Intramedullary nail versus bridge plate in open tibial fractures - randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Open tibial shaft fractures present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon, because they are common, have a high rate of complications and still have a controversial treatment. As a result of the high incidence of these fractures, the need of a definitive treatment and the unavailability of the intramedullary nail or a well-trained team, we developed this study to compare the effectiveness of the bridge-plating (BP) with the unreamed intramedullary nail (UIMN) in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients were included in a prospective, consecutive and random way and then randomized in two groups of treatment: unreamed intramedullary nail and bridge-plating. The primary outcomes were the reoperation rate and the Johner-Wruhs functional criteria. Secondary outcomes were complication rates, partial and total weight bearing time and bone consolidation time. We verified the existence of normality in the quantitative variables for the outcomes using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The Chi-Square test was utilized to compare the methods according to the relative frequencies and the comparison between the methods regarding the average of the quantitative variables was done through the T-Student test. RESULTS: Both the reoperation rates and the functional criteria of Johner-Wruhs showed no difference between the two groups. The exposure time and the total surgical time were longer in the UIMN group, however the consolidation time, partial weight bearing time and total weight bearing time did not show significant difference. A significant difference was found between the groups in the implant failure rate, in favor of UIMN, the angular malalignment was another secundary outcome that showed a non significant difference in favor of UIMN. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that both methods were effective for the treatment of open tibia shaft fractures, however, the implant failure rate was higher in the bridge plate group.

The malunion of distal radius fracture: Corrective osteotomy through planning with prototyping in 3D printing.

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are among the most frequent in the body. About one third of these fractures can result in malunion with restriction of movement and pain in the wrist, the treatment in these cases consists of corrective osteotomy of the deformity. Due to its three-dimensional (3D) complexity, careful preoperative planning is a fundamental step in correction. The prototyping from the 3D reconstruction of the computed tomography of the affected wrist, allows the real understanding of the deformity. METHODS: Patients with malunion of the distal radius with indication for surgical treatment, from December 2019, were included in the group of corrective osteotomies through planning with prototyping in 3D printing. The postoperative functional outcome was assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiographic data including radial inclination, volar tilt and joint step were recorded from standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographic views. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients were included. The mean age was 47 years. The average postoperative DASH value of the patients was 24.9 and VAS was 3.6. Radiographically, the palmar tilt had an average improvement of 25.22°, and the radial inclination had an average improvement of 2°. CONCLUSION: Corrective osteotomy through planning with prototyping in 3D printing is an effective method of treating symptomatic distal radius malunions. The possibility of performing the osteotomy in a 3D model, simulating the surgery, making the procedure more predictable.

Expanding the horizons of clinical applications of proximal humerus locking plates in the lower extremities: A technical note.

Pre-contoured anatomical locking plates were designed to address the clinical need of fixing small epiphyseal segments with a larger number of screws. Those plates match the contour and shape of a variety of bones allowing for optimal buttress properties. The aim of this manuscript is to highlight the benefits of applying proximal humerus locking plates in the fixation of lower extremity bones. Although designed for the proximal humerus, the low-profile plate shape and anatomic contour also provides versatile use in certain areas of the lower extremity. This technical narrative highlights the versatile and reliable use of this plate for other anatomical areas than the one to which it has been originally conceived.

