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Percutaneous screw fixation for fractures of the scaphoid.

We describe a percutaneous technique for screw fixation of all types of fractures of the scaphoid. During a 15-year period ending in 1984, 280 cases were treated by this method; 198 of them returned for evaluation in 1986 and comprise the material for this report. After a mean postoperative time of 82 months, 89% of the recent fractures had united as well as 81.8% of those with delayed or nonunion and 42.8% of those with sclerotic nonunion.

Adult↗

The dorsal approach for internal fixation of fractures of the lateral malleolus.

Anatomic reduction and internal fixation of the lateral malleolus are the key to management of ankle fractures. The usual application of one-third tubular plates to the lateral surface of the distal fibula has certain disadvantages. In selected cases we prefer a dorsal approach to the lateral malleolus. Indications, technique and experience are discussed.

Adolescent↗

The posterior antiglide plate for fixation of fractures of the lateral malleolus.

Anatomical reduction and internal fixation of displaced lateral malleolar fractures are the cornerstone of the operative treatment of ankle fractures. The classical method of fixation is the application of one-third tubular plates laterally to the distal fibula, a technique, however, that has several disadvantages. In exceptional cases and under special circumstances we prefer a dorsal approach with the use of an antiglide plate. Indications, technique and experiences are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Subperiosteal elevation of the ulnar nerve during internal fixation for fractures of the distal humerus assessed by intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring.

Ulnar nerve function, during and after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal humerus with subperiosteal elevation of the nerve, was assessed by intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring. Intermittent recording of the compound muscle action potentials was taken from the hypothenar muscles in 18 neurologically asymptomatic patients. The mean amplitude of the compound muscle action potential after surgery was 98.1% (sd 17.6; -37% to +25%). The amplitude improved in six patients following surgery. Despite unremarkable recordings one patient had progressive paresis. Motor impairment is unlikely if the compound muscle action potential is continuously preserved and not reduced by more than 40% at the end of surgery. Temporary decreases in amplitude by up to 70% were tolerated without clinical consequences. However, repeated clinical examination is obligatory to recognise and treat early post-operative palsy.

Action Potentials↗

External fixation as a bridge to intramedullary nailing for patients with multiple injuries and with femur fractures: damage control orthopedics.

BACKGROUND: The advantages of early fracture fixation in patients with multiple injuries have been challenged recently, particularly in patients with head injury. External fixation (EF) has been used to stabilize pelvic fractures after multiple injury. It potentially offers similar benefits to intramedullary nail (IMN) in long-bone fractures and may obviate some of the risks. We report on the use of EF as a temporary fracture fixation in a group of patients with multiple injuries and with femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: Retrospective review of charts and registry data of patients admitted to our Level 1 trauma center July of 1995 to June of 1998. Forty-three patients initially treated with EF of the femur were compared to 284 patients treated with primary IMN of the femur. RESULTS: Patients treated with EF had more severe injuries with significantly higher Injury Severity Scores (26.8 vs. 16.8) and required significantly more fluid (11.9 vs. 6.2 liters) and blood (1.5 vs. 1.0 liters) in the initial 24 hours. Glasgow Coma Scale score was lower (p < 0.01) in those treated with EF (11 vs. 14.2). Twelve patients (28%) had head injuries severe enough to require intracranial pressure monitoring. All 12 required therapy for intracranial pressure control with mannitol (100%), barbiturates (75%), and/or hyperventilation (75%). Most patients had more than one contraindication to IMN, including head injury in 46% of cases, hemodynamic instability in 65%, thoracoabdominal injuries in 51%, and/or other serious injuries in 46%, most often multiple orthopedic injuries. Median operating room time for EF was 35 minutes with estimated blood loss of 90 mL. IMN was performed in 35 of 43 patients at a mean of 4.8 days after EF. Median operating room time for IMN was 135 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 400 mL. One patient died before IMN. One other patient with a mangled extremity was treated with amputation after EF. There was one complication of EF, i.e., bleeding around a pin site, which was self-limited. Four patients in the EF group died, three from head injuries and one from acute organ failure. No death was secondary to the fracture treatment selected. One patient who had EF followed by IMN had bone infection and another had acute hardware failure. CONCLUSION: EF is a viable alternative to attain temporary rigid stabilization in patients with multiple injuries. It is rapid, causes negligible blood loss, and can be followed by IMN when the patient is stabilized. There were minimal orthopedic complications.

