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Internal fixation of fractures in children and adolescents. A comparative analysis.

A retrospective analysis of 4,411 consecutive pediatric fracture patients managed between 1979 and 1983 demonstrated that only 3.6% (170 patients) required internal fixation. Two patient groups with sufficient follow-up study were compared: Group 1-90 skeletally immature children and young adolescents, and Group 2-66 skeletally mature adolescents. Upper-extremity fractures, especially of the distal humerus, and displaced epiphyseal fractures were the major indication for internal fixation in Group 1, while lower-extremity diaphyseal and intra-articular fractures predominated in Group 2. Complication rates were higher than expected but fortunately most were minor-18% in Group 1 and 12% in Group 2. The results of this study demonstrate that internal fixation can be beneficial in selected fractures in children and adolescents in preventing major complications, such as premature epiphyseal closure and malunion, and in restoring and maintaining normal extremity growth and function.

Adolescent↗

[Our experiences with change of osteosynthesis from external fixator to internal fixation in fractures of the lower limb].

INTRODUCTION: In polytrauma patients and fractures with severe soft tissue damage of the lower limb the use of external fixator is indicated. To show the possibilities and limits of change of external fixation to internal osteosynthesis we performed a retrospective analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1.1.1993 to 30.6.1997 671 cases were primarily treated with external fixator. After a mean of 16.5 days a change of osteosynthesis was performed in 75 cases. RESULTS: 5 infections of the pin tracks, 3 infections of the wound, two thromboses, one case of thromboembolism and one osteomyelitis were seen in these 75 cases. One patient died due to severe brain damage after head injury. No further operations were necessary, all fractures showed primary healing. Taking the severe soft tissue damages and severe multiple trauma into account only few complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The main problems and risks of internal fixation occur in the early phase of treatment, whereas complications after external fixation are more likely to occur in later stages. By a change from external fixation to internal osteosynthesis the advantages of both methods can be combined.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Dynamic external finger fixator for fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

The treatment of fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint often results in pain and stiffness. A small dynamic external finger fixator was designed to maintain the reduced position of the dislocated middle phalanx and allow early active range-of-motion exercise. Four patients with acute unstable fracture dislocations and three with old malunited fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated with this apparatus. The average range of the proximal interphalangeal joint motion with this device was 88 degrees. The average follow-up period was 21 months.

Adolescent↗

Damage control orthopedics in patients with multiple injuries is effective, time saving, and safe.

BACKGROUND: Although early fracture fixation is expedient in patients with multiple injuries, early total care (ETC) may be associated with posttraumatic systemic complications. This study was conducted to prospectively evaluate the concept of damage control by immediate external fracture fixation (damage control orthopedics [DCO]) and consecutive conversion osteosynthesis with regard to time savings, effectiveness, and safety. METHODS: In a prospective controlled trial, a cohort of 1,070 patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 20.7 were admitted to a Level I trauma center over a 3.5-year period. Patients with an ISS > 15, survival of more than 24 hours, and without interhospital transfer were included. In all patients with major fractures requiring immediate stabilization, external fixation was performed (DCO). Conversion was executed at the earliest possible time as a one-stage procedure after stabilization of organ functions. TRISS was calculated for patients requiring DCO (DCO group) and for patients without major fractures (control group). Time spent on particular and all surgical procedures, blood loss, and complications of DCO were compared with data of consecutive conversion osteosyntheses which were considered as hypothetical ETC procedures (h-ETC) in identical patients. RESULTS: Four hundred nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seventy-five (ISS of 37.3) required DCO for 135 fractures, whereas 334 patients (ISS of 30.4) did not require immediate fracture fixation. Mean surgical time was 62 +/- 30 minutes (SEM, 3.5) for DCO. Because of fracture consolidation with external fixation (n = 3) and injury-related death (n = 15), conversion (h-ETC) was performed in 57 patients for 101 fractures. Duration of external fixation averaged 13.7 days (range, 3-46 days). Fifty-five patients (96.5%) required intensive care treatment and 42 patients (73.7%) required mechanical ventilation at the time of conversion. Mean operation time for conversion was 233 +/- 19 minutes (SEM, 18.7) with a value of p < 0.001. Also, blood loss was significantly (p < 0.001) different for DCO (<50 mL) and h-ETC (472 mL; SEM, 63). Pin-track infections were identified in five patients, two patients with acetabular plate osteosynthesis had deep wound infection, and one patient died related to bacterial sepsis with infections of all wound sites. Overall mortality in DCO patients was significantly lower than predicted by TRISS (20% vs. 39.3%), as it was in the 334 patients without immediate fracture fixation (29.5% vs. 24.3%). CONCLUSION: DCO appears to provide a major reduction of operation time and blood loss in the primary treatment period in severely injured patients compared with h-ETC. In addition, we found that DCO is not associated with an increased rate of procedure-related complications. So far, DCO with early and one-stage conversion seems to be a safe strategy of primary fracture treatment in patients with multiple injuries.

