Retrograde tibial nailing of far distal tibia fractures: a biomechanical evaluation of double- versus triple-distal interlocking

Objectives Retrograde tibial nailing using the Distal Tibia Nail (DTN) is a novel surgical option in the treatment of distal tibial fracture. Its unique retrograde insertion increases the range of surgical options in far distal fractures of the tibia beyond the use of plating. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the DTN for far distal tibia fractures where only double rather than triple-distal locking is possible due to fracture localisation and morphology. Methods Six Sawbones® were instrumented with a DTN and an AO/OTA 43-A3 fracture simulated. Samples were tested in two configurations: first with distal triple locking, second with double locking by removing one distal screw. Samples were subjected to compressive (350 N, 600 N) and torsional (± 8 Nm) loads. Stiffness construct and interfragmentary movement were quantified and compared between double and triple-locking configurations. Results The removal of one distal screw resulted in a 60–70% preservation of compressive stiffness, and 90% preservation of torsional stiffness for double locking compared to triple locking. Interfragmentary movement remained minimal for both compressive and torsional loading. Conclusions The DTN with a distal double locking can, therefore, be considered for far distal tibia fractures where nailing would be preferred over plating.

A Novel Distal Interlocking Screw Guidance System Using a Laser Pointer and a Mechanical Fine-Adjustment Device

In minimally invasive bone fracture reduction surgery, broken femur bones are firmly fixed to a metallic intramedullary nail (IMN) after they are properly aligned. One of the greatest challenges of this process is that surgeons cannot directly see holes on the IMN, which increases the difficulty of the procedure and results in the requirement of taking a large number of X-ray images to find the location and direction of holes. We propose a novel distal interlocking screw guidance system that consists of a parallel guidance system using a laser pointer (PGSLP) and a mechanical fine-adjustment device (FAD). The PGSLP is used to make the planes of the C-arm and FAD parallel. The FAD is used to concentrically align the IMN hole with the guiding hole. The performance of the proposed device was evaluated by a series of experiments. The tilted angle error between the C-arm and FAD was measured to be 1.24 ± 0.715°. The translational error between the IMN hole and guiding hole was measured to be 0.378 ± 0.120 mm. Since the proposed guiding system is simple, cost-effective, and accurate, we expect it will soon be used in real operations.

“Jahwari’s Position” – A Novel Operating Room Setup for Antegrade Humeral Nailing: Surgical Technique and Initial Experience

Introduction:Ante Grade Humeral Nailing (AGHN) with traditional positioning causes crowding at the patient's head end, cramming for the surgeon and anaesthetist, scarcity of space available for the scrub nurse and X-ray technician, and neurovascular risks while performing distal interlocking. Minimal literature is available regarding the optimal position and set up in the operating theatre (OT). The primary objective was to describe, how effective novel Jahwari’s position is by assessing the ergonomics for OT personnel, OT time, and radiation exposure. A secondary objective was to evaluate the safety of inserting distal interlocking screws. Case Report:The head of the patient is placed away from the anaesthetist and their equipment, which were placed at the foot end of the patient. The patients were connected to the anaesthesia machine with a long airway extension, which was anchored to the table. The C arm machine was brought from the contralateral side and did not have to be moved. The scrub nurse and the surgeon were placed at the head end of the patient. Pregnant patients, those aged <18 years, and those with open fractures were excluded from our study. A single consultant operated on all cases for standardization. OT time and radiation exposure were monitored. Conclusion:Inspired by our use of this position for cervical spine patients for more than a decade, Jahwari’s position and setup were innovated. This setup gives ample room for the anaesthetist at the foot end. The surgeon and assistants are free from cramming at the head end. Complementarily, it provides ample space for the X-ray technician and scrubs nurse. Keywords:Jahwari position, antegrade humeral nailing, modified lateral position.

Transtibial Amputation with Removal of the Tibial Intramedullary Nail: Hardware Removal in a Retrograde Manner

Transtibial amputation is the preferred strategy for treating a diabetic foot with an infection and necrosis. However, if a tibial intramedullary nail was previously inserted into the ipsilateral lower extremity, the nail must be removed to perform the transtibial amputation. In this special situation, the removal of the tibial intramedullary nail can cause various complications after transtibial amputation. We present a case and surgical technique report of a 46-year-old male with an uncontrolled diabetic foot with tibial intramedullary nail insertion. With the nail and ankle fixed by distal interlocking screws, a below-knee amputation was performed by removing the nail and the amputated limb together. This surgical method is expected to reduce postoperative complications such as infections and patella instability after the amputation of a diabetic foot.

