Medial augmentation of distal femur fractures using the contralateral distal femur locking plate: A technical note.

Introduction: Lateral locking plates are commonly employed for the fixation of distal femur fractures. However, scenarios involving medial comminution, extremely distal fractures, periprosthetic fractures, or nonunion could necessitate medial augmentation. This study explores the possibility of using lateral distal femoral locking plate systems for medial fixation by employing the contralateral plate. Methods: This study presents a technical note on the application of lateral distal femur locking systems for medial augmentation in patients as indicated by current literature findings. Postoperative imaging modalities, including radiography and computed tomography (CT), were used to assess the plates' fit to the distal femur. Three cases following the specified technical note are presented. Results: The various plate systems, all comprising distal femur locking systems, demonstrated adaptability to the medial femur anatomy as confirmed by intraoperative visualization and postoperative radiographs, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional CT scans. It has also been possible to achieve at least 3 independent fixation points regardless of the size of the medial condyle. Conclusions: Locking distal femoral plates can be a viable option for medial augmentation in indicated cases, achieving anatomical adaptation to the distal femur. This provides robust augmentation without the need for additional instruments beyond those used for the lateral cortex.

Effectiveness of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails for open tibia fracture infection prevention. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Open Tibia fractures are associated with high rates of Fracture Related Infection (FRI). Given the negative outcomes and increased costs related to the latter, several prophylactic local antibiotic delivery methods have been proposed, aiming to decrease the FRI rate. Our objective with this study was to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails for open tibia FRI prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. Queries were performed on Embase, PubMed, Lilacs and Cochrane data libraries. Seventeen studies were included for qualitative analysis and 2 studies were amenable for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Global infection, deep infection and non-union rates were 8.4%, 5.4% and 3.7% in the antibiotic-coated nail group and 22%, 14% and 14% in the non-antibiotic-coated nail group respectively. The meta-analysis showed a protective trend that favored the antibiotic-coated nail group although it didn't achieve statistical significance: deep infection Relative Risk (RR) (RR = 0.17 CI95% [0.02 - 1.31]); global infection RR = 0.36 CI95% [0.10 - 1.35]) and non-union (RR = 0.14 CI95% [0.02 - 1.22]), CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a favorable trend towards antibiotic-coated nail, with decreased risk of global infection, deep infection and non-union as compared to non-antibiotic-coated nail in patients with open tibia fractures. Nonetheless, higher level evidence studies are required to confirm our findings.

Biplanar Osteosynthesis for Severely Displaced Proximal-Third Clavicle Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: We present the case of a 41-year-old man with a displaced extra-articular proximal-third clavicle fracture managed with open reduction and double-plate internal fixation. Twelve months after the procedure, the patient had recovered full range of motion and returned to work. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal-third clavicle fractures are infrequent injuries and are usually treated conservatively. They are associated with thoracic injuries or high-energy dorsal or cervical spinal trauma. In the case of displaced fractures and small medial fragments, orthopaedic management may have unsatisfactory results, creating symptomatic nonunions and functional limitation, we propose a biplanar osteosynthesis, which could be an effective treatment.