"Biological Fixation" of Flexor Digitorum Longus: A New Modification of Tendon Transfer for Treatment of Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction.

Numerous surgical procedures for the treatment of posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) dysfunction have been developed, including tendon transfers, osteotomies, and arthrodesis. Among these methods, foot and ankle surgeons most frequently use flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in conjunction with medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus. Formerly, some less invasive techniques have been described to reduce surgical-related complications after FDL tendon transfer. Herein, we introduced a new modification of short-stump FDL tendon fixation to the navicular bone and reported the functional outcomes of the current technique in a patient with PTT dysfunction. In the current technique, the FDL tendon was fixed to the navicular bone via a trans-osseous tunnel using a split PTT stump. This method does not require any kind of fixation devices, such as an interference screw or anchor suture.Level of Evidence: V.

Descriptive Epidemiology and Survival Rate of Osteosarcoma: The First National Population-Based Study in the Middle East (2008-2014).

Objectives: The epidemiology of osteosarcoma (OS), the most common primary bone sarcoma, was not evaluated in the Middle East. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the incidence, demographic characteristics, epidemiology, and survival rate of patients with different subtypes of OS, based on data derived from the Iran National Cancer Registry (INCR) to evaluate the influence of ethnicity and race. Methods: All OS patients registered in the INCR between March 20, 2008, and March 20, 2014, were enrolled in this study, and information such as age, gender, cancer location, OS subtype, and survival time were evaluated statistically. Results: The Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR) for OS was 3.02 per million person-years, with a mean age of 25.6 years and a male-female ratio of 1.54:1. Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) OS, chondroblastic OS, and central OS had the highest frequencies among the subtypes of OS. The overall one-, three-, and five-year survival rates were 87%, 61%, and 49%, respectively, with a mean duration of 6.16 years. Conclusion: The ASIR of OS in our country was similar to that in the US and higher than that in China. The peak frequency was between 15-19 years old. The male-female ratio in our patients was higher than the OS gender ratio in most series. Although it was not statistically significant, older age at the time of diagnosis, axial location, and male gender were the poorest prognosis factors.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability After Modified Broström-Gould surgery: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Prospective Controlled Trial.

Background: Modified Broström-Gould (MBG) surgery is frequently used for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, conventional postoperative management (CPOM) due to prolonged immobilization may have adverse effects on tendons, ligaments, and joints, causing stiffness. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aimed to determine outcomes among patients randomized to receive CPOM plus ultrasonography-guided triple injections of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) compared to patients who receive only CPOM after MBG surgery. Methods: The present study included 40 patients with symptomatic CLAI who were candidates for the MBG surgery. The patients were randomized into 2 groups of 20, the control and PRP groups. In the PRP group, patients were injected with 3 doses of LR-PRP solution using ultrasonographic guidance. In the first injection, 2 mL of LR-PRP was injected near the injury site, and in the second and third injections, 4 mL of LR-PRP was injected in the tibiotalar joint. All patients received a short leg splint for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks in a walking boot. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and ankle total range of motion (total ROM). The assessment was performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The mean VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly in both groups 6 months after surgery (P < .001). However, the PRP group did not significantly improve in VAS or AOFAS scores compared with the control group. No clinically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding the total ROM scores at month 3. Conclusion: The application of LR-PRP after MBG surgery did not show any superior clinical or functional improvement over CPOM. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective randomized trial.

Job satisfaction, Career Burnout, and Work-Related Well-Being Prevalence among Orthopedic Surgeons: A Nationwide Study.

