Forces required to dynamize sliding screws in gamma nail and selfdynamizable internal fixator.

BACKGROUND: Single limb support phase of the gait-cycle in patients who are treated for a pertrochanteric fracture is characterized by transversal loads acting on the lag screw, tending to block its dynamization. If the simultaneous axial force overcomes transversal loads of the sliding screw, the dynamization can still occur. METHODS: Biomechanical investigation was performed for three types of dynamic implants: Gamma Nail, and two types of Selfdynamizable Internal Fixators (SIF) - SIF-7 (containing two 7 mm non-cannulated sliding screws), and SIF-10 (containing one 10 mm cannulated sliding screw). Contact surface between the stem and the sliding screws is larger in SIF implants than in Gamma Nail, as the stem of Gamma Nail is hollow. A special testing device was designed for this study to provide simultaneous application of a controlled sliding screws bending moment and a controlled transversal load on sliding screws (Qt) without using of weights. Using each of the implants, axial forces required to initiate sliding screws dynamization (Qa) were applied and measured using a tensile testing machine, for several values of sliding screws bending moment. Standard least-squares method was used to present the results through the linear regression model. RESULTS: Positive correlation between Qt and Qa was confirmed (p < 0.05). While performing higher bending moments in all the tested implants, Qa was higher than it could be provided by the body weight. It was the highest in Gamma Nail, and the lowest in SIF-10. CONCLUSIONS: A larger contact surface between a sliding screw and stem results in lower forces required to initiate dynamization of a sliding screw. Patients treated for a pertrochanteric fracture by a sliding screw internal fixation who have longer femoral neck or higher body weight could have different programme of early postoperative rehabilitation than lighter patients or patients with shorter femoral neck.

Treatment of tibial bone defects caused by infection: a retrospective comparative study of bone transport using a combined technique of unilateral external fixation over an intramedullary nail versus circular external fixation over an intramedullary nail.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the clinical efficacy of bone transport with either circular or unilateral external fixators over an intramedullary nail in the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by infection. METHODS: Between May 2010 and January 2019, clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed for patients with bone defects caused by infection. Thirteen patients underwent bone transport using a unilateral external fixator over an intramedullary nail (Group A), while 12 patients were treated with a circular external fixator over an intramedullary nail (Group B). The bone and functional outcomes of both groups were assessed and compared using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of the Ilizarov criteria, and postoperative complications were evaluated according to the Paley classification. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were successfully treated with bone transport using external fixators over an intramedullary nail, with a mean follow-up time of 31.63 ± 5.88 months. There were no significant statistical differences in age, gender, previous surgery per patient, duration of infection, defect size, and follow-up time between Group A and Group B (P > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed in operation time (187.13 ± 21.88 min vs. 255.76 ± 36.42 min, P = 0.002), intraoperative blood loss (39.26 ± 7.33 mL vs. 53.74 ± 10.69 mL, P < 0.001), external fixation time (2.02 ± 0.31 month vs. 2.57 ± 0.38 month, P = 0.045), external fixation index (0.27 ± 0.08 month/cm vs. 0.44 ± 0.09 month/cm, P = 0.042), and bone union time (8.37 ± 2.30 month vs. 9.07 ± 3.12, P = 0.032) between Group A and Group B. The excellent and good rate of bone and functional results were higher in Group A compared to Group B (76.9% vs. 75% and 84.6% vs. 58.3%). Statistically significant differences were observed in functional results (excellent/good/fair/poor, 5/6/2/0 vs. 2/5/4/1, P = 0.013) and complication per patient (0.38 vs. 1.16, P = 0.012) between Group A and Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Bone transport using a combined technique of external fixators over an intramedullary nail proved to be an effective method in treating tibial bone defects caused by infection. In comparison to circular external fixators, bone transport utilizing a unilateral external fixator over an intramedullary nail resulted in less external fixation time, fewer complications, and better functional outcomes.

