CT mapping for complex tibial pilon fractures: Understanding the injury pattern and its relation to the approach choice.

OBJECTIVE: To map OTA/AO type 43C3 tibial pilon fractures by means of computed tomography and analyze the difference between varus and valgus fractures. We hypothesized that valgus fractures are less frequent than varus, and the affected zones of the tibial pilon are different among the patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, using images of 73 computed tomographies of patients who had presented OTA/AO type 43C3 tibial pilon fractures. The radiographs and computed tomography were subdivided into two groups: varus and valgus fractures. Also, the presence or absence of fibula fractures. Both groups were subdivided into eight zones: four lateral to the pilon and four medial. RESULTS: The distribution of total affected zones is significantly different in the male and female subgroups (p = 0.027). The incidence of cases in zone 1 is significantly different in varus and valgus displacement subgroups (p = 0.002). In the patients with valgus displacements, 61.9% of the fractures affect zone 1; in the patients with varus displacements, only 25.8% of the fractures affect zone 1. In the patients without fibula fracture, 58.3% of the fractures affect zone 2; in the patients with fibula fracture, 24.6% of the fractures affect zone 2. CONCLUSION: The typical profile of the patient with a pilon fracture is age ranging from 27 to 57 years, male, with fibular fracture, and the injury affecting two or three pilon zones, with zones 6, 1, and 3 being the most affected ones. There is no typicality regarding the valgus or varus fracture displacement, although a difference was found in zone 1.

Septic Arthritis of the Pubic Symphysis in Adult: A Case Report.

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is a rare condition. Risk factors include trauma, low-grade infection, urological or gynecological procedures, malignant tumors of the pelvis, sports, and intravenous drug abuse. This report describes a case of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis in a 23-year-old male patient with no history of pelvic surgery, previous infections, or intense physical activity. Arthritis was diagnosed by blood culture positive for Enterococcus spp. and yeasts, and the patient was treated with antibiotics. This case emphasizes the importance of complementary exams to aid the treatment of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis and shows that an invasive procedure, such as pubic symphysis puncture biopsy, may not be required.

Septic Arthritis of the Pubic Symphysis in Adult: A Case Report / Artrite séptica da sínfise pubiana em adultos: Relato de caso

Abstract Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis is a rare condition. Risk factors include trauma, low-grade infection, urological or gynecological procedures, malignant tumors of the pelvis, sports, and intravenous drug abuse. This report describes a case of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis in a 23-year-old male patient with no history of pelvic surgery, previous infections, or intense physical activity. Arthritis was diagnosed by blood culture positive for Enterococcus spp. and yeasts, and the patient was treated with antibiotics. This case emphasizes the importance of complementary exams to aid the treatment of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis and shows that an invasive procedure, such as pubic symphysis puncture biopsy, may not be required.

Resumo A artrite séptica da sínfise púbica é uma condição rara. Os fatores de risco são trauma, infecção de baixo grau, procedimentos urológicos ou ginecológicos, tumores malignos da pelve, prática de esportes e uso de drogas intravenosas. O presente relato descreve um caso de artrite séptica da sínfise púbica em um paciente do sexo masculino, de 23 anos, sem história de cirurgias pélvicas, infecções prévias ou atividade física intensa. A artrite foi diagnosticada pela hemocultura que revelou crescimento de Enterococcus sp + leveduras, e o paciente foi tratado com antibioticoterapia. Este caso enfatiza a importância de exames complementares no auxílio do tratamento da artrite séptica da sínfise púbica, e demonstra que procedimentos invasivos, tais como a punção da sínfise púbica, podem não ser necessários.

A short single-incision approach for antiglide plate fixation of oblique fractures of the lateral malleolus: a technical tip.

