Plate augmentation for femoral nonunion: more than just a salvage tool?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine whether plate augmentation was a successful treatment algorithm for selected femoral nonunions initially managed with intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 femoral nonunion cases were managed using the plate augmentation strategy with 13 primary cases and 17 multi-operated femurs (avg 2.8 ineffective procedures). Adjunctive strategies included autologous bone grafting and/or BMP for atrophic/oligotrophic and bone defect cases. Deformity correction was performed when required. RESULTS: Osseous union occurred in 29 of 30 cases. One multi-operated case with bone defect and prior infection required repeat autologous grafting prior to union. CONCLUSION: Plate augmentation should be added to the armamentarium for management of selected femoral nonunion that have failed initial intramedullary nailing.

Wedge effect following intramedullary hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the current study was to determine whether application of an intramedullary hip screw for definitive management of intertrochanteric fracture was associated with post-operative deformity. Specifically this study investigated whether nail insertion would cause a "wedge effect" of the intertrochanteric fracture manifesting as lateralization of the femoral shaft and varus malalignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trauma database at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was investigated to identify all intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31A) over the past 3 years treated with an IMHS. Fractures eligible for inclusion were performed under the supervision of a fellowship trained orthopedic trauma surgeon. All fractures were reduced in optimal alignment using percutaneous or mini-open strategies during the reaming process and nail insertion. The entry portal was over-reamed by at least 1.5 mm. Cases selected for review of the "wedge effect" had optimal post-operative imaging allowing for assessment of discrepancy between the operative and normal hip. RESULTS: Forty six patients with an average age of 77 years were included for study. Fifty percent were classified as unstable patterns. Shaft lateralization following IMHS fixation of the fractured hip was found to be an average of 7 mm greater than the contralateral intact hip (p < 0.001) (range 0-30 mm). The neck-shaft angle of the operative hips was 129° as compared to 133° on the intact side (p = 0.009). The stability of the fracture pattern was not predictive for post-operative lateralization of the femoral shaft or varus angulation (p > 0.05) (Table 2). There was no difference in post-operative deformity among techniques used for maintenance of reduction during reaming and nail insertion (p > 0.05). Despite deformity, all cases demonstrated radiographic radiographic fracture union. CONCLUSION: Despite attention to detail, the application of an intramedullary hip screw for intertrochanteric fracture has the tendency to lateralize the shaft relative to the head/neck segment (The "wedge effect").

[Multimorbid patients with poor soft tissue conditions: treatment of distal tibia fractures with retrograde intramedullary nailing]. / Multimorbide Patienten mit schlechten Weichteilverhältnissen: Behandlung distaler Tibiafrakturen mittels retrogradem Tibiamarknagel.

The appropriate treatment of a distal tibia fracture in multimorbid patients with poor soft tissue and skin conditions, poor peripheral blood supply and osteopenic bone is challenging. In this case report we present two patients with these characteristics. Given these exceptional conditions none of the conventional therapies (e.g. cast, internal plate fixation, external fixation, anterograde intramedullary nailing) appeared feasible. To achieve sufficient fracture healing, we chose an unconventional treatment approach of retrograde tibial nailing with inclusion of the ankle and subtalar joint.

Delayed operative management of fractures of the scapula.

Between 1998 and 2007, 22 patients with fractures of the scapula had operative treatment more than three weeks after injury. The indications for operation included displaced intra-articular fractures, medialisation of the glenohumeral joint, angular deformity, or displaced double lesions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. Radiological and functional outcomes were obtained for 16 of 22 patients. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) and Short form-36 scores were collected for 14 patients who were operated on after March 2002. The mean delay from injury to surgery was 30 days (21 to 57). The mean follow-up was for 27 months (12 to 72). At the last review the mean DASH score was 14 (0 to 41). Of the 16 patients with follow-up, 13 returned to their previous employment and recreational activities without restrictions. No wound complications, infection or nonunion occurred. Malunion of the scapula can be prevented by surgical treatment of fractures in patients with delayed presentation. Surgery is safe, effective, and gives acceptable functional results.

