Fracture Dislocation of the Pisiform Bone in 14-Year-Old Boy-A Case Report.

We present the case of a 14-year-old patient who suffered fracture dislocation of the pisiform bone (PB) along with fractures of the scaphoid, proximal radius, and proximal phalanx of the thumb due to high-energy trauma directly to the extended wrist. This combination of fractures has not been previously reported in the literature. Currently, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal treatment approach for such cases. In our management, initial attempts at closed and open reduction were unsuccessful, leading to the decision for primary pisiformectomy. Our report includes a follow-up of 3.5 years, demonstrating a very good outcome. Based on this case and a few similar published cases, primary pisiformectomy appears to be a viable and well-accepted option, particularly among young patients. Additionally, we conducted a review of radiographic criteria and management strategies for this specific injury and related conditions.

Temporary Cast Application in Dislocated Ankle Fractures Leads to High Rates of Secondary Loss of Reduction: Does the Lauge-Hansen Injury Type Matter?

BACKGROUND: For the temporary treatment of ankle fracture dislocations (AFDs), previous studies indicate higher rates of secondary loss of reduction (LOR) with splint immobilization, prompting consideration for expanding indications for external fixation (ExFix). However, these studies did not investigate the influence of fracture morphology to further improve patient selection. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Lauge-Hansen injury type on the LOR rate in bimalleolar or trimalleolar AFDs for temporary cast vs ExFix immobilization. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with isolated AFD cases treated at our institution from 2011 to 2020 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required radiographs depicting initial dislocation and appropriate reduction after Cast or ExFix immobilization. Exclusion criteria encompassed concomitant injuries, open fractures, conservative management as well as surgery performed within 48 hours or at a different facility. Patients were grouped by temporary treatment (Cast or ExFix). The primary endpoint was LOR prior to definitive surgery across various Lauge-Hansen types. RESULTS: The LOR rate was significantly higher in the cast group (40/152, 26.3%) compared to the ExFix group (5/191, 2.6%; P < .0001). In the cast group, LOR was associated with an increase in time to definitive surgery by a mean of 3 days (P < .002). During cast treatment, LOR was significantly more likely for pronation abduction (P = .001) and supination external rotation injuries (P < .0001), whereas no significant differences were observed for pronation external rotation (P = .006), supination adduction (P > .99), and fractures not classifiable (P > .99). CONCLUSION: In cases of AFDs resulting from supination external rotation or pronation abduction trauma according to the Lauge-Hansen classification, especially in the setting of an additional posterior malleolar fracture, primary application of external fixation should be considered to reduce the risk for secondary loss of reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Primary Arthrodesis versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Lisfranc Joint Fracture-Dislocations in Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The Lisfranc joint is an intricate podiatric medical structure that when injured can prove difficult to treat. No consensus has been established on optimal surgical management for this injury. It is widely debated whether open reduction and internal fixation or primary arthrodesis provides better outcomes for patients. Although literature has been published on this subject, no generalized guidelines have been created. The goal of this study was to analyze high-level meta-analyses to draw conclusions about surgical interventions for Lisfranc joint injuries. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to analyze outcomes of meta-analyses from January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2021. Only high-level evidence that reported at least one of the following outcomes was included: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score, visual analog scale score, total complication rate, hardware removal rate, revision surgery rate, and secondary procedure rate. RESULTS: Six articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were then analyzed. For all of the outcome measures, primary arthrodesis was equal or superior to open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend primary arthrodesis over open reduction and internal fixation for adult Lisfranc injuries.

Primary total talus arthroplasty for Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation.

A woman in her 40s was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained a closed Hawkins type IV talar neck fracture dislocation. The injury was treated with reduction, percutaneous pinning and spanning external fixation, followed by definitive treatment with total talus arthroplasty (TTA) 2 months following injury. This is a unique example of definitive management for a severe talar neck fracture dislocation with arthroplasty in the subacute setting. TTA is perhaps a primary option for these injuries at high risk for avascular necrosis, non-union, malunion and post-traumatic arthritis.

Open reduction and internal fixation of crescent fracture-dislocation: anterior or posterior approach?