Displaced fractures (> 2 mm) of the lateral malleolus, without medial or syndesmotic injuries, are often the subject of controversy regarding the best treatment option. In the past, these fractures were usually treated conservatively using a cast for 6 to 8 weeks without weightbearing. Currently, most of the patients desire a quick return to their previous activities, what makes surgical treatment a reasonable choice. It has benefits as earlier ankle mobilization and weightbearing. It also restores ankle biomechanics, preventing secondary osteoarthritis. However, postoperative complications with the standard lateral incision exist such as implant discomfort, dehiscence and infection. Minimally invasive techniques have been described to help avoiding these complications. This technical note described a short single-incision approach for the surgical treatment of displaced oblique fibular fractures type AO/OTA 44-B1 with an antiglide plate that presents the advantage of less risk of damaging the soft tissues, periosteal stripping and disturbance of the fracture hematoma.

Böhler's Angle-Comparison Between the pre- and Postoperative in Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures.

Objective To compare pre- and postoperative variation of radiographic measurements of the Böhler angle (BA) in fractures with two types of deviations: severe and moderate. Methods Pre- and postoperative BAs in 31 calcaneal fracture radiographs were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 4 patients were female (6.5%) and 26 were male (83.9%), with age ranging from 23 to 72 years old, and a mean age of 44.5 years old. Results The results show that the postoperative BA was significantly larger than the preoperative BA ( p = 0.000). At the intraevaluator and overall assessments, the postoperative BA was, on average, 10.6° higher than the preoperative measure. The postoperative angle was, on average, 108% higher than the preoperative angle. In the global assessment, the agreement between evaluators was excellent, both regarding the estimated point value (0.98) and the intraclass correlation (ICC) confidence interval (CI). Conclusion In the global analysis, the postoperative BAs were, on average, significantly higher than the preoperative measurements. The farther from the normal range (20° to 40°) the preoperative angle is, the greater the difference after the surgery. When the preoperative angle was normal, the postoperative angle was, on average, 1.28 times the preoperative measurement. If the preoperative BA was abnormal, the postoperative angle was, on average, 17.3 times the preoperative measurement. It was demonstrated that more severe fractures present better anatomic results when compared with moderate fractures. The present study also confirms a good interobserver correlation for the BA.

Böhler's Angle-Comparison Between the pre- and Postoperative in Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures / Ângulo de Böhler-comparação entre o pré e pós-operatório nas fraturas intra-articulares desviadas do calcanhar

Abstract Objective To compare pre- and postoperative variation of radiographicmeasurements of the Böhler angle (BA) in fractures with two types of deviations: severe and moderate. Methods Pre- and postoperative BAs in 31 calcaneal fracture radiographs were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 4 patients were female (6.5%) and 26 were male (83.9%), with age ranging from 23 to 72 years old, and a mean age of 44.5 years old. Results The results show that the postoperative BA was significantly larger than the preoperative BA (p = 0.000). At the intraevaluator and overall assessments, the postoperative BA was, on average, 10.6° higher than the preoperative measure. The postoperative angle was, on average, 108% higher than the preoperative angle. In the global assessment, the agreement between evaluatorswas excellent, bothregarding the estimated point value (0.98) and the intraclass correlation (ICC) confidence interval (CI). Conclusion In the global analysis, the postoperative BAs were, on average, significantly higher than the preoperativemeasurements. The farther from the normal range (20° to 40°) the preoperative angle is, the greater the difference after the surgery. When the preoperative angle was normal, the postoperative angle was, on average, 1.28 times the preoperative measurement. If the preoperative BA was abnormal, the postoperative angle was, on average, 17.3 times the preoperativemeasurement. It was demonstrated that more severe fractures present better anatomic results when compared with moderate fractures. The present study also confirms a good interobserver correlation for the BA.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a variação dos resultados dasmedidas radiográficas do ângulo de Böhler, no pré e pós-operatório, em fraturas com dois tipos de desvio: graves e moderadas. Métodos: O ângulo de Böhler foi analisado retrospectivamente em 31 radiografias pré e pós-operatórias de fraturas do calcâneo. Quatro pacientes eram do sexo feminino (6,5%) e 26 do masculino (83,9%), entre 23 e 72 anos, média de 44,5. Resultados As medidas pré e pós-operatória demonstraram que o ângulo de Böhler após a cirurgia foi significativamente maior do que o ângulo de Böhler pré-operatório (p-valor = 0,000). Nas análises intraobservador e global, o ângulo de Böhler pósoperatório foi, em média, 10,6 graus maior do que no pré-operatório. O ângulo pósoperatório foi, em média, 108% maior do que o ângulo pré-operatório. No global, a concordância entre os avaliadores é excelente, tanto em relação ao valor pontual estimado (0,98) quanto em relação ao intervalo de confiança do ICC. Conclusão Na análise global, verificou-se que asmedidas do ângulo de Böhler no pósoperatório são, em média, significativamente maiores do que as do ângulo préoperatório. Quanto mais distante da faixa de normalidade (20 a 40 graus) estiver o ângulo pré-operatório, maior a diferença no ângulo após a cirurgia. Quando o ângulo pré-operatório está na faixa de normalidade, o ângulo pós-operatório será, em média, 1,28 vez o ângulo pré-operatório; se o ângulo de Böhler pré-operatório estiver fora da