Adolescent↗

Conservative interventions for treating distal radial fractures in adults.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem particularly in elderly white women with osteoporosis, in whom the lifetime risk of this injury has been estimated as 15 per cent. OBJECTIVES: To determine the most appropriate conservative treatment for fractures (such as Colles') of the distal radius in adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, Medline and reference lists of trials. Date of the most recent search: April 1998. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials involving skeletally mature patients with a fracture of the distal radius, which compared commonly applied conservative interventions for fracture fixation. These included the application of an external support (plaster cast or brace) and fracture manipulation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All trials, judged as fitting the selection criteria by both reviewers, were independently assessed by both reviewers for methodological quality. Data were extracted for anatomical, functional and clinical, including complications, outcomes. The trials were grouped into categories relating to cast position, extent and duration of immobilisation, use of braces, cast material and fracture manipulation. Although quantitative data from some trials are presented, the lack of good quality trials and trial heterogeneity inhibited pooling of results. MAIN RESULTS: Over 50 randomised trials comparing treatment options for distal radial fractures were identified. Twenty nine trials of these, involving a total of 3199 mainly female and older patients, met the inclusion criteria for this review. Comprehensive details of the individual trials are provided in tabular form, and their results, grouped as indicated above, have been presented in text and analyses tables. The poor quality and heterogeneity in terms of patient characteristics, interventions compared and outcome measurement, of the included trials meant that no meta-analyses were undertaken. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to determine which methods of conservative treatment are the most appropriate for the more common types of distal radial fractures in adults. Therefore, at present, practitioners applying conservative management should use an accepted technique with which they are familiar, and which is cost-effective from the perspective of their provider unit. Whilst tempting, any call for further research to clarify the most appropriate conservative treatment for this common fracture must be resisted for now. Instead it is important to reflect on the issues raised in this review, to ascertain patient preferences, prioritise researchable questions and undertake a systematic programme of research after agreeing a core data set for classification of fractures and outcomes.

Adult↗

[Classification and osteosynthesis technique of calcaneus fractures. External fixator as temporary distractor].

In the treatment of fractures of the calcaneus, the particularly intricate local anatomy, complicated fracture forms and associated soft tissue damage often prejudice operative, anatomical reconstruction. We propose a simplified classification that is based on the Regazzoni classification of 1993 and has six grades of severity. It can be helpful in the selection of operative treatment and, above all, make it possible to recognize whether operative reconstruction is possible and appropriate. When operative reconstruction is indicated we find the secondary operation important; it is also important to diagnose and treat compartment syndrome if present and otherwise to take steps to prevent it. In the first phase, in special cases we use an external fixator without reconstruction of the full length. The operative technique is largely standardized as as the fixator is placed only temporarily. Correct positioning allows easy correction of shortening or varus deformation, and joint surface reconstruction is also feasible. Autologous bone grafting is possible. The definitive fixation is achieved with internal plate stabilization by a lateral approach and removal of the fixator. Contraindications for this procedure are burst fractures with total destruction of the joint surfaces and cartilage. Out of 54 fractures we used the fixator to aid reduction in 45. In 71% of these we had very good and good results according to the Merle d'Aubigné scoring system.

Adult↗

Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head.

Early reports of open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head were positive, perhaps because of the prevalence of isolated partial head fractures for which good results would be expected. Subsequent reports have found that complex fractures of the radial head are prone to early failure, nonunion, and poor forearm rotation after operative fixation. Combined with increased availability and use of metal radial head prosthesis for complex fractures of the radial head, the role of open reduction and inter-nal fixation is being redefined.

Epiphyses↗

[External fixator in complicated tibial fracture. Effect of various fixation systems on fracture healing and rate of complications].