Interlocking intramedullary nail for forearm diaphyseal fractures in adults-A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the outcomes, complications, and potential advantages of using anatomical interlocking intramedullary nails (IMN) in the treatment of radius and ulnar shaft diaphyseal fractures in adults. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were searched between January 2000 and January 2023. Studies meeting criteria were observational or randomized controlled trials evaluating outcomes in IMN for adult diaphyseal forearm fractures. Standardized data extraction was performed and a quality assessment tool was used to evaluate individual study methodology. Descriptive statistics for interventions, functional outcomes, and complications were reported. Meta-analysis was performed for patient-reported outcome measures and operative time. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies involving 1268 patients were included with 764 (60%) undergoing IMN, 21% open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 9% hybrid fixation. There was no significant difference between groups in DASH and Grace-Eversmann scores. Operative time was significantly shorter in IMN compared with ORIF. The DASH scores were: 13.1 ± 6.04 for IMN, 10.17 ± 3.98 for ORIF, and 15.5 ± 0.63 in hybrids. Mean operative time was 65.3 ± 28.7 in ORIF and 50.8 ± 17.7 in IMN. Complication rates were 16.7% in the IMN group, 14.9% in ORIF, and 6.3% in hybrid constructs. There were 11 cases of extensor pollicis rupture in the IMN group. Average IMN pronation and supination were 78.3° ± 7.9° and 73° ± 5.0°, respectively. Average ORIF pronation and supination was 82.15° ± 1.9° and 79.7° ± 4.5°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Similar functional outcomes and complication rates along with shorter operative times can be achieved with IMN compared with ORIF. The use of IMN is promising, however, higher quality evidence is required to assess appropriate indications, subtle differences in range of motion, implant-related complications, and cost-effectiveness. Trail Registration PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42022362353).

BoneTape: A novel osteosynthetic device for the stabilization of zygomatic fractures.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of BoneTape™, a new resorbable bone fixation device, using a zygomatic fracture model in rabbits. METHODS: The study followed BoneTape™ samples and control (sham) groups over 2-, 6-, and 12-week periods post-zygomaticomaxillary (ZM) osteotomy and zygomaticofrontal (ZF) disarticulation. The osteotomized segments were analyzed for bone healing, inflammatory response, and tissue healing. µCT imaging and histological analysis were used to examine the axial alignment, offset, and quality of new bone formation. RESULTS: BoneTape™ samples demonstrated enhanced maintenance of the initial intraoperative positioning, reduced axial offset, and better alignment when compared with the control group, enabling stable bone healing under physiological loading conditions. Complete union was observed at 12-weeks in both groups. The BoneTape™ group experienced minimal immune and tissue reactions, classically associated with wound healing, and showed an increased number of giant cells at 6 and 12-weeks. CONCLUSION: BoneTape™ represents a promising advancement in osteosynthesis, demonstrating efficacy in maintaining stable zygomatic reconstruction and eliciting minimal immune response in a rabbit model. This study introduces BoneTape™ as a disruptive solution specifically designed for clinical application in cranio-maxillofacial fracture fixation, with the potential to eliminate the use of over-engineered solutions while offering benefits such as ease of application and fewer biologically disruptive steps.

Management of Length Unstable Femur Fractures in Children by Flexible Intramedullary Nails: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Surgical options for paediatric femoral fractures include fl exible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plating, and external fi xators. Length unstable fractures are usually spiral, long oblique, or comminuted and are often associated with > 2 cm of shortening. The purpose of this study was to see whether FIN is effective for managing unstable femur fractures in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was performed up to 25 February 2022 in Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases using a combination of MeSH search terms and keywords related to the population (e.g., "child" AND "diaphyses" AND "femur"), and intervention (e.g., "nail" OR "ESIN"). The data extracted included the study details, Demographic data, surgical details, postoperative immobilization, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total sample size of 369 patients were reviewed. The mean operative time, blood loss, and length of stay in the hospital were 67.62±12.32 minutes, 33.82±16.82 ml, and 4.9±1.27 days, respectively. The results were excellent in 61.92% of the patients, satisfactory in 32.61%, and poor in 5.43%. 4.54% of patients had major complications requiring reoperation and 32.46% of patients had minor complications. the most common complication was nail prominence seen in 26.30% of patients. Locked Ender's nail was associated with the least reoperation, malunion, and LLD rate compared to other types of FIN. CONCLUSIONS: FIN along with a single walking spica cast is a good choice in all forms of paediatric femoral fracture patterns allowing proper alignment and rotation. Locked Ender's nail is safe and effective for managing unstable paediatric femur fracture. KEY WORDS: pediatric femur fracture, length unstable, fl exible intramedullary nailing, submuscular plating, Flynn criterion.

