Low energy gunshot injuries: Does removal of retained bullet fragmentation at the time of internal fixation reduce the risk of fracture related infection?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of RBF (Retained Bullet Fragment) removal at the time of long bone fixation on FRI (fracture related infection) rates in low energy GSI (Gunshot Injury) related fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study SETTING: Level 1 Academic Trauma Center INTERVENTION: Retrospective review of the impact of RBFs on the risk of FRI when employing internal fixation in low energy GSI (Gunshot Injury) related fractures. In situations where the injury pattern requires surgical fixation, the question arises as to whether or not the RBFs need to be removed to prevent FRI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Whether or not the RBFs removed in our patient population prevented short- and long-term fracture related infection after low-energy gunshot injury (FRI-LGI). RESULTS: Of the 2,136 GSI related fractures, 131 patients met inclusion criteria, 81 patients underwent removal (R) of RBFs at the time of internal fixation while 50 patients did not undergo any removal (NR) at time of internal fixation. Among the patients who underwent surgical intervention, (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) ORIF was performed in 55 cases (R: 39; NR: 16), and (Intramedullary Nail) IMN was performed in 76 cases (R: 42; NR: 34). The overall rate of deep FRI-LGI was 6.9 % of the 131-patient cohort. We found that removal of RBFs had a statistically significant impact on the rate of deep FRI-LGI when compared to the NR group (p = 0.031). In the RBF removal group, only two patients (2.4 %) developed deep FRI-LGIs, whereas in the NR group, seven patients (14.0 %) developed deep FRI-LGIs. The incidence of early FRI-LGI was higher in the NR group (median 0.6 months) compared to the R group, which was associated with late FRI-LGIs (median 10.1 months) when they occurred. DISCUSSION: In our study population, we found a statistically significantly increased incidence of deep and early FRI-LGI when RBFs are not removed at the time of extra-articular long bone internal fixation. The presence of retained bullet fragments following internal fixation may pose a risk factor for future development of deep FRI-LGI. We believe a surgeon should use their best judgment as to whether a RBF can safely be removed at the time of long bone fixation. Based on our findings, if safely permitted, RBF removal should be considered at the time of GSI long bone fixation resulting from low energy hand gun injuries.

Midline Sacral Fractures: Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Sacral fractures are an important consideration in high-energy traumas associated with injuries to the pelvic ring that confer much of pelvic stability. A midline longitudinal sacral fracture (MLS) is a relatively rare fracture pattern, with only 23 cases of MLS fractures reported in the literature to date. This systematic review evaluates overall mechanisms of MLS injury, associated injuries, complications, management, and fracture prognosis. METHODS: A 1952-2021 PubMed literature search yielded 11 publications reporting the outcomes of a total of 23 MLS fracture cases. RESULTS: Of the 23 MLS patients, 15 (65%) were male and eight (35%) were female, with an average age of 37.25. Ten (43.5%) MLS fractures occurred during motor vehicle collisions and eight (34.7%) because of motorcycle accidents. The most common pelvic ring injuries associated with MLS were pubic symphysis diastasis (n = 12, 57%) and pubic ramus fractures (n = 11, 48%). Patients most frequently suffered intra-pelvic organ dysfunction such as sexual dysfunction or bowel/bladder/urethral injuries. Fractures were treated both operatively or non-operatively and generally showed clinical meaningful resolution at 10 weeks post-injury. CONCLUSIONS: MLS injuries most often occur in high-energy trauma due to motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents as well as crush injuries, leg splitting, direct perineal/perianal impacts. Pre-trauma sacral abnormalities could be potentially predisposing factors correlated with MLS fractures. Careful review of x-rays and CT scans may help reveal MLS fractures, which can go initially undiagnosed. Operative and nonoperative management strategies includes bedrest, transsacral transiliac screw, decompressive laminotomies, and/or pelvic external fixation. The outcomes reported to date have been generally favorable, with most patients healing at approximately 10 weeks. Keywords: Midline sacral fracture; vertical sacral fracture; sacrum; pelvic ring injury.

Use of a modified retrograde femoral rod as a custom length tibiotalocalcaneal nail.

There has been increasing interest in the use of hindfoot tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nails to treat ankle and distal tibia fractures in select patient populations who are at increased risk for soft tissue complications after open reduction and internal fixation with traditional plate and screw constructs. We describe a technique which uses a retrograde femoral nail as a custom length TTC nail. By using a simple modification of the insertion jig, we are able to achieve safe screw trajectories that allow for robust distal interlocking fixation. Review of implantation in multiple cadaveric specimens demonstrates safe placement of distal screw fixation in the calcaneus without risking injury to important neurovascular structures. Because of the 2-cm incremental length options of this particular device, we are able to achieve supraisthmal fixation in the tibia which may lessen the risk for fracture that may be more likely to occur at the tip of a short TTC nail option. Furthermore, a custom length TTC nail is more costly and also requires advanced notice to acquire for the case; retrograde femoral nails are readily stocked and accessible at our level 1 trauma center. This TTC technique offers anatomic restoration while also offering convenience, instrument familiarity, cost savings, and increased patient safety.