scholarly journals Failure analysis and recommendations for treatment of posttraumatic non-unions of the distal humerus during childhood

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Walther Sommerfeldt ◽  
Peter Paul Schmittenbecher
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Implant Removal ◽  
Supracondylar Fractures ◽  
Stable Fixation ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Pediatric Traumatology ◽  
Clinical Cases

Abstract Purpose Non-unions of the distal humerus are rare complications of common children’s fractures such as radial condyle fractures and supracondylar fractures. The aim of this paper was to update the knowledge about etiology, reasons, management, and results of these troublesome, and sometimes debilitating entities. Methods The sparse literature concerning nonunions following condylar or supracondylar fractures was analyzed together with the presentation of some typical clinical cases. Results In most of the cases, non-unions were induced by neglect, unstable fixation, too early implant removal, too much revision surgery, and an inconsequent transfer of follow-up algorithms, or combinations of the above. Treatment of non-union should start as early as possible because the effort of required surgery increases with time that the nonunion has been neglected. Often a combination of stable fixation of the pseudarthrosis and correction of the elbow axis are necessary to achieve a satisfying outcome. Conclusion In pediatric traumatology, qualified and consequent care for children’s fractures of the distal humerus can prevent rare complications such as non-unions in almost any situation. If such a disturbance of healing is noticed, immediate and adequate, i.e. children specific surgical consequences achieve best results.

scholarly journals The state of the problem of fractures of the distal metepiphysis of the humerus in children and adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-280
Author(s):  
S. O. Guriev ◽  
I. R. Trutiak ◽  
O. V. Obaranets
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Supracondylar Fractures ◽  
Stable Fixation ◽  
Rotational Displacement ◽  
Impaired Function ◽  
Pediatric Traumatology ◽  
Intraarticular Fractures ◽  
Ilizarov Apparatus ◽  
Anatomical Localization

Annotation. One of the most frequent injuries of the distal end of the humerus is the trans-condylar and supracondylar fractures of the humerus, which make up 47.5-80% of all intraarticular fractures of the elbow joint in children. Among the injuries of the distal humerus, the supracondylar and supracondylar fractures occur with the greatest frequency and is one of the most common domestic injuries in children aged 3 to 12 years. Our work is based on a retrospective analysis of the treatment of 255 patients treated in the Lviv City Children's Hospital for the period 2013-2017. 83.1% of patients were diagnosed with flexion fracture, 16.9% – flexion fracture. Transvertebral fractures of the shoulder were diagnosed in 85.5% of cases of the study array, supragingival – in 14.5%. The treatment of patients with the consequences of injuries of the elbow joint presents great difficulties and remains one of the most difficult problems in pediatric traumatology. Depending on the presence of rotational displacement and the severity of the fracture, the following types of treatment are most often used: conservative, osteosynthesis with spokes or Ilizarov apparatus. An ideal reposition and stable fixation of fragments during these injuries is necessary not only to ensure timely consolidation of the fracture, restoration of the anatomical integrity and shape of the distal humerus, but also to prevent the development of deformation in the elbow joint. Deformations of the elbow joint during supracondylar and supracondylar fractures of the shoulder, unlike deformation of another localization, cannot be adjusted and subsequently only increase and as a result can lead to impaired function of the elbow joint, and often to disability already in childhood. Thus, complicated anatomical localization of supracondylar and supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, great technical difficulties in comparing and fixing fragments, there is a high probability of neurological and vascular disorders, both at the time of injury and during the provision of medical care, impaired function of the elbow joint determine the need for further study of this problem.

scholarly journals Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing the modified Dunn procedure for slipped capital femoral epiphysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 80-87
Author(s):  
Caroline Passaplan ◽  
Lucienne Gautier ◽  
Emanuel Gautier
Keyword(s):  
Avascular Necrosis ◽  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis ◽  
Implant Removal ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Harris Hip Score ◽  
Ucla Activity Score

