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Absorbable self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) screws for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies: strength and strength retention in vitro and in vivo.

The initial mechanical strength and strength retention in vitro and in vivo of novel absorbable and self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) screws for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies were determined. The SR-PGA screws showed initial bending strength values comparable with those of yield strength of standard stainless steel. The SR-PGA screws lost all their bending and shear strengths in 6 weeks in vivo. The strength retention properties of SR-PGA screws are sufficient for safe fixation of relatively rapidly consolidating fractures and osteotomies of cancellous bone that are not exposed to hard mechanical stresses.

Animals↗

The use of external fixation in fractures of the tibial pilon.

The authors report the results of a review of 25 cases of fracture of the tibial pilon, treated by external fixation and minimal internal synthesis. Fractures were classified according to Rüedi and Allgower; they were: type 2: 11 (of which one exposed); type 3: 4 (of which 6 exposed). Complications observed during treatment were: pseudarthrosis: 1; osteomyelitis: 2; healing in valgus at 10 degrees: 2; osteolysis of the distal screws of the fixator: 4; these were all resolved with further surgery, except for an osteomyelitis that required amputation. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 10 years and clinical and functional evaluation, based on the Olerud and Molander score system revealed 80% good (56%) and excellent (24%) results.

Adolescent↗

Rigid internal fixation for fractures involving tooth-bearing maxillary segments.

Fracture dislocations of the middle third of the face usually involve a complex combination of the three types of fractures initially described by LeFort. Treatment of these injuries requires a six- to eight-week period of intermaxillary fixation, unless rigid internal fixation devices (plates and screws) are used to stabilize the fractures. However, rigid fixation carries the risk of producing a malunion and serious malocclusion if not performed correctly. A review of 22 patients with complex LeFort fractures treated with rigid fixation revealed that the only absolute contraindication to its use is difficulty in interdigitating the maxillary and mandibular teeth in a passive fashion at the time of fracture reduction. Rigid internal fixation should therefore be considered as an alternative treatment for most fractures of the middle third of the face.

Fracture Fixation, Internal↗

Gamma and other cephalocondylic intramedullary nails versus extramedullary implants for extracapsular hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: Cephalocondylic intramedullary nails, which are inserted proximally to distally (cephalocondylic), have been used for the surgical treatment of extracapsular hip fractures. OBJECTIVES: To compare all cephalocondylic intramedullary nails with extramedullary implants for the surgical treatment of extracapsular hip fractures in adults. This is the fourth substantive update of our original review which compared the Gamma nail with the sliding hip screw (SHS). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, MEDLINE, several orthopaedic journals and conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted trialists, colleagues and implant manufacturers. Date of the most recent search: May 2003. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing cephalocondylic nails with extramedullary implants for extracapsular hip fractures. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Additional information was sought from all trialists. Wherever appropriate and possible, results were pooled. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen trials comparing the Gamma nail with the SHS were included, with data available for 2575 patients. The Gamma nail was associated with an increased risk of operative and later fracture of the femur and an increased re-operation rate. There were no major differences in the incidence of wound infection, mortality or medical complications between implants. Data were inadequate for other outcomes. Five trials involving 623 patients compared the intramedullary hip screw (IMHS) with the SHS. Fracture fixation complications were more common in the IMHS group: all cases of operative and later fracture of the femur occurred in this group. Results for post-operative complications, mortality and functional outcomes were similar in the two groups. One trial of 206 patients with a trochanteric fracture showed no advantages for proximal femoral nail (PFN) compared with the SHS. One trial of 60 patients reported favourable preliminary results for an experimental mini-invasive static intramedullary nail compared with the SHS. One trial of 230 patients, which compared the Kuntscher-Y nail with the SHS, reported no major difference in outcome aside from a significantly increased number of patients with leg shortening, and a tendency for poorer recovery of mobility in the Kuntscher-Y nail group. Two trials, involving 65 patients with reverse and transverse fractures at the level of the lesser trochanter, compared an intramedullary nail (Gamma or PFN nail) with an extramedullary implant (a 90-degree blade plate or dynamic condylar plate). The intramedullary nails were associated with better intra-operative results and fewer fracture fixation complications for these rare fractures. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Given the lower complication rate of the SHS in comparison with intramedullary nails, it appears that the SHS is superior for trochanteric fractures. Further studies are required to determine if different types of intramedullary nail produce similar results, or if intramedullary nails have advantages for selected fracture types (for example, reversed fracture lines and subtrochanteric fractures).

Adult↗

The influence of external fixators on fracture motion during simulated walking.

