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.

Forecasting effects of "fast-tracks" for surgery in the Swedish national guidelines for distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: National guidelines for treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs) were presented in Sweden in 2021. In the guidelines, a fast-track is recommended for 4 subgroups of highly unstable DRFs. Regardless of the results of the closed reduction these are recommended for surgery within 1 week of injury. This study aims to evaluate the potential consequences of the newly presented national guidelines on incidence of surgical interventions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 1,609 patients (1,635 DRFs) with primary radiographs after a DRF between 2014 and 2017 at two Swedish hospitals were included in a retrospective cohort study. An estimation was made of the percentage of patients in the historical pre-guidelines cohort, that would have been recommended early primary surgery according to the new national guidelines compared to treatment implemented without the support of these guidelines. RESULTS: On a strict radiological basis, 32% (516 out of 1635) of DRFs were classified into one of the 4 defined subgroups. At 9-13 days follow-up, cast treatment was converted into delayed primary surgery in 201 cases. Out of these, 56% (112 out of 201) fulfilled the fast-track criteria and would with the new guidelines have been subject to early primary surgery. INTERPRETATION: The fast-track regimen in the new guidelines, has a high likelihood of identifying the unstable fractures benefitting from early primary surgery. If the proposed Swedish national guidelines for DRF treatment are implemented, a greater proportion of fractures would be treated with early primary surgery, and a delayed surgery avoided in the majority of cases. The potential benefits in relation to possible costs when using the fast-track criteria in every day practice are still unknown.

Presurgical localization of infected avascular bone segments in chronic complicated posttraumatic osteomyelitis in the lower extremity using dual-tracer PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: Localizing and removing the infected sequestrum in long-standing trauma-related chronic osteomyelitis remains a clinical challenge. PET/CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) has a high sensitivity for chronic osteomyelitis and 18F-sodium-fluoride PET/CT (NaF-PET) has a high specificity for identifying non-viable bone. Combining both, high signal on FDG-PET in the bone without signal on NaF-PET could potentially guide surgery to become more precise with curative intent. Eight patients with long-standing (average 22 years) posttraumatic (n = 7) or postoperative (n = 1) chronic osteomyelitis in the lower extremity and with multiple futile attempts for curative surgery were recruited in this prospective pilot study. FDG-PET and NaF-PET were performed within a week in between using standard scanning protocols. The most likely location of the culprit sequestrum was identified and was surgically removed. Based on perioperative tissue cultures, antibiotics were given for 6-8 months. Dual-tracer (FDG- and NaF-PET/CT) was performed again after 12 months to rule out persisting signs of infection. RESULTS: A likely culprit sequestrum could preoperatively be identified by dual-tracer PET in all eight cases and in four cases an additional sequestrum was identified at a location with no clinical sign of infection. The infected necrotic tissue was removed during surgery. Follow-up dual-tracer PET revealed no signs of persistent infection. All patients recovered with no clinical signs of recurrence for a follow-up of mean 4.5 (SD 1.3) years. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-tracer PET/CT with FDG and NaF allows successful precise surgery with curative intent in patients with long-standing complicated posttraumatic chronic osteomyelitis with severely deranged anatomy.

Radiographic results after plaster cast fixation for 10 days versus 1 month in reduced distal radius fractures: a prospective randomised study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether reduced distal radius fractures can be treated with early mobilisation without affecting the radiographic results. METHODS: In a prospective randomised study, 109 patients (mean age 65.8 (range 50-92)) with moderately displaced distal radius fractures were treated with closed reduction and plaster cast fixation for about 10 days (range 8-13 days) followed by randomisation to one of two groups: early mobilisation (n = 54, active group) or continued plaster cast fixation for another 3 weeks (n = 55, control group). RESULTS: For three patients in the active group (6%), treatment proved unsuccessful because of severe displacement of the fracture (n = 2) or perceived instability (n = 1). From 10 days to 1 month, i.e. the only period when the treatment differed between the two groups, the active group displaced significantly more in dorsal angulation (4.5°, p < 0.001), radial angulation (2.0°, p < 0.001) and axial compression (0.5 mm, p = 0.01) compared with the control group. However, during the entire study period (i.e. from admission to 12 months), the active group displaced significantly more than the controls only in radial angulation (3.2°, p = 0.002) and axial compression (0.7 mm, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilisation 10 days after reduction of moderately displaced distal radius fractures resulted in both an increased number of treatment failures and increased displacement in radial angulation and axial compression as compared with the control group. Mobilisation 10 days after reduction cannot be recommended for the routine treatment of reduced distal radius fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrail.gov, NCT02798614 . Retrospectively registered 16 June 2016.

Prospective randomized feasibility trial to assess the use of rhPDGF-BB in treatment of distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB) combined with an osteoconductive scaffold (ß-TCP) has been demonstrated to increase bone formation, but rhPDGF-BB has not been studied in human fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and potential use of locally administered rhPDGF-BB/ß-TCP (Augment®) in acute wrist fractures. METHODS: Forty patients with unstable distal radial fracture were randomized to closed reduction and external fixation alone (n = 20) or combined with injection of rhPDGF-BB/ß-TCP (Augment®) into the fracture (n = 20). All patients were followed for 24 weeks. Outcome was based on adverse events, fracture displacement on radiographs, fracture healing, range of motion, grip strength, pain, and the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events in the study, but the pin tract infection rate was significantly lower in the Augment® group. There was no difference between the groups in fracture healing time, based on number of healed cortices or fracture displacement. The Augment® group had an early temporary significant decrease in wrist flexion, but no difference in range of motion at 24 weeks. There were no differences between the two treatment groups for any other outcome variables. CONCLUSION: rhPDGF-BB/ß-TCP (Augment®) is safe and convenient for local administration into wrist fractures. In this pilot study, we could not detect any reduced healing time in the Augment® group although potential efficacy should be addressed in larger studies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The clinical trial registration number for the study protocol is BMPI-2014-02-E.