Strontium-loaded 3D intramedullary nail titanium implant for critical-sized femoral defect in rabbits.

The treatment of critical-sized bone defects has long been a major problem for surgeons. In this study, an intramedullary nail shaped three-dimensional (3D)-printed porous titanium implant that is capable of releasing strontium ions was developed through a simple and cost-effective surface modification technique. The feasibility of this implant as a stand-alone solution was evaluated using a rabbit's segmental diaphyseal as a defect model. The strontium-loaded implant exhibited a favorable environment for cell adhesion, and mechanical properties that were commensurate with those of a rabbit's cortical bone. Radiographic, biomechanical, and histological analyses revealed a significantly higher amount of bone ingrowth and superior bone-bonding strength in the strontium-loaded implant when compared to an untreated porous titanium implant. Furthermore, one-year histological observations revealed that the strontium-loaded implant preserved the native-like diaphyseal bone structure without failure. These findings suggest that strontium-releasing 3D-printed titanium implants have the clinical potential to induce the early and efficient repair of critical-sized, load-bearing bone defects.

Direct Repair of Symptomatic Lumbar Spondylolysis Using Rod-Screw-Cable System.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a new direct lysis repair technique using internal fixation with rod, screws, and Songer cable in symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis. METHODS: Between December 2015 and January 2020, patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis and surgically treated with a rod-screw-cable system were recruited. Pedicle screwing by the Magerl technique was performed in all included patients, followed by direct lysis repair with bone allograft and demineralized bone matrix by stabilizing the posterior lamina and spinous process using a rod-screw-cable system. Clinical outcome was measured using the visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in this study-11 men and 5 women (mean age: 47 years; range, 26-67 years). The lytic defects were at L4 and L5 in 6 and 10 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 41 months (24-62 months). The visual analog scale values were 7.3, 6.1, 4.3, 3.3, 2.1, and 1.9 preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. The Oswestry disability index values were 59.8%, 55.4%, 41.7%, 32.4%, 21.1%, and 16.9% for the same periods, respectively. No patient had an increase in the slip after surgery. There were no significant complications such as implant failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique provides rigid intra-segmental repair of spondylolysis without intersegmental motion interference, even if the patient is older or has disc degeneration.

Closing-wedge Osteotomies: Can We Do and Teach Better?

BACKGROUND: Wedge osteotomies are ubiquitous in pediatric orthopaedics and limb deformity surgery; however, there is no universally preferred methodology for these procedures. This study aims to determine the relative accuracy and effectiveness of several measuring and marking methods to guide best practices for wedge-shaped osteotomies in long bones. METHODS: An observational cohort study was completed. Orthopaedic residents (postgraduate years 1 to 5) completed 30-degree wedge osteotomies on a sawbone (Pacific Research Lab) femur utilizing a standard oscillating saw under 3 measuring conditions: (1) no measurement tool, (2) 30-degree triangle, and (3) goniometer, in combination with 2 different marking methods: (1) marking pen or (2) pin placement. Demographic characteristics and osteotomy performance (quality, completion time, and accuracy) were assessed. Quality was ranked as perfect (1), mild step-off (2), or gross surface irregularity (3). Multivariate regressions and analysis of variance were performed comparing demographics, osteotomy performance, and measuring methods. RESULTS: Twenty-four residents were included for analysis; 6 were female (25%). Female sex was independently associated with longer completion time when evaluating all combined scenarios (138 vs. 99 s, P =0.003) without differences in surface quality or angle accuracy. There were no significant associations between measuring technique and accuracy or surface quality, but use of the goniometer and the triangle both were associated with significantly longer completion time compared with no visual aid ( P =0.002 and 0.007). When controlling for measuring technique, use of the pen as a marking technique had significantly shorter completion times ( P <0.001), higher surface quality ( P <0.001), and better accuracy ( P <0.001) than guide pins. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of a marking pen in combination with the surgeon's preferred measuring guide to optimize trainees' performance of closing wedge osteotomies. Future research is necessary to corroborate these findings in a higher fidelity setting, such as a cadaveric study. Further, while male residents complete wedge osteotomies quicker than female residents, quality and accuracy are comparable among trainees. Slower pace should not be conflated with poor performance but rather should inform effective intraoperative teaching for diverse trainees.