INTRODUCTION: To date, the approach that prevails in the open reduction and internal fixation of crescent fracture-dislocations (CFD) remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of CFD treated via the anterior or posterior approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 64 cases of CFDs openly reduced through an anterior (group A, n = 31) or a posterior (group B, n = 33) approach were retrospectively analyzed. Functional results, reduction quality, residual displacements in the axial and coronal planes, pelvic asymmetry deformity, and correlations between Day's classification were compared. Complications and fracture union were also recorded. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: The functional scores were similar between the two groups, and all fractures achieved good or excellent reduction postoperatively. In the coronal plane, the excellent/good ratio in group B was higher than in group A. The mean residual displacement in the coronal plane was significantly higher in group A than in group B, with group A showing greater displacement in both planes for Day I fractures and in the coronal plane for Day II fractures. The residual displacement in both planes for Day III fractures was comparable between the groups. The pelvic asymmetry deformity was equal between the two groups and among the different Day's fracture types. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of CFDs obtained satisfactory outcomes through an anterior or posterior approach. The posterior approach achieved a better sacroiliac joint reduction. The optimal indication for the posterior approach was a Day I fracture, followed by a Day II fracture. No correlation was found between the surgical approach and reduction quality in Day III fractures.

Entrapment of median nerve after elbow fracture dislocations: expected surgical time frame based on cadaver study.

INTRODUCTION: Median nerve injuries occur in approximately 3% of pediatric elbow fracture dislocations. These rare injuries can be difficult to diagnose, and the results are poor in delay cases. Surgical timing is one of the most important prognostic factors. We aimed to present three patients with median nerve palsy who were referred to our clinic late, and according to these cases, we emphasized the expected time frame for exploration based on our anatomical cadaver study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, three patients were referred to our clinic because of median nerve paralysis after a treated elbow dislocation. The mean interval between injury and referral was 15 (min: 13-max: 18) months, and the mean age of the patients was 15 (13-18) years. Neurolysis was performed in two patients, and for the third patent, after neurolysis, axonal continuity was observed to be disrupted so sural nerve grafting was performed with four cables. Tendon transfers were performed in all patients. A total number of 20 upper extremities of 10 cadavers were dissected. Due to its proximal innervation and ease of assessment, the muscle innervation of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) was planned to be evaluated. The distance from the medial epicondyle is calculated in the cadaver study where the nerve injury is found. RESULTS: The mean length from the medial epicondyle to the motor innervation of FPL was calculated in each specimen and found to be 101.99 millimeters (mm) (range: 87.5-134.2). The mean longest innervation of FPL was 110.83 mm from (range 87.5-148.1) the medial epicondyle calculated by including each specimens longest nerve length. Knowing that the healing time of a nerve lesion is 1 mm per day, we calculated that the recovery of FPL would take approximately 4 months. CONCLUSION: When nerve healing is expected to be 1 mm a day in axonotmesis type injury, after the median nerve palsy following elbow dislocation, thumb flexion should be achieved in the following 4 months generally if the nerve was not entrapped in the joint. This cadaver-based study objectively defined how long to wait for the innervation of the FPL in median nerve injuries in elbow fracture dislocations.

Tripolar Dislocation: Elbow Terrible Triad-Essex-Lopresti Injury-Trans-scaphoid Perilunate Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 23-year-old man presented with a right upper limb injury after a 10-m fall. Initial evaluation demonstrated a terrible triad elbow injury associated with a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. Elbow stabilization with radial head replacement and carpal fixation was performed. Radiographs on postoperative day 7 demonstrated an ipsilateral Essex-Lopresti injury, which had been initially missed, and revision surgery was performed to reconstruct the interosseous membrane. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should maintain a high degree of suspicion for an ipsilateral Essex-Lopresti injury in patients with a terrible triad elbow fracture-dislocation in combination with a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. Both preoperative imaging, including the contralateral side, and intraoperative evaluation are recommended to rule out longitudinal instability of the forearm in the setting of combined wrist and elbow fracture-dislocations.

