Human placenta-derived matrix with cancellous autograft and demineralized bone matrix for large segmental long-bone defects in two dogs with septic nonunion.

OBJECTIVE: To report the successful treatment of septic nonunion in two dogs with large segmental defects secondary to long-bone fractures by using a novel human placenta-derived matrix (hPM) as adjunct to fixation. ANIMALS: One 3-kg 9-year-old neutered male Yorkshire terrier with a distal antebrachial fracture and one 6-kg 4-year-old spayed female miniature pinscher with a distal humeral fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Both dogs presented for septic nonunion after internal fixation of Gustilo type II open diaphyseal fractures from dog bite injuries. During revision, debridement of nonviable bone resulted in segmental defects of 32% and 20% of the bone length for the antebrachial and humeral fractures, respectively. The antebrachial fracture was stabilized with a circular external fixator, and the humeral fracture was stabilized with biaxial bone plating. The fracture sites were not collapsed, and full length was maintained with the fixation. Autogenous cancellous bone graft and canine demineralized bone allograft were packed into the defects, and hPM was injected into the graft sites after closure. RESULTS: Radiographic union was documented at 8 weeks and 6 weeks for the antebrachial and humeral fractures, respectively. Both dogs became fully weight bearing on the affected limbs and returned to full activity. CONCLUSION: Augmenting fixation with grafts and hPM led to a relatively rapid union in both dogs reported here.

[Diamond concept for treatment of nonunions and bone defects]. / Diamond-Konzept zur Behandlung von Pseudarthrosen und Knochendefekten.

Nonunions represent a very heterogeneous, rare and sometimes very complex disease picture. The causes, localization and degree of expression show a very high variability, which makes it difficult to establish uniform treatment standards. Nevertheless, the process of bone healing is subject to some essential factors, which should be ensured for a successful treatment. Over the years these factors have been better researched and were taken into consideration for the diamond concept, which was first published by Giannoudis et al. in 2007. This provides the physician with a concept that does not neglect the heterogeneity of the disease picture and is an aid to decision making for the treatment regimen in individual cases in order to guarantee the best biological and mechanical conditions. The diamond concept is nowadays widely used and many studies have already demonstrated a successful application. It must be understood as a framework, in which the various treatment options available (bone substitute materials, mesenchymal stem cells, osteosynthesis procedures etc.) are incorporated into the individual factors and therefore provides the physician with a certain freedom of choice in the selection of tools. Additionally, it is not a rigid corset and subject to medical scientific progress in its factors, so that it is exciting to see which new developments will be incorporated in the future.

Use of three-dimensionally printed ß-tricalcium phosphate synthetic bone graft combined with recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 to treat a severe radial atrophic nonunion in a Yorkshire terrier.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel surgical approach to treat a critical-sized bone defect due to severe, radial atrophic nonunion in a miniature dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report ANIMAL: A 1-year-old Yorkshire terrier with a critical-sized left radial defect after failed internal fixation of a transverse radial fracture. METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) images of the radius were imported for three-dimensional (3D) printing of a custom-designed synthetic 3D-printed ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) scaffold. The radius was exposed, and the ß-TCP scaffold was press-fitted in the bone gap underneath the plate. Recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (RhBMP-2) collagen sponges were squeezed to soak the scaffold with growth factor and then placed on both sides of the synthetic graft. Two additional cortical screws were also placed prior to routine closure of the surgical site. RESULTS: Radiographic examination was consistent with complete healing of the radius defect 4 months after surgery. The bone plate was removed 10 months after surgery. According to CT examination 18 months after surgery, there was no evidence of the synthetic graft; instead, complete corticalization of the affected area was noted. Complete functional recovery was observed until the last clinical follow-up 36 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Screw fixation and use of a 3D-printed ceramic scaffold augmented with rhBMP-2 resulted in excellent bone regeneration of the nonunion and full recovery of a miniature breed dog. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The therapeutic approach used in this dog could be considered as an option for treatment of large-bone defects in veterinary orthopedics, especially for defects affecting the distal radius of miniature dogs.

Practices and Perspectives of Traditional Bone Setters in Northern Tanzania.

