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[Operative treatment of complex lombosacral fracture dislocation: L5 chance fracture with trans S1-S2 dislocation].

Sacral fractures are uncommon injuries that are often diagnosed late, the transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance fracture has never been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe operative treatment of transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance fracture. A 17-year-old woman sustained multiple injuries in a road accident and presented with hypovolumic shock. Radiological assessment demonstrated transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance-fracture. Neurologic examination demonstrated L5 root deficit and perineal hypoesthesia. Operative treatment was undertaken. The procedure consisted of laminectomy of L5, S1, and S2 and osteosynthesis of L3-L4 - S3-S4 (in sacral alae). Attempts to reduce dislocation failed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. One year after operative treatment the patient presented no neurologic deficit and had resumed normal activity. Follow-up radiological imaging demonstrated consolidation of fracture zones. Management for uncommon lumbrosacral junction injuries must take into account various parameters including hemodynamic condition, neurologic status, and stability of the spinal lesions. Decompression of neural impingement and stabilization of fractures by osteosynthesis appear to be a useful alternative that allows patients to stand again and begin rehabilitation quickly.

Adolescent↗

Wrist fractures in the athlete. Distal radius and carpal fractures.

The primary prerequisites for optimal management of the athlete's fractured wrist are prompt diagnosis, anatomic and stable reduction, effective immobilization until healing is thorough, and comprehensive rehabilitation of the injured parts. Fulfillment of these fundamental criteria consistently leads to a highly favorable outcome with minimal risk of re-injury. In contrast, a compromise of these principles, especially for the sake of a speedy return to sports, invariably results in suboptimal recovery and, not infrequently, a permanent loss of skills. The exceptions to the cardinal rule that successful treatment of wrist fractures requires precise restoration of anatomic relationships are specific: displaced hamate hook fractures, displaced trapezial ridge fractures, and comminuted pisiform fractures. In such instances, successful union essentially is precluded, and early excision of the displaced fragments is the logical means of facilitating an uncomplicated recovery. For the more complex fractures requiring stabilization, continual refinements in methods of fixation are considerably diminishing fracture morbidity. The availability of small screws that provide rigid fixation of the carpus is, with increasing consistency, promoting accelerated union and rapid rehabilitation. Well-conceived combinations of low-profile, mechanically efficient external fixators and precisely used Kirschner wires achieve highly secure fracture stability for the distal radius that similarly enhances recovery with a minimum of complications. Improvements in both design and application of internal and external fixation techniques undoubtedly constitute a major advance in the management of wrist fractures among athletes. For some athletes, the return to competition can be safely expedited by the use of custom-fit protective gloves, splints, or casts. For most, however, the treatment regimen usually entails a minimum of 3 to 4 months. Although the healing and rehabilitation process is often lengthy and may seem costly, particularly in terms of time lost from competition, seldom do athletes regret the investment once they return to their highly skillful activities unencumbered by wrist impairment. Never does the sports medicine physician regret compliance with the principles of optimal care.

Athletic Injuries↗

Risk factors for falls as a cause of hip fracture in women. The Northeast Hip Fracture Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Although even in the elderly most falls are not associated with fractures, over 90 percent of hip fractures are the result of a fall. Few studies have assessed whether the risk factors for falls are also important risk factors for hip fracture. METHODS: To examine the importance of risk factors for falls in the epidemiology of hip fracture, we performed a case-control study of 174 women (median age, 80 years) admitted with a first hip fracture to 1 of 30 hospitals in New York and Philadelphia. Controls, matched to the case patients according to age and hospital, were selected from general surgical and orthopedic surgical hospital services. Information was obtained by direct interview. RESULTS: As measured by the odds ratio, increased risks for hip fracture were associated with lower-limb dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.8), visual impairment (odds ratio = 5.1; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.9 to 13.9), previous stroke (odds ratio = 2.0; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.0 to 4.0), Parkinson's disease (odds ratio = 9.4; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.2 to 76.1), and use of long-acting barbiturates (odds ratio = 5.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.6 to 45.0). Of the controls, 44 (25 percent) had had a recent fall. The case patients were more likely than these controls to have fallen from a standing height or higher (odds ratio = 2.4; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.0 to 5.7). Of those with hip fracture the younger patients (less than 75 years old) were more likely than the older ones (greater than or equal to 75 years old) to have fallen on a hard surface (odds ratio = 1.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 3.7). CONCLUSIONS: A number of factors that have been identified as risk factors for falls are also associated with hip fracture, including lower-limb dysfunction, neurologic conditions, barbiturate use, and visual impairment. Given the prevalence of these problems among the elderly, who are at highest risk, programs to prevent hip fracture should include measures to prevent falls in addition to measures to slow bone loss.

