[Post-traumatic osteomyelitis following distal intra-articular tibial fractures (fractures of the tibial malleolus)].
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The etiology of valgus deformity after a seemingly innocuous fracture of the proximal tibial metaphysis in children is unknown. The purpose of this work was to identify the etiology of this deformity using a rabbit model. Twenty-two eight-week-old rabbits were divided into two groups. In Group I, the medial periosteum was excised from the left proximal tibial metaphysis. A partial osteotomy was created 5 mm distal to the epiphyseal plate, involving the medial one-half of the tibial metaphysis. Two 0.7-mm Kirschner wires were placed as markers on each side of the osteotomy. In Group II, the identical procedure was performed from the lateral side. Standard roentgenograms were obtained postoperatively and weekly until death by sodium pentobarbital overdose at six weeks. The angular deformity, medial growth, and lateral growth were calculated from the markers on the roentgenograms. All tibias were decalcified and analyzed under light microscopy. In Group I, all 11 rabbits developed valgus deformity averaging 12.2 degrees; asymmetric growth was statistically significant. In Group II, ten of 11 rabbits developed varus deformity averaging 9.8 degrees; asymmetric growth was not statistically significant. Despite obvious asymmetric growth in both groups, light microscopy failed to reveal any asymmetry of the physis. Valgus and varus deformities are secondary to asymmetric growth, which is not demonstrable by light microscopy.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are considered to have important regulatory roles in skeletal embryogenesis and bone healing. Recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs) have been shown to heal critical size defects and promote spinal fusion. We studied the effects of rhBMP-2 in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) on bone healing in a large animal tibial fracture model. Bilateral closed tibial fractures were created in 16 skeletally mature goats and reduced and stabilized using external fixation. In each animal, one tibia received the study device (0.86 mg of rhBMP-2/ACS or buffer/ACS), and the contralateral fracture served as control. The device was implanted as a folded onlay or wrapped circumferentially around the fracture. Six weeks following fracture, the animals were sacrificed and the tibiae harvested for torsional testing and histomorphologic evaluation. Radiographs indicated increased callus at 3 weeks in the rhBMP-2/ACS treated tibiae. At 6 weeks, the rhBMP-2/ACS wrapped fractures had superior radiographic healing scores compared with buffer groups and controls. The rhBMP-2/ACS produced a significant increase in torsional toughness (p = 0.02), and trends of increased torsional strength and stiffness (p = 0.09) compared with fracture controls. The device placed in a wrapped fashion around the fracture produced significantly tougher callus (p = 0.02) compared with the onlay application. Total callus new bone volume was significantly increased (p = 0.02) in the rhBMP-2/ACS fractures compared with buffer groups and controls regardless of the method of device application. The rhBMP-2/ACS did not alter the timing of onset of periosteal/endosteal callus formation compared with controls. Neither the mineral apposition rates nor bone formation rates were affected by rhBMP-2/ACS treatment. The increased callus volume associated with rhBMP-2 treatment produced only moderate increases in strength and stiffness.
OBJECTIVE: A multicenter trial analyzed complications and odds for complications in open and closed tibial fractures stabilized by small diameter nails. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Four Level I trauma centers. PATIENTS: Four hundred sixty-seven tibial fractures were included in the study. There were fifty-two proximal fractures, 219 midshaft fractures, and 196 distal fractures. Breakdown into different AO/OTA groups showed 135 Type A fractures, 216 Type B fractures, and 116 Type C fractures. Two hundred sixty-five were closed fractures and 202 were open fractures. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and radiographic analysis. METHODS: 467 patients' tibial fractures were stabilized with small diameter tibial nails using an unreamed technique. Indications for the use of small diameter tibial nails using an unreamed technique included all types of open or closed diaphyseal fractures. The operating surgeons decided whether or not to ream based on personal experience, fracture type, and soft-tissue damage. Surgeons of Center 1 preferred to treat AO Type A and B fractures with unreamed nails, and surgeons of Centers 2, 3, and 4 preferred to treat AO Type B and C fractures with unreamed nails. Closed and open fractures were treated in approximately the same ratio. RESULTS: Analysis showed five (1.1 percent) deep infections (with a 5.4 percent rate of deep infections in Gustilo Grade III open fractures), forty-three delayed unions (9.2 percent), and twelve (2.6 percent) nonunions. Compartment syndromes occurred in sixty-two cases (13.3 percent), screw fatigue in forty-seven cases (10 percent), and fatigue failure of the tibial nail in three cases (0.6 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Fracture distraction of more than three millimeters should not be tolerated when stabilizing tibial fractures with unreamed, small-diameter nails as this increases the odds of having a delayed union by twelve times (p < 0.001) and a nonunion by four times (p = 0.057). There was a significant increase of complications in the group of Grade III open fractures (p < 0.001), AO/OTA Type C fractures (p = 0.002), and to a lesser extent in distal fractures. However, the rate of severe complications resulting in major morbidity was low.
