Bisphosphonate associated osteomyelitis of the jaw in patients with bony exposure: prevention, a new way of thinking

Objective There is strong evidence of a link between the use of systemic bisphosphonates (BPs) and osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially in cancer patients. Among risk factors for BRONJ, tooth extraction and immune suppressive drugs seem to have significant role on bone healing. Therefore, the importance of these parameters in development of BRONJ was reviewed in this retrospective study in two maxillofacial surgery units. Material and Methods From 2007 to 2012, 46 patients on bisphosphonate who had developed oral bony lesions participated in this study. The pharmacological exposure, comorbidities, maxillofacial findings, types of treatment and outcome data were collected from clinical and radiological records. Results The most frequently used BP was alendronate (67%). Tooth extraction was reported in 61% of patients with BRONJ. Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in 35 cases (76%) as an adjuvant for BP. Patients on corticosteroids had a lower probability of bony lesion healing (p<0.05) than patients without corticosteroids. Of the 46 patients who underwent conservative treatments, only ten were completely healed (21%). Conclusions Beside tooth extraction, corticosteroids were shown to be an implant risk factor for low rate of bone healing and hence the development of BRONJ. The outcome of conservative treatment was uncertain and this emphasizes the importance of prevention. .

Resultados clínicos y radiológicos de las fracturas de húmero proximal tratadas mediante enclavado intramedular, así como posibles factores de riesgo de un mal resultado / Clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nailing and possible risk factors of a poor outcome

Antecedentes: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de las fracturas de húmero proximal tratadas mediante fijación con clavo intramedular, así como los factores de riesgo asociados a un mal resultado. Métodos: Se han revisado retrospectivamente a pacientes con un seguimiento mínimo de un año. Se realizó una revisión clínica objetiva mediante la escala de Constant y subjetiva del grado de satisfacción, EVA y valoración de discapacidad mediante la escala de DASH. Radiológicamente, los enfermos fueron revisados mediante radiografías AP y axial en el plano escapular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 46 pacientes, 91.3% se presentó clínicamente satisfechos con el tratamiento. La movilidad media fue de 155º de flexión, 60º de rotación lateral y rotación medial. La puntuación media del Constant fue de 70 y del DASH de 15 puntos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto al Constant en menores de 60 años, no siendo éstas significativas con el tipo de fractura o teniendo en cuenta el DASH. Radiográficamente, la tasa de consolidación fue de 95.7%, apreciándose dos casos de seudoartrosis. En 17 pacientes se observó una consolidación en varo (38.6%). Se encontraron diferencias funcionales comparando los pacientes con consolidación en varo y consolidación anatómica. Discusión: La fijación mediante clavo intramedular es un tratamiento efectivo para las fracturas de húmero proximal, sobre todo para fracturas en dos partes del cuello quirúrgico. La alta tasa de colapso en varo, sobre todo en fracturas con gran conminución, puede acarrear una disminución en la movilidad.

Background: To assess the clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nail fixation as well as the risk factors associated with a poor outcome. Methods: Patients were analyzed retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of one year. An objective clinical assessment was made using the Constant scale, the subjective satisfaction scale, VAS, and the DASH scale to measure disability. The radiological assessment included AP and axial X-rays in the scapular plane. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled. The clinical assessment showed that 91.3% of them were satisfied with treatment. Mean mobility was 155º of flexion, 60º of lateral and medial rotation. The mean Constant score was 70 and the DASH score was 15. Significant differences were found in the Constant score in individuals under 60 years of age, but they were not significant considering the type of fracture or the DASH score. X-rays showed a healing rate of 95.7%, with two cases of pseudarthrosis. Varus healing was observed in 17 patients (38.6%). Functional differences were found when patients with varus healing were compared with those who had anatomical healing. Discussion: Fixation with intramedullary nailing is an effective treatment for fractures of the proximal humerus, particularly for two-segment fractures of the surgical neck. The high rate of varus collapse, particularly in very comminuted fractures, may lead to decreased mobility.

