Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures

2021 ◽  
pp. 193864002199173
Author(s):  
Benjamin D. Umbel ◽  
B. Dale Sharpe ◽  
Christopher Reynolds ◽  
Terrence M. Philbin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Fracture Reduction ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Fracture Union ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Distal Fibula ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Percutaneous Reduction

Background Ankle fractures pose a unique challenge to the treating orthopedic surgeon. Intramedullary (IM) distal fibula fixation is a relatively newer entity offering a viable option to minimize wound complications while providing similar outcomes. Our study utilizes an IM nail featuring proximal fixation via IM talons ensuring maintenance of fracture reduction this is the largest case series utilizing this novel device assessing time to weight-bearing (WB) and fracture union in addition to the safety and reproducibility of percutaneous reduction. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted on 51 ankle fractures treated with a single IM device for lateral malleolar fixation. Postoperative radiographs were assessed, qualifying reductions as good, fair, or poor based on a reduction classification. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture characteristics, reduction method, fracture union, time to WB, and complications. Results Mean follow-up time was 32.2 weeks; 47 fracture reductions (92%) were classified as good, and 4 (8%) were fair. All but 1 fracture (98%) went onto union. Average time to union was 10.3 weeks. Average time to WB with and without a walking boot was 6.8 and 11.2 weeks, respectively. Two patients experienced painful hardware. One patient had a superficial wound infection; Conclusion When evaluating this novel IM device, fracture union and time to union were found to be acceptable, with minimal wound or other complications. Percutaneous reduction permitted good fracture reduction quality. Consistent time to WB for a variety of fractures was reliably demonstrated following operative fixation with this device, including those in the elderly population. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Clinical case series

scholarly journals Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0047
Author(s):  
Benjamin D. Umbel ◽  
B. Dale Sharpe ◽  
Terrence M. Philbin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Fracture Union ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Distal Fibula ◽  
Percutaneous Reduction ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Intramedullary Device ◽  
Additional Surgery

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: For unstable ankle fractures, surgeons typically employ the long-time standard of care; that is, open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws. For patients with increased risk of soft tissue complications, a relatively newer construct includes intramedullary distal fibula fixation offering a viable option providing similar union rates, fracture alignment, and theoretical lower infection rate. Our study examines an intramedullary system with a novel design featuring fixation by proximal talons ensuring maintenance of alignment, rotation, and prevention of fracture settling. Our research builds on recent published work evaluating this intramedullary device. However, our study is the largest case-series, to our knowledge to assess time to weightbearing, fracture union and union rate as well as the first to assess safety and reproducibility of percutaneous reduction. Methods: A retrospective case-series was conducted on all skeletally mature patients with unstable ankle fractures treated with the same intramedullary distal fibular fixation. Surgeries were performed by a single surgeon between September 2015 and August 2019. Patient post-operative imaging was carefully assessed for quality of reduction, classifying reductions as ‘good,’ ‘acceptable,’ or ‘poor,’ also assessing for union and fracture settling. Patient charts were also assessed for comorbidities, injury pattern, fracture classification, associated injuries, fracture reduction method, perioperative complications, tourniquet time, characteristics of fracture union, time to weight bearing, and need for additional surgery. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Mean follow-up time was 32.2 weeks. Four fractures were bimalleolar (7.8%), 44 were isolated distal fibula fractures (86.3%), and 3 were trimalleolar fractures (5.9%). Two percent were Weber A, 77% Weber B, and 11% Weber C. Thirty-five (69%) reductions were achieved closed or percutaneously without complications. Based on reduction classification system, 47 fracture reductions (92%) were classified as ‘good’ and 4 (8%) were ‘acceptable’. All but one fracture (98%) went on to union. Average time to union was 10.3 weeks. Average weightbearing in a walking boot was at 6.8 weeks and 11.2 weeks without immobilization. One patient (2%) had a superficial wound infection, and there were no deep infections. Diabetes, smoking, and neuropathy were not predictive of complications. Conclusion: Our study strengthens the growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy for a novel intramedullary device with unique proximal fixation. To our knowledge, this is currently the largest retrospective case-series in the literature evaluating this device. Fracture union and union rates were found to be acceptable for unstable ankle fracture patterns and infections rates were found to be very low, consistent with previous research. Percutaneous reduction of the lateral malleolus did not result in any injury to nearby anatomic structures or unsatisfactory fracture alignment. Lastly, consistent time to weight bearing following surgery could safely be achieved without consequence.

