Comparative study of retrograde intramedullary nailing versus locking extramedullary plating in complete articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution of the distal femur.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal femur with metaphyseal comminution and complete intra-articular involvement (AO/OTA classifications 33C2 and 33C3) present challenges for reduction and fixation. However, an optimal fixation method remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of locking extramedullary plating (LEP) and retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIN) for complete distal femoral intra-articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and May 2022, 80 patients (45 men and 35 women; average age, 56.7 years) diagnosed with AO/OTA 33C2 and 33C3 were treated with either LEP or RIN and followed up for at least one year. Post-operative evaluations included radiographic assessments of bone union rate, timing, and alignment. Clinically, the knee joint range of motion (ROM), lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade were analyzed. The complications were also compared. RESULTS: 36 underwent LEP and 44 underwent RIN. Bone union was observed in 69.4% and 63.6% of the patients in the LEP and RIN groups, respectively (p = 0.64). The average union time was 6.9 months for the LEP group and 6.6 months for the RIN group (p = 0.51). A tendency toward varus deformity was observed in the RIN group, although the difference was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in knee ROM, LEFS, or KL grade. Complications included non-union (33.8%; RIN, 11; LEP, 16), varus deformity (5%; RIN, 4; LEP, 0), infection (1.3%; RIN, 0; LEP, 1), heterotrophic ossification (1.3%; RIN, 0; LEP, 1), and wound dehiscence (2.5%; RIN, 2; LEP, 0). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical fixation methods, RIN and LEP, for complete distal femoral intra-articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution showed similar clinical and radiological outcomes. However, regardless of the type of fixation device used, there was a reduced rate of bone union owing to high energy and a less favorable prognosis.

Induced membrane technique with plate fixation has a lower complication rate than bone transport over a plate for segmental tibial defects larger than 5 cm.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of segmental tibial bone defects remains a surgical challenge. While Bone Transport (BT) and Induced Membrane Technique (IMT) are effective strategies for regenerating bone, there are few comparative studies between them. This investigation undertakes a comparative analysis of BT and IMT for large segmental tibial defects stabilised through plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with segmental tibial defects exceeding 5 cm were prospectively enrolled from 2008 to 2021 in a single institution, with a minimum follow-up duration of two years. All patients underwent either BT or IMT with plate fixation of the tibia. Procedural success, primary union as well as bone and functional outcome scores were compared. Complications, including non-unions, joint contractures and deep infections requiring surgical intervention, were also compared. RESULTS: 41 patients were recruited in total. 28 patients underwent Bone Transport Over a Plate (BTOP), while 13 patients underwent IMT with Plate fixation (IMTP). The procedural success rate trended higher in IMTP compared to BTOP (100% vs. 85.7%). The primary union rate also trended higher in IMTP compared to BTOP (92.3% vs. 79.2%). BTOP and IMTP achieved similar rates of satisfactory bone outcome scores (78.6% vs. 84.6%) and functional outcome scores (75% vs. 76.5%). There was no statistical difference between procedural success, primary union, bone and functional outcome scores. The complication rate in BTOP was 78.6% (22 of 28), including five docking site or regenerate non-unions, eight deep infections and nine joint contractures. IMTP had a 38.5% (5 of 13) complication rate, including one non-union, two deep infections and two joint contractures. The complication rate was 2.04 times higher in BTOP compared to IMTP (p = 0.0117). CONCLUSIONS: BTOP and IMTP are both equally effective techniques for regenerating bone in large tibial bone defects. However, IMTP may be a safer procedure than BTOP, with a lower probability of requiring additional procedures to address complications.