[Damage control orthopaedics in polytraumatised patients with lower leg injuries]. / Verletzungsadaptiertes Vorgehen bei Unterschenkelverletzungen des Schwerverletzten.

In polytraumatised patients, fracture management depends on the overall injury severity. For decision making, patients are grouped in one of four categories (STABILE, BORDERLINE, INSTABLE and IN EXTREMIS). STABILE patients should and BORDERLINE patients may undergo primary definitive fracture stabilisation; in contrast, this is not recommended for INSTABLE or IN EXTREMIS patients. The marginal soft tissue envelope of the tibia predisposes for open fractures, compartment syndrome, and wound infections. Therefore the management of lower leg injuries is demanding, especially in polytraumatised patients. Bilateral tibia fractures and ipsilateral tibia and femur fractures represent a special entity. For these injuries special algorithms, which consider the soft tissue status of the tibia and the overall injury severity, have been developed. The indication for fasciotomy covers a wide field and may be performed prophylactically. The decision for amputation is based on the patient's general condition and the soft-tissue and neurovascular status. Scoring systems are useful for decision making, however individual decisions should be made.

[Treatment strategies for gunshot wounds of the extremities]. / Versorgungsstrategien bei Schussverletzungen der Extremität.

The incidence of gunshot wounds is increasing also in Europe and surgeons in urban trauma centers are more frequently confronted with this type of injury. Since there is no established treatment algorithm for gunshot injuries to the extremities, the surgeon should rely on established soft tissue injury and fracture protocols. Gunshot fractures with minor soft tissue destruction should be treated as closed fractures. The treatment of choice for unstable fractures is early internal stabilization, whereas stable fractures may be treated by functional bracing. The administration of an antibiotic prophylaxis for fractures with minor soft tissue injury is controversial. Gunshot fractures with major soft tissue injury should be treated as open fractures. Debridement of nonviable tissue and external fixation are recommended. Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics are mandatory and prophylactic fasciotomy is often required. Upon definitive internal stabilization, bone grafting should be considered since gunshot fractures are usually associated with a high degree of comminution. Articular gunshot injuries are treated as open joint injuries and require irrigation, debridement, foreign body removal and antibiotic prophylaxis.

[Voluminous bone graft harvesting of the femoral marrow cavity for autologous transplantation. An indication for the"Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator-" (RIA-)technique]. / Gewinnung grossvolumiger Spongiosamengen zur autologen Knochentransplantation aus dem femoralen Markraum. Eine besondere Applikation der "Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator-" (RIA-)Technik.

Due to their excellent osteoinductive, osteogenetic, and osteoconductive properties, autologous bone grafts possess biomechanical advantages over synthetic bone substitutes. Furthermore, unlike cadaveric allografts and xenografts, they carry no risk of immunogenic response or transmission of infectious diseases. However, the limited availability of autologous bone grafts requires the use of the above-mentioned bone substitutes for management of large bone defects. The"Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator-" (RIA-)technique may present an alternative method for harvesting a larger volume of autologous bone graft as compared with conventional harvesting procedures. We report on intramedullary reaming by the RIA technique to obtain autologous bone graft for a nonunion of the proximal femur. The contralateral femur was reamed and the bone graft was applied to the nonunion. The patient showed clinical and radiological healing of the nonunion without donor site complications.

An update on the management of high-energy pilon fractures.

High energy pilon fractures present a unique challenge to the patient and orthopaedic surgeon. Care for the soft tissue envelope is as important as management of this articular fracture. This article reviews the fundamental principles for treatment of the patient with severe pilon fracture. Staged operative care is emphasised to prevent wound and infectious complications which have historically plagued pilon fracture surgery. New innovations directed at improving results are discussed including biological planting and wound care using the vacuum assisted closure device. Lastly, validated outcomes are presented which highlight the severity of these injuries despite optimal care.