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Management of Gartland's type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: the role audit and practice guidelines.

In 1995, we audited the outcome following Gartland's type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Closed reduction under anaesthesia (MUA) and cast immobilisation was the treatment of choice, with the treatment changed whenever displacement occurred. The result of the audit showed that 86% of cases were treated with this method. The rate of re-operation was 45.6%. Cubitus varus deformity developed in 50% of cases. Guidelines were introduced in order to abandon the use of MUA and cast immobilisation for type III fractures. The guidelines recommended treating these fractures with rigid fixation using Kirchner (K) wires. A re-audit was conducted in the year 2000 to study the impact of introducing the guidelines. The rate of compliance was 64%. The re-audit showed a significant drop in the rate of re-operations from 45.6 to 17.7% (P = 0.0043), and a significant drop in the incidence of cubitus varus from 50 to 6.6% ( P < 0.0001). The results of the re-audit suggest that practice guidelines can have a major impact on clinical practice.

Bone Wires↗

Early experience with the PlantTan Fixator Plate for 2 and 3 part fractures of the proximal humerus.

This study reports the early results for clinical and radiological outcome of fixation of completely displaced or grossly angulated (>90 degrees ) 2 and 3 part fractures of the proximal humerus using the PlantTan Fixator Plate (Medizentechnik, Aachen, Germany). Using a deltopectoral approach the humeral head articular fragment was reduced onto the humeral shaft and fixed with the implant, tuberosity fragments were held with transosseous sutures. Early passive, progressing to active, physiotherapy was instituted from the first postoperative day. No other fixation or bone graft was used. In 15 patients, with 16 injured shoulders and an average age of 63 years the mean follow up was 17 months. As a percentage of the normal side the Constant-Murley score for those patients retaining the implant was mean 74% (range 36%-100%). There were six shoulders with score >80% (Good), four shoulders with score between 60 and 79% (Satisfactory) and four shoulders <60% (Poor). Four shoulders (all in patients over the age of 70 years), developed avascular necrosis. Of these, one patient underwent shoulder replacement hemiarthroplasty and one patient underwent removal of the implant. We have demonstrated functional outcome similar to other modes of internal fixation in patients under 70 years. It cannot be recommended for elderly patients (over 70 years) as it is associated with a high incidence of avascular necrosis and fixation failure.

Adult↗

Mid term results of PlantTan plate in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

This prospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of a special implant, PlantTan plate used for fixation of displaced proximal humerus fractures. The PlantTan plate was used for internal fixation of closed displaced proximal humeral fractures in 68 patients from September 1999 to June 2002, in a University Hospital. One of the surgeries was for a non-union, and five patients were lost to follow-up. The patients' ages ranged from 19 to 76 years (mean 61 years and median 66 years). Of the remaining 62 patients, 42 were female and 20 were male. As defined using the Neer classification 19 patients had two part, 37 three part and 6 had four part fractures. Median follow-up was 19 months (11-38). The outcome was assessed using radiographs, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system. Fifty-two patients achieved union in a median of 8 weeks. The median cumulative score of activities of daily living of ASES was 20.4/30 (13-27). According to HSS, 11 scored excellent, 26 good, 14 fair and 11 scored poor. Eight patients had fixation failure and two developed avascular necrosis. Eleven patients developed an infection. Six patients developed an infection resulting in implant removal. One had a transient and one permanent axillary nerve palsy. Since the PlantTan plate provides stability, early active rehabilitation can be instituted. The implant is distally placed reducing impingement symptoms. However, the implant requires wide surgical exposure, is bulky and has an unacceptable infection rate. The fixation failure is high in patients with osteoporosis. In view of the above encountered problems, the implant has been discontinued in our hospital.

Adult↗

Understanding proximal humerus fractures: image analysis, classification, and treatment.

Proximal humerus fractures are difficult to define because of their extreme variability and potential for complexity. We designed a study to evaluate further why this is true. Radiographs of 113 proximal humeral fractures were assessed by 3 knowledgeable observers. The observers were asked to answer independently 9 questions about the fracture, to classify the fracture according to the Neer classification, and to recommend treatment. Two months later, a learning session was held to discuss discrepancies among the observers and to develop learning points to improve analysis of the images. Two months later, the radiographs were reassessed. Developing 10 learning points enhanced the ability to interpret images at the second review and provide more consistent fracture classification with statistically significant improvements. The problem is understanding the images of complex fractures-not the classification system. To enhance consistency in understanding these fractures, imaging of complex fractures must be enhanced.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of varus malunion of the proximal humerus with valgus osteotomy.

