Humerus Lengthening: A Comparison of the Internal Lengthening Nail to External Fixation

2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162199633
Author(s):  
Sherif Galal ◽  
Jonggu Shin ◽  
Peter Principe ◽  
Rena Mehta ◽  
Nathan Khabyeh-Hasbani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Bone Healing ◽  
Full Recovery ◽  
External Fixators ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Humeral Lengthening ◽  
Healing Index ◽  
Joint Range ◽  
Distraction Rate

Introduction: Magnetic internal lengthening nails (MILNs) have been used for humeral lengthening to avoid complications associated with external fixation. Purpose/Questions: We compared the 1-year Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, adjacent joint range of motion (ROM), bone healing index (BHI), length achieved, distraction rate, and complications when lengthening the humerus using MILN vs using external fixation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 18 patients (22 humeri) from January 2001 to March 2020 divided into 2 groups, the MILN group (7 patients, 7 humeri) and the mono-lateral fixator group (11 patients, 15 humeri). Results: The MILN group showed larger improvement of DASH scores (average 26.8 and 8 for MILN and fixator groups, respectively), less loss of elbow ROM (average 5° and 7° for MILN and fixator groups, respectively), and shorter time to full recovery of elbow ROM (average 39 days and 122 days for MILN and fixator groups, respectively). In the MILN group, there was slower distraction rate (average 0.66 mm/day and 0.86 mm/day for MILN and fixator groups, respectively), less lengthening achieved (average 5.2 cm and 7 cm for MILN and fixator group, respectively), and a lower lengthening percentage (average 19% and 41% for MILN and fixator group, respectively). Bone healing index (BHI) of 0.94 and 0.99 months/cm for the MILN and the fixator groups were similar. Conclusion: Humeral lengthening using the MILN allowed for early full recovery of joint ROM with comparable functional and radiographic outcomes compared with using external fixators.

Radiographic Outcomes of Ring External Fixation for Malunion and Nonunion

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (04) ◽  
pp. 316-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert K. Lark ◽  
John S. Lewis Jr. ◽  
Tyler Steven Watters ◽  
Robert D. Fitch
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes

Methyl methacrylate in external fixation of supracondylar humerus fractures: An experimental study

2018 ◽  
Vol 232 (10) ◽  
pp. 1025-1029
Author(s):  
Ali Güleç ◽  
Mehmet Ali Acar ◽  
Bahattin Kerem Aydin ◽  
Teyfik Demir ◽  
Mustafa Özkaya
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Methacrylate ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
External Fixators ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Fixation Methods ◽  
Supracondylar Humerus Fractures ◽  
Methacrylate Group ◽  
Humerus Fractures ◽  
K Wires

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common fractures around the elbow. Open fractures, comminuted metaphyseal fractures and also fractures with bone loss may need to be treated with external fixators. The aim of this study is to compare two different external fixators, tubular external fixators and polymethyl methacrylate with K wires external fixators, with regard to stiffness and stability for metaphyseal-diaphyseal osteotomies of distal humerus close to the joint. Six matched pairs (24 specimens) of second-generation sawbone humerus were prepared in a standard fashion to create a metaphyseal fracture, 5 cm proximal to the distal joint line of humerus and were randomly divided into two groups of 12 specimens each. Each sawbone humerus was osteotomized transversely at the mid-olecranon fossa with a 2-mm oscillating saw to simulate a Gartland type III fracture. The osteotomy was then reduced and stabilized using two different external fixation methods: carbon tubular external fixator with Schanz screws and methyl methacrylate with multiple K wires. Three-point bending and torsion tests were performed on the specimens. Bending and torsional stiffness of specimens were obtained for the fixation methods. According to the results of the study, the methyl methacrylate group has provided higher stiffness than classical tubular fixator with Schanz screws in three-point bending test (7.79 ± 2.33 N/mm vs 3.78 ± 1.18 N/mm, p = 0.006). The methyl methacrylate group also showed better stiffness in torsion test (0.12 ± 0.042 N m/° vs 0.067 ± 0.013 N m/°, p = 0.02). We determined for the first time in literature that external fixation with methyl methacrylate was significantly superior to the classical tubular external fixator with Schanz screws with regard to stiffness and stability under three-point bending and torsional loads. Moreover, methyl methacrylate is inexpensive and easily applied.

