Consensus for management of sacral fractures: from the diagnosis to the treatment, with a focus on the role of decompression in sacral fractures.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence in the current literature about the best treatment option in sacral fracture with or without neurological impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Italian Pelvic Trauma Association (A.I.P.) decided to organize a consensus to define the best treatment for traumatic and insufficiency fractures according to neurological impairment. RESULTS: Consensus has been reached for the following statements: When complete neurological examination cannot be performed, pelvic X-rays, CT scan, hip and pelvis MRI, lumbosacral MRI, and lower extremities evoked potentials are useful. Lower extremities EMG should not be used in an acute setting; a patient with cauda equina syndrome associated with a sacral fracture represents an absolute indication for sacral reduction and the correct timing for reduction is "as early as possible". An isolated and incomplete radicular neurological deficit of the lower limbs does not represent an indication for laminectomy after reduction in the case of a displaced sacral fracture in a high-energy trauma, while a worsening and progressive radicular neurological deficit represents an indication. In the case of a displaced sacral fracture and neurological deficit with imaging showing no evidence of nerve root compression, a laminectomy after reduction is not indicated. In a patient who was not initially investigated from a neurological point of view, if a clinical investigation conducted after 72 h identifies a neurological deficit in the presence of a displaced sacral fracture with nerve compression on MRI, a laminectomy after reduction may be indicated. In the case of an indication to perform a sacral decompression, a first attempt with closed reduction through external manoeuvres is not mandatory. Transcondylar traction does not represent a valid method for performing a closed decompression. Following a sacral decompression, a sacral fixation (e.g. sacroiliac screw, triangular osteosynthesis, lumbopelvic fixation) should be performed. An isolated and complete radicular neurological deficit of the lower limbs represents an indication for laminectomy after reduction in the case of a displaced sacral fracture in a low-energy trauma associated with imaging suggestive of root compression. An isolated and incomplete radicular neurological deficit of the lower limbs does not represent an absolute indication. A worsening and progressive radicular neurological deficit of the lower limbs represents an indication for laminectomy after reduction in the case of a displaced sacral fracture in a low-energy trauma associated with imaging suggestive of root compression. In the case of a displaced sacral fracture and neurological deficit in a low-energy trauma, sacral decompression followed by surgical fixation is indicated. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus collects expert opinion about this topic and may guide the surgeon in choosing the best treatment for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not applicable (consensus paper).

Spring Plates as a Valid Additional Fixation in Comminuted Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The posterior wall fracture is the most frequent pattern of acetabular fractures. Many techniques of fixation have been described in the literature and involve plates, screws, or a combination of both. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of spring plates in the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. (2) Methods: A retrospective multicenter (four level I trauma centers) observational study was performed. Patients with a comminuted posterior wall acetabular fracture treated with a spring plate (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) were included. Diagnosis was made according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Diagnosis was confirmed with plain radiographs in an antero-posterior view and Judet views, iliac and obturator oblique views, and thin-slice CT with multiplanar reconstructions. (3) Results: Forty-six patients (34 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 51.7 years (range 19-73) were included. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (34 cases). In all cases, spring plates were placed under an overlapping reconstruction plate. The mean follow-up was 33.4 months (range 24-48). The mean period without weight-bearing was 4.9 weeks (range 4-7), and full weight-bearing was allowed at an average of 8.2 weeks (range 7-11) after surgery. (4) Conclusions: According to the present data, spring plates can be considered a viable additional fixation of the posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Italian Consensus Conference on Guidelines for preoperative treatment in acetabular fractures.

