Ulnar carpal translation following palmar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant injuries to the radiocarpal ligaments may occur during episodes of distal radius fractures, which may not cause acute subluxation or dislocation but can lead to radiocarpal instability and progress over time. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of ulnar carpal translation (UCT) after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures and evaluate the associated factors of UCT. METHODS: The retrospective study has been done now and includes patients treated between 2010 and 2020 who had undergone reduction and locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. We assessed radiographs taken immediately after the operation and at 3 months post-operation, enrolling patients with UCT for evaluation. In addition to demographic data, we evaluated radiographic parameters, including fracture pattern, fragment involvement, and ulnar variance. We also assessed the palmar tilt-lunate (PTL) angle to determine associated rotatory palmar subluxation of the lunate (RPSL). RESULTS: Among the 1,086 wrists, 53 (4.9%) had UCT within 3 months post-operation. The majority of wrists with UCT exhibited normal to minus ulnar variance (49 wrists; mean: -1.1 mm), and 24 patients (45.3%) had concomitant RPSL. Fracture classification was as follows: 19 type A3 (35.8%), 5 type C1 (9.4%), 11 type C2 (20.8%), and 18 type C3 (34.0%). Radial styloid was involved in 20 wrists (37.7%), palmar rim in 18 wrists (34.0%), dorsal rim in 25 wrists (47.2%), and die-punch fractures in 3 wrists (5.7%). Concomitant ulnar styloid fractures were present in 29 wrists (54.7%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential for UCT to occur following reduction and fixation of distal radius fractures, particularly in cases with a more severe fracture pattern and combined with ulnar minus variance. The high incidence of concomitant RPSL provides further evidence for the possibility of associated radiocarpal ligament insufficiency after distal radius fracture.

Pneumothorax After Superior Plating of Clavicle Fractures: Are the Concerns Warranted?

PURPOSE: The primary goal of this study was to determine the anatomic relationship between the clavicle and the apical lung segment. The secondary goal was to determine the incidence of pneumothorax (PTX) in patients who underwent clavicle ORIF to analyze the utility of postoperative chest radiographs. METHODS: Six hundred thirty-one patients with a midshaft clavicle fracture who underwent superior plating at a single institution were identified. Forty-two patients had a CT scan of the chest. Three points on the uninjured clavicle were defined: 2 cm from the medial end of the clavicle, the mid-point of the clavicle, and 2 cm from the lateral end of the clavicle. At each point, the distance from both the inferior cortex and the superior cortex of the clavicle to the apical lung segment was measured. All 631 patients who underwent Open Reduction and Internal Fixation had a postoperative chest radiograph to evaluate implant placement, restoration of clavicular length, and presence of PTX. RESULTS: From the lateral end of the clavicle, the mean distance of the lung was 60.0 ± 14.9 mm (20.1 to 96.1 mm) from the inferior cortex of the clavicle. At the mid-point, the mean distance of the lung was 32.3 ± 7.2 mm (20.4 to 45.5 mm) from the inferior cortex of the clavicle. At the medial end, the mean distance of the lung was 18.0 ± 5.5 mm (8.1 to 28.9 mm) from the inferior cortex of the clavicle. A review of postoperative radiographs for all 631 patients revealed none (0%) with a postoperative iatrogenic PTX. CONCLUSION: The risk of injury is minimal in all three zones. Postoperative chest radiographs after clavicle fracture repair to rule out PTX are unnecessary.

Surgical treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta: a summary of the incidence of femoral implant-related complications in children with Sillence type I, III and IV.