Aims Our retrospective analysis reports the outcome of patients operated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis using the modified Dunn procedure. Results, complications, and the need for revision surgery are compared with the recent literature. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 17 patients (18 hips) who underwent the modified Dunn procedure for the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Outcome measurement included standardized scores. Clinical assessment included ambulation, leg length discrepancy, and hip mobility. Radiographically, the quality of epiphyseal reduction was evaluated using the Southwick and Alpha-angles. Avascular necrosis, heterotopic ossifications, and osteoarthritis were documented at follow-up. Results At a mean follow-up of more than nine years, the mean modified Harris Hip score was 88.7 points, the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) 87.4 , the Merle d’Aubigné Score 16.5 points, and the UCLA Activity Score 8.4. One patient developed a partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and one patient already had an avascular necrosis at the time of delayed diagnosis. Two hips developed osteoarthritic signs at 14 and 16 years after the index operation. Six patients needed a total of nine revision surgeries. One operation was needed for postoperative hip subluxation, one for secondary displacement and implant failure, two for late femoroacetabular impingement, one for femoroacetabular impingement of the opposite hip, and four for implant removal. Conclusion Our series shows good results and is comparable to previous published studies. The modified Dunn procedure allows the anatomic repositioning of the slipped epiphysis. Long-term results with subjective and objective hip function are superior, avascular necrosis and development of osteoarthritis inferior to other reported treatment modalities. Nevertheless, the procedure is technically demanding and revision surgery for secondary femoroacetabular impingement and implant removal are frequent. Cite this article: 2020;1-4:80–87.

Low Extra-articular (Transcondylar) Fractures of the Distal Humerus

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 282-286
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Weening ◽  
Kim M. Brouwer ◽  
Margaritha Adams ◽  
David Ring
Keyword(s):  
Medical Record ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Common Type ◽  
Fracture Type ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Results Of Treatment ◽  
Humerus Fractures ◽  
Distal Humerus Fractures ◽  
And Function

Background We reviewed our experience with low transcondylar, extra-articular distal humerus fractures to determine the prevalence of extra-articular distal humerus fractures, the percentage that are low transcondylar fractures, and the results of treatment. Material and methods One hundred seventy-four fractures of the distal humerus in adult patients were identified. Patients with at least 1-year of follow-up were evaluated based on the medical record according to the system described by Broberg and Morrey. Results Twenty-six fractures (15%) were extra-articular (AO Type A), 15 involved both the medial and lateral columns (8.6%), nine of which were low transcondylar fractures representing 5% of all fractures and 60% of the extra-articular bicolumnar fractures. Among the nine patients with low transcondylar fractures, two had non-union and three died within 3 months of injury. Among the eight patients with healed fractures after sufficient follow-up, patients with higher extra-articular distal humerus fractures had better motion and function than patients with low transcondylar fractures. Conclusions Transcondylar fractures are the most common type of extra-articular bicolumnar fracture and may be more common than previously recognized. Mortality within 3 months and non-union appear common with this fracture type.

scholarly journals The effect of staged surgical treatment for cubitus valgus after non-union of lateral condylar fracture of distal humerus in older children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Li-wei Xie ◽  
Zhi-qiang Deng ◽  
Jia-jun Ye
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cubitus Valgus ◽  
Condylar Fracture ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Staged Surgery ◽  
Condylar Fractures

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of staged surgery (open reduction/internal fixation and osteotomy) for cubitus valgus after non-union of lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus in older children.Methods: From January 2010 to January 2013, 9 patients were treated with two-staged surgery (open reduction/internal fixation and osteotomy). The study included 5 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 12.7 years. The interval from fracture to the first surgery was 8.2 years on average. All patients had symptoms of injury of the ulnar nerve and instability of the elbow. The first surgery included internal reduction, internal fixation, and bone grafting, exposing the elbow through a lateral approach. The procedure included clearing the peripheric callus and proximal distal fracture end cicatrix with rongeur until cancellous bone was exposed, and fixation of the lateral condylar fragment with a hollow screw 4.0 mm in diameter and smooth Kirschner wire. The limb was immobilized in a long arm cast with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and the forearm in neutral rotation for 3 weeks, and active exercises were begun after removal. The second surgery, osteotomy of the supracondylar humerus, was completed after 6 months to correct cubitus valgus. Internal fixation from the osteotomy was removed 6 months later.Results: Six months after the second surgery, follow-up revealed that in all patients the lateral condylar fractures attained clinical union and cubitus valgus was corrected. Elbow function recovered well without arthrochalasis or humeral condylar avascular necrosis. All patients’ ulnar nerve injury symptoms disappeared.Conclusion: Staged surgery to treat cubitus valgus secondary to lateral condylar fracture non-union in older children serves to first provide elbow stability, then to correct cubitus valgus. Staged treatment may make up for the deficiencies of conventional treatment. However, due to our relatively short follow-up time, the long term effects are unknown.