Blocking screw (pin) technique to achieve an acceptable reduction in intramedullary of subtrochanteric femoral fractures: indications, techniques, and clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with intramedullary nails present biomechanical benefits, early weight-bearing, and reduced soft tissue damage, promoting bone union. However, improper reduction due to muscular forces and fragmented proximal bone increases nonunion risk. This study evaluates the efficacy of the blocking screw technique in preventing malalignment during intramedullary nailing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In cases of subtrochanteric femoral fractures where malalignment, such as varus and anterior angulation, was anticipated during intramedullary nailing, proper reduction was ensured using blocking screw technique on the proximal bone fragment from the coronal or sagittal plane. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 patients (14 males, 11 females; average age 55.12 years) who were followed up for more than 1 year. The postoperative neck-shaft angle, anterior angulation angle, and limb length discrepancy were compared radiologically with those on the healthy side, and the presence and duration of bone union were measured. The Harris hip score was used for functional evaluation, and complications, including infection, were analyzed. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, primary bone union was achieved in 21/25 patients (84%), with an average bone union time of 21.81 weeks (range, 14-42 weeks). Of the four nonunions, bone union was achieved in three cases through bone grafting and supplemental plating and in the other case through intramedullary exchange, supplemental plating, and bone grafting. The femoral neck-shaft angle and anterior angulation showed no statistically significant differences compared with the healthy side, with averages of - 1.15° and - 1.4°, respectively. The limb length discrepancy was an average of - 2.4 mm. Regarding functional outcomes, the Harris hip score averaged 89.52 points (range 82-94 points). CONCLUSIONS: In subtrochanteric femoral fractures, the blocking screw technique effectively prevents malalignment during intramedullary nailing, ensuring not only appropriate reduction but also high bone union rates.

Risk factors for pubic ramus fracture nonunion after conservative treatment of pelvic ring injuries: a retrospective cohort multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of nonunion, clinical and radiological outcomes, and risk factors for nonunion in conservatively treated pubic ramus fractures among patients diagnosed with pelvic ring injury. METHODS: A total of 546 patients (192 men, 354 women) diagnosed with pubic ramus fracture, treated conservatively, and who had completed > 1 year follow-up at three level 1 trauma centers between January 2014 and December 2020, were enrolled. Clinical and radiological evaluations were compared between union and nonunion groups. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used. RESULT: At the final follow-up, 527 (96.5%) and 19 (3.5%) patients had union and nonunion of fractures, respectively. The union and nonunion groups exhibited statistically significant differences in posterior injury (p = 0.040), bilateral ramus fracture (p < 0.001), initial displacement (p < 0.001), and clinical result (p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, initial displacement (odds ratio, 4.727; p = 0.005) was analyzed as a risk factor for nonunion. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the median initial displacement of nonunion occurrence was 17.9 mm (standard error, 1.211; 95% confidence interval 15.526-20.274), and nonunion patients were included if the displacement was > 15.9 mm (standard error, 1.305) on the 75th percentile. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is ineffective in some ramus fracture cases with pelvic ring injury. As ramus nonunion causes functional deterioration, active treatment is required if the displacement is ≥ 16 mm.

Surgical complications after fixation of minimally displaced lateral compression type 1 pelvic ring injuries.

PURPOSE: To review surgical complications after fixation of stress-positive minimally displaced (< 1 cm) lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study at a level one trauma center identified patients who received surgical fixation of isolated LC1 pelvic ring injuries. Surgical complications and additional procedures were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. The median age was 61 years (Interquartile range 40-70), 65% (n = 39) were women, and 57% (n = 34) had high-energy mechanisms. Anterior-posterior, posterior-only, and anterior-only fixation constructs were used in 77% (n = 46), 15% (n = 9), and 8% (n = 5) of patients. Anterior fixation was performed with rami screw fixation in 82% (49/60), external fixation in 2% (1/60), and open reduction and plate fixation in 2% (1/60). There were 15 surgical complications in 23% (14/60), and 12 additional procedures in 17% (10/60). Complications included loss of reduction ≥ 1 cm (8%), symptomatic hematomas (8%), symptomatic backout of unicortical retrograde rami screws (5%), deep infection of the pelvic space after a retrograde rami screw (1.6%), and iatrogenic L5 nerve injury (1.6%). All losses of reduction involved geriatric females with distal rami fractures sustained in ground-level falls. Loss of reduction was found to be more likely in patients with low energy mechanisms (proportional difference (PD) 62%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18% to 76%; p = 0.01) and 2 versus 1 posterior pelvic screws (PD 36%; CI 0.4% to 75%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complications and additional procedures routinely occurred after fixation of LC1 injuries. Patients should be appropriately counseled on the risks of surgical fixation of these controversial injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level III.

The role of an augmentative plating in the management of femoral subtrochanteric nonunion.

