relativamente raro, pudiendo explicar la falta de conocimiento y publicaciones al respecto. Este doble insulto ha demostrado un efecto sinérgico en la mortalidad. El manejo de las partes blandas cuando coexisten una fractura abierta y una quemadura en la misma extremidad es un desafío. El método y el momento de tratamiento de la fractura impactan de forma directa en el tratamiento de la quemadura (y viceversa); y la mayoría de los autores tienden a tratar en primer lugar la fractura. Todos los estudios analizados enfatizan la importancia del abordaje multidisciplinario. CONCLUSIONES: Hemos presentado un caso complejo combinando traumatismo grave y quemaduras severas. Aunque haya una falta de bibliografía, los estudios afirman que se trata de un patrón inusual con un efecto sinérgico sobre la mortalidad. En nuestra experiencia, el manejo de las partes blandas y el abordaje multidisciplinario tienen un rol central, tal y como defienden también los artículos publicados. El manejo de estos pacientes sigue siendo controvertido, y son necesarios más estudios.

Salvage for intramedullary nailing breakage after operative treatment of trochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND: Trochanteric fractures are one of the most common fractures in elderly people. The use of intramedullary nails is an option for their treatment, especially in unstable patterns. Nail breakage is a rarely reported complication. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nail breakage in our center. Secondary objectives are to show the management of this complication in our institution as well as the technical problems, complications and final outcomes of these patients in our hands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective case series review between 2010 and 2015, we analyzed 1481 patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures who had been treated by cephalomedullary nailing in our centre. 13 patients with nail breakage were identified. RESULTS: The percentage failure rate in our institution is 0.87%. 9 (69.2%) patients were women and 4 (3.8%) were men, with a mean age of 74.6 years (range 47-90). In all cases the mechanism of injury was a simple fall from standing height. Initial fracture types were: 1 case of AO/OTA 31A1, 6 cases of AO/OTA 31A2 and 6 cases of AO/OTA 31A3. Only 3 cases had a good overall reduction with a correct TAD, an optimal femoral neck-shaft angle and absence of fracture gaps >5 mm after surgery. The average time from the first surgery to the diagnosis of implant breakage was 333 days (range 70-1460), 11 months. Breakage occurred at the nail junction with the lag screw in 11 cases and in the distal nail aperture in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: An insufficient reduction with varus and fracture gaps >5 mm, the use of short nails in unstable patterns with subtrochanteric involvement and patients with certain comorbidities are facts observed that can contribute to the development of delayed or nonunion with subsequent nail breakage. Different salvage treatments, conversion to hip arthroplasty or revision osteosynthesis, may be considered but we think that prevention has to be the best treatment.

Correction of Spinal Deformity on a Lung Transplantation Recipient.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of lung disease and scoliosis entails a dramatic situation. There are no papers reporting scoliosis surgery in patients who suffered lung transplantation. PURPOSE: To describe the case of a patient who underwent surgery to correct progressive spinal deformity after two consecutive lung transplants. STUDY DESIGN: Case report, including review of patient records, imaging and pulmonary function tests, and literature review. METHODS: A 9-year-old woman diagnosed of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive scoliosis underwent lung transplant. Retransplantation of right lung was performed at the age of 14 due to chronic rejection. When she was 16, respiratory function was stable and spinal deformity severely impaired her quality of life. Patient and family demanded a surgical correction. At that moment, she had severe osteoporosis and immunosuppression as a result of anti-rejection therapy. The pattern was a severe double thoracic curve T1-T6 89° and T7-L1 139°. To correct it, a posterior instrumented spine fusion from T2 to L4 using a hybrid configuration was performed. RESULTS: No significant complications occurred in perioperative, postoperative, and midterm follow-up periods. Solid fusion was achieved and patient was satisfied with surgery. Unfortunately, chronic lung graft rejection worsened her long-term general status. CONCLUSIONS: Scoliosis surgery on lung transplant recipients is feasible, regardless of potential complications related to immunosuppression and osteoporosis. The goal is to improve quality of life.