Management of extra-articular segmental defects in long bone using a titanium mesh cage as an adjunct to other methods of fixation: a multicentre report of 17 cases.

Aims: This study reviews the use of a titanium mesh cage (TMC) as an adjunct to intramedullary nail or plate reconstruction of an extra-articular segmental long bone defect. Patients and Methods: A total of 17 patients (aged 17 to 61 years) treated for a segmental long bone defect by nail or plate fixation and an adjunctive TMC were included. The bone defects treated were in the tibia (nine), femur (six), radius (one), and humerus (one). The mean length of the segmental bone defect was 8.4 cm (2.2 to 13); the mean length of the titanium mesh cage was 8.3 cm (2.6 to 13). The clinical and radiological records of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean time to follow-up was 55 months (12 to 126). Overall, 16 (94%) of the patients achieved radiological filling of their bony defect and united to the native bone ends proximally and distally, resulting in a functioning limb. Complications included device failure in two patients (12%), infection in two (12%), and wound dehiscence in one (6%). Four patients (24%) required secondary surgery, four (24%) had a residual limb-length discrepancy, and one (6%) had a residual angular limb deformity. Conclusion: A titanium mesh cage is a useful adjunct in the treatment of an extra-articular segmental defect in a long bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:646-51.

Under-utilization of the OTA Fracture Classification in the orthopaedic trauma literature.

BACKGROUND: The OTA Fracture Classification is designed to provide a common language and facilitate effective communication among orthopaedic surgeons. We attempted to measure the degree to which this classification is currently being utilized in orthopaedic trauma literature. METHODS: We reviewed all of the articles in the JOT in 2011. We determined which of these articles could have appropriately utilized the 2007 OTA Classification. We calculated the percentage that mentioned and correctly cited this classification system as a reference. RESULTS: There were 145 articles in 2011. One hundred of these articles were appropriate for classifying a fracture. 38% of these articles utilized the OTA classification in the text. Only 42% of articles mentioning the OTA Classification cited a reference. 38% of these citations used the old (1996) OTA Classification reference, and only 8% overall correctly cited the 2007 OTA Classification reference. 51% of articles mentioned some other classification system; 21 in addition to OTA and 30 instead of the OTA classification. CONCLUSIONS: The OTA Fracture Classification is being used more commonly (38%) but is not routinely used or correctly cited (8%) in articles currently being published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, despite the fact that it is "required" according to the instructions to authors. We conclude that future authors should utilize and correctly reference the 2007 OTA Classification so that the benefits of a common language can be realized. Routine and consistent utilization of the classification may ultimately lead to more consistency and improved interpretability of treatment outcomes in published orthopaedic trauma research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-III case-control study, decision analysis.

Three-dimensional CT modeling versus traditional radiology techniques in treatment of acetabular fractures.

Recently, the authors have used the computer-generated three-dimensional (3-D) CT moving images for preoperative planning and screw/pin insertion in more than 28 cases involving plate and screw fixation of complex acetabular fractures. The authors also used stereolithography (wax or plastic 3-D model of bony anatomy) to develop a computer-generated "clip on" interpositioning template for accurate placement of plate and screws. Application of these new technologies gives the surgeon precise information about the fracture patterns and provides an effective means for preoperative planning and accurate fixation of acetabular fractures. The accuracy of the 3-D virtual presentation of the anatomy is impressive and was substantiated by phantom studies. Postoperation CT revealed no case of screw penetration in the joint. Among other benefits over conventional surgical technique, the computer-assisted surgery provided decreased operative time and morbidity, decreased radiation exposure, and obviated the need for oblique, inlet and outlet roentgen views of the pelvis for preoperative planning. A case report specifically demonstrates preoperative planning for reconstruction of acetabular fracture.