Background: Burnout is a well-known consequence of chronic stress. Orthopedic surgery is among the most desired specialty among Iranian medical students. The nature of the job, the income, and the ability to deal with stress can all be stressful factors for orthopedic surgeons. Nonetheless, little is known about how these medical doctors work and live in Iran. The present study aimed to assess job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout among Iranian orthopedists. Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted in Iran. Job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout were evaluated using the job description index (JDI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and Maslach Burnout Scale. They were also asked some additional questions related to career choice. Results: A total of 456 questionnaires (41% response rate) were retrieved. Overall, 56.8% of the participants experienced burnout. The burnout levels significantly differed based on age, years from graduation, working in public hospitals, operating more than 10 patients in a week, monthly income, having less than two children, and being single (P<0.05). They scored higher on work questions on the present job and jobs in general but lower scores on pay and opportunities for promotion. Conclusion: In a national study of orthopedic surgeons, their primary concern in JDI was "pay and promotion." Burnout was substantially associated with respondents' characteristics, such as younger age and having fewer children. This will lead to impaired performance, increased patient complaints, and the tendency to immigrate.

Initial Outcomes of a Novel Modification of Looped Threaded Carpal Tunnel Release Method.

Various surgical techniques are available for the alleviation of symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome and each of them has its pros and cons. This study was designed and performed to present a novel approach for cutting transverse carpal ligament by the thread looping technique without the use of ultrasonography. The novel modification of looped threaded carpal tunnel release was performed on 10 hands of 10 patients. The disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand score, visual analog scale, and 2-point discrimination were used for assessing the outcomes. No patients developed pillar pain or scar discomfort after surgery. Complete elimination of paresthesia, pain, and numbness occurred in all patients. There was a significant reduction in the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand and visual analog scale scores ( P value<0.05). This technique is safe, available, and effective for carpal tunnel release and minimizes postoperative complications, such as pillar pain, and scar discomfort with avoiding unnecessary injuries to the surrounding soft tissue.

Effects of fixation of clavicle fracture using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique on intra-operative bleeding volume, surgical duration, and post-operatively visual analog scale (VAS); A case series study.

Clavicle fractures are common fractures with a rate of 2-5 percent among fractures. Mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle are more common than the other sites of the clavicle. Traditionally, surgical fixation of clavicle fractures has been performed under General Anesthesia (GA). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of WALANT on intraoperative bleeding, pain control during and after surgery, postoperative complications and patients' function. In the current study, 30 patients with clavicle fractures were surgically fixed using the WALANT technique. The obtained results showed that it could be an effective technique for pain control during the operation and also early postoperative period. Moreover, the WALANT technique could be considered safe in patients who are at risk for GA because of medical comorbidities, cervical spine injuries, or other factors that make intubation difficult.

Incidence of primary bone sarcomas in Iranian population (2008-2015): A national population-based study.

Background: Epidemiological characteristics of bone sarcomas are variant in different populations, however, there is no previous study on primary bone sarcomas among Iranian population. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, age, sex distribution, histologic type, and location of malignant bone sarcomas, based on the Iran National Cancer Registry (INCR). Methods: This was a national population-based study using INCR data from March 20, 2008, to March 20, 2015, on patients who were diagnosed with primary bone sarcomas of the appendicular (C-code:40) and axial skeleton (C-code 41), excluding skull and face bones. Primary bone sarcomas were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O-3: C40-C41). Results: A total of 4112 patients (59.5% males and 40.5% females) with a mean age of 36 years were included in the study. 60.38% of patients were between 10 to 44 years old. The overall age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) was 8.23 (males=9.67 and females=6.80) per million person-years. Osteosarcoma chondrosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma were the three main histology subtypes with the ASIR of 2.36, 1.26, and 1.08 per million person-years. Long bones of the lower limb were the most affected area, with the ASIR of 3.18 (95% CI: 3.02-3.33) per million. We found an increasing trend in the incidence of bone sarcomas in Iran from 8.59 in 2007 to 11.37 per million person-year in 2015. Conclusion: This study provided the epidemiological features of bone sarcomas, including the histological type of sarcoma, tumors' location, and patients' age and gender in the Iranian population for the first time.

Successful Reconstruction of Proximal Phalanx Condylar Fracture in an Athlete Using Auto-Osteochondral Graft from the Base of Fifth Metacarpus: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Intra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanx head, especially with the condylar defect, are relatively rare but challenging for surgical treatment. Although several surgical procedures are available to reconstruct articular cartilage defects, the optimal method is unclear. This study reports a successful osteochondral reconstruction of proximal phalanx condylar defect in an athlete using the articular portion of the fifth metacarpal base.