In a retrospective analysis 93 external fixations with different rigidity after open tibial shaft fractures have been reviewed and compared concerning complications and healing time. Fracture consolidation was attained in fixation with unilateral frame after 14 weeks, with bilateral v-shaped fixator after 19 weeks and with triangular configuration in about 28 weeks. Subsequent internal fixation or extension to v-shaped fixation was necessary in about 33% after initial unilateral half-pin frame, whereas 90% of the two rigid systems could be left in situ until fracture consolidation was achieved. Cancellous bone grafts were performed in 58% after triangular, in 40% after v-shaped, and 28% after unilateral fixation. Pin infections were observed in 36% after triangular, 25% after bilateral v-shaped, and in 15% after unilateral fixation.

Adult↗

The Orthofix external fixator for fractures of long bones.

The Orthofix external fixator was used to treat 112 fractures of the long bones in 101 patients, and 22 patients with infected nonunions. Our results compared favourably with those reported in other series where external fixation was used. The overall rate of uncomplicated union was 69.6% with 24.1% of patients requiring a further operation. The overall incidence of nonunion (30.4%) was due to the relatively large number of severe open fractures in the series. The apparatus was simple to apply, and safe and effective in practice. We recommend its use for the primary treatment of open and segmental fractures, and for infected nonunion.

Adolescent↗

Functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic ring injuries.

Between January 1996 and August 1998, 15 patients with pelvic ring injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Fractures types included Tile A1 (7%), B1 (33%), C1 (53%) and C3 (7%). The patients were observed for an average of 1 year (range: 5 to 21 months). Thirteen patients (87%) who were operated within 3 weeks after injury had their pelvic disruption healed. One patient with Tile C1 and non-union of the fracture dislocation of sacroiliac joint was operated 11 months after injury and developed implant failure and non-union of the fracture dislocation of sacroiliac joint. Another patient with Tile C1 injury with transforamina sacral fracture was fixed anteriorly only and developed non-union of the sacral fracture and redisplacement of pelvic disruption. Both of them had a poor functional outcome. A 40 points pelvic outcome grading scale (Cole et al 1996) based on physical examination, pain, radiographic analysis and activity/work status was used. Six patients (40%) (1 Tile A1, 5 Tile B1) had an excellent functional outcome. Seven patients (47%) (6 Tile C1, 1 Tile C3) had a good functional outcome.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of the relationship between timing of fixation of the fracture and secondary brain injury in patients with multiple trauma.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that early fixation of a fracture is deleterious to eventual neurologic outcome. We undertook this study to determine whether the timing of fracture fixation is correlated to neurologic outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe head and orthopedic injuries requiring fracture fixation. Patients were divided into two groups: early fracture fixation (< 24 hours after injury) and late fracture fixation (> 24 hours after injury). RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients met entry criteria. During fracture fixation, the early group had a significant 2-, 3-, and 2-fold increase in crystalloid, blood infusion, and blood loss, respectively. There was no difference in oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure or episodes of cranial hypertension or hypoperfusion. There was no difference in outcomes as measured by in-hospital complications, stay in the intensive care unit or hospital, mortality rates, hospital discharge or follow-up Glasgow Coma Scores, or long-term orthopedic or neurologic results. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing fracture fixation with severe head injury mandate monitoring of intracranial pressure and perfusion and tailored fluid resuscitation to meet specific organ end points. Integrating end organ perfusion and pressure with meticulous fluid status during the definitive repair phase may reduce the exposure to secondary brain injury in patients undergoing early fracture fixation.