Displaced osteochondral fracture of the posterolateral tibial plateau associated with an acute anterior cruciate ligament injury.

An osteochondral fracture of the posterolateral tibial plateau associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a 24-year-old boy is reported. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is accompanied by bone contusions resulting from the impact of the posterolateral tibial plateau on the anterior part of the lateral femoral condyle. The osteochondral fracture of the posterolateral tibial plateau matched the site where the bone bruise is observed.

Expanding the Indications for Mini Plates in the Orthopedic Trauma Scenario: A Useful Alternative Technique for Maintaining Provisional Reduction and Improving Stability for Complex Periarticular Fracture Fixation of the Upper Limbs.

INTRODUCTION: The use of mini plates as a reduction tool is an elegant technique for temporary stabilization of multifragmentary fractures. For some complex periarticular fractures with severe comminution close to the articular surface, mini plates seem to be a better option than K-wires for provisional as well as definitive fixation, because of the presence of small fragments and proximity to the joint increases the risk of additional fragmentation and articular penetration, respectively. CASE REPORT: Five cases of complex periarticular fractures of the upper limb are presented. We used 2.3 mm mini plates as reduction plates for different situations, including one scapula fracture, one clavicle fracture, one distal humerus fracture, one proximal ulna fracture, and one distal radius fracture. In all cases, an excellent clinical outcome with a full return to pain-free activity was achieved after a minimum follow-up of 12 months. CONCLUSION: We feel that these mini extra-articular implants are particularly helpful as temporary reduction tools before the application of the definitive implant to a reduced and stabilized the fracture. Because they have longer screws allowing better cortical purchase and low-profile allowing plate overlap, the procedure seems to be faster and easier when compared to the use of temporary K-wires and clamps.

Mind the gap between the fracture line and the length of the working area: a 2-D finite element analysis using an extramedullary fixation model / Observe a distância entre a linha de fratura e o comprimento da área de trabalho: análise bidimensional de elementos finitos em modelo de fixação extramedular