INTRODUCTION: Owing to its distinct biomechanical properties, nonunion is common (7-20%) after intramedullary (IM) nailing of subtrochanteric femoral fractures. Unlike diaphyseal nonunion, it is difficult to provide sufficient stability by exchanging nailing alone in subtrochanteric nonunion. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of femoral subtrochanteric nonunion initially treated with an IM nail and subsequently managed with minimally invasive augmentative plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients were enrolled retrospectively. The mechanisms of initial injury were traffic accidents in 8, falls from a height in seven, and slipping in two patients. Two patients with atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures without a specific trauma history were further included. All patients underwent IM nailing as the index operation. Nonunion surgery was performed an average of 45.2 weeks after the initial surgery. In cases of hardware damage and/or atrophic nonunion, exchange nailing and bone grafting were performed in addition to augmentative plating, as necessary. Conversely, augmentative plating alone was performed in cases of hypertrophic nonunion without any failure of the preexisting IM nail or malalignment. A narrow locking compression plate was fixed after contouring according to the shape of the proximal femur. The mean follow-up period was 36.1 months. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in 18/19 patients (94.7%), at an average of 19.8 weeks after nonunion surgery. In the case that did not heal even after exchange nailing, additional plating and bone grafting, further autogenous bone grafting was required after 11 months, which healed uneventfully. There were 2 cases of soft tissue irritation over the plate, but no major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Additional plate augmentation over a retained IM nail yields satisfactory outcomes in terms of the bony union in subtrochanteric nonunion. Given its expected biomechanical superiority and relatively easy surgical technique, it may be a reasonable option for the management of femoral subtrochanteric nonunion.

Peri-implant atypical femoral fracture after nail or plate osteosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: A lack of scientific information regarding the risk factors and diagnosis of peri-implant atypical femoral fracture (PI-AFF) exists. We report a case series of developed PI-AFF with a nail or plate construct wherein prior femoral fractures were already healed after osteosynthesis. This study aimed to identify the cause and risk factors of PI-AFF and to devise a preventive method based on this. METHODS: We identified 11 PI-AFFs displaying features of AFFs. All patients were ambulant females (mean age, 74.9 years). The mean T-score of the femur measured by DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan was 3.5. Osteosynthesis was performed with a plate and an intramedullary nail in six and five patients, respectively. Possible risk factors were investigated, including the used implant, the medication of bisphosphonate, the characteristics of previous fracture (AFF or non-AFF), and the co-existence of AFF on the contralateral side. RESULTS: The PI-AFFs developed at an average of 6.6 years from the time of prior fracture. All fractures were located at the screw through the plate or nail. Regarding anatomic locations, seven and four fractures were at the subtrochanteric area and diaphysis, respectively. Diaphyseal PI-AFFs occurred in plating cases, all of which were associated with excessive femoral bowing. Subtrochanteric PI-AFFs included all five patients with nail fixation, which occurred near a proximal interlocking screw. Six of the 11 patients were on bisphosphonate treatment before or at the time of fracture. The duration of bisphosphonate treatment was 6 years on average. Concerning the previous femoral fractures, seven and four patients were AFF and non-AFF, respectively. Considering the pathology on the contralateral leg, eight had suffered diaphyseal AFF. Four patients were treated nonoperatively. Seven patients needed an operation; 6 of them healed after reconstruction nailing, and one needed hip arthroplasty because of the associated displaced femoral neck fracture. CONCLUSIONS: PI-AFFs may develop through the screw hole at the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal area due to femoral fragility and stress riser effect of the implant. An improved osteosynthesis strategy may be necessary to avoid PI-AFFs when fixing osteoporotic femoral fractures.

The importance of reconstruction nailing for diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures: a comparative study with standard nailing.

INTRODUCTION: Subtrochanteric atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) usually require long cephalomedullary or reconstruction nailing to achieve satisfactory healing. Recently, this type of nailing has also been recommended to fix diaphyseal AFFs and prevent fragility fractures around the proximal femur, although standard antegrade nailing seems sufficient from a biomechanical perspective. This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes and complications between reconstruction and standard nailing for diaphyseal AFFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of 48 female patients with diaphyseal AFFs who underwent surgical treatment with either reconstruction or standard nailing was conducted. The reconstruction nailing group comprised 23 patients with a mean age of 74.4 years and included 16 complete and 7 incomplete AFFs. The mean follow-up period was 30 months. The standard nailing group comprised 25 patients with a mean age of 71.1 years and included 16 complete and 9 incomplete AFFs. The mean follow-up period was 57.8 months. The healing rate, time to union, and complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all 23 cases (100%) of the reconstruction nailing group by a mean of 19.3 weeks postoperative. In the standard nailing group, 23 of 25 cases healed (92%) by a mean of 16 weeks postoperative. The standard nailing group included two delayed fragility fractures of the femoral neck (5 and 10 years after the initial surgery), four cases of newly developed subtrochanteric AFFs at the distal screw of the proximal interlocking screws of the nail (one complete and three incomplete fractures), and two cases of nonunion. Complications only occurred in the standard nailing group (p = 0.01, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: In diaphyseal AFFs, reconstruction nailing may achieve a satisfactory outcome and can also decrease delayed peri-implant fragility fractures of the hip, newly developed subtrochanteric AFFs, and nonunion.