Preoperative management of acetabular fracture is a major problem and no consensus has been reached in literature on the optimal treatment of this problem. We present the results of the First Italian Consensus Conference on Acetabular fracture. An extensive review of the literature has been undertaken by the organizing committee and forwarded to the panel. Members were appointed by surgical experience with acetabular fractures. From November 2017 to January 2018, the organizing committee undertook the critical revision and prepared the presentation to the Panel on the day of the Conference. Then 11 recommendations were presented according to the 11 submitted questions. The Panel voted the recommendations after discussion and amendments with the audience. Later on, a second debate took place in September 2018 to reach a unanimous consent. We present results of the following questions: does hip dislocation require reduction? Should hip reduction be performed as soon as possible? In case of unsuccessful reduction of the dislocation after attempts in the emergency department, how should it be treated? If there is any tendency toward renewed dislocation, how should it be treated? Should Computed Tomography (CT) scan be performed before reduction? Should traction be used? How can we treat the pain? Is preoperative ultrasound exam to rule out vein thrombosis always necessary? Is tranexamic acid intravenous (IV) preoperatively recommended? Which antibiotic prophylactic protocols should be used? Is any preoperative heterotopic ossification prophylaxis suggested? In this article we present the indications of the First Italian Consensus Conference: a hip dislocation should be reduced as soon as possible. If unsuccessful, surgeon may repeat the attempts optimizing the technique. Preoperative CT scan is not mandatory before reduction. Skeletal traction is not indicated in most of the acetabular fracture. Standard pain and antibiotic prophylactic protocols for trauma patient should be used. Preoperative ultrasound exam is not recommended in all acetabular fracture. Tranexamic acid should be preoperatively used. There is no indication for preoperative heterotopic ossification.

Mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 orthopedic trauma patients: is early surgery the keystone?

In the pandemic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, trauma surgery continued the management of patients with fractures. The purpose of the study is to evaluate mortality and morbidity in orthopedic trauma patients surgically treated with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, comparing them to a control group of COVID-19 negative. We retrospectively identified patients admitted to our Emergency Room from March 8th to May 4th 2020 (time frame corresponding to the first wave of the pandemic peak, one of the most severe in the world at that time) with a diagnosis of fracture that were subsequently surgically treated. We applied a dedicated pathway for the management of COVID-19 trauma patients allowed to perform an early surgery and short hospitalization. For each patient included demographics, clinical, laboratory, radiological data and type of treatment for COVID-19 infection were collected. Sixty-five (65) patients were identified. Of those, 17 (6 women and 11 men, mean age 63.41 years old, mean ASA grade 2.35) were COVID-19 positive (study group), while the others were control group (mean age 56.58 years old, mean ASA grade 2.21). In the study group, the preoperative laboratory tests showed leukocytosis in six and lymphopenia in 15 cases. Fourteen patients had a high level of C-reactive protein. Fifteen patients had an abnormal level of D-dimer. The mortality recorded was 5.8% and 4.1% in the study and control group respectively. Perioperative adverse events were registered in 5 cases (29.4%) in the study group and in 8 (16.6%) in the control group (p>0.05). Dedicated COVID-19 trauma pathway with the aim of an early surgery could be key for a better result in terms of mortality and morbidity. Age and ASA grade could represent independent risk factors for perioperative complications.

Orthopedic injuries in patients with multiple injuries: Results of the 11th trauma update international consensus conference Milan, December 11, 2017.

BACKGROUND: In blunt trauma, orthopedic injuries are often associated with cerebral and torso injuries. The optimal timing for definitive care is a concern. The aim of the study was to develop evidence-based guidelines for damage-control orthopedic (DCO) and early total care (ETC) of pelvic and long-bone fractures, closed or open, and mangled extremities in adult trauma patients with and without associated injuries. METHODS: The literature since 2000 to 2016 was systematically screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses protocol. One hundred twenty-four articles were reviewed by a panel of experts to assign grade of recommendation and level of evidence using the Grading of recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, and an International Consensus Conference, endorsed by several scientific societies was held. RESULTS: The choice between DCO and ETC depends on the patient's physiology, as well as associated injuries. In hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patient, extraperitoneal pelvic packing, angioembolization, external fixation, C-clamp, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta are not mutually exclusive. Definitive reconstruction should be deferred until recovery of physiological stability. In long bone fractures, DCO is performed by external fixation, while ETC should be preferred in fully resuscitated patients because of better outcomes. In open fractures early debridement within 24 hours should be recommended and early closure of most grade I, II, IIIa performed. In mangled extremities, limb salvage should be considered for non-life-threatening injuries, mostly of upper limb. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic priorities may be: to save a life: control hemorrhage by stabilizing the pelvis and femur fractures; to save a limb: treat soft tissue and vascular injuries associated with fractures, stabilize fractures, recognize, and prevent compartmental syndrome; to save functionality: treat dislocations, articular fractures, distal fractures. While DCO is the best initial treatment to reduce surgical load, ETC should be applied in stable or stabilized patients to accelerate the recovery of normal functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review of predominantly level II studies, level II.