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the ideal working area for a simple transverse fracture line treated with a bridge plate. Methods: A 2-D finite element analysis of a hypothetical femur was performed for the quantitative evaluation of a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate based on the precept of relative stability in a case of a simple transverse diaphyseal fracture. Two simulations (one case of strain and another case of stress distribution) were analyzed in three unique situations according to the von Mises stress theory. Load distributions were observed when the bone was subjected to a single vertical load of 1000 N. Results: The longer the length of the implant flexion, which coincided with the working area of the plate, the greater the flexion of the implant. The highest concentrations of stress on the plate occurred in the region around the screws closest to the bone gap. The closer the screws to the fracture site, the greater the demands on the plate. Conclusion: When using a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate to stabilize a simple transverse fracture based on the precept of relative stability (bridge plate), there must be considerable distance between the proximal and distal screws closest to the fracture line. The farther away this fixation is, the lower the stress on the plate and the greater the dissipation of force in the form of deflection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar qual é a área de trabalho ideal em uma fratura de traço simples transverso tratada com placa em ponte. Métodos: Foi feita uma análise bidimensional de elementos finitos em um fêmur hipotético para avaliação quantitativa de uma placa bloqueada para grandes fragmentos feita de liga de titânio, usada com o princípio de estabilidade relativa em uma fratura diafisária de traço simples e transverso. Foram analisadas duas simulações, uma de deformação e outra de distribuição de tensão, de acordo com a teoria de von Mises, em três situações distintas. Foram observadas as distribuições de carga quando o osso foi submetido a uma carga monotônica vertical de 1.000 N. Resultados: Quanto maior o comprimento de flexão do implante, o que coincidiu com a área de trabalho da placa, maior a flexão dele. A maior concentração de tensão na placa foi observada na região dos parafusos mais próximos do defeito ósseo. Quanto mais próximos os parafusos do foco de fratura, maior a demanda sobre a placa. Conclusão: Ao usar uma placa bloqueada para grandes fragmentos feita de liga de titânio para estabilizar uma fratura de traço simples e transverso pelo princípio de estabilidade relativa (placa em ponte), a distância entre os parafusos mais próximos do traço de fratura proximal e distalmente deve ser longa. Quanto mais distante essa fixação, menor a concentração de tensão na placa e maior a dissipação de esforços na forma de deflexão.

Mind the gap between the fracture line and the length of the working area: a 2-D finite element analysis using an extramedullary fixation model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ideal working area for a simple transverse fracture line treated with a bridge plate. METHODS: A 2-D finite element analysis of a hypothetical femur was performed for the quantitative evaluation of a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate based on the precept of relative stability in a case of a simple transverse diaphyseal fracture. Two simulations (one case of strain and another case of stress distribution) were analyzed in three unique situations according to the von Mises stress theory. Load distributions were observed when the bone was subjected to a single vertical load of 1000 N. RESULTS: The longer the length of the implant flexion, which coincided with the working area of the plate, the greater the flexion of the implant. The highest concentrations of stress on the plate occurred in the region around the screws closest to the bone gap. The closer the screws to the fracture site, the greater the demands on the plate. CONCLUSION: When using a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate to stabilize a simple transverse fracture based on the precept of relative stability (bridge plate), there must be considerable distance between the proximal and distal screws closest to the fracture line. The farther away this fixation is, the lower the stress on the plate and the greater the dissipation of force in the form of deflection.

OBJETIVO: Determinar qual é a área de trabalho ideal em uma fratura de traço simples transverso tratada com placa em ponte. MÉTODOS: Foi feita uma análise bidimensional de elementos finitos em um fêmur hipotético para avaliação quantitativa de uma placa bloqueada para grandes fragmentos feita de liga de titânio, usada com o princípio de estabilidade relativa em uma fratura diafisária de traço simples e transverso. Foram analisadas duas simulações, uma de deformação e outra de distribuição de tensão, de acordo com a teoria de von Mises, em três situações distintas. Foram observadas as distribuições de carga quando o osso foi submetido a uma carga monotônica vertical de 1.000 N. RESULTADOS: Quanto maior o comprimento de flexão do implante, o que coincidiu com a área de trabalho da placa, maior a flexão dele. A maior concentração de tensão na placa foi observada na região dos parafusos mais próximos do defeito ósseo. Quanto mais próximos os parafusos do foco de fratura, maior a demanda sobre a placa. CONCLUSÃO: Ao usar uma placa bloqueada para grandes fragmentos feita de liga de titânio para estabilizar uma fratura de traço simples e transverso pelo princípio de estabilidade relativa (placa em ponte), a distância entre os parafusos mais próximos do traço de fratura proximal e distalmente deve ser longa. Quanto mais distante essa fixação, menor a concentração de tensão na placa e maior a dissipação de esforços na forma de deflexão.

Periprosthetic humeral fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Case report.