Although tibial periprosthetic fractures are uncommon, they are likely to be encountered more frequently with the increased use of total knee arthroplasty, and they present a challenging management problem. Here we present our solution to this problem, which provided a safe, effective means of fracture management, while maintaining the prosthesis.
In 1993 a solid 7.5-mm tibial nail was developed and is composed of a wrought stainless steel alloy. In a preclinical testing series its static and dynamic mechanical properties proved to be superior to other small diameter nails. The clinical application of the Solid Tibial Nail in 70 cases of acute tibial diaphyseal fractures showed promising results. Neither severe intraoperative complications nor infections were observed. The entire series, including seven Grade I, eight Grade II, four Grade IIIA, and nine Grade IIIB open fractures, revealed a union rate of 95% at 6 months postoperative. After dynamization in one case and reaming and renailing in three cases, the fractures with delayed healing progressed to union within the following 3 months. There was no need for bone grafting in any of the cases. Locking screw breakage was observed in 10 (14%) cases 8 to 24 weeks postoperatively. This did not lead to any additional complications. No nail failures were observed. The excellent results of unreamed nailing with the Solid Tibial Nail consequently led to its use as the primary method of treatment for tibial fractures associated with soft tissue injury at the authors' institution.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether or not the limited contact design of the low-contact dynamic compression plate (LCDCP) provides advantages over the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in the context of cortical bone blood flow, biomechanical properties, and remodeling of bone in segmental tibial fractures. DESIGN: Randomized trial using canines. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven canines. INTERVENTION: Segmental tibial fractures were surgically created in canine tibiae. The tibiae were reduced and stabilized with 316L stainless-steel, 3.5-millimeter, ten-hole plates: LCDCP (n = 5) or DCP (n = 6). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Laser Doppler flowmetry evaluated cortical bone perfusion in the proximal tibia, segmental piece, and distal tibia (a) before fracture, (b) after fracture, (c) immediately after plating, and (d) at ten weeks. After the dogs were killed at ten weeks, bending stiffness and load to failure of the tibiae were assessed. Tibial cortical bone porosity and new bone formation were measured. RESULTS: Cortical bone blood flow was similar between the LCDCP and DCP groups throughout the study. Bending stiffness and load to failure of the tibiae were similar between the two groups. Whereas cortical bone porosity and new bone formation were higher in all plated tibiae at ten weeks compared with controls, no differences in cortical bone porosity were seen between the LCDCP and DCP groups. There was a trend toward significantly more new bone formation in the LCDCP group. CONCLUSION: The LCDCP is not advantageous in fracture healing or restoration of cortical bone perfusion to devascularized cortex in segmental fractures when plate fixation has been chosen for fracture stabilization. The overall injury following segmental devascularization seems more important to outcome than the type of implant used for fracture fixation up to ten weeks.
BACKGROUND: Open tibial fractures may be managed surgically by either external fixation or the intramedullary rod. If a rod is used, the delayed removal of the locking screws has been advocated to enhance fracture healing. The aim of the present study was to report the results of closed unreamed locked tibial rods in open fractures and evaluate the effect of locking screw removal. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with open tibial fractures were treated by debridement, intravenous antibiotics, soft-tissue coverage and closed, unreamed, locked intramedullary rods. Forty-six patients were available for review at an average of 13.7 months after surgery. RESULTS: Union occurred at a mean of 240 days (168.1-312.3 CI). Five (10.8%) patients required bone grafting (two required a bone graft alone, three with exchange rods). Deep infection occurred in three (6.5%) cases, and malunion occurred in seven (15.2%) cases. Locking screw failure occurred in five (11%) cases. There was no significant association between removal of the locking screws, injury type and time to union when comminution was controlled for (P = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: These results compare favourably to other methods of treatment for open fractures and suggest that removal of locking screws does not alter the time to union.
We report a case history, treatment, and follow-up of an open comminuted distal tibial fracture with significant soft tissue loss and segmental loss of the tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery. This constellation of injuries with an insensate plantar foot has often been an indication for amputation. In this instance, a functional distal extremity was salvaged with the use of Ilizarov fixation, delayed primary tibial nerve cable grafting, and staged soft tissue coverage. Clinical follow-up and review of the literature on the techniques used are offered for consideration.
Type IIIC tibial fractures are complex injuries involving extensive bone and soft-tissue devascularization that result in a high percentage of complications and ultimate amputation. An emergency free flap transfer not only may salvage the limb but also may improve the aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction by placing the injured structures in a well-vascularized bed. Two cases of type IIIC tibial fracture were treated in this manner, and we present our experience with a 30-month follow-up of one patient and a 6-month follow-up of another patient.