scholarly journals Early hybrid nonbridging external fixation of unstable distal radius fractures in patients aged ≥50 years

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 030006051987956
Author(s):  
Pengfei Cheng ◽  
Fan Wu ◽  
Hua Chen ◽  
Chaoyin Jiang ◽  
Ting Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Visual Analog Scale Score ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Radial Inclination ◽  
K Wires

Objective We evaluated hybrid nonbridging external fixation (NBEF) supplemented by K-wires as an effective and safe treatment option for osteoporotic distal radius fractures (DRFs) in a retrospective case series. Methods Sixteen extra-articular and one intra-articular DRF were treated by NBEF from 2016 to 2018 (mean patient age, 61.8 years; 15 women, 1 man). Radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance), range of motion, grip power, the visual analog scale score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were assessed at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Results The volar tilt and radial inclination were restored after surgery and maintained well. The mean visual analog scale score was 4 ± 1 at 4 weeks. Range of motion was restored to 79% to 91% at 6 weeks. The DASH score was good before NBEF device removal. Two superficial pin-tract infections were easily treated with antibiotics. Conclusions Hybrid NBEF transfixes DRFs in a multiplanar fashion, and augmentation with percutaneous K-wires provides direct fixation in radial shift and withstands axial loads in fracture fragments. It allows early mobilization with rigid fixation. Hybrid NBEF is reliable for unstable extra-articular and simple intra-articular DRFs in older patients. Clinical Study registration number ChiCTR1900021712

scholarly journals External fixation-assisted reduction for the treatment of neglected hip dislocations with limb length discrepancy: a retrospective study of 13 cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengyu Li ◽  
Fulin Tao ◽  
Wenhao Song ◽  
Jinlei Dong ◽  
Daodi Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
Hip Dislocation ◽  
Limb Length Discrepancy ◽  
Limb Length ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
External Fixators ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Length Discrepancy

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method for treating neglected hip dislocation with limb length discrepancy by using external fixation-assisted pre-reduction. Methods Thirteen patients admitted between January 2010 to February 2018 with a mean duration from injury to surgery of 5.0 ± 2.1 months and an average preoperative leg-length discrepancy of 7.7 ± 2.3 cm were enrolled in this study. The dislocation and associated acetabular fracture type, clinical outcomes and residual limb length discrepancy were evaluated. Results All patients had posterior dislocations, and nine patients presented with acetabular fractures and were followed-up for at least 12 months. The average traction duration of external fixators was 28.8 ± 8.0 days and all patients received second-stage open reduction and internal fixation. Six patients showed residual limb length discrepancy within 2 cm. Patients showed significant improvement in hip function and pain relief. Complications including avascular femoral head necrosis and osteoarthritis occurred in three patients. Conclusion Effective correction of limb length discrepancy and improved function were observed in patients with neglected hip dislocations and limb equality using traction by external fixation combined with second-stage open reduction. Further follow-up is required to determine long-term outcomes.

Effect of Postoperative Ketorolac Administration on Bone Healing in Ankle Fracture Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1135-1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth McDonald ◽  
Brian Winters ◽  
Kristen Nicholson ◽  
Rachel Shakked ◽  
Steven Raikin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Healing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinical Healing ◽  
Mean Time

