The Correlation between Lower Extremity Fracture and Subsequent Arterial Embolism and Thrombosis—A National Population Cohort Study

The hazard of subsequent arterial embolism and thrombosis (SAET) in patients with lower leg fractures is not yet well demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between lower leg fracture and SAET in Taiwan. A total of 134,844 patients with lower leg fractures (ICD-9-CM: 823) and chronological diagnosis as SAET (ICD-9-CM: 444.22) was matched (1:1) to the non-fracture cohort according to their propensity score (data coming from the National Health Insurance database between January 2000 to December 2012). Patients were matched by age, gender, and comorbidities. The incidence of SAET and correlation between SAET development and lower leg fracture was statistically analyzed, and subgroup analysis categorized by characteristics and comorbidities was conducted as well. The cumulative incidence of SAET was calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis plot showed that, by the end of the ten-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of SAET was significantly higher for the lower leg fracture cohort than for the non-fracture cohort (log-rank test: p < 0.001). The lower leg fracture, male, elder age (45–64-year-old; ≥65-year-old), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gout were significantly associated with lower extremity SAET risk compared with the matched group. There was an inseparable correlation between the lower leg fracture group and the risks of SAET; subgroup analysis by gender (male, female), age (age < 40 years, age 40–64 years, and age > 65 years) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gout) show compatible results as well. Patients with lower leg fracture have a significantly increased risk of SAET since then two years after the fracture. The hazard of SAET was significantly higher in patients with lower leg fracture than in the non-fracture cohort, and the high incidence was found since then two years after fracture. Further studies are warranted.

Limb Salvage after Lower-Leg Fracture and Popliteal Artery Transection—The Role of Vessel-First Strategy and Bone Fixation Using the Ilizarov External Fixator Device: A Case Report

Open traumatic lesion of the popliteal artery is relatively rare. Ischemia time longer than 6 h and severity of limb ischemia have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of limb loss. Severe local infection is critical in the presence of major soft tissue trauma or open fractures. We report the case of a young female who suffered a traumatic transection of the popliteal artery associated with an open fracture of the distal tibia and fibula managed by direct vessel reconstruction with an end-to-end repair and skeletal stabilization initially with half-pin external fixation, then replaced by an Ilizarov circular frame. The patient had a very satisfactory outcome, but the fracture healed malunited, later corrected by open reduction and internal fixation with lag-screwing and a neutralization plate.

Accelerated Lower Leg Fracture Healing in Traumatic Brain Injury in Accordance With Increased Hematoma Formation

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) has been known to accelerate bone healing. Many cells and molecules have been investigated but the exact mechanism is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of TBI on fracture healing regarding accelerated hematoma formation.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated patients who were surgically treated for lower leg fractures and who showed secondary bone healing. Patients with and without TBI were divided for comparative analyses. Radiological parameters were time to bridging callus formation and the largest callus ratio during follow-up. Preoperative levels of complete blood count and chemical battery within 3 days from trauma were measured in all patients. Subgroup division regarding age, gender, open fracture, concomitant fracture and severity of TBI were compared.ResultsWe included 48 patients with a mean age of 44.9 (range, 17 – 78), of whom 35 patients (72.9%) were male. There were 12 patients with TBI (Group 1) and 36 patients without TBI (Group 2). Group 1 showed shorter time to callus formation (P < 0.001), thicker callus ratio (P = 0.015), leukocytosis and lymphocytosis (P ≤ 0.028), and lower red blood cell counts (RBCs), hemoglobin, and hematocrit (P < 0.001). Aging and severity of TBI were correlated with time to callus formation and callus ratio (P ≤ 0.003) while gender, open fracture, and concomitant fracture were unremarkable.ConclusionLower leg fractures with TBI showed accelerated bone healing and superior measurements associated with hematoma formation (lymphocytes, RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit). Promoted fracture healing in TBI was correlated with the enhanced proinflammatory state.Level of Evidence: Case control study; III

