Total Wrist Fusion with an Intramedullary Device: A Single-Institution Series with a Minimum of One Year Follow-Up

Objective The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and surgical outcomes of total wrist fusion (TWF) following the use of a locked intramedullary nail (IMN). Methods A single institution study was performed, which entailed in-person reexamination of 18 patients (n = 19 wrists), out of 35 eligible patients, who underwent TWF with an IMN from 2010 to 2017. For each patient, demographic, preoperative diagnosis, physical examination, wrist radiograph, and outcome questionnaire data were obtained. The questionnaires included the visual analog scale (VAS), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), and Mayo Wrist Score assessments. In addition, complication and reoperation data for all TWFs with an IMN during the 2010 to 2017 period (35 patients, n I = 38 wrists) were noted. Results In the 18 patients, age was 47.6 ± 13.9 years, 12 (63.2%) were female, and median follow-up was 150 weeks (range: 74–294). The VAS score was 0 ± 0 in 5 of 19 wrists with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 1.82 ± 2.78 in 14 of 19 wrists without RA. It was found that 21 of 38 wrists (55.3%) had an implant-related complication and 5 wrists (13%) underwent a reoperation due to the implant itself. Conclusions To date, no sufficient data are present demonstrating a clear advantage of an IMN over dorsal plating for TWF at intermediate-term follow-up. Surgeons should be knowledgeable of the several potential complications of this IMN prior to its use for TWF. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.

Analysis of Fracture Midshaft Clavicle Treated by Intramedullary Device Versus Conservative

Clavicle fractures account for about 2.6 to 4 % of all fractures. The best method to treat the displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle remains a topic of debate. Although there is a large number of studies published about this topic, it is still relatively unknown as to which modality provides better long term functional outcomes and low complications rates. In our study, we have analyzed midshaft clavicle fracture treated with intramedullary device versus conservatively in terms of clinical, functional and radiological outcomes. The mean age of the patients in our study was 35.766 years. Male: Female ratio was 5.0:1.0. The mean time interval between injury and intervention was 2.1 days. Out of 30 patients, 11 patients (36.666%) had left sided fractures, while 19 patients (63.333%) had right sided fractures. Out of 30 patients, 12 patients (40%) had type 2B1 fracture according to Robinson's classification, followed by type 11 patients (36.666%) type 2B2, 6 patients (20%) type 2A1 and 1 patient (3.333%) type 2A2 fracture. Inoperative group, the mean Constant and Murley score before the intervention, at 1 month follow up, 3 months follow up and at 6 months follow up were 47.46, 76.73, 82.8 and 90.73, while in a conservative group, it was 47.53, 71.66, 79.2 and 89.46 respectively. Inoperative group, the mean Q-DASH score before the intervention, at 1 month follow up, 3 months follow up and at 6 months follow up were 29.33, 19.33, 16.86 and 13.8, while in a conservative group, it was 31.266, 22.533, 18.8 and 15.66 respectively. The final outcome, on the basis of the final Constant and Murley score in 13 patients (43.33%), was excellent, 11 patients (36.66%) was good and 6 patients (20%) was fair. Inoperative group, complications were seen in 6 patients (40%), while in the conservative group, complications were seen in 10 patients (66.66%). Thus, the functional, clinical and radiological outcome of the patients managed surgically with an intramedullary device was significantly better when compared with patients treated conservatively.

Biomechanical Performance of BoneHelix® Compared with Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) in a Pediatric Tibia Fracture Model

Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in the pediatric and adolescent populations. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the treatment of choice for cases that require surgical stabilization. A new intramedullary device, BoneHelix® (BH), may be an alternative for use with fractures that cannot be satisfactorily stabilized with ESIN. This study aimed to assess the biomechanical performance of BH compared with ESIN in a porcine tibia fracture model, observing cyclic fatigue and load to failure. Computed tomography was used to monitor the implant position and to rule out unintended damage. No implant or bone failure occurred during the fatigue testing. An increase in the cumulative plastic displacement was observed in both test groups over the loading cycles applied. Both implant–bone constructs displayed a trend toward closure of the osteotomy gap. During the load-to-failure test, the average loads at failure in specimens instrumented with ESIN and BH were 5364 N (±723) and 4350 N (±893), respectively, which were not statistically significant (p = 0.11). The values of both groups were two to three times higher than the estimated maximal load (2000 N) during physiological weight bearing. The biomechanical results thus indicate equivalent performance and stability by the implants tested.