Background: Traditional health practitioners remain a critical source of care in Tanzania, more than 50% of Tanzanians frequently using their services. With a severe shortage of orthopaedic surgeons (1:3.3 million Tanzanians) traditional bone setters (TBSs) could potentially expand access to musculoskeletal care and improve outcomes for morbidity as a result of trauma. Objective: We sought to identify the advantages and disadvantages of traditional bone setting in Tanzania and to assess potential for collaboration between TBSs and allopathic orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: Between June and July 2017 we interviewed six TBSs identified as key informants in the regions of Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Manyara. We conducted semi-structured interviews about practices and perspectives on allopathic healthcare, and analyzed the data using a deductive framework method. Findings: The TBSs reported that their patients were primarily recruited from their local communities via word-of-mouth communication networks. Payment methods for services included bundling costs, livestock barter, and sliding scale pricing. Potentially unsafe practices included lack of radiographic imaging to confirm reduction; cutting and puncturing of skin with unsterile tools; and rebreaking healed fractures. The TBSs described past experience collaborating with allopathic healthcare providers, referring patients to hospitals, and utilizing allopathic techniques in their practice. All expressed enthusiasm in future collaboration with allopathic hospitals. Conclusions: TBSs confer the advantages of word-of-mouth communication networks and greater financial and geographic accessibility. However, some of their practices raise concerns relating to infection, fracture malunion or nonunion, and iatrogenic trauma from manipulating previously healed fractures. A formal collaboration between TBSs and orthopaedic surgeons, based on respect and regular communication, could alleviate concerns through the development of care protocols and increase access to optimal orthopaedic care through a standardized triage and follow-up system.

Stability as a key factor for bone repair in nonunion of mandibular osteotomy / Estabilidad como factor clave en la reparación de la nonunión de la osteotomía mandibular

Stability is necessary to ensuring proper bone repair after osteotomies and fractures. The aim of this research was to analyze how the repair of pseudoarthrosis sites was affected by different conditions in related to soft tissue. An experimental study was designed with 18 New Zealand rabbits. Six study groups were formed. An osteotomy was performed on the mandibular body of each animal and muscle was installed at the osteotomy site to model pseudoarthrosis. Fixation by surgery was then carried out, using plates and screws. The animals were submitted to euthanasia after 21, 42 and 63 days to make a descriptive comparison of the histological results. No animal was lost during the experiment. In all the samples, bone formation was observed with different degrees of progress. Defects treated with or without removal of the tissue involved in pseudoarthrosis presented comparable bone repair, showing that stability of the bone segments allows the repair of adjacent tissue. In some samples cartilaginous tissue was associated with greater bone formation. Stabilization of the fracture is the key in bone repair; repair occurs whether or not the pseudoarthrosis tissue is removed.

La estabilidad de las osteotomías y de las fracturas son fundamentales para asegurar la adecuada reparación ósea; el objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la reparación presente en sitios de pseudoartrosis realizando la limpieza de la zona previo a la fijación o manteniendo el tejido de la nounión en el mismo lugar durante la osteosíntesis. Se diseñó un estudio experimental incluyendo 18 conejos de raza Neozelandesa. Se formaron 6 grupos de estudios a quienes se relizó una osteotomía en el cuerpo mandibular y posterior instalación de músculo en el lugar de la osteotomía para fabricar un modelo de pseudoartrosis. En cirugía posterior se fijó con placa y tornillos. Se realizaron eutanasias a los 42 y 63 días para comparar los resultados de forma descriptiva mediante estudio histológico. No fue perdido ningún animal durante el experimento. En todas las muestras evaluadas se observó formación ósea en diferentes niveles de avance; defectos tratados con o sin el retiro del tejido involucrado en la pseudoartrosis presentaron una condición de reparación ósea comparables, determinando que la estabilidad de los segmentos óseos permite la reparación del tejido adyacente. El tejido cartilaginoso se presentó en algunas muestras asociadas a sectores con mayor presencia de formación ósea. La estabilización de la fractura es clave en la reparación ósea; la reparación se produce manteniendo o retirando el tejido presente en la pseudoartrosis.

Multiplanar reformation computed tomography for carpal malalignment.

