Predictive factors for infection after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures: a retrospective study of 314 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The reported incidence of infection related with tibial plateau fractures (IRTPF) ranges from 2 to 23%. This complication can result in catastrophic consequences such as deformity, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, chronic pain, loss of function, and substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems due to extended hospital stays and the resources required for treatment. Consequently, it is imperative to emphasize the identification of infection risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was designed, encompassing patients who underwent surgery for tibial plateau fractures between 2015 and 2020. Frequencies and measures of central tendency were compared between infected patients (cases) and non-infected patients (controls) using rank-based statistical tests. Subsequently, two logistic regression models were employed to control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients were included, predominantly male (71.15%). Average age of 44.41 years. IRTPF were observed in 7.64% of the patients. In the univariate inferential statistical analysis, high-energy fractures (OR 6.35, p < 0.001), fractures with compartment syndrome (OR 7.10, p < 0.001), two-stage management with temporary external fixation (OR 8.18, p < 0.001), the use of 2 or more approaches in definitive surgery (OR 2.93, p = 0.011), and the use of two or more plates (OR 9.17, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for infection. On average, the duration of surgery in infected patients was 201.2 min, compared to 148.4 min in non-infected patients (p < 0.001). When performing two logistic regression models, the following independent risk factors were identified: high-energy fractures (OR 5.04, p = 0.012), the presence of compartment syndrome (OR 4.53, p = 0.007), and the use of two or more plates in definitive surgery (OR 5.04, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: High-energy tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker IV, V, and VI), the presence of concomitant compartment syndrome, and the use of 2 or more plates in definitive surgery are associated with a higher risk of infection related to fracture following open reduction and osteosynthesis treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-Control Study.

Condylar femoral arthroplasty with bone cement as a salvage measure in open fracture with articular bone defect in a young patient.

Open fractures often require complex treatments, especially those with joint involvement or critical bone defects. Managing both combined injuries present even greater challenges and is not without complications. We present the case of a young patient with an open fracture of the femoral condyle and loss of bone stock in the articular surface. In this case, a combined osteosynthesis approach was employed, utilizing cannulated screws and a femoral condyle arthroplasty with bone cement as a salvage measure, allowing a favorable clinical and functional outcome at the 3-year follow-up. This technique serves as a simple, reproducible, and cost-effective alternative for transient or potentially definitive management in such cases.

Lateral hinge fracture in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a narrative review.

Lateral hinge fractures (LHF) are one of the most common complications of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO), and are the leading cause of construct instability displacement, non-union, and varus recurrence after this procedure. To date, Takeuchi's classification is the most popular classification to describe this complication, and it can help surgeons to make intra and postoperative decisions. Opening medial gap width is the most recognized factor related to LHF occurrence. Recognizing the implications of LHF in patients' clinical and radiographic results has led many authors to propose surgical tips and the use of osteosynthesis materials such as K-wires and screws for its prevention, which should be considered when identifying risk factors for LHF during preoperative planning. The evidence for determining the optimal management of LHF is scarce and mostly supported by experts' opinions and recommendations; therefore, studies are still needed to identify the most appropriate behavior when dealing with such a complication.

Posteromedial Submeniscal Arthrotomy and Fixation with a Posteromedial Rim Plate in a Comminuted Medial Tibial Plateau Fracture.

Medial tibial plateau fractures generally present as simple metaphyseal fractures; however, certain cases may present as comminuted articular fractures. Medial and posteromedial anatomical plates have traditionally been used for their management; nevertheless, not all cases can be successfully managed using these implants. We present a comminuted posteromedial Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fracture case. Direct visualization and subsequent fixation using a posteromedial rim plate were achieved through a posteromedial approach and submeniscal arthrotomy. The adequate joint reduction and the obtained stability allowed satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. This variation of the classic posteromedial approach and the use of a posteromedial rim plate provide an alternative when facing comminuted medial tibial plateau fractures.