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF ACETABULAR FRACTURES TREATED IN A QUATERNARY CARE HOSPITAL FROM 2005 TO 2016.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the clinical and sociodemographic data on acetabular fractures in a Brazilian quaternary care hospital and compare with data reported in the literature. METHODS: A descriptive, analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study analyzing 87 patients with acetabular fractures at Hospital São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM) between 2005 and 2016. Demographic variables such as age, sex, occupation, educational level and color were investigated. Acetabular fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA group and Judet and Letournel classification. Therapeutic approach, hospital length of stay and waiting time for surgery as well as complications were analyzed. Associations were established among the various variables obtained. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with acetabulum fractures was 39.8 years (SD 13.1 years). There was a predominance of posterior wall (34.5%) and dual-column (14.9%) fractures. The average hospital length of stay was 14.4 days. More than 90% of patients underwent a surgical procedure. One-fourth of patients had complications, the main one being infection (12.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Unimodal age distribution was obtained with a predominance of white male economically active patients. There was a predominance of posterior wall fractures. More than 90% of patients underwent surgery before they had been in hospital for 14 days. A statistically significant association was found between complications and exceeded length of hospital stay. Level of evidence II, Retrospective study.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os dados clínicos e sociodemográficos das fraturas acetabulares em um hospital quaternário brasileiro e comparar com dados relatados na literatura. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, analítico transversal, em que foram analisados 87 pacientes com fraturas acetabulares no Hospital São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM) entre 2005 e 2016. Variáveis demográficas como idade, sexo, profissão, escolaridade e cor foram pesquisadas. As fraturas acetabulares foram classificadas conforme o grupo AO/OTA e conforme Judet e Letournel. A terapêutica, o tempo de internação e de espera para cirurgia bem como as complicações foram analisadas. Foram feitas associações entre as diversas variáveis obtidas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes vítimas de fraturas do acetábulo foi de 39,8 anos (DP 13,1 anos). Houve predomínio das fraturas da parede posterior (34,5%) e dupla coluna (14,9%). Os pacientes ficaram, em média, 14,4 dias internados. Mais de 90% dos pacientes foram submetidos à abordagem cirúrgica. Um quarto dos pacientes tiveram complicações, sendo a principal, infecção (12,6%). CONCLUSÕES: Foi obtida uma amostra etária unimodal com predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino, brancos e economicamente ativos. Houve um predomínio das fraturas da parede posterior. Mais de 90% dos pacientes foram operados antes dos 14 dias de internação. Constatou-se uma associação estatisticamente significante entre complicações e tempo excedido de permanência hospitalar. Nível de evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo.

Demographic analysis of acetabular fractures treated in a quaternary care hospital from 2005 to 2016 / Análise demográfica das fraturas do acetábulo tratadas em um hospital quaternário de 2005 a 2016

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the clinical and sociodemographic data on acetabular fractures in a Brazilian quaternary care hospital and compare with data reported in the literature. Methods: A descriptive, analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study analyzing 87 patients with acetabular fractures at Hospital São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM) between 2005 and 2016. Demographic variables such as age, sex, occupation, educational level and color were investigated. Acetabular fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA group and Judet and Letournel classification. Therapeutic approach, hospital length of stay and waiting time for surgery as well as complications were analyzed. Associations were established among the various variables obtained. Results: The mean age of patients with acetabulum fractures was 39.8 years (SD 13.1 years). There was a predominance of posterior wall (34.5%) and dual-column (14.9%) fractures. The average hospital length of stay was 14.4 days. More than 90% of patients underwent a surgical procedure. One-fourth of patients had complications, the main one being infection (12.6%). Conclusions: Unimodal age distribution was obtained with a predominance of white male economically active patients. There was a predominance of posterior wall fractures. More than 90% of patients underwent surgery before they had been in hospital for 14 days. A statistically significant association was found between complications and exceeded length of hospital stay. Level of evidence II, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os dados clínicos e sociodemográficos das fraturas acetabulares em um hospital quaternário brasileiro e comparar com dados relatados na literatura. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, analítico transversal, em que foram analisados 87 pacientes com fraturas acetabulares no Hospital São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM) entre 2005 e 2016. Variáveis demográficas como idade, sexo, profissão, escolaridade e cor foram pesquisadas. As fraturas acetabulares foram classificadas conforme o grupo AO/OTA e conforme Judet e Letournel. A terapêutica, o tempo de internação e de espera para cirurgia bem como as complicações foram analisadas. Foram feitas associações entre as diversas variáveis obtidas. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes vítimas de fraturas do acetábulo foi de 39,8 anos (DP 13,1 anos). Houve predomínio das fraturas da parede posterior (34,5%) e dupla coluna (14,9%). Os pacientes ficaram, em média, 14,4 dias internados. Mais de 90% dos pacientes foram submetidos à abordagem cirúrgica. Um quarto dos pacientes tiveram complicações, sendo a principal, infecção (12,6%). Conclusões: Foi obtida uma amostra etária unimodal com predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino, brancos e economicamente ativos. Houve um predomínio das fraturas da parede posterior. Mais de 90% dos pacientes foram operados antes dos 14 dias de internação. Constatou-se uma associação estatisticamente significante entre complicações e tempo excedido de permanência hospitalar. Nível de evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo.