PURPOSE: This study explored the incidence of IRCs used in the procedures of the femur in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and investigated the independent risk factors of IRCs. METHODS: Three hundred eight-eight cases of surgical data about children with OI were included, who were treated with plate, elastic nail, Kirschner wire and telescopic rod. The choice of different procedures depended on the age of children, the status of femur and the availability of devices. Patient demographics and major IRCs were recorded to compare the outcomes of the four procedures. Then, Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyse the independent risk factors of IRC, and subgroup analysis was applied to further verify the above results. RESULTS: The total incidence of IRC in the four groups was 90.1% (191/212) for plate, 96.8% (30/31) for Kirschner wire, 87.7% (57/65) for elastic nail and 30.0% (24/80) for telescopic rod. The incidence of IRC in the telescopic rod was lower than that in plate, elastic nail and Kirschner wire (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis confirmed that procedure was the independent risk factor of IRC (HR, 0.191; 95% CI, 0.126-0.288; P < 0.001), fracture (HR, 0.193; 95% CI, 0.109-0.344; P < 0.001) and deformity (HR, 0.086; 95% CI, 0.027-0.272; P < 0.001). In addition, age of surgery was the independent risk factor of fracture (HR, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.882-0.952; P < 0.001) and deformity (HR, 1.052; 95% CI, 1.008-1.098; P = 0.019). Subgroup analysis confirmed that age of surgery, gender, classification, preoperative state and angle did not affect the effect of telescopic rod on reducing the risk of IRCs. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, lower incidence of IRCs was observed in telescopic rod group compared with plate, Kirschner wire and elastic nail. Procedure and age of surgery were independent risk factors of fracture. Likewise, procedure and age of surgery were independent risk factors of deformity, and procedure was independent risk factors of IRC.

Complications of operatively treated distal radial fractures.

Distal radial fractures represent the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Operative treatment is performed for approximately one-third of distal radial fractures in the adult population. Complications following operative treatment of distal radial fractures vary depending on the treatment modality and can be stratified into preoperative and postoperative complications. Complications can occur in the near, intermediate and long term. The most common complications seen are tendon irritation and rupture, chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar or radial neuropathy, compartment syndrome, malunion, inadequate fixation or loss of fixation, symptomatic hardware, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness and infection. Careful planning, treatment and patient selection can help to mitigate these complications.Level of evidence: V.

Risk Factors of Failure in 228 Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors of reoperation to promote union or to address deep surgical-site infection (DSSI) in periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated with lateral distal femoral locking plates (LDFLPs). DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Ten level-I trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Association of Osteosynthesis (OTA/AO) 33A or 33C periprosthetic distal femur fractures who underwent surgical fixation between January 2012 and December 2019 exclusively using LDFLPs were eligible for inclusion. Patients with pathologic fractures or with follow-up less than 3 months without an outcome event (unplanned reoperation to promote union or for deep surgical infection) before this time point were excluded. Fracture fixation constructs used medial plates, intramedullary nails, or hybrid fixation constructs were excluded from analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: To examine the influence of patient demographics, injury characteristics, and features of the fracture fixation construct on the occurrence of unplanned reoperation to promote union or to address a DSSI. RESULTS: There was an 8.3% rate (19/228) of unplanned reoperation to promote union. Predictive factors for the need for reoperation to promote union included increasing body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.16; P = 0.01), increasing number of screws in the distal fracture segment (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.06-2.95; P = 0.03), and decreasing proportion of proximal segment screws that are locking (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03-0.70; P = 0.02) There was a 4.8% rate (11/228) of reoperation to address DSSI. There were no statistically significant predictive factors identified as risk factors of the need for reoperation to address DSSI ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 8.3% of periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated at 10 centers with LDFLPs underwent unplanned reoperation to promote union. Increasing patient body mass index and increasing number of screws in the distal fracture segment were found to be predictive factors, whereas increased locking screws in the proximal segment were found to be protective. 4.8% of patients in this cohort underwent reoperation to address DSSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fixation of femoral neck fracture with femoral neck system: a retrospective cohort study of 43 patients.