Adverse Events in the Treatment of Periprosthetic Fractures Around the Knee – a Clinical and Radiological Outcome Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 156 (03) ◽  
pp. 287-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schreiner ◽  
Christoph Gonser ◽  
Christoph Ihle ◽  
Max Zauleck ◽  
Tim Klopfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Oxford Knee Score ◽  
Revision Arthroplasty ◽  
Periprosthetic Fractures ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Revision Tka

Abstract Background The incidence of periprosthetic fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty (PpFxK) has been reported to be 0.3 – 5.5%. 40% of all cases are related to revision TKA. The most common localisation is the distal femur. Classification is performed according to Rorabeck (RB). RB I – II fractures are usually treated with locked plating and retrograde intramedullary nailing, whereas RB III fractures are an indication for revision arthroplasty using a hinged endoprosthesis. PpFxK of the patella can be classified according to Goldberg and PpFxK of the proximal tibia can be grouped as in Felix. Interprosthetic fractures can be regarded as a special type of PpFx. Due to the increasing numbers of TKA being performed, increasing numbers of adverse events in arthroplasty can be expected. Adverse events in the treatment of PpFxK occur in up to 41% of patients according to the literature and revision is needed in approximately 29% of all cases. Risk factors are age, osteoporosis, infection, malalignment, osteolysis/loosening of the implant and status post revision. Patients A clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed with 50 patients (14 men, 36 women) treated for PpFxK of the femur, tibia and patella between 2011 and 2015 at the department of arthroplasty at a level 1 trauma center in Europe. Results The follow-up of all patients was 68%, with an average of 19.1 ± 14.6 (1 – 49) months between PpFxK and clinical follow-up. 16% of the patients were allocated for further treatment or revision surgery from other hospitals. The patientsʼ median age was 78.0 ± 8.8 (55 – 94) years. Most patients were affected by several orthopaedic and internal medical comorbidities. PpFxK classified as RB II were the most common fractures (60%, n = 30). PpFxK usually occurred 5.0 ± 4.8 (0 – 20) years after index TKA (primary or revision TKA), mostly in patients with CR-retaining endoprosthesis, whereas PpFxK according to Felix occurred significantly earlier and mostly in hinged TKAs. Patients achieved on average a mean Oxford Knee Score of 31.1 ± 9.9 (14 – 46) points. The functional Knee Society Score (KSS) was 52.6 ± 24.4 (20 – 100) and the mean KSS was 58.7 ± 26.8 (0 – 99) points (n = 25). Radiographic evaluation of the RB I – II patients showed frontal and sagittal malalignment in 20.6% of all cases after reduction and plate fixation. The overall rate of surgical adverse events was 50%; 44% of all RB patients needed revision surgery. Adverse events comprised non-union, failure of osteosynthesis, infection, wound healing disorders and re-fractures in the RB II and the Felix subgroup. Conclusion PpFxK are severe injuries and are associated with a high rate of adverse events related to treatment. Patients often have a complex background and a history of revision surgery or periprosthetic joint infection. The treatment of PpFxK should therefore take place at a centre with expertise in traumatology as well as in revision arthroplasty. Preoperative infection diagnostic testing as well as adequate imaging (X-rays and CT) are essential. We furthermore advise early evaluation of revision arthroplasty, especially in elderly patients suffering from PpFxK with insufficient bone quality around the TKA and closeness between fracture and TKA. In the case of plate fixation, it is important to give attention to correct reduction – to prevent non-union, loosening of the implant and failure of the osteosynthesis – as well as to consider double plating.