Plafond Malreduction and Talar Dome Impaction Accelerates Arthrosis After Supination-Adduction Ankle Fracture

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110060
Author(s):  
Michael F. Githens ◽  
Malcolm R. DeBaun ◽  
Kimberly A Jacobsen ◽  
Hunter Ross ◽  
Reza Firoozabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthritis ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Posttraumatic Arthrosis ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented. Results: A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series. Conclusion: Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Radiographic Correlation of Hallux MP Fusion Position and Plate Angle

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 873-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Thaddeus Leaseburg ◽  
James K. DeOrio ◽  
Shane A. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Proximal Phalanx ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Titanium Plate ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Lower Correlation ◽  
Proper Weight

Background: This study assessed the variability of plate bend in regard to final metatarsophalangeal (MP) fusion angles and toe-to-floor distance. We hypothesized that the final MP angle, the angle of the proximal phalanx to the floor, and the weightbearing toe-to-floor distance would be dictated solely by the magnitude of the bend in the plate. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 35 sequential patients who underwent MP fusion with a low-contour titanium plate. Postoperative weightbearing radiographs were analyzed for plate angle, MP fusion angle, the angle of the proximal phalanx to the floor, and the weightbearing toe-to-floor distance. Results: We found statistical correlation between plate angle and MP angle and between plate angle and the angle of the proximal phalanx to the floor. However, there was low correlation between plate angle and with toe-to-floor distance. In addition, we noted many outliers, which resulted in higher or lower correlation of the MP angle to the expected plate angle and, thus, a relationship between angles that was far from linear. Conclusion: Care needs to be taken when relying solely on the bend in the plate to determine the final position of the toe in MP fusions. Although the association between plate bend and MP angle and proximal phalanx to floor angle was strong, the association between the bend in the plate and weight bearing toe-to-floor distance was variable. This could result in the toe hitting the shoe or the need to vault over the toe. Therefore, the surgeon must match the plate to each patient's anatomy to ensure proper weight bearing toe-to-floor distance and not rely on plate angle exclusively. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series

scholarly journals Do weight bearing radiographs estimate the stability of an isolated distal fibula fracture?

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0052
Author(s):  
Sohail Yousaf ◽  
Daniel Hay
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Distal Fibula ◽  
Fibula Fracture ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Supination External Rotation

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Differentiating stable isolated fibula fractures consistent with supination external rotation (SER) II ankle fractures from unstable SER IV fractures is essential in determining the need for surgical stabilisation. Stress radiographs are usually required to assess stability including gravity stress views (GSV) and external rotation views (ER). There is no clear consensus as to which modality is most useful to determine stability in a fracture clinic or emergency setting. In last, few years clinical uncertainty about the reliability has led researcher to focus on weight bearing radiographs (WB) .We aim to review recent literature regarding reliability of WB radiographs to estimate the stability of supination external rotation ankle fractures. Methods: A systematic review of the literature relating to radiological assessment of stability of supination external rotation ankle fractures was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO. It involved the following steps: Researching the question-Do weight bearing radiographs estimate the stability of an isolated distal fibula fracture? Setting inclusion and exclusion criteria-All English language articles published in the including any Randomised controlled trials (RCT’s) and cohort studies. Data collection)– A literature search of Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Bone, Joint, and Muscle Trauma Group trial register, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Embase and CINAHL was undertaken. The grey literature was searched. Key terms ‘supination external rotation fracture’, ‘stability’. Other variations to the key words were ‘weight bearing’, “axial load”, ‘stress x-rays’, ‘systematic reviews’ and ‘meta-analysis’. Results: A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria including 601 patients. No previous systematic review on stress radiographs including weight bearing was published. All studies concluded weight bearing radiographs is an easy, pain-free, safe and reliable method to estimate stability of isolated distal fibula fractures. No serious concerns or complications were reported. Conclusion: The evidence base contained many methodological limitations and most of the evidence was either level III or IV, and so any conclusion drawn from the research must be done so with caution. The studies suggest that GSV overestimates the instability which should be assessed with studies should focus on randomized controlled trials with narrow range of clinically useful outcome measures.