Validation of a new classification system for interprosthetic femoral fractures.

Interprosthetic femoral fracture (IFF) incidence is gradually increasing as the population is progressively ageing. However, treatment remains challenging due to several contributing factors, such as poor bone quality, patient comorbidities, small interprosthetic fragment, and prostheses instability. An effective and specific classification system is essential to optimize treatment management, therefore diminishing complication rates. This study aims to validate a previously described classification system for interprosthetic femoral fractures.

Reproducibility of classifications for olecranon fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the olecranon are relatively common injuries in adults and are of great clinical importance. Classification systems have been developed as tools to assist surgeons in grouping different types of fractures, to facilitate communication and to standardise treatment, but none of the systems used today is universally accepted for olecranon fractures. METHODS: Fifty-nine olecranon fractures were classified according to the Schatzker, Colton, Mayo and AO/ASIF systems by four observers with different levels of expertise. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was assessed. Each observer analysed the images at three different times; the images were randomised and presented in a different sequence at each assessment. RESULTS: There was higher mean intra-observer agreement in the AO/ASIF (0.60) and Mayo (0.64) classifications compared with the Schatzker (0.49) and Colton (0.38) classifications. Inter-observer agreement was better with AO/ASIF and Mayo (0.35 and 0.32, respectively) than with Schatzker and Colton (0.29 and 0.12, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the most commonly used classifications for olecranon fractures are associated with low reproducibility.

Interprosthetic femoral fractures: proposed new classification system and treatment algorithm.

Interprosthetic femoral fracture is a rare and challenging fragility fracture issue. Due to aging of the population, the incidence of this type of fracture is gradually and constantly increasing. There is no complete and specific interprosthetic femoral fracture classification system that indicates treatment and prognosis in the literature. The aim of the present study was to describe a new classification system for interprosthetic femoral fractures, and to present a case series and a treatment algorithm derived from the current evidence in the literature.

Treatment of pelvic fractures - a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: This survey was conducted during the 38(th) Brazilian Congress of Orthopaedics and Traumatology to identify the opinion of Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons on the standard treatment of pelvic fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were randomly selected and invited to voluntarily answer a questionnaire of 10 multiple choice questions addressing the main aspects of the treatment of pelvic fractures: classification, fixation methods in unstable patients, optimal surgical timing in stable patients, and fixation methods in different types of anterior and posterior pelvic injuries. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Three hundred and fifty-two questionnaires were completed, and the following main observations were made: most orthopaedists prefer to use an external fixator in the iliac crest for the emergency stabilisation of pelvic injuries in haemodynamically unstable patients (79.5%); they consider a period of up to one week as optimal for fixation in stable patients (55.1%); they use a plate for the fixation of fractures of the iliopubic rami through a Pfannenstiel or ilio-inguinal approach (53.9%); and they use reconstruction plates for the fixation of fractures of the iliac wing (63.1%). Regarding other studied aspects, there was no predominance of more than 50% of the choices among respondents.

Failure of fixation of trochanteric femur fractures: Clinical recommendations for avoiding Z-effect and reverse Z-effect type complications.

BACKGROUND: Z-effect and reverse Z-effect are complications that arise from the surgical treatment of pertrochanteric fractures of the femur with proximal femoral nails (PFN) comprising two interlocking head screws. Such complications are induced by the migration of screws in opposite directions, which may lead to failure of the osteosynthesis. FINDINGS: The paper describes three cases of pertrochanteric fractures that were treated with PFN with two interlocking screws that evolved to either Z-effect or reverse Z-effect. Literature-based explanations for this phenomenon are provided together with recommendations of how to avoid such complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although intramedullary fixation is an established method of treatment of femoral intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, the evolution of the procedure may include complications associated with the migration of the interlocking head screws. The occurrence of Z-effect and reverse Z-effect has not been completely elucidated, but the main causes of such complications are probably fracture fixation in varus position, severe medial comminution, inappropriate entry point of the nail and poor bone quality.