BACKGROUNDS: This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in patients treated with a femoral neck system (FNS, DePuy Synthes), which is a recently introduced device. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis using FNS for FNF between July 2019 and June 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The researchers examined the patients' demographic factors and radiologically evaluated the fracture type and fixation status, bone union, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 25 were female, and the patients' mean age and body mass index were 62.1 years and 22.5 kg/m2, respectively. According to the Association of Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the most common fracture types were 31B1.1 and B1.2 (13 cases each), followed by B2.3, B2.1, and B2.2 (seven, five, and four cases, respectively). Radiological bone union was confirmed in 39 patients (90.7%), and the mean time to union was 3.6 months. Two cases of nonunion, one case of lag screw cut-out, and one case of osteonecrosis were confirmed; all four cases later underwent arthroplasty. The mean time to reoperation was 4.5 months. Meanwhile, five patients underwent implant removal after the bone union, and distal locking screw stripping was noted in three patients. All three patients required metal plate cutting to remove the implants. CONCLUSIONS: Osteosynthesis of FNF using the newly introduced FNS showed favorable clinical outcomes and no specific hardware-related complications were reported during the follow-up. However, attention must be paid to the issue regarding distal locking screw failure during hardware removal.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating for Extreme Distal Periprosthetic Femur Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after retrograde intramedullary nailing (rIMN) versus locked plating (LP) of "extreme distal" periprosthetic femur fractures, defined as those that contact or extend distal to the anterior flange. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Eight academic level I trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adult patients with periprosthetic distal femur fractures at or distal to the anterior flange (OTA/AO 33B-C[VB1]) treated with rIMN or LP. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was reoperation to promote healing or to treat infection (reoperation for elective removal of symptomatic hardware was excluded from this analysis). Secondary outcomes included nonunion, delayed union, fixation failure, infection, overall reoperation rate, distal femoral alignment, and ambulatory status at final follow-up. Outcomes were compared between patients treated with rIMN or LP. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients treated with rIMN and 224 patients treated with LP were included. The rIMN group had fewer points of fixation in the distal segment (rIMN: 3.5 ± 1.1 vs. LP: 6.0 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) and more patients who were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated immediately postoperatively (rIMN: 45%; LP: 9%, P < 0.01). Reoperation to promote union and/or treat infection was 8% in the rIMN group and 16% in the LP group ( P = 0.122). There were no significant differences in nonunion ( P > 0.999), delayed union ( P = 0.079), fixation failure ( P > 0.999), infection ( P = 0.084), or overall reoperation rate ( P > 0.999). Significantly more patients in the rIMN group were ambulatory without assistive devices at final follow-up (rIMN: 35%, LP: 18%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: rIMN of extreme distal periprosthetic femur fractures has similar complication rates compared with LP, with a possible advantage of earlier return to weight-bearing. Surgeons can consider this treatment strategy in all fractures with stable implants and amenable prosthesis geometry, even extreme distal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing or locked plating for stabilisation of distal femoral fractures? A comparative study of 193 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of distal femoral fracture fixation of two different methods, lateral locking plate (LP) or an Intra-medullary nail (IMN), in patients managed in our institution. More specifically, to assess: (a) if there was a difference in functional outcomes between the LP and IMN groups; (b) whether the rate of complications was different between the two groups. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2018 adult patients with distal femoral fractures managed in our unit with either LP or IMN for extra and intra-articular fractures were eligible to participate. Demographic details, fracture type, procedures performed, time to union, complications and functional scores (Oxford Knee Score) were recorded and analysed. The mean follow up was 4 years (12-120 months). RESULTS: Out of 193 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 93 received an IMN whereas 100 patients were treated with LP. Mean age was 64.2 (18-99) and 70.1 (18-100) for the IMN and LP groups respectively. Overall, the two groups had similar demographics and there was no significant difference in the type of fractures sustained (p > 0.05). The Oxford Knee Score was highest for patients fixed with LP, mean 37.3 (6-48, SD 7.3) versus 28.4 (3-48, SD 14.4), (p = < 0.02) compared to the IMN group. In terms of complications, the rate of non-union was higher in the LP group 8.6% versus 4% in those patients treated with an IMN, p value < 0.01. CONCLUSION: While the rate of non-union was higher in the LP group and the functional results were superior in the plating group.

Cost analysis and clinical outcomes of anatomic pre-contoured locking versus conventional plates for distal fibula ankle fractures.

PURPOSE: To analyze differences in union, complication rates and cost from surgical fixation of distal fibula fractures with fibular plating implants. METHODS: In total, 380 adult patients from 2012 to 2015 treated with 12 fibular plates from 4 different manufacturers utilized by 9 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. They were stratified into a conventional one-third tubular fibular plate group, pre-contoured anatomic locking plate group, or a heterogeneous group including 3.5-mm reconstruction, one-third tubular locking, composite, and limited compression plates. The outcomes included failure of fixation, deep infection requiring debridement, time to union, anatomic reduction, superficial infection, hardware removal, and post-traumatic arthritis. Plate and screw costs were calculated from hospital billing records. RESULTS: Pre-contoured locking plates were used in older, female patients with a greater number of comorbidities. Open injuries and OTA 44B fractures were more likely to be an indication for pre-contoured plates. There was no difference noted in time to union between the different plating groups. Risk factors for deep infection requiring debridement included a history of tobacco use, open fractures, and pre-contoured locking plates relative to the conventional plating group. The pre-contoured plating group was on average $586 more expensive compared to the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Pre-contoured locking plates achieved similar radiographic outcomes compared to conventional plates with an increased risk of complications and higher cost. Surgeons should consider their choice of implant based on the patient's fracture pattern, underlying comorbidities, and risk for infection.