Ultrasound treatment for accelerating fracture healing of the distal radius. A control study

PURPOSE: To investigate the accelerating effects of low-intensity pulse ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on the fracture healing of distal radius. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with distal radius fracture were randomly divided into two groups: the ultrasound treatment group and the control group. Patients in the ultrasound treatment group were immobilized in a below-elbow cast and received LIPUS treatment 15 min/day, while the control group were immobilized by a plaster support and cast. The patients were followed up every week and took X-ray films. The initial and healed X-ray films and the gray value of fracture site were analyzed by Photoshop software. The effect of reposition was evaluated based upon Steward recommended by Dienst, combining with Aro's measuring method. RESULTS: Clinical fracture healing time in ultrasound group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (32.04 ± 2.58d vs. 40.75 ± 5.12d, p <0.01). In addition, the grey value changes of fracture sites of the ultrasound group were much higher than that of the control group. The reposition effects of fracture healing had no difference between the two groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-intensity pulse ultrasound stimulation could accelerate fracture healing of the distal radius and promote local bone formation. .

Treatment of AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures with a percutaneous compression plate

OBJECTIVE: AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures have completely different fracture line directions and biomechanical characteristics compared with other types of intertrochanteric fractures. The choice of the fixation method has been a focus of dispute among orthopedic trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of these fractures treated with a percutaneous compression plate at our institute. METHOD: Seventeen patients with AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with a percutaneous compression plate at our institute from January 2010 to December 2011. The clinical data and imaging results were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The medical complication of popliteal vein thrombosis occurred in one patient. Sixteen patients were followed up for 12 to 21 months. Two patients had malunion and mild pain. Fracture collapse occurred in two patients, with one having head penetration. These two patients had moderate pain. There were no occurrences of nonunion or reoperation. The mean Harris hip score obtained during the last follow-up was 84.1 (61-97). Patients with a poor quality of reduction were more likely to have pain results (p = 0.001). A trend existed toward the presence of a poor quality of reduction (p = 0.05) in patients with a collapse of fracture. Patients with poor preoperative mobility were more likely to have a lower Harris hip score (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous compression plate is an alternative device for the treatment of AO/OTA 31-A3 intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Good fracture reduction and an ideal placement position of the neck screw are important in the success of the device. .

Accelerated fracture healing with teriparatide / Consolidação de fratura acelerada com teriparatida

Satisfactory healing of the osteoporotic fracture is critically important to functional recovery, morbidity, and quality of life. Some therapies for osteoporosis may affect the processes associated with bone repair. For example, bisphosphonates in experimental models are associated with increased callus size and mineralization, reduced callus remodeling, and improved mechanical strength. Local and systemic bisphosphonate treatment may improve implant fixation. No negative impact on fracture healing has been observed, even after major surgery or when administered immediately after fracture. For the osteoanabolic agent teriparatide, case reports and a randomized trial have produced mixed results, but they are consistent with a positive impact of teriparatide on fracture healing. Some of the agents currently being developed for osteoporosis, notably sclerostin and DKK1 antibodies have shown a beneficial effect on fracture healing. At this point, therefore, there is no evidence that osteoporosis therapies are detrimental to fracture healing with some promising experimental evidence for positive effects on healing, notably for those agents whose actions are primarily anabolic.

A consolidação adequada da fratura osteoporótica é essencial para recuperação funcional, morbidade e qualidade de vida. Alguns tratamentos para osteoporose podem afetar os processos associados ao reparo ósseo. Por exemplo, os bisfosfonatos, em modelos experimentais, estão associados com aumento do tamanho do calo e a mineralização, reduzindo o remodelamento do calo e melhorando a força mecânica. Tratamento com bisfosfonato, local ou sistêmico, pode melhorar a fixação de implantes. Não foi observado impacto negativo na consolidação da fratura, mesmo após uma cirurgia maior ou quando administrado imediatamente após a fratura. Relatos e um estudo randomizado com o osteoanabólico teriparatida produziram resultados mistos, mas que são consistentes com o impacto positivo da teriparatida na consolidação da fratura. Algumas das drogas que estão sendo desenvolvidas no momento para osteoporose, como anticorpos para esclerotina e DKK1, têm mostrado efeito benéfico na consolidação da fratura. No estágio atual, portanto, não há evidência de que terapias para osteoporose impeçam a consolidação da fratura, mas existem algumas evidências experimentais promissoras de efeito positivo na consolidação, especialmente daqueles agentes cuja ação é primariamente anabólica.

