Fracture-dislocations of the forearm joint: a systematic review of the literature and a comprehensive locker-based classification system.

BACKGROUND: Monteggia, Galeazzi, and Essex-Lopresti injuries are the most common types of fracture-dislocation of the forearm. Uncommon variants and rare traumatic patterns of forearm fracture-dislocations have sometimes been reported in literature. In this study we systematically review the literature to identify and classify all cases of forearm joint injury pattern according to the forearm joint and three-locker concepts. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was performed based on major pathological conditions involving fracture-dislocation of the forearm. Essex-Lopresti injury, Monteggia and Galeazzi fracture-dislocations, and proximal and/or distal radioulnar joint dislocations were sought. After article retrieval, the types of forearm lesion were classified using the following numerical algorithm: proximal forearm joint 1 [including proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) dislocation with or without radial head fractures], middle radioulnar joint 2, if concomitant radial fracture R, if concomitant interosseous membrane rupture I, if concomitant ulnar fracture U, and distal radioulnar joint 3 [including distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation with or without distal radial fractures]. RESULTS: Eighty hundred eighty-four articles were identified through PubMed, and after bibliographic research, duplication removal, and study screening, 462 articles were selected. According to exclusion criteria, 44 full-text articles describing atypical forearm fracture-dislocation were included. Three historical reviews were added separately to the process. We detected rare patterns of two-locker injuries, sometimes referred to using improper terms of variant or equivalent types of Monteggia and Galeazzi injuries. Furthermore, we identified a group of three-locker injuries, other than Essex-Lopresti, associated with ulnar and/or radial shaft fracture causing longitudinal instability. In addition to fracture-dislocations commonly referred to using historical eponyms (Monteggia, Galeazzi, and Essex-Lopresti), our classification system, to the best of the authors' knowledge, allowed us to include all types of dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the forearm joint reported in literature. According to this classification, and similarly to that of the elbow, we could distinguish between simple dislocations and complex dislocations (fracture-dislocations) of the forearm joint. CONCLUSIONS: All injury patterns may be previously identified using an alphanumeric code. This might avoid confusion in forearm fracture-dislocations nomenclature and help surgeons with detection of lesions, guiding surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Problems of Eponymous Proportions: The History Behind Recognizing Forearm Instability Issues.

Three predictable patterns of forearm fracture-dislocation-Essex-Lopresti, Monteggia, and Galeazzi-can occur and are eponymously labeled for the investigators who appreciated their unique characteristics and offered a framework by which to understand them. Recognition of these injuries and subsequent investigation and increased understanding of these lesions have resulted in improved understanding about forearm anatomy and stability. Management of the component of instability differs based on the type of fracture-dislocation, the timing of intervention, and surgeon preference. Despite advances in understanding and treating these injuries, nuances of these lesions may remain challenging to modern-day surgeons.

The Correlation Between the OTA/AO Classification System and Compartment Syndrome in Both Bone Forearm Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of using the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA/AO) classification for both bone forearm fractures in predicting compartment syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Level 1 Academic Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-one patients 18 years of age and older, with both bone forearm fractures diagnosed from 2001 to 2016 were categorized based on the OTA/AO classification. Patients with both bone fractures caused by gunshot wounds were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The endpoint for our study was whether forearm fasciotomies were performed based on the presence of compartment syndrome. RESULTS: Of a total of 151 both bone forearm fractures, 15% underwent fasciotomy. Six of 80 (7.5%) grouped 22-A3, 8 of 44 (18%) grouped 22-B3, and 9 of 27 (33%) grouped 22-C underwent fasciotomies for compartment syndrome (P = 0.004). The relative risks of developing compartment syndrome for group 22-B3 versus 22-A3 was 2.42 (P = 0.08), 22-C versus 22-B3 was 1.83 (P = 0.15), and 22-C versus 22-A3 was 4.44 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant correlation between the OTA/AO classification and the need for fasciotomies, with group C fractures representing the highest risk. Clinicians can use this information to have a higher index of suspicion for compartment syndrome based on OTA/AO classification to help minimize the risk of a missed diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF).

Background and purpose - The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF) describes the localization and morphology of fractures, and considers severity in 2 categories: (1) simple, and (2) multifragmentary. We evaluated simple and multifragmentary fractures in a large consecutive cohort of children diagnosed with long bone fractures in Switzerland. Patients and methods - Children and adolescents treated for fractures between 2009 and 2011 at 2 tertiary pediatric surgery hospitals were retrospectively included. Fractures were classified according to the AO PCCF. Severity classes were described according to fracture location, patient age and sex, BMI, and cause of trauma. Results - Of all trauma events, 3% (84 of 2,730) were diagnosed with a multifragmentary fracture. This proportion was age-related: 2% of multifragmentary fractures occurred in school-children and 7% occurred in adolescents. In patients diagnosed with a single fracture only, the highest percentage of multifragmentation occurred in the femur (12%, 15 of 123). In fractured paired radius/ulna bones, multifragmentation occurred in 2% (11 of 687); in fractured paired tibia/fibula bones, it occurred in 21% (24 of 115), particularly in schoolchildren (5 of 18) and adolescents (16 of 40). In a multivariable regression model, age, cause of injury, and bone were found to be relevant prognostic factors of multifragmentation (odds ratio (OR) > 2). Interpretation - Overall, multifragmentation in long bone fractures in children was rare and was mostly observed in adolescents. The femur was mostly affected in single fractures and the lower leg was mostly affected in paired-bone fractures. The clinical relevance of multifragmentation regarding growth and long-term functional recovery remains to be determined.