Correct interpretation of scaphoid axial length and carpal malalignment is difficult owing to the complex geometry of the scaphoid. Traditional measurements, such as the scapholunate angle and radiolunate angle, have shown limited reproducibility. To improve the assessment of these measurements, we used multiplanar reformation computed tomography with added average intensity projection. Four measurements for scaphoid morphology and carpal alignment were independently measured by four observers on computed tomography scans of 39 consecutive patients who were treated conservatively for scaphoid fracture. Fleiss's kappa for categorical results showed substantial agreement for the measurements of the scapholunate and radiolunate angles. Intraclass correlation coefficients were significant for measurements of the axial length, scapholunate angle and radiolunate angle. Our results suggest that multiplanar reformation computed tomography with added average intensity projection is a reliable technique for assessment of scaphoid morphology and carpal alignment. Level of evidence: II.

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Scaphoid Fractures.

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone; despite its frequent injury, the diagnosis of fracture can be complicated by the presence of normal radiographs at the time of presentation. Clinical intuition can be increased by physical examination and immediately available modalities such as ultrasound within the emergency department. Definitive diagnosis should be made with computed tomography and magnetic resonance to verify the presence of displacement. This article provides an overview of the incidence and presentation of acute scaphoid fractures with a surgical focus on percutaneous dorsal screw fixation.

Pacientes con retardo de consolidación, infiltrados con lisado plaquetario autólogo / Delayed consolidation patients infiltrated with autologous platelet lysate

Introducción: El retardo de consolidación es una complicación que resulta de un proceso de consolidación ósea anormal. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con retardo de consolidación, infiltrados con lisado plaquetario autólogo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos, observacional, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, en el Hospital General Docente Comandante Pinares, de enero 2008 a diciembre de 2017. Se revisaron 186 historias clínicas y se seleccionaron 80, que cumplían los criterios para el estudio. Se infiltró entre 6 mL de lisado plaquetario autólogo en los focos de fracturas, se evaluó el tiempo de consolidación ósea mediante radiografías seriadas y se registraron las complicaciones. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, sexo, color de la piel, localizaciones óseas afectadas, sitios anatómicos del hueso, tiempo de consolidación ósea, complicaciones. Se empleó la distribución de frecuencias absoluta y relativa en el análisis de las variables cualitativas y la media aritmética para la variable cuantitativa edad. Para la relación entre variables cualitativas independientes se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado. Resultados: Hubo más frecuencia de retardo de la consolidación en hombres de piel blanca, con edades comprendidas entre 26 y 45 años. Predominó en el tercio inferior de la tibia. El hueso que más tiempo requirió para su consolidación fue la tibia, con más de 16 semanas. No se describen complicaciones asociadas al implante. Conclusiones: El retardo de consolidación continúa siendo una complicación de difícil manejo. Es frecuente en hombres jóvenes y blancos. El lisado plaquetario autólogo es un buen coadyuvante en el tratamiento de esta complicación(AU)

Introduction: The delay of consolidation is a complication that results from an abnormal bone consolidation process. Objective: To characterize patients with delayed consolidation infiltrated with autologous platelet lysate. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective case study was conducted at Comandante Pinares General Teaching Hospital, from January 2008 to December 2017. One hundred eighty six (186) medical records were reviewed and eighty (80) were selected, since they met the study criteria. 6 mL of autologous platelet lysate was infiltrated in the foci of fractures. Serial radiographs were used to assess the bone healing time and complications were recorded. The variables of the study were age, sex, color of the skin, affected bone locations, anatomical sites of the bone, time of bone consolidation, complications. The distribution of absolute and relative frequencies was used in the analysis of qualitative variables and arithmetic mean for the quantitative age variable. Chi-square test was used for the relationship between independent qualitative variables. Results: The delayed consolidation was more frequency in white men, aged between 26 and 45 years. It predominated in the lower third of the tibia. Tibia was the bone that required more time for consolidation, more than 16 weeks. No complications associated with the implant are described. Conclusions: The delayed consolidation continues being a complication of difficult treatment. It is frequent in young and white men. The autologous platelet lysate is a good adjuvant in the treatment of this complication(AU)