Chopart dislocations: a review of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Chopart injuries can be allocated into 4 broad groups, ligamentous injury with or without dislocation and fracture with or without dislocation, which must occur at the talonavicular joint (TNJ) and/or calcaneocuboid joint (CCJ). Chopart dislocations are comprised of pure-dislocations and fracture-dislocations. We aim to review the literature, to enable evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles from the electronic databases, PubMed, Medline and Scopus. The PRISMA flow chart was used to scrutinise the search results. Articles were screened by title, abstract and full text to confirm relevance. RESULTS: We identified 58 papers for analysis, 36 case reports, 4 cohort studies, 4 case series and 14 other articles related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of Chopart dislocations. Diagnostic recommendations included routine imaging to contain computed tomography (CT) and routine examination for compartment syndrome. Treatment recommendations included early anatomical reduction, with restoration and maintenance of column length and joint congruency. For both pure-dislocations and fracture-dislocations urgent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) provided the most favourable long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Chopart dislocations are a complex heterogenous midfoot injury with historically poor outcomes. There is a relative paucity of research discussing these injuries. We have offered evidence-based recommendations related to the clinical and surgical management of these rare pathologies.

Open Reduction And Internal Fixation of Tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) Fracture Dislocations-Is Arthrodesis Necessary?

INTRODUCTION: Controversy remains regarding the optimal management of tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) fracture dislocations. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and ORIF with primary arthrodesis (PA) have been described in the treatment of these injuries, although adverse sequelae remain problematic. Previous work has yielded small cohorts with heterogenous results. We aimed to describe the outcomes of Lisfranc fracture dislocations managed with ORIF and/or PA to identify risk factors for complications, such as nonunion and revision surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 206 consecutive tarsometatarsal fracture dislocations that underwent surgical repair between 2015 and 2021 was performed. Time to radiographic union was noted. Complications were recorded, including revision surgery, infection, symptomatic implant removal, posttraumatic arthritis, secondary arthrodesis, and nonunion. A comparative subgroup analysis of outcomes by treatment modality (ie, PA versus ORIF) and by injury severity (isolated injury versus concomitant lower extremity fracture) were performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with revision surgery. RESULTS: 104 patients met the inclusion criteria with a mean 13-month follow-up. Ninety-three (n = 93) patients underwent ORIF, and 11 patients underwent PA. Radiographic union was achieved in 94.2% of cases (98/104) at an average 106 days. Complications included superficial infection (3.8%), deep infection (7.7%), symptomatic implant removal (19.2%), posttraumatic arthritis (12.5%), secondary arthrodesis (4.8%), and nonunion (2.9%). No difference existed in the complication rates between those who underwent ORIF and those who underwent PA ( P = 0.50). Revision surgery rates were similar between patients who sustained isolated injuries and those with concomitant lower extremity fractures ( P = 0.31). Risk factors for revision surgery included open fractures (OR 4.01, P = 0.042) and previous psychiatric illness (OR 5.77, P = 0.016). DISCUSSION: The vast spectrum of injury in Lisfranc fracture dislocations makes uniform treatment challenging. In this large consecutive series, few failed to achieve union or required secondary arthrodesis. Open fractures and previous psychiatric illness portended worse clinical outcomes. ORIF without PA remains a viable treatment in these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Coverage of Palmar Mini Plates with Flexor Pulleys in the Treatment of Dorsal Fracture-Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

Introduction: Dorsal fracture dislocations (DFD) of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) are challenging fractures. A palmar surgical approach and plate fixation has a high complication rate, including flexor contractions, reduction of range of motion (ROM) and secondary need for plate removal. Methods: We use the flexor tendon pulleys to cover the mini plate with the assumption that it may reduce the adhesion between the mini plates and the tendons and reduce postoperative complications. We present the outcomes of using this technique in eight patients. Results: All patients had an excellent outcome at a mean follow-up of 17 months, and none required removal of the implants. Conclusions: This study presents a surgical technique that may potentially reduce the high complication rate found after ORIF for treatment of DFD of the PIPJ. Therefore, improving the clinical outcomes after this type of surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Comparison of temporary external and percutaneous k-wire fixations for treatment of ankle fracture-dislocations.

PURPOSE: Ankle fracture-dislocations are among the most severe injuries, and the use of an external fixator as a recommended fixation method has some disadvantages. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of external and K-wire fixations in the treatment of ankle fracture dislocations. METHODS: A total of 67 patients with ankle fracture-dislocations requiring temporary external or percutaneous K-wire fixation were included. The exclusion criteria were pilon fractures, open fractures, and those who required acute open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) score (range 0-10), and complications before and after the definitive surgery were recorded. RESULTS: A significant difference between the two groups was not observed for age, sex, affected side, fracture type, smoking status, or diabetes. The average AOFAS scores were 83.2 and 83.3, the median VAS scores were 3 and 3, and the complication rates were 32.4% and 6.7% in the external and K-wire fixation groups, respectively (p = 0.010). However, skin necrosis, re-dislocation of the ankle, surgical wound infection, and posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis frequency were not significantly different between the groups, except for pin-sites infection (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Ankle fracture-dislocations using percutaneous k-wire fixation showed a low rate of complications and favorable clinical outcomes. This method could be a good alternative treatment option for ankle fracture-dislocations.