Accidental Falls↗

Fracture-label:O cytochemistry of freeze-fracture faces in the erythrocyte membrane.

A method--"fracture label"--is described for the cytochemical labeling of the membrane faces produced by freeze-fracture. Human erythrocytes embedded in a crosslinked matrix are frozen, fractured in liquid nitrogen, thawed, labeled, and cut into thin sections. Electron microscope observation of the fracture faces shows preferential partition of concanavalin A binding sites with the inner half of the membrane. This signifies that, during freeze-fracture, binding sites are dragged from the outer surface across the outer ("exoplasmic") half of the membrane and retained on the protoplasmic fracture face (face P). The fracture process results in exposure of new anionic sites on face P. Fracture-label can be applied to the cytochemical characterization of the cellular components exposed by freeze-fracture of isolated cells and tissues.

Colloids↗

Young age and wedge stem design are risk factors for periprosthetic fracture after arthroplasty due to hip fracture. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that a hip fracture as a primary diagnosis for arthroplasty is a risk factor for periprosthetic fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared 16 patients with late periprosthetic fracture of the femur to 48 controls. The primary diagnosis for all patients was hip fracture. The date of operation for hip fracture was used to select the control group of patients, all of whom were operated at the same time and in the same hospital district. No other selection criteria were used. Complications at the time of index operation, type of prosthesis, age, sex, BMI, patient's diseases, medication, and surgeon's experience were compared using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: We found that low age at the time of the hip fracture operation increased the risk of periprosthetic fracture (OR = 4.9, CI = 1.2-20). The polished wedge type of prosthesis was associated with a higher risk of periprosthetic fracture than were other designs (OR = 11, CI = 1.2-97). INTERPRETATION: These findings of risk factors for periprosthetic fracture are new and should be confirmed by further studies using larger numbers of patients.

Adult↗

Characteristics of fallers who fracture at the foot, distal forearm, proximal humerus, pelvis, and shaft of the tibia/fibula compared with fallers who do not fracture.

This case-control study examined the relation of circumstances of falls and characteristics of fallers with risk of fractures at five sites among persons 45 years of age or older from five Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers in Northern California from 1996 to 2001. Included were distal forearm (n = 1,016), foot (n = 574), proximal humerus (n = 467), pelvis (n = 150), and shaft of the tibia/fibula (n = 141) cases who fell at the time of their fracture, and controls (n = 512) who reported falling in the year before the interview but did not fracture. Interviewers collected information by using a standardized questionnaire. Medium-/high-heeled shoes and shoes with a narrow heel increased the risk of all fractures, and slip-on shoes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.4, 4.0) and sandals (adjusted odds ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.5, 6.3) increased the risk of foot fractures. Falling from more than a standing height increased the risk of all fractures by two- to fivefold, while breaking the fall was associated with lower risks of all fractures except the distal forearm. Physical activity and hormone therapy were associated with lower risks of most fractures. These results suggest ways in which risks of fractures in older persons can be reduced.

Accidental Falls↗

Calcium intake and fracture risk: results from the study of osteoporotic fractures.

The relation between dietary calcium, calcium, and vitamin D supplements and the risk of fractures of the hip (n = 332), ankle (n = 210), proximal humerus (n = 241), wrist (n = 467), and vertebrae (n = 389) was investigated in a cohort study involving 9,704 US white women aged 65 years or older. Baseline assessments took place in 1986-1988 in four US metropolitan areas. Dietary calcium intake was assessed at baseline with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Data on new nonvertebral fractures were collected every 4 months during a mean of 6.6 years of follow-up; identification of new vertebral fractures was based on comparison of baseline and follow-up radiographs of the spine done a mean of 3.7 years apart. Results were adjusted for numerous potential confounders, including weight, physical activity, estrogen use, protein intake, and history of falls, osteoporosis, and fractures. There were no important associations between dietary calcium intake and the risk of any of the fractures studied. Current use of calcium supplements was associated with increased risk of hip (relative risk = 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.0) and vertebral (relative risk = 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.9) fractures; current use of Tums antacid tablets was associated with increased risk of fractures of the proximal humerus (relative risk = 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3-2.4). There was no evidence of a protective effect of vitamin D supplements. Although a true adverse effect of calcium supplements on fracture risk cannot be ruled out, it is more likely that our findings are due to inadequately controlled confounding by indications for use of supplements. In conclusion, this study did not find a substantial beneficial effect of calcium on fracture risk.

Aged↗

Risk factors for wrist fracture: effect of age, cigarettes, alcohol, body height, relative weight, and handedness on the risk for distal forearm fractures in men.

