Fixation of Multiple-Segmented Costosternal Cartilage Fracture in Flail Chest Injury: A Case Report

Early internal fixation of rib fractures in the setting of flail chest has proven benefits over traditional conservative treatment. This can decrease pneumonia, time on mechanical ventilation, length of stay in intensive care units, need for tracheostomy and increase in the pulmonary function test. However, there are few reports regarding on how to restore the costochondral junction, or costal cartilage in cases of anterior or anterolateral flail chest involving cartilage matrix of the ribs or costochondral joint. This case report describes a surgical technique to restore the costochondral junction with plate osteosynthesis and the results.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis technique combined with locking compression plates guided by C-Arm X-Ray machine in treatment of tibial metaphyseal fractures: Curative effect and postoperative complications

Objectives: To explore the curative effect of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technology combined with locking compression plates (LCP) guided by C-arm X-ray machine in the treatment of tibial metaphyseal fracture and its impact on the surgical indexes and postoperative complications. Methods: The present study was a retrospective analysis focusing on the clinical data of 104 cases of tibial metaphyseal fracture who were treated surgically in our hospital from February 2019 to February 2021. According to different surgical methods, patients who were treated by using MIPPO technology combined with LCP guided by C-arm X-ray machine were divided into the observation group (n=54), while those who underwent traditional open reduction and internal fixation were classified into the control group (n=50). Further comparison was made on the differences of the curative effect, surgical index (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and healing time) and postoperative complications between the two groups. In addition, the differences in ankle function, knee function and quality of life [Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36)] were evaluated between the two groups before treatment and 6 months after treatment. Results: The clinical curative effect and total efficacy of the observation group were better than those of the control group (All p<0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and healing time were lower in the observation group when compared to those of the control group (All p<0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications was also lower in the observation group than that in the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the scores of ankle function, knee function and MOS SF-36 in both groups were higher after 6 months of treatment than those before treatment; besides, the inter-group comparison showed that the scores of ankle function, knee function and MOS SF-36 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (All p<0.05). Conclusion: MIPPO technology combined with LCP guided by C-arm X-ray machine has a significant curative effect on the treatment of tibial metaphyseal fracture. It can significantly improve the surgical index, reduce postoperative complications, and have an obvious effect on postoperative recovery of ankle function, knee joint function and quality of life. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.4757 How to cite this:Zhang X, Liu B, Wang Q, Shang H. Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis technique combined with locking compression plates guided by C-Arm X-Ray machine in treatment of tibial metaphyseal fractures: Curative effect and postoperative complications. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.4757 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Age-Independent Clinical Outcome in Proximal Humeral Fractures: 2-Year Results Using the Example of a Precontoured Locking Plate

Introduction: The optimal treatment strategy for the proximal humeral fracture (PHF) remains controversial. The debate is centered around the correct treatment strategy in the elderly patient population. The present study investigated whether age predicts the functional outcome of locking plate osteosynthesis for this fracture entity. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with surgically treated displaced PHF between 01/2017 and 01/2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated by locking plate osteosynthesis. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group 1 (≥65 years) and Group 2 (<65 years). At the follow-up examination, the SSV, CMS, ASES, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OS), as well as a radiological follow-up, was obtained. The quality of fracture reduction is evaluated according to Schnetzke et al. Results: Of the 95 patients, 79 were followed up (83.1%). Group 1 consists of 42 patients (age range: 65–89 years, FU: 25 months) and Group 2 of 37 patients (28–64 years, FU: 24 months). The clinical results showed no significant differences between both groups: SSV 73.4 ± 23.4% (Group 1) vs. 80.5 ± 189% (Group 2). CMS: 79.4 ± 21 vs. 81.9 ± 16, ASES: 77.2 ± 20.4 vs. 77.5 ± 23.1, OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2; OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2. In the radiological follow-up, fractures healed in all cases. Furthermore, the quality of fracture reduction in both groups is comparable without significant differences. The revision rate was 9.5% in Group 1 vs. 16.2% in Group 2. Discussion: Both age groups show comparable functional outcomes and complication rates. Thus, the locking plate osteosynthesis can be used irrespective of patient age; the treatment decision should instead be based on fracture morphology and individual patient factors.