Third degree open fractures and traumatic sub-/total amputations of the upper extremity: Outcome and relevance of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score.

INTRODUCTION: Third degree open fractures and traumatic sub-/total amputations of the upper extremity represent severe injuries and are associated with a high rate of functional impairment of the affected extremity. More than 20 years ago, the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was introduced to predict amputation following severe lower extremity trauma. However, there have been few studies evaluating MESS in connection with the mangled upper limb. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with the aforementioned fractures of the upper extremity treated at the Department of trauma surgery (level I trauma center) and the Clinical division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the general hospital of Vienna between 1994 and 2014. RESULTS: Fifty-four out of 606 patients (9%) suffered from a total of 61 third degree open fractures or traumatic sub-/total amputations of the upper extremity (Gustilo-Anderson, type IIIA, n=30; Gustilo-Anderson, type IIIB, n=15; Gustilo-Anderson, type IIIC, n=9; traumatic sub-/total amputations, n=7). Thirty-seven out of 54 patients (69%) suffered fractures of the forearm, 10/54 (19%) patients of the humerus and 7/54 (13%) patients of the forearm and the humerus. The median MESS and Injury Severity Score (ISS) for all patients was 5 (range: 3-10) and 9 (range: 4-50), respectively. Seventeen out of 54 patients (31%) were diagnosed with a MESS≥7. Twenty-one out of 54 patients (39%) suffered severe vascular injuries and 22/54 (41%) patients suffered injuries of neural structures. Throughout the therapy process, 6/54 (11%) patients died. Definite limb salvage was achieved in 45 (94%) of the 48 survivors, of whom 9/45 (20%) subjects had a MESS≥7. DISCUSSION: It became apparent that definite limb salvage could be achieved in the mangled upper extremity regardless of MESS. It should be noted that in the current study, limb functionality was not assessed. However, without a standardized scoring system, there might be significant risk of salving dysfunctional upper limbs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: retrospective or historical series.

Segmental forearm bone injuries in children: classification and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the forearm bones in children are a very frequent injury, while segmental injuries of the forearm bones are very rare and have not been sufficiently examined. In this retrospective study, segmental injuries involving the radius, the ulna or both in children are classified and treatment outcome is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone injury included any type of fracture or dislocation; segmental bone injury indicated the occurrence of more than one traumatic injury throughout the whole extent of each forearm bone. A total of 17 patients with 22 segmental bone injuries were identified and classified. Of these injuries, 12 involved the radius and 10 the ulna. The mean age at the time of injury was 8.9 years (range 3-13). In all cases, conservative treatment was the first treatment option; in three cases, however, surgical treatment was necessary. RESULTS: All injuries were classified into five types using the new nomenclature. Patients were evaluated after an average follow-up of 10.4 years. Union was noted in all cases without any complications. The function results were rated as excellent in 15 cases and satisfactory in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: An inclusive classification system for segmental injuries of the forearm bones in children is presented. The proposed classification is a practical and utilitarian scheme that classified the patients of this report as well as all case reports previously published in the literature. It revealed that a wide variety of segmental injuries may be diagnosed following forearm injuries in children. This report also provided useful information that may influence the treatment of these complex injuries indicating that conservative treatment may be considered the first treatment option, and that primary surgical treatment is not justified. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Monteggia fractures.

Monteggia described a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with anterior dislocation of the radial head from both the proximal radioulnar and radiocapitellar joints. Application of this eponym to all injuries with radiocapitellar subluxation or dislocation has led to some confusion. In addition, there are substantial differences between Monteggia injuries in children and adults. With careful definition, specific subsets of patients may benefit from consideration as a separate type of Monteggia injury.

Proximal forearm fractures.

Unfortunately, the literature has little guidance for revision elbow surgery. This article attempts to supplement what is known in the literature with the author's anecdotal experience. With this article, it is the author's hope that the reader may learn from his or her successes and his or her failures without having to discover them first hand. There is good reason for angst to overcome surgeons looking at radiographs depicting a traumatized proximal ulna or radius. Surgeons know that there is a good chance they will be seeing these patients for a long time.