Correlação entre tempo para o tratamento cirúrgico e mortalidade em pacientes idosos com fratura da extremidade proximal do fêmur / Correlation between time until surgical treatment and mortality among elderly patients with fractures at the proximal end of the femur

OBJETIVO: O objetivo primário do estudo é analisar a possível associação entre o atraso para a realização do tratamento cirúrgico e mortalidade em pacientes idosos com fratura da extremidade proximal do fêmur. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 269 pacientes com fraturas da extremidade proximal do fêmur (fraturas do colo do fêmur e fraturas intertrocanterianas), tratadas cirurgicamente no Hospital São Paulo - Unifesp-SP, no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2007. Foram analisados e comparados com a literatura referente ao assunto os seguintes atributos: sexo, idade, tipo de fratura, classificação da mesma, lado acometido, síntese utilizada, mecanismo de trauma, tempo de internação, tempo para cirurgia, comorbidades associadas, hemograma de entrada, tipo de anestesia, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea, dia da semana e estação do ano da fratura. RESULTADOS: O estudo apresentou correlação entre maior número de comorbidades clínicas, maior tempo de internação e utilização de anestesia geral na cirurgia com maior mortalidade dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve associação entre tempo para realização da cirurgia e mortalidade.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to analyze the possible association between delay in receiving surgical treatment and mortality among elderly patients with fractures at the proximal end of the femur. METHODS: 269 patients with fractures at the proximal end of the femur (femur neck and intertrochanteric fractures) who were treated surgically at Hospital São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, between January 2003 and December 2007, were studied. Sex, age, type of fracture, classification of the fracture, affected side, synthesis used, trauma mechanism, length of hospitalization, length of surgery, associated comorbidities, hemogram at admission, type of anesthesia, need for blood transfusion, day of the week and season of the year of the fracture were analyzed and compared with the literature relating to this subject. RESULTS: The study showed that higher mortality correlated with higher numbers of clinical comorbidities, longer hospitalization and use of general anesthesia during the surgery. CONCLUSION: There was no association between the time spent waiting for surgery and mortality.

Fraturas da extremidade proximal do fêmur tratadas no Hospital São Paulo/Unifesp: estudo epidemiológico / Proximal femur fractures treated at Hospital São Paulo/Unifesp: epidemiological study

Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 314 prontuários de pacientes com fraturas da extremidade proximal do fêmur (fraturas do colo do fêmur e fraturas intertrocanterianas), tratadas cirurgicamente no Hospital São Paulo ? UNIFESP-SP, no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2007. Foram analisados e comparados com a literatura referente ao assunto os seguintes atributos: sexo, idade, tipo de fratura, classificação da mesma, lado acometido, síntese utilizada, mecanismo de trauma, tempo de internação, tempo para cirurgia, comorbidades associadas, hemograma de entrada, tipo de anestesia, grau de deambulação prévia, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea, dia da semana e estação do ano da fratura.Observou-se que pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura do colo são predominantemente da sétima e oitava décadas de vida e aqueles com diagnóstico de fratura transtrocanteriana da oitava década de vida em diante. A causa da fratura mais comum foi queda (91,4%). O tempo de internação hospitalar foi em média de 10,65 dias. Já o tempo para cirurgia foi em média de 6,89 dias. Não houve predomínio de fraturas em determinada estação do ano. A taxa de mortalidade em um ano de acompanhamento foi de 32%. Da totalidade dos óbitos em cinco anos de acompanhamento, dois terços aconteceram nos primeiros seis meses.

CORRELATION BETWEEN TIME UNTIL SURGICAL TREATMENT AND MORTALITY AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH FRACTURES AT THE PROXIMAL END OF THE FEMUR.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to analyze the possible association between delay in receiving surgical treatment and mortality among elderly patients with fractures at the proximal end of the femur. METHODS: 269 patients with fractures at the proximal end of the femur (femur neck and intertrochanteric fractures) who were treated surgically at Hospital São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, between January 2003 and December 2007, were studied. The following attributes were analyzed and compared with the literature relating to this subject: sex, age, type of fracture, classification of the fracture, affected side, synthesis used, trauma mechanism, length of hospitalization, waiting time for surgery, associated comorbidities, hemogram on admission, type of anesthesia, need for blood transfusion, day of the week and season of the year of the fracture. RESULTS: The study showed that higher mortality correlated with higher numbers of clinical comorbidities, longer hospitalization and use of general anesthesia during the surgery. CONCLUSION: There was no association between the time spent waiting for surgery and mortality.