Radiographic findings related to interlocking nailing: windshield-wiper effect, and locking screw failure

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (04) ◽  
pp. 217-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Diaz-Bertrana ◽  
J. L. Puchol ◽  
J. Franch ◽  
I. Durall
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Case ◽  
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis ◽  
Human Medicine ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Windshield Wiper ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Locking Screw ◽  
Clinical Cases

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to describe two uncommon radiographic findings related to the use of interlocking nails (ILNs) fixation. The first one is a radiolucency located around the distal tip of the nail observed in three clinical cases. This radiographic sign was similar to one described in human medicine known as “windshield-wiper effect” and observed around the tip of the screw used for slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children, and also in association with intramedullary nail treatment. In one of our clinical cases, the radiolucency observed four weeks post-surgery completely disappeared two months later, unfortunately a follow-up radiograph was not available in the two other cases. The second complication is related to three screw-bendings observed in the centre of the nail in two clinical cases. In one case both proximal screws appeared to be radiographically bent, and non-union of the fracture was observed five months after surgery. The screws were in fact broken, instead of being bent, which we were able to determine in the second surgery. In the other clinical case, the screw appeared to be radiographically bent, but the fracture had healed. We could not confirm whether the screw was bent or broken because the owner refused to permit removal of the implant. When bone healing complications are detected, bent screws should be checked and suspected of being broken.

scholarly journals Distal humerus fracture in patients over 70 years of age: results of open reduction and internal fixation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Moursy ◽  
Kilian Wegmann ◽  
Florian Wichlas ◽  
Mark Tauber
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Scores ◽  
Distal Humerus Fractures

Abstract Background Due to the complexity of distal humerusfractures and often poor bone quality in elderly patients, these entities remain a challenge. However, because of a high rate of complications related to total elbow prostheses, reconstruction of distal humerus fractures should still be considered a therapeutic option, also in the elderly patient. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation and to evaluate whether the results justify reconstruction even in elderly patients. We hypothesized that despite advanced age, reasonable clinical results can be achieved, using a standardized surgical technique and aftertreatment protocol for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. Methods Between 2004 and 2012, 30 patients with a mean age of 78 years at the time of injury with a recent distal humerus fracture were evaluated. All patients underwent the identical aftertreatment protocol with no weight bearing for 6 weeks and weekly increasing range of motion. Follow-up rate was 90%. 22 patients were treated with double plate, 4 with single plate, and 1 with screw fixation only. Patients were evaluated based on clinical criteria. Primary outcome measures were Mayo Elbow Performance Score, VAS and joint range of motion, secondary was radiological evaluation. Results After a mean follow-up period of 3.8 years (min. 1 year, max. 9 years, SD ± 2), the average range of motion was flexion of 127° (min. 100°; max. 150°; SD ± 16.5) and average loss of extension of 20.9° (min. 5°; max. 40°; SD ± 11). Average pronation and supination was 68.3° (min. 0°; max. 90°; SD ± 25.3) and 75.3° (min. 0°; max. 90°; SD ± 19.7), respectively. Average Mayo Elbow Performance (MEPS) score was 88.7 (min. 60; max. 100; SD ± 12.1). 6 patients developed heterotopic ossification without significant effect on the clinical outcome. 7 patients had radiological evidence of at least partial non-union with one requiring revision, 2 discrete hardware dislocations were treated conservatively. There were no infections in the presented cohort. Our results regarding the surgical approach showed significantly higher patient satisfaction scores in the osteotomy group, compared to the group with Triceps-On Approach (PTOA). Conclusion The present data support indication for open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) even in the elderly patient. Advanced age should not be seen as a contraindication for ORIF of fractures of the distal humerus. Although the rate of complications is higher than in younger patients, complications such as non-union are often asymptomatic, patient satisfaction scores are high, and the possible devastating complications of failed elbow replacement can be evaded. Level of evidence IV.

Treatment of Distal Humerus Articular Fracture with Pin-and-Plate Technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (03) ◽  
pp. 332-339
Author(s):  
Abbas Abdoli ◽  
Amir Reza Farhoud ◽  
Reza Shahryar Kamrani
Keyword(s):  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Kirschner Wires ◽  
Stable Fixation ◽  
Articular Fracture ◽  
Plate Technique ◽  
Articular Fractures ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
The Mean