Breakage of intramedullary femoral nailing or femoral plating: how to prevent implant failure

Introduction Intramedullary (IM) fixation is the dominant treatment for pertrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures. In comparison to plate osteosynthesis (PO), IM fixation offers greater biomechanical stability and reduced non-union rates. Due to the minimally invasive nature, IM fixations are less prone to approach-associated complications, such as soft-tissue damage, bleeding or postoperative infection, but they are more prone to fat embolism. A rare but serious complication, however, is implant failure. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify possible risk factors for intramedullary fixation (IMF) and plate osteosynthesis (PO) failure. Materials and methods We searched our trauma surgery database for implant failure, intramedullary and plate osteosynthesis, after proximal—pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric—or femoral shaft fractures between 2011 and 2019. Implant failures in both the IMF and PO groups were included. Demographic data, fracture type, quality of reduction, duration between initial implantation and nail or plate failure, the use of cerclages, intraoperative microbiological samples, sonication, and, if available, histology were collected. Results A total of 24 femoral implant failures were identified: 11 IMFs and 13 POs. The average age of patients in the IM group was 68.2 ± 13.5 years and in the PO group was 65.6 ± 15.0 years, with men being affected in 63.6% and 39.5% of cases, respectively. A proximal femoral nail (PFN) anti-rotation was used in 7 patients, a PFN in one and a gamma nail in two patients. A total of 6 patients required cerclage wires for additional stability. A combined plate and intramedullary fixation was chosen in one patient. Initially, all intramedullary nails were statically locked. Failures were observed 34.1 weeks after the initial surgery on average. Risk factors for implant failure included the application of cerclage wires at the level of the fracture (n = 5, 21%), infection (n = 2, 8%), and the use of an additional sliding screw alongside the femoral neck screw (n = 3, 13%). In all patients, non-union was diagnosed radiographically and clinically after 6 months (n = 24, 100%). In the event of PO failure, the placement of screws within all screw holes, and interprosthetic fixation were recognised as the major causes of failure. Conclusion Intramedullary or plate osteosynthesis remain safe and reliable procedures in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures (pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures). Nevertheless, the surgeon needs to be aware of several implant-related limitations causing implant breakage. These may include the application of tension band wiring which can lead to a too rigid fixation, or placement of cerclage wires at the fracture site.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the humeral shaft with regard to adjacent anatomical characteristics

The study goal was to evaluate the distances from the radial (RN), the musculocutaneous (MN) and axillary nerves (AN) and the medial neurovascular bundle of the upper arm to a minimally invasive applied plate and to define its relation to the RN during different degrees of malrotation during MIPO. The sample involved ten upper extremities. Application of a PHILOS plate was performed through a Delta-split. Intervals between the AN, MN, RN and the medial vascular bundle were defined at various positions. The humeral shaft was artificially fractured at a height of about the mean of the plate. The distal fragment was brought into 15° and 30° internal (IR) as well as external rotation (ER) and here, the plate’s relation to the RN was evaluated. The medial neurovascular bundle intersected the plate at its distal part in two specimens. Regarding the distances from the RN to the plate during different rotation positions the distances became significantly longer during ER, respectively shorter during IR. The medial neurovascular bundle and the RN were identified as the main structures at risk. Care must be taken during distal screw placement and malrotation exceeding 15° must be avoided during MIPO.

Proximal humeral fractures in Finland

Aims Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are common. There is increasing evidence that most of these fractures should be treated conservatively. However, recent studies have shown an increase in use of operative treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the trends in the incidence and methods of treatment of PHFs in Finland. Methods The study included all Finnish inhabitants aged ≥ 16 years between 1997 and 2019. All records, including diagnostic codes for PHFs and all surgical procedure codes for these fractures, were identified from two national registers. Data exclusion criteria were implemented in order to identify only acute PHFs, and the operations performed to treat them. Results During the 23-year study period, 79,676 PHFs were identified, and 14,941 operations were performed to treat them. The incidence of PHFs steadily increased. In 2019, the overall incidence was 105 per 100,000 person-years (105). The sex-adjusted incidence for females was 147.1 per 105, and the age-adjusted incidence for patients aged ≥ 80 years was 407.1 per 105. The incidence of operative treatment for PHFs rose during the first half of the study period and decreased during the second half. The use of plate osteosynthesis in particular decreased. In 2019, the incidence of operative treatment for PHFs was 13.2 per 105, with 604 operations. Conclusion Although the incidence of PHFs is steadily increasing, particularly in elderly females, the incidence of operative treatment is now decreasing, which is in line with current literature regarding their treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):150–156.

EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL TIBIAL FRACTURES STABILIZED WITH DISTAL TIBIAL LOCKING PLATE

Background: The present study is an attempt to evaluate the results of locking compression plate for distal tibia in lower tibial fractures using open reduction internal fixation and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique. Methods: The patients attending the OPD/Emergency OPD in post graduate institute of medical education and research, chandigarh during September 2018 to August 2019 with distal tibial fractures. The patients treated with locking compression plates using MIPO or ORIF are reviewed for inclusion and exclusion criteria’s. Patients fitting into inclusion criteria has formed the study group. Results: Out of 52 patients, 48.4% patients undergo open reduction internal fixation had excellent results and 28.6% patients undergo MIPPO technique had excellent results. p value is 0.352 which is not significant. Overall 40.4% patients had excellent results. Conclusion: We observed excellent/ good functional outcome in 65.3% of patients. Keywords: Functional outcome, MIPPO, Tibia

Comment to the Article by O.A. Kaplunov et al. “Hypotrophic Clavicle Pseudoarthrosis Treatment: A Case Report”

In the comment on the article Treatment of Hypotrophic Nonunion of the Clavicle: A Clinical Case, the reasons for the failure of primary and refixation of the clavicle closed fracture are analyzed in detail. A 70-year-old patient got a fracture of the middle third of the left clavicle diaphysis as a result of a fall. He underwent four surgical treatment options: plate osteosynthesis; plate osteosynthesis + bone autoplasty; plate osteosynthesis + vascularized fibular flap reconstruction; external osteosynthesis. A month after the fourth attempt of surgical treatment, fusion, improvement of the function of the right upper limb and the quality of life of the patient were achieved. Technological inaccuracy, namely, the lack of the fragments fixation stability due to the incorrectly chosen length of the plate, as well as an incomplete assessment of the anamnesis and the identified cognitive behavioral features of the patient, are considered as possible reasons for the treatment failure. The author of the comment highlights modern approaches to the treatment of clavicle fractures, and also briefly dwells on the theory of fracture fixation in general. He pays special attention to biological and mechanical factors affecting fractures healing. The author considers the compliance with the basic principles of osteosynthesis to be the main factor in achieving good results in fracture treatment.

A minimally invasive cerclage of the tibia in a modified Goetze technique: operative technique and first clinical results

Introduction In spiral fractures of the tibia, the stability of an osteosynthesis may be significantly increased by additive cerclages and, according to biomechanical studies, be brought into a state that allows immediate full weight bearing. As early as 1933, Goetze described a minimally invasive technique for classic steel cerclages. This technique was modified, so that it can be used for modern cable cerclages in a soft part saving way. Method After closed reduction, an 8 Fr redon drain is first inserted in a minimally invasive manner, strictly along the bone and placed around the tibia via 1 cm incisions on the anterolateral and dorsomedial tibial edges using a curette and a tissue protection sleeve. Via this drain, a 1.7 mm cable cerclage can be inserted. The fracture is then anatomically reduced while simultaneously tightening the cerclage. Subsequently, a nail or a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is executed using the standard technique. Using the hospital documentation system, data of patients that were treated with additional cerclages for tibial fractures between 01/01/2014 and 06/30/2020 were subjected to a retrospective analysis for postoperative complications (wound-healing problems, infections and neurovascular injury). Inclusion criteria were: operatively treated tibial fractures, at least one minimally invasive additive cerclage, and age of 18 years or older. Exclusion criteria were: periprosthetic or pathological fractures and the primary need of reconstructive plastic surgery. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results 96 tibial shaft spiral fractures were treated with a total of 113 additive cerclages. The foregoing resulted in 10 (10.4%) postoperative wound infections, 7 of which did not involve the cerclage. One lesion of the profundal peroneal nerve was detected, which largely declined after cerclage removal. In 3 cases, local irritation from the cerclage occurred and required removal of material. Conclusion In the described technique, cerclages may be inserted additively at the tibia in a minimally invasive manner and with a few complications, thus significantly increasing the stability of an osteosynthesis. How this ultimately affects fracture healing is the subject of an ongoing study.