Biomechanical Analysis of 2 Versus 4 Rods Across the Cervicothoracic Junction in a Human Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Posterior reconstruction of the cervicothoracic junction poses significant biomechanical challenges secondary to transition from the mobile cervical to rigid thoracic spines and change in alignment from lordosis to kyphosis. After destabilization, the objectives of the current investigation were to compare the rod strain and multidirectional flexibility properties of the cervicothoracic junction using a 4-rod vs traditional 2-rod reconstructions. METHODS: Ten human cadaveric cervicothoracic specimens underwent multidirectional flexibility testing including flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. After intact analysis, specimens were destabilized from C4 to T3 and instrumented from C3 to T4. The following reconstructions were tested: (1) 3.5-mm titanium (Ti) 2-rod, (2) 3.5-mm Ti 4-rod, (3) 4.0-mm cobalt chrome (CoCr) 2-rod, (4) 4.0-mm CoCr 4-rod, and (5) Ti 3.5- to 5.5-mm tapered rod reconstructions. The operative level range of motion and rod strain of the primary and accessory rods were quantified. RESULTS: The addition of accessory rods to a traditional 2-rod construct improved the biomechanical stability of the reconstructions in all three loading modalities for Ti ( P < .05). The accessory CoCr rods improved stability in flexion-extension and axial rotation ( P < .05). The addition of accessory rods in Ti or CoCr reconstructions did not significantly reduce rod strain ( P < .05). CoCr 2 and 4 rods exhibited less strain than both Ti 2 and 4 rods. CONCLUSION: Supplemental accessory rods affixed to traditional 2-rod constructs significantly improved stability of Ti alloys and CoCr alloy materials. The 4.0-mm CoCr rods provided greater stability than 3.5-mm Ti rods in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. While rod strain was not significantly reduced by the addition of accessory rods, it was reduced in CoCr rod treatment groups compared with the Ti rods.

Smart stimuli-responsive strategies for titanium implant functionalization in bone regeneration and therapeutics.

With the increasing and aging of global population, there is a dramatic rise in the demand for implants or substitutes to rehabilitate bone-related disorders which can considerably decrease quality of life and even endanger lives. Though titanium and its alloys have been applied as the mainstream material to fabricate implants for load-bearing bone defect restoration or temporary internal fixation devices for bone fractures, it is far from rare to encounter failed cases in clinical practice, particularly with pathological factors involved. In recent years, smart stimuli-responsive (SSR) strategies have been conducted to functionalize titanium implants to improve bone regeneration in pathological conditions, such as bacterial infection, chronic inflammation, tumor and diabetes mellitus, etc. SSR implants can exert on-demand therapeutic and/or pro-regenerative effects in response to externally applied stimuli (such as photostimulation, magnetic field, electrical and ultrasound stimulation) or internal pathology-related microenvironment changes (such as decreased pH value, specific enzyme secreted by bacterial and excessive production of reactive oxygen species). This review summarizes recent progress on the material design and fabrication, responsive mechanisms, and in vitro and in vivo evaluations for versatile clinical applications of SSR titanium implants. In addition, currently existing limitations and challenges and further prospective directions of these strategies are also discussed.

Prophylactic Intramedullary Rodding After Femoral Lengthening in Patients With Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: Femoral fracture after femoral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia is a frequent complication, occurring in up to 30%. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of prophylactic intramedullary rodding in preventing this complication. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study involving 86 femoral lengthening procedures in 43 patients with achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia. Forty-two femora (21 patients) were prophylactically managed with intramedullary Rush rodding after external fixation removal (11 females and 10 males, mean age 14.6 years) compared with 44 femora (22 patients) without prophylactic intramedullary rodding (13 females and 9 males, mean age 15.2 years). The mean amount of lengthening in the rodding group was 13.3 cm (52.6%) with an External Fixation Index of 25.8 days/cm; in patients without rodding was 14.3 cm (61.5%) and 24.5 days/cm, respectively. RESULTS: Seven cases (15.9%) without rodding developed fractures. Four of them required surgical correction due to displacement or shortening. Only 1 patient (2.4%) had fracture of the femur after prophylactic rodding, and surgery was not required. The incidence of femur fracture was significantly lower in the prophylactic rodding group compared with the nonrodding group (2.4% vs. 15.9%, respectively; P =0.034). There were no cases of infection or avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic intramedullary rodding is a safe and effective method for preventing femoral fractures after femoral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-a retrospective comparative study.