Adult↗

Absorbable pins of self-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid for fixation of fractures and osteotomies.

We reviewed 27 patients with small-fragment fractures or osteotomies treated by internal fixation with absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide pins. The follow-up time ranged from eight to 37 months. The two most common indications were chevron osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for hallux valgus and displaced fracture of the radial head. No redisplacements occurred, and there were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reaction. Biopsy in two patients 20 and 37 months after implantation showed that no polymeric material remained.

Adult↗

Biomechanics and biology of external fixation of distal radius fractures.

External fixation is a versatile and useful tool for management of complex fractures. There is little to choose between the various types of commercially available fixators, and it is important to use one that allows the surgeon adequate versatility and follows sound biomechanical principles. Ligamentotaxis can be used effectively to reduce the most difficult fractures; however, over-distraction and prolonged traction are harmful and should be avoided. Certain types of fractures do not respond to treatment with ligamentotaxis alone and require adjunctive treatment, such as limited internal fixation. A single K-wire significantly adds to the stability of fixation and should be considered in all cases. Understanding the basic mechanical principles and respect for pin-bone biology allow for successful use of external fixation with minimal complications.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Arthroscopically guided Kirschner wire fixation for fractures of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia.

Eight children with type II and III fractures of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia were treated. The osteochondral fragments were reduced arthroscopically and held with Kirschner wires with the knee in extension. The wires were then incorporated into a long leg plaster. There was no associated significant collateral ligament or meniscal damage in any of the knees requiring operative intervention. At follow-up all the fragments had healed. None had symptoms of ligamentous laxity. One knee showed increased antero-posterior laxity compared with his normal knee associated with a 20 degree block to extension. Arthroscopic reduction and Kirschner wire fixation provides an accurate and effective treatment of these fractures, helping to avoid chronic ligamentous laxity and decreasing the morbidity associated with open procedures.

Arthroscopy↗

Warfarin responses in total joint and hip fracture patients.

Warfarin is considered as a narrow therapeutic drug-an agent for which small changes in dosage can lead to significant changes in response. The precision of warfarin treatment is especially relevant in an acute-care setting. In this study, we examined the effect of various risk factors on warfarin response in the early postoperative period after total joint arthroplasty and hip fracture fixation. A total of 260 patients placed on warfarin for thrombosis prophylaxis were retrospectively studied. Risk factors for warfarin sensitivity include age 80 years or older and hip fracture fixation. Patients aged 80 years or older who had hip fracture fixation were 4.7 times more likely to experience an international normalized ratio (INR) at or greater than 4.0 than other patients (therapeutic target range of INR, 1.8-2.2). The largest subtherapeutic risk group in this study were men weighing 180 lb or more. They were 5.7 times less likely to achieve an INR of 1.6 than the other patients. Factors such as body weight, age, and gender should be considered when ordering warfarin therapy. Current hospital warfarin sliding scales should be reviewed for their efficacy to ensure that the target outcome is achieved.

Aged↗

Fixation of fractures of the femoral neck. A prospective, randomised trial of three Ullevaal hip screws versus two Hansson hook-pins.

In a prospective, randomised trial, we compared the use of three Ullevaal hip screws with that of two Hansson hook-pins in 278 patients with fractures of the femoral neck. Background factors were similar in both groups. Follow-up was for two years. There were no significant differences between the groups in length of time of surgery, hospital stay, general complications, mortality, pain or walking ability. Likewise, the rates of early failure of fixation, nonunion, and the need for reoperation did not differ significantly between the groups. The use of hook-pins was associated with less drill penetrations of the femoral head during surgery (odds ratio 2.6, p = 0.05) and a lower incidence of necrosis of the femoral head (odds ratio 3.5, p = 0.04). There was a strong relationship between poor reduction and fixation of the fracture and subsequent reoperation (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Likewise, peroperative drill penetration of the femoral head was associated with a greater risk of reoperation (p = 0.038). Both methods gave favourable results. In total, 22% of the patients needed a major reoperation (usually hemiarthroplasty), while in 7% of the cases the fixation device needed to be removed. Osteosynthesis as the sole method for operation of all fractures of the femoral neck was thus successful in 78% of patients. With selective treatment most of the remaining patients would have benefited if treated by a primary arthroplasty. Accurate selection requires the development of better prognostic methods.

Adult↗

Atlanto-axial rotatory fixation and fracture of the clavicle. An association and a classification.