Greater tuberosity medial malposition: does it affect shoulder abductor moment?

PURPOSE: The detrimental effect of greater tuberosity malposition on functional scores is well known. Superior or posterior malpositions exceeding five mm lead to excessive loading on the deltoid strength. However, the significance of situations where greater tuberosity becomes medialized due to the compressive effect of the locking plate fixation, especially in fractures with metaphyseal dead space, has not been emphasized. It is hypothesized that this condition may cause shortening of the rotator cuff moment arm and consequently impact functional scores. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2018, 52 patients, aged 65,28 (ranging 40-85) proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate fixation were included in the study. Cephalodiaphyseal angle, greater tuberosity displacement , patients reported outcome and Constant-Murley scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Constant Murley score was determined to be 78.76 (ranging from 38 to 100). According to the patients reported outcome 39 excellent , five good , two fair, six poor results were observed. Avascular necrosis with screw migration was detected in five cases, while one patient experienced implant insufficiency along with varus deformity. Greater tuberosity was found to be positioned between 6 mm posterior-superior and -13 mm medial. Significant medial malposition was observed in three patients, with -9, -12, and -13 mm of medialization, respectively. Cephalodiaphysial angle was determined as 139.30 degrees (ranging from 120 to 150 degrees) and showed weak correlation with the functional score. Greater tuberosity medialization also showed weak correlation with the Constant-Murley score. The values exhibiting deviation were associated with low patient-reported outcome results and functional scores. In the examination of greater tuberosity displacement values, it was observed that Neer type 3 and 4 fractures differed significantly from Neer type 2 fractures regarding to Kruskal-Wallis test. CONCLUSIONS: Medial impaction of greater tuberosity may be the reason of decreased functional scores, similar to superior or posterior malposition. The medialization of greater tuberosity should be considered as a potential factor leading to the shortening of the rotator cuff's abductor moment.

Adequate bone healing after supplementary fixation of periprosthetic total knee arthroplasty fractures using Luque cerclage wiring: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: Cerclage wiring is a well-known supplemental fixation technique that can be used in many types of fractures. With the tendency toward minimally invasive approaches in the management of periprosthetic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) fractures, and with absence of a dedicated study that reports the results of cerclage wiring in TKA fractures in particular, the aim of this retrospective study is to report the outcomes of supplementary cerclage wiring using simple Luque wires in fractures of distal femur associated with TKA. METHOD: Eighteen cases, with a mean age of 77.2 years had complete follow-up data and had their radiographs and clinical data assessed for this study. Patients received cerclage wiring along with plates, retrograde nailing or around cracked femoral shaft overlying revision TKA femoral stem during the surgical management of periprosthetic TKA distal femur fractures. RESULTS: Fracture healing with adequate callus formation occurred in all 18 cases at a mean of 11.4 weeks postoperatively. None of the cases had any vascular injury, and after a mean clinical follow-up of 51 weeks, none of the cases had nonunion or hardware complications. One case had postoperative periprosthetic infection that developed 8 months after full fracture healing and had a two-stage revision using revision stemmed TKA and protective cerclage wiring with successful eradication of infection. CONCLUSION: Supplementary cerclage wiring in distal femur TKA fractures can aid in enhanced bone healing with minimal complications, provided that adequate reduction and rigid fixation were achieved. This study reflects the level of evidence IV.