Inestabilidad longitudinal del antebrazo. Fracturas de Essex-Lopresti. Clasificación y tratamiento / Longitudinal instability of the forearm. The Essex-Lopresti fractures. Classification and treatment

Realizamos una revisión de la literatura publicada sobre la clasificación, diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento del síndrome de Essex-Lopresti. Se revisan todas las opciones de tratamiento, analizando las principales series de pacientes publicadas hasta el momento con los resultados. Se discute sobre la idoneidad o no de los distintos tipos de tratamiento, se valora un posible protocolo de tratamiento y, finalmente, se analizan los resultados y el pronóstico. La inestabilidad longitudinal del antebrazo es una patología infrecuente, pero con unas implicaciones muy importantes en la vida de cada uno de los pacientes que la sufre (AU)

We carry out a review of the literature published on the classification, differential diagnosis and treatment of Essex-Lopresti syndrome. All treatment options are reviewed, analysing the main series of patients published to date with results. It discusses the suitability or otherwise of various treatment types, it then considers a possible treatment protocol and, lastly, it analyses the results and prognosis. Longitudinal instability of the forearm is a rare condition, but it has very significant implications in the life of each patient who suffers from it (AU)

Hospitalized Swedish children with hand and forearm injuries: a retrospective review.

AIM: To analyse incidences and find risk groups in children hospitalized with hand injuries in a national retrospective study. METHODS: All children with a primary hand or forearm injury admitted to Swedish hospitals during 1987-2001 were retrieved from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and analysed as to incidence and characteristics. RESULTS: Among 9855 children included, the median age was 7.0 y and two-thirds were boys. The incidence increased in both younger (0-6 y) and older (7-14 y) children. Wounds and fractures almost doubled, while muscle/tendon injuries decreased. In younger children, wounds and burns were the most frequent diagnoses. In older children, fractures and muscle/tendon injuries were common. Sharp objects caused most of the injuries. University hospitals treated almost half of the children. CONCLUSION: The number of children with hand injuries admitted to hospitals in Sweden increased annually. Analyses of causes behind the increase are important to counter this trend.

Nonoperative management of pediatric type I open fractures.

The purpose of this study was to examine the results of pediatric patients with type I open fractures managed nonoperatively. A retrospective chart review of all type I open fractures managed nonoperatively from 1998 to 2003 was performed. Forty patients were followed until healing of the fracture clinically and radiologically. One deep infection occurred in this series, producing an overall infection rate of 2.5%. This compares favorably with the literature's infection rate of 1.9% in pediatric type I open fractures treated operatively. There was a 0% infection rate in the 32 upper-extremity type I open fractures and a 0% infection rate in the 23 patients under age 12. These results suggest that nonoperative management of pediatric type I open fractures is safe and effective, especially in children under age 12 with upper-extremity fractures.

Forearm and humeral fractures.

Fractures of the forearm in an adult may involve the ulna, the radius, or both, or one may be fractured and the other dislocated. Because the ulna and the radius are joined by the interosseous membrane, injury to one often also affects the other. In the same way, the humerus can be effected from injuries of pressure at the site of the elbow. It is always wise to x-ray the entire upper extremity in most upper-limb injuries. Whatever the injury is, the patient will be incapacitated for several months by loosing the use of his or her upper extremity.

Fracturas del antebrazo consideraciones anatomopatológicas sobre un modelo experimental

Se diseñó un modelo experimental con huesos de plástico para reproducir las fracturas de los huesos del antebrazo y estudiar el impacto de la fijación interna con placas de compresión dinámica en fracturas de uno o ambos huesos, en posición anatómica y con diferentes grados de angulación. Se practicaron 30 pruebas y 233 mediciones diferentes. Se encontró que la presencia de una placa anterior en el tercio proximal del radio produce una disminución severa de la pronación. También se identificó que las angulaciones que disminuyen el espacio interóseo son las que más influyen en la pronación del antebrazo, en orden de magnitud son la angulación anterior y anteroexterna del tercio proximal del cúbito y las angulaciones internas del radio en su tercio proximal medio

Clasificación de los traumatismos graves de los miembros / Classification of severe injuries of the limbs

Presentamos una clasificación de las heridas graves de los miembros dividiéndolas en cinco tipos distintos, en orden creciente de gravedad, teniendo en consideración la presencia o ausencia de fractura y/o compromiso vascular, hasta llegar a la amputación traumática. Se ejemplifica cada tipo con la presentación de un caso clínico. Creemos que la adecuada tipificación de estos pacientes es una de las bases para un correcto enfoque terapéutico, evitando los errores de tratamiento resultantes de un diagnóstico inicial inadecuado

Clasificación de los traumatismos graves de los miembros / Classification of severe injuries of the limbs

Presentamos una clasificación de las heridas graves de los miembros dividiéndolas en cinco tipos distintos, en orden creciente de gravedad, teniendo en consideración la presencia o ausencia de fractura y/o compromiso vascular, hasta llegar a la amputación traumática. Se ejemplifica cada tipo con la presentación de un caso clínico. Creemos que la adecuada tipificación de estos pacientes es una de las bases para un correcto enfoque terapéutico, evitando los errores de tratamiento resultantes de un diagnóstico inicial inadecuado