Wide-awake local anesthesia for open rotator cuff repair: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Improper treatment of rotator cuff tear might result in progression of tear and deterioration of patient function. The rotator cuff tear can be managed conservatively in most cases however surgical treatment is inevitable in persistent patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 45-year-old woman presented to our clinic with shoulder pain and restricted range of motion following a fall from a height three months before the current presentation. Due to the lack of favorable response to conservative treatment and the fact that rotator cuff rupture was traumatic, she became a candidate for rotator cuff repair surgery. Due to financial issues and the patient's refusal of undergoing general anesthesia we considered the WALANT technique. Prior to surgery, we explained the whole procedure to the patient, referring to its pros and cons. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The WALANT procedure is a relatively recent technique that has become widespread in orthopedic surgery in the past decade. The advantages of the WALANT technique are that it is simple, feasible, and safe and that the analgesic is adequate during the operation and for the first few hours afterward (5). Concerns with this method include patient discomfort and pain during surgery, which can be managed by educating the patient and minute-by-minute explanation during the procedure. CONCLUSION: We advocate open rotator cuff repair with the WALANT approach as an effective, cost-saving, safe, simple, and quick alternative to general and regional anesthesia for certain patients or with limited anesthetic resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Electric shock sign after digital nerve injury; report of a case and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Digital nerve lacerations are rationally common, especially following penetrating injuries. The majority of patients suffer from numbness as the main complaint. However, electric shock pain is a rare manifestation of partial nerve injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman with partial digital nerve injury and an electric shock sign due to a 1 cm laceration on the volar side of the proximal phalanx three weeks earlier. The surgical exploration revealed a neuroma-like mass in the digital nerve; however, the continuity of the nerve was grossly intact. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to the superficiality of digital nerves, penetrating nerve injuries are rationally common in this area. Laceration of the digital nerve could lead to loss of sensation, clumsiness, and even loss of function. Gradually, neuroma formation would add a local pain and electric shock sign to the mentioned symptoms. CONCLUSION: Electric shock sign is characteristic for partial digital nerve injury with unknown mechanism. It seems the symptoms would be progressive and more complicated with neuroma formation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Orthopedic Trauma During Pregnancy; a Narrative Review.

Introduction: Blunt traumas, like road accidents and falls, are common causes of injuries to pregnant women, and the major risk factors are young age and low socioeconomic level. Due to physiological and anatomical changes specific to pregnancy, such as changes in blood pressure and hemoglobin drop, trauma management involves certain complexities. Physical trauma is estimated to cause at least 1 complication in every 12 pregnancies. This study aims to evaluate orthopedic trauma during pregnancy and appreciate the different approaches to circumvent the resultant challenges. Methods: We reviewed 55 articles, published on orthopedic trauma during pregnancy between 2011 and 2021. The articles were identified by searching PubMed, google-scholar, Scopus, and Science-Direct. We utilized the search terms: fall in pregnancy, traumas in pregnancy, motor vehicle accident/crash in pregnancy, blunt trauma in pregnancy, pregnant trauma patient, penetrating injury during pregnancy, assault, interpersonal violence in pregnancy, and mortality and pregnancy. Results: According to available reports, after stabilizing the pregnant patient, diagnostic procedures, including radiography, and even gadolinium-based techniques when needed, can be performed to examine extensive trauma. In contrast to elective orthopedic surgery, emergency orthopedic surgeries, including reduction of open fractures, should be performed promptly. Conclusion: Based on our investigation, pregnant women with orthopedic injuries that are severe, or even seemingly less severe, experience significantly increased adverse pregnancy outcomes, which include preterm birth, placental abruption, poor infant condition at birth, infant death, and even maternal death.

Primary Results of Hook Plate Fixation Technique for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Fracture-Avulsion: A Case Study.