Among the complications of 2-part fractures of the upper end of the humerus, little attention has been paid to the treatment of the varus malunion. However, this deformity frequently causes pain and disability of the shoulder. To improve this condition, we treated this malunion with a valgus wedge osteotomy. From August 1995 to January 1999, 5 patients with this deformity, all complaining about pain or unsatisfactory function of the shoulder (University of California, Los Angeles score <13), underwent osteotomy and internal fixation with a plate and screws. The mean age was 53 years (range, 25-73 years), there were 4 male patients, and the left side was involved in 4 cases. The mean follow-up was 34 months (range, 22-63 months). Union occurred in all cases by 6 weeks. Three of the results were excellent, and two were good (University of California, Los Angeles score >30). All patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Adult↗

The use of computed tomography with two- and three-dimensional reconstructions in the diagnosis of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

Spiral computed tomography (CT) with three-dimensional and multiplanar reconstructions was used to assist in the diagnosis of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in 10 patients. CT added important information to that obtained by conventional radiography in four patients. It verified impaction of the capital fragment in two patients. In a patient with a four-part fracture metaphyseal attachment to the head fragment was demonstrated and in a patient with a three-part anterior fracture dislocation an osseous Bankart lesion was shown. In all patients CT clearly visualized the degree of displacement of tuberosity fragments which can be valuable when planning open reduction and internal fixation.

Adult↗

Intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus in adults: a critical analysis of 55 cases.

Intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus in adults are difficult management problems on account of the complex anatomy of the elbow, small sized fracture fragments and the limited amount of sub-chondral bone, which is often osteopenic. The results of managing these fractures non-operatively are compromised by the failure to get anatomical reduction and early mobilization. This often results in a painful stiff elbow and/or pseudarthrosis, thereby making an operative approach for these fractures, desirable. Fifty-five such fractures, operated on by the author during the last 9 years, were reviewed. All the fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation followed by early mobilization. The outcome in 51 of these cases was graded as excellent or good using the evaluation criteria of Aitken and Rorabeck. Thirty-three of these cases achieved a range of flexion of more than 130 degrees. There was minimal incidence of complications like ulnar nerve neuropraxia or heterotopic bone formation. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve was performed in only one of the patients. Dorsal application of both the plates instead of the commonly advocated supracondylar crest placement resulted in a stable configuration requiring less extensive dissection and retraction of the ulnar nerve and resulting in a low incidence of complications.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Surgical management of the severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children.

We reviewed 44 children with a widely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus (Gartland grade III) treated with primary open reduction and cross pinning. The average age was 8 years and the mean delay in presentation was 34 h. Comminution of the medial supracondylar pillar was seen in 57% of the cases. After treatment, the range of the elbow motion was restricted in eight patients. Cubitus varus was not seen. There was no deep infection or myositis ossificans. Post-operatively, five children had a temporary nerve palsy. According to Flynns' criteria, 42 patients had a satisfactory outcome.

Adolescent↗

Neurovascular complications and functional outcome in displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

We retrospectively studied the complications associated with a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children and its treatment. Between 1978 and 1997, 200 displaced fractures were treated by operative means. In 190 cases closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was performed. In 10 cases vascular impairment or unsatisfactory reduction necessitated open exploration. Functional and cosmetic success was achieved in 90% of all operated children. In 33 (16.5%) of all cases we found neurological impairment. All recovered without sequelae, except for one case with persistent radial nerve palsy which recovered after a sural nerve interposition graft. Transient neurological problems are common in this fracture. A mini-open procedure is recommended for the ulnar Kirschner wire (K-wire) to prevent iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.

Adolescent↗

Surgical fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in adults.

We reviewed 15 adult patients with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus treated over a period of 2 years. All patients underwent primary open reduction and internal fixation, which included 11 double plating procedures. The fractures were classified according to the AO/ASIF system. Patient outcome was assessed subjectively by scoring the patients' residual symptom of pain and their overall satisfaction of the treatment received. Objective assessment was performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (range of motion, assessment of functional status, pain and stability of the joint). At a mean follow-up of 12.3 months, 7 patients were rated as excellent; 6, as good; one, as fair; and one, as poor. These cases had an average arc of flexion of 109.7 degrees. The sub-group of type C fractures without revision surgery had a mean flexion arc of 110.7 degrees (95-140 degrees ), with 100% Good to Excellent scores. Complications included two post-operative ulnar nerve neuropraxia, one wound infection, and one fracture fibrous non-union. Three patients required revision surgery which included a total elbow arthroplasty for implant failure, whilst four patients (including the patient with the subsequent arthroplasty) required joint mobilisation procedures for residual stiffness.