Five children with atlanto-axial rotatory fixation (AARF) in association with fractures of the clavicle are described. It is postulated that the rotary fixation is a direct result of the trauma which produces the fracture. The importance of early diagnosis is stressed, since delayed diagnosis may lead to chronic deformity. Early diagnosis depends on awareness of the possibility of AARF, and either fluoroscoping the patient in order to take appropriate spot films or imaging the atlanto-axial joint by CT. A simple classification of AARF is proposed based on distinct radiological features which differentiate subluxation from dislocation.

Atlanto-Axial Joint↗

Update-1988. Current status of internal fixation of thoracolumbar fractures.

Rigid internal fixation has become the preferred method of treatment for unstable thoracolumbar fractures in most American spine centers. In most cases, posterior instrumentation alone is adequate, but occasionally an anterior procedure is necessary. A number of internal fixation devices are now available to the orthopaedic surgeon. Controversy exists regarding the number of levels that need to instrumented and the optimal form of internal fixation.

Adult↗

The advantages of titanium alloy over stainless steel plates for the internal fixation of fractures. An experimental study in dogs.

An experimental study is reported of fracture healing in the femora of 36 Beagle dogs, comparing the results of using stainless steel plates with those of using less rigid titanium alloy plates. The alloy plates led to the appearance of a small amount of periosteal callus without any histological evidence of fracture instability, thus allowing the radiological assessment of fracture union. This also produced less bone loss during the remodelling phase. Radiological measurements 24 weeks after osteotomy showed cortical thickness to be reduced by six per cent under titanium alloy and by 19 per cent under stainless steel, while histological measurements showed a total bone loss of 3.7 per cent under titanium alloy and of 11 per cent under stainless steel plates. Removal of the titanium alloy plates after eight weeks followed by a recovery period of 16 weeks produced an increase of cortical thickness of 69 per cent and a gain in total bone mass of 30 per cent. Titanium alloy plates also produced less soft-tissue reaction than stainless steel plates. It is concluded that this alloy is a promising material for internal fixation devices.

Alloys↗

Subtrochanteric fracture after cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures: a report of four cases.

Subtrochanteric fractures after screw or pin fixation of femoral neck fractures are a recognized complication. No literature is available on this complication after fixation using the recently popularized cannulated screws. We present our experience in treating four of these complications. The common denominator for all four patients seemed to be an entry point in the lateral cortex below the level of the most inferior edge of the lesser trochanter.

Aged↗

Implant failures in orthopaedic surgery.

Common orthopaedic implant failures are reviewed in the areas of total joint replacement and fracture fixation. In particular total hip and total knee arthroplasty, intertrochanteric hip fractures and long bone fractures are discussed. Excessive motion of implant bone interfaces, stress concentrations within the implant and stress shielding of bone are implicated in implant failures.

Arthroplasty↗

Bone plate fixation of mandibular fractures.

Bone plate fixation has been applied in 11 out of 1400 patients with fractures of the jaws treated between 1970 and 1978. Most of the case were edentulous patients with dislocated fractures or nonunion fractures due to infection or inadequate immobilization of the fragments in the mandible. A relatively high incidence of complications was noted, depending mostly on the nature of the fracture and in some cases on an extensively resorbed mandible. Bone plate fixation doses have its field of application, although the need for its application in routine treatment of uncomplicated mandibular fractures in dentulous patients is rather limited.

Adult↗

The effect of femoral nailing on cerebral perfusion pressure in head-injured patients.

BACKGROUND: The timing of fracture fixation in patients with head trauma is controversial. Early fracture fixation may be associated with secondary brain injury. We undertook this study to investigate the effect of reamed intramedullary nailing on cerebral perfusion. METHODS: Seventeen patients were identified who had placement of an intracranial pressure monitor and reamed rodding of the femur. Retrospective chart review was performed. RESULTS: Average Injury Severity Score was 35 (range, 17-50). Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) decreased intraoperatively for all except one. The average decrease in CPP from pre- to intraoperative values was 17 mm Hg (p = 0.0012). Seventy percent had an average intraoperative CPP below 75 mm Hg, and all patients had a minimum CPP below 75 mm Hg. The decrease in CPP was mostly attributable to a corresponding decrease in mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: Patients with head trauma undergoing femoral rodding need careful attention paid to managing blood pressure to minimize CPP decreases.

Adolescent↗

When should we operate on major fractures in patients with severe head injuries?

BACKGROUND: The widely accepted practice of early fracture fixation (EFF) in multiply injured patients has recently been challenged in the presence of head injury. DATA SOURCES: English and German language articles on the subject were searched using Medline. Keywords included head trauma, intracranial trauma, brain injuries, fractures, fracture fixation, timing, femur fracture, and tibia fracture. CONCLUSIONS: The available literature does not provide clear-cut guidance on the management of fractures in the presence of head injuries. The trend is toward a better outcome if the fractures are fixed early. Treatment should therefore be tailored to the individual patient, with the assumption that full neurologic recovery will take place.

Craniocerebral Trauma↗