Como o especialista em ortopedia e traumatologia avalia o atendimento ao trauma ortopédico no Brasil / How do orthopedic surgeons rate the orthopedic trauma care in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados de pesquisa Datafolha, realizada no período de 23 de setembro a 18 de outubro de 2010, sobre as condições existentes para o exercício profissional na área do trauma ortopédico no Brasil. MÉTODOS: pesquisa quantitativa, com abordagem telefônica dos entrevistados, por meio de sorteio aleatório de membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, em cadastro contendo mais de 7.000 nomes. As entrevistas foram realizadas mediante aplicação de questionário estruturado, com aproximadamente 25 minutos de duração. RESULTADOS: 97 por cento dos entrevistados dedica parte do seu tempo ao trauma ortopédico. 87 por cento dos entrevistados exercem outra sub-especialidade, que não o trauma ortopédico. Na média dos atendimentos no país, 43 por cento dos pacientes pertencem à rede pública de saúde e 41 por cento pertencem à rede de convênios. O uso de implantes importados ocorre na minoria das situações (36 por cento) e 83 por cento dos médicos que utilizam ambos os tipos de implantes julga que os nacionais apresentam qualidade inferior. 61 por cento dos entrevistados julga a qualidade do atendimento em serviços públicos regular, ruim ou péssima. Metade dos entrevistados declara ter problemas para a liberação de suas solicitações de procedimentos junto aos planos de saúde em pelo menos 25 por cento das vezes em que encaminham tais pedidos. CONCLUSÃO: O trauma ortopédico é uma especialidade exercida pela grande maioria dos ortopedistas brasileiros. A estrutura dos serviços públicos é considerada insatisfatória pela maioria dos ortopedistas entrevistados. A maioria dos ortopedista deseja uma reformulação nos honorários médicos e na infra-estrutura de serviços.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to present the data collected by Datafolha institute, from September 23rd. through October 18th. 2010 about orthopedic trauma care in Brazil. METHOD: A quantitative analysis based on telephonic interviews has been performed. From Brazilian Orthopedic Society database containing more than 7000 records. A structured query has been applied and the interview lasted around 25 minutes. RESULTS: 97 percent of interviewees dedicate part of his/her time to orthopedic trauma. 87 percent of all interviewees dedicate his/her time to more than one sub-specialty. The majority of orthopedic trauma patients comes from government insurance system (43 percent), while 41 percent of patients come from private insurance. 61 percent of all interviewees think that the quality of public health system could be rated as unsatisfactory. Northeast of Brazil is the place where the majority of patients are from public health system and where we have highest rates of dissatisfaction (85 percent) related to available infrastructure for orthopedic trauma care. Half of all interviewed individuals have problems for getting private insurance authorization previously to a surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic trauma is a specialty practiced by the vast majority of orthopedic surgeons in our country. Neither the infrastructure nor the salaries satisfy the majority or orthopedic surgeons dedicated to trauma care.

Fixação das fraturas do platô tibial com placas pela via de acesso posterior - relato preliminar de 12 casos / Tibial plateau fractures fixation using posterior approaches - preliminary results of 12 cases