This experimental study examines the relative influence of five unilateral external fixators on tibial fracture stability during simulated walking. Stability during routine patient activity is important, because cyclic inter fragmentary motion, or strain, has been shown to affect fracture healing. In model stable fractures simulating early healing (six weeks), it was found that fixators do little to constrain against axial inter fragmentary strains as great as 100% at only nominal weight-bearing (6.0 kg). These strains may occur repeatably at peak amplitudes of motion during walking. Similarly, peak angular movements may lead to additional axial strains of up to 25% at the external cortex and shear movements may lead to shear strains of up to 100%. Such strains are great enough to yield and possibly refracture the intra gap fracture tissue that may be composed of a combination of granulation tissue, fibrous cartilage, cartilage and bone. It was also shown that the procedure of releasing the fixator column to telescope (dynamize) has little influence on peak cyclic axial motion and on loading at the fracture, although increases occurred in peak transverse and torsional shear strains of up to 100%. Since permanent inter fragmentary translation also arises from the consequent compaction of the intra gap tissue, it may be permanent displacement rather than any change in the amplitude of motion that is responsible for the beneficial effect on healing claimed for the dynamizing procedure. In unstable fractures that are unable to support tibial load at the fracture, the peak amplitudes of cyclic movement were as great as those reported for fractures stabilized by plaster casts, and were approximately twice the movement of the stable fractures simulating early healing. Therefore, patients with unstable fractures supported by external fixators, may be expected to have similar patterns of healing to plaster-casted patients with similar fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

The removal of forearm plates in children.

Routine removal of forearm plates in children remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess if risks of complications associated with removal of forearm plates in children warrant routine removal of these plates. A total of 43 children (mean age 10.6 years old at time of fracture fixation) who had forearm plates removed after fracture fixation in our unit over a 10-year period were reviewed. There were three cases of re-fractures (two in the same child), all of which occurred following an episode of trauma and the use of Dynamic Compression Plates (DCP). One case of superficial infection was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Low rates of complications from routine removal of metal work after forearm plating in children may be achieved.

Adolescent↗

Pediatric and adolescent tibial eminence fractures: arthroscopic cannulated screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the intercondylar spine of the tibia are enigmatic injuries. The mechanism of injury remains obscure, and appropriate treatment is unclear. METHODS: The authors analyzed a series of 26 cases of displaced fractures of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia treated with an arthroscopically placed, intrafocal screw with spiked washer. The patients were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 24 months and a maximum of 8 years. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had a type II tibia eminence fracture according to Meyers and McKeever (mean age, 15 years; male/female ratio, 11:5). Ten patients had a type III tibia eminence fracture (mean age, 17 years; male/female ratio, 1:1). We encountered neither stiffness nor iatrogenic chondral abrasion. Only three patients with type II had no laxity. The 13 other patients in this fracture group had a minor laxity without correlation with the clinical result. In four patients with a type III lesion, a residual laxity without functional deficit was noticed. In two cases with a type III lesion, a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament was necessary 3 years after trauma. In four patients with a type III fracture, the fragment remained elevated, with minor impairment of the mobility (extension lag). No mechanical failure or infection was seen in this series. CONCLUSION: The authors found the intrafocal screw fixation for displaced fracture of the intercondylar eminence to be a reliable and safe technique, although complete restoration of the anteroposterior knee stability was seldom seen.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The use of plastic plates for fixation of spinal fractures in the dog.

Plastic plates are a rapid and easy method to realign and stabilize the spinal column following a traumatic injury and may give greater bone-to-plate contact than metal plates. They distribute the pressure on the spinous processes over a larger surface area although plate slippage and spinous process fractures can occur as with any plate. Laminectomies should not be a routine procedure with plating but each patient should be evaluated individually and autogenous bone grafts may be used to advantage to promote fusion of vertebral bodies. In the two cases presented, the plastic plates achieved their purpose. However, it is essential that fusion of the vertebrae occurs before the plates slip or the spinous processes fracture.

Animals↗

Femoral biologic plate fixation.