A Retrospective Radiographic Evaluation of a Modified Method of Lateral Column Lengthening

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002091918
Author(s):  
Keith Wapner ◽  
Erik Freeland ◽  
Gregory Kirwan ◽  
Keith Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Radiographic Evaluation ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Lateral Column ◽  
Modified Method ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Lateral Column Lengthening

Background: Lateral column lengthening (LCL) is a commonly performed procedure for patients with stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) to correct forefoot abduction. This procedure is frequently completed concomitantly with both soft-tissue and bony procedures, including a medial slide calcaneal osteotomy to further reduce hindfoot valgus. The purpose of this study is to investigate and identify the radiographic outcomes of a modified step-cut LCL utilized as an alternative approach for correction of stage II AAFD. Methods: A retrospective radiographic review was performed on 15 feet in 14 patients who underwent correction of stage II AAFD using a step-cut LCL between August 2009 and January 2012. Two independent examiners utilizing 6 radiographic parameters evaluated preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs of the foot. Results: At a mean follow-up of 13.4 (range 12-16) weeks, weight-bearing radiographs demonstrated a significant median decrease in the lateral talometatarsal angle of 14.4° (P < .001), lateral talocalcaneal angle of 7° (P < .001), anteroposterior talometatarsal angle of 14.5° (P < .001), anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of 5.5° (P < .001), and talonavicular coverage angle of 26.5° (P < .001). Additionally, a significant median increase in calcaneal pitch of 8.5° (P < .001) was noted. Conclusion: This study demonstrates statistically significant improvement of radiographic outcomes with use of a modified step-cut LCL as an alternative approach for correction of stage II AAFD. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series

Syndesmotic Fixation Utilizing a Novel Screw: A Retrospective Case Series Reporting Early Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Stenquist ◽  
Brian T. Velasco ◽  
Patrick K. Cronin ◽  
Jorge Briceño ◽  
Christopher P. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Break Point ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Screw Breakage ◽  
Tissue Stabilization

Background. Syndesmotic disruption occurs in 20% of ankle fractures and requires anatomical reduction and stabilization to maximize outcomes. Although screw breakage is often asymptomatic, the breakage location can be unpredictable and result in painful bony erosion. The purpose of this investigation is to report early clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent syndesmotic fixation using a novel metal screw designed with a controlled break point. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent syndesmotic fixation utilizing the R3lease Tissue Stabilization System (Paragon 28, Denver, CO) over a 12-month period. Demographic and screw-specific data were obtained. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed, and radiographic parameters were measured. Screw loosening or breakage was documented. Results. 18 patients (24 screws) met inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 11.7 months (range = 6.0-14.7 months). 5/24 screws (21%) fractured at the break point. No screw fractured at another location, nor did any fracture prior to resumption of weight bearing; 19 screws did not fracture, with 8/19 intact screws (42.1%) demonstrating loosening. There was no evidence of syndesmotic diastasis or mortise malalignment on final follow-up. No screws required removal during the study period. Conclusion. This study provides the first clinical data on a novel screw introduced specifically for syndesmotic fixation. At short-term follow up, there were no complications and the R3lease screw provided adequate fixation to allow healing and prevent diastasis. Although initial results are favorable, longer-term follow-up with data on cost comparisons and rates of hardware removal are needed to determine cost-effectiveness relative to similar implants. Level of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series

scholarly journals Radiographic Outcomes of Intramedullary Fixation of the Distal Fibula in Unstable Ankle Fractures

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0019
Author(s):  
Connor Delman ◽  
Augustine Saiz ◽  
Max Haffner ◽  
Aman Arora ◽  
Satninderdeep Bhatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Strategy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intramedullary Fixation ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Distal Fibula ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
Fracture Displacement ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Clear Space ◽  
Radiographic Parameters

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Intramedullary fixation of the distal fibula in unstable ankle fractures provides an alternative treatment strategy to traditional techniques and may reduce the complication profile. While often reserved for soft-tissue protection or elderly patients, the indications for this technique continue to expand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic outcomes of ankle fractures treated with intramedullary fixation of the distal fibula with screw or flexible fixation of the syndesmosis. Methods: A retrospective case-series was performed of patients >18 years old with unstable ankle fractures treated at a single institution. Patients were treated with intramedullary fixation of the distal fibula and screw or suture-button fixation of the syndesmosis if indicated. Radiographic parameters measured included the medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, tibiofibular clear space, talocrural angle, and fracture displacement. Fracture pattern, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were also assessed. Results: Fourteen patients (6 males, 8 females) with torsional ankle fractures (71% SER-IV patterns) were included in the study with a mean follow-up period of 5 months. Five patients had suture-button fixation and one patient had trans-syndesmotic screw fixation of the syndesmosis. All patients had improvement in radiographic parameters following surgical stabilization. Medial clear space decreased from a mean of 5.6 +- 3.1mm to 2.8 +- 0.79mm (p<0.0001). Tibiofibular overlap increased from 0.4 +- 2.7mm to 3.0 +- 1.5mm (p<0.05). Fracture displacement of the fibula decreased from 3.5 +- 1.8mm to 0.61 +- 1mm (p<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative tibiofibular clear space and talocrural angle measurements. There were no lateral wound complications, revision surgeries, or hardware complications. Conclusion: This case-series demonstrates the successful use of intramedullary fixation of distal fibula fractures in unstable ankle injuries with good radiographic and clinical outcomes. The use of an intramedullary device does not preclude trans-syndesmotic screw or suture-button fixation of concomitant syndesmotic injuries. Orthopedic surgeons can consider this treatment strategy as an alternative to traditional techniques.