Periprosthetic fractures is a severe complication after joint replacement. The rapidly increase of reverse shoulder arthroplasty surgeries, periprosthetic humeral fractures, which are described as rare, may increase in the near future. We report the case of displaced humeral fracture bellow the stem of reverse shoulder prosthesis. The patient was an 85-year-old woman who had a total shoulder replacement 6 years previously. The surgical solution consisted of plate osteossynthesis and cerclage. This report describes an unprecedented case in Brazilian literature; and gives an overview of the existing literature including this injury classification.

Periprosthetic humeral fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Case report / Fratura periprotética após artroplastia reversa do ombro. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT Periprosthetic fractures is a severe complication after joint replacement. The rapidly increase of reverse shoulder arthroplasty surgeries, periprosthetic humeral fractures, which are described as rare, may increase in the near future. We report the case of displaced humeral fracture bellow the stem of reverse shoulder prosthesis. The patient was an 85-year-old woman who had a total shoulder replacement 6 years previously. The surgical solution consisted of plate osteossynthesis and cerclage. This report describes an unprecedented case in Brazilian literature; and gives an overview of the existing literature including this injury classification.

RESUMO As fraturas periprotéticas do ombro representam uma grave complicação após a substituição da articulação. Devido ao rápido aumento do número de cirurgias de artroplastia reversa no ombro, as fraturas periprótese do úmero, descritas como raras, podem aumentar no futuro próximo. Descrevemos um caso de fratura desviada do úmero abaixo do componente umeral de uma artroplastia reversa. A paciente era uma mulher de 85 anos de idade, que tinha uma artroplastia reversa do ombro há 6 anos. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu em osteossíntese com placa, parafusos e cerclagem. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram reportar um caso inédito na literatura brasileira, e revisar a literatura existente e as classificações da lesão.

Does the position of the scapula in relation to the glenopolar angle change the preferred treatment of extra-articular fractures?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the glenopolar angle (GPA) at different inclinations of the scapula using 3D CT, to test the hypothesis that the result could change the indication from conservative treatment to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of 30 3D CT images of patients' scapulae, measuring the GPA. The GPA was measured with scapulae at 0° and at 20° and 30° of internal and external rotation. Angles were compared by age, sex and examiner for the different angles of rotation of the scapulae. RESULTS: The GPA of scapulae in rotation tended to be smaller than the GPA without rotation, and the larger the degree of rotation, the more the angle was underestimated. Additionally, for the same degree of rotation, internal rotation was associated with greater underestimation of the GPA than external rotation. Two different examiners achieved an excellent level of agreement between angle measurements. The GPA with the scapula at 0° was significantly higher among elderly patients. The variation in GPA with the scapula in rotation (20° and 30°) in relation to the GPA without rotation was significantly greater for female patients. CONCLUSIONS: As the rotation of the scapula was displaced from the scapula in the coronal position (GPA 0°), both in internal rotation and in external rotation, the GPA reduced. Therefore, rotational displacement may lead to an error in GPA measurement, resulting in incorrect indication of treatment. It is recommended that whenever possible, GPA measurements should be taken in neutral rotation, with the scapula in a neutral position at 0°.

Minimally invasive posteromedial percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for diaphyseal tibial fractures: technique description.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in tibial fractures using two posteromedial incisions, and to measure the distance between the plate and neurovascular structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed nine dissections of specimens that were submitted to tibial MIPO with two posteromedial incisions. One locking compression plate (LCP) of 14 to 16 holes was inserted into the submuscular tunnel in a retrograde manner. Incisions were linked to evaluate the distance between neurovascular structures and the plate. RESULTS: During the proximal incision, a blunt dissection between semitendinosus and medial gastrocnemius tendons, as well as their lateral shift, helped to protect the main local neurovascular structures. In its distal portion, the submuscular plate tunnel insertion and its direction to the proximal incision prevented direct contact and possible damage to neurovascular structures. Moreover, we obtained successful results from a patient submitted to this procedure. CONCLUSION: Posteromedial MIPO represents a safe and attractive alternative for tibial fractures, particularly if there are damaged soft tissues in the anterior and medial side, or when access to intramedullary osteosynthesis is blocked.