Do Long-Segment Blocking Screws Increase the Stability of Intramedullary Nail Fixation in Proximal Tibia Fractures, Eliminating the "Bell-Clapper Effect?"

OBJECTIVES: To determine change in stiffness and horizontal translation of a geriatric extra-articular proximal tibia fracture model after intramedullary nailing with distal (long)-segment blocking screws versus proximal (short)-segment blocking screws. METHODS: Unstable extra-articular proximal tibia fractures (OTA/AO 41-A3) were created in 12 geriatric cadaveric tibias. Intramedullary nails were locked with a standard construct (4 proximal screws and 2 distal screws). Specimens were then divided into 2 groups (6 matched pairs per group). Group 1 had a blocking screw placed lateral to the nail in the proximal segment (short segment). Group 2 had a blocking screw placed 1 cm distal to the fracture and medial to the nail (long segment). Specimens were then axially loaded and cycled to failure or cycle completion (50,000 cycles). RESULTS: Long-segment blocking screws significantly decreased the amount of horizontal translation at the fracture site compared with short-segment screws (0.77 vs. 2.0 mm, P = 0.039). They also resulted in a greater trend towards greater baseline stiffness, (807.32 ± 216.95 N/mm vs. 583.12 ± 130.1 N/mm, P = 0.072). There was no difference in stiffness after cyclic loading or survival through 50,000 cycles between the long-segment and short-segment groups. CONCLUSION: Long-segment blocking screws added to an intramedullary nail construct resulted in decreased horizontal translation at the fracture site compared with short-segment screws in this model of a geriatric proximal tibia fracture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Blocking screws are commonly used to aid in fracture alignment during intramedullary nailing of proximal tibia fractures. Even when not required to attain or maintain alignment, the addition of a blocking screw in either the proximal or the distal (long) segment may help mitigate the "Bell-Clapper Effect" in geriatric patients.

Biomechanical characteristics of a novel interspinous distraction fusion device in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: A novel interspinous distraction fusion (ISDF) device has been used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. As a minimally invasive technique, ISDF differs from the traditional interspinous process distraction devices. Currently, biomechanical studies on ISDF are rare. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the ISDF device (BacFuse) which is used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. METHODS: Three-dimensional L3-L5 models were created. The models were divided into four groups: intact (M1), local decompression alone (M2), internal fixation alone (M3) and local decompression combined with internal fixation (M4), based on different surgical procedures. Local laminectomy was performed to resect the lower part of the L4 lamina and the upper part of the L5 lamina at the right lamina of L4/5 in the M2 and M4 groups. After meshing the models elements, Abaqus were used to perform the finite element (FE) analysis. The intervertebral range of motion (ROM) was measured during flexion, extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left rotation and right rotation under a follower load of 400 N with a 7.5Nm moment. The distributions of disc and facet joint stresses were observed and recorded. Spinal vertebral stress was compared, and internal fixation device stress was observed. RESULTS: The ROM of L4/5 in M2 increased in flexion, extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left rotation and right rotation compared with that in M1. In all motion directions, the ROM at L4/5 decreased, and the ROM at L3/4 increased after implantation of the ISDF device in M3 and M4 groups. The disc stress and facet joint stresses in the instrumented segment decreased after implantation of the ISDF device. The spinous process loaded a certain amount of stress in M3 and M4 groups. The spikes of the internal fixation device were loaded with the maximum stress. CONCLUSION: BacFuse exhibited a reduction in intervertebral ROM, as well as decreased stress on the intervertebral disc and facet joint, while also demonstrating a discernible impact on the upper adjacent segment.