Adult↗

Biomechanical analysis of blade plate versus locking plate fixation for a proximal humerus fracture: comparison using cadaveric and synthetic humeri.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical stability of a fixed-angle blade plate with that of a locking plate in a cadaveric proximal humerus fracture-fixation model subjected to cyclic loading. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether the use of synthetic humerus specimens would replicate significant differences found during cadaveric tests. DESIGN: Mechanical evaluation of constructs in bending and torsion. SETTING: Biomechanical laboratory in an academic medical center. METHODS: Simulated humeral neck fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification 11A3), in matched-pair cadaveric and synthetic specimens underwent fixation using either a 3.5-mm, 90-degree cannulated LC-Angled Blade Plate or a 3.5-mm LCP Proximal Humerus Locking Plate. Cadaveric specimen constructs were cyclically loaded in bending and torsion; synthetic specimens were tested in torsion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Humeral shaft-bending displacements and angular rotations for respective cyclic bending loads and axial torques were recorded and compared at repeated cyclic intervals to evaluate construct loosening. RESULTS: Locking-plate constructs exhibited significantly less loosening than blade-plate constructs for torsional loading in cadaveric specimens (P = 0.036). The two types of constructs performed similarly for torsional loading in synthetic specimens (P = 0.100). Under cyclic, closed-bending load conditions in which the plates served as tension members, both types of constructs performed similarly in cadaveric specimens (P = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: For simulated humeral neck fractures subjected to cyclic loading, locking-plate constructs demonstrated significantly greater torsional stability and similar bending stability to blade plates in a cadaveric specimen model. In contrast, these same constructs performed similarly with torsional loading when using synthetic humerus specimens. These results indicate potential advantages for locking-plate fixation. They also indicate that the synthetic specimens tested may not be appropriate for evaluating fixation stability in the humeral head, where cancellous bone fixation predominates.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Dynamic external fixation of distal radius fractures.

External fixation in fractures of the distal radius has been used for almost 80 years. The main objective is to achieve reduction and maintain the reduction throughout treatment. The fixator concept described as the dynamic fixator allows reduction in three planes and allows for the wrist to move after a period of rigid fixation. Fixator application is illustrated for fractures that necessitate bridging of the wrist joint and for extra-articular fractures. Indications for additional measures, including bone grafting, k-wire fixation, and stabilization of the radioulnar joint, are discussed. Associated injuries and postoperative management is described. The technique of correcting malunited fractures with the assistance of an external fixator is explained, with special emphasis on the correction of radial length, angle, and shift. The results of initial trials show a low complication rate and indicate that bone grafting should probably be used more than previously recommended.

Bone Screws↗

[External fixation in fractures of the lower limb in children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The indications, morbidity and results of the use of external fixation for fractures of the lower limbs in children is presented. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 72 fractures of the lower limbs (femur: 25; tibia: 47) in 63 children over a seventeen year period. Average age at fracture was 10 yrs 6 mos. (range 4 yrs 5 mos to 14 yrs 6 mos). Forty fractures were open fractures. The indication for external fixation was decided in three different situations: 39 isolated fractures, 11 patients with multiple fractures, and 13 polytraumatized patients. Three different devices were used: Illizarov: 4, Judet: 16, Orthofix: 52. The fixators were left in place until fracture union was demonstrable. RESULTS: Final results were classed into three groups: good, good following reoperation and sequelae. Comparison of the three different series was made using Student's T test. 9 axial deviations or malrotations occurred: 6 times correction was possible with the device in place. Three cases of osteomyelitis occurred at the fracture site. 23 pin tract infections occurred (23 per cent) 5 of which were persistent and 4 required reoperation. The average healing time was different in the three groups: 4.5 mos for isolated fractures: 8.1 mos for multiple fractures and 5.7 mos for polytraumatized patients. Reoperation was required for 4 patients: 2 bone grafts, 1 decortication, 1 bone transport. Ten refractures occurred following removal of the device, 8 times in patients presenting multiple injuries. In 46 patients with a follow-up greater than 18 months, 9 presented an overgrowth between 1 and 2 cm. Following an average follow-up of 2 years 4 months, 7 patients presented sequelae, 56 had good results, 18 following reoperation. DISCUSSION: The use of external fixation remains an irreplaceable method for osteosynthesis of open fractures with severe soft tissue injuries, multiple fractures or in the polytraumatized patient. Some disadvantages such as pin tract infections and refracture following device removal should be taken into consideration before using it for the treatment of simple, isolated closed fractures of the lower limbs in children. CONCLUSION: When external fixation is chosen for treating fractures, it is preferable to use a modular device which allows axial corrections. Local pin site care is essential to prevent early infection. Early weight bearing and dynamization as soon as possible will promote callus mineralization, removal of the device must be progressive and cast protection is recommended.

Adolescent↗