[Finite element analysis of five internal fixation modes in treatment of Day type â ¡crescent fracture dislocation of pelvis].

Objective: To compare the biomechanical differences among the five internal fixation modes in treatment of Day type Ⅱ crescent fracture dislocation of pelvis (CFDP), and find an internal fixation mode which was the most consistent with mechanical principles. Methods: Based on the pelvic CT data of a healthy adult male volunteer, a Day type Ⅱ CFDP finite element model was established by using Mimics 17.0, ANSYS 12.0-ICEM, Abaqus 2020, and SolidWorks 2012 softwares. After verifying the validity of the finite element model by comparing the anatomical parameters with the three-dimensional reconstruction model and the mechanical validity verification, the fracture and dislocated joint of models were fixed with S 1 sacroiliac screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S 1+LC-Ⅱ group), S 1 sacroiliac screw combined with 2 LC-Ⅱ screws (S 1+2LC-Ⅱ group), S 1 sacroiliac screw combined with 2 posterior iliac screws (S 1+2PIS group), S 1 and S 2 sacroiliac screws combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S 1+S 2+LC-Ⅱ group), S 2-alar-iliac (S 2AI) screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S 2AI+LC-Ⅱ group), respectively. After each internal fixation model was loaded with a force of 600 N in the standing position, the maximum displacement of the crescent fracture fragments, the maximum stress of the internal fixation (the maximum stress of the screw at the ilium fracture and the maximum stress of the screw at the sacroiliac joint), sacroiliac joint displacement, and bone stress distribution around internal fixation were observed in 5 groups. Results: The finite element model in this study has been verified to be effective. After loading 600 N stress, there was a certain displacement of the crescent fracture of pelvis in each internal fixation model, among which the S 1+LC-Ⅱ group was the largest, the S 1+2LC-Ⅱ group and the S 1+2PIS group were the smallest. The maximum stress of the internal fixation mainly concentrated at the sacroiliac joint and the fracture line of crescent fracture. The maximum stress of the screw at the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S 1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S 2AI+LC-Ⅱ group. The maximum stress of the screw at the ilium fracture was the largest in the S 1+2PIS group and the smallest in the S 1+2LC-Ⅱ group. The displacement of the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S 1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S 1+S 2+LC-Ⅱ group. In each internal fixation model, the maximum stress around the sacroiliac screws concentrated on the contact surface between the screw and the cortical bone, the maximum stress around the screws at the iliac bone concentrated on the cancellous bone of the fracture line, and the maximum stress around the S 2AI screw concentrated on the cancellous bone on the iliac side. The maximum bone stress around the screws at the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S 1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S 2AI+LC-Ⅱ group. The maximum bone stress around the screws at the ilium was the largest in the S 1+2PIS group and the smallest in the S 1+LC-Ⅱ group. Conclusion: For the treatment of Day type Ⅱ CFDP, it is recommended to choose S 1 sacroiliac screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw for internal fixation, which can achieve a firm fixation effect without increasing the number of screws.

Variable Adjustment Methods for Hemihamate Autograft Arthroplasty in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture/Dislocations: A Surgical Technique Revisited and Case Series.

ABSTRACT: Proximal interphalangeal joint fracture/dislocations, even after surgical correction, often lead to long-term complications including posttraumatic arthritis, prolonged joint stiffness, and chronic joint instability. A wide range of surgical techniques has been devised to resolve this issue, but none has been promising enough. Despite this circumstance, arthroplasty using a hemihamate autograft of size and contour that match the middle phalangeal base has progressed into one of more acceptable methods that provide both articular congruency and osseous stability. In this article, we introduce various types of proximal interphalangeal joint fracture/dislocations and individualized surgical approach using hemihamate autograft and lag screw and/or hook plate as fixation methods.

Proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations and fracture-dislocations.

Although proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations are generally straightforward to treat, fracture-dislocations are among the most difficult hand injuries to manage. Fracture patterns range from simple to treat palmar plate avulsion fractures to complex, unstable pilon fractures of the base of the middle phalanx, where achieving adequate reduction and fixation can be extremely difficult. Moreover, these fractures may present sub-acutely or chronically, which greatly adds to the complexity of the case. It is therefore no surprise that clinical results vary and are often difficult to predict. We will discuss the clinical presentations, the various dislocation and fracture-dislocation patterns, treatment options and the complications of these injuries.

Comparison of plaster cast and open reduction internal fixation in delayed fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of the late-presenting ulnar carpometacarpal (CMC) joint injuries treated conservatively with plaster cast versus treated surgically with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2019 - October 2021, a total of 28 patients (26 males, 2 females; mean age: 32.2±10.3 years; range, 20 to 59 years) who were treated conservatively or surgically were retrospectively analyzed. Fourteen patients operated with ORIF were included in the first group (surgery group), and 14 patients followed conservatively with a plaster cast were included in the second group (conservative group). The patients were classified according to Cain's classification and the AO Foundation and Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. The patients were evaluated in terms of pulp palm distance (PPD), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, grip strength, time to return to work, follow-up time, and presence of complications. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in terms of the pain and functional scores. In the conservative group, the grip strength of the injured side was significantly lower than the healthy side (p=0.0093). The patients with and without metacarpal fracture subluxation/dislocation were evaluated separately, and the grip strength of the fractured side in the subluxation/dislocation group was found to be significantly higher in the surgery group than the conservative group (p=0.0237). In the group with subluxation/dislocation, the recovery time increased, as the time to treatment increased. In three patients in the conservative group, the PPD values were 2, 3, and 4 mm, respectively while it was 0 mm for all in the surgery group. CONCLUSION: The non-bridging dorsal buttress plate technique with or without a Kirschner wire is effective in patients with delayed ulnar CMC fracture-dislocations. Although surgery is associated with longer time to return to work, long-term results obtained with anatomical reduction of the joint are satisfactory for manual workers.

Reverse Hemi-Hamate Autograft for Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture-Dislocations.

Volar proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations are rare injuries. Treatment is challenging when they are not identified acutely, with poor outcomes reported. We report a surgical technique to treat chronic volar proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations: a reverse hemi-hamate autograft.

Diagnosis of a Rare Flexor Tendon Entrapment Using 3D CT Imaging Techniques.

Flexor tendon entrapments as a result of fractures or dislocations in the upper extremity are rare. Diagnosis by clinical examination is not always possible, and imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound is often obtained. These modalities have the disadvantages of reduced sensitivity or increased cost and time, respectively. We present a unique case of a triquetral fracture and pisiform dislocation causing index finger flexor digitorum profundus (FDP-I) entrapment that was diagnosed preoperatively with computed tomography (CT) imaging with 3-dimensional (3D) volume rendering. A 30-year-old man presented in delayed fashion 4 weeks after a dune buggy accident. Among other injuries noted on examination, his index finger was held in flexion and unable to be passively extended. The CT source images showed dislocation and interposition of the FDP-I tendon within a fracture-dislocation of the triquetrum and pisiform. Postprocessed 3D volume renderings obtained from the CT source images confirmed this finding. The patient underwent operative intervention, where FDP-I entrapment between the triquetral fracture fragments and the dislocated pisiform was confirmed and released. Practitioners should be aware of this injury pattern and evolving advanced CT techniques which may be used to aid in soft-tissue diagnoses and obviate the need for additional advanced imaging.

Treatment of Fourth and Fifth Carpometacarpal Fracture-Dislocations in Punching Injuries With Motion-Sparing Hamate Fixation Spring Plates: "Rabbit Ears" Plating.

Punching injuries to the hand are frequent and can result in fourth and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture-dislocations. Fourth and fifth CMC fracture-dislocations are unstable, and dorsal metacarpal dislocations are most common. Operative management for maintaining reduction of the unstable fracture-dislocation was closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; however, in delayed fractures, open reduction is necessary. We report on a plating technique used for acute and delayed, unstable fourth and/or fifth CMC fracture-dislocations. This method of plating is novel and allows for physiological motion at the CMC joint through a dorsal buttressing mechanism while maintaining joint reduction. The range of motion begins within the first week postoperatively, and full composite fist formation and digital extension occur 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. This novel technique affords an alternative effective surgical treatment option with excellent outcomes for patients presenting with fourth and fifth CMC fracture-dislocations up to 12 weeks following the injury.