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados preliminares com técnicas de abordagem posterior para fraturas do platô tibial, com traço de cisalhamento no plano sagital. MÉTODOS: Doze pacientes com fraturas do platô tibial tratados cirurgicamente através de um acesso posterior direto foram incluídos no estudo. Foram revisados os prontuários, as radiografias e tomografias dos pacientes bem como as avaliações clínicas. Todos os casos foram acompanhados até o momento da consolidação óssea, definido como aquele em que o paciente apresentava sinais radiográficos compatíveis sendo capaz de apoiar carga total sobre o membro sem referir dor. RESULTADOS: Entre julho de 2009 e abril de 2010, foram atendidos em nosso serviço 89 pacientes com fraturas da extremidade proximal da tíbia. Desses, 80 (89,9 por cento) foram tratados cirurgicamente. Doze pacientes (13,6 por cento) apresentavam uma fratura com um componente de cisalhamento posterior e, portanto, foram submetidos a abordagens posteriores para redução e fixação da fratura. Em três destes casos associou-se uma abordagem antero-lateral. A média de idades dos pacientes foi de 35 anos. O acompanhamento médio foi de 12 meses (entre 8 e 23 meses). As fraturas foram classificadas de acordo com o sistema AO/OTA: cinco como 41 B1, quatro como 41 B3, duas como 41 C1 e uma como 41 C3. Dentre as complicações, tivemos uma deiscência de sutura, tratada com curativos, e uma perda de redução que necessitou de uma reoperação. Em nenhum caso ocorreu lesão neurovascular, retarde de consolidação, pseudartrose ou instabilidade articular residual. Em 4 casos a redução foi considerada ruim (> 2mm de degrau articular), em 5 casos foi considerada imperfeita (< 2 mm de degrau articular) e em 3 casos obtivemos uma redução anatômica. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores concluem que o uso da abordagem posterior deve ser considerada em casos de fraturas com onde haja componente de cisalhamento posterior do planalto da tíbia. Uma casuística ampliada é necessária para avaliar o real benefício desta abordagem.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our preliminary results of posterior shearing tibia plateau fractures treated by a direct dorsal approach and plate fixation. METHODS: A consecutive series of twelve patients with tibia plateau fractures treated by direct posterior approach was selected from our database. Conventional radiographies, computed tomography scans and medical records were reviewed. All cases were followed to union, as defined by painless weight bearing and radiographic healing. RESULTS: Between July 2009 and April 2010, our trauma service received 89 tibia plateau fractures and treated 80 (89,9 percent) operatively. Twelve patients (13,5 percent) sustained posterior shearing tibia plateau fractures. All fractures were treated through the posterior approach, although 3 required association with an anterolateral approach as well. The mean age of patients was 35 years and mean follow-up was 12 (range 8-23) months. The fractures were classified according to AO/OTA: five 41 B1, four 41 B3, two 41 C1 and one 41 C3. There was one wound dehiscence, managed with local wound care, and one loss of reduction treated by reoperation. No patient sustained neurovascular injury, nonunion, malunions or knee instability. In four cases the reduction was rated as poor (> 2 mm step off), in five cases reduction was rated as imperfect (<2 mm step off) and in three cases the reduction was rated as anatomic (absolutely no step-off). CONCLUSION: Authors conclude that posterior approaches should be considered when tibial plateau fractures result in posterior displaced fragments. A larger sample is needed to get definitive conclusions.

Are distal radius fracture classifications reproducible? Intra and interobserver agreement.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Various classification systems have been proposed for fractures of the distal radius, but the reliability of these classifications is seldom addressed. For a fracture classification to be useful, it must provide prognostic significance, interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility. The aim here was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of distal radius fracture classifications. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a validation study on interobserver and intraobserver reliability. It was developed in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina. METHOD: X-rays from 98 cases of displaced distal radius fracture were evaluated by five observers: one third-year orthopedic resident (R3), one sixth-year undergraduate medical student (UG6), one radiologist physician (XRP), one orthopedic trauma specialist (OT) and one orthopedic hand surgery specialist (OHS). The radiographs were classified on three different occasions (times T1, T2 and T3) using the Universal (Cooney), Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF), Frykman and Fernández classifications. The kappa coefficient (kappa) was applied to assess the degree of agreement. RESULTS: Among the three occasions, the highest mean intraobserver k was observed in the Universal classification (0.61), followed by Fernández (0.59), Frykman (0.55) and AO/ASIF (0.49). The interobserver agreement was unsatisfactory in all classifications. The Fernández classification showed the best agreement (0.44) and the worst was the Frykman classification (0.26). CONCLUSION: The low agreement levels observed in this study suggest that there is still no classification method with high reproducibility.