AO/OTA 31A2 and 31A3 Intertrochanteric Fractures Managed by Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA)

Aim: To study the clinical and radiological outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fracture AO/OTA 31A2, 31A3 fixed by proximal femoral nail antirotation Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jilani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Sindh from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2019. Methodology: Forty four cases having intertrochanteric fracture AO/OTA 31A2, 31A3 with age ranging from 18 year to 55 year of either gender were selected; patients having close fracture, who were willing were included in the study, while patients older than 55 year and younger than 18 year, AO/OTA 31A1 fracture, open fracture, bilateral injuries, smoker, alcoholic, drug addicted, poly-trauma, pathological fracture and history of poor compliance, psychiatric disease were excluded. Results: There were 26(59.09%) males and 18(40.91%) females with mean age was 41.3±7.7 years. Regarding classification; AO/OTA 31A2 were 33 (75%), and 31A3 were 11 (25%). Mean time for union was 18.5±3.55 weeks. The average time of follow-up was 48.5±6.6 weeks. Harris Hip Score was excellent (90-100) in 31(70.45%), good (80-89) in 7(15.91%), fair (70-80) in 3 (6.81%) and poor (<70) in 3 (6.81%). Conclusion: Intramedullary device proximal femoral nail antirotation can be labelled as implant of choice for unstable intertrochanteric fractures AO/OTA 31A2, 31A3, with fruitful clinical and radiological outcomes, and with fewer complications. Hip Harris score was excellent-good in 86% of the patients. Key words: Proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA), AO/OTA 31A2, 31A3, Intertrochanteric, unstable fracture

Clinical evaluation of diaphyseal femoral fractures operated in lateral decubitus position with interlocking nail

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The diaphyseal fractures of femur in adults are conventionally treated in supine position on traction table, which carries risk of compartment syndrome, pudendal nerve palsy, whereas in lateral decubitus position these complications can be avoided with additional advantage of easy access to greater trochanter particularly in obese patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes of femur diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary interlocking nail in lateral decubitus position.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this study 40 patients with femur diaphysea fractures were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail in lateral decubitus position, were studied for a period of 9 months from September 2019 to May 2020.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of our study of 40 patients, outcome is graded according Thoresen’s criteria where 22 (55%) patients had excellent results with full, pain-free, function of the extremity and 11 (27.5%) patients had good result; 10 patients had range of motion 120⁰ and shortening of femur by 1.5 was observed in 1 patient. There were 6 (15%) patients with fair result; with range of motion 90⁰ and 1 poor result (2.5%) had non-union with range of motion &lt;90⁰.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Fixation of femur diaphyseal fracture in lateral decubitus position leads to easy access to the proximal femur making it easy to establish an entry point for an intramedullary device and it significantly eliminates the complications caused by other conventionally used methods.</p>

Early Results of a Novel Intramedullary Fixation Device for Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Background Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures are commonly treated surgically due to their poor healing capacity. While intramedullary screws may be the most popular operative treatment choice, newer fixation methods continue to develop. We present a case series utilizing a novel intramedullary fixation device for proximal fifth metatarsal fractures. To our knowledge, no other study in the literature has assessed the safety and efficacy of this fixation method. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 16 patients with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures who underwent fixation with the same novel intramedullary device. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture union, plantar fracture gapping, time to weight-bearing, refracture, perioperative complications, and secondary surgeries. Results Sixteen patients with an average age of 43.3 years underwent fixation with this novel device from 2015 to 2020. Mean follow-up was 32.4 weeks. Fifteen of the 16 patients achieved radiographic union at a mean of 8.9 weeks. One patient suffered a nonunion. Mean time to full weight-bearing in, and out of, a walking boot was 6.4 and 9.8 weeks, respectively, for healed fractures. Mean plantar fracture gap improved from 1.22 mm to 0.88 mm following surgery. There were zero infections, refractures, or hardware complications. Three patients suffered iatrogenic fracture during implant insertion. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of early results for this novel intramedullary device. Excellent union rates, acceptable time to weight-bearing, and a low complication profile can be achieved. Based on our findings, we propose a safe and effective treatment option for proximal fifth metatarsal fractures. Levels of Evidence Level IV: Clinical case series

