Classification and Management of Failed Fixation of the Volar Marginal Fragment in Distal Radius Fractures

Greater understanding of specific fracture patterns following distal radius fractures has arisen with the advent of volar plating. The volar marginal fragment (VMF) is a small peripheral piece of bone which is critical to carpal stability. Failure to achieve good fixation of the VMF can result in volar subluxation of the carpus and distal radioulnar joint instability. Due to its small, distal nature, this fragment can be easily missed and difficult to fix. Loss of reduction of the VMF following operative fixation presents specific challenges and surgical considerations dictated by patient characteristics and timing. Our goal of this review is to present a classification system for these failed VMFs which can help guide surgical treatment as well as expected outcomes.

Fixation failure in patients with traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis: impact of loss of reduction on early functional outcomes

Background Failure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 and 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed’s functional scores. Methods Single center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty-seven patients with a mean age 45.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed’s functional scores at minimum 6 months follow-up were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction. Results Fifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64.4 ± 13.04 and 81.8 ± 15.65, respectively (p = 0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11.3 [70.5 vs 81.8] (p = 0.092) and 22.7 [59.1 vs 81.8] (p = 0.001), respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p = 0.002). Conclusions Differences in MMS in the analyzed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.

Tips and pitfalls of reduction and fixation in displaced supracondylar fractures in children

Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common injury of the elbow in children. Compared to flexion type fractures, extension type fractures are more common, up to 98%. Gartland classification has been used to guide the management of this injury, which is based on the extent of the displacement. If not adequately managed, completely displaced (type III) fractures may have a higher incidence of concomitant injury or complications, including neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, or cubitus varus. Closed reduction followed by percutaneous pinning has been suggested as the standard operative method for the displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. However, these fractures can be challenging to reduce, with the traditional technique of closed reduction. Lateral-entry pinning is known as a sufficient method of fixation for this injury. However, the lateral pin only fixation technique may also result in loss of reduction in some particular patterns of fractures, such as fractures with medial column comminution. We discuss and describe the reduction techniques of completely displaced supracondylar humeral fractures, including technical tips and pitfalls for closed reduction and open reduction. We also discuss indications of medial pinning, and its safe method, when the lateral-entry pins may not achieve adequate stability.

Dorsal Plate Osteosynthesis in Simple and Complex Fractures of the Distal Radius: A Radiological Analysis of 166 Cases

Background To report the radiologic outcome and rate of complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a dorsal plate fixation of simple and complex distal radius fractures in adult patients. Methods Patients treated with dorsal ORIF of simple and complex distal radius fractures between December 2008 and April 2013 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Type of fracture, radiographic measurements, and complications were documented. Results One-hundred and sixty-six patients/fractures were included. Restoration of radial inclination (22° ± 3°) was achieved in 38%. Radial height (14 ± 1 mm) was least likely to be restored to normal values postoperative in 25%. Normal ulnar variance (0.7 ± 1.5 mm) could be observed in 60% and adequate volar tilt (11° ± 5°) was achieved in 50% at final follow-up. We observed one loss of reduction in an AO type C2 fracture and a total of 15 nonimplant-related minor clinical complications. Conclusion Our radiographic findings after dorsal plating are comparable to those published on volar plating. The changes in radial height and volar tilt could be attributed to projection-related differences in the radiographs and did not signify a loss of reduction in all cases. Clinical Relevance Dorsal plating of distal radius fractures is safe and remains an important approach in the treatment of complex distal radius fractures. Complications in our study were even less compared to those reported in the literature. Type of Study/Level of Evidence This is a Type IV study. Level of Experience of Surgeons The level of experience of surgeons is III–V.

Study on the Application Value of CT Thin-Layer Scan Data Assisted 3D Printing Technology in Hip and Knee Replacement

To better study hip and knee replacement, 50 eligible hip and knee patients from March 2020 to April 2021 were selected. A 1 : 1 scale solid model was printed with CT thin-layer scanning data assisted by 3D printing technology to evaluate the ankle function of patients six months after surgery. The results showed that the 3D rapid prototyping time of the 1 : 1 fracture model in 50 patients was 3-4 hours. The operation time was 70–90 min, and the average operation time was 80 min. The actual application in operation was consistent with that in the simulation of the 3D printing model, after surgery, and there was no infection of incision soft tissue or loss of reduction in all 50 patients. CT thin-layer scan data aided 3D printing technology can help clinical hip and knee replacement simulation and planning, improving surgery’s accuracy and safety.