Biomechanical comparison of proximal interlocking screw constructs in different subtrochanteric fracture models.

BACKGROUND: Depending on the size of the proximal bone segment, either a standard locking construct or a recon locking construct can be used in intramedullary nailing for a subtrochanteric fracture. However, the most appropriate construct for a given size of proximal bone segment has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the appropriate construct using biomechanical testing. METHODS: Fourteen intramedullary nails for each locking construct (standard and recon) were inserted into 28 synthetic femurs. Fourteen subtrochanteric fracture models were developed by creating parallel defects (2 cm in size) 2 cm distal to the lower edge of the lesser trochanter (low fracture group), and 14 fracture models were developed with identical defects situated 1 cm distal to the lower edge of the lesser trochanter (high fracture group). An axial load experiment was conducted to measure the stiffness and failure load for each proximal interlocking screw construct. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the stiffness and failure load between the locking constructs in the low fracture group. However, the stiffness and failure load were significantly greater for the recon locking construct than for the standard locking construct in the high fracture group. CONCLUSION: The standard locking system allows for sufficient fixation strength when performing intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fractures located 2 cm distal to the lower edge of the lesser trochanter.

Clinical outcome of staged surgery after primary amputation for mangled extremity.

INTRODUCTION: Amputation for a mangled extremity is an effective and reliable life-saving treatment method, which requires a relatively shorter duration for treatment than limb salvage. However, only a few studies have focused on treatment with amputation. Herein, we report good clinical outcomes achieved through staged surgery performed after amputation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 47 patients (38 men, 9 women; average age, 52.4 years) diagnosed with mangled extremity, who underwent primary amputation between March 2014 and January 2019. The patients were divided into the initial closure (IC) groups (including 26 patients who underwent IC after amputation) and staged surgery (SS) (including 21 patients who underwent SS after amputation) groups. The presence of complications including necrosis and infection, consequent additional surgery, duration of hospitalization and expense for treatment, and functional scores of upper and lower extremities were assessed. RESULTS: No specific postoperative complication was found in the SS group. However, additional surgeries were performed in the IC group because of complications including three cases of infection and two cases of necrosis. The differences between the hospitalization period, treatment cost, and functional examination conducted 1 year after surgery of the two groups were not statistically significant. The patients in the IC group who underwent additional surgery were hospitalized for a longer period and presented with lower functional scores due to delayed rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Staged surgery is a definitive and safe treatment option that can effectively reduce complications including infection and necrosis in patients with mangled extremity.

Excellent outcomes after double-locked plating in very low periprosthetic distal femoral fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Very low periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PPDFFs) are rare injuries and often have a relatively high failure rate after single lateral locked plating. The double plating technique yields good outcomes in osteoporotic fractures of the distal femur. To date, there is limited information on double-locked plate fixation of very low PPDFFs. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of surgically treated very low PPDFFs using double-locked plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2018, sixty-one consecutive patients with PPDFFs have been conducted. Only Su type III PPDFFs with double-locked plate fixation through a lateral minimally invasive approach and a medial subvastus approach to the distal femur were analyzed. Patients were encouraged to perform straight leg raising exercises and active knee motion on the second postoperative day. Assisted weight bearing from the early postoperative days was supported, and full weight-bearing was allowed after healing the fracture site. All patients were evaluated according to the time to union, limb alignment, range of knee motion, Knee Society Score, and presence of complications. RESULTS: Twenty one patients (17 females and 4 males, mean age 76 years, range 56-90) were included in the study. There were 10 of 33-A1, 6 of 33-A2 and 5 of 33 A3 fractures, according to the AO classification. Of 21 patients, 20 achieved union at an average of 14 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative limb alignment was satisfactory in all cases, with an average mechanical distal lateral femur angle of 89° and average mechanical posterior distal femur angle of 86°. All patients recovered the knee joint motion similar to that of the contralateral side, and daily life pre-injury. The average knee and function scores were 94 and 89, respectively. There were one case of non-union and three cases of superficial wound infection, which resolved after intravenous antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Double locked plating showed excellent radiographic and functional outcomes with few complications in patients with very low PPDFFs. Based on these promising results, we propose the consideration of double-locked plate fixation in the treatment of very low PPDFFs.