Fixation with Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Versus Sliding Hip Screw for Fractured Lesser Trochanter with Completeness of Lateral Wall

Our study provides references and guidelines, backed by evidence and real world data, in determining if and which certain surgical devices are more applicable to improve the outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fracture treatments. This retrospective case-crossover study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 177 elderly patients from 2010 to 2014, who underwent procedures for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, specifically, AO/OTA type 31-A1.3 fractures using either the cephalic intramedullary device (Gamma3 IM nail system, Stryker®); or the fixation with sliding hip screws method (Dynamic Hip Screw, DHS, Synthes®). Clinical outcome conclusions were based on the union rates of the fractures during the patient’s one year follow-up. Radiographic conclusions were drawn from various factors, including neck shortening, neck-shaft angle, neck medialization, posterior tilting, callus formation time, Tip-apex distance (TAD), implant failure, and modified TAD, an additional factor further explained in the paper. The study shows evidence that the cephalic intramedullary device had significantly shorter union time, and significantly reduced rates of lag screw sliding and femoral shortening as well. No significant differences with regard to malunion and cut-out of the lag screw were found. The use of the intramedullary devices led to better clinical and radiographical outcomes for this specific fracture.

STUDY OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAILING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OF FEMUR

Background:The proximal femoral nail (PFN) used as an intramedullary device for the treatment of fractures. Objectives: Study was taken to analyse the union of the subtrochanteric fracture, internally xed with PFN. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, DMCH, Laheriasarai, Bihar from June 2019 to November 2019. Individuals with acute subtrochanteric femur fractures >18 years were included in the study. The patient was positioned supine on the fracture table under spinal or epidural or general anesthesia as the condition of the patient permitted. Pre-operatively one dose of antibiotic was also administered. The fracture was reduced by longitudinal traction on fracture table and the limb was placed in neutral or slight adduction to facilitate nail insertion through the greater trochanter ; P <0.05 was considered statistically signicant. Results: At the end of ve months, all except three patients could mobilise independently; statistically there was signicant difference (P<0.05). Based on Harris Hip score obtained 3 patients outcome was excellent, 18 patients were good and 4 patients had fair outcome. Conclusion: Minimal exposure, better stability and early mobilization are the advantages with PFN. Fractures united in all cases and postoperative functional outcome was satisfactory. PFN could be a preferred implant of choice in treating subtrochanteric fractures especially in elderly.

Numerical Modeling of Fat Embolism Syndrome for a Knee Replacement Operation

Knee replacement operations usually involve reaming the intramedullary canal of the femur bone and the insertion of an intramedullary device (e.g., nail or stem). The effect of reaming velocity on the pressure distribution within the bone was investigated numerically by solving the full three-dimensional momentum, equations together with the continuity equation, using the finite element technique. Viscosity was also varied to obtain a pressure envelope. It was found that all the experimental data follow the same trends as the envelopes predicted by the finite element model. It was clear that an increase in either the insertion reaming rate or the viscosity resulted in an increase in pressure in the intramedullary canal. Furthermore, the effect of hammering an intramedullary nail/stem was also studied. The permeability was varied in order to establish a pressure envelope. It was found that all experimental data follow the same trend obtained by the numerical model.

Comparative study of management of intertrochanteric fracture by dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nailing

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The purpose of the present study is to verify the theoretical advantages of the intramedullary device over the dynamic hip screw devices and also whether it actually alters the eventual functional outcome of the patient. </p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study is comparative prospective study in which 40 patients were taken and treated either with dynamic hip screw or proximal femoral nailing. The clinical data will be collected and compared with pre-injury activity and present functional level with modified Harris hip score.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> We found that there is no significant difference between Harris hip score in stable fracture (p value=0.222) fixed either with DHS or PFN. But there is statistically significant difference of score in unstable fracture (p value 0.040) treated by DHS and PFN. Functionally, utilizing the Harris hip scoring system, at the final follow-up, our study affirms PFN to be superior to DHS in unstable intertrochanteric fractures while in stable fractures, functional results are same. </p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> PFN is also found better in unstable fractures, because a greater number of patients having excellent Harris hip score. In stable fracture, functional result is same in both groups.</p>