Extension Block Pinning versus percutaneous Fragment Reduction with a Towel Clip and extension Block Pinning with direct Pin Fixation for Treatment of Mallet Fracture

Purpose This study compared the clinical and radiographic results between extension block pinning (Group A) and percutaneous reduction of the dorsal fragment with a towel clip followed by extension block pinning with direct pin fixation (Group B) for the treatment of mallet fractures. Patients and Methods A total of 69 patients (group A = 34 patients, group B = 35 patients) who underwent operative treatment for mallet fractures from June 2008 to November 2017 with ≥ 6 months post-surgical follow-up were analysed retrospectively. The extent of subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint, articular involvement of fracture fragment, fracture gap, and articular step-off were examined on plain radiographs before and after surgery. The functional outcomes were evaluated with the Crawford rating system. Results The postoperative step-offs were 0.16 mm in group A and 0.01 mm in group B. Group B had a significantly better anatomical outcome than group A. Five patients in group A had a loss of reduction. Among them, two had malunion and post-traumatic arthritis. Meanwhile, no patients in group B presented with loss of reduction and nonunion. The mean extension lags were 4.2° in group A and 1.6° in group B. However, functional outcome did not differ between the two groups at the final follow-up. Conclusion Fracture reduction using a towel clip and extension block pinning with direct pin insertion for mallet fracture facilitated the anatomical reduction of fragments, and allowed for stable fixation of fragments. Compared with extension block pinning technique, this technique has shown better anatomical results and stability, but not better clinical results.

Radiological and functional outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral locking plate

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Intertrochanteric fracture is a common orthopaedic injury sustained in elderly population because of osteoporosis and trivial fall. Life threatening systemic complications occur mainly due to immobility.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We included 62 patients (40 males and 22 females) of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (AO 31 A2 and A3) attending Department of Orthopaedics. They were all subjected to surgical treatment with proximal femoral locking plate. Patients were followed up at 3rd, 6th and 12th month for outcomes variables i.e.; functional (Harris hip score, Palmer and Parker mobility score) and radiological outcomes (neck shaft angle, loss of reduction, union and implant related complications). Statistical analysis was done using Friedman’s test after calculating the data in terms of mean and median using SPSS 20 software.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Mean age of our patients was 64 years, 40 were males and 22 females. 50 patients sustained fracture due to trivial fall and 12 due to RTA. 35 out of 62 patients had medical co-morbidites. 26 patients needed open reduction of fracture and 36 were close reduced. 22 of patients had severe comminution (AO A 3 III type). Average blood loss was 254 ml. Mean degree of loss of reduction was 5 degrees in 6th month and 4 degrees in 12th month. Union was achieved in 48 out of 50 patients at 12th month. Most of the patients achieved fair to good functional outcome scores at 12th month of follow up. We noticed difficulties in fracture reduction as well as complications related to implant.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> PFLP is an effective implant in comminuted intertrochanteric fractures with broken lateral wall. Complications can be minimised by following principles of locking plate meticulously.</p>

Fixation Failure in Patients With Traumatic Diastasis of Pubic Symphysis: Impact of Loss of Reduction on Early Functional Outcomes.

BackgroundFailure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 to 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed`s functional scores. MethodsSingle center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty seven patients with a mean age 45.7+/-14.4 years, were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed´s functional scores at minimum 6 months followup were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction. ResultsFifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64,4+/-13,04 and 81.8+/-15.65 respectively (p=0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11,3 [70,5vs81,8] (p=0,092) and 22.7 [59,1vs81,8] (p=0,001) respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p=0.002).ConclusionsDifferences in MMS in the analysed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.

InSafeLOCK® humeral nailing for humeral nonunions: Clinical and radiological results

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients treated with InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac crest autograft for humeral nonunion. Patients and methods: A total of 15 patients (11 males, 4 females; mean age: 52.1±15.3 years; range, 31 to 78 years) who were followed conservatively for humeral fractures and operated with the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac bone graft in our center between June 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, operative data, and pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Constant-Murley Scores (CMS) were recorded. Results: The mean time from injury to nonunion treatment was 10.9±1.6 months. Five patients had atrophic, eight patients had oligotrophic, and two patients had hypertrophic nonunion. Preoperatively, the mean DASH was 37.7±9.1, the mean CMS was 69.7±6.3, and the mean VAS was 3.8±0.7. In all patients, union was achieved. The mean operation time was 59.0±16.2 min. The mean postoperative DASH score was 16.1±8.7, CMS 87.4±3.4, and VAS score 0.8±0.7. Regarding the shoulder joint, the mean abduction was 164.7±11.3 degrees, the mean internal rotation was 82.0±6.8 degrees, the mean external rotation was 81.3±8.3 degrees, and the mean flexion was 162.0±12.1 degrees. During follow-up, complications such as vascular-nerve injury, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, screw migration or loosening, implant failure, and loss of reduction did not occur in any of our patients. Conclusion: Considering the satisfactory functional and radiological results, the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail can be used safely in humeral nonunions.