Comparing exposed and buried Kirschner wires in fixation for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: A propensity score-matched study.

PURPOSE: To thoroughly compare the outcomes between exposed and buried Kirschner wires (K-wires) in fixation for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: We examined patients who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2007 and June 2021. We investigated their age, sex, fracture pattern, number of K-wires used, whether they were exposed or buried, operative time, postoperative complications, number of outpatient visits, duration from surgery to K-wire removal, total length of hospitalization, and perioperative radiographic parameters. After propensity score matching, intergroup comparisons were performed to assess the differences in postoperative complication rate, number of outpatient visits, duration from surgery to K-wire removal, total length of hospitalization, and loss of reduction. RESULTS: Propensity score matching resulted in 43 pairs in both groups. Although more patients complained of skin irritation in the buried K-wire group, there was more backing out of the K-wire in the exposed K-wire group (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in other complications. There were more outpatient visits in the buried K-wire group (p < 0.01). The duration from surgery to K-wire removal and the total length of hospitalization were significantly longer in the buried K-wire group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the loss of Baumann's angle (p = 0.61), tilting angle (p = 0.48), or the development of rotation (p > 0.99) between groups. CONCLUSION: More outpatient visits and longer lengths of hospitalization in the buried K-wire group may lead to increased costs and burden on parents.

Radiological Outcomes of the Simplified Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure for Osteoarthritis of the Distal Radioulnar Joint.

Background: We have been using a simplified Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure using a headless compression screw for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ). Unlike a standard SK procedure, the simplified SK procedure does not require exposure of the DRUJ to prepare the opposing surfaces of the sigmoid fossa and the ulnar head or any procedures to stabilise the proximal stump of the ulna. The aim of this study is to report the radiological outcomes of the simplified SK procedure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who underwent a simplified SK procedure for osteoarthritis of the DRUJ at our hospital between October 2008 and September 2020 with a follow-up of at least 25 weeks. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. We also measured radiographic parameters and performed statistical analyses to evaluate the shelf-forming region, ulnar stump and deviation of the carpal region. Results: Our study included 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 52.3 weeks. There was no instance of complications such as nonunion of DRUJ arthrodesis, callus formation at ulnar pseudoarthrosis and painful instability at the proximal stump of the ulna. According to the Wilcoxon signed rank test, no radiographic parameters significantly changed during the follow-up period. There was a significant negative correlation between radioulnar width and the variation of ulnar translation index. Conclusions: All radiographic parameters were well maintained, at least during the short follow-up period. There was no instance of nonunion of DRUJ arthrodesis. The simplified SK with simple headless compression screw insertion may be a reliable method for treating OA of the DRUJ. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Epidemiology of trauma-related paediatric limb fracture using a unique classification: A 10-year retrospective, single-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: Research regarding the epidemiology of paediatric trauma is limited. Using our unique classification, we describe paediatric trauma cases in a 10-year single-centre study to improve paediatric care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding all paediatric trauma cases were extracted using a computerised medical record system that detected fracture diagnosis and epiphyseal injury. Registry search identified cases from January 2008 to December 2017. Age, sex, type of fracture, and details of injury mechanism were analysed, and we categorised the 'falls/turnover' mechanism using a new trauma energy classification based on speed and height. RESULTS: A total of 1379 cases (953 boys and 426 girls) were included. The highest number of injuries (553 cases, 40%) was seen in school children (aged 6 to 10 years). Forearm fracture occurred most frequently, followed by humeral fracture. The most frequent injury mechanism in falls/turnover (969 cases, 70%) was sports in 272 cases (28%), playground equipment in 179 cases (18%), furniture in 102 cases (11%), and bicycling in 87 cases (9%). We classified 956 cases of falls/turnover using our trauma energy classification scheme. Most cases (29%) were classified into the L2 category (low height and high speed), followed by the L1 category (low height and low speed) (p < 0.01). Subcategory analysis using the classification revealed that younger children were more likely to be injured by falling from high places because of their physique, whereas older children were more likely to be injured by a turnover from lower places and at higher speed. CONCLUSION: We describe the epidemiology of fractures in detail and present a new classification system, which may aid in understanding the injury mechanism independent of children's height. The fact that paediatric fractures occur at relatively low energy levels and are trended by age, activity, and sex, could be of potential universal use for their prevention and parent education.

Reverse digital artery flap for Pacinian hypertrophy of the fingertip: A rare case report.

Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia is a pathological increase in the size (Pacinian hypertrophy) and/or density of mature Pacinian corpuscles. Although its aetiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, surgery is the main treatment. Here, we report a rare case of Pacinian hypertrophy at the fingertip treated with surgical excision and reconstruction using a reverse digital artery flap. A 47-year-old man presented with injuries to his right little finger, which was wedged in a door while unloading a truck. His fingertip was amputated and stump plasty was performed. However, severe pain persisted at the fingertip for 5 months after the surgery. Therefore, the painful part of his fingertip was resected, and reconstruction was performed using a reverse digital artery flap 6 months after the injury. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of the resected specimen revealed scar tissue with foreign body reaction and mild Pacinian hypertrophy. One year has passed since the injury, and the pain has completely disappeared. The patient regained complete range of motion in his little finger and was able to resume work without any limitations. Surgical excision with sufficient margin and reconstruction with a reverse digital artery flap is a reliable method to relieve pain due to Pacinian hypertrophy at the fingertip.

Spontaneous extensor tendon rupture due to scaphoid osteophyte: A case report and literature review.

Spontaneous attritional extensor tendon ruptures of the index finger due to carpal bone lesions are uncommon. Here, we report the case of a patient with a spontaneous rupture of the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) and index extensor digitorum communis (EDC2) tendons due to a previously symptomatic dorsal scaphoid osteophyte. A healthy 60-year-old man with right-hand dominance experienced mild pain over the dorsum of his left hand for no particular cause. He was a maker of tatami mats. Nine months later, he noted a sudden snap on the dorsum of his right hand while he was making tatami mats and he became unable to extend his index finger. Plain radiography revealed an osteophyte on the dorsal side of the scaphoid. Computed tomography revealed a bone fragment on the dorsal side between the scaphoid and lunate, which seemed to be derived from the scaphoid osteophyte. He underwent surgery 24 days after the incident. First, the fragment was excised; then tendon transfer was performed. EIP and EDC2 tendons were bundled using a side-to-side suture and connected to the middle extensor digitorum communis tendon using interlacing sutures. Histopathological findings of the resected bone were compatible with osteoarthritic change. Tatami mat making requires repeated radioulnar deviation, which could be a risk factor for scaphoid osteophytes. To our knowledge, the present case is the first to report extensor tendon rupture due to a scaphoid osteophyte in a healthy person. Although there is no consensus on the appropriate management of symptomatic scaphoid osteophytes, early intervention at the first sign of tenosynovitis might be necessary to prevent extensor tendon ruptures.

Reconstruction using a free vascularised medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal flap for osteomyelitis of the juxta-articular distal radius: A case report and literature review.

Osteomyelitis of the epiphysis after a distal radius fracture is uncommon. If not adequately and promptly treated, the detrimental effects on wrist function can be devastating. However, management of septic bone defects of the epiphysis is significantly challenging. We report the case of a patient with juxta-articular distal radius osteomyelitis successfully treated with a free vascularised corticoperiosteal flap from the medial femoral condyle (MFC corticoperiosteal flap). A 46-year-old right-handed man fell on the grass from a height of 2 m during a demolition. He was diagnosed with a right distal radius and ulnar styloid process fracture. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation. However, he developed a deep infection, resulting in postoperative osteomyelitis. Therefore, thorough debridement was performed and an external fixator was applied. Antibiotics were administered according to the culture results. He underwent reconstruction for bone defect using an MFC corticoperiosteal flap 28 days after re-operation. The patient could resume work without limitations 4 months after the reconstruction. The infection subsided completely, and radiographs confirmed bone union at 5 months after the reconstruction. His wrist range of motion was 40° in dorsal flexion (uninjured side 70°), 50° in palmar flexion (75°), 80° in supination (90°), and 90° in pronation (90°). There was no donor site complication. The patient has reported no pain for 1 year since the injury. The use of the MFC corticoperiosteal flap for reconstruction of the juxta-articular distal radius osteomyelitis decreased the time required for bone union, enabled local antibiotic delivery to control infection, and helped preserve wrist function.

Independent predictors affecting the reduction of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although it is important to understand the risk factors affecting the reduction of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (PSHFs), no inclusive study has been conducted so far. We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify the risk factors affecting the quality and difficulty of reduction for PSHFs. METHODS: We reviewed 160 cases with a PSHF that had been surgically treated in our hospital between January 2007 and December 2019. We investigated age, sex, injured side, body mass index (BMI), modified Gartland classification, neurological deficit or an absent radial artery pulse at an initial examination, start time of the operation, waiting time from injury to surgery, operative time, reduction technique, and perioperative radiographic parameters. We calculated independent predictors of unsuccessful closed reduction, prolonged operative time, and malreduction using multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In a logistic regression analysis, modified Gartland type III was a significant predictor of unsuccessful closed reduction (OR 14.50 [95% CI 4.03-51.90]; P < 0.01) and BMI was a significant predictor of malrotation (OR 1.59 [95% CI 1.06-2.39]; P = 0.025). In a multiple linear regression analysis, BMI and open reduction were significant predictors of prolonged operative time (BMI, P = 0.011; open reduction, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: If closed reduction fails, we should not hesitate to immediately switch to other methods. Obesity was an independent predictor of both prolonged operative time and malrotation, a finding that has not been previously reported. Rotational alignment should be carefully checked, especially for obese children, and accurately be reduced. Open reduction also extended operative time.