Employing direct electromagnetic coupling to assess acute fracture healing: An ovine model assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the efficacy of collecting temporal fracture site compliance data via an advanced direct electromagnetic coupling (DEC) system equipped with a Vivaldi-type antenna, novel calibration technique, and multi-antenna setup (termed maDEC) as an approach to monitor acute fracture healing progress in a translational large animal model. The overarching goal of this approach was to provide insights into the acute healing dynamics, offering a promising avenue for optimizing fracture management strategies. METHODS: A sample of twelve sheep, subjected to ostectomies and intramedullary nail fixations, was divided into two groups, simulating normal and impaired healing scenarios. Sequential maDEC compliance or stiffness measurements and radiographs were taken from the surgery until euthanasia at four or eight weeks and were subsequently compared with post-sacrifice biomechanical, micro-CT, and histological findings. RESULTS: The results showed that the maDEC system offered straightforward quantification of fracture site compliance via a multiantenna array. Notably, the rate of change in the maDEC-measured bending stiffness significantly varied between normal and impaired healing groups during both the 4-week (p = 0.04) and 8-week (p = 0.02) periods. In contrast, radiographically derived mRUST healing measurements displayed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.46). Moreover, the cumulative normalized stiffness maDEC data significantly correlated with post-sacrifice mechanical strength (r2 = 0.80, p < 0.001), micro-CT measurements of bone volume fraction (r2 = 0.60, p = 0.003), and density (r2 = 0.60, p = 0.003), and histomorphometric measurements of new bone area fraction (r2 = 0.61, p = 0.003) and new bone area (r2 = 0.60, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the enhanced maDEC system provides a non-invasive, accurate method to monitor fracture healing during the acute healing phase, showing distinct stiffness profiles between normal and impaired healing groups and offering critical insights into the healing process's progress and efficiency.

Preventing the Slide in High-Energy Intertrochanteric Fractures With Intramedullary Nails.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level V.

Pertrochanteric Nonunion: When and Why to Consider a Medullary Implant.

SUMMARY: Pertrochanteric nonunion management is a technically challenging problem. When repair is undertaken rather than conversion arthroplasty, successful treatment revolves around accurate deformity correction, preservation of vascularity, and stable durable fixation. The decision to use an extramedullary or intramedullary implant should be influenced by nonunion-specific characteristics and patient-related conditions. Failure to understand these nuances when selecting an implant strategy often results in treatment failure. The primary purpose of this article was to discuss these variables and delineate when an intramedullary implant should be considered for treatment of a pertrochanteric nonunion. The secondary purpose was to describe the author's preferred surgical technique for implant-driven deformity correction and compression when choosing an intramedullary nail.

Percutaneous Treatment of Locked Pubic Symphysis with the Anterior Subcutaneous Pelvic Fixator (INFIX): A Case Report.

CASE: A 54-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained a lateral compression type 1 pelvic ring fracture with pubic symphyseal dislocation or a "locked pubic symphysis." Her injury failed to reduce with closed reduction maneuvers under anesthesia and necessitated a percutaneous reduction using a distraction force applied through supra-acetabular placed pedicle screws. This anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixator (INFIX) was also used to stabilize the injury. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case where a locked pubic symphysis, which failed standard closed reduction measures, was reduced and stabilized through a percutaneous technique, using the INFIX.

Deformity correction and limb lengthening with externally controlled motorized extendable intramedullary nails: Comparison of 2 different nails.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the clinical, radiological, and functional results of patients treated with FITBONE or PRECICE nails due to deformity and length discrepancy in their lower extremities. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 41 patients with length discrepancy and deformity in their lower extremities, who underwent limb lengthening surgery with either FITBONE (group F) or PRECICE (group P) nails between 2010 and 2020. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.95 ± 4.75 months in group F (20 patients) and 20.48 ± 7.57 months in group P (21 patients). Lower extremity mechanical and anatomical axes were measured on x-rays preoperatively and at the end of treatment. Consolidation and distraction indexes were also calculated to assess bone healing. Lower Extremity Functional Scale test was used to evaluate functional outcomes and quality of life. RESULTS: Neither of the treatment methods caused deviations in the mechanical axes and femoral distal angles (P > .05). No statistically significant difference in consolidation and distraction indexes was found between the groups (P > .05). Postoperative complications were seen in 3 of the patients in group F and 4 of the patients from group P. There was no significant difference in Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores between groups (P = .425). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that treatment with both the FITBONE and PRECICE nails resulted in improved physical and emotional functional outcomes. Both nails had similar radiographic results, complication rates, high patient compliance, and good cosmesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.