An intuitive and simple technique for accurate insertion point selection and precise Poller (blocking) screw insertion.

Although indirect reduction with intramedullary (IM) nailing is the gold standard for long bone fractures, IM nailing in meta-diaphyseal fractures often results in malalignment. Placement of Poller (blocking) screws is an attractive and useful technique in these situations; however, the selection of accurate placement points and the placement process itself are often complicated. This paper proposes an intuitive, simple, and clear technique for selecting the location of Poller screw placement that can be used in either the anteroposterior or lateral view regardless of the fracture type and discusses techniques for Poller screw placement that enable displacement correction.

Significance of orthopedic trauma specialists in trauma centers in Korea.

INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the Korean central government selected trauma centers to provide effective treatment and reduce preventable mortality in severe trauma patients. General surgeons, thoracic surgeons, orthopedists, and neurosurgeons play pivotal roles in trauma centers, as most trauma patients require orthopedic procedures. This study aimed to underscore the importance of trauma orthopedic specialists (TOSs) by comparing treatment outcomes between a TOS and general orthopedists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Orthopedic trauma patients with injury severity scores > 15 points, admitted to level 1 trauma centers between March 2015 and December 2016, were divided into the TOS group (treated by 1 orthopedic trauma specialist who treats trauma patients with no limitation in the joint of specialization) and the general orthopedist group (GOG; treated by several general orthopedists who manage both trauma and disease but are each specialized in a certain joint). Emergency room response time, triage time, surgical preparation time, number of surgeries per patient, intensive care unit (ICU) duration, complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among 272 patients, 52 were treated by a TOS and 220 were treated by several general orthopedists. For the TOS group and the GOG, the average emergency room response time was 8 and 32 min; average triage time, 27 and 162 min; average surgical preparation time, 141 and 350 min; average number of surgeries per patient, 1.9 and 2.7; and average ICU duration, 8.5 and 12.2 days, respectively. The TOS group saved $2700 per patient. No statistical differences were found in complications and mortality between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: TOSs can provide rapid treatment to trauma patients and systemically participate in collaborative treatment with other specialists in a trauma center. As treatment provided by a TOS can also reduce the ICU duration, TOSs can play an important role in rapid rehabilitation and cost reduction for trauma patients.

Exchange nailing with enhanced distal fixation is effective for the treatment of infraisthmal femoral nonunions.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment options for nonunions of infraisthmal femoral shaft fractures after internal fixation are controversial. Methods such as exchanging an existing nail with a nail of a larger size, dynamization, removal of the nail followed by plating, and bone grafting have all been reported. Among those options, exchange nailing seems to be the most popular choice. In this study, a Poller screw, or an additional interlocking screw, was used in conjunction with exchange intramedullary nailing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating femoral shaft nonunions using insertion of a Poller screw or an additional interlocking screw in conjunction with intramedullary nail fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 18 patients who presented with nonunion of femur shaft fractures after internal fixation at the infraisthmal level. These patients included 13 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 46.8 years (range 15-78 years). The mean postsurgical period of nonunion was 7.8 months (range 6-12 months). The patients were classified into two groups: the atrophic nonunion group and the hypertrophic nonunion group. In all patients, nailing was enhanced with a Poller screw or additional interlocking screws. All patients were followed up with plain film examinations and were assessed for their functional recovery status to determine the osseous union conditions. RESULTS: All 18 patients achieved postoperative bony union after a mean time of 7.5 months (range 3-12 months), and all patients were able to walk with full weight-bearing and without pain within 3 months. There were no significant complications, such as broken hardware, implant back-outs, axial or rotational malalignments, or deep infections. CONCLUSION: Poller screws and additional interlocking screws, along with intramedullary nailing exchange, may be an effective and reliable alternative for treating infraisthmal femoral shaft nonunions.