Osteosynthesis or non-operative treatment of the fibula for distal lower-leg fractures with tibial nailing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fibular fixation to treat distal lower-leg fractures is a controversial intervention. To ensure better stability itself, better rotational stability, and to prevent secondary valgus dislocation – all these are justifications for addressing the fibula via osteosynthesis. High surgical costs followed by increased risks are compelling reasons against it. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for rates of malunion and malrotation, as well as infections and nonunions. We conducted a systematic review searching the Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid databases. Inclusion criteria were modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) > 60, a distal lower-leg fracture treated by nailing, and adult patients. Biomechanical and cadaver studies were excluded. Relevant articles were reviewed independently by referring to title and abstract. In a meta-analysis, we compared five studies and 741 patients. A significantly lower rate of valgus/varus deviation is associated with fixation of the fibula (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29–0.82; p = .006). A higher risk for pseudarthrosis was revealed when the fibula underwent surgical therapy, but not significantly (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.76–2.79; p = .26). Nevertheless, we noted an increased risk of postoperative wound infection following fibular plating (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.21–2.99; p = .005). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of nonunions between the two groups. Overall, the stabilization of the fibula may reduce secondary valgus/varus dislocation in distal lower-leg fractures but is associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound infections. The indication for fibula plating should be made individually. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:816-822. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210003

Changing epidemiology of lower extremity fractures in adults over a 15-year period – a National Hospital Discharge Registry study

Background Demographic changes led to an increasingly ageing population in Germany and thus to possible changes in the frequency of fractures. The primary aim of this study was to report changes in fracture rates of the lower extremities in Germany in 2002 compared to 2017 and to evaluate those changes. Methods Inpatient data from the German National Hospital Discharge Registry (ICD10) for 2002 and 2017 were evaluated. Changes in total counts and incidence rates were analysed for fractures in the following locations: femoral neck, pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, distal femur, femoral shaft, proximal and distal tibia, tibial shaft, medial and lateral malleolus, and other parts of the lower leg (including bi- and trimalleolar fractures), calcaneus, talus, other tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, greater toe, lesser toe, other fractures of foot or unspecific fractures of foot and toe. Patients were classed into age groups by sex: 15–24, 25–34,35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, 85–90 and > 90 years. Results The total count for lower extremity fractures in men and women increased slightly by 4.5% from 305,764 in 2002 to 319,422 in 2017. Hip and femur fractures increased by 23.5% from 150,565 in 2002 to 185,979 in 2017. The number of these fractures among men increased by 46% and among women by 15.3%. The total count of lower leg fractures decreased by 15.4% from 131,162 in 2002 to 110,924 in 2017. Especially, younger age groups showed a decline for all tibial segments and ankle fractures. For both sexes, the number of lower leg fractures in those 75 years or older increased in all lower leg fracture locations. Most femur and lower leg fractures occurred in women. The incidence of fractures rose sharply from 2002 to 2017, especially for older cohorts. Conclusion The total numbers of lower extremity fractures increased slightly in 2017 compared to 2002 – especially hip and femur fractures among men. The incidence of almost all lower extremity fracture types among older people increased during this time. Women were particularly affected. Therefore, focused prevention programmes should be considered including an extended fracture spectrum in the elderly.

A Delayed Presentation of Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal injury is one of the most common and debilitating pathologies resulting from mechanical deformation of the brain. The current case involves a 19-year-old female involved in a high velocity ski crash. The accident resulted in a right lower leg fracture, with no loss of consciousness or evidence of head trauma. Approximately 6.5 hours after her admission, the neurological status of the patient deteriorated markedly, and magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with diffuse axonal injury. This presentation illustrates a case of delayed diffuse axonal injury, a phenomenon not commonly described. Diffuse axonal injury involves rapid inertial forces causing strain to brain tissue. This strain results in various stages of diffuse axonal damage and inflammation. This article highlights a case of delayed onset diffuse axonal injury, describes the progression of neural sequelae post-injury resulting in axonal damage and explores proposed therapeutic targets.