Introduction: Le retard de consolidation est une complication résultant d'un processus de consolidation osseuse anormal.Objectif: Caractériser les patients atteints de retard de consolidation qui sont traités par infiltration de lysat plaquettaire autologue. Méthodes: Une étude observationnelle, descriptive, transversale et rétrospective a été réalisée à l'hôpital général universitaire Comandante Pinares, depuis janvier 2008 jusqu'à décembre 2017. Sur 186 dossiers médicaux révisés, on a sélectionné 80 respectant les critères d'inclusion de l'étude. Six millilitres de lysat plaquettaire autologue ont été injectés dans les foyers des fractures ; le temps de consolidation osseuse a été estimé par des radiographies en série, et les complications ont été enregistrées. On a utilisé des variables telles que l'âge, le sexe, la couleur de la peau, les localisations osseuses affectées, le site anatomique de l'os, le temps de consolidation osseuse, et les complications. On a employé la distribution de fréquences absolue et relative pour l'analyse des variables qualitatives et la moyenne d'âge, tandis que pour la relation entre les variables qualitatives indépendantes on a utilisé le test du chi-carré. Résultats: Le retard de consolidation a été beaucoup plus fréquent chez les hommes blancs entre 26 et 45 ans. Le tiers inférieur du tibia a été touché en prédominance. L'os qui a exigé beaucoup plus de temps de consolidation a été le tibia (plus de seize semaines). Des complications associées à l'implant n'ont pas été décrites. Conclusions: Le retard de consolidation demeure une complication difficile à traiter. Il est fréquemment observé chez les hommes jeunes et blancs. Le lysat plaquettaire autologue est un bon adjuvant dans le traitement de cette complication(AU)

[Talus fracture in a young woman with a dislocated ankle].

Talus fractures are rare but often associated with complications and significant post-traumatic patient morbidity. They frequently occur at high-energy traumas such as traffic accidents. This is a case report of a young woman who after a fall from a roof, presented in an emergency department with a dislocated ankle which was initially misdiagnosed as a bimalleolar fracture and attempted repositioned as such before X-ray. Dislocated talus fractures, however, need urgent anatomic reduction after diagnostic imaging and often subsequent and acute osteosynthesis.

Platelet-rich plasma versus exchange intramedullary nailing in treatment of long bone oligotrophic nonunions.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma on healing rates and healing time in the treatment of long bone nonunions treated by an intramedullary nail previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2008 and January 2012, 14 consecutive patients who were treated for long bone nonunions with percutaneous platelet-rich plasma application (PRP) were included in the study. The control group included 15 consecutive patients who were treated with exchange intramedullary nailing (EIN). In the postoperative period, all patients were controlled in every 2 weeks clinically and in every 4 weeks radiologically. Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) in preoperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: The mean healing time was shorter in PRP group as 16.71 ± 2.4 weeks compared with that of 19.07 ± 3.67 weeks in EIN group (p = 0.053). At the end of the follow-up, the union is achieved in 92.8% of the cases in PRP group. This ratio was 80% in control group. The mean VAS values in preoperative and postoperative periods were not statistically significant in both groups (p > 0.05). When PRP and control groups were evaluated individually, the postoperative VAS was lower than that of preoperative VAS in both groups (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous PRP application significantly affected union rate, but no significant difference found when compared to EIN in the treatment of oligotrophic nonunions after intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures. PRP can be applied as a minimally invasive and safe method of saving resources in medical care instead of EIN.

Ulnar Shortening Versus Distal Radius Corrective Osteotomy in the Management of Ulnar Impaction After Distal Radius Malunion.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius malunions lead to functional deficits. This study compares isolated ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) to distal radius osteotomy (DRO) for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome following distal radius malunion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with extra-articular distal radius malunions treated for ulnar impaction with isolated USO. This group was compared to a 1:1 age- and sex-matched cohort treated with isolated DRO for the same indication. Pain visual analog scale (VAS), wrist motion, grip strength, radiographic parameters, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 14.8 months. RESULTS: VAS scores improved. Wrist range of motion improved in both cohorts with the exception of radial deviation, pronation, and supination in the USO cohort, which decreased from a mean of 17°-16°, 67°-57°, and 54°-52°, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups in regard to change in pain or range of motion, with the exception of pronation and ulnar deviation. The mean tourniquet time was shorter in the USO group. The final ulnar variance was 1.8 mm negative in the USO group and 1.1 mm positive in the DRO group. There was 1 reoperation following USO for painful nonunion, while there were 2 reoperations following DRO for persistent ulnar impaction. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in range of motion, grip strength, and VAS with restoration of the radioulnar length relationship was observed in both cohorts. USO is a simpler procedure with a shorter tourniquet time that can be an attractive alternative to DRO for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions.

Combined treatment with extracorporeal shock­wave therapy and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves bone repair in a rabbit model of bone nonunion.