Complicaciones en las fracturas complejas de la meseta tibial y factores asociados / Complications in complex fractures of the tibial plateau and associated factors

Objetivo: identificar factores asociados a complicaciones con el manejo quirúrgico de las fracturas complejas de la meseta tibial. Material y métodos: estudio de casos y controles. Muestra integrada con expedientes de 56 pacientes diagnosticados con fractura compleja de la meseta tibial (tipos IV, V y VI de Schatzker), tiempo de seguimiento promedio de 12.9 ± 3.2 meses (8 a 18), y con uno o más de los siguientes factores de riesgo: edad mayor de 50 años, comorbilidad, tiempo de isquemia mayor de 60 minutos y fractura tipo IV, V o VI. Se consideró caso al paciente que presentara una o más complicaciones. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 50.1 ± 15.7 años (17 a 87); 35 pacientes (62.5 %) pertenecieron al sexo masculino. Los pacientes con o sin complicaciones mostraron homogeneidad respecto a edad, sexo, lado, tipo de fractura y tiempo de seguimiento; 41.1 % presentó antecedentes patológicos. En todos los procedimientos se utilizó torniquete neumático. El tiempo promedio de cirugía fue de 91 ± 27.2 minutos (40 a 175). Los tratamientos empleados fueron placa más tornillos (53.6 %), fijadores externos más tornillos (35.7 %), doble placa y clavo centromedular. 37.5 % desarrolló complicaciones: infección superficial, 16.1 %; deformidades angulares residuales, 10.7 % (varo, 7.1 %); lesión del nervio peroneo, 5.4 %, pseudoartrosis, 3.5 %; trombosis venosa profunda, 1.8 %. Presentó más de una complicación, 22.2 %. Conclusiones: los factores de riesgo asociados significativamente a complicaciones con el manejo de la fractura compleja de la meseta tibial, fueron la edad mayor de 60 años y el tiempo de isquemia transoperatoria mayor de 120 minutos. Los pacientes en estas condiciones presentaron tres veces más riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to identify factors associated with surgical complications of complex fractures of the tibial plateau. METHODS: We designed a case-control study with 56 patients with a diagnosis of complex fracture in the tibial plateau (IV-VI Schatzker) and with 12.9 +/- 3.2 (8-18) months of follow-up. Risk factor exposure was defined as having one or more of the following characteristics: age >60 years; co-morbidity (diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension); time of [quot ]Kidde[quot ] (>60, >90, >120 min) and fracture type IV, V or VI. A case was considered with one or more complications. Results: Mean age was 50.1 +/- 15.7 (17-87) years old; 35 patients (62.5%) were males. Homogeneity between groups was shown for age, sex, side effects, type of fracture and time of follow-up; 41.1% of patients had pathological history. All surgeries used pneumatic compression (Kidde) for 91 +/- 27.2 (40-175) min. The implants used were plate plus cancellous screws (53.6%), external fixators plus cancellous screws (35.7%), double plate and intramedullary nail. Complications appeared in 37.5% of all patients. Complications reported were superficial infection (16.1%), residual angular deformities (10.7%, varum [7.1%]), peroneal nerve injury (5.4%), non-union (3.5%) and deep venous thrombosis (1.8%); 22.2% of all patients presented more than one complication. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant risk factors were age >60 years and pneumatic compression >120 min. Patients with one of these characteristics had a three-times risk of complications. No association was demonstrated between type of fracture, surgical treatment, time between injury and the surgery, with development of complications.