Background: In an effort to minimize narcotic analgesia and its potential side effects, anti-inflammatory agents offer great potential provided they do not interfere with bone healing. The safety of ketorolac administration after foot and ankle surgery has not been well defined in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to report clinical healing and radiographic outcomes for patients treated with a perioperative ketorolac regimen after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all patients that received perioperative ketorolac at the time of lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, and trimalleolar ankle ORIF by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2016 with minimum 4 months follow-up. Patients received 20 tablets of 10 mg ketorolac Q6 hours. Radiographs were evaluated independently by 2 blinded fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons to assess for radiographic healing. A total of 281 patients were included, with a median age of 51 years and 138 males (47%). Statistical analysis consisted of a linear mixed-effects regression. Results: In all, 265/281 (94%) were clinically healed within 12 weeks and 261/281 (92%) were radiographically healed within 12 weeks. Within the group of patients that did not heal within 12 weeks, mean time to clinical healing was 16.9 weeks (range = 14-25 weeks), and mean time to radiographic healing was 17.1 weeks (range = 14-25 weeks). In patients taking ketorolac, there were no cases of nonunion in our series (n = 281) and no significant difference found between fracture patterns and healing or complications ( P = .500). Conclusions: Perioperative ketorolac use was associated with a high rate of fracture union by 12 weeks. This is the first study to examine the effect of ketorolac on radiographic time to union of ankle fractures. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether ketorolac helps reduce opioid consumption and improve pain following ORIF of ankle fractures. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

scholarly journals Low cost 3D printed clamps for external fixator for developing countries: a biomechanical study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix J. Landaeta ◽  
Jose Nauaki Shiozawa ◽  
Arthur Erdman ◽  
Cara Piazza
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Axial Compression ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
External Fixators ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Astm Standard ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract Background External fixation is a mainstream limb reconstruction technique, most often used after a traumatic injury. Due to the high rates of trauma in developing countries, external fixation devices are often utilized for immediate fracture stabilization and soft tissue repair. Proper external fixation treatment too often still fails to be adopted in these regions due to the high cost and trauma complexity. A novel, inexpensive, unilateral fixator was constructed using 3D printed clamps and other readily available supporting components. ASTM standard F1541 tests were used to assess the biomechanical properties of this novel external fixator. Methods Applicable sections of ASTM standard F1541 were used to determine the biomechanical properties of the novel external fixator. 3D printed clamps modeled using SolidWorks and printed with chopped carbon fibers using a fuse deposition modeling (FDM) based 3D printer by Markforged (Boston, MA) were used. This study included 3 different testing configurations: axial compression, anterior-posterior (AP) bending, and medial-lateral (ML) bending. Using the novel unilateral fixator with 3D printed clamps previously sterilized by autoclave, an input load was applied at a rate of 20 N/s, starting at 0 N via a hydraulic MTS tester Model 359. Force and deformation data were collected at a sampling rate of 30 Hz. There was a load limit of 750 N, or until there was a maximum vertical deformation of 6 mm. Also, 4 key dimensions of the 3D printed clamps were measured pre and post autoclave: diameter, width, height and length. Results The novel external fixator had axial compression, AP and ML bending rigidities of 246.12 N/mm (σ = 8.87 N/mm), 35.98 N/mm (σ = 2.11 N/mm) and 39.60 N/mm (σ =2.60 N/mm), respectively. The 3D printed clamps shrunk unproportionally due to the autoclaving process, with the diameter, width, height and length dimensions shrinking by 2.6%, 0.2%, 1.7% and 0.3%, respectively. Conclusion Overall, the biomechanical properties of the novel fixator with 3D printed clamps assessed in this study were comparable to external fixators that are currently being used in clinical settings. While the biomechanics were comparable, the low cost and readily available components of this design meets the need for low cost external fixators in developing countries that current clinical options could not satisfy. However, further verification and validation routines to determine efficacy and safety must be conducted before this novel fixator can be clinically deployed. Also, the material composition allowed for the clamps to maintain the appropriate shape with minimal dimensional shrinkage that can be accounted for in clamp design.

scholarly journals Outcomes of Hindfoot and Ankle Arthrodesis in Neuropathic Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0028
Author(s):  
David Macknet ◽  
Andrew Wohler ◽  
Carroll P. Jones ◽  
J. Kent Ellington ◽  
Bruce E. Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Limb Salvage ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Ankle Arthrodesis ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Hardware Failure ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Fixation Group