Background: Distal Humerus Articular Fracture (classified by Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association as 13-B3) is an uncommon fracture with significant complications. We report results of 14 patients treated by open reduction and pin-and-plate fixation technique. Methods: In this retrospective study, we applied pin-and-plate fixation to 14 distal humerus articular fractures, in which screw fixation alone was inefficient or inadequate to provide stable fixation. After anatomical reduction of articular fragments, multiple Kirschner wires were inserted through the fragments. To prevent migration of Kirschner wires a small plate was placed proximally on the bent end of the pins. Results: The average age of 14 patients (8 males and 6 females) was 36.4 years (range: 16–57) and the mean follow up period was 43 months (range: 12–80). At last follow up the average quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 18.9 (range: 2.3–42.5) and the mean points for Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 75.3 (range: 50–100). Mean final arc of flexion-extension was 97° (range: 40–131). Conclusions: Distal humerus articular fracture is sometimes difficult to fix with conventional methods. We used pin-and-plate technique that could make a stable fixation and allow early range of motion with acceptable results.

scholarly journals The Effect of Staged Surgical Treatment for Cubitus Valgus After Non-Union of Lateral Condylar Fracture of Distal Humerus in Older Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Li-wei Xie ◽  
Zhi-qiang Deng ◽  
Jia-jun Ye
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cubitus Valgus ◽  
Condylar Fracture ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Staged Surgery ◽  
Condylar Fractures

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of staged surgery (open reduction/internal fixation and osteotomy) for cubitus valgus after non-union of lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus in older children.Methods: From January 2010 to January 2013, 9 patients were treated with two-staged surgery (open reduction/internal fixation and osteotomy). The study included 5 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 12.7 years. The minimum interval from fracture to the first surgery was 7 years and the maximum interval was 10 years (average 8.2 years). All patients had symptoms of injury of the ulnar nerve and instability of the elbow. The first surgery included internal reduction, internal fixation, and bone grafting, exposing the elbow through a Kocher lateral approach. The procedure included clearing the peripheric callus and proximal distal fracture end cicatrix with rongeur until cancellous bone was exposed, and fixation of the lateral condylar fragment with a hollow screw 4.0 mm in diameter and smooth Kirschner wire. The limb was immobilized in a long arm cast with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and the forearm in neutral rotation for 3 weeks, and active exercises were begun after removal. The internal fixation hardware was removed after 3 months. The second surgery, osteotomy of the supracondylar humerus, was completed after 6 months to correct cubitus valgus. Internal fixation from the osteotomy was removed 6 months later.Results: Six months after the second surgery, follow-up revealed that in all patients the lateral condylar fractures attained clinical union and cubitus valgus was corrected. Elbow function recovered well without arthrochalasis or humeral condylar avascular necrosis. All patients’ ulnar nerve injury symptoms disappeared.Conclusion: Staged surgery to treat cubitus valgus secondary to lateral condylar fracture non-union in older children serves to first provide elbow stability, then to correct cubitus valgus. Staged treatment may make up for the deficiencies of conventional treatment. However, due to our relatively short follow-up time, the long term effects are unknown.

scholarly journals Sagittal alignment changes and postoperative complications following surgery for adult spinal deformity in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsuyuki Kawabata ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Kenichiro Sakai ◽  
Takashi Hirai ◽  
Masato Yuasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Spinal Deformity ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Adult Spinal Deformity ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Loss Of Correction

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been found to increase the risk of postoperative complications in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, few studies have investigated this by directly comparing patients with PD and those without PD. Methods In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we reviewed all surgically treated ASD patients with at least 2 years of follow-up. Among them, 27 had PD (PD+ group). Clinical data were collected on early and late postoperative complications as well as any revision surgery. Radiographic parameters were evaluated before and immediately after surgery and at final follow-up, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt. We compared the surgical outcomes and radiographic parameters of PD patients with those of non-PD patients. Results For early complications, the PD+ group demonstrated a higher rate of delirium than the PD− group. In terms of late complications, the rate of non-union was significantly higher in the PD+ group. Rates of rod failure and revision surgery due to mechanical complications also tended to be higher, but not significantly, in the PD+ group (p = 0.17, p = 0.13, respectively). SVA at final follow-up and loss of correction in SVA were significantly higher in the PD+ group. Conclusion Extra attention should be paid to perioperative complications, especially delirium, in PD patients undergoing surgery for ASD. Furthermore, loss of correction and rate of non-union were greater in these patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document