What is the ideal working length for bridge plating osteosynthesis of a femoral shaft fracture? A multinational online survey evaluation. / Qual é a área de trabalho ideal na fixação de uma fratura da diáfise do fêmur com placa em ponte? Estudo multinacional transversal.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate how orthopedic surgeons in Latin America define the working length for distinct patterns of femoral shaft fracture. METHODS: a survey was developed presenting different options of working length in four femoral fracture patterns. The survey was submitted to the participants using Google Forms tool. The association between professional characteristics and medical management options according to each type of fracture was analyzed by Chi-square test, with 5% significance level. RESULTS: seven hundred and seven professionals from all Latin America answered the survey. The majority prefered a smaller working length for all situations presented in the study. There was a significant association between the main interest area and the medical preference for the management in fracture types AO 32-B3 and 32-C2 (p<0.05). Other professional characteristics had no significant association at the level of 5%. CONCLUSION: most of the study participants preferred constructions with smaller working length, representing approximately one-third of the total length of the plate, regardless of fracture pattern. There was a significant association between the main interest area (orthopedic trauma) and medical management options for fracture type AO 32-B3 and 32-C2. This can be attributed in part to the fact that these two types of fractures are considered, in the view of the authors, intermediate patterns in terms of strain. This study reinforces the importance of understanding the concept of working length, showing that its calculation remains more based on the surgeons' experience than grounded by strong biomechanical concepts governing the fracture healing process.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a conduta de cirurgiões ortopédicos da América Latina na definição da área de trabalho em distintos padrões de fratura da diáfise do fêmur. MÉTODOS: foi desenvolvido um questionário em que foram apresentadas opções de fixação extra-medular em quatro padrões de fratura da diáfise do fêmur com três diferentes áreas de trabalho. O questionário foi submetido aos participantes utilizando-se a ferramenta Googleforms. A associação entre as características profissionais e as opções de conduta médica de acordo com cada tipo de fratura foi analisada pelo teste de qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: setecentos e sete profissionais da América Latina responderam o questionário. A maioria dos participantes optou por uma menor área de trabalho na osteossíntese em todas as situações do estudo. Observou-se associação significativa entre a especialidade e a conduta médica nas fraturas do tipo AO 32-B3 e 32-C2 (p < 0,05). As demais características profissionais não mostraram associação significativa. CONCLUSÃO: a maioria dos participantes deste estudo prefere construções com menor área de trabalho, representando aproximadamente um terço do comprimento total da placa, independentemente do padrão de fratura. Houve associação significativa entre o tipo de especialidade (trauma ortopédico) e as opções de conduta para as fraturas do tipo AO 32-B3 e 32-C. O presente estudo reforça a importância da compreensão do conceito de área de trabalho, mostrando que sua estimativa continua sendo baseada mais na experiência do cirurgião do que em conceitos biomecânicos que regem o processo de consolidação de fraturas.

Finite element analysis of the equivalent stress distribution in Schanz screws during the use of a femoral fracture distractor.

To evaluate the mechanical stress and elastic deformation exercised in the thread/shaft transition of Schanz screws in assemblies with different screw anchorage distances in the entrance to the bone cortex, through the distribution and location of tension in the samples. An analysis of 3D finite elements was performed to evaluate the distribution of the equivalent stress (triple stress state) in a Schanz screw fixed bicortically and orthogonally to a tubular bone, using two mounting patterns: (1) thread/shaft transition located 20 mm from the anchorage of the Schanz screws in the entrance to the bone cortex and (2) thread/shaft transition located 3 mm from the anchorage of the Schanz screws in entrance to the bone cortex. The simulations were performed maintaining the same direction of loading and the same distance from the force vector in relation to the center of the hypothetical bone. The load applied, its direction, and the distance to the center of the bone were constant during the simulations in order to maintain the moment of flexion equally constant. The present calculations demonstrated linear behavior during the experiment. It was found that the model with a distance of 20 mm between the Schanz screws anchorage in the entrance to the bone cortex and the thread/shaft transition reduces the risk of breakage or fatigue of the material during the application of constant static loads; in this model, the maximum forces observed were higher (350 MPa). The distance between the Schanz screws anchorage at the entrance to the bone cortex and the smooth thread/shaft transition of the screws used in a femoral distractor during acute distraction of a fracture must be farther from the entrance to the bone cortex, allowing greater degree of elastic deformation of the material, lower mechanical stress in the thread/shaft transition, and minimized breakage or fatigue. The suggested distance is 20 mm.