Category: Ankle Arthritis, Diabetes, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuropathy of the ankle and hindfoot is a progressive and destructive process that can lead to instability and ulceration resulting in significant morbidity which can end with amputation. The foot and ankle surgeon’s aim is to reconstruct the high risk foot with the creation of a stable plantigrade foot, while reducing the risk of ulceration and allowing the patient to mobilize in commercially available footwear. There are numerous techniques for the reconstruction of the neuropathic hindfoot, but the most utilized of these include multiplanar external fixation or internal fixation with a plate or intramedullary nail. It is our goal to further elucidate outcomes of Charcot patients undergoing corrective ankle and hindfoot fusion comparing internal versus external fixation. Methods: We retrospectively collected 377 patients undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis at our institution from 2006- 2017. 77 patients were identified that underwent arthrodesis for Charcot arthropathy, 56 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. This included 47 who had internal fixation as their primary procedure and 9 patients who underwent external fixation with a multi-planar external fixator. Our median follow up time was 3.4 years (IQR .5 to 12.9). Preoperatively we collected basic demographic variables, reasons for neuropathy, and ulcer status. Postoperatively we collected complications including infection, hardware failure, ulceration, recurrent deformity, and radiographic outcomes including union and hardware backout. Reoperation numbers and indications were also collected. Our primary outcome was limb salvage at final follow up. Secondarily, we collected final ambulatory and footwear status. Results: The limb salvage rate was 82% with 10 patients undergoing amputation, which did not vary between groups (p=.99). The primary reasons for amputation were persistent infection (4 of 10) and nonunion (4 of 10). Thirteen (24%) patients developed an infection. The median number of reoperations per patient was 1 (IQR 0-2) with the patients who underwent amputation undergoing a median of 2 (IQR 2-4) reoperations. The rate of union was 54%, occurring at a median of 26.5 (IQR 12-47) months. 44% (4/9) of patients in the external fixation group had a preoperative ulceration versus 19% (9/47) of the patients in the internal fixation group (p=.19). Preoperative ulceration was not a risk factor for amputation. Forty-two (75%) patients were ambulatory at final follow up. Conclusion: We report on the single largest series of Charcot patients undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis. The surgical management of this population has a high rate of complications with infection and reoperation being common. Despite a high nonunion rate most patients are able to ambulate in a brace or orthotic. Limb salvage can be expected with either internal or external fixation techniques.

scholarly journals Arthroscopic-assisted reduction, bone grafting and screw fixation across the scapholunate joint for proximal pole scaphoid nonunion

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Pan Wang ◽  
Hui-Kuang Huang ◽  
Jui-Tien Shih
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Bone Grafting ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Healing Time ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Wrist Flexion ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes

Abstract Background There are some difficulties in treating proximal scaphoid nonunion, mainly including poor vascularity of the proximal scaphoid fragment and limited space for a stable fixation in the proximal scaphoid fragment. This study reports the outcomes of treating proximal scaphoid nonunion with arthroscopic assist for reduction, bone grafting and screw fixation across the scapholunate (SL) joint. Methods Between 2008 and 2017, 21 patients were enrolled. Fracture healing and change in the lateral SL angle and SL gap were evaluated. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, wrist range of motion, grip strength, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Results Nineteen patients achieved fracture healing and their mean follow-up duration was 31.3 months (24–120 months). The average fracture healing time was 16.3 weeks (10 to 28 weeks). From the preoperative to the postoperative final evaluation, there was some significant improvement in wrist function, including wrist flexion from 54.5o to 67.4o, wrist extension from 62.3o to 71.7o, DASH scores from 52.4 to 21.4, VAS during activity from 4.6 to 2.1, and grip strength from 9.6 kg to 24.7 kg. The lateral SL angle also improved significantly, from 82o to 66o. Seventeen patients requested screw removal after fracture healing because of their cultural belief in not leaving hardware in the body. No significant SL gap widening was noted after screw removal in the sequential follow-ups. Conclusions Using arthroscopic-assisted reduction, bone grafting and screw fixation across the SL joint in proximal scaphoid nonunion treatment, satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes can be achieved.

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