Provisional pin fixation: An efficient alternative to manual maintenance of reduction in nailing of intertrochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: During nailing of intertrochanteric fractures, there is always a risk of reduction loss despite achieving an acceptable reduction status after a percutaneous procedure. Most surgeons usually attempted to maintain the reduction with a manual endeavor. However, we experienced varying amounts of intraoperative reduction loss and had to perform readjustments several times. These struggles motivated us to attempt provisional pin fixation as an alternative method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting intraoperative reduction loss, especially in comparison between two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included. They were divided into two groups based on the method, by retrospective analysis of the intraoperative c-arm image. In the manual maintenance group, an assistant maintained the instruments during the procedure. In the provisional pin fixation group, the reduction was temporaryily held by a 3.2mm guide pin fixation across the fracture. A displacement of more than one cortical thickness in any plane or angular deformity during any point in the procedure after acceptable reduction was judged as an intraoperative reduction loss. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The number of cases with intraoperative reduction loss was 18 (18 of 38, 46.1%) in the manual maintenance group and 6 (6 of 30, 20.0%) in the provisional pin fixation group. The odds ratio of intraoperative reduction loss in the manual maintenance group was 5.182 (95% confidence interval, 1.455-18.452) compared with the provisional pin fixation group as the reference. CONCLUSIONS: As a reasonable approach for maintaining reduction, provisional pin fixation can significantly decrease intraoperative reduction loss after percutaneous reduction of intertrochanteric fractures during nailing.

Concomitant posterior cruciate ligament injuries with direct injury-related patellar fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries and direct injury-related patellar fractures have similar causative factors. However, the mechanisms underlying these injuries differ. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and relationship between PCL injuries and direct injury-related patellar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 195 patients diagnosed with a patellar fracture at our clinic during 2007-2011, 104 required surgical treatment and underwent the posterior drawer test under general anesthesia and magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed whether the causes of trauma, fracture classification, compression of the fracture fragment, and fracture displacement were related to the incidence of PCL injuries. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, 26 had concomitant PCL injuries with direct injury-related patellar fractures. Most of the PCL injuries were grades 1 and 2, observed in 14 and 9 patients, respectively. Among three patients with grade 3 PCL injury, only two required PCL reconstruction. No significant relationship was observed between the causes of trauma and the incidence of PCL injury. According to the fracture classification, lower pole and comminuted fractures were associated with higher incidence rates of PCL injury than transverse and vertical fractures. Compressed and displaced patellar fractures were also associated with higher incidence rates of PCL injury. CONCLUSION: Although a PCL injury requiring surgical intervention was extremely rare, 25 % patients who required surgery for patellar fractures presented with a PCL injury. The incidence of a PCL injury was higher in the lower pole, comminuted, displaced, and compressed patellar fractures.

Radiologic healing of lateral femoral wall fragments after intramedullary nail fixation for A3.3 intertrochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary nail fixation is a useful treatment option for A3 intertrochanteric fractures. Occasionally, we have encountered displaced lateral femoral wall (LFW) fragment during surgery with intramedullary nail system. We investigated the postoperative spontaneous reduction of displaced LFW fragments without further fixation and the factors that affected the spontaneous reduction of displaced LFW fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with A3.3 intertrochanteric fracture were treated by surgery using intramedullary nails (PFNA; Synthes, Paoli) between March 2007 and December 2012. All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. We calculated the amount of spontaneous reduction of the displaced LFW fragments from immediate postoperative and last follow-up anteroposterior radiographs. We measured the tilting angle of the LFW fragment, tip-apex distance (TAD), and telescoping of the blade, and evaluated the quality of postoperative reduction. RESULTS: Twenty-five of the 44 patients had displaced LFW fragments, and the average amount of spontaneous reduction of the displaced LFW fragment was 4.8 mm with statistical significance (p = 0.005). The average tilting angle of all patients was -4.97°, telescoping was 6.83 mm, and TAD was 19.77 mm. Twenty-one patients had good quality of reduction, 21 had acceptable quality, and 2 had poor quality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for these factors indicated that tilting angle was the only significant factor related to spontaneous reduction of a displaced LFW fragment (p = 0.007, odds ratio = 1.336). CONCLUSIONS: In intramedullary nailing of A3.3 intertrochanteric fractures, the displaced LFW fragments tend to reduce spontaneously without any additional fixation during the postoperative period. We conclude that no additional fixation is needed for the displaced LFW fragment after surgery with intramedullary nail.