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament(UCL) fracture-avulsion of the thumb which involves small osseous fragments is among common injuries to the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Methods: This case series was conducted on 11 patients (9 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 25.4±4.8 years with acute traumatic UCL fracture-avulsion with instability and Stener Lesion. A low-profile 2-mm stainless steel hook plate with a 2-mm screw was used for the internal fixation. Immobilization was performed for 10 days. Range of motion movements (ROM), grip power, and pinch strength were measured after three months. At the end of the follow-up period, functional outcomes were determined by the visual analog scale (VAS), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH). Results: The mean follow-up period was reported as 12.4±2.3 months. the union of avulsed small osseous fragments occurred at the end of the three-month follow-up. A number of 10 patients were treated by one hole 2-mm plate with a screw and a mean VAS score of 22.5±2.4, while a female patient had more severe pain with a mean score of 45. This patient complained about the irritation of the plate, especially in the thumb grip. The mean Quick DASH score was 9.6±1.4. The postoperative ROM was similar to that of the other side. Grip power and pinch strength were lower in the treated thumb, as compared to that in the opposite side; nonetheless, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, it can be concluded that the hook plate technique is a strong fixation method for thumb UCL fracture-avulsion, raising the possibility of earlier joint movements and rapid recovery; nevertheless, in some cases, it can reduce efficiency and induce painful grip.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma of Extremities: Descriptive Epidemiological Analysis According to National Population-based Study.

Background: Soft-Tissue Sarcoma (STS) is a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of mesenchymal origin, occurring in connective tissues. According to previously conducted studies, STS accounts for approximately 1% and 7-%15% of adult and pediatric malignancies, respectively. Almost 50%-60% of sarcomas arise from extremities and usually present as a large painless or rarely painful soft-tissue mass. The present study aimed to describe the epidemiology of soft-tissue sarcomas, especially in the Iranian population. Methods: This epidemiological study of limb soft-tissue sarcoma was conducted based on Iran National Cancer Registry data (INCR) between 2009 and 2014. Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma confirmed by histopathological studies were included, and data were classified based on the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (first revision-third edition [ICD-O-3]) and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was performed to extract age-standardized and age-specific incidence rates. Results: A total of 2, 593 patients (1,476 males and 1,117 females) were enrolled and assessed in the present study. The age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR) of total soft tissue sarcomas was 6.34 per million person-years. In addition, the highest and lowest ASIR scores stratified by age were observed in patients aged above 65 and under 0 with the value of 19.61 (95% CI:17.91-21.30) and 1.91 (95% CI 1.69, 2.13) per million, respectively. Limb soft tissue sarcomas stratified by gender were dominant in males, and it was statistically significant (P<0.05). The most common extremity soft tissue sarcomas subtypes were mesenchymal tumor (12.26%), spindle cell sarcoma (12.18%), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (11.45%). Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the present study, the ASIR of soft tissue sarcoma dramatically increased with age, and the peak ASIR occurred in the age range of above 65 years. The incidence rate of soft tissue sarcomas analyzed by disease site was higher in hip and lower limb than upper limb and pelvis region, and it was detected consistently in all age groups and both genders.

Pilot Study of Additive Effect of "Offloading Ilizarov Frame" To Reduce "Reverse Sural Flap" Surgery Complications: A Clinical Trial.