scholarly journals Addition of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Resulted in High Rate of Healing and Good Functional Outcomes in the Treatment of Clavicle Fracture Nonunion: A Retrospective Case Series

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 4749
Author(s):  
Dvir Benshabat ◽  
Shai Factor ◽  
Eran Maman ◽  
Amal Khoury ◽  
Raphael Krespi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Iliac Crest ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspirate ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Clavicle Fracture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fracture Union ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Fracture Nonunion ◽  
The Mean

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is an autologous cell composition that is obtained through a needle aspiration from the iliac crest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation with BMAC supplementation for clavicle fracture nonunion. This was a retrospective case series of 21 consecutive patients with clavicle fracture nonunion that were treated with ORIF and BMAC supplementation between 2013 and 2020. Patients were evaluated for fracture union, time to union, complications related to surgical and donor site, and functional outcome using the Quick Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (QDASH), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and pain. The mean age was 41.8 years. The mean follow-up was 36 months. Twenty (95.2%) patients demonstrated fracture union, with a mean time to union of 4.5 months. Good functional scores were achieved: SSV, 74.3; QDASH, 23.3; pain level, 3.1. There were no complications or pain related to the iliac crest donor site. Supplementary BMAC to ORIF in the treatment of clavicle fracture nonunion is a safe method, resulting in high rates of fracture union and good functional outcomes with minimal complications and pain.

scholarly journals Osteopathic interventions via telehealth in a pediatric population: a retrospective case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna L. Kramer ◽  
Kathleen De Asis
Keyword(s):  
Pain Score ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
P Value ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Chief Complaints

Abstract Context Healthcare delivery was dramatically affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many outpatient visits were cancelled or forgone for fear of exposure to the virus, allowing telemedicine to take on a much larger role in healthcare. The delivery of manual therapies, such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), via telehealth posed a unique challenge as these are typically provided in-person by a trained osteopathic physician. This study provides a description of one osteopathic pediatrician’s experience in delivering osteopathic interventions to pediatric patients via telehealth. To our knowledge, these techniques have not previously been described in the literature. Objectives To detail the experience of one osteopathic pediatrician’s experience in delivering osteopathic interventions via telehealth. Methods Patients were offered the option of converting their existing OMT appointment to a telehealth visit. Prior to the appointment, instructions were emailed to the patient’s parent or guardian along with a voluntary survey to provide feedback. Thirty-minute telehealth visits were conducted during which the provider gave verbal and visual instructions to a parent or guardian over a video platform to guide them in providing treatment to the patient based on osteopathic principles. Patients aged 3 and older rated their pain before and after the appointment using the Wong-Baker FACES scale. Deidentified patient demographics, chief complaints, treatments, anatomic locations, and pain scores were recorded in a REDcap database. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and paired samples t-tests were used with a p-value of <0.05 used to determine significance. Results Eighteen patients ranging from 6 months to 19 years of age were treated utilizing osteopathic interventions via telehealth during 54 distinct visits. The most common chief complaints treated were back (n=31; 26.3%) and neck (n=28; 23.7%) pain. The most common osteopathic techniques upon which instruction was based were inhibition (n=131; 29.7%) soft tissue (n=127; 28.8%) and counterstrain (n=78; 17.7%). The average post-treatment pain score (2.57) was significantly lower than the average pre-treatment pain score (6.77) p<0.01. No serious complications were observed. Conclusions In our small retrospective case series, osteopathic interventions via telehealth resulted in decreased average pain scores following treatment while minimizing risk of viral exposure and transmission. Further study is needed to determine if such treatment methods could be effective on a larger scale when distance or illness preclude an in-person OMT visit.

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