Adult↗

Fracture bracing the humerus.

The use of humeral fracture braces has become our preferred method of treatment for fractures of the shaft of the humerus. These braces are easy to apply and adjust; the patient's acceptance of this method of treatment is high. We compared this method of treatment with the traditional method of plaster U-slab immobilization. A group of patients treated with a plaster U-slab were matched for type and level of fracture with a group treated with a humeral fracture brace and compared with regard to fracture healing and functional outcome. There was no difference between groups for healing time and final alignment of the fracture. However, there was a greater range of elbow motion at the time of union in the fracture brace group (11 degrees-126 degrees) compared with the U-slab group (50 degrees-119 degrees P less than 0.05). These results confirmed that humeral fracture bracing permits greater functional use of the limb without affecting fracture healing and alignment.

Adult↗

Fractures of the proximal end of the humerus caused by convulsive seizures.

Fractures due to convulsions are known to occur. The purpose of this study was to find the frequency of convulsive seizures as the cause of fractures of the proximal end of the humerus, which are the most common of these fractures. Of 278 cases admitted to the department, 2 per cent occurred after a seizure without other contributory causes. The manner of injury is discussed, and it is demonstrated that the diagnosis is often delayed. The importance of early reduction in cases with dislocation or displacement of the fracture is emphasized.

Adult↗

Management of the smashed distal humerus.

The purpose of this article is to present a principle-based approach to treating the smashed distal humerus. These injuries are challenging to even the most experienced surgeons. The four goals, in order of priority, are soft tissue healing without infection, restoration of diaphyseal bone stock, union between the distal fragments and the shaft, and a stable and mobile articulation.

Bone Plates↗

Periprosthetic fractures of the humerus and scapula: management and prevention.

The management of humerus fractures is complicated by the presence of a prosthesis. Vigilance in addressing the mechanisms and predisposing factors for periprosthetic fracture may prevent their occurrence. In the event of a periprosthetic fracture, attention to prosthetic stability, fracture location and stability, and bone quality will help guide treatment decisions. Treatment should be commensurate with the goals of fracture stability, early rehabilitation, and maintaining a well-functioning prosthesis.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

Proximal humerus malunions.

Malunion of a proximal humerus fracture often is painful and debilitating. Operative management of this deformity is technically demanding and frequently results in a relatively high rate of complications. Reconstruction involves a spectrum of procedures including excision of bony prominences, tuberosity osteotomy and realignment, and shoulder arthroplasty. This article covers the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and management of these complex injuries. A successfully performed reconstruction diminishes the patient's pain and potentially increases function.

Fractures, Ununited↗

[Management of Lagrange and Rigault stage IV extension type supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Lagrange and Rigault stage IV extension type supracondylar fracture of the humerus (Gartland and Wilkins type III) involves major displacement, making treatment difficult. Several therapeutic methods have been described but indications vary considerably between teams. We conducted a retrospective analysis in order to evaluate the results of different methods, identify the most adapted technique, and detail the conditions necessary for good results with the collar and cuff immobilization method described by Blount. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four children (30 boys and 14 girls), mean age seven years six months, were treated between January 1990 and December 2001. The collar and cuff immobilization technique was used for sixteen children (including four who underwent open revision for early secondary displacement), percutaneous pinning for two, and open crossed pinning for thirty (including four who developed secondary displacement after collar and cuff immobilization). One out of two collar and cuff treatments was instituted within six hours of injury. The four secondary displacements after collar and cuff immobilization treatment occurred after fracture reduction more than six hours after injury. The proportion of open reductions increased with longer delay to reduction after injury. Mean immobilization was three and a half weeks. The Flynn criteria were used to assess outcome at mean seven years eight months follow-up. RESULTS: Outcome was satisfactory in all children treated with definitive collar and cuff immobilization and by percutaneous pinning; the rate was 97% after open procedures (persistent sequelae of radial palsy in one child). DISCUSSION: Early treatment before six hours increased the chances of success with the collar and cuff method which remains the technique of choice for Lagrange and Rigault stage IV extension type supracondylar fractures. In the event of failure or complications, other classical methods should be discussed, including percutaneous pinning or direct access for open osteosynthesis.

Adolescent↗