“Management of Femur Shaft Fracture with Nancy Nail in the Setting of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa”: A case report

BackgroundThe management of bone fractures must achieve both the reduction and stability providence. However, dermatological conditions such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) for instance can lead to catastrophic events when operating on the patient’s bone fracture. This can lead to wound infections and possible failure of bone healing leading to fracture nonunion. This dermatological disorder leads to heterogenous bullous dermatoses including cutaneous fragility leading to cutaneous bullous formation after exposure to any type of trauma. DEB is a rare inherited form of the disease characterized by the formation of cutaneous bullae. DEB is associated with a genetic mutation of COL7A1 gene that encodes collagen type VII. Due to the rarity and uniqueness of the disease, special modifications due to the challenges faced during the patient care approach were accomplished to prevent any possible harm to the patient. In this study, we propose a case report that is followed by the anesthetic and surgical challenges faced and how they were modified upon.Case PresentationA 20-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a spiral mid-diaphyseal fracture of the femur after an incidence of falling from bed. The patient was previously diagnosed with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa which made this case unique and complex. As the patient was examined by the team, her skin was covered with old blisters and wounds that have developed with the consequence of the disease. Due to the sophisticated dermatological condition and the unique presentation, the established multidisciplinary team took a decision to treat the patient with flexible intramedullary nailing in an open versus closed reduction technique, and modifications of the treatment approach were done based on the challenges in this case. The goal was to provide the management while minimizing the risk of infections and complications that would have arisen. The proposed case will set a baseline for the management of similar cases.ConclusionsWe suggest that in order to manage femur shaft fracture in the setting of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, modifying the management to avoid the least possible skin harm at any expense while managing the bone fracture is the golden approach.

Novel technique of removal of broken intra-medullary nail from femur with secondary DCS plating

<p class="abstract">Femoral shaft fractures are one of the commonest fractures of the lower limb which are frequently operated with intramedullary nailing which enables immediate post-operative mobilization of the patient. There could be various causes of nail breakage – some of the notable being weight bearing over the non-union of the femur shaft, or a re-trauma over the operated limb causing both the implant and the nail to be broken. There are various methods of removal of the broken implant the commonest being the use of T-reamer technique. However not always can this be used due to varied intra-operative obstacles in different cases as described in this case below. We have a 35 year old male patient who was brought to us 2 hours after an alleged history of slip and fall following which he had sustained right sided subtrochanteric femur fracture with a broken implant – intramedullary interlock nail. The patient is a previously operated case of right sided femur shaft fracture with interlocking nailing done 15 years back. The patient was operated with – broken implant removal on the right side along with a secondary DCS plating with bone grafting for the subtrochanteric femur fracture. Intra operative period was met with a certain number of challenges and difficulties in view of a 15 year old implant for removal which was successfully with removed with DCS plating done. As is obvious with the above case, it would be quite imperative to say that older the implant, more difficult it becomes for its removal. </p>

Leg-length discrepancy and associated risk factors after paediatric femur shaft fracture: a multicentre study

Purpose This study was performed to investigate leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and associated risk factors after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Methods A total of 72 consecutive patients under 13 years old (mean age 6.7 years; 48 boys, 24 girls) with unilateral femur shaft fracture, and a minimum follow-up of 18 months, were included. The amount of LLD was calculated by subtracting the length of the uninjured from that of the injured limb. Risk factors for an LLD ≥ 1 cm and ≥ 2 cm were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Hip spica casting, titanium elastic nailing and plating were performed on 22, 40 and ten patients, respectively. The mean LLD was 7.8 mm (sd 8.8) and 29 (40.3%) had a LLD of ≥ 1 cm, while nine (12.5%) had a LLD of ≥ 2 cm. There were significant differences in fracture stability (p = 0.005) and treatment methods (p = 0.011) between patients with LLD < 1 cm and ≥ 1 cm. There were significant differences in fracture site shortening (p < 0.001) and LLD (p < 0.001) between patients with length-stable and length-unstable fractures. Fracture stability was the only factor associated with LLD ≥ 1 cm (odds ratio of 4.0; p = 0.020) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion This study demonstrated that fracture stability was significantly associated with LLD after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Therefore, the surgeon should consider the possibility of LLD after length-stable femur shaft fracture in children. Level of Evidence Prognostic level III

A five year learning experience with sequence of events in a child with closed femur shaft fracture

<p class="abstract">Femur shaft fractures are the most common fractures requiring hospitalization in children. Management of these fractures mainly depend on the age of the child. Associated injuries, fracture pattern, weight of the child and overlying soft tissue condition also influence the management. Still, the definitive treatment remains controversial in children between 5-16 years. We present our experience in management of 5 year old boy with mid shaft femur fracture and its complications. In his paper we want to highlight the importance of sticking to the basic principles and the recommendations in the management of the paediatric femur shaft fractures.</p>

Butterfly Fragment in the Femoral Shaft Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nail: Do We Need to Reduce It or Not?

Background: Limited data is available regarding the effect of gap size, fragment size and position of fragment on union in fragmented femur shaft fracture. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of these parameters on union and determine cut-off values that necessitate reduction of fragment. Methods: Total of 59 patients with fragmented femur shaft fracture were reviewed and the effect of fragment size, gap size and fragment position on union were evaluated on 3rd, 6th and 12th month graphies from medical record of patients. Union rate was determined due to Radiographic Union Score of Femur. Patients were divided into small gap ( 10 mm) or large gap (10 mm), reverse fragment or non-reverse fragment and small fragment (50 mm) or large fragment (50mm) groups. Kruskal–Wallis Variance Analysis and Mann Whitney U test was used for comparisons among groups. The post-hoc Mann Whitney U-Test with Bonferroni Correction was used when the Kruskal Wallis Variance Analysis determined a significant difference.Results: In comparison of union scores of groups in regarding gap size and fragment size, there was not significant difference between groups at 3rd, 6th and 12th months. Union scores in the 3rd month (p=0,011) and 6th month (p=0,039) were lower in the reverse group than non-reverse group. But there was not statistically significant difference between two groups at 12th month (p=0.819). There was no significant difference in union rates in respect to intramedullary nail types. There was an indirect correlation between age and mean union score at 12th month. Conclusions: we could not determine any cutoff value regarding gap width and fragment size in the treatment of the femoral shaft fractures by IMN. Although there was a tendency to decrease in union scores due to the increase in the gap size, any significant difference was not determined. Only the reverse position of fragment had an adverse effect on the union until 6th months but the union score of reverse group reached the result of the non-reverse group by 12th months.