Timing of Surgery for Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures and Early Postoperative Results.

Background: Pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture (PSHF) is one of the most common fractures of the elbow seen among boys aged between 5 and 7 years. The timing of surgical treatment for this type of fracture is still controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the timing of surgery for PSHFs affects the incidence of early postoperative complications and reduction of PSHFs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of PSHF patients who underwent surgery at our hospital between January 2007 and March 2019. We classified patients who underwent surgery within 12 h and more than 12 h after the fracture as the early and delayed groups, respectively. The outcome measures compared between the two groups were the incidence of postoperative early complications such as neurological deficits, including iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, vascular compromise, compartment syndrome, K-wire migration, and unplanned returns to the operating room. We also examined surgical time, reduction procedure, and perioperative radiographic parameters. Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of early complications between the early and delayed groups for either modified Gartland type II or type III fractures. There was also no significant difference in surgical time, reduction procedure, or perioperative radiographic parameters between the two groups. Conclusions: Delayed surgery was not associated with an increased rate of postoperative early complications in either type II or type III fractures. The timing of surgery does not affect the difficulty or quality of reduction.

Difficulty in locking head screw removal.

BACKGROUND: Locking plates are an internal fixation material useful in the treatment of bone fractures, which provides effective stabilization between the plate and locking head screws (LHSs) via the locking mechanism. However, difficulty in removing LHSs is relatively common, and such cases can require long surgical procedures or use of special removal equipment. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and risk factors for difficult removal of LHSs. METHODS: During the 5-year-6-month period from April 2006 to September 2011, 83 locking plates containing a total of 482 LHSs were removed in 80 patients at our institution. Out of 482 LHSs, there were 118 LHSs with a 2.4-2.7 mm diameter, 308 LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter and 56 LHSs with a 5.0 mm diameter. The incidence of removal difficulty was examined on the basis of screw diameter. In addition, the risk factors were assessed in only LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter. LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter were divided into 2 groups, the difficult removal group and the easy removal group, and the data were examined based on age, sex, time between insertion and removal, and screw position. The incidence of removal difficulty in LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter was examined every 6 months between insertion and removal. RESULTS: Difficulty in removal was encountered in none (0 %) of 118 LHSs with a 2.4-2.7 mm diameter, 15 (4.9 %) of 308 LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter, and none (0 %) of 56 LHSs with a 5.0 mm diameter. In only LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter, the mean ages of the patients in the difficult removal group and the easy removal group were 32.1 and 45.6 years, respectively. The average time between insertion and removal in the difficult removal group and the easy removal group was 529.2 and 389.2 days, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in age and time between insertion and removal. Removal was difficult in 15 (9.1 %) of 165 LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter in those with >1 year between insertion and removal. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that (1) the use of LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter is a necessary condition for difficulty in screw removal, and that (2) longer time from internal fixation to removal, and (3) younger age, are risk factors for it. When removing LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter, appropriate instruments and sufficient training are necessary.

Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children using intramedullary Kirschner wire pinning.

From 1996 to 2002 we used intramedullary Kirschner wires to treat 19 femoral shaft fractures in 19 children (11 boys, 8 girls). Their ages ranged from 2 to 13 years (mean 5.8 years). The mean follow-up time was 3 years (range 4 months to 4 years 9 months). The technique was intramedullary pinning using a 2.5- to 3.0-mm Kirschner wire introduced through the greater trochanter followed by spica casting. All cases achieved bone union within 3 months. The mean angular deformity was 1.7 degrees (range 0 degrees -5 degrees ), and one patient had an external rotational deformity. The mean overgrowth was 7.5 mm, but no patient had residual problems during activities of daily living. Our method has the following advantages: no need of traction, leaving bed earlier, ease of nursing, fewer radiographic examinations, less angular deformity. It also has several disadvantages: the need for an operation under general anesthesia, the need for metal removal, and an operation scar. This method can be considered as one option for treating femoral shaft fractures in children.