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Femoral neck fracture fixation: rigidity of five techniques compared.

Artificial cadaveric femoral neck fractures were internally fixed with five different devices and subjected to cyclical loading of 0-1.0 kilonewtons (approximately one body weight) whilst in an anatomical position. Displacement of the proximal fragment was detected by a transducer and charted. Bone strength was assessed by a preliminary control loading phase on the intact bone. Efficiency of each fracture fixator could then be directly compared by the relative movement in each case. Five specimens each were tested with Moore's Pins, Trifin Nail, Garden Screws and a sliding screw-plate (OEC Ltd). By the criteria of the experiment, which put a severe shearing load on the implant, none of these devices reliably bore the representative body weight. An extended barrel-plate, which supported the sliding screw almost up to the fracture line, was then made. This device, employing some of Charnley's concepts, tolerated body weight in four cases out of five.

Aged↗

[Method of fracture fixation using external fixation devices].

An improvement of the results of treatment can be reached, beside respecting the indication of external fixateurs, with correct tactics of the treatment. Because of the disadvantages of the fixateur externe, we strive to restrict their use, to the time by all means necessary, and if possible to use other methods of fixation. This is motivated especially by the effect on fracture healing and the hindering of the movements and activity of the patient.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Alternative materials for fracture fixation.

Biodegradable polymers are gaining acceptance as alternative materials to metallic devices in fracture fixation applications. Self-reinforced polyglycolide and polylactide fixation devices have been used effectively in managing several thousand clinical cases involving small-fragment fractures. An eight percent incidence of non-specific inflammatory reaction and insufficient mechanical strength to deal with load-bearing situations are the two issues preventing the widespread acceptance of these biodegradable fixation devices. This brief review examines the potential of other biodegradable polymers, discusses the biodegradable composite design, and considers future research directions that might realize the full potential of biodegradable polymeric prostheses.

Absorbable Implants↗

Comparative biomechanical analysis of supracondylar femur fracture fixation: locked intramedullary nail versus 95-degree angled plate.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the initial stability of the genucephalic (GSH) intramedullary nail and the 95-degree condylar compression screw and side plate (DCS) for distal femur fractures. DESIGN: Human cadaveric biomechanical study. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve matched pairs of fresh frozen human cadaveric femurs. INTERVENTION: Genucephalic intramedullary nail device (Smith and Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN, U.S.A.) and the 95-degree DCS device (Synthes USA, Paoli, PA, U.S.A.) were compared. Grouped or dispersed screw constructs were tested for each fracture fixation system with progressively more severe simulated fracture patterns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Axial and torsional stiffness values. RESULTS: The DCS plate with the dispersed screw configuration had the greatest torsional stiffness (p < 0.0011). The GSH nail with the grouped screw configuration absorbed more energy (work) during axial loading compared with the plate constructs (p < 0.0007). There were no significant differences in axial or torsional stiffness within treatment groups for fracture patterns of increasing severity. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the authors' results, the selection of a GSH nail or a DCS plate should not be determined by the severity of the fracture. If a DCS plate construct is selected, the authors recommend a dispersed screw configuration, including the most proximal hole in the plate, to provide superior stiffness in torsional loading and equal stiffness in axial loading when compared with the GSH nail constructs. If a GSH nail is selected, the authors recommend a grouped screw configuration, which absorbed more energy during axial loading compared with the DCS plate constructs and the nail with the dispersed screw configuration.

Adult↗

Spiral fracture fixation techniques. A biomechanical study.

The mechanical strengths of five common fixation techniques for spiral fractures have been tested. A total of 240 cadaver metacarpals and proximal phalanges were fractured and fixed by either crossed K-wires, interosseous loops, a dorsal mini-plate, a single compression screw or K-wire plus cerclage wire. Specimens were subjected to torsional and cantilever bending tests. A single compression screw provided the best overall fixation for the proximal phalanx. In addition, a single compression screw provided better fixation than any of the other techniques when proximal phalanges and metacarpals were subjected to torsional tests (P < 0.05). In apex dorsal bending tests of metacarpals, the screw provided fixation superior to interosseous wires, crossed K-wires, or dorsal mini-plates (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the use of a single compression screw provides the most satisfactory biomechanical advantage for spiral fracture fixation.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Routine radiography following ankle fracture fixation: a case for limiting its use.

The use of fluoroscopic screening in the orthopaedic theatre is a necessary operative aid in many procedures. Modern systems give good image resolution and allow the production of per-operative hard-copy prints. This study was performed to compare these prints with postoperative radiographs in 41 patients who underwent internal fixation for an ankle fracture in a 6-month period. The hard-copy prints and the postoperative X-ray films were independently assessed for several features, which included status of the tibiofibular syndesmosis, fibular length, talo-crural angle, talar tilt, presence and size of a posterior malleolar fracture, and abnormality of the medial clear space. Information was also recorded as to whether there had been a change in postoperative management plan after review of the check X-ray. Of the 41 cases, 30 were suitable for full assessment. In 25 of these cases there was no difference in the information provided by the hard-copy prints from fluoroscopic images and the postoperative check X-rays. In the other five cases, the differences were not significant. In none of the cases did the check X-ray effect a change in postoperative management. We therefore suggest that if per-operative hard-copy prints are obtained from the fluoroscopic images, postoperative radiographs of the ankle are only necessary in exceptional circumstances.