Percutaneous cerclage wiring followed by intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a technical note with clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Although intramedullary nailing is an ideal treatment for subtrochanteric femoral fractures, it is technically challenging in fractures extending into the nail entry area and/or involving the lesser trochanter. Although the application of circumferential wire may facilitate reduction in these situations, its use remains controversial due to possible blood supply disturbances to underlying bone. In the present study, we evaluated complex subtrochanteric fractures treated by percutaneous cerclage wiring followed by intramedullary (IM) nailing for anatomical fracture reduction and union. METHODS: Twelve patients (mean age 48.3 years) with an unstable subtrochanteric fracture were prospectively treated. Indications of percutaneous cerclage wiring followed by IM nailing were a fracture extending proximally into the nail entry area deemed difficult to treat by anatomical reconstruction by IM nailing or a fracture with long oblique or spiral component. One or two cerclage wires were percutaneously applied for the temporary reduction of main fragments, and then, a cephalo-medullary or a reconstruction nail was fixed. We assessed radiologic results (union time, alignment), functional results, and complications. RESULTS: All 12 cases healed, without a bone graft, at an average of 19.1 weeks after surgery (range 16-24). In 11 cases, acceptable alignment was achieved (mean, valgus 0.3° extension 0.6°) with minimal leg-length discrepancy; the other exhibited 1 cm of shortening. All patients were able to return to pre-injury activity levels, and median Merle d'Aubigne score was 16.9 (15-18). No infection or implant-related complication was encountered to latest follow-up (minimum 12 months postoperatively). CONCLUSION: Temporary reduction by percutaneous wiring offers a means of satisfactory nailing in difficult subtrochanteric femoral fractures, and affords anatomical reconstruction and favorable bony union.

Comparative biomechanical analysis of reconstruction and cephalomedullary nails in the treatment of osteoporotic subtrochanteric fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of two types of intramedullary nails - reconstruction nails (RCN) and cephalomedullary nails (CMN) - each with different proximal fixations, in a model of an osteoporotic subtrochanteric femoral fracture. This study focused on assessing stiffness and load to failure of RCN and CMN nails to provide insight into their clinical applications in osteoporotic fracture treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten synthetic osteoporotic femoral models were used to generate a comminuted subtrochanteric fracture model. Five femurs were fixed using an RCN, and the remaining five were fixed using a CMN. The constructs were subjected to axial compression to measure their structural stiffness, load to failure, and failure modes. RESULTS: The CMN group demonstrated a slightly higher load to failure (mean, 2250 N) than the RCN group (mean, 2100 N), which was statistically significant (p = 0.008). However, the stiffness in both groups was statistically similar (RCN, 250 N/mm; CMN, 255 N/mm; p = 0.69). Both groups showed a load to failure exceeding 1500 N, a typically exerted load on the femoral head by a 75 kg individual. The failure patterns differed, with CMN failures starting at the nail insertion area and RCN failures starting at the reconstruction screw area. CONCLUSION: The RCN offers stiffness comparable to that of the CMN; although its load to failure is slightly lower than that of the CMN, it still exceeds the physiological tolerance limit. These findings suggest that the RCN is a viable alternative for treating osteoporotic subtrochanteric fractures.

Prophylactic nailing of incomplete atypical femoral fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Recent reports have described the occurrence of low-energy subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate use. Although information regarding the surgical treatment of these atypical femoral fractures is increasing, it is unclear if the preventive operation is useful in incomplete fractures. This study examined the results of preventive intramedullary nailing for incomplete atypical femoral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted for patients older than 50 years receiving bisphosphonate therapy, with incomplete, nondisplaced fractures in either the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal area of the femur. Seventeen patients with a total of 20 incomplete, non-displaced lesions were included. The mean duration of bisphosphonate use was 50.5 months. Eleven of the 17 (64.7%) patients had complete or incomplete fractures on the contralateral femur. All were treated with prophylactic fixation of an intramedullary (IM) nail. The minimum followup was 12 months. RESULTS: All cases healed with a mean period of 14.3 weeks. Nineteen of the 20 cases healed with the dissolution of incomplete fractures of the lateral aspect. A complete fracture developed at the time of nailing in one patient, but it healed with callus bridging. CONCLUSION: IM nailing appears to be a reliable way of preventing the progress of incomplete atypical femoral fractures.