Fractures of the distal forearm (wrist) are among the most common of all fractures. While evidence exists concerning risk factors for wrist fracture among women, little is known about risk factors among men. This study examines the relation of lifestyle characteristics (cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, relative weight) as well as body height and handedness to the risk for fracture in a male population that has been followed up for 6 years. The 51,529 men, who were between the ages of 40 and 75 years in 1986, were participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a national prospective cohort study. In 271,552 person-years of follow-up, 271 respondents reported a wrist fracture. The risk for wrist fracture in this population did not vary with age. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, body height, and relative weight also were not related to risk for wrist fracture. Handedness, which was divided into four mutually exclusive categories (right-handed, left-handed, forced to change, and ambidextrous), was significantly associated with wrist fracture. Left-handers had a multivariate relative risk for wrist fracture 1.56 times that of right-handers (95% confidence interval 1.02-2.37), and men who reported they had been forced to change from left-handed to right-handed had a multivariate relative risk 2.47 times greater than right-handers (95 percent confidence interval 1.21-5.04).

Adult↗

Interobserver variation in the AO/OTA fracture classification system for pilon fractures: is there a problem?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the interobserver variation for the AO/OTA fracture classification system: region forty-three-pilon fractures. METHODS: One senior attending, two fellows (one trauma, one foot and ankle), one junior orthopaedic resident, and one experienced research coordinator independently classified eighty-four sets of radiographs. The evaluator was blinded as to treatment and functional outcome. The radiographs initially used to manage the patients were evaluated; no special radiographs or standardized radiographic techniques were used. The kappa statistic, Williams index, and SAV statistic were calculated. RESULTS: Using the SAV statistic to quantify rater agreement beyond that expected by chance alone, the average chance-adjusted agreement among the raters was 0.57 for fracture type, 0.43 for group, and 0.41 for subgroup. This is equivalent to moderate agreement (0.41 to 0.60). The kappa statistic was used to determine whether there was difficulty with any specific category of the AO type classification among raters for selecting fracture type (A, B, C). Kappa values were 0.49 for type A, 0.58 for type B, 0.57 for type C, all of which were considered adequate. CONCLUSION: These data are similar to others reported for interobserver agreement with the AO/OTA fracture classification and other classification systems. The issue of individual judgement in taking a continuous variable (fracture pattern) and compartmentalizing it into a dichotomous variable (fracture classification system) is highlighted by these data. Determination of fracture types alone (type A, B, or C) would seem to be sufficient for clinical research where fracture severity should be reported as a variable.

Ankle Injuries↗

Treatment of acute midshaft clavicle fractures: systematic review of 2144 fractures: on behalf of the Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Trauma Working Group.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the clavicle were reported to represent 2.6% of all fractures with an overall incidence of 64 per 100,000 per year (1987, Malmö, Sweden). Midshaft fractures account for approximately 69% to 81% of all clavicle fractures. Treatment options for acute midshaft clavicle fractures include nonoperative treatment (mostly sling or figure-of-eight bandage), open reduction and internal fixation with plates, and closed or open reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary pins, wires, or a nail. Most surgeons prefer nonoperative treatment of nondisplaced midshaft clavicle fractures. However, the optimal treatment option for isolated acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to systematically summarize and compare results of different treatment options (nonoperative, operative extramedullary fixation, and operative intramedullary fixation) in the management of midshaft clavicle fractures, specifically for displaced fractures.

Clavicle↗

Unstable trochanteric fractures augmented with calcium phosphate cement. A prospective randomized study using radiostereometry to measure fracture stability.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Internally fixed unstable trochanteric fractures might be difficult to retain in position during healing. Secondary displacement might lead to malunion and poor functional result. The aim with this study was to measure whether augmentation with resorbable calcium-phosphate cement could improve fracture stability as shown in biomechanical studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 ambulatory patients with an unstable trochanteric fracture were randomized to treatment with a sliding screw device alone (Controls) or the same device combined with calcium-phosphate cement for augmentation (Augmented). All patients were allowed unrestricted weight bearing after surgery. Fracture movement was measured with radiostereometry (RSA) at 1 and 6 weeks and at 6 months. RESULTS: Two patients died during the study period due to unrelated causes and another three were excluded due to technical problems with the RSA in two and concomitant illness in one. 21 patients (11 Augmented and 10 Controls) were followed according to the study protocol. At 1 week the augmented fractures had moved on average 1.9+/-1.7 mm while movement in the controls was 4.0+/-2.4 mm (p < 0.05). The average total movement from the day after surgery until 6 months, when all fractures had healed, was 7.8+/-6.2 mm for the augmented fractures and 13.2+/-4.3 mm for the controls (p < 0.05). Varus angulation was the most pronounced rotational movement for both groups although augmented fractures revealed less varus angulation compared with controls at all time points. Rotation around the longitudinal and transversal axes were small with no significant differences between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Augmentation with calcium-phosphate cement improved the stability of unstable trochanteric fractures fixed with a sliding screw device. The improvement was most pronounced for varus angulation and lateral and distal migration of the head and neck fragment.