Avaliar o comportamento do estresse mecânico e da deformação elástica exercida na transição rosca-talo liso dos pinos de Schanz do distrator femoral de fraturas em montagens com diferentes distâncias de ancoragem dos pinos na cortical óssea de entrada através de estudo da distribuição e da localização de tensões no corpo de prova.Feita análise de elementos finitos 3D para a avaliação da distribuição das tensões equivalentes em um pino de Schanz fixado de modo bicortical e ortogonal a um osso tubular, em dois padrões de montagem: (1) transição rosca-talo liso distante 20 mm da ancoragem dos pinos de Schanz na cortical de entrada e (2) transição rosca-talo liso distante 3 mm da ancoragem dos pinos de Schanz na cortical de entrada. Foram feitas simulações e manteve-se a mesma direção da carga e a mesma distância do vetor força em relação ao centro do osso hipotético. A carga aplicada, sua direção e a distância ao centro do osso foram constantes durante as simulações para manter o momento fletor igualmente constante. Os cálculos apresentados demonstraram comportamento linear durante todo o experimento. Verificou-se que o modelo com uma distância de 20 mm entre a ancoragem dos pinos de Schanz na cortical óssea de entrada e a transição rosca-talo liso reduziu o risco de ruptura ou fadiga do material durante a aplicação de cargas estáticas constantes. Nesse modelo, as forças máximas observadas foram superiores (350 MPa). A análise do comportamento do estresse mecânico e da deformação elástica exercida na transição rosca-talo liso dos pinos de Schanz do distrator femoral de fraturas mostrou que distâncias maiores entre a ancoragem dos pinos na cortical óssea de entrada e a transição rosca-talo liso dos pinos de Schanz permitem menor estresse mecânico na transição rosca-talo liso e maior grau de deformação elástica do material e minimizam quebra ou fadiga. A distância sugerida é de 20 mm.

Are diaphyseal clavicular fractures still treated traditionally in a non-surgical way?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the decision of orthopedics surgeons regarding which cases they would indicate surgery or non-surgical treatment. METHODS: 20 images of radiographs with fracture in the middle third of the collar bone (AO/OTA 15-B) in anteroposterior view were analyzed, and divided into four groups: group 1 - fracture type AO/OTA 15-B1 without displacement; group 2 - fracture type AO/OTA 15-B1 with displacement; group 3 - fracture type AO/OTA 15-B2; group 4 - fracture type AO/OTA 15-B3. The evaluator was requested to indicate the choice of treatment, surgical or non-surgical. RESULTS: There was no strong correlation between the amount of surgical indications and the working experience or age of the medical evaluator. It was observed that the average of surgical indications in the total sample was 52%. When indications were studied in different areas of Brazil, there was no significant difference among them. No pattern for the Brazilian regions studied was observed in the case analysis. Even within a group (cases of the same complexity), no specific pattern of surgical indication was observed. CONCLUSION: No association between surgical indication and the length of professional experience was found. The Southern and Southeastern regions were those that most recommended surgeries in groups 2, 3, and 4. In no region the same level of surgical indication for cases of the same complexity rate was kept.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a decisão de cirurgiões ortopédicos sobre em que casos indicariam a cirurgia ou tratariam não cirurgicamente. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 20 imagens de radiografias com fratura do terço médio da clavícula (AO/OTA 15-B) em incidência anteroposterior, que foram divididas em quatro grupos: 1 ­ fratura do tipo AO/OTA 15-B1 sem desvio; 2 ­ fratura do tipo AO/OTA 15-B1 com desvio; 3 ­ fratura do tipo AO/OTA 15-B2; 4 ­ fratura do tipo AO/OTA 15-B3. Ao avaliador, foi solicitado que indicasse o tipo de tratamento: cirúrgico ou não cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação forte entre a quantidade de indicações cirúrgicas e o tempo de atuação do médico avaliador ou sua idade. Verificou-se que a média de indicação de cirurgias no total da amostra foi de 52%. Quando estudadas as indicações por diferentes regiões do Brasil, não houve diferença significativa. Não foi verificado qualquer padrão para as regiões brasileiras na análise por caso. Mesmo dentro de um grupo (casos de mesma complexidade), não foi verificado um padrão específico de indicação cirúrgica. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi verificada associação entre a indicação cirúrgica e o tempo de atuação do profissional. As regiões Sul e Sudeste são as que mais recomendam a cirurgia dos grupos 2, 3 e 4. Verificou-se que em nenhuma região foi mantido o mesmo nível de indicação de cirurgias para casos do mesmo grau de complexidade.