Outcomes of Humerus Nonunion Surgery in Patients With Initial Operative Fracture Fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe outcomes following humerus aseptic nonunion surgery in patients whose initial fracture was treated operatively and to identify risk factors for nonunion surgery failure in the same population. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Eight, academic, level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with aseptic humerus nonunion (OTA/AO 11 and 12) after the initial operative management between 1998 and 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Success rate of nonunion surgery. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included (56% female; median age 50 years; mean follow-up 21.2 months). Of 90 aseptic humerus nonunions, 71 (78.9%) united following nonunion surgery. Thirty patients (33.3%) experienced 1 or more postoperative complications, including infection, failure of fixation, and readmission. Multivariate analysis found that not performing revision internal fixation during nonunion surgery (n = 8; P = 0.002) and postoperative de novo infection (n = 9; P = 0.005) were associated with an increased risk of recalcitrant nonunion. Patient smoking status and the use of bone graft were not associated with differences in the nonunion repair success rate. CONCLUSIONS: This series of previously operated aseptic humerus nonunions found that more than 1 in 5 patients failed nonunion repair. De novo postoperative infection and failure to perform revision internal fixation during nonunion surgery were associated with recalcitrant nonunion. Smoking and use of bone graft did not influence the success rate of nonunion surgery. These findings can be used to give patients a realistic expectation of results and complications following humerus nonunion surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Technical Factors Contributing to Nonunion in Supracondylar Distal Femur Fractures Treated With Lateral Locked Plating: A Risk-Stratified Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify technical factors associated with nonunion after operative treatment with lateral locked plating. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Ten Level I trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adult patients with supracondylar distal femur fractures (OTA/AO type 33A or C) treated with lateral locked plating from 2010 through 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Surgery for nonunion stratified by risk for nonunion. RESULTS: The cohort included 615 patients with supracondylar distal femur fractures. The median patient age was 61 years old (interquartile range: 46 -72years) and 375 (61%) were female. Observed were nonunion rates of 2% in a low risk of nonunion group (n = 129), 4% in a medium-risk group (n = 333), and 14% in a high-risk group (n = 153). Varus malreduction with an anatomic lateral distal femoral angle greater than 84 degrees, was associated with double the odds of nonunion compared to those without such varus [odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-4.2; P = 0.03]. Malreduction by medial translation of the articular block increased the odds of nonunion, with 30% increased odds per 4 mm of medial translation (95% CI, 1.0-1.6; P = 0.03). Working length increased the odds of nonunion in the medium risk group, with an 18% increase in nonunion per 10-mm increase in working length (95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = 0.01). Increased proximal screw density was protective against nonunion (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.92; P = 0.02) but yielded lower mRUST scores with each 0.1 increase in screw density associated with a 0.4-point lower mRUST (95% CI, -0.55 to -0.15; P < 0.001). Lateral plate length and type of plate material were not associated with nonunion. ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Malreduction is a surgeon-controlled variable associated with nonunion after lateral locked plating of supracondylar distal femur fractures. Longer working lengths were associated with nonunion, suggesting that bridge plating may be less likely to succeed for longer fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fixation Strategies for Periprosthetic Fractures With Stable Implants.

The fixation of periprosthetic fractures remains challenging and controversial. It is important to achieve consensus opinions regarding the management of stable periprosthetic fractures with internal fixation. Key strategies to optimize surgical decision making and fixation and manage complications following these difficult injuries are addressed.

Comparison of the effectiveness of zero-profile device and plate cage construct in the treatment of one-level cervical disc degenerative disease combined with moderate to severe paraspinal muscle degeneration.

Objective: Recent evidence indicates that cervical paraspinal muscle degeneration (PMD) is a prevalent and age-related condition in patients with cervical disc degenerative disease (CDDD). However, the relationship between surgery selection and post-operative outcomes in this population remains unclear. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the disparities in clinical outcomes, radiological findings, and complications between two frequently utilized anterior cervical surgical procedures. The objective is to offer guidance for the management of PMD in conjunction with CDDD. Methods: A total of 140 patients who underwent single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at our department were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of PMD: mild (n=40), moderate (n=54), and severe (n=46), as determined by Goutalier fat infiltration grade. The subjects of interest were those with moderate-severe PMD, and their clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, and complications were compared between those who received a stand-alone zero-profile anchored cage (PREVAIL) and those who received a plate-cage construct (PCC). Results: The JOA, NDI, and VAS scores exhibited significant improvement at all postoperative intervals when compared to baseline, and there were no discernible differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups. While the PCC group demonstrated more pronounced enhancements and maintenance of several sagittal alignment parameters, such as the C2-7 angle, FSU angle, C2-7 SVA, and T1 slope, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The incidence of dysphagia in the zero-profile group was 22.41% at one week, which subsequently decreased to 13.79% at three months and 3.45% at the final follow-up. In contrast, the plate cage group exhibited a higher incidence of dysphagia, with rates of 47.62% at one week, 33.33% at three months, and 11.90% at the final follow-up. Notably, there were significant differences in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups within the first three months. However, the fusion rate, occurrence of implant subsidence, and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) were comparable at the final follow-up. Conclusion: For patients with one-level cervical disc degenerative disease combined with paraspinal muscle degeneration, both the zero-profile technique and PCC have demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating clinical symptoms and maintaining the postoperative sagittal balance. Although no significant disparities were observed between these two technologies in terms of complications such as adjacent segment degeneration and implant subsidence, the zero-profile technique exhibited superior performance over PCC in relation to dysphagia during the early stages of postoperative recovery. To validate these findings, studies with longer follow-up periods and evaluations of multilevel cervical muscles are warranted.