Adult↗

Case report: Radial overgrowth and deformity after metaphyseal fracture fixation in a child.

Pediatric fractures sometimes are complicated by growth disturbances. Most reported growth disturbances are in the lower extremity and can entail growth arrest or overgrowth. We report a case of overgrowth and angular deformity after an extraphyseal distal radius fracture that resulted in clinically significant pain and functional impairment because of palmar instability of the distal ulna. A dome osteotomy was successful in treating the patient's wrist pain, distal radioulnar instability, and multiplanar deformity of the distal radius.

Adolescent↗

Tissue reaction on PLLA versus stainless steel interlocking nails for fracture fixation: an animal study.

In order to develop a biodegradable interlocking nail for fracture fixation, polylactic acid (PLLA) rods were implanted in the femoral bone of young pigs. A midshaft osteotomy was performed in order to mimic a fracture. The tissue response to PLLA rods versus stainless steel rods was studied after 1 and 3 months of implantation. Fracture-healing characteristics and chemical and mechanical properties of the PLLA rods were studied after explantation. Mechanical properties deteriorated during implantation and chemical properties changed significantly in 1 and 3 months of implantation. PLLA and stainless steel induced a similar tissue reaction during the studied implantation time of 3 months.

Animals↗

Fracture fixation in patients having multiple injuries.

The concept of early surgical stabilization of long-bone fractures in patients with multiple injuries became firmly established in the 1970s and 1980s. During the 1990s questions were raised about the early total care of all long-bone fractures in these patients. In particular, it was pointed out that patients with severe chest injuries and those with severe head injuries require special consideration. Although patients in those circumstances do require careful attention, most of the literature suggests that continued early surgical stabilization of these fractures, in particular femoral neck fractures, is important for patients who suffer polytrauma. The concept of early temporary surgical stabilization (damage control orthopedic surgery) has recently been suggested. In the majority of cases, femoral shaft fractures can be treated with interlocked intramedullary nailing.

Craniocerebral Trauma↗

Metacarpal fracture fixation with interosseous nylon suture in a patient with metal allergies.

The successful repair of two oblique metacarpal shaft fractures with interosseous nylon sutures is reported. The technique was devised for the treatment of a 54-year-old woman with severe asthma and metal allergies that precluded the use of more conventional methods. Allergic reactions to mental implants and alternative stabilization techniques are discussed. The method is suggested not as a routine procedure, but rather as an option to standard means of fracture fixation in similar unusual circumstances.

Cobalt↗

Early fracture fixation may be "just fine" after head injury: no difference in central nervous system outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest that early fracture fixation worsens central nervous system (CNS) outcomes. We compared discharge Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, CNS complications, and mortality of severely injured adults with head injuries and pelvic/lower extremity fractures treated with early versus delayed fixation. METHODS: Using trauma registry data, records meeting preselected inclusion criteria from the years 1991 to 1995 were examined. We identified 171 patients aged 14 to 65 years (mean age, 32.7 years) with head injuries and fractures who underwent early fixation (< or = 24 hours after admission) (n = 147) versus delayed fixation (> 24 hours after admission) (n = 24). RESULTS: Patients were severely injured, with a mean admission GCS score of 9.1, Revised Trauma Score of 6.2, Injury Severity Score of 38, median intensive care unit length of stay of 16.5 days, and hospital length of stay of 23 days. No differences between groups were found by age, admission GCS score, Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, shock, vasopressors, major nonorthopedic operative procedures, total intravenous fluids or blood products, or mortality rates. In survivors, no differences in discharge GCS scores or CNS complications were found. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence to suggest that early fracture fixation negatively influences CNS outcomes or mortality.

Adolescent↗

Screening time for extra-capsular proximal femoral fracture fixation; the difference between extra-medullary and intra-medullary implant usage.

The aim of this study was to compare the fluoroscopic screening time used for treatment of fractures of the trochanteric region of the femur using two different implant systems. Data were collected from 277 proximal femoral fracture fixations. A dynamic hip screw (DHS) was used in 145, and an intra-medullary hip screw (IMHS) was used in 132. There was no difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender or side. Altogether, there were 42% two parts, 35% were three parts and 23% were four parts extra-capsular neck fractures. There was no statistical difference in ionising radiation exposure in closed reduction of these fractures regardless of the fracture configuration or surgical experience of the surgeon. The mean screening time to implant a DHS in two part fractures was 0.48 min, for three part fractures it was 0.45 min and for four part fractures it was 0.46 min. The mean screening time to implant IMHS was 1.02 min for two part fractures, 0.96 min for three part fractures and 1.03 min for four part fractures. These differences were statistically significant (P < or = 0.05).

Adult↗

Intraspinal migration of a Kirschner wire 3 months after clavicular fracture fixation.