The aim of the present study was to analyze whether extracorporeal shock­wave therapy (ESWT) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) transplantation improves bone repair in a rabbit bone nonunion model. ESWT combined with BMMSC effectively enhanced mechanical strength, fracture stiffness and histological scores, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteopontin, runt related transcription factor 2 and collagen type I α1 chain protein expression levels in a rabbit bone nonunion model. In addition, ESWT combined with BMMSC effectively enhanced insulin­like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor contents, promoted transforming growth factor­ß (TGF­ß) contents, and induced the growth factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)­2, BMP­4 and purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7) protein expression in the rabbit bone nonunion model. Thus, the present study demonstrated that ESWT combined with BMMSC transplantation improves bone repair in a rabbit bone nonunion model via the BMPs and P2X7 signaling pathways.

Long-Term Outcomes of Scaphoid Malunion.

Background: The optimal treatment of patients with a scaphoid malunion remains controversial. The long-term outcomes of operative and nonoperative management have not been established. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the outcomes of all scaphoid malunions treated at single institution over a 30-year period. This included patients who underwent corrective osteotomy, salvage procedures (ie, dorsal cheilectomy, radial styloidectomy, and scaphoidectomy with midcarpal fusion), and those who refused operative intervention. The Mayo Wrist Score was determined at the time of surgical evaluation. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) surveys were sent to all patients for long-term follow-up. Results: Seventeen patients had follow-up at a mean 21.4 years (range, 12-30 years). The mean initial lateral intrascaphoid angle was 58°. Of the 17 patients, 11 proceeded with surgery and 6 opted for nonoperative management. A corrective osteotomy was performed in 4 patients. Of the remaining 7 surgical patients, 5 patients underwent procedures such as cheilectomy and radial styloidectomy, whereas 2 patients had a scaphoidectomy with midcarpal fusion. The final mean PRWE and QuickDASH scores for corrective osteotomy, salvage procedures, and nonoperative treatment were 23 and 6, 18 and 10, and 33 and 22, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term outcomes were similar between operative and nonoperative management.

[Tibial defects and infected non-unions : Treatment results after Masquelet technique]. / Tibiadefekt- und Infektpseudarthrosen : Behandlungsergebnisse nach Masquelet-Technik.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of non-unions with large bone defects or osteitis is a major challenge in orthopedic and trauma surgery. A new concept of therapy is a two-step procedure: Masquelet technique according to the diamond concept. METHODS: Between February 2010 and June 2014, 55 patients with tibia non-unions or infections were treated in a two-step Masquelet technique in our center. The patients' average age was 48 (median 50; minimum 15-maximum 72) with an average BMI (body mass index) of 28 (27; 18-52). There were 10 (18 %) female and 45 (82 %) male patients in the group. All study patients went through a follow up. Bone healing and clinical functional data were collected, as well as data according to subjective patient statements about pain and everyday limitations. RESULTS: In 42 cases (76.4 %) the outcome was a sufficient bony consolidation. On average, the time to heal was 10.3 (8, 5; 3-40) months, defect gaps were 4 cm (3 cm; 0,6-26 cm), and on average the patients had had 6 (median 4; range 1-31) previous operations . In all cases patients received osteosynthesis as well as a defect filling with RIA (reamer-irrigator-aspirator), and growth factor BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7). In 13 cases (23.6 %) there was no therapeutic success. In the evaluation of the SF12 questionnaire the mental health score increased from 47.4 (49.1; 27.6-65.7) to 49.8 (53.0; 28.7-69.4) and the well-being score from 32.7 (32.7;16.9-55.7) to 36.6 (36.5; 24.6-55.9). CONCLUSION: The two-step bone grafting method in the Masquelet technique used for tibia non-unions according to the diamond concept is a promising treatment option. Its application for tibia shaft non-unions with large bone defects or infections means a high degree of safety for the patient.

[Research progress of P75 neurotrophin receptor and new idea of nonunion treatment].

Objective: To review the research progress of P75 neurotrophin receptor (P75NTR) so as to clarify its mechanism, and to explore its relationship with nonunion so as to provide a new idea for the treatment of nonunion. Methods: The related domestic and foreign literature of P75NTR in recent years was extensively reviewed, summarized, and analyzed to find out the mechanism of action of P75NTR and the pathological factors of nonunion formation. Results: P75NTR can express in nonunion tissues and lead to defect of fibrin degradation and inhibition of angiogenesis, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of nonunion. Conclusion: It needs to be confirmed by further study whether the purpose of treating nonunion can be achieved by blocking the effects described above of P75NTR.