Comparison of the Locking Intramedullary Nailing, Single Plate and Double Plate Osteosynthesis in Treatment of Humerus Shaft Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients treated with single plate osteosynthesis, double plate osteosynthesis, and antegrade locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) in treatment of humerus diaphyseal fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey, between 2014 and 2020. METHODOLOGY: A total of 99 patients with humerus diaphyseal fractures were retrospectively evaluated. Forty-six had been treated with single plating, 24 were treated with double plating, and 29 with IMN. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of the union time, union rate, complications, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) functional scores. RESULTS: The average union time was 17 weeks and nonunion rate was 6% of patients. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of DASH functional score and nonunion (p >0.05). The surgical time and bleeding amount were significantly shorter in the IMN group compared to the other groups (p <0.05). A statistically significantly short union time was observed in both plating groups compared to IMN (p <0.05), but it was not different between single and dual plating (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the implant used, good reduction and stable fixation, respect for the soft tissue and use of the implant in accordance with the surgical technique are sufficient to achieve union in the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. KEY WORDS: Humeral shaft fracture, Surgical treatment options, Comparison, Outcomes.

Dual Mini-Fragment Plate Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures Reduces Risk of Reoperation Compared With Single-Plate Fixation Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have highlighted dual plating as a method of reducing high rates of postoperative complication after operative management of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. However, few studies have reliably characterized reoperation rates and magnitude of risk reduction achieved when using dual versus anterior and superior single-plate techniques. HYPOTHESIS: There would be lower rates of reoperation among patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures via dual plating. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ORIF for a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture between 2010 and 2021 at a level 1 trauma center with a minimum 12-month follow-up. Patients were separated into 3 cohorts based on fixation type: (1) orthogonal dual mini-fragment plate fixation, (2) superior plate fixation, and (3) anterior plate fixation. Data on patient characteristics, fracture pattern, and reoperations were documented. All-cause reoperation rates and hazard ratio (HR) estimates of dual, superior, and anterior plating were calculated using a multivariate multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival model. Significant confounders including high-risk fracture morphology and smoking status were controlled for in the final model. RESULTS: A final cohort of 256 patients was identified with mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 3.8 years. In total, 101 patients underwent superior plating, 92 underwent anterior plating, and 63 underwent dual plating. Overall, 31 reoperations took place (18 in superior, 12 in anterior, 1 in dual plating) among 22 patients. Major contributors to reoperation included symptomatic hardware (n = 11), nonunion (n = 8), deep infection (n = 7), and wound dehiscence (n = 2). Superior plating revealed the highest reoperation rate of 0.031 per person-years, followed by anterior plating with 0.026 per person-years and dual plating with 0.005 per person-years. Overall, single plating (either anterior or superior placement) had a nearly 8-fold greater risk of reoperation than dual plating (HR, 7.62; 95% CI, 1.02-56.82; P = .048). Further broken down by technique, superior plating had an 8-fold greater risk of reoperation than dual plating (HR, 8.36; 95% CI, 1.10-63.86; P = .041), but anterior plating did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference compared with dual plating (HR, 6.79; 95% CI, 0.87-52.90; P = .068). CONCLUSION: Dual-plate fixation represents an excellent treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, with low rates of nonunion and reoperation. When compared with single locked superior or anterior plate fixation, dual mini-fragment plate fixation has a nearly 8-fold lower risk of reoperation.

Correct positioning of the calcar screw leads to superior results in proximal humerus fractures treated with carbon-fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone plate osteosynthesis with polyaxial locking screws.