The authors describe a patient who had Kirschner (K-) wire osteosynthesis of a right lateral clavicular fracture and developed a tetraparesis after 3 months. Plain X-ray and CT scan showed an intraspinal migration of one K-wire through the intervertebral foramen of C5/6. The K-wire was pulled out through an opening of the wound over the right clavicle. No CSF fistula was seen. The patient recovered without any postoperative neurological deficit. Patients with K-wire osteosynthesis should be informed about the risk of dislocation and wandering and should regularly be seen in the outpatient clinic. Regular X-rays should be performed. The K-wires must be sufficiently bent at the distal end to prevent wandering into the proximal direction. The K-wires should be removed soon after 6 weeks and, in cases of dislocation and migration, as early as possible.

Bone Wires↗

Clinical experience of patellar fracture fixation using metal wire or non-absorbable polyester--a study of 37 cases.

The results of patellar fracture fixation using metal wire and non-absorbable polyester (5 Ethibond) are presented. In group 1 (21 cases), the standard "AO" technique using stainless steel wire was used, and in group 2 (16 cases) we used 5 Ethibond. Patients were assigned to the two groups on surgeon preference. Post-operative management in the two groups was similar, with patients being allowed to mobilise as comfort allowed, under the supervision of the physiotherapists. All patients were followed-up until union of the fractures or until further surgical intervention was carried out. At a mean of 2 years and 6 months (range 1-4 years), we reviewed the notes and X-rays of all 37 cases. In group 2 there were no cases of infection but there were three cases of post-operative infections in group 1. Re-operation rate was 6/21 (38%) in group 1 and 1/6 (6%) in group 2. Therefore, the relative risk of re-operation in the metal group is six times that in the non-absorbable polyester group. The risk of infection in the metal group is also higher. These have implication on patient morbidity associated with the operative treatment of patellar fractures. Non-absorbable polyester appears to compare favourably with the use of metallic wire to fix patellar fractures.

Adult↗

Fifth metatarsal tuberosity fracture fixation: a biomechanical study.

This study tested the hypothesis that fixation of a fifth metatarsal tuberosity fracture with a lag screw that engages the intact medial cortex is biomechanically stronger than fixation with a long intramedullary screw (control). The right and left feet from 10 male cadavers were alternately assigned to the two fixation groups. After fracture reduction and fixation, each specimen was potted in acrylic cement and tested on a servohydraulic testing machine. The repairs were then distracted until failure by placing the peroneus brevis tendon under tension at a rate of 1 mm/s. The lag screw technique resulted in a significantly greater mean (+/- SD) load to failure (150 +/- 90 N) than did intramedullary screw fixation (70 +/- 60 N) (p < .05) and may offer a useful method of internal fixation of fifth metatarsal tuberosity fractures when surgical stabilization is indicated.

Aged↗

Radial nerve transposition with humeral fracture fixation: preliminary results.

Humeral shaft fractures traditionally have been managed with closed treatment. In patients with polytrauma, open fractures, and patients at risk for nonunion, open reduction and internal fixation and intramedullary nailing have been advocated. The current study describes a technique used in humeral shaft fractures that reduces the risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury during plate osteosynthesis in fracture patterns at high risk of nonunion (highly comminuted, transverse fractures). Ten patients who had radial nerve transposition were reviewed retrospectively using the electronic records database at the authors' institution. The average age of the patients was 27 years and average followup was 25 months. All had humeral shaft fractures, AO class A3.2 in four patients, B3.2 in five patients, and C2.2 in one patient. All fractures were deemed to be at high risk for nonunion. There were no iatrogenic nerve palsies as a result of the transposition, and no infections. Two patients had delayed or nonunion, who achieved healing after a second intervention. Transposition of the radial nerve is a useful adjunct to plating of humeral shaft fractures in patients at high risk for nonunion. The technique is safe, does not cause iatrogenic injury, and protects the radial nerve during all subsequent approaches to the fracture site.

Adolescent↗

Interference Kirschner wires augment distal humeral fracture fixation in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the biomechanical stability of a two-plate distal humerus fixation with and without Kirschner-wire (K-wire) augmentation of supracondylar osteotomies. DESIGN: Ex vivo paired cadaveric study. SETTING: Biomechanical laboratory. MATERIALS: : Five pairs of fresh, elderly cadaveric humeri. INTERVENTION: Two 3.5-mm reconstruction plates were used to stabilize each humerus. This fixation model was selected solely to evaluate the effect of K-wire augmentation. Augmentation consisted of 2 K-wires placed in both the medial and lateral columns of the humerus to interdigitate with the plate screws. A posteriorly directed load was cyclically applied to the distal fragment for 5000 cycles or until failure, and osteotomy site motion was tracked optically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fixation survival was defined as 5000 cycles or the number of cycles until osteotomy site motion reached >2 mm. RESULTS: K-wire augmented fixations survived significantly more cycles than did controls (4410 +/- 875 vs. 1114 +/- 2182, respectively; paired t test, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation with K-wires may decrease the incidence of loss of fixation in distal humeral fractures.

Age Factors↗