UNLABELLED: New techniques of fracture fixation such as indirect reduction, careful soft tissue handling, and elastic fixation are being used in place of older methods of mechanical stabilization. These new techniques led to the concept of biologic plate fixation. We systematically reviewed the literature and provide an overall evaluation of femoral biologic fixation for fracture treatment. We analyzed 19 studies with 687 patients with 697 femoral fractures. Twenty-three percent of the fractures were subtrochanteric, 29% were diaphyseal, and 48% were supracondylar. Twenty-two percent were open fractures. The majority (81%) were comminuted and AO Types B and C. The overall union rate was 98.4%, with a mean time to union ranging from 10.7 to 24 weeks. Primary or secondary bone-grafting procedures were reported in all but one study with a frequency ranging from 0-55%. The most frequently recorded complications were malunion (0-29%) and reoperation (0-23%). The high union rate, low infection rate (2%), and occasional need for bone graft indicate biologic plate fixation is a viable alternative to modern nailing techniques, particularly in patients with polytrauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III.

Bone Plates↗

Stable internal fixation of fractures of the partially mineralized thyroid cartilage.

Thyroid cartilage fractures due to external blunt trauma have typically been thought to occur in patients over the age of 40. Lack of mineralization of the cartilage has been considered to be the protective mechanism. Our experience with laryngeal injuries has demonstrated that younger persons are indeed at risk for thyroid cartilage fractures, and that these injuries may be easily overlooked. Although these fractures do not lead to laryngeal stenosis if untreated, they may cause noticeable phonatory changes. Fixation of these fractures is difficult because of the usual soft character of the unmineralized cartilage, prompting us to adopt a wire-tube fixation technique. This technique has been uniformly successful in restoring the anatomic contour of the thyroid cartilage, and our results appear to justify open reduction of these moderately displaced or angulated thyroid cartilage fractures.

Adolescent↗

Aspects of internal fixation of fractures in porotic bone. Principles, technologies and procedures using locked plate screws.

Fractures of the bones of elderly people occur more often and have a more important effect because of a generally diminished ability to coordinate stance and walking. These fractures occur at a lower level of load because of lack of strength of the porotic bone. Prompt recovery of skeletal support function is essential to avoid respiratory and circulatory complications in the elderly. To prevent elderly people from the risks of being bedridden, demanding internal fixation of fractures is required. The weak porotic bone and the high level of uncontrolled loading after internal fixation pose complex problems. A combination of several technical elements of design, application and aftercare in internal fixation are proposed. Internal fixators with locked screws improve the biology and the mechanics of internal fixation. When such fixators are used as elevated splints they may stimulate early callus formation because of their flexibility, the limit of flexibility being set by the demands of resistance and function of the limb. Our own studies of triangulation of locked screws have demonstrated their beneficial effects and unexpected limitations.

Aged↗

External fixation of fractures with a new frame in managing patients with multiple trauma.

The use of a new modular frame with the AO tubular fixator in managing the cases of severely injured patients is reported. The simplicity in design, the versatility, and the ease of insertion make this frame very useful in managing a patient with multiple injuries in the emergency department when stable fixation of a variety of fractures is needed. Our clinical experience with 23 patients, all with an ISS of 16 or greater, is reported and four representative cases are described.

Adolescent↗

[Fixation of fractures of the fifth metacarpal (author's transl)].

The authors describe the treatment which they recommend for fractures of the fifth metacarpal. After a brief description of fractures of the proximal end of the diaphysis and of the head of the bone, they study in detail fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. They found that conservative treatment is not very successful but that internal fixation tends to have iatrogenic complications. They recommend a transverse pinning of the bone after reduction by manual traction. Two or three pins are driven from the fifth to the fourth metacarpal through the head and the shaft. This treatment allows early mobilisation.

Bone Nails↗

Intramedullary fixation of fracture of the sternum.

A case of fracture of the sternum in a patient suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta is presented. Internal fixation was carried out using a plate which was placed within the medulla. The described technique is simple and useful for the rarely indicated operative treatment of fractures of the sternum.

Adult↗

[Intramedullary nailing osteosynthesis with epiphyseal fixation of fractures of the proximal humerus in adults. 1 to 3-year follow-up].

The authors used a medullary pinning with epiphyseal fixation in the treatment of superior metaphyseal fractures of the humerus for 41 patients aged 22 to 82 years. There were 28 cases with epiphyseal fractures and 12 with metaphyseal fractures. The follow-up was 1 to 3 years. The pins were introduced through the triceps brachii after perforation of the diaphysis, 1 cm above the ulnar fossa. Results were very good. Strength returned within 8.5 weeks. There was only one case of nonunion of a proximal diaphyseal fracture due to a technical fault (diastasis between fragments). Rehabilitation began immediately, resulting in good elbow motion in 35 cases. The shoulder motion was the same as the healthy side in 36 cases, and inferior to 90 degrees of abduction in only two complex epiphyseal fracture. The proximal humerus was never perforated by the pins. The authors find this new instrumentation to be very effective.

Adult↗