Background: A reverse sural flap is an available surgical technique because it provides robust axial blood circulation to flaps with a substantially larger surface area. We aimed to assess Ilizarov frames outcome after reverse sural flaps among patients with traumatic injuries to the distal portion of the leg. Methods: Patients with traumatic distal injury of leg in Shoha-e Tajrish Hospital in 2022-2021 were recruited and treated with reverse sural flaps. Interventional group was followed by Ilizarov frames application (group A). For the second group, just conventional dressings and proper positioning were done after surgery (group B). Between the two groups, the duration of surgery, the degree of flap swelling, the time from surgery to discharge and flap failure, surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other complications were compared using SPSS 25 software. Results: Of 26 recruited patients, twenty consented to participate in this study. The average time from initial injury to reconstruction surgery, the mean duration of surgery, the mean time from surgery to discharge and the degree of swelling of the flap was compared between these two groups. The results showed better outcome in Ilizarov group, but the flap swelling grade was the only statistically significant factor between groups (P value= 0.03). Conclusions: The use of "offloading Ilizarov frames" to protect reverse sural flaps resulted in a considerable reduction in the flap swelling. It is a safe, quick, easy, and effective technique.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Characteristics of Pediatric Supracondylar Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Environmental factors play a key role in the occurrence of pediatric supracondylar humerus (SH) fracture which has been widely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread. In this study, we aim to investigate the ultimate impact coronavirus pandemic has had on SH fractures in children. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study compares SH fractures which occurred during the pandemic with their prepandemic counterpart in a pediatric trauma public hospital. Patient's data, submitted from February to July 2020 and 2019, were collected and divided into two groups based on fractures' time of occurrence, i.e., during or before the pandemic. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of gender, type of fracture, injury location, and time of admission during a day between the aforementioned groups. However, in the pandemic group, patients were transferred to the operating room significantly quicker (odds ratio; 2.13 vs. 0.607, P = 0.01) and the surgery duration was shorter (40.17 ± 12.28 min vs. 49.11 ± 15.48 min, P = 0.011). It was found that the location of injury (home, school, etc.) varied between the two groups (P = 0.01) and the proportion of domestic injuries during the pandemic grew significantly (53.6% vs. 19.8%). Conclusion: Although the incidence of pediatric SH fractures has decreased due to the closure of schools and sports clubs during the pandemic, domestic occurrence of the same fracture type has grown disproportionately. To prevent this trend, pediatric centers should educate parents on child safety measures and fracture risks during the lockdown.

Value of D-Dimer as a Diagnostic Marker of Infection Associated with Orthopedic Implants.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the D-dimer biomarker has gained the researchers' attention for predicting infections. We aimed to determine the relationship between this marker and other inflammatory markers involved in orthopedic implant-associated infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, all patients diagnosed with an orthopedic implant-associated infection were investigated in 3 years. The serum level of D-dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured. Infection was diagnosed based on the clinical and culture results of biopsy samples. RESULTS: The cultured microorganisms, detected in 26 patients with infections, included Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13, 50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 2, 7.7%), Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 8, 30.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 3, 11. 5%). Based on laboratory findings, there was a significant difference in the CRP level and ESR (P = 0.001). Although the level of D-dimer was higher in infected patients, compared to the controls (992.6 ± 667.2 vs. 690.1 ± 250.2 ng/mL), the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between the elevated D-dimer level and CRP level, whereas ESR had a positive correlation with the elevated D-dimer level (r = 0.6, P = 0.03). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of D-dimer in the prediction of infection were 65%, 57%, and 45%, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of CRP were 100%, 92.3%, and 95%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for ESR were 85%, 69.2%, and 62%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Measurement of the serum D-dimer level is not efficient for the diagnosis of orthopedic implant-associated infections due to its low predictive value. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the serum D-dimer level and CRP.

Outcomes of Temporary Hemi-Epiphysiodesis Using a New Device for The Treatment of Pediatric Valgus Knee Deformity: a Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hemi-epiphysiodesis using a new device (X-plate) for the correction of genu valgum. METHODS: In total, 22 children with a total of 34 pathologic knee valgus deformities underwent the procedure and were followed up 25.3 months on average. RESULTS: The mean time to clinical correction of genu valgum was 10.9±2.2 months. Furthermore, the mean preoperative anatomic Lateral Distal Femoral Angle (aLDFA) and mechanical Tibia Femoral angle (mTFA) were obtained at 75.1±3.8 and 6±2.8 degrees, respectively. When clinical correction of the deformity was achieved, the mean of aLDFA and mTFA corrections were determined at 8.9±5.3 and 6.5±3.2 degrees, respectively. The mean speed of aLDFA and mTFA corrections were estimated at 0.8±0.45 and 0.6±0.3 degrees per month, respectively. The postoperative aLDFA and mTFA were measured at 84±4.2 and -0.8±2.9 on average. With a mean of 25.3±14.5 months at final follow-up, there were 6 (17.6%) mild valgus knees, 26 (75.5%) normal alignment knees, and only 2 (5.9%) mild varus knee within an acceptable clinical limit. CONCLUSION: Hemi-epiphysiodesis using X-plate at the distal physis of the femur is an effective and safe method for the treatment of valgus knee deformity in children.