A coronoid-centric classification system of proximal trans-ulnar fracture-dislocations has almost perfect intraobserver and interobserver agreement.

BACKGROUND: Fracture-dislocations of the elbow, particularly those that involve a fracture through the proximal ulna, are complex and can be difficult to manage. Moreover, current classification systems often cannot discriminate between Monteggia-variant injury patterns and trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations, particularly when the fracture involves the coronoid. The Mayo classification of proximal trans-ulnar fracture-dislocations categorizes these fractures into 3 types according to what the coronoid is still attached to: trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations (the coronoid is still attached to the ulnar metaphysis); Monteggia-variant fracture-dislocations (the coronoid is still attached to the olecranon); and ulnar basal coronoid fracture-dislocations (the coronoid is not attached to either the olecranon or the ulnar metaphysis). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the Mayo classification system when assessing elbow fracture-dislocations involving the proximal ulna based on radiographs and computed tomography scans. METHODS: Three fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons and 2 fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons blindly and independently evaluated the radiographs and computed tomography scans of 90 consecutive proximal trans-ulnar fracture-dislocations treated at a level I trauma center. The inclusion criteria included subluxation or dislocation of the elbow and/or radioulnar joint with a complete fracture through the proximal ulna. Each surgeon classified all fractures according to the Mayo classification, which is based on what the coronoid remains attached to (ulnar metaphysis, olecranon, or neither). Intraobserver reliability was determined by scrambling the order of the fractures and having each observer classify all the fractures again after a washout period ≥ 6 weeks. Interobserver reliability was obtained to assess the overall agreement between observers. κ Values were calculated for both intraobserver reliability and interobserver reliability. RESULTS: The average intraobserver agreement was 0.87 (almost perfect agreement; range, 0.76-0.91). Interobserver agreement was 0.80 (substantial agreement; range, 0.70-0.90) for the first reading session and 0.89 (almost perfect agreement; range, 0.85-0.93) for the second reading session. The overall average interobserver agreement was 0.85 (almost perfect agreement; range, 0.79-0.91). CONCLUSION: Classifying proximal trans-ulnar fracture-dislocations based on what the coronoid remains attached to (olecranon, ulnar metaphysis, or neither) was associated with almost perfect intraobserver and interobserver agreement, regardless of trauma vs. shoulder and elbow fellowship training. Further research is needed to determine whether the use of this classification system leads to the application of principles specific to the management of these injuries and translates into better outcomes.

Two-staged management of ankle fracture-dislocations with a posterior fragment: computer-tomography-based classification, treatment and its outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Trimalleolar fractures are difficult to treat and malreduction can lead to functional impairment. Involvement of the posterior malleolus has a poor predictive value. Current computed-tomography (CT)-based fracture classifications led to an increase in fixation of the posterior malleolus. The aim of this study was to describe the functional outcome after a two-stage stabilisation with direct fixation of the posterior fragment in trimalleolar dislocation fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, all patients presenting with a trimalleolar dislocation fracture, an available CT scan, and a two-stage operative stabilisation including the posterior malleolus by a posterior approach were included. All fractures were treated with initial external fixator and delayed definitive stabilisation including fixation of the posterior malleolus. Next to clinical and radiological follow-up, outcome measures (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Hulsmans implant removal score) and complications were analysed. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2019, of 320 trimalleolar dislocation fractures, 39 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 49 months (standard deviation (SD) 29.7, range 16-148). Mean age was 60 years (SD 15.3, 17-84) with 69% female patients. The mean FAOS was 93/100 (SD 9.7, 57-100), NRS 2 (interquartile range (IQR) 0-3) and ADL 2 (IQR 1-2). Four patients showed a postoperative infection, three re-operations had to be performed and implants were removed in 24 individuals. CONCLUSION: A two-stage procedure of trimalleolar dislocation fractures with in-direct reduction and fixation of the posterior tibial fragment through a posterior approach leads to good functional outcome scores with a low rate of complications.