Treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method: a subjective outcome assessment.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method was shown to be successful in several studies. These studies, however, typically focus on the radiological and functional outcome using objective parameters only. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the objective and subjective outcome of a consecutive series of patients with large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method. Additionally, it was our goal to assess the physical and mental stress for the patients and their relatives during the long treatment period and the general health status at final follow-up. METHODS: A consecutive series of 15 patients with posttraumatic tibial bone defects of >30 mm after sustaining open tibial fractures and failure of internal fixation was included. The objective outcome was assessed at final follow-up using Paley's criteria. For the assessment of the subjective outcome, all patients were asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the function of the lower leg, the cosmetic appearance and overall outcome as well. The physical and mental stress of the treatment for the patients and the nearest relative of patients were assessed at the time of frame removal using a custom-made questionnaire. The SF-36 was used to evaluate the general health status at final follow-up. RESULTS: Solid bone union with stable soft tissue coverage and eradication of infection was achieved in all patients despite a high complication rate. The functional outcome at final follow-up was excellent or good in all patients. The patients' satisfaction with the overall outcome and the function of the lower extremity was high as well. The fear of amputation and complications was the major subjective burden for both the patients and their relatives. The long external fixation time is another relevant issue. CONCLUSION: The Ilizarov method is a safe option for the treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects after failure of internal fixation despite the high complication rate. It is essential to comment this to the patients and their relatives prior to the application of the frame increase their compliance with the long and emotionally draining treatment. The Ilizarov method is worth the effort only in patients, who will presumably comply with this treatment option and all of its drawbacks.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is best for mid-shaft clavicular fractures without comminution: results in 60 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures is a minimally invasive technique which was reported to be an easy procedure with low complication rates, good cosmetic and functional results, restoration of clavicular length and fast return to daily activities. Recent studies, however, also report on higher complication rates and specific problems with the use of this technique. This prospective study compares ESIN with non-operative treatment of displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures. METHODS: Between December 2003 and August 2007, 120 patients volunteered to participate. Of these, 112 patients completed the study (60 in the operative and 52 in the non-operative group). Patients in the non-operative group were treated with a simple shoulder sling. In the operative group, intramedullary stabilisation was performed within 3 days of the trauma. Clavicular shortening was determined after trauma and after osseous consolidation on thorax posteroanterior radiographs as the proportional length difference between the left and right side with the uninjured side serving as a control for clavicular length (100%). Radiographic union was assessed every 4 weeks on 20 degrees cephalad anteroposterior and posteroanterior radiographs of the clavicle. Constant shoulder scores and DASH scores (DASH, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) were assessed at final follow-up after 2 years. RESULTS: ESIN led to faster osseous healing and better restoration of clavicular length in simple fractures. We were not able to restore clavicular length in comminuted fractures using ESIN. Functional outcome at a mean follow-up of 24 months (range: 22-27 months) was better in the operative group. Delayed union and non-union accounted for the majority of complications in the non-operative group. In the operative group, telescoping was the main complication, which occurred in complex fractures with severe post-traumatic shortening only. CONCLUSION: We recommend ESIN for all simple displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures in order to minimise the rate of delayed union, non-union and symptomatic mal-union. We also recommend ESIN in comminuted fractures with moderate (< or = 7%) post-traumatic shortening, as they will heal with moderate shortening. In comminuted fractures with severe shortening, however, we recommend plate osteosynthesis in order to provide for stability, clavicular length and endosteal blood supply.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures-a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) with nonoperative treatment of fully displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in adults. DESIGN: The study was a randomized, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients between 18 and 65 years of age participated and completed the study. They were randomized to either operative or nonoperative treatment with a 2-year follow-up. INTERVENTION: Thirty patients were treated with a simple shoulder sling and 30 patients with ESIN within 3 days after trauma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Complications after operative and nonoperative treatments, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant Shoulder Score for outcome measurement, and clavicular shortening. RESULTS: Fracture union was achieved in all patients in the operative group, whereas nonunion was observed in 3 of 30 patients of the nonoperative group. Two symptomatic malunions required corrective osteotomy in the nonoperative group. Medial nail protrusion occurred in 7 cases in the operative group. Implant failure with revision surgery was necessary in 2 patients after an additional adequate trauma. DASH scores were lower in the operative group throughout the first 6 months and 2 years after trauma, with a significant difference during the first 18 weeks. Constant scores were significantly higher after 6 months and 2 years after intramedullary stabilization. Patients in the operative group showed a significant improvement of posttraumatic clavicular shortening; they were also more satisfied with cosmetic appearance and overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS: ESIN of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures resulted in a lower rate of nonunion and delayed union, a faster return to daily activities, and a better functional outcome. Clavicular shortening was significantly lower, and overall satisfaction was higher in the operative group.

Length determination in midshaft clavicle fractures: validation of measurement.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate different methods of length determination in acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: To provide static conditions, 30 patients with healed midshaft clavicle fracture were investigated by comparing all measuring methods described in literature. The investigation included a standardized 15-degree tilted radiograph of the clavicle, a 15-degree up-tilted anteroposterior panorama radiograph of the shoulder girdle, and a posteroanterior thorax radiograph. The difference between both clavicles was also measured clinically with a tape. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the shoulder girdle was conducted with two-dimensional reconstructions of the CT scan serving as a reference method. Shortening was determined as proportional length difference. Clinical measuring was performed by 2 observers, and radiological analyses were performed by 4 independent investigators. Investigators were asked to perform repeated measurements to provide intraobserver data. RESULTS: CT measurements, measurements on a posteroanterior thorax radiograph, and 15-degree up-tilted anteroposterior panorama radiograph of the shoulder girdle showed comparable repeatability. Repeatability for clinical measurements and measurements on 15-degree tilted radiographs of the clavicle were markedly lower. Agreement with CT measurements was highest for the measurements on posteroanterior thorax radiographs. CONCLUSION: While shortening in clavicle fractures is considered an important parameter in choosing a treatment modality, a standardized method of measurement is essential. Our results suggest determining proportional length differences by taking a posteroanterior thorax radiograph.