BACKGROUND: Plate osteosynthesis with implants made of carbon-fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) has recently been introduced for the treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus (PHFs). The advantages of the CFR-PEEK plate are considered to be its radiolucency, its favourable modulus of elasticity, and the polyaxial placement of the screws with high variability of the angle. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the influence of calcar screw positioning on the complication and revision rates after CFR-PEEK plating of PHFs. The secondary aim is to assess its influence on functional outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were identified retrospectively. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. The cohort was divided into two groups depending on the distance of the calcar screw to the calcar (group I: < 12 mm, group II: ≥ 12 mm). The range of motion (ROM), Subjective Shoulder Value Score (SSV) and Constant-Murley Score (CS) were analysed at follow-up examination. Subjective complaints, complications (e.g. humeral head necrosis, varus dislocation) and the revision rate were evaluated. RESULTS: 51 patients (33 female, 18 male) with an average age of 68.6 years were included after a period of 26.6 months (group I: 32 patients, group II: 19 patients). Apart from the gender distribution, no significant differences were seen in the patient characteristics. The outcome scores showed significantly better clinical results in group I: SSV 83.4 vs 71.2, p = 0.007; CS 79.1 vs 67.8, p = 0.013. Complications were seen less frequently in group I (18.8 % vs 47.4 %, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the positioning of the calcar screw is relevant for CFR-PEEK plate osteosynthesis in PHFs with a good reduction of the fracture. Optimal positioning of the calcar screw close to the calcar (< 12 mm) is associated with a lower rate of complications, resulting in significantly superior functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Best of Both Worlds? Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures with the Nail-Plate Construct.

OBJECTIVES: Distal femoral fractures are a significant injury sustained by low- and high-energy trauma. Common treatment practices are lateral locking plate or intramedullary nail fixation, with disadvantages including risk of non and malunion and limited post-operative weightbearing status. Combining both techniques as a nail-plate construct (NPC) theoretically achieves enhanced fixation to allow immediate weightbearing. The aim of this study is to examine radiographic union, malunion and patient-reported outcomes in distal femur NPC fixation. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study including all patients >18 years who sustained distal femur fractures treated with NPC. Primary outcomes were radiographic union, malunion and patient reported outcome measures at minimum 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included post-operative mobility, length of stay and complications. Relevant variables of normality are reported as mean with standard deviation. Subgroup analysis of patients aged <65 and ≥65 years are provided. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in the study. Rate of radiographic union was 100%. There was no case of malunion. All patients were allowed to bear full weight immediately post-operatively. Mean length of stay was 9.50 days, with 37.5% of patients discharged directly home. The majority (85.7%) of patients returned to pre-injury mobility. Early post-operative complications occurred in three patients. Three patients returned to theater. The mean EQ-5D-5L index value was 0.713, with 71.4% describing no problems with self-care and 85.7% reporting no or slight problems with usual daily activities. CONCLUSION: The NPC provided stable fixation permitting full weightbearing post-operatively with no cases of non or malunion. Return to pre-injury mobility and activity are encouraging. Based on these results we support the use of nail-plate construct fixation in the management of distal femur fractures.

Hook plate fixation of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures results in satisfactory patient-reported outcomes but complications and revisions are high.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of distal clavicle fractures Neer type II is challenging. A gold standard has not yet been established, thus various surgical procedures have been described. The purpose of this study is to report the radiological and clinical outcomes using hook plate fixation in Neer type II distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 53 patients who underwent hook plate fixation between December 2009 and December 2019 with ≥ 2 years of follow-up. Patients with preexisting pathologies or concomitant injuries of the ipsilateral shoulder were excluded. Pre- and postoperative coracoclavicular distance (CCD), bony union and patient-reported outcomes were collected, including the Constant Score (CS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Complications and revisions were recorded. RESULTS: At a mean final follow-up of 6.2 years, mean SSV was 91.0% (range, 20-100) and mean CS was 80.9 points (range, 25-99). The mean preoperative CCD was 19.0 mm (range, 5.7-31.8), the mean postoperative CCD was 8.2 mm (range, 4.4-12.2) and the mean CCD following hardware removal was 9.7 mm (range, 4.7-18.8). The loss of reduction following hardware removal was statistically significant (P = 0.007). Eleven (20.8%) patients had complications, with 5 cases of deep or superficial infection (9.4%), four non-unions (7.5%), one periosteosynthetic fracture, one postoperative seroma, one implant failure and one symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis (all 1.9%). A total of 10 patients (18.9%) underwent revision surgery at a mean of 113 (range, 7-631) days. CONCLUSION: Medium-term patient-reported outcomes for hook plate fixation of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures are satisfactory; however, one in five patients suffers a complication with the majority of them requiring revision surgery.