Uso de placa malla en el manejo de fracturas conminutas de patela: reporte de caso / Use of mesh plate for the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures: case report

OBJETIVOS Describir la técnica quirúrgica para el uso de placa malla en un caso de fractura conminuta de patela y sus resultados en el seguimiento a mediano plazo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Presentamos un caso de fractura conminuta de patela manejada con el uso de una placa malla y un tornillo canulado asociado, evitando de esta forma la patelectomía parcial y sus posibles complicaciones. RESULTADOS El paciente presentó una evolución satisfactoria, con rango de movimiento de rodilla completo y en condiciones de alta laboral a los cuatro meses desde la cirugía, sin complicaciones ni reintervenciones. DISCUSIÓN El uso de placas malla permite el manejo de fracturas conminutas de patela preservando stock óseo y restaurando la indemnidad del aparato extensor, con una osteosíntesis estable y poco prominente. Casos en que antiguamente la única alternativa era la patelectomía parcial y reinserción del tendón patelar ahora tienen etas placas como opción de manejo. CONCLUSIÓN El uso de placas malla en fracturas conminutas de patela es una alternativa atractiva por la estabilidad que brindan, la capacidad de reservar stock óseo, y la baja tasa de reintervenciones

OBJETIVE To describe the surgical technique for the use of a mesh plate in a case of comminuted patellar fracture and the mid-term follow up outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We present a case of comminuted patella fracture managed with the use of a mesh plate and an associated cannulated screw, thus avoiding partial patellectomy and its possible complications. RESULTS Four months postoperatively, the patient presented full knee range of motion and could be discharged to return to work, with no complications or reinterventions. DISCUSSION The use of mesh plates enables the management of comminuted patellar fractures preserving bone stock and restoring the extensor mechanism with a stable and little prominent osteosynthesis. Cases which previously would only have been treated by partial patellectomy and patellar tendon reinsertion can be treated with these plates. CONCLUSION The use of mesh plates for comminuted patellar fractures is an attractive option due to their stability, their ability to preserve bone stock, and the low rates of reintervention.

Manejo de fracturas conminutas del polo distal de la patela con asas verticales de alambre: reporte de casos / Management of comminuted fractures of the distal pole of the patela with vertical wire loops: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN Las fracturas conminutas del polo distal de la patela representan un desafío para el cirujano de rodilla, pues no existe un tratamiento estándar que permita una rehabilitación acelerada. Recientemente se han descrito la osteosíntesis y la reinserción del polo distal utilizando asas de alambre verticales. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Presentamos dos casos de fractura conminuta del polo distal de la patela resueltos con asas de alambre verticales y modificaciones de esta técnica. RESULTADOS Se realizó osteosíntesis del polo distal de la patela, y se logró una reducción radiográfica satisfactoria, lo que permitió una rehabilitación acelerada, con un rango de movilidad progresivo a tolerancia desde el día siguiente tras la cirugía. Los pacientes lograron recuperar el rango de movimiento completo a los dos y tres meses de operados, evolucionaron satisfactoriamente, sin complicaciones relacionadas a esta técnica y sus variaciones, y recibieron el alta médica tras cuatro meses de la reducción y osteosíntesis. DISCUSIÓN Las técnicas tradicionales para el manejo de fracturas del polo distal implican consideraciones especiales en la rehabilitación y complicaciones asociadas. Se utilizó la técnica de asas de alambres verticales en dos pacientes: en uno de ellos, el procedimiento fue complementado con sutura tipo Krackow; y, en el otro, con una placa para minifragmentos, lo que permitió una rehabilitación acelerada y retorno precoz a sus actividades laborales. CONCLUSIÓN El uso de asas de alambre vertical aparece como una técnica segura, que permite una rehabilitación acelerada y un reintegro laboral precoz.

INTRODUCTION Comminuted fractures of the distal pole of the patella represent a challenge for the knee surgeon, as there is no standard treatment that enables accelerated rehabilitation. Osteosynthesis and reattachment of the distal pole using vertical wire loops has recently been described. MATERIALS AND METHODS We herein present two cases of omminuted fracture of the distal pole of the patella resolved with vertical wire loops and modifications of this technique. RESULTS Osteosynthesis of the distal pole of the patella was performed, achieving a satisfactory radiographic reduction and enabling accelerated rehabilitation, with a progressive range of motion the day after the surgery. The patients achieved full range of motion two and three months after surgery. They progressed satisfactorily, without complications related to this technique and its variations, and were discharged four months after the reduction and osteosynthesis. DISCUSSION The traditional techniques for the management of distal pole fractures involve special considerations regarding rehabilitation and associated complications. The vertical wire loop technique was used in two patients: in one of them, it was supplemented with a Krackow suture; and, in the other, with a mini-fragment plate, which enabled accelerated rehabilitation and early return to work. CONCLUSION The use of vertical wire loops appears to be a safe technique, which enables accelerated rehabilitation and early return to work.