Visualization of Fluoroscopic Imaging in Orthopedic Surgery: Head-Mounted Display vs Conventional Monitor

Purpose. See-through head-mounted displays (HMDs) can be used to view fluoroscopic imaging during orthopedic surgical procedures. The goals of this study were to determine whether HMDs reduce procedure time, number of fluoroscopic images required, or number of head turns by the surgeon compared with standard monitors. Methods. Sixteen orthopedic surgery residents each performed fluoroscopy-guided drilling of 8 holes for placement of tibial nail distal interlocking screws in an anatomical model, with 4 holes drilled while using HMD and 4 holes drilled while using a standard monitor. Procedure time, number of fluoroscopic images needed, and number of head turns by the resident during the procedure were compared between the 2 modalities. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results. Mean (SD) procedure time did not differ significantly between attempts using the standard monitor (55 [37] seconds) vs the HMD (56 [31] seconds) ( P = .73). Neither did mean number of fluoroscopic images differ significantly between attempts using the standard monitor vs the HMD (9 [5] images for each) ( P = .84). Residents turned their heads significantly more times when using the standard monitor (9 [5] times) vs the HMD (1 [2] times) ( P < .001). Conclusions. Head-mounted displays lessened the need for residents to turn their heads away from the surgical field while drilling holes for tibial nail distal interlocking screws in an anatomical model; however, there was no difference in terms of procedure time or number of fluoroscopic images needed using the HMD compared with the standard monitor.

A Simple Technique for Removal of Interlocking Screw from an Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report

Introduction: Difficulties encountered during removal of implants present a common technical challenge in orthopedic surgery, for which a number of factors have been implicated. A variety of techniques and instruments have been used to overcome this. However, some of these may prove to be time consuming, expensive, and inaccessible to many surgical setups. We describe a technique used for the removal of a jammed interlocking screw from an intramedullary nail that allows for minimal damage to the hardware, bone, and surrounding soft tissue, with the added advantage of being relatively quick and technically uncomplicated with the use of simple instruments. Case Report: We describe the case of an 81-year-old female with a history of surgical fixation for a left femur intertrochanteric fracture, who presented with groin pain 13 months post-fixation. Radiographs were suggestive of avascular necrosis of the femoral head with resultant cut-in of the blade, and the patient was eventually taken up for the removal of implants and total hip replacement. Intraoperatively, difficulties were encountered in the removal of the distal interlocking screw, with failure of conventional techniques initially. A high-speed burr was then employed to shape the screw head so as to achieve better grip with extraction devices, which facilitated smooth removal. Conclusion: We describe a simple method for difficult screw removal involving the use of a high-speed burr and vise grip pliers. This technique provides a quick and inexpensive option with commonly available surgical tools and may be considered when encountering difficulties with screw extraction. Keywords: Trauma, revision surgery, interlocking screw, screw removal.

Distal interlocking for short trochanteric nails: static, dynamic or no locking? Review of the literature and decision algorithm

Pertrochanteric hip fractures are among the most common and the use of short cephalomedullary nails as the treatment of choice is increasing. A systematic review regarding distal locking options for short cephalomedullary nails was undertaken using Medline/PubMed®, Embase® and Cochrane Library® in order to evaluate current indications, associated complications and to provide treatment recommendations. The results seem to support the use of distal static locking for unstable fractures, dynamic locking for length stable/rotational unstable fractures and no locking for stable fractures. Complications associated with distal locking include iatrogenic fractures, thigh pain, delayed union and nonunion, implant failure, screw loosening and breaking, drill bit breaking, soft tissue irritation, femoral artery branch injury, intramuscular haematoma and compartment syndrome. It is also associated with longer operative time and radiation exposure. In unlocked constructs, dorsomedial comminution and nail/medullary canal mismatch contribute to peri-implant fractures. Anterior cortical impingement is associated with cut-out and nonunion. Most studies comparing distally locked and unlocked nails report a short follow-up. Distal locking mode should be based on the fracture’s stability. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:421-429. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190045