Mobile Spine Osseous Sarcoma: Descriptive Epidemiological Analysis Based on a National Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Primary osseous sarcomas of the mobile spine are rare bony tumors. Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma and osteosarcoma constitute the majority of primary bone sarcomas of the spine; however, other rare sarcoma tumors may also affect the spine. In order to perform an epidemiological study of theses tumors, national registries may help to evaluate data for populations with similar characteristics. METHODS: A population-based study was designed based on data from the Iran National Cancer Registry (INCR). All morphology codes (M-Code) of primary osseous sarcomas of the mobile spine (C-code 41.2) were derived and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 186 patients with primary osseous sarcomas of the mobile spine, 67.2% were men and 32.8% were women. The median (IQR) age was 37.0 (20.0-59.0) years and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 0.37 per million. The majority of cases of Ewing sarcoma (29.5%) were observed in the age group 20-25 years. Among male patients with chondrosarcoma, the median age was 39.0 (30.0-50.0), while females showed a median age of 56.0 (50.0-59.0). The median age of patients with chordoma was 54.0 (47.0-63.0) years. The crude incidence rate of mobile spine osteosarcoma was 0.04 per million. CONCLUSION: Ewing sarcoma was the most frequent primary osseous sarcoma of the mobile spine. A male predilection was observed among all major sarcomas of the mobile spine. Ewing sarcoma in Iran affects the mobile spine in slightly older ages compared to other studies. Myxoid chondrosarcoma is the most frequent subtype of the mobile spine chondrosarcoma. Chordoma affects male in older ages compared to females. In contrast with other studies which showed a bimodal distribution of osteosarcoma of the spine including young adult and older age groups, 86% of cases in Iran were in the age group of 10-40 years.

How to extract a broken cephalomedullary nail safely? A case presentation and review of the literature.

Application rate of cephalomedullary nails in treatment of pertrochanteric fractures has been increased. Although cephalomedullary nail breakage is rare, the occurrence is catastrophic and removingdistal fragment of the broken nail is always a challenging issue. Many techniques have been described for extracting broken nails, but most of them are used for conventional femoral nails. Furthermore, many of these techniques require specific extraction devices. Herein, we introduce a simple technique to remove the distal fragment of broken cephalomedullary nail with the least equipment requirements.

Surgical Treatment for Bisphosphonate-related Atypical Femoral Fracture: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Atypical femoral fractures are the femoral fractures located anywhere between the lesser trochanter and the supracondylar flare of the femur. Long-term bisphosphonates, as the most common preventive and treatment medications for osteoporosis, are thought to have an important role in these fractures. Most of the fractures should be treated surgically, and the complications are considerable. METHODS: We searched Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, and DART on February 26, 2020. One author reviewed and retrieved citations from these four databases for irrelevant and duplicate studies, and two other authors independently extracted data from the studies and rated their quality.Patients with surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fracture, according to the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research definition, were included. Animal studies, case reports, studies with high-energy trauma, pathological fracture, or malignancy-related fractures were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 316 patients (348 fractures) were included in this study. Mean age of patients was 70.47 years, and 97.5% of them were female. Duration of using bisphosphonates was 4.04 to 8.8 years, and Alendronate was the most common type. Moreover, 65.27% and 34.72% of the reported fractures were in diaphyseal and subtrochanteric, respectively. Moreover, the most common fixation type was intramedullary. Rate of complication was 17.52%, and the most frequent one was non-union, followed by implant failure. The main limitation of this research was that most of the studies did not have a high level of evidence. CONCLUSION: An increase in the rate of atypical femoral fracture with its challenging management makes it an important issue to be noted by orthopedic surgeons. Based on the results of this study, subtrochanteric fractures might have more complications post-operatively and are suggested to be operated on by more experienced surgeons. It was also found that extra-medullary fixation increases the risk of complications. Future studies on union time, outcomes of different surgical methods, and teriparatide therapy may help shed more light on the surgical management of these fractures.