Aged↗

Prevalence of traumatic hip and pelvic fractures in patients with suspected hip fracture and negative initial standard radiographs--a study of emergency department patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hip and pelvic fractures in emergency department (ED) patients with hip pain and negative standard initial radiographs. METHODS: This was a retrospective, cohort study at an academic, community-based ED. ED patients presenting during a one-year period with hip pain for whom a plain-film radiograph was obtained were included. Eligible patients were identified by query of electronic records. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were ordered at the discretion of the treating physician. Initial plain radiographs were read at the point of care by board-certified radiologists. MRI images were reviewed by radiologists with fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging. Structured follow-up at more than one month postvisit was conducted to rule out a subsequent diagnosis of hip fracture. Ninety-five-percent confidence intervals (95% CIs) and kappa (kappa) were calculated as appropriate. RESULTS: Seven hundred sixty-four of 895 patients (85.3%) had follow-up completed (study group). Within the study group, 219 patients (29%) had evidence of fracture on initial radiographs. Of the 545 patients with negative initial radiographs, 62 patients (11.4%) underwent hip MRI during the ED visit. MRI identified 24 additional patients with hip fractures. Interobserver agreement for the presence of fracture on MRI was very good (kappa = 0.847). For patients with negative initial plain radiographs who did not have a hip MRI, follow-up did not identify any of these patients as having a subsequent diagnosis of fracture. Thus, 24 of 545 (4.4%; 95% CI = 3.0% to 6.5%) patients with negative initial plain radiographs had a hip fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of ED patients with symptoms suspicious for hip fracture who had negative standard radiographs, the authors found that 4.4% were subsequently diagnosed as having fracture. Further studies are warranted to identify characteristics of patients requiring advanced hip imaging studies.

Accidental Falls↗

Changes in crystal size and orientation of acidic glycosaminoglycans at the fracture site in fractured necks of femur.

The aim of this study was to try to elucidate the increased susceptibility of the neck of femur to fracture. Quantitative polarised light microscopy has been applied to fresh, undecalcified sections of samples of bone taken from the site of fracture, in specimens taken at operation from patients with fractures of the femoral neck or osteoarthritic femoral heads or from the equivalent site from otherwise normal subjects at necropsy. In all 21 specimens of fractured necks of femur, but in none of the other specimens, relatively large crystals (up to 2.5 X 0.5 micrometres) were found close to the site of fracture; the properties of these crystals were compatible with their being apatite. Measurement of the natural birefringence of the collagen showed no difference in the orientation of the collagen in all three types of specimen. However, the orientation of acidic glycosaminoglycans, measured by the birefringence of alcian blue bound to these moieties, was 45 per cent lower in the specimens from fractured necks of femur than in the other specimens, even though the total content of acidic glycosaminoglycans was unchanged. Although the decreased orientation was most marked close to the site of fracture, it was still apparent 15 millimetres from that site. These changes were unlikely to be simply the sequelae of fracture since they were not found in traumatic fractures of other bones. Thus it is conceivable that changes in the orientation of the ground substance allow formation of relatively large crystals of apatite and that such crystals, in the microcrystalline mass of apatite, are the cause of the increased fragility of such bones.

Aged↗

Remodelling after distal forearm fractures in children. III. Correction of residual angulation in fractures of the radius.

The outcome of residual angulation of the radius after 38 distal forearm fractures in children was investigated. The period of observation ranged from 4 months to 10 years and 8 months. The correction of a residual angulation after a fracture was shown to be governed by three factors. 1. An increase in the time between healing of the fracture and completed growth at the epiphyseal plates resulted in a more complete correction. 2. A larger adaxial dislocation of the epiphyseal plate at the time of healing of the fracture, reflecting a larger primary fracture angulation and a greater distance from the fracture to the epiphyseal plate, resulted in a less complete correction. 3. A more complete correction or overcorrection of the distal epiphyseal plate increased the correction of the angulation of the fracture. These findings strongly indicate that the process of correction of a residual angulation after a healed fracture can be explained in terms of the combined effects of the direction and amount of longitudinal growth at the epiphyseal plate. A trigonometrical equation based on this theory predicted the residual angulations of the fractures, at follow-up, with an error of less than 1 degree.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation and treatment of atlas burst fractures (Jefferson fractures).