Treatment Options for Nonunion With Segmental Bone Defects: Systematic Review and Quantitative Evidence Synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which reconstruction treatment of long bones nonunion with segmental bone defects (SBDs) is effective to restore bone length and union with good function. DATA SOURCES: PubMed was used to identify published literature on treatment of SBD caused by fracture nonunion regardless of infection between January 1975 and December 2014. STUDY SELECTION: We included retrospective cohort studies with a minimum sample size of 10 consecutive patients with minimum follow-up of 18 months and available data on radiographic and functional outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Literature review revealed 24 publications with a sample size of 504 patients (395 males, 109 females). Data on bone union and functional outcome and complications were collected and analyzed based on validated classification systems. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two outcome groups were categorized for bone union and functional outcome, success, and failure. We then performed heterogeneity test to examine the variability or differences in the methods used by these studies and based on that we determined whether the fixed effect or random effect method is appropriate in examining the summary or pool estimate. Pool estimate was examined for bone union and functional outcome in each surgical modality and in each anatomic location when data were available. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SBD can be challenging. This quantitative evidence synthesis shows that bone union was achieved by different procedures with variable bone union and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of three-dimensional scapular kinematics and shoulder function in patients with short malunion of clavicle fractures.

BACKGROUND: The presence of short malunion of clavicle fractures could result in alterations in static scapular position and dynamic scapular motion. Nevertheless, no report has ever addressed the kinematic changes of the scapula in patients with short malunion of clavicular fractures. The goal of this study was to compare the changes of shoulder function, and the consequent scapular kinematic changes between the fractured side and the sound side of the shoulder in non-surgically treated patients. METHODS: Fourteen patients with a short malunion (>10 mm) of midshaft clavicular fracture following conservative treatment were recruited. Outcome analysis included standard clinical follow-up, plain radiography, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score, shoulder range of motion (ROM), shoulder muscle strength and scapular resting position. The 3-dimensional scapular motion during arm movement in the scapular plane was recorded using an electromagnetic tracking device. The kinematic changes between the fractured side and sound side were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean shortening length of the clavicle was 12.9 ± 2.8 mm. The fractured sides showed a significantly higher SPADI score and limited ROM in both shoulder flexion and abduction. Significantly weaker shoulder external rotators (1.1 kg, p = 0.017) and lower trapezius (0.7 kg, p = 0.041) were found in the fractured sides when compared with the sound side. The fractured side exhibited significantly more forward shoulder (3.9 mm, p = 0.034) and slightly more anteriorly tilted scapula (5.8°, p = 0.094) in static scapular position. Scapular kinematics showed that the fractured side trended toward greater scapular internal rotation and smaller posterior tilt during arm elevation and lowering phases, especially after the arm rising above horizontal level. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that significant changes in scapular kinematics and shoulder function were found after short malunion of clavicle fractures. Recognition and evaluation of the changes could lead to a comprehensive framework regarding the treatment of shortened clavicle fractures.

Comparison of 2D radiography and a semi-automatic CT-based 3D method for measuring change in dorsal angulation over time in distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the reliability and agreement between a computer tomography-based method (CT) and digitalised 2D radiographs (XR) when measuring change in dorsal angulation over time in distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs from 33 distal radius fractures treated with external fixation were retrospectively analysed. All fractures had been examined using both XR and CT at six times over 6 months postoperatively. The changes in dorsal angulation between the first reference images and the following examinations in every patient were calculated from 133 follow-up measurements by two assessors and repeated at two different time points. The measurements were analysed using Bland-Altman plots, comparing intra- and inter-observer agreement within and between XR and CT. RESULTS: The mean differences in intra- and inter-observer measurements for XR, CT, and between XR and CT were close to zero, implying equal validity. The average intra- and inter-observer limits of agreement for XR, CT, and between XR and CT were ± 4.4°, ± 1.9° and ± 6.8° respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For scientific purpose, the reliability of XR seems unacceptably low when measuring changes in dorsal angulation in distal radius fractures, whereas the reliability for the semi-automatic CT-based method was higher and is therefore preferable when a more precise method is requested.