Qual é a área de trabalho ideal na fixação de uma fratura da diáfise do fêmur com placa em ponte? Estudo multinacional transversal / What is the ideal working length for bridge plating osteosynthesis of a femoral shaft fracture? A multinational online survey evaluation

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a conduta de cirurgiões ortopédicos da América Latina na definição da área de trabalho em distintos padrões de fratura da diáfise do fêmur. Métodos: foi desenvolvido um questionário em que foram apresentadas opções de fixação extra-medular em quatro padrões de fratura da diáfise do fêmur com três diferentes áreas de trabalho. O questionário foi submetido aos participantes utilizando-se a ferramenta Googleforms. A associação entre as características profissionais e as opções de conduta médica de acordo com cada tipo de fratura foi analisada pelo teste de qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: setecentos e sete profissionais da América Latina responderam o questionário. A maioria dos participantes optou por uma menor área de trabalho na osteossíntese em todas as situações do estudo. Observou-se associação significativa entre a especialidade e a conduta médica nas fraturas do tipo AO 32-B3 e 32-C2 (p < 0,05). As demais características profissionais não mostraram associação significativa. Conclusão: a maioria dos participantes deste estudo prefere construções com menor área de trabalho, representando aproximadamente um terço do comprimento total da placa, independentemente do padrão de fratura. Houve associação significativa entre o tipo de especialidade (trauma ortopédico) e as opções de conduta para as fraturas do tipo AO 32-B3 e 32-C. O presente estudo reforça a importância da compreensão do conceito de área de trabalho, mostrando que sua estimativa continua sendo baseada mais na experiência do cirurgião do que em conceitos biomecânicos que regem o processo de consolidação de fraturas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate how orthopedic surgeons in Latin America define the working length for distinct patterns of femoral shaft fracture. Methods: a survey was developed presenting different options of working length in four femoral fracture patterns. The survey was submitted to the participants using Google Forms tool. The association between professional characteristics and medical management options according to each type of fracture was analyzed by Chi-square test, with 5% significance level. Results: seven hundred and seven professionals from all Latin America answered the survey. The majority prefered a smaller working length for all situations presented in the study. There was a significant association between the main interest area and the medical preference for the management in fracture types AO 32-B3 and 32-C2 (p<0.05). Other professional characteristics had no significant association at the level of 5%. Conclusion: most of the study participants preferred constructions with smaller working length, representing approximately one-third of the total length of the plate, regardless of fracture pattern. There was a significant association between the main interest area (orthopedic trauma) and medical management options for fracture type AO 32-B3 and 32-C2. This can be attributed in part to the fact that these two types of fractures are considered, in the view of the authors, intermediate patterns in terms of strain. This study reinforces the importance of understanding the concept of working length, showing that its calculation remains more based on the surgeons' experience than grounded by strong biomechanical concepts governing the fracture healing process.