Although several large series of atlas fractures have been reported recently, none has concentrated on the evaluation and treatment of atlas burst fractures (Jefferson fractures). The treatment of this fracture is challenging. Its diagnosis may easily be missed due to concerns about associated trauma and absence of neurological signs. In addition, the open-mouth anteroposterior x-ray study, which is usually pathognomonic for the diagnosis, is often inadequate or not obtained. In order to clarify the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, 17 cases of Jefferson fracture treated between 1982 and 1989 at the Louisiana State University Affiliated Hospitals are presented. The diagnosis was delayed in three patients because of a low index of suspicion and inadequate x-ray films. Four patients were noted to have unstable Jefferson fractures, all of these had an associated Type II odontoid fracture and were treated with occiput-C-2 wiring and fusion. The remainder of the patients had stable Jefferson fractures and were managed with Minerva jackets or rigid collar stabilization. No significant complications related to the treatment of the Jefferson fracture occurred in this series. One patient died from associated injuries; however, the remaining patients enjoyed an excellent long-term result with the acquisition of spinal stability and the resolution of subjective complaints.

Adolescent↗

Proximal femoral fracture. Range of hip motion as a predictor of fracture type.

A cadaveric study has shown that the femoral neck impinges on the posterior part of the acetabulum at an average of 54.5 degrees external rotation and that an intracapsular fracture can be reproduced by an impact load onto the greater trochanter with the hip in external rotation. A clinical study of hip rotation of the contralateral uninjured hip in 100 patients after proximal femoral fracture was done to compare the degree of external rotation between extracapsular and intracapsular fracture. The mean value for intracapsular fracture was 62.1 degrees and for extracapsular fracture was 48.9 degrees. A retrieval study of the femoral head and neck from patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular fracture showed a consistent pattern of fracture with posterior comminution suggesting neck impingement. Previous work has suggested that an intracapsular fracture occurs during a fall when external hip rotation thrusts the femoral neck against the posterior margin of the acetabulum. The current investigation would support this hypothesis and suggests that the natural degree of external hip rotation is a predictor of fracture type.

Aged↗

[Vertebral fractures in osteoporosis--silent fractures of clinical importance].

Vertebral fractures are a common concern in patients with low bone mass. Even though less than half of these fractures are symptomatous, they represent a major health problem. This article gives a survey of vertebral fractures in osteoporosis as a "silent epidemic". They are of clinical importance for two main reasons. First, several studies have demonstrated an association between vertebral fractures and morbidity and even mortality. Second, an osteoporotic vertebral fracture dramatically increases a persons risk of suffering from further osteoporotic fractures, also non-axial ones. Vertebral deformities represent the clinical end point of large interventional studies on osteoporosis, and is used as a definition of osteoporosis in epidemiological studies. Spinal radiographs provide vertebrae in all shapes, from normal via slight reduction of height to severely crushed. There is no commonly accepted definition of when a reduction in height is defined as a vertebral fracture. This lack of standardisation complicates interpretation and comparison of different studies. During the last decade, several well documented treatments reducing the risk of further fractures have come into use. This points to the importance of discovering a vertebral fracture, so that the patient can be diagnosed as having osteoporosis and given appropriate treatment.

Bone Density↗

Risk of fracture and treatment to prevent osteoporosis-related fracture in postmenopausal women. A review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the antifracture efficacy of pharmacologic therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN: For this literature review, published trials of antiresorptive therapy with the bisphosphonates risedronate and alendronate, the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene and calcitonin were reviewed; hormone replacement therapy was not included as this modality is not indicated for treatment of osteoporosis. RESULTS: In controlled trials of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, risedronate reduced the incidence of clinically evident vertebral fracture after 6 months of therapy and radiographically detected vertebral and nonvertebral fracture after 1 year. In similar trials, alendronate also reduced the risk of clinical vertebral fractures in 1 year. Risedronate and alendronate were both well tolerated, but some trials of alendronate were closed to women with recent upper gastrointestinal disease. In a large, controlled trial, raloxifene demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of clinical vertebral fracture but not in the risk of nonvertebral fracture. Raloxifene is also associated with a 3-fold increased risk of thromboembolism. Calcitonin reduced the incidence of vertebral fracture, but there are no conclusive data on prevention of nonvertebral fracture. CONCLUSION: Antiresorptive therapy can reduce the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The bisphosphonates are also effective in reducing the risk of hip fracture in women with osteoporosis.

Aged↗