Are distal radius fracture classifications reproducible? Intra and interobserver agreement / As classificações das fraturas do rádio distal são reprodutíveis? Concordância intra e interobservadores

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Various classification systems have been proposed for fractures of the distal radius, but the reliability of these classifications is seldom addressed. For a fracture classification to be useful, it must provide prognostic significance, interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility. The aim here was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of distal radius fracture classifications. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a validation study on interobserver and intraobserver reliability. It was developed in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina. METHOD: X-rays from 98 cases of displaced distal radius fracture were evaluated by five observers: one third-year orthopedic resident (R3), one sixth-year undergraduate medical student (UG6), one radiologist physician (XRP), one orthopedic trauma specialist (OT) and one orthopedic hand surgery specialist (OHS). The radiographs were classified on three different occasions (times T1, T2 and T3) using the Universal (Cooney), Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF), Frykman and Fernández classifications. The kappa coefficient (κ) was applied to assess the degree of agreement. RESULTS: Among the three occasions, the highest mean intraobserver k was observed in the Universal classification (0.61), followed by Fernández (0.59), Frykman (0.55) and AO/ASIF (0.49). The interobserver agreement was unsatisfactory in all classifications. The Fernández classification showed the best agreement (0.44) and the worst was the Frykman classification (0.26). CONCLUSION: The low agreement levels observed in this study suggest that there is still no classification method with high reproducibility.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Para que as classificações das fraturas possam ser úteis, elas devem prover o prognóstico, apresentar concordância interobservador e reprodutibilidade intraobservador. O objetivo foi avaliar a concordância intra e interobservadores das classificações das fraturas do rádio distal. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de validação (concordância intra e interobservadores), desenvolvido no Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina (Unifesp-EPM), São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas 90 fraturas do rádio distal com desvio por meio de radiografias por cinco observadores (um médico residente de Ortopedia do terceiro ano, um graduando do sexto ano de medicina, um médico radiologista, um ortopedista especializado em trauma e um ortopedista especializado em cirurgia da mão) em três momentos diferentes, empregando as classificações Universal (Cooney), AO/ASIF (Osteosynthesfragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation), Frykman e Fernández. Aplicou-se o coeficiente de concordância kappa (κ) para avaliação das classificações. RESULTADOS: O maior κ intraobservador médio, se considerarmos os três momentos, foi da classificação Universal (κ = 0,61), seguida da Fernández (κ = 0,59), Frykman (κ = 0,55) e AO/ASIF (κ = 0,49). A concordância interobservador foi insatisfatória em todas as classificações. A classificação de Fernández mostrou a melhor concordância (κ = 0,44) e a pior foi a de Frykman (κ = 0,26). CONCLUSÃO: Os baixos níveis de concordância observados neste estudo sugerem que atualmente ainda não há um método de classificação plenamente reprodutível.

Tratamento das fraturas da pelve e acetábulo pela via de Stoppa modificada / Treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures through modified Stoppa port

Este estudo descreve a via de acesso de Stoppa modificada no tratamento das fraturas da região anterior da pelve e das fraturas que acometem a coluna anterior do acetábulo. Nesta via de acesso é realizada uma incisão transversal suprapúbica na pele, abertura longitudinal do músculo reto abdominal com afastamento de seus ventres lateralmente e dissecção óssea subperiosteal pela face medial da hemipelve abordada, sendo que os materiais de implante podem então ser colocados nesta face interna. Esta via de acesso, pouco difundida em nosso meio, apresenta vantagens diante das tradicionais ilioinguinal e iliofemoral, pois é realizada menor incisão cirúrgica e dissecção de partes moles, possibilita a colocação de implantes diretamente na lâmina quadrilátera, obtém uma fixação estável e diminui os riscos de infecção e lesão de estruturas neurovasculares. Diante da literatura atual e da experiência adquirida pelos autores com o uso desta via de acesso, conclui-se que é uma boa alternativa para o acesso a estas fraturas.

This study describes the modified Stoppa access port for treating fractures on pelvic anterior region and fractures affecting the acetabulum anterior column. In this access port, a suprapubic cross-sectioned incision is performed on skin, longitudinal opening of the abdominal rectus muscle with lateral displacement of venters, and subperiosteal bone dissection through the medial surface of the hemipelvis addressed, so that implant materials can be placed on that inner surface. This access port, little used in our area, presents advantages over the traditional ports, such as the ilioinguinal and iliofemoral, due to the potential for a smaller surgical wound and soft parts dissection, enabling implants to be placed directly on quadrilateral layer, achieving a stable fixation and reducing the risks of infection and injuries to neurovascular structures. As a result of current literature and of the experience of the authors with the use of that access port, we can conclude that it is a good alternative for accessing those fractures.