The "FraMo" System: A New Mini-Invasive Technique in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures.

Fractures of the proximal humerus are relatively common injuries in adults accounting for 5% of fractures. Nowadays the most common technique used is open reduction internal fixation with LCP plates. The risks associated with open reduction internal fixation had led us to develop and apply a "hybrid" system, which is based on external fixation and closed surgery principles. This system is capable of stabilize up to 4 fragment fractures on different planes while conferring a strong enough fixation to maintain fracture reduction while allowing the patient to perform passive and active movement since the first day following the surgery. Our study group started on November 2009 until December 2015 and consisted of 118 patients with a mean age of 68.84±10.52 years for females (76) and 65.62±12.56 for males (44). Patients were classified according to the AO/OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma association) Classification. In a few patients we performed mini lateral accesses to allow reduction of the humeral head and greater tuberosity. Shoulder mobilization was initiated from the first day following surgery. The external fixator was removed at 5 weeks with successive check-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. The majority of type B and type C1 fractures had almost a complete functional recovery. Patients also, especially in the elderly, reported a good quality of life without pain during any range of motion. Our group of patients, after removal of the apparatus at 5 weeks following the surgery, had a mean articular range of motion with active abduction of 90 degrees and about 100 degrees with passive abduction. Postoperative CS scores at 12 months follow-up was 75,47±8.02. In addition there was also significant (P<0.05) improvement between preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale measurements (in cm), 7.67±2.70 and 1.71±2.08, respectively. This technique has shown good functional results with reduced surgical risks and complications that are typical of open reduction surgical fixation of proximal humerus fractures, is quick in execution and minimally invasive. Given the very good results of the study of this new external fixation technique has shown to be a viable option for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

Evidence for Altered Canonical Wnt Signaling in the Trabecular Bone of Elderly Postmenopausal Women with Fragility Femoral Fracture.

Wnt signaling, a major regulator of bone formation and homeostasis, might be involved in the bone loss of osteoporotic patients and the consequent impaired response to fracture. Therefore we analyzed Wnt-related, osteogenic, and adipogenic genes in bone tissue of elderly postmenopausal women undergoing hip replacement for either femoral fracture or osteoarthritis. Bone specimens derived from the intertrochanteric region of the femurs of 25 women with fracture (F) and 29 with osteoarthritis without fracture (OA) were analyzed. Specific miRNAs were analyzed in bone and in matched blood samples. RUNX2, BGP, and OPG showed lower expression in F than in OA samples, while OSX, OPN, BSP, and RANKL were not different. Inhibitory genes of Wnt pathway were lower in F versus OA. ß-Catenin protein levels were higher in F versus OA, whereas its cotranscriptional regulator (Lef1) was lower in F group. miR-204, which targets RUNX2, and miR-130a, which inhibits PPARγ, were lower and higher, respectively, in F versus OA serum samples. The present study showed an inefficient Wnt signal transduction in F group despite higher ß-catenin protein levels, consistent with the expected overall postfracture systemic activation towards osteogenesis. This transcriptional inefficiency could contribute to the osteoporotic bone fragility.