CLINICAL RESULTS OF TREATING PATIENTS WITH COMPOUND LOWER LEG FRACTURES

Management of patients with open diaphyseal fractures of the lower leg remains an urgent problem in traumatology and orthopedics. The aim of the study is to improve the results of surgical treatment of patients with open lower leg injuries by means of disease management. Materials and methods. The study under consideration was both retrospective and prospective. It included 67 patients with open lower leg injuries. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the fracture type and treatment modality. Results. The two-stage modality of surgical treatment of open lower leg fractures (types 1 and 2) made it possible to significantly shorten the time frame compared to the period of treatment in patients with open lower leg fractures with installation of the external fixator. Active surgical modelling of the open diaphyseal fractures of the lower leg reduced the purulent complications from 60 % to 11 %. Conclusion. In the case of an open lower leg fracture (type 1) blocking internal fixation is desirable, whereas in the case of open lower leg fractures (types 2, 3A and 3B) external fixation is preferable. In patients with open injuries (types 2 and 3A) two-stage fixation of bone fragments using external fixation with subsequent transition to internal one can be suggested. Keywords: intramedullary rod, non-union, Ilizarov apparatus. Ведение больных с открытыми диафизарными переломами костей голени остается актуальной проблемой травматологии и ортопедии. Цель работы – улучшение результатов хирургического лечения пациентов с открытыми повреждениями голени путем оптимизации лечебной тактики. Материалы и методы. Исследование ретроспективное и проспективное. В работу включены 67 больных с открытыми повреждениями костей голени. Пациенты были разделены на 3 группы в зависимости от типа перелома и способа лечения. Результаты. Двухэтапная тактика оперативного лечения открытых переломов костей голени I и II типов позволила значительно сократить сроки лечения по сравнению со сроками лечения больных, у которых сращение открытого перелома костей голени протекало в стержневом аппарате наружной фиксации. Активная хирургическая тактика в отношении открытых переломов диафиза костей голени позволила сократить процент гнойных осложнений с 60 до 11. Выводы. При открытом повреждении голени I типа оптимальным является применение блокирующего интрамедуллярного остеосинтеза, а при открытых переломах II, III А и III B типов – стержневого аппарата наружной фиксации. У пациентов с открытыми повреждениями II и III А типов показана двухэтапная фиксация костных отломков с применением стержневых аппаратов наружной фиксации с последующим переходом на интрамедуллярный штифт. Ключевые слова: интрамедуллярный штифт, несращение, аппарат Илизарова.

Pediatric aseptic lower leg fracture nonunion

Purpose Lower leg nonunion in pediatric patients is a rarity. Therefore, eight European pediatric trauma units retrospectively analyzed all patients younger than 18 years suffering lower leg fractures resulting in aseptic nonunion. Methods Thirteen children and adolescents less than 18 years old (2 girls and 11 boys) diagnosed with aseptic nonunion of the tibia and/or fibula were evaluated. In all patients, epidemiological data, mechanism of injury, fracture configuration, and the initial treatment concept were assessed, and the entire medical case documentation was observed. Furthermore, potential causes of nonunion development were evaluated. Results The mean age of patients was 12.3 years with the youngest patient being seven and the oldest being 17 years old. Open fractures were found in six out of thirteen patients (46%). Nonunion was hypertrophic in ten and oligotrophic in three patients. Mean range of time to nonunion occurrence was 7.3 ± 4.6 months. Nonunion healing resulting in complete metal removal was found in 12 out of 13 patients (92%), only in one case of a misinterpreted CPT type II osseous consolidation could not be found during the observation period. Mean range of time between surgical nonunion revision and osseous healing was 7.3 months as well. Conclusion If treatment principles of the growing skeleton are followed consistently, aseptic nonunion of the lower leg remains a rare complication in children and adolescents. Factors influencing the risk of fracture nonunion development include patient’s age, extended soft tissue damage, relevant bone loss, and inadequate initial treatment.