The extraosseous tissue contribution to diaphyseal fracture callus has been investigated using a rabbit tibial fracture model and osteocalcin immunocytochemistry. The extraosseous tissues were isolated for study by reaming and nailing an osteotomy and excising 2 cm of periosteum on either side of the osteotomy. Specimens obtained from the healing fractures at 1 and 2 weeks after operation, respectively, were decalcified and stained for osteocalcin, a bone-specific protein, using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. The positively stained osteogenic cells appeared to be derived exclusively from the remnant of the periosteum.
Tibial fractures are relatively frequent injuries of young children. These fractures are occasionally the cause of a childhood gait disturbance. Additionally, tibial fractures may be the result of child abuse. Consequently, the pediatrician should have knowledge concerning these injuries. In this paper, we present a review of tibial fractures in hospitalized children and describe their associations with nonaccidental trauma (NAT). Finally, we provide suggestions for improving nonmenclature clarity for isolated spiral fractures of the tibia.
The natural frequency of fracture fragments has been measured at various times in the course of healing of 11 midshaft tibial fractures. The major fragments manifest different frequencies which are themselves distinct from that of the intact bone. It has been shown that the difference in frequency between the major fragments falls with time, so that the separate frequencies approach a common value which corresponds with the healed state. The results have been used to construct a model healing curve, against which other tibial fractures can be compared.
Disuse osteoporosis following tibial fractures is associated with pain and prolonged rehabilitation. In a prospective study, 22 patients with stable tibial fractures treated in plaster of Paris were compared with 15 patients in whom unstable tibial fractures were treated by external fixation. All patients were allowed to bear full weight from the day after the injury. The patients treated with plaster of Paris had the less severe fractures but still had a greater number of the higher grades of osteoporosis. We found a significantly lower degree of osteoporosis in the external fixator group. A comparison of the median percentage bearing weight in the two groups of patients showed greater percentage bearing weight in the external fixator group at four and eight weeks after the injury. We suggest that the reduction of post-traumatic osteoporosis is due to improved early function and weight bearing in patients treated by external fixation.
SUMMARY: As tibial intramedullary nailing becomes the preferred treatment for tibial shaft fracture, removal of tibial nails will become more common. Removal of tibial intramedullary nails is not without complications, but a review of the literature found only one recent report of a fracture of the tibia during removal. A case report of a tibial fracture during removal of an Alta tibial nail is presented.
Tibial fractures in three newborn beef calves were reduced and stabilized by transfixation pinning. Return to normal function was rapid in two calves. One calf acquired septic arthritis of the stifle and was later euthanatized; however, the fracture had healed. Good radiographic and clinical evidence of stability was evident in 4 to 6 weeks, at which time the pins were removed.
OBJECTIVES: Treatment of tibial fractures by unreamed locked nailing with loose-fitting nails has previously been shown to be associated with a low union rate and high implant failure rate. This report describes the authors' experience in using tight-fitting nails that were relatively larger than loose-fitting nails. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight consecutive patients with fifty-two tibial fractures (excluding open IIIC fractures and those with bone loss) were studied: thirty-four men and fourteen women, with a mean age of 38 years. There were twenty-five closed fractures, nine Type I, eight Type II, four Type IIIA, and six Type IIIB open fractures. INTERVENTION: Unreamed nailing with tight-fitting nails using the Russell-Taylor system. OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rate, time to union, complication rate, and functional recovery, as well as nailing time, hospital time, and crutch-walking time were recorded. RESULTS: Union occurred in forty-eight of fifty-two fractures (92%) with a mean time to union of 18.2 weeks. Compartment syndrome occurred in three patients. Deep infection occurred in one Type II and one Type IIIB open fracture. Four fractures required additional exchange nailing or bone grafting to achieve union: one Type II, one Type IIIA, and two Type IIIB open fractures. Three malalignments resulted from operative technical error. The rate of both intraoperative bony split and screw breakage was 3.8% (2 of 52), but neither complication interfered with fracture healing. Recovery of joint motion was essentially normal in those patients without knee or ankle injury. CONCLUSIONS: Unreamed locked nailing with tight-fitting nails can produce satisfactory clinical results for acute tibial fractures. It has the advantages of technical simplicity and an acceptable risk of implant failure.
Eight weeks after transposition of the tibial tubercle for recurrent subluxation of the patella, the patient sustained a tibial fracture during rope jumping. In spite of consolidation of the osteotomy in the frontal plane, there remained a small gap in the